February 25, 2013
Opening Hymns:528 Nearer, My God, to Thee http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh528.sht
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 3:17-4:1
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Message:
Paul is rather bold when he states “join together in following my example.” It almost seems rather arrogant. In all honesty, it had been bothering me a bit. Isn’t it Jesus that we are supposed to be following? Isn’t it He the ultimate example of who we all should yearn to be?
I think that Paul did not make that statement to be arrogant, but rather, to make us think. Are we living a life that we want others to emulate? Are we being good examples, and if not, in what ways and why? Not only do others affect us, but we also affect and have an impact on others. Paul’s words can lead us to examine ourselves. It allows us to recognize the importance of setting a good example for others while focusing on those who set a good example for us.
Paul’s statement is a way for him to recognize that he is being a leader and setting an example for others. He is not only recognizing that, but also warning against those who would lead others astray. This can also serve as a reminder to him and to us how important it is that we don’t lead others away from God.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us live a life as You would have us live it. Let us be a good example to those around us. When we fall short let us recognize it and change our ways so that we can more closely follow Your will. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
480 Oh Love that Wilt not Let Me Go http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh480.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
25.2.13
23.2.13
What Kind of Accent Do You Have?
February 23, 2013
Opening Hymns:
452 My Faith Looks Up to Thee http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh452.sht
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 3:17-4:1
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Message:
What makes us who we are? What leads us to make decisions, and what causes us to act as we act? Is it current external stimuli, the genes we were born with, or how we were raised? I’m sure that each one plays a part in effecting the way we think and the actions that we make. While I’m sure that science won’t be able to quantify specifically how much each one has an impact on us, I can say with confidence that the external stimuli that we choose to take in has an impact on who we are.
I’m strongly affected by external stimuli. When I hear a sad song I often feel sad, and if I watch a movie I feel happy, sad, frightened, or angry depending on the type of movie that I’ve seen. One time I was watching a television show so much that I started to take on the facial expressions of the main character. After living up in North Dakota for so many years I’ve noticed that my accent has also changed. The people around us can affect how we feel, the way we talk… and they can even have an impact on our spiritual lives, the choices we make, and the way we live.
In the scripture lesson for today we are told to follow good examples. This makes a lot of sense to me. If we focus on the people who are following Christ well, we too are apt to follow their lead. At the same time we need to be strong and do our best to live Christly lives. That way others can follow suit. It is contagious! However, Paul warns against people who “live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
This is where it can seem tricky. We want to love and accept everyone regardless of their sins… but we don’t want to become more like people who are living in sin. So how do we share God’s love to others without taking on an “accent” of sin? We follow Paul’s suggestion. Keep our focus on those who are leading a good example. If we read books and spend time with people that reflect God’s light then we will have a stronger Christly “accent.” If our focus is on Godly things then we won’t be easily swayed by others who might not live the way Christ would have us live. If our focus is in the right place then our “accent” won’t be swayed as we share God’s love with others.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for leading by example. Thank you for the bible which teaches us how to be like You. Transform us by Your love, and help us focus on You so that we take on Your “accent”. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
127 Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh127.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
Opening Hymns:
452 My Faith Looks Up to Thee http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh452.sht
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 3:17-4:1
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Message:
What makes us who we are? What leads us to make decisions, and what causes us to act as we act? Is it current external stimuli, the genes we were born with, or how we were raised? I’m sure that each one plays a part in effecting the way we think and the actions that we make. While I’m sure that science won’t be able to quantify specifically how much each one has an impact on us, I can say with confidence that the external stimuli that we choose to take in has an impact on who we are.
I’m strongly affected by external stimuli. When I hear a sad song I often feel sad, and if I watch a movie I feel happy, sad, frightened, or angry depending on the type of movie that I’ve seen. One time I was watching a television show so much that I started to take on the facial expressions of the main character. After living up in North Dakota for so many years I’ve noticed that my accent has also changed. The people around us can affect how we feel, the way we talk… and they can even have an impact on our spiritual lives, the choices we make, and the way we live.
In the scripture lesson for today we are told to follow good examples. This makes a lot of sense to me. If we focus on the people who are following Christ well, we too are apt to follow their lead. At the same time we need to be strong and do our best to live Christly lives. That way others can follow suit. It is contagious! However, Paul warns against people who “live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
This is where it can seem tricky. We want to love and accept everyone regardless of their sins… but we don’t want to become more like people who are living in sin. So how do we share God’s love to others without taking on an “accent” of sin? We follow Paul’s suggestion. Keep our focus on those who are leading a good example. If we read books and spend time with people that reflect God’s light then we will have a stronger Christly “accent.” If our focus is on Godly things then we won’t be easily swayed by others who might not live the way Christ would have us live. If our focus is in the right place then our “accent” won’t be swayed as we share God’s love with others.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for leading by example. Thank you for the bible which teaches us how to be like You. Transform us by Your love, and help us focus on You so that we take on Your “accent”. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
127 Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh127.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
22.2.13
Are Ye Able?
February 22, 2013
Opening Hymns:
530 Are Ye Able http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh530.sht
530 Are Ye Able http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh530.sht
Scripture Reading:
Luke 13: 31-35
32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Message:
In this scripture we see Jesus’
compassion for Jerusalem. We see Him following His calling even though some try
to dissuade Him. His life is being threated, but He recognizes what God is
calling Him to do. Through His death He will gather Jerusalem’s children
together. Even though the cost is high He is following through with God’s plan.
Sometimes following God can be
taxing for us as well. We are called to help the poor and needy and to forgive
those who sin against us. Sometimes it can seem as though the help we provide
to the poor is misused. Money given may be spent on drugs or alcohol instead of
food and shelter. The people we forgive may end up hurting us time and time
again. How can we show His love? How do we stand strong and follow through with
His plan?
Back in 1999 there was a school
shooting in Columbine Colorado. Cassie Bernall was said
to have been asked “are you a Christian.” Her answer was “yes.” How did she go
from troubled teen to someone who would be willing to die for her belief in God?
Other people reached out to her, hoped for her, and loved her while she was
still causing trouble. Her life was transformed by God, and because of her
faith many more lives were transformed as well.
Forgiveness can be a hard. But don’t forget, we
ourselves need to be forgiven as well. If we forgive others we invite them to
share in the beauty of being transformed into children of God. Alcoholics can
stop drinking, drug addicts can put their addictions behind them, liars can
learn to speak the truth, and adulterers can be washed clean. God re-defines
who we are and what is possible. Treating others with kindness in an open and
non-judgmental way may be just what is needed to spark in them a transforming
spirit… and even if it doesn’t change them right away, the kindness and respect
will surly do no harm.
Let us be compassionate for God’s people. Even though others may tried
to dissuade us, and the challenge of forgiving others may be overwhelming… let
us stand firm. Caring for others is always worth it, and God will give us
strength through each and every challenge. The opening hymn says it better than
I ever could… are we able to be crucified with God, are we able to forgive
others, are we able to forgive ourselves? Let our answer be “Lord we are able.”
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving us. Help us forgive others as You have forgiven us. Let us not judge others, and let us not be a judge of what is and isn’t possible. Help us remember that with You all things are possible. Thank You for creating this world and for creating all these people in it. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
548 In Christ There is No East or West http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh548.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
20.2.13
Wait for the Lord
February 20, 2013
Opening Hymns:
368 My Hope is Built http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh368.sht
368 My Hope is Built http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh368.sht
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 27: 7-14
Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Message:
As I read this psalm today one thing sticks out more than all the rest. At the very end of the Psalm the psalm writer (presumed to be David) repeats “wait for the Lord.” I wonder, is he telling us to wait for
God, or is he reminding himself that he needs to wait for God to deliver him from the hard times. Perhaps it’s both.
As I read this psalm today one thing sticks out more than all the rest. At the very end of the Psalm the psalm writer (presumed to be David) repeats “wait for the Lord.” I wonder, is he telling us to wait for
God, or is he reminding himself that he needs to wait for God to deliver him from the hard times. Perhaps it’s both.
During our storms in life it can often feel like the Lord is distant
from us. It can seem that the storm is far too much for us to bear. However,
the psalmist reminds us that during these times it is most important to “wait
for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” When we wait for
the Lord he will help us through every storm. Perhaps we need that extra “wait
for the Lord” there so that we don’t forget… maybe it’s for when we feel like we
have waited long enough, or suffered through a storm that keeps raging, this
Psalm reminds us… keep waiting, keep believing, keep trusting, God will see you
through.
Time of Prayer
Dearest Lord, thank you for loving us and for helping us through each and every difficult part of our lives. Guide us with your healing hand. Keep reminding us to call on Your name in times of trouble. Help us wait for You, and help us wait out all the storms of our lives. You, oh God, are stronger than every storm. Let our trust be in You. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
384
Love Divine all Loves Excelling http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh384.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
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
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