Opening Hymns:
Lord Speak to Me 463 (Red hymnal)
Breathe on Me Breath of God 420 (Red Hymnal)
Scripture Reading:
Acts 9:1-6
Message It Is Good
When I was a young girl I didn’t understand why someone would know right from wrong, and chose to do wrong. I thought life was simple like that… there was good and there was bad. In my young 1st grader mind I knew that it was bad to litter, there was no doubt about that. The teacher told us that littering was not good. When I saw a fifth grader throwing garbage on the ground I stood up for the rules of “good” that I knew were in place. “Litter bug!” I had yelled at her. Powerful words; apparently I didn’t know the rule of respect (especially respect for those that were bigger and older than me). The girl semi-laughed at me picked up her trash and threw it away appropriately. While I didn’t know too much about respect before that, after this, my mother made sure I was aware of the good that comes from politeness.
Paul’s understanding in the beginning verses of acts chapter 9 was comparable. He knew what he viewed as right and good. By golly, anyone who would go against the teachings of his scriptures ought to be punished… because if you were going against scriptures you were going against God. His beliefs and place in society were being challenged by Christians. It was, to him, something “bad”. Standing up for his beliefs would then be the right choice in his mind. However, He was without a doubt, defending his beliefs in the wrong way. He was persecuting the new Christians. God had other plans. One sight of Jesus and his entire world was changed. He was shown what the true and good path was. Instead of persecuting he became persecuted. Instead of threatening, he became threatened. I am sure he wouldn’t have had it the other way around after he learned the truth about Jesus.
I have learned that this world is not as simple as I thought it was when I was a child. The thing that creates the most confusion and leaves our visions foggy is that it is easy to define right and wrong in thousands of different ways. How can we know if we are doing the right thing? Often times we discover this through prayer, meditation, console from our mentors, and study of scripture. One of the most important ways we learn what actions are “good” and which ones are “bad” is through our experiences.
I don’t think Paul would have changed back into who he had been after coming face to face with Jesus. When we, by poor choices, learn what not to do it is important to make sure it stays learned. Don’t focus on the failure but the success behind it. You may have gone down the wrong path for a bit… but don’t worry, that is one less mistake you will make in the future. You are closer to the right answer… you are getting closer and closer to becoming what God intended you to be. Something “good.”
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Ye Servants of God 181 (Red Hymnal)
Lead Me Lord 473 (Red Hymnal)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
12.4.10
5.4.10
April 5, 2010
Opening Hymns:
He Leadeth Me 128 (Red Hymnal)
Love Divine All Love’s Excelling 384 (Red Hymnal)
Scripture Reading:
Acts 5:27-39
Message Be Bold
Have you ever found yourself in a situation when you knew what the right thing to do was and others were telling you not to do it? It may not happen every day, but sometimes in our lives we are given the opportunity to be bold. The apostles were given many opportunities to show how bold they were. In the scripture for today they are nearly killed because they refused to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. They knew what God’s will was and they carried it out.
When we are called to be bold it may not be as extreme as it was for the apostles. Instead of our lives being threatened it may be our jobs, our social class, our pride, our wealth, or our time. Peer pressure may push against us when we attempt to follow God’s plan and do the right thing. Whatever the challenge, and whatever the obstacle, following God will always be worth it. Remember if what you do “is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is from God,” ‘no one will be able to stop you; they would be fighting against God’ (Acts 5:38b-39).
How can we discern what God's will is? Jesus was our perfect example. Through following His actions of love, kindness, and servitude we can begin to understand what God would have us do. Whether it is service to others, speaking out against what is wrong, or professing your own beliefs; it is important to follow God's lead.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth 92 (Red Hymnal)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
He Leadeth Me 128 (Red Hymnal)
Love Divine All Love’s Excelling 384 (Red Hymnal)
Scripture Reading:
Acts 5:27-39
Message Be Bold
Have you ever found yourself in a situation when you knew what the right thing to do was and others were telling you not to do it? It may not happen every day, but sometimes in our lives we are given the opportunity to be bold. The apostles were given many opportunities to show how bold they were. In the scripture for today they are nearly killed because they refused to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. They knew what God’s will was and they carried it out.
When we are called to be bold it may not be as extreme as it was for the apostles. Instead of our lives being threatened it may be our jobs, our social class, our pride, our wealth, or our time. Peer pressure may push against us when we attempt to follow God’s plan and do the right thing. Whatever the challenge, and whatever the obstacle, following God will always be worth it. Remember if what you do “is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is from God,” ‘no one will be able to stop you; they would be fighting against God’ (Acts 5:38b-39).
How can we discern what God's will is? Jesus was our perfect example. Through following His actions of love, kindness, and servitude we can begin to understand what God would have us do. Whether it is service to others, speaking out against what is wrong, or professing your own beliefs; it is important to follow God's lead.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth 92 (Red Hymnal)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
4.4.10
April 4, 2010
Opening Hymns:
Morning Has Broken
Up From the Grave He Arose (http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh322.sht)
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
Message Victory
Jesus performed many miracles. He healed the sick, crippled, and disabled. He walked on water and even raised the dead. Today we celebrate His rising. He has conquered death. Not just His own death, but our deaths as well.
One of my favorite plays to act in was Narnia. C.S Lewis was a Christian, and “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” was a creative portrayal of Christ’s death and resurrection. Aslan, the Lion, sacrifices himself for Edmond, only to return to save the day when the evil White Witch brings her army to kill the children.
Whether it is a fictional novel portraying it, or the biblical interpretation, we all know the ending of the story. Christ has risen. God is victorious. The Devil and the evil White Witch are defeated. Praise the Lord.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Morning Has Broken
Up From the Grave He Arose (http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh322.sht)
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
Message Victory
Jesus performed many miracles. He healed the sick, crippled, and disabled. He walked on water and even raised the dead. Today we celebrate His rising. He has conquered death. Not just His own death, but our deaths as well.
One of my favorite plays to act in was Narnia. C.S Lewis was a Christian, and “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” was a creative portrayal of Christ’s death and resurrection. Aslan, the Lion, sacrifices himself for Edmond, only to return to save the day when the evil White Witch brings her army to kill the children.
Whether it is a fictional novel portraying it, or the biblical interpretation, we all know the ending of the story. Christ has risen. God is victorious. The Devil and the evil White Witch are defeated. Praise the Lord.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
3.4.10
April 3, 2010
Opening Hymns:
Oh How He Loves You and Me 238 (Red)
Open Our Eyes 215 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
John 19:29-37
Message “I am Thirsty”
What is Jesus thirsty for? He was most certainly physically thirsty. I cannot imagine how He had suffered before He was put on the cross. He even was sweating blood when He was praying in the garden prior to His arrest. He was parched. John may have put these final words of Jesus into His gospel because it showed how truly human Jesus was. Just as we thirst, so Jesus was thirsty as well. It also mentions that He said it so the scriptures would be fulfilled. The scripture it is referring to may be Psalm 69:21 “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
But, perhaps Jesus was thirsty for something else as well. Previously I had spoken about having spiritual and emotional thirst and hunger. In this instance, Jesus may not be craving a physical drink, but a spiritual one. He has been close to God throughout His entire life. But, He has become a sacrifice for our sins. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21a). Sin separates us from God. If Jesus, during His last moments had taken on our sin, He may, for the first time, know what it is like to be without the presence of God.
For me this adds more weight to an already powerful sacrifice. To imagine that Jesus would die for us on the cross to save us from our sins is powerful. I think Jesus went beyond that. He also suffered through a spiritual separation. I believe that is why He said “I am thirsty,” and also why He cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34b). Jesus suffered separation from God so that we would not have to. He suffered through death that we might have eternal life. Praise be to God.
Time of Prayer
Lord, let us never forget Your gift of forgiveness. Thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son… Help us always to remember His life, death, and resurrection that we might become closer to You. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Eagle’s Wings 176 (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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Oh How He Loves You and Me 238 (Red)
Open Our Eyes 215 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
John 19:29-37
Message “I am Thirsty”
What is Jesus thirsty for? He was most certainly physically thirsty. I cannot imagine how He had suffered before He was put on the cross. He even was sweating blood when He was praying in the garden prior to His arrest. He was parched. John may have put these final words of Jesus into His gospel because it showed how truly human Jesus was. Just as we thirst, so Jesus was thirsty as well. It also mentions that He said it so the scriptures would be fulfilled. The scripture it is referring to may be Psalm 69:21 “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
But, perhaps Jesus was thirsty for something else as well. Previously I had spoken about having spiritual and emotional thirst and hunger. In this instance, Jesus may not be craving a physical drink, but a spiritual one. He has been close to God throughout His entire life. But, He has become a sacrifice for our sins. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21a). Sin separates us from God. If Jesus, during His last moments had taken on our sin, He may, for the first time, know what it is like to be without the presence of God.
For me this adds more weight to an already powerful sacrifice. To imagine that Jesus would die for us on the cross to save us from our sins is powerful. I think Jesus went beyond that. He also suffered through a spiritual separation. I believe that is why He said “I am thirsty,” and also why He cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34b). Jesus suffered separation from God so that we would not have to. He suffered through death that we might have eternal life. Praise be to God.
Time of Prayer
Lord, let us never forget Your gift of forgiveness. Thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son… Help us always to remember His life, death, and resurrection that we might become closer to You. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Eagle’s Wings 176 (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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
2.4.10
April 2, 2010
Opening Hymns:
Oh, Sinner Lift the eye of faith (http://nethymnal.org/htm/o/s/oslteoff.htm)
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Scripture Reading:
John 18:1-19:42
Message “Dear woman, here is your son,” “Here is your mother”
Imagine Mary at the feet of Jesus. This was her baby boy. Recall Mary’s joy when she met Elizabeth… Luke 1:46-49 “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.” She also had great concerns for Jesus when she lost Him as a small boy in Luke 2:41.
Here she was now thinking she would lose Him forever. It is touching to me to see all the beautiful kindness and respect Jesus has shown for women in the Bible. The fact that some of His final words is looking out for the wellbeing of His mother is touching to me. He must have known how much it pained her to watch Him suffer so much. Though I have never had a child… it seems to me that the most tragic thing in life would be losing your own son or daughter. With love Jesus Says these words to her “Dear woman, her is your son,” showing her that He is still looking out for her even in the midst of His suffering.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Where You There (http://nethymnal.org/htm/w/e/r/wereyout.htm)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Oh, Sinner Lift the eye of faith (http://nethymnal.org/htm/o/s/oslteoff.htm)
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Scripture Reading:
John 18:1-19:42
Message “Dear woman, here is your son,” “Here is your mother”
Imagine Mary at the feet of Jesus. This was her baby boy. Recall Mary’s joy when she met Elizabeth… Luke 1:46-49 “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.” She also had great concerns for Jesus when she lost Him as a small boy in Luke 2:41.
Here she was now thinking she would lose Him forever. It is touching to me to see all the beautiful kindness and respect Jesus has shown for women in the Bible. The fact that some of His final words is looking out for the wellbeing of His mother is touching to me. He must have known how much it pained her to watch Him suffer so much. Though I have never had a child… it seems to me that the most tragic thing in life would be losing your own son or daughter. With love Jesus Says these words to her “Dear woman, her is your son,” showing her that He is still looking out for her even in the midst of His suffering.
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Where You There (http://nethymnal.org/htm/w/e/r/wereyout.htm)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
1.4.10
April 1, 2010
Opening Hymns:
Come into the Holy of Holies 71 (Red)
Spirit of the Living God 277 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
John 12:20-36
Message Temptation
After Jesus had been fasting for forty days in the wilderness He had been tempted three times. In this verse we see a sparkling reminder of the third temptation. In the third temptation the devil had offered Jesus His kingdom, the earth. The devil was willing to give Him the earth as long as He worshiped him. However, Jesus did not accept this offer.
The temptation has revealed itself once more. The crowd tempts him by stating “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘ the son of Man must be lifted up?’” In Luke chapter 22 verse 42 Jesus states “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” The temptation to not go through with His mission is there. However in the scripture reading for today we see a different answer from Jesus. In John 12 verse 27 He states “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” In this scripture Jesus pushes aside the temptation, and recognizes what His goal is, and has been. Regardless of the crowd’s desire to have Him “remain forever,” He goes ahead as God planned… and not as the crowd had planned.
As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, let us look into our own lives. Is there something God has been planning for you? Are you following His call? While the journey may be difficult and long… there is nothing more fulfilling than living the life God has called you to live. In times of temptation, remember Jesus’ unfailing love and sacrifice… and remember His words “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
His Name is Wonderful
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
Come into the Holy of Holies 71 (Red)
Spirit of the Living God 277 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
John 12:20-36
Message Temptation
After Jesus had been fasting for forty days in the wilderness He had been tempted three times. In this verse we see a sparkling reminder of the third temptation. In the third temptation the devil had offered Jesus His kingdom, the earth. The devil was willing to give Him the earth as long as He worshiped him. However, Jesus did not accept this offer.
The temptation has revealed itself once more. The crowd tempts him by stating “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘ the son of Man must be lifted up?’” In Luke chapter 22 verse 42 Jesus states “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” The temptation to not go through with His mission is there. However in the scripture reading for today we see a different answer from Jesus. In John 12 verse 27 He states “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” In this scripture Jesus pushes aside the temptation, and recognizes what His goal is, and has been. Regardless of the crowd’s desire to have Him “remain forever,” He goes ahead as God planned… and not as the crowd had planned.
As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, let us look into our own lives. Is there something God has been planning for you? Are you following His call? While the journey may be difficult and long… there is nothing more fulfilling than living the life God has called you to live. In times of temptation, remember Jesus’ unfailing love and sacrifice… and remember His words “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).
Time of Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
His Name is Wonderful
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
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