March 5, 2010

Opening Hymns:
Humble thyself in the Sight of the Lord 166 (Red)
Change my Heart, O God 33 (B/B)

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Message Learn from example
The beginning of this passage is rather harsh. Paul is talking about the punishment of the Israelites. Unlike previous scriptures this week, the Israelites had been punished entirely because of their sins.

There is a wonderful website called despair.com. It has demotivators instead of motivators. One of the posters it has is entitled “mistakes” and states “Sometimes the purpose in your life is only to serve as a warning to others.” In a way, that is one of the points Paul is getting at. He seems to be saying “look at their life! They were worshiping idols and turning away from God… Don’t be like that.” The scriptures were there for them, and are there for us now so that we can learn and grow from them. Because the bible is here we need not start right from the beginning and make all the same mistakes others had. Instead, we can go into life knowing right from wrong and also knowing the consequences of choosing the wrong actions.

While the bible does have a lot of “don’t do it this way” it also has some examples of how to live. Jesus is the best example. Living a life of love and correcting with a non-condemning manor. By following the do’s of the bible and avoiding the don’ts we can become who God intended us to be. His children, ever caring, ever loving, and ever trusting.

Time of Prayer
*Respond: Lord hear our prayer

For those whose homes will be threatened by flooding this spring, that they may be safe and dry we pray to the Lord*
For all the people involved in natural disasters, that they may heal emotionally and physically from the damage that was done we pray to the Lord*
For world leaders, that their decisions and choices be guided by love and kindness as we struggle through these hard economic times we pray to the Lord*

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Someone Else Living in You 199 (B/B)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God