Opening Hymns:
We Are the Church
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 3:22
Message: Our Divisions
Much of my time during college I was living with three people of different Christian denominations. We each had our different views and our different passions… but the focus was always on the Lord. Different denominations allow people to praise and worship God as they feel comfortable, and in a way they see fit. However, I’m afraid this passage hits home. Divisions in the church have been growing every year. People are trying to seek and define what the “true church” should be like. There are so many disagreements that each branch of Christianity has with all the other branches. People fight and argue about it. Sometimes families and friendships are torn.
Sadly, when I read this scripture I think “yep, we are still drinking milk aren’t we.” But then there are the times when the community comes together as one. When floods strike and all come together to lend a hand. When disaster hits, and we come together in prayer. When harvest comes and we celebrate together with joy. There are so many times we can join together, each of us as brothers and sisters and remember our similarities. We can remind ourselves that we are children of God. There may always be wars about religion. And there will always be disagreements. But through prayer and scriptural study we can still join together. We can remember the greatest commandment “to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “To love your neighbor as yourself” (Mathew 22: 37, 39).
I will always remember and miss the bible studies I had with my three friends. We each were able to say our views about how we read the scripture. We each gained insight, and learned lessons we wouldn’t have learned had we never had those bible studies. There are so many things to learn from each of our brothers and sisters. My challenge for myself and for each of us is to listen, learn, and grow.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, we all want to learn your ways. Sometimes it is hard to hear Your voice in this busy world. I pray that you will guide us to Your will on this day. Let us play nice here on earth. And help us to learn and grow so that we might start sharing and partaking of solid spiritual food together. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
The servant Song 261 (Red)
Let the Walls Fall Down 262 (Red)
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
10.2.11
8.2.11
February 8, 2011
Opening Hymns:
Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place 285 (Red)
Celebrate the Lord of Love 32 (B/B)
Scripture Reading:Isaiah 49 4-7
Message: Love One Another
This is a scripture where everyone is included equally…. the Jews as well as the Gentiles. God desires both to drawn to Him. He wants this so that His “salvation” will be brought to the ends of the earth. There are times in the bible, especially the Old Testament, where the bible is seemingly exclusive to one group of people. When the Hebrews are slaves to the Egyptians only the Hebrews are spared from the final plague as long as they acknowledge and follow God’s plan.
However, one of the main points Jesus tries to make is to respect one another and to welcome everyone. He taught this by example, and by word. He would talk with and have dinner with the lowest at the time, and He commanded us “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mathew 22:39). In Mathew 7 He states “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”(verse 1-2). Why is it then that we find it so easy to push judgments onto others? Sometimes we judge because we are surrounded by others who judge. Sometimes we are hurt by one person, and let that be our judgment on everyone else in that “category.”
The scripture is challenging us to be like Jesus. To bring our love for ALL people as they are children of God as well. Let us take of our judgmental glasses and look at people for what and who they truly are. Our brothers and sisters.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord. Let our judgments about other people cease. Help us on this day to see everyone as You see them. Let our minds and hearts be opened to Your will on this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
This Is My Commandment 241 (Red)
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
Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place 285 (Red)
Celebrate the Lord of Love 32 (B/B)
Scripture Reading:Isaiah 49 4-7
Message: Love One Another
This is a scripture where everyone is included equally…. the Jews as well as the Gentiles. God desires both to drawn to Him. He wants this so that His “salvation” will be brought to the ends of the earth. There are times in the bible, especially the Old Testament, where the bible is seemingly exclusive to one group of people. When the Hebrews are slaves to the Egyptians only the Hebrews are spared from the final plague as long as they acknowledge and follow God’s plan.
However, one of the main points Jesus tries to make is to respect one another and to welcome everyone. He taught this by example, and by word. He would talk with and have dinner with the lowest at the time, and He commanded us “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mathew 22:39). In Mathew 7 He states “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”(verse 1-2). Why is it then that we find it so easy to push judgments onto others? Sometimes we judge because we are surrounded by others who judge. Sometimes we are hurt by one person, and let that be our judgment on everyone else in that “category.”
The scripture is challenging us to be like Jesus. To bring our love for ALL people as they are children of God as well. Let us take of our judgmental glasses and look at people for what and who they truly are. Our brothers and sisters.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord. Let our judgments about other people cease. Help us on this day to see everyone as You see them. Let our minds and hearts be opened to Your will on this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
This Is My Commandment 241 (Red)
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
7.2.11
February 7, 2011
Opening Hymns:
From My Heart to Yours 64 (B/B)
Seek Ye First 243 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Message: How do we Choose Life
This scripture makes everything seem so simple. Either we follow God’s commandments or we don’t. We live or we die. There isn’t any gray area in this scripture. Following God = life, turning from God = death. I recently had a debate with one of my close friends on what a sin is. I know each and everyone of us sins, but how much. One of us argued that sin exists in us every day, while the other argued that we could go years without committing a sin. In the end we both came to the conclusion that regardless how we classify sinning, the important part is always focusing on God and trying to be like Him.
Following and seeking God doesn’t mean living a faultless life. Instead, it means learning and growing in the image of God, and asking forgiveness when we sin. Following our God is choosing life.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us choose You this day. Let us follow Your commands… and please forgive us when we mess up. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Choose Life
My Life is in You, Lord 120 (Red)
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
From My Heart to Yours 64 (B/B)
Seek Ye First 243 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Message: How do we Choose Life
This scripture makes everything seem so simple. Either we follow God’s commandments or we don’t. We live or we die. There isn’t any gray area in this scripture. Following God = life, turning from God = death. I recently had a debate with one of my close friends on what a sin is. I know each and everyone of us sins, but how much. One of us argued that sin exists in us every day, while the other argued that we could go years without committing a sin. In the end we both came to the conclusion that regardless how we classify sinning, the important part is always focusing on God and trying to be like Him.
Following and seeking God doesn’t mean living a faultless life. Instead, it means learning and growing in the image of God, and asking forgiveness when we sin. Following our God is choosing life.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us choose You this day. Let us follow Your commands… and please forgive us when we mess up. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Choose Life
My Life is in You, Lord 120 (Red)
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
5.2.11
February 5, 2011
Opening Hymns:
When I Look into Your Holiness 240 (B/B)
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 34
Message: Promises
‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Pave paradise and put up a parking lot’ this song is going through my head as I reflect on the scripture reading for today. It is a harsh reading at this time. At the beginning it seems as though Judah finally gets it. The Hebrew slaves are set free from the other Hebrews. God told the people what to do and they listened! But how long did it last? While this passage is not overly uplifting, there is something to be said for learning from other people’s mistakes. In fact, my favorite poster from Despair.com reads “Sometimes the purpose in your life is to serve as a warning to others.” This warning seems to be ‘Don’t make promises you can’t keep.’ They depended on the slaves much more than they thought. When they didn't have them any more they felt as though they needed the slaves. But a promise is a promise… and God’s command is as He says it. They chose to not follow Him through to the end.
We are approaching Lent, and we are diving in deeper into this new year. New years resolutions seem to loose meaning the further into the year we get. Next year starts to look like a better time to start some of the things we were “planning to do.” Sometimes promises are only easy to keep when we make them… harder when we need to follow through. Let us not forget this passage, the Hebrew’s mistake, and the consequence. For with every broken promise there are always consequences. Whether it be people trusting us less or, us not believing in ourselves. This year let it be different. Let us finish what we’ve started. Let us not call the enslaved back again. Instead let us build up the trust both for our sake and for the sake of those around us.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we don’t follow your commands… and forgive us when we break our promises. Let our promises be renewed, and our faith restored. Help us to know your will and follow through with fulfilling it. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
White as Snow 241 (B/B)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
When I Look into Your Holiness 240 (B/B)
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 34
Message: Promises
‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Pave paradise and put up a parking lot’ this song is going through my head as I reflect on the scripture reading for today. It is a harsh reading at this time. At the beginning it seems as though Judah finally gets it. The Hebrew slaves are set free from the other Hebrews. God told the people what to do and they listened! But how long did it last? While this passage is not overly uplifting, there is something to be said for learning from other people’s mistakes. In fact, my favorite poster from Despair.com reads “Sometimes the purpose in your life is to serve as a warning to others.” This warning seems to be ‘Don’t make promises you can’t keep.’ They depended on the slaves much more than they thought. When they didn't have them any more they felt as though they needed the slaves. But a promise is a promise… and God’s command is as He says it. They chose to not follow Him through to the end.
We are approaching Lent, and we are diving in deeper into this new year. New years resolutions seem to loose meaning the further into the year we get. Next year starts to look like a better time to start some of the things we were “planning to do.” Sometimes promises are only easy to keep when we make them… harder when we need to follow through. Let us not forget this passage, the Hebrew’s mistake, and the consequence. For with every broken promise there are always consequences. Whether it be people trusting us less or, us not believing in ourselves. This year let it be different. Let us finish what we’ve started. Let us not call the enslaved back again. Instead let us build up the trust both for our sake and for the sake of those around us.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we don’t follow your commands… and forgive us when we break our promises. Let our promises be renewed, and our faith restored. Help us to know your will and follow through with fulfilling it. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
White as Snow 241 (B/B)
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, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
3.2.11
February 3, 2011
Opening Hymns:
The Battle Belongs to the Lord 205
God Will Make a Way 76 (B/B)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2 1-8
Message: Trust
The first year that I was a nurse was very challenging. I had to incorporate everything I had learned from books and professors… to real life situations. A major part of nursing is the skills that you use. One of those skills is IV starts. There is one particular IV start that I remember well.
There was a lady who was being admitted into the hospital. I know it took at leas 3-5 times of trying before the staff got the IV in. I had tried first, and got someone else to help. They ended up getting a 22 fr IV in. (a size smaller than we like). I worked with her the next day, and was sad to hear that we needed to put yet another IV in. A CT scan had been ordered, and they need at least a 20 fr (a bigger size) IV for the contrast that goes in. They called me down to the CT room because they could not get one in. I whispered to the secretary to pray for me. I held my breath as the IV was going in, and used all the skills that I had learned. I prayed, hoped and believed that it would go in.
The IV went in… my first poke. The patient was spared the pain of multiple tries from multiple nurses. She was able to have a CT scan to further discover what was wrong, and what treatment was needed. It was a blessing. I don’t think it would have gone in had I not prayed and trusted in God to answer my prayer. I was reminded of this experience when I read the scripture for today. Paul is doing the opposite thing that a person should do in an interview. He is describing him self as week, states that his wisdom is not superior. It is not wise to discredit yourself in an interview… However, he doesn’t take credit for any of the great things they perceived Paul to have done, rather, he gives glory to God.
I hope and pray that as I continue down life’s road I remember to put my confidence in the Lord. Paul had said the reason he came as he did to them was “so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:5). I pray that, that will be true of me and for us as well.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in You on this day. When we are afraid, or nervous… let us remember that we are Your children. Watch out for us Lord, and let us never forget to give You thanks. All Glory to You oh Lord. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Let it be Said of Us 141 (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
The Battle Belongs to the Lord 205
God Will Make a Way 76 (B/B)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2 1-8
Message: Trust
The first year that I was a nurse was very challenging. I had to incorporate everything I had learned from books and professors… to real life situations. A major part of nursing is the skills that you use. One of those skills is IV starts. There is one particular IV start that I remember well.
There was a lady who was being admitted into the hospital. I know it took at leas 3-5 times of trying before the staff got the IV in. I had tried first, and got someone else to help. They ended up getting a 22 fr IV in. (a size smaller than we like). I worked with her the next day, and was sad to hear that we needed to put yet another IV in. A CT scan had been ordered, and they need at least a 20 fr (a bigger size) IV for the contrast that goes in. They called me down to the CT room because they could not get one in. I whispered to the secretary to pray for me. I held my breath as the IV was going in, and used all the skills that I had learned. I prayed, hoped and believed that it would go in.
The IV went in… my first poke. The patient was spared the pain of multiple tries from multiple nurses. She was able to have a CT scan to further discover what was wrong, and what treatment was needed. It was a blessing. I don’t think it would have gone in had I not prayed and trusted in God to answer my prayer. I was reminded of this experience when I read the scripture for today. Paul is doing the opposite thing that a person should do in an interview. He is describing him self as week, states that his wisdom is not superior. It is not wise to discredit yourself in an interview… However, he doesn’t take credit for any of the great things they perceived Paul to have done, rather, he gives glory to God.
I hope and pray that as I continue down life’s road I remember to put my confidence in the Lord. Paul had said the reason he came as he did to them was “so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:5). I pray that, that will be true of me and for us as well.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in You on this day. When we are afraid, or nervous… let us remember that we are Your children. Watch out for us Lord, and let us never forget to give You thanks. All Glory to You oh Lord. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Let it be Said of Us 141 (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
2.2.11
February 2, 2011
Opening Hymns:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 227 (Red)
To Every Generation 218 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 112
Message: Fear Not
This psalm is describing all the good that comes from being a righteous man. The thing that stuck with me was in verse seven “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” verse 8 continues “His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” What a blessing, to be without fear.
One of the things I have a hard time with is fear. I am often afraid that I won’t do my job right. I’m afraid of my future, and afraid that I didn’t make correct choices in my past. If we let it, fear can consume us. But this psalm brings good news. The reward of trusting in the Lord is the absence of fear. When you think about, it makes so much sense!!! When we focus on trusting in the Lord, we can replace fear with trust. The world can look different. Life will seem more manageable, and our doubts can dissipate. We can go out into the world with the knowledge that the Lord is with us, and that through His presence and His word, He will guide us and keep us on His path.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us for the times when we don’t fully trust in You. Help our trust to grow. Help us with confidence to follow your will on this day. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
You are My Hiding Place 205 (Red)
The Lord is My Light 64 (Red)
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
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 227 (Red)
To Every Generation 218 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 112
Message: Fear Not
This psalm is describing all the good that comes from being a righteous man. The thing that stuck with me was in verse seven “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” verse 8 continues “His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.” What a blessing, to be without fear.
One of the things I have a hard time with is fear. I am often afraid that I won’t do my job right. I’m afraid of my future, and afraid that I didn’t make correct choices in my past. If we let it, fear can consume us. But this psalm brings good news. The reward of trusting in the Lord is the absence of fear. When you think about, it makes so much sense!!! When we focus on trusting in the Lord, we can replace fear with trust. The world can look different. Life will seem more manageable, and our doubts can dissipate. We can go out into the world with the knowledge that the Lord is with us, and that through His presence and His word, He will guide us and keep us on His path.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us for the times when we don’t fully trust in You. Help our trust to grow. Help us with confidence to follow your will on this day. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
You are My Hiding Place 205 (Red)
The Lord is My Light 64 (Red)
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
1.2.11
February 1, 2011
Opening Hymns:
As We Gather 16 (Red)
Make Me A Servant 236 (Red)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58 “True Fasting”
Message: A Do’s and Don’ts lesson
The scripture reading is entitled “True Fasting.” It is a message to a people who aren’t fully grasping what fasting should be. This scripture is a guideline for them and for us. It describes what they are doing wrong, and how to correctly fast.
The first three verses describe the plea of the people and on the fourth verse God answers saying “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” A day of fasting is not doing what we please, nor can it be raising quarrel with our neighbors. In verse five He states that merely doing the actions of “humbling oneself” is not what He intended fasting to be either. He wanted it to be something more meaningful.
Verse 6 is when the Do’s part of fasting begins. We are to: Stop injustice, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, give homeless shelter, and clothe the naked. It all comes down to serving others. The final verses reiterate the importance of serving, and it states the importance of being blessed by God if you serve and bless the Sabbath. What does that mean for us?
We are already a month into the new year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start a new years resolution. Lent is not here yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t begin our fast. This time we can begin a different fast, and change our idea of what fasting is. We can begin helping the world fast from spiritual “junk food” like oppression, and injustice. We can fast from selfishness and take on a servant’s heart. This year, this week, and this day we can answer the call to serve with our presence, gifts, and our time. We can answer someone’s plea for help. We can sit and talk to older adults in nursing homes who get few visitors. We can raise money for the sick, homeless, and hungry. We can stand up for the oppressed: because, with every good deed that we do the world is that much more beautiful.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, as we go forth this day, show us how to serve. Guide us, teach us, and lead us. Let us not forget the God that we love, and let us never forget Your children. Lord, show us where we are needed today and help us remember how to fast. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn:
Change my heart Oh God 50 (Red)
Trees of the Field 103 (Red)
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
As We Gather 16 (Red)
Make Me A Servant 236 (Red)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58 “True Fasting”
Message: A Do’s and Don’ts lesson
The scripture reading is entitled “True Fasting.” It is a message to a people who aren’t fully grasping what fasting should be. This scripture is a guideline for them and for us. It describes what they are doing wrong, and how to correctly fast.
The first three verses describe the plea of the people and on the fourth verse God answers saying “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” A day of fasting is not doing what we please, nor can it be raising quarrel with our neighbors. In verse five He states that merely doing the actions of “humbling oneself” is not what He intended fasting to be either. He wanted it to be something more meaningful.
Verse 6 is when the Do’s part of fasting begins. We are to: Stop injustice, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, give homeless shelter, and clothe the naked. It all comes down to serving others. The final verses reiterate the importance of serving, and it states the importance of being blessed by God if you serve and bless the Sabbath. What does that mean for us?
We are already a month into the new year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start a new years resolution. Lent is not here yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t begin our fast. This time we can begin a different fast, and change our idea of what fasting is. We can begin helping the world fast from spiritual “junk food” like oppression, and injustice. We can fast from selfishness and take on a servant’s heart. This year, this week, and this day we can answer the call to serve with our presence, gifts, and our time. We can answer someone’s plea for help. We can sit and talk to older adults in nursing homes who get few visitors. We can raise money for the sick, homeless, and hungry. We can stand up for the oppressed: because, with every good deed that we do the world is that much more beautiful.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, as we go forth this day, show us how to serve. Guide us, teach us, and lead us. Let us not forget the God that we love, and let us never forget Your children. Lord, show us where we are needed today and help us remember how to fast. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn:
Change my heart Oh God 50 (Red)
Trees of the Field 103 (Red)
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)