Opening Hymns:
Shall We Gather at the River 723
I surrender all 354
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 17:1-7
Message: Our Desert
In biology I learned a great many wonderful things. I learned about the process of fetal development in the womb. It’s complexitites and the amazing birth of life shock me still. It also is a wonder to me that there can even be a “me”. Out of all the other genetic possiblitites that are out there, what are the odds that I would be formed? The eye and it’s complexities are almost as astounding. I remember my study buddy in biology leaning over to me during one of the lectures and stating “God has to exist. Look at how complex the eye is! How could that have happened by chance?”
However, in this scripture we are shown the Israelites who had just seen God’s wonders first hand. They saw the miracles that brought them out of Egypt, and yet are still able to doubt God’s existence when wondering through the desert. It can be easy to believe in and worship God when life is simple, and when we see His wondrous acts. However, when we are in the midst of our own deserts we can often forget about things like how amazingly complex the eye is and begin to question and doubt God. We should instead hold with us the memories when God has been most present with us and continue to trust in Him.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, when we go through the desert help us to put our faith in You to bring us through. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Trust and Obey 467
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
2.4.11
March 25, 2011
Opening Hymns:
We are the Church 558
Majesty, Worship His Majesty 176
Scripture Reading:
John 4:5-42
Message: Worship
In the scripture the woman at the well brings up a popular theological issue of the time… where is the correct place to worship. However, Jesus emphasizes that it is more important to focus on who and how we worship than on where we worship. Jesus states “worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” in verse 24. Worship is not pleasing to God because of where we are, and not necessarily what we do in worship. Rather, it is our inner hearts that God cares about. Do we worship fully with our hearts?
There are some churches who have bible studies held at coffee shops and other places out side of the church. They bring the church with them as they go out to worship and learn about God. Because of this others in this public area can more easily be brought in to worship. Volunteering can be an act of worship as long as we truly focus on praising our God and serving others. Every place we go can be a place of worship. In the bible people were known to praise God from prison cells. Regardless of where we go be it at home, work, out shopping, at choir, and at church… let us remember that we can always worship God.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the opportunities You have given us to worship you. Please let us see every opportunity we have to worship, and don’t let us miss out on any of them. Thank you for Your loving presence. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh Worship the King 73
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 the Church 558
Majesty, Worship His Majesty 176
Scripture Reading:
John 4:5-42
Message: Worship
In the scripture the woman at the well brings up a popular theological issue of the time… where is the correct place to worship. However, Jesus emphasizes that it is more important to focus on who and how we worship than on where we worship. Jesus states “worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” in verse 24. Worship is not pleasing to God because of where we are, and not necessarily what we do in worship. Rather, it is our inner hearts that God cares about. Do we worship fully with our hearts?
There are some churches who have bible studies held at coffee shops and other places out side of the church. They bring the church with them as they go out to worship and learn about God. Because of this others in this public area can more easily be brought in to worship. Volunteering can be an act of worship as long as we truly focus on praising our God and serving others. Every place we go can be a place of worship. In the bible people were known to praise God from prison cells. Regardless of where we go be it at home, work, out shopping, at choir, and at church… let us remember that we can always worship God.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the opportunities You have given us to worship you. Please let us see every opportunity we have to worship, and don’t let us miss out on any of them. Thank you for Your loving presence. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh Worship the King 73
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
29.3.11
March 24, 2011
Opening Hymns:
Take Up Thy Cross red hymnal 415
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus red hymnal 349
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:6-12
Message:Reconciliation
I am amazed by God’s love. The scripture states “God Demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Sin is a very broad category of wrong doings, and regardless of what we have done it doesn’t change the fact that God loves us and Christ died for us. No matter the sin, God is seeking us out. We cannot be saved any more than we already have been. Jesus has fully saved us with the ultimate sacrifice of His life.
“We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:11). What does it mean to receive reconciliation? According to Dictionary.com Reconcile historically means “To make good again, repair.” I love how well this definition fits with the scripture. We have been made good again through Jesus Christ. God repairs our hearts. Like a potter he is repairing us and making us new.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for saving us, and thank you for giving us reconciliation. It is a blessing to be Your child. Help make us “good again”, and “repair” our hearts that we might love and serve you. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh Jesus I have Promised red hymnal 396
(http://www.hymnsite.com/)this site has the words and melody of red hymnal hymns
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
Take Up Thy Cross red hymnal 415
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus red hymnal 349
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:6-12
Message:Reconciliation
I am amazed by God’s love. The scripture states “God Demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Sin is a very broad category of wrong doings, and regardless of what we have done it doesn’t change the fact that God loves us and Christ died for us. No matter the sin, God is seeking us out. We cannot be saved any more than we already have been. Jesus has fully saved us with the ultimate sacrifice of His life.
“We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:11). What does it mean to receive reconciliation? According to Dictionary.com Reconcile historically means “To make good again, repair.” I love how well this definition fits with the scripture. We have been made good again through Jesus Christ. God repairs our hearts. Like a potter he is repairing us and making us new.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for saving us, and thank you for giving us reconciliation. It is a blessing to be Your child. Help make us “good again”, and “repair” our hearts that we might love and serve you. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Oh Jesus I have Promised red hymnal 396
(http://www.hymnsite.com/)this site has the words and melody of red hymnal hymns
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 23, 2011
Opening Hymns:
If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee (red hymnal) 142
My Hope is Build (Red Hymnal) 368
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:1-5
Message:
Paul seems to have an up beat attitude in this scripture. He is talking about the good that can come from suffering. I have had times in my life that were unpleasant. At times I would beg for my burdens to be taken away… but looking back on my life I don’t think any single moment could count as “suffering” under Paul’s definition. He had been thrown in prison, his life had been threatened, and it seemed every where he went he suffered for God, and in order to spread God’s message. It is through his suffering that he writes these verses showing that in the end suffering creates hope
I don’t think I have had any suffering. However, if there comes a time that I will suffer, I hope that I will be able to remember this verse and rejoice and praise God for the perseverance, character, and hope that will be created through the suffering.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, be with us through our sufferings, and help us to remember Your loving presence with us. Teach us to rejoice in our sufferings, and give us the hope that can withstand any trial. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Pass it on red hymnal 572
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
If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee (red hymnal) 142
My Hope is Build (Red Hymnal) 368
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:1-5
Message:
Paul seems to have an up beat attitude in this scripture. He is talking about the good that can come from suffering. I have had times in my life that were unpleasant. At times I would beg for my burdens to be taken away… but looking back on my life I don’t think any single moment could count as “suffering” under Paul’s definition. He had been thrown in prison, his life had been threatened, and it seemed every where he went he suffered for God, and in order to spread God’s message. It is through his suffering that he writes these verses showing that in the end suffering creates hope
I don’t think I have had any suffering. However, if there comes a time that I will suffer, I hope that I will be able to remember this verse and rejoice and praise God for the perseverance, character, and hope that will be created through the suffering.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, be with us through our sufferings, and help us to remember Your loving presence with us. Teach us to rejoice in our sufferings, and give us the hope that can withstand any trial. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Pass it on red hymnal 572
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
26.3.11
March 22, 2011
Opening Hymns:
We Are Marching in the Light of God 232 B/B
I Exalt Thee B/B 102
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 95
Message:
I just love the Lectionary because at times it brings scriptures together that complement each other and add to the meaning and the message behind it. Today we read one of the psalms that discusses the situation mentioned in yesterdays scripture. First this scripture is talking about worshiping our God. It is a praise psalm. Then it specifically mentions the situation in Meribah. The psalmist’s shifts from talking as people praising the Lord, and speaks the Lord’s thoughts on that situation.
In a way this scripture is another do’s and don’ts lesson. We start first with the do part. Praise the Lord, be thankful, lift and exult God. Then we move to the don’ts. Mainly… don’t do what they did. Don’t let your hearts go away, don’t test God, and don’t harden your hearts. With such do’s and don’ts lessons we have a much clearer vision of what God intends us to be, and how we can best be His children.
Time of Prayer
Lord, thank You for the scriptures that show us both how to be Your children and how not to be Your children. Help guide us each day that we might understand you more and more. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Go Out As People of God 69 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 Are Marching in the Light of God 232 B/B
I Exalt Thee B/B 102
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 95
Message:
I just love the Lectionary because at times it brings scriptures together that complement each other and add to the meaning and the message behind it. Today we read one of the psalms that discusses the situation mentioned in yesterdays scripture. First this scripture is talking about worshiping our God. It is a praise psalm. Then it specifically mentions the situation in Meribah. The psalmist’s shifts from talking as people praising the Lord, and speaks the Lord’s thoughts on that situation.
In a way this scripture is another do’s and don’ts lesson. We start first with the do part. Praise the Lord, be thankful, lift and exult God. Then we move to the don’ts. Mainly… don’t do what they did. Don’t let your hearts go away, don’t test God, and don’t harden your hearts. With such do’s and don’ts lessons we have a much clearer vision of what God intends us to be, and how we can best be His children.
Time of Prayer
Lord, thank You for the scriptures that show us both how to be Your children and how not to be Your children. Help guide us each day that we might understand you more and more. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Go Out As People of God 69 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
March 21, 2011
Opening Hymns:
We have Come into His House
Let the Walls Fall Down
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 17: 1-7
Message:
The Israelites have first hand seen the work of the Lord. They saw the miracles that enabled them to leave Egypt, and they saw Moses glowing after talking with the Lord. However, that does not prevent then from having doubt in their hearts. When times get hard instead of praying and trusting the Lord they complain, gripe and question whether or not he even exists. Even in the midst of their complaining the Lord provides for their needs.
We should remember this too. Life will not always be easy. Loved ones may die, we could lose our jobs, and we may get a bad diagnosis… when we are in both the good times and that bad we have a decision to make whether we are conscious about the decision or not. Do we trust the Lord and rest our cares on him, or do we question whether he exists or not. In my experience the people in difficult times who trust in the Lord have a certain peace about them. Whether they are near the end of their life, or have lost someone they care about… they are accepting of it, and take comfort in the presence of the Lord.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes this life that You have given us is hard. I pray that when life gets hard that we put all our trust in You. Guide us, comfort us, and protect us. Let us seek You no matter what happens. Thank You Lord for Your never failing love. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Jesus Name above all Names
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
Let the Walls Fall Down
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 17: 1-7
Message:
The Israelites have first hand seen the work of the Lord. They saw the miracles that enabled them to leave Egypt, and they saw Moses glowing after talking with the Lord. However, that does not prevent then from having doubt in their hearts. When times get hard instead of praying and trusting the Lord they complain, gripe and question whether or not he even exists. Even in the midst of their complaining the Lord provides for their needs.
We should remember this too. Life will not always be easy. Loved ones may die, we could lose our jobs, and we may get a bad diagnosis… when we are in both the good times and that bad we have a decision to make whether we are conscious about the decision or not. Do we trust the Lord and rest our cares on him, or do we question whether he exists or not. In my experience the people in difficult times who trust in the Lord have a certain peace about them. Whether they are near the end of their life, or have lost someone they care about… they are accepting of it, and take comfort in the presence of the Lord.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes this life that You have given us is hard. I pray that when life gets hard that we put all our trust in You. Guide us, comfort us, and protect us. Let us seek You no matter what happens. Thank You Lord for Your never failing love. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
Jesus Name above all Names
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
24.3.11
March 20, 2011
Opening Hymns:
As We Gather Red 16
As The Deer Red 28
Scripture Reading: John 3: 1-21
Message:
Since I became a nurse I have learned more and more about our own mortality. Sometimes people come to the ER with no hope of recovery. Often that is when families surround them the pastor comes and prays over them and there is mourning and recounted stories. This is often the moment when people wonder exactly what happens when someone passes away. I think this has been a question that has been asked for hundreds of generations. Where do we go when we die… or, how do we or our relatives enter into heaven.
This scripture lays it out simply. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). The ultimate gift was God’s sacrifice. We are forgiven and as long as there is belief in our hearts and not doubt then we can be with our God that we trust and love. We needn’t add any more complexities to the simple truth that Jesus spoke of. At times people may think that condemnation will come if certain things are done or are not done… However even the prophets could not condemn demons to hell, how then can a man condemn another man to hell for things he has or has not done? That is why Christ’s sacrifice is such a blessed gift. There is no price we must pay other than the true belief and faith in our God.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for comforting us with such beautiful words from scripture today. Let us not live in fear about things to come, but live in confidence in You. Thank you for Your sacrifice of Your son, and thank You for the gift of life and a close relationship with You. It is truly our most precious gift. Be with us when we morn for those who have passed on. Be with family and friends of persons who have died, and guide them through the time of mourning. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
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 Red 16
As The Deer Red 28
Scripture Reading: John 3: 1-21
Message:
Since I became a nurse I have learned more and more about our own mortality. Sometimes people come to the ER with no hope of recovery. Often that is when families surround them the pastor comes and prays over them and there is mourning and recounted stories. This is often the moment when people wonder exactly what happens when someone passes away. I think this has been a question that has been asked for hundreds of generations. Where do we go when we die… or, how do we or our relatives enter into heaven.
This scripture lays it out simply. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). The ultimate gift was God’s sacrifice. We are forgiven and as long as there is belief in our hearts and not doubt then we can be with our God that we trust and love. We needn’t add any more complexities to the simple truth that Jesus spoke of. At times people may think that condemnation will come if certain things are done or are not done… However even the prophets could not condemn demons to hell, how then can a man condemn another man to hell for things he has or has not done? That is why Christ’s sacrifice is such a blessed gift. There is no price we must pay other than the true belief and faith in our God.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for comforting us with such beautiful words from scripture today. Let us not live in fear about things to come, but live in confidence in You. Thank you for Your sacrifice of Your son, and thank You for the gift of life and a close relationship with You. It is truly our most precious gift. Be with us when we morn for those who have passed on. Be with family and friends of persons who have died, and guide them through the time of mourning. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
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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