Judging

March 12, 2017

Opening Hymns:
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh569.sht

Scripture Reading:
John 3:1-17
3:1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.

3:2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God."

3:3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."

3:4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?"

3:5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

3:6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

3:7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.'

3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

3:9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"

3:10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

3:11 "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.

3:12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

3:14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

3:15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

3:16 "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.

3:17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Message:
It can be so easy to judge others. When we are a child we are taught by our parents what is right or wrong. I remember when I was in elementary school, and I saw older kids littering. I called them “litter bugs!”, and I was so upset to see them do something so bad. Shame on them for littering, everyone knows that littering is wrong! As I’ve grown older I still notice myself judging others, even though “right” and “wrong” are not always easy to distinguish. I find myself judging people on how appropriately they’re dressed, I judge my friends on who they’re dating, and I even judge people’s work ethics.

It is good to let people know when they are doing something that is wrong, or disrespectful, but how we do it is important. How we talk to someone begins with how we view them. Yelling and calling someone a “litter bug” doesn’t show that we care for them much. If I would have let the other kids know that they had dropped some garbage… maybe they didn’t realize it, and would have politely thrown it away. Judging others isn’t a good call to action. But respecting others, and helping one another continue to improve can make a difference.

In today’s scripture, we are told why Jesus came into the world. He came here in order that we might be saved. He didn’t come here to condemn us, but to save us! This scripture reminds me that God is the one who sits in judgment, not me. He has looked upon the world, and though we are sinners, He has saved us. I am not perfect, and yet Jesus has forgiven me anyway. When I remember that it can be easier to set aside judgments.

In this scripture, we are reminded that Jesus came to love and forgive an imperfect world. We can all be grateful that the one who sits in judgment is a loving and forgiving God, who washes away our sins instead of condemning us because of them.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we judge others. Help us to see others as Your children too, so that we can work with them to help make the world a better place. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh462.sht

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

Decisions

March 12, 2017

Opening Hymns:
Breathe on Me Breath of God: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420.sht

Scripture Reading:
Genesis 12:1-4a
12:1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.

12:2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

12:4a So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.

Message:
Sometimes I wish life was a little bit more readily laid out for me. It would nice to have the simple direction of “go here” or “do this” from God. It seems much of our time can be spend questioning or attempting to discern what God would have us do. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I’m so bad with decisions, I fear the weight a wrong decision could make. Even just last week I was distraught over the simple decision to go swing dancing or not. I’ve learned there are some things that God needs to tell us, and other things that God trusts us to choose.

In today’s scripture Abram is given a clear and simple direction, and the Lord gives him a promise. It seems simple enough. However, this is just the beginning of his journey and Abram’s life was anything but simple. He and his wife were beyond child-bearing years, and were asked to have faith that God would bless them with a child. Abram makes a covenant with God and his name becomes Abraham. He does have a son with his wife Sarah, but he is told by God to sacrifice his son. Indeed, his life was not simple at all.

Throughout his journey, we even see him make decisions that may have not been for the best.  When there is a famine he and his wife go to Egypt, and he passes her off as his sister, because she is so beautiful that he fears they would kill him so they could have her. But throughout his life he also listens and follows the guidance that God does give. He trusts that God will keep his son safe when he is asked to sacrifice him, and indeed God provides.

God has given us a promise too. Through Jesus’ life and death, He has promised the forgiveness of all our sins. We are also given very clear, if not simple, instructions: to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Perhaps God doesn’t tell us what to do in each instant of our life, but He does give us guidance for how we should live it.

Time of Prayer

Dear Heavenly father, thank you for the guidance You give us throughout our lives. Let us always to treat others with kindness, compassion, and love. Help us when we have big decisions we need to make. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
Close to Thee: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh407.sht

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

Fasting

March 9, 2017

Opening Hymns:
496 Sweet Hour of Prayer http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh496.sht

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 4:1-11
 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
 4:2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.
 4:3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple,
 4:6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
 4:7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
 4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor;
 4:9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
 4:11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.


Message:
Fasting can be a wonderful thing for our bodies, minds, and spirits. The restraint of not eating food for a time can be a challenge. Recently, it seems more people are noticing the health benefits of giving our bodies a break from food. Throughout the bible we read about people fasting, and praying to the Lord. I remember hearing someone say that fasting is like praying with an exclamation point behind it.


In today's scripture Jesus is fasting. Not only is Jesus fasting, He is fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. I cannot even fathom fasting for a week, so the idea that he was fasting that long is incredible. In His weakened state near the end of His fast, the devil comes and tempts Him. If we reflect back to the Genesis scripture from last week, we will remember how easy it was for Eve to fall into temptation, even though she had all the food she would ever need. Now in Matthew, Jesus has had no food, He is weak, and yet He still stands for what is right and just, and He does not give into temptation.


During lent many people decide to give up something during those 40 days. It is a time when people may try to empty themselves of something so they can focus more on God. When I was younger I would give up things like chocolate or TV during lent. The amazing thing is, when we give up something it feels like that is all we can think about. Indeed, when I was growing up, I would hardly be able to wait until Easter, because then I could have chocolate again! Likewise, in fasting from food, our bodies constantly remind us that we are hungry.


We can use these reminders to focus our hearts on God. If we are fasting, and find the longing for food, we can use that time to pray, and to reflect on Jesus' fast, and His love for us. We can use it as a reminder of those in our world who do not always have food to eat, and it can awaken in us a greater sense of compassion. We can use the time we would have been spending on watching TV, and use it to read and reflect on scripture, or to go out and volunteer. Fasting can be hard, but I cannot name a time when fasting didn't draw me closer to God. It is a way to empty ourselves, and to really listen to God's call.


Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for Your love for us. Thank you for sending Jesus to show us the way to follow You. May we never forget His love and sacrifice for us, as we go through each day. Let us share His love with those in need. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
189 Fairest Lord Jesus http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh189.sht


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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

Forgiveness

March 9, 2017

Opening Hymns:
381 Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh381.sht

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 32
 32:1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
 32:2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
 32:3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
 32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
 32:6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
 32:7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
 32:9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
 32:10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
 32:11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Message:
Psalm 32 is a beautiful psalm of repentance and forgiveness. In this psalm the writer confesses his sins to the Lord, and receives forgiveness. We hear the joy they feel after they confess their sins, and feel God's forgiveness. The writer then pleads to all of us to pray to God, and allow for this life giving forgiveness.


One of the worst feelings I've ever had, is the knowing that I've done something wrong... and have yet to apologize and confess to it. We've all had moments in our childhood where we feel bad for our actions, and need to let our parents know what happened. But some of the most freeing moments are those moments after we confess. We realize that the world hasn't ended, and each worst case scenario in our minds did not come true. Hopefully the thing we did wrong is forgiven, and we are back in good graces with our friend or family.


The psalmist writing these words probably feels such joy after confessing and being forgiven. He wants others to feel that precious joy and love as well. Each of us has fallen short. Even though we try hard, we also can fall into different temptations of this world. However, our God is a loving God who wants us to come back to Him. He willingly accepts each of us with open arms. He blesses us with forgiveness, and asks each one of us to be honest to one another, and to forgive each other.


Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your forgiveness. Please let us learn how to forgive as You have forgiven our sins.... and please help us to be honest and seek forgiveness when we have sinned against our neighbors. Teach us how we can share Your love and peace to all those we meet. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
374 Sanding on the Promises of God http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh374.sht


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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

Temptations

March 8, 2017

Opening Hymns:
382 Have Thine Own Way, Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh382.sht

Scripture Reading:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;

 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."

 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

 3:2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden;

 3:3 but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'"

 3:4 But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die;

 3:5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.

 3:7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Message:
It seems to be human nature to want what we can't have, and to be dissatisfied with what we do have. If we saw Adam and Eve as little children left to their own devices, and God is their parent telling them not to do something, it seems only natural that with an eternity they would eventually do what shouldn't be done. Having the snake whisper to them that they should really try the fruit was just a nudge in the wrong direction. Is that all it takes for us to fall into temptation? How easy is it for us to see the will of the Lord, and do the opposite?

Our society has become one of values and possessions, advertisers capitalize on our natural desire to have more. We are encouraged that it is okay, and even good to want more than what we have. I don't think it is a sin to have things. It becomes sinful when our desire for this world, and what we possess takes precedence over our relationship with God. It becomes a sin when we are focused on our own desires that we forget the needs of others. In today's scripture Eve gives into temptation because she wanted to become more than what she was. She wanted knowledge, and desired to know good and evil like God did. She was not happy with who she was. But who she was, was and always will be a child of God.

We can be tempted too, to judge ourselves by what we have, where we work, or what we have done in our lives. We might even put ourselves down, or think to ourselves "If I only was more successful", "if I only had a house" "if only..." How we see ourselves can lead us to more temptation, or lead us to a closer walk with God. If we judge ourselves on what we have or what we do, we could be focusing more on the worldly things... and more focused on ourselves. However, if we focus on being forgiven children of God, we can see that God loves us for who He has created us to be. We needn't worry about our own accomplishments or possessions, for we are fully loved and know that we are God's. When we see ourselves in this light we can stop focusing our thoughts and energies on ourselves, and start focusing on the gifts we have to offer to the world. We can see others as God's children.

Temptations fade away when we stop focusing on ourselves, and start seeing others. Our self image can be re-defined if we see ourselves as God's loved and forgiven children. There is a weight lifted of your shoulders when you look beyond yourself and your own desires. What we have is valued so much more if we see them as gifts instead of rights. The best way to combat temptations in life is to seek God's help and guidance, and the help and guidance of those we love. And never forget that you are loved and forgiven. You are a child of God!

Time of Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being with us each step of the way. To guide us and protect us. Help us on this day to see Your will for us in our lives. help us stay away from the things that tempt us to pull away from You. Let us share the gifts that You have given us with everyone we meet. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
 128 He Leadeth Me http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh128.sht

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

God's Guidance and Love

March, 3 2017
Opening Hymns:
553 And Are We Yet Alive http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh553.sht


Scripture Reading:
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming, it is near-
 2:2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.
 2:12 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
 2:13 rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.
 2:14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD, your God?
 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly;
 2:16 gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy.
 2:17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep. Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"


Message:
For me Lent is a time of reflection. It is time to reflect on the amazing grace and forgiveness we have been given. And it is also a time I think about the sins that lead me to need that grace, and the changes I should make it my life. It can be an uncomfortable time of confronting a side of ourselves that we like to ignore. However, in reflecting on our misdeeds we can more fully heal, forgive ourselves, and more readily accept the forgiveness that the Lord gives each one of us.


The Old Testament has a lot of scriptures that can be hard to read. Sometimes they make me wonder if the "Old Testament God" is the same Lord that teaches love, forgiveness, and offers us salvation in the New Testament. Many times in the Old Testament the people are sinful, and God sometimes strikes against them for their sins. Even Job, who is said to be righteous, has so many misfortunes befall him. In today's scripture we hear the prophet Joel call to the people to weep before the Lord and plead with him to "Spare your people." Joel uses powerful images of joyus occasions being set aside for people to fast and pleed to the Lord. What is this scripture teaching us on this day?


Today's scripture, though challenging, can teach us many things. If we read all of Joel we will later hear of God's mercy for His people, and deliverance. Indeed, many times throughout the Old Testament, God hears the cry of His people and forgives them. We see the people humbling themselves before the Lord, and asking for forgiveness and mercy. The Lord granted that forgiveness to them, as he grants it to each of us today.


I'm grateful that I don't live in a time when locus and famine cause such despair and hardship. The scripture reminds me of how blessed I am to have a warm house, and no worry of food shortage, and few hardships. It also reminds me of the blessing of Jesus' sacrifical love that saves each of us from sin. It is so important to recognize when we sin, and to turn from our sin to follow a path that God would have us go down... but what a blessing to have that forgiveness so freely given to us. What a blessing to be given the chance to seek out that forgiveness.


As I reflect on the Old and New Testaments I am so happy to hear of how God listens to, forgives, and shows His people how to live good lives througout time. He loves us and forgives us to this day, and will continue to guide our actions. The scriptures help show us the life that God calls us to live. They also show us God's love and forgiveness. As we go through Lent let us really listen to the scriptures to hear how God guides us, and how much He loves us.


Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your great love and mercy that you have given us. Let us continue to grow and learn about the good deeds that you would have us do, that we may share Your love and grace to those we meet. Let us be a light for this world. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
 369 Blessed Assurance http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh369.sht

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

What Motivates Us

March 2, 2017

Opening Hymns:
354 I Surrender All http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh354.sht

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
6:1 "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

6:2 "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

6:3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

6:4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

6:5 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

6:6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

6:16 "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

6:17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

6:18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;

6:20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.

6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.





Message:
Life can be challenging. Often times are no easy "yes" or "no" answers. Actions cannot always be called "good" or "bad". This scripture can be a challenging one to follow too. On many occasions I've been guilty of judging others for not being as secretive about there giving or volunteering. However, aren't we to shine God's light to those around us? The main question this scripture calls us to ask is: what is motivating our actions?

The challenging thing with today's scripture is that it could seemingly be contradicting Matthew 5:15 "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." This scripture calls us to shine God's love and God's light to everyone. How could we do so in secret?

Today's scripture isn't calling us to hide from the world all the good deeds we do. It is important for us to reach out with love to others. It is good for us to volunteer our time, energy, and resources to help shine a little more light on the world. That could be very challenging indeed if we tried to do so in secret.  However, this scripture is calling us to look at the motivations behind each of our actions. Do we volunteer to bring joy to others, or recognition to ourselves. Do we donate so that people who are less fortunate will have more resources, or do it to feel better about ourselves or make ourselves appear more generous?

Motivations are difficult to judge, and that is why God does not leave us to do the judging. He can see what is truly in our hearts. He knows each motivation for every action. So, while this scripture teaches us to do things for the right reason, we also need to remember not to judge the works of others. In thinking about it I feel silly for judging people on how they share the gifts they are given. I cannot see the motivations behind their actions, and their actions are doing good for the world. Sharing gifts and volunteering can be contagious. It can be good for others to see that people are volunteering so that they too can be called to action to share their light.

As we reflect on this scripture, think about what motivates you. Do you judge others on what their secret motivations might be? Do you let the gifts that you have been given help spread God's light and love to those around you?

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us share Your light with all those we see. Forgive us when we judge, and forgive us when our actions are more for ourselves than for others. Teach us to grow in Your love so that we can better share Your light to all those we meet. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
 473 Lead Me Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh473.sht

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God