February 16, 2011

Opening Hymns:
Thy Word 234

Scripture Reading: Leviticus 19:11-15

Message:
This scripture has a handful of things to avoid and things to do. What it comes down to is respect, and justice. If you want to be respectful and care for someone you wouldn’t treat them unfairly, nor would you lie. The scripture reading prior to this went over the sin of taking more than your fair share. It was telling the farmers not to go over their fields twice, and not to reap everything to the very edges of their fields so that the poor are unable to gather anything.

The bible is requiring us to give to the poor, tell the truth, never to steal, never to use God’s name in vain, and to judge everyone fairly. If each of us could do our part think about how much more comforting this world would be. The rich would not be overwhelmed with the anxieties that come with hoarding, and the poor would have enough to live comfortably. We would trust each other, and one of the few negatives I can see is that lock makers would need to get a new job as locks would no longer be needed. While this world that I’ve just imagined will probably never happen… we can, as Christians do our part. We can treat everyone honestly, and with respect. It starts with us. Maybe someone may decide “that’s how I want to live too” and follow Jesus with us.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to follow Your commands so that the world will be touched with more peace and justice. Help us to guide others towards You, that they might know the joy and happiness that only You can offer. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Meekness and Majesty 214 (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