Opening Hymns:
Seek Ye First Red 243
There Is a Redeemer Red 244
Scripture Reading:
Mathew 4: 1-7
Message: WE Can
This is one of my favorite scriptures. It is one of the scriptures that helps us relate to Jesus. He was tempted. We each have temptations in our lives. Some more pressing and more powerful than others. For some it could be smoking or drinking, for others it could be excessive eating and watching TV. Sometimes we may not even know that a temptation is there. But regardless of the temptation, no matter how pressing we can always resist.
In this scripture Jesus is fasting in the desert and is tempted by the devil three times. Jesus is in a weak state at this time as he had been fasting for forty days and nights. He is able to deny his bodily desire for food. He is able to deny his own glorification by not doing miraculous works solely for himself. Finally he is able to turn down the temptation of the entire world. For us he traded self glorification for humbleness. He showed us how life is to be lead. He showed us that with God’s help we can fight our own temptations too.
Scripture can be our guide to following the right path. If we ever feel any temptation we can start with the basic truths of scripture such as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31) and “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God...” (1 Corinthians 6:19) and “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Jesus has shown us the way to live, all we need to do now is follow.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to follow your example. Lead us to do your will each and ever day. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Day After Day Red 325
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
14.3.11
11.3.11
March 11, 2011
Opening Hymns:
It’s Time to Praise the Lord Red 125
Beloved Red 62
Scripture Reading:
Romans Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17
Message: Praise the Lord
Often in the Old Testament there are times of repentance and fasting. The prophets tell the people to turn from their ways that God might forgive them. As we enter into the Lenten season we too go into a time of fasting and reflection. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that our God made for us. During the time of the Old Testament they were in fear for their physical lives if they sinned. There are many stories in which people and nations were brought down, destroyed, and put into slavery because they had turned from God.
However, because of this sacrifice we needn’t fear. God has forgiven us of all our sins. We can take comfort that our God is a forgiving and loving God. Thus we have a lot to praise God about, and we have a lot that we can pray about and contemplate during this season of lent. For while we were sinners Christ died for us. We are forgiven. Christ paid the price. Thanks Be to God.
Time of Prayer
Lord, thank you for keeping our souls safe by Your holy sacrifice. Thank You for the love that you have given to each of us. As we enter into a time of fasting let us humble ourselves and focus our minds on You and the wonders that Christ has done for us. Thank you for the sacrifice, and thank you for the forgiveness. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
I Will Celebrate Red 61
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
It’s Time to Praise the Lord Red 125
Beloved Red 62
Scripture Reading:
Romans Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17
Message: Praise the Lord
Often in the Old Testament there are times of repentance and fasting. The prophets tell the people to turn from their ways that God might forgive them. As we enter into the Lenten season we too go into a time of fasting and reflection. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that our God made for us. During the time of the Old Testament they were in fear for their physical lives if they sinned. There are many stories in which people and nations were brought down, destroyed, and put into slavery because they had turned from God.
However, because of this sacrifice we needn’t fear. God has forgiven us of all our sins. We can take comfort that our God is a forgiving and loving God. Thus we have a lot to praise God about, and we have a lot that we can pray about and contemplate during this season of lent. For while we were sinners Christ died for us. We are forgiven. Christ paid the price. Thanks Be to God.
Time of Prayer
Lord, thank you for keeping our souls safe by Your holy sacrifice. Thank You for the love that you have given to each of us. As we enter into a time of fasting let us humble ourselves and focus our minds on You and the wonders that Christ has done for us. Thank you for the sacrifice, and thank you for the forgiveness. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
I Will Celebrate Red 61
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
March 10
Opening Hymns:
We are Marching in the Light of God B/B 232
Come, Thou Fount B/B 37
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5 12-19
Message:
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). This last verse seems to sum up the scripture reading for today. This scripture shows both ends of the story (the bible). Our Old Testament begins with Adam and Eve and their sin. Here at last we come to the end of the story. God triumphs over sin. Our sin is forgiven and we are called “righteous.”
What a beautiful thought, and such a beautiful word “righteous.” It is touching to me that my creator would chose to call his children… and call me… “righteous” Far too often I don’t feel like I live up to the name. I complain about work, and about how other people have done me wrong. When I know somewhere out there people are working a lot longer and harder than me… and there are others that I have done wrong to. However, this heavenly forgiveness is a gift to all. Sin has been defeated, and God’s forgiveness is the victor.
We can then, go out into the world and try again. We know the sins we’ve committed, we know the wrongs that we’ve done… But we are washed clean. Knowing our mistakes can help us do better when we try again. This does not mean that we should go out and do whatever we want because we will be forgiven anyway. Instead let us be conscious of what God’s will is and seek a closer relationship. After all He has given us everything: The earth, plants, friends, family, and above all forgiveness.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for Your gift of Jesus Christ. Thank you for His sacrifice, that we might be forgiven. As we enter into Lent let us not forget all that You have done for us. Thank you for everything. Amen
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
We are Marching in the Light of God B/B 232
Come, Thou Fount B/B 37
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5 12-19
Message:
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). This last verse seems to sum up the scripture reading for today. This scripture shows both ends of the story (the bible). Our Old Testament begins with Adam and Eve and their sin. Here at last we come to the end of the story. God triumphs over sin. Our sin is forgiven and we are called “righteous.”
What a beautiful thought, and such a beautiful word “righteous.” It is touching to me that my creator would chose to call his children… and call me… “righteous” Far too often I don’t feel like I live up to the name. I complain about work, and about how other people have done me wrong. When I know somewhere out there people are working a lot longer and harder than me… and there are others that I have done wrong to. However, this heavenly forgiveness is a gift to all. Sin has been defeated, and God’s forgiveness is the victor.
We can then, go out into the world and try again. We know the sins we’ve committed, we know the wrongs that we’ve done… But we are washed clean. Knowing our mistakes can help us do better when we try again. This does not mean that we should go out and do whatever we want because we will be forgiven anyway. Instead let us be conscious of what God’s will is and seek a closer relationship. After all He has given us everything: The earth, plants, friends, family, and above all forgiveness.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for Your gift of Jesus Christ. Thank you for His sacrifice, that we might be forgiven. As we enter into Lent let us not forget all that You have done for us. Thank you for everything. Amen
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
28.2.11
February 28 2011
Opening Hymns:
I Will Call Upon the Lord red (180)
Cares Chorus red (48)
Scripture Reading: Mathew 6: 24-33
Message: Worrying
At times life can encapsulates us with worries. We can worry about finances; work, relationships, and sometimes even our choice activities can overwhelm and concern us. This scripture is reminding us that God is watching over us. Not only should we not be concerned about the non-essentials like papers or other assignments that we might have from school or work… It is telling us not to worry about essentials like clothing, food, and beverages!
This does not mean that we ignore our duties, responsibilities and needs, but rather that we embrace them without the unneeded concern, stress, and worry that often accompany things that are important to us. Rather than using energy to worry about what will happen we can use our energy for trusting the Lord, and we should focus on the final masterpiece we wish to create.
This kind of trust and absence of worry can be very difficult. I can’t imagine how I would handle loosing my job, or not knowing what I would eat or wear the next day. I’m certain that there would be at least a little bit of worry in there… if not a lot. However, each of us can start with the little things. We can drop our concerns and push forward using all our energy for positive actions towards our goals. Knowing that as long as we trust and seek out the Lord, we need not worry.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we become overwhelmed and scared. Help us to trust in You for both the essential things in life and the nonessentials. Thank you for being our protector and keeping us clothed, fed, and safe. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh how He loves you and me (Red) 238
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
I Will Call Upon the Lord red (180)
Cares Chorus red (48)
Scripture Reading: Mathew 6: 24-33
Message: Worrying
At times life can encapsulates us with worries. We can worry about finances; work, relationships, and sometimes even our choice activities can overwhelm and concern us. This scripture is reminding us that God is watching over us. Not only should we not be concerned about the non-essentials like papers or other assignments that we might have from school or work… It is telling us not to worry about essentials like clothing, food, and beverages!
This does not mean that we ignore our duties, responsibilities and needs, but rather that we embrace them without the unneeded concern, stress, and worry that often accompany things that are important to us. Rather than using energy to worry about what will happen we can use our energy for trusting the Lord, and we should focus on the final masterpiece we wish to create.
This kind of trust and absence of worry can be very difficult. I can’t imagine how I would handle loosing my job, or not knowing what I would eat or wear the next day. I’m certain that there would be at least a little bit of worry in there… if not a lot. However, each of us can start with the little things. We can drop our concerns and push forward using all our energy for positive actions towards our goals. Knowing that as long as we trust and seek out the Lord, we need not worry.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we become overwhelmed and scared. Help us to trust in You for both the essential things in life and the nonessentials. Thank you for being our protector and keeping us clothed, fed, and safe. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh how He loves you and me (Red) 238
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
23.2.11
February 23, 2011
Opening Hymns:
Our Confidence is in the Lord (B/B) 181
Come Into the Holy of Holies (red) 71
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 62
Message: One Thing we can Count On
At work today we had a short meeting on positive attitudes. The speaker talked about how having a positive attitude can change the way we act and think and help us become better people. Then she asked us to give examples of things that were hard for us to be positive about, and tried to help us brain storm different ways to make it a positive experience. I talked about having a 15 hour shift with no lunch break. She had no answer on how positive thinking could turn it around. All that was recommended was taking some time as a break, even just fifteen min. Of course I am much happier now that the shift is long gone. However, this experience helped me realize that I can’t count on positive thinking alone.
This psalm for today talks about the only thing that we can consistently count on. God. The psalmist continually talks about how his trust, rest, and hope is all completely and only in the Lord. Friends may abandon you, work may overwhelm, but regardless of what happens we can always trust in the Lord, for He will never let us down.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, Help us to remember your presence in our lives. Let us rely on you, not our wealth or on man kind… let us put our hope and trust in You, who will never let us down. Be with us as we go through are struggles with things that do let us down. Give us the strength to get past the difficult times into a time of peace. Thank you for your comfort. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Rock of My Salvation (B/B) 193
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
Our Confidence is in the Lord (B/B) 181
Come Into the Holy of Holies (red) 71
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 62
Message: One Thing we can Count On
At work today we had a short meeting on positive attitudes. The speaker talked about how having a positive attitude can change the way we act and think and help us become better people. Then she asked us to give examples of things that were hard for us to be positive about, and tried to help us brain storm different ways to make it a positive experience. I talked about having a 15 hour shift with no lunch break. She had no answer on how positive thinking could turn it around. All that was recommended was taking some time as a break, even just fifteen min. Of course I am much happier now that the shift is long gone. However, this experience helped me realize that I can’t count on positive thinking alone.
This psalm for today talks about the only thing that we can consistently count on. God. The psalmist continually talks about how his trust, rest, and hope is all completely and only in the Lord. Friends may abandon you, work may overwhelm, but regardless of what happens we can always trust in the Lord, for He will never let us down.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, Help us to remember your presence in our lives. Let us rely on you, not our wealth or on man kind… let us put our hope and trust in You, who will never let us down. Be with us as we go through are struggles with things that do let us down. Give us the strength to get past the difficult times into a time of peace. Thank you for your comfort. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Rock of My Salvation (B/B) 193
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
16.2.11
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
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
February 12, 2011
Opening Hymns:
We Have Come into His House 204 (Red)
I Exalt Thee 9 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Mathew Chapter 5 21-26
Message: Forgive
How many times have you let disagreements get in the way. Friendships can break apart easily with big and small issues alike if we let them. But there is so much goodness to be found in forgiveness. Both in the asking and the receiving part of it. It saddens me when I look back to individuals I know who have lost friends because they refused to have a sincere apology. The longer the discord is there, the harder it will be for them to connect again and renew their friendship.
I recognize then why we are not to wait. The best time for healing and forgiveness is now. Let us go forth now, however hard it may be. Let us each talk to those we have conflict with until our discord is resolved… until we can be at peace once more. The longer you wait the harder it will become.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we fight. Help us to talk to one another. Help us begin to heal. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
On 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
We Have Come into His House 204 (Red)
I Exalt Thee 9 (Red)
Scripture Reading:
Mathew Chapter 5 21-26
Message: Forgive
How many times have you let disagreements get in the way. Friendships can break apart easily with big and small issues alike if we let them. But there is so much goodness to be found in forgiveness. Both in the asking and the receiving part of it. It saddens me when I look back to individuals I know who have lost friends because they refused to have a sincere apology. The longer the discord is there, the harder it will be for them to connect again and renew their friendship.
I recognize then why we are not to wait. The best time for healing and forgiveness is now. Let us go forth now, however hard it may be. Let us each talk to those we have conflict with until our discord is resolved… until we can be at peace once more. The longer you wait the harder it will become.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we fight. Help us to talk to one another. Help us begin to heal. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
On 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
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