Maundy Thursday

March 24, 2016

Opening Hymns:
624 Bread of the world http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh624.sht

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread,

11:24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

11:25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Message:

The song “Heart of Worship” written by Matt Redman has such an amazing story behind it. He was a part of a church that became too focused on the music and sound of it that the church decided that they had to do something to remind people about what worship is really about. After weeks without a sound system and all the musical instruments, people began to remember the reason for worship. They slowly brought the music back into the church, and Matt Redman wrote the song “Heart of Worship”. Such a beautiful reminder to each of us what worship is really about!

I feel like I need that reminder from time to time, and Lent has given me that reminder in its own way. At my church during the season of Lent we don’t have communion. Communion is such a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ gift to us. However, after getting communion each and every Sunday we might forget how special it is. Without having communion each week I find myself listening to the scripture closer as the pastor reads. The meaning becomes more… meaningful. We are breaking bread and sharing wine just has people have done for thousands of years… just has Jesus did with His disciples!

On this Maundy Thursday let us really listen to Jesus’ words. Let us take the bread and the wine, and remember the gift that Jesus has given. He is the bread of life, and He has shared Salvation with us all!  

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for sharing with us Your selfless gift of love. As we share the bread and the wind, let us always remember what is at the heart of the story. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
Heart of Worship http://www.metrolyrics.com/heart-of-worship-lyrics-matt-redman.html

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

Challenges

March 23, 2016

Opening Hymns:

325 Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh325.sht

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 12:1-3
12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

12:2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

12:3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Message:
What motivates you? What gives you strength? When I’ve found myself in the face of tough challenges one of my main motivations is the gift of love that Jesus has given to us all. I love the final verse of today’s scripture “Consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.”

Another motivation I have are those around me that face challenges in life putting others needs before their own. I feel surrounded by so many incredible and talented people that use their gifts and talents for the betterment of others. When I see church volunteers, or friends putting in countless hours to make others smile it warms my heart. I remember them when I face my own challenges, and try to give even more energy and effort into what I’m doing.

My challenge for you on this day is to not grow weary or lose heart in the face of your challenges. Even though we have sinned, Jesus has forgiven us all. He is with us during each challenge. He also has given us each other that we may help one another out during each struggle. Don’t be afraid to lend a hand when others have tough times, and don’t be afraid to accept the help that others offer. We all can be God’s gift to each other.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for creating so many wonderful people that we can share our lives with. Let us help guide others through challenges they face, and let us allow ourselves to receive help during our challenges. May we follow Your call each step of the way, and seek to share Your love with others throughout all our days. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
64 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh064.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

Our Thoughts Create Our Actions

March 22, 2016

Opening Hymns:
103 Immortal Invisible God Only Wise http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh103.sht

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 71:1-14
71:1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

71:2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.

71:3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

71:4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

71:5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

71:6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.

71:7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.

71:8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.

71:9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.

71:10 For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together.

71:11 They say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver."

71:12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

71:13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

71:14 But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.

Message:
Who do you call on for strength? Where do you turn when your life gives you overwhelming challenges? The psalmist in this scripture relies on the Lord during his challenges. Through his determination to follow the Lord, we can see the strength that he finds. We can see the joy that is in his heart as he continually praises the Lord.

It is amazing to me how the thoughts in our minds can affect how are day will go. Some mornings I wake up with energy (regardless of how much sleep I’ve had), and I think “bring it on day! I can face whatever you throw at me!” The day and all of the challenges are then met with energy and confidence. However, some days I feel beaten down by the obstacles, and seem to call out to the Lord for help. I feel helpless in controlling how each day will go, but I know that each little thought in my head can play a part.

What are you focusing on? What do you catch yourself thinking of? Sometimes I focus on my own

failures of my past. When I negatively put myself down in my head it is no wonder that my attitude and energy reflect that. If I instead focus on the needs of others that need to be met each day, and draw strength from the Lord…. My energy changes. I become stronger and more confident. I can work harder and more efficiently because it is no longer about my own failings, and how I should do better. Instead it is about the people that surround me and the work that God has called me to do.

We can see the Psalmists devotion in the Lord reflected in the words that he is writing. What do your actions and attitudes say about what is in your mind and heart?

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, wash away our sins, and help us focus on Your love, and the service that You have called us to do. Let us meet each day with an energy that says “I can”, let us meet each person with a smile that says “you are loved, you matter, you are forgiven.” Let our hearts and our actions reflect You. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
138 The King of Love My Shepherd is http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh138.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