Don't Forget...This coming Sunday is Rally Day. Worship will be at 10:00, followed by a chance to register for Sunday School and a picnic in the park. Come and join the fun!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Ephphatha – "Be Opened"
Our reading came from Mark 7:24-37. In the healing of a man born deaf and mute Jesus uses the phrase ‘Ephphatah’ (meaning "Be Opened") to speak to the mans condition. Prior to this account we have the deliverance of a Gentile women’s daughter, following a conversation she has with Jesus that reveals her faith in God. The sermon can be found here.
The initial part of the passage is an encouragement for disciples of Christ to be open to find faith in unexpected people and places. The woman is described as a Gentile. Jesus plays on this fact, even using for her the derogatory term that some Jews used for such folk, calling her a ‘dog’. She turns the phrase around and reminds Him that even the puppies under the table were able to enjoy the crumbs! Acknowledging her faith, Jesus responds, and healing comes into the situation.
The second part of the passage concerns the healing of a deaf/mute man. Jesus takes him aside, and prays (with a sigh) "‘Ephphatah’, which as we’ve seen means, "Be open". Again healing comes into the situation.
In an age when Christianity is increasingly becoming marginalised and many congregations have witnessed more prosperous days, surely Jesus invites us to "be opened". To stretch our faith and believe that this is a time when He is still working in unexpected ways through unexpected people in unexpected places.
We may, like Jesus, make this prayer with a sigh. It would be easier if there were a comprehensive, one size fits all blueprints to follow, but discipleship has never worked that way!
We can apply this to our personal lives.
Prayer: Lord, in our lives together as Your people and in our individual journeys of faith guide us to be opened to the possibilities of change and renewal that Your love can bring. Amen.
The initial part of the passage is an encouragement for disciples of Christ to be open to find faith in unexpected people and places. The woman is described as a Gentile. Jesus plays on this fact, even using for her the derogatory term that some Jews used for such folk, calling her a ‘dog’. She turns the phrase around and reminds Him that even the puppies under the table were able to enjoy the crumbs! Acknowledging her faith, Jesus responds, and healing comes into the situation.
The second part of the passage concerns the healing of a deaf/mute man. Jesus takes him aside, and prays (with a sigh) "‘Ephphatah’, which as we’ve seen means, "Be open". Again healing comes into the situation.
In an age when Christianity is increasingly becoming marginalised and many congregations have witnessed more prosperous days, surely Jesus invites us to "be opened". To stretch our faith and believe that this is a time when He is still working in unexpected ways through unexpected people in unexpected places.
We may, like Jesus, make this prayer with a sigh. It would be easier if there were a comprehensive, one size fits all blueprints to follow, but discipleship has never worked that way!
We can apply this to our personal lives.
- Are there situations where we have very little expectation of God working?
- Where are we in need of ‘being opened’?
- What is there in our lives that would cause Jesus to sigh?
- To what or to whom are we blind?
- Where should we be speaking out instead of remaining mute?
Prayer: Lord, in our lives together as Your people and in our individual journeys of faith guide us to be opened to the possibilities of change and renewal that Your love can bring. Amen.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Human Precepts or Holy Doctrines?
The prophet Isaiah brings stinging words. "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as holy doctrines.' In our Scripture passage from Mark 7:1-23 Jesus pulls no punches. He accuses the Pharisees of ‘play-acting’ religion and going through the motions without their hearts really being in it.
Sermon can be found here.
How can we avoid falling into the traps Jesus condemns?
1. Listen and understand.
Go beyond what people say and look to the Scriptures. We live in a day when people read a lot about the Bible without actually going to the source to understand for themselves. The most important commentary is that which comes to us through the Holy Spirit as we apply ourselves to prayerful reading of God’s Word.
2. Look around and don’t be afraid.
God is at work in our world in so many different ways and places. God remains the awesome Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of all that is! As we engage with others in reflection and conversation it can be surprising where God shows up. Be open!
3. Let God be God
Mark 7:21-23 "For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Never try and put God out of a job. God knows how messed up we can be. God knows how to fix things. The only way to change the human heart is to let God be God.
Prayer: Lord, save us from making ourselves the center of our own tiny little worlds. Teach us to read Your Word with anticipation, to recognize your love at work in those around us and to allow you the space to accomplish those things You desire in our lives. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Sermon can be found here.
How can we avoid falling into the traps Jesus condemns?
1. Listen and understand.
Go beyond what people say and look to the Scriptures. We live in a day when people read a lot about the Bible without actually going to the source to understand for themselves. The most important commentary is that which comes to us through the Holy Spirit as we apply ourselves to prayerful reading of God’s Word.
2. Look around and don’t be afraid.
God is at work in our world in so many different ways and places. God remains the awesome Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of all that is! As we engage with others in reflection and conversation it can be surprising where God shows up. Be open!
3. Let God be God
Mark 7:21-23 "For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Never try and put God out of a job. God knows how messed up we can be. God knows how to fix things. The only way to change the human heart is to let God be God.
Prayer: Lord, save us from making ourselves the center of our own tiny little worlds. Teach us to read Your Word with anticipation, to recognize your love at work in those around us and to allow you the space to accomplish those things You desire in our lives. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
RALLY DAY APPROACHES - Prayers needed!
Rally Day will be observed here in Baldwin on Sunday September 13th when we shall celebrate the beginning of our full schedule of Sunday School for our Young folk and Adult Forum for the not so young by sharing together in a picnic after worship. Rally Day also marks the beginning of a new season in our churches life.
Three things I would ask you to pray about in particular during the coming months.
1. Kingdom Kids. Starting Tuesday 15th of September, from 4-5 p.m, we are launching an activity hour for kids (2nd thru 5th Grade). Aimed at our own church kids and hopefully their friends, we aim to provide an evening of games, songs, activities and stories to build both fellowship and faith amongst our youngest ones.
2. Youth and Adult Study. I would dearly love to start some kind of youth meeting for our older youth… both Middle School and High School. I’m currently thinking of having something on a Sunday evening… and seeing how that works. I realize so many of our youth have overflowing schedules that the last thing I want is to place more burdens on their time. Hopefully we can create a space in their week that brings the kind of spiritual growth that enables them to better use the time they have!
Also some adult folk have mentioned the possibility of a bible study group… again the major difficulty appears to be making room in our schedules. Please keep listening for announcements and praying God will guide us as to how best we can be in fellowship around His Word.
3. Stewardship. It goes without saying that in order for God’s Kingdom to grow there has to be a corresponding commitment of our time, talents and treasures. You may have noticed in your own life how God’s blessings are related to our willingness to offer our lives to God. We cannot reap the rewards of that which we are not prepared to sow. In order for there to be a great harvest there has to be an overflowing of sowing!
Thanks for your prayers, concerns and suggestions. Let us continue to trust in God to guide us and lead us.
Monday, August 24, 2009
To Whom Can We Go?
Sermon can be found here.
In our bible passage (John 6:56-69) Jesus is offering the people some difficult teaching. Many, who came flocking when free bread was on offer, are now turning away from Him. He continues to lay down the challenge, asking those closest to Him if they also were going to hit the road. Peter gives the reply: "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”
Some insights gained from this passage:
We may have to travel through days of decline before we see growth.
It seems crazy that somebody seeking followers would be acting in such a way as to drive people away from Him! Yet with hindsight we see how Jesus was sorting out the true followers from the fair weather ones. Stormy days were ahead and disciples whose faith was not genuine would be lost.
Spiritual growth has those times when we seem like we are taking more steps backward than we are forging forward. God has to weed out of our lives habits or tendencies that further down the road may cause us to lose our devotion. Times of dryness or struggle are not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith. There are times when faith only grows by being put to the test.
Knowing who and what we believe is so important
Peter’s confession reveals that he had truly grasped the significance of who Jesus was:- the Holy One of God who gave to his life an eternal dimension that he could never find anywhere else.
The routines of bible study and prayer are a discipline to help us deepen our relationship with God. They remind us of who God is and what we are called to do. When we let such disciplines go by the wayside, our faith suffers and we start searching for other things to be our ‘daily bread’.
Our calling is to be faithful.
In a culture where everybody has more of everything than they could ever need, being a disciple (and calling others to discipleship) is never going to be easy. Yet we must persevere. Why? We have the words of eternal life. We have the message of Jesus Christ’s love for all people. We have something to offer that people can’t find anywhere else.
A prayer “Lord, we would like our spiritual journeys to be plain sailing. Yet we are very much aware that it doesn’t work that way. You want to dig deep down into our motives and desires and we don’t always want to go there! You call us to depend on You for all things yet we go seeking other sources for our daily bread. Bring us to that place of confession where we can say with Peter “Lord, To whom else can we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. Amen”
In our bible passage (John 6:56-69) Jesus is offering the people some difficult teaching. Many, who came flocking when free bread was on offer, are now turning away from Him. He continues to lay down the challenge, asking those closest to Him if they also were going to hit the road. Peter gives the reply: "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”
Some insights gained from this passage:
We may have to travel through days of decline before we see growth.
It seems crazy that somebody seeking followers would be acting in such a way as to drive people away from Him! Yet with hindsight we see how Jesus was sorting out the true followers from the fair weather ones. Stormy days were ahead and disciples whose faith was not genuine would be lost.
Spiritual growth has those times when we seem like we are taking more steps backward than we are forging forward. God has to weed out of our lives habits or tendencies that further down the road may cause us to lose our devotion. Times of dryness or struggle are not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith. There are times when faith only grows by being put to the test.
Knowing who and what we believe is so important
Peter’s confession reveals that he had truly grasped the significance of who Jesus was:- the Holy One of God who gave to his life an eternal dimension that he could never find anywhere else.
The routines of bible study and prayer are a discipline to help us deepen our relationship with God. They remind us of who God is and what we are called to do. When we let such disciplines go by the wayside, our faith suffers and we start searching for other things to be our ‘daily bread’.
Our calling is to be faithful.
In a culture where everybody has more of everything than they could ever need, being a disciple (and calling others to discipleship) is never going to be easy. Yet we must persevere. Why? We have the words of eternal life. We have the message of Jesus Christ’s love for all people. We have something to offer that people can’t find anywhere else.
A prayer “Lord, we would like our spiritual journeys to be plain sailing. Yet we are very much aware that it doesn’t work that way. You want to dig deep down into our motives and desires and we don’t always want to go there! You call us to depend on You for all things yet we go seeking other sources for our daily bread. Bring us to that place of confession where we can say with Peter “Lord, To whom else can we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. Amen”
Monday, August 17, 2009
Forever Bread
This past week we returned to the Gospel Lectionary passages and focussed on John 6:51-58. The sermon can be found here.
The scripture deals with the proclamation of Jesus as being "the living bread that came down from heaven." We are told; "Whoever eats of this bread will live forever". Such a statement is obviously open to misinterpretation!
The passage makes a link between the bread of which Jesus speaks and the manna that the Israelites were sustained by in the wilderness during the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. Just as God sent manna down from heaven, to feed them and sustain them, God sent Jesus, to walk amongst them and to be the One through whom they could find real life.
Question to consider: ‘How does God sustain our lives? How do we find the ‘real life’ Jesus spoke of’
A re-occurring theme in John’s gospel is that the old has gone and, in Jesus, the new had come. This was not a comforting thought for the religious folk of the day, who thought they had a handle on all things God related!
Question to consider: ‘How open are we to do things in new and different way? Are there any preconceptions that we hold that could prevent God working in and through our lives?"
A great hymn of William Williams (Pantecelyn), much loved by Welsh folk, , has the refrain ‘Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more ‘. The hymn reflects that Jesus IS our forever bread and invites us to feed our lives and our spirits upon His love. Here’s the Choir at the Morriston Tabernacle, Swansea, Wales, with an inspirational rendering of this classic hymn.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oh Absalom
This past Sunday’s Lectionary reading from 2 Samuel 18:5-9+15+31-33 gave us the account of the rebellion and death of David’s son Absalom. Weaving in and out of the story are various power struggles that have come into play because of David’s sin with Bathsheba… an event that broke trust with his family and with his colleagues, such as the army officer Joab (who witnessed the betrayal of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah). The sermon can be found here.
Some lessons from this scripture.
1. People are imitators rather than listeners. They pay more attention to our Christian walk than our Christian talk. Critics of Christianity draw attention to our historical failings no matter how much we talk of the good that is being done in Christ’s name today.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
2. It’s important to find a balance in our life between our commitment to our work and a commitment to our relationships. David failed to give his family the attention he should have done. As a result things happened that could have been avoided. Relationships on the home front are seriously important!
1 Corinthians 7:3 "A husband must give to his wife what she has a right to expect, and so too a wife to her husband."
3. God loves us with the depth of a parent’s love for a child. David cannot but grieve the loss of his son. Although that son is in rebellion, David sees only his lost child. So it is with God. God looks at us with a perfect Father’s eyes.
Matthew 7:9-11 "What man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
A prayer: "Thank You Father for Your inestimable love! Help me to find a balance in my life between my work and the relationships I have with those who are closest to me. Help me to be a disciple of Jesus, not just by word, but by my actions. Strengthen me for Your service through Your Holy Spirit this day. Amen"
Some lessons from this scripture.
1. People are imitators rather than listeners. They pay more attention to our Christian walk than our Christian talk. Critics of Christianity draw attention to our historical failings no matter how much we talk of the good that is being done in Christ’s name today.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
2. It’s important to find a balance in our life between our commitment to our work and a commitment to our relationships. David failed to give his family the attention he should have done. As a result things happened that could have been avoided. Relationships on the home front are seriously important!
1 Corinthians 7:3 "A husband must give to his wife what she has a right to expect, and so too a wife to her husband."
3. God loves us with the depth of a parent’s love for a child. David cannot but grieve the loss of his son. Although that son is in rebellion, David sees only his lost child. So it is with God. God looks at us with a perfect Father’s eyes.
Matthew 7:9-11 "What man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
A prayer: "Thank You Father for Your inestimable love! Help me to find a balance in my life between my work and the relationships I have with those who are closest to me. Help me to be a disciple of Jesus, not just by word, but by my actions. Strengthen me for Your service through Your Holy Spirit this day. Amen"
Trinity Youth Conference
Last week Brian Achille and myself travelled to Schellsburg, PA, to participate in TYC, a Youth Conference hosted by the Synod of the Trinity. This years theme was 'Always Loved'.A typical day at TYC begins with morning watch, a devotional time for thought and prayer before breakfast. After breakfast some warm up songs are usually shared before folk head off to participate in two morning workshops. My particular responsibility was a class investigating World Religions.
A significant part of the afternoon is spent in small groups known as 'Heads Together' (or just HT) where people get a chance to know each other and discuss how the week is going. Whilst the groups follow a pre-prepared syllabus there is also a lot of flexibility so each HT takes on a life of it's own!
Afternoon free time offers a chance to participate in games, hang out or take a nap.
Each evening an all-camp activity takes place. An all-camp game, a skit night, and Talent show all featured as part of the week. Central to the evenings is also a time of worship, the preacher this year being Heather Schoenewolf, associate pastor at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh. Much singing, under the leadership of Max Keefer, kept things moving along!Wednesday afternoon we all head out to Shawnee Lake where swimming and volley ball are amongst the attractions to enjoy. A picnic is followed by an outdoor worship service amongst some beautiful scenery.
It was a good year. Our faith was refreshed. Old friendships were renewed and new ones made. And it's only 51 weeks till the next time!
Monday, July 27, 2009
David and Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11:1-15 is one of the saddest phases of David’s life. Having reached a level of success and complacency he stupidly succumbs to temptation after spying on Bathsheba from a distance. As Sir Walter Scott, Scottish author & novelist, (1771 – 1832) once penned "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"The sermon can be found here.
Some thoughts to ponder
1. Our temptations may not be the same as David’s, nor our station in life be as prominent as that which David had attained, but whenever we compromise on our beliefs it creates waves. What are our personal struggles?
2. David fell badly and went through a process of denial before there could be restoration. Are there areas in our own lives where we struggle to face the truth of our situation?
3. Through repentance the unexpected took place. God forgave David. For sure there was a price that he paid for his wrongdoing, but the final word rested with God. Be assured that our God is in the business, not of condemnation, but rebuilding. Because Christ died for our sins, there truly is hope for us all to overcome whatever may drag us down.
Psalm 51 includes the introduction "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." It is one of the greatest prayers of repentance in the whole Bible. Here’s some excerpts from ‘The Message’ transliteration by Eugene Petersen. It’s a wonderful prayer that we can all relate to.
"Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in Your laundry. You're the One I've violated, and You've seen it all. You have all the facts before You; whatever You decide about me is fair.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. Soak me in Your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to Your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with Your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please You, a flawless performance is nothing to You. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice"
Some thoughts to ponder
1. Our temptations may not be the same as David’s, nor our station in life be as prominent as that which David had attained, but whenever we compromise on our beliefs it creates waves. What are our personal struggles?
2. David fell badly and went through a process of denial before there could be restoration. Are there areas in our own lives where we struggle to face the truth of our situation?
3. Through repentance the unexpected took place. God forgave David. For sure there was a price that he paid for his wrongdoing, but the final word rested with God. Be assured that our God is in the business, not of condemnation, but rebuilding. Because Christ died for our sins, there truly is hope for us all to overcome whatever may drag us down.
Psalm 51 includes the introduction "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." It is one of the greatest prayers of repentance in the whole Bible. Here’s some excerpts from ‘The Message’ transliteration by Eugene Petersen. It’s a wonderful prayer that we can all relate to.
"Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in Your laundry. You're the One I've violated, and You've seen it all. You have all the facts before You; whatever You decide about me is fair.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. Soak me in Your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to Your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with Your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please You, a flawless performance is nothing to You. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice"
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Amazing Grace
The hymn Amazing Grace has featured in a number of our recent events, both joyful and solemn. Here's a video about it's author.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Big Picture
This weeks sermon THE BIG PICTURE
In our reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-14 David seeks to build a temple to house the Ark of God. At first it seems like a grand idea. But God had bigger ideas than just building a temple. He was building a Kingdom.
We learn important lessons for our own spiritual journeys from this passage.
1.Attempting the small things leads to the bigger things. Whilst David didn’t have his focus entirely correct, he at least attempted to do something! It often seems that way in our spiritual journeys. Doing something is always better than doing . God can use that ‘something’ in ways we never expected.
Is there a project you have been putting off? Maybe it’s time to launch out and test the waters. It may not turn out exactly as you planned, but if you allow God to lead and guide you then there is no telling where it may lead!
2. Accomplishments are stepping stones not standing stones. A journey is a journey. In Christian life we never arrive. We reach milestones along the way but our final destination is not of this world. Wherever we are now (however good or bad it may seem) is a stepping stone towards further growth.
Be thankful to God for where life has led you thus far. You have learnt many lessons. You have had your share of accomplishments and failures. But don’t allow yourself the luxury of thinking ‘that’s it’. Ask God to continue to lead you and guide you through His Holy Spirit.
3. Appetizers are good, but the dessert is out of this world! One of the re-occuring messages of Scripture is that ‘The best is yet to come.’ We are encouraged to live as though all of the experiences that come our way are a prelude to something greater.
Try and think things through from the perspective of a bigger picture… namely the framework of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. You are a deeply loved child of a God whom knows all that you are travelling through and has your ultimate best in mind.
In our reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-14 David seeks to build a temple to house the Ark of God. At first it seems like a grand idea. But God had bigger ideas than just building a temple. He was building a Kingdom.
We learn important lessons for our own spiritual journeys from this passage.
1.Attempting the small things leads to the bigger things. Whilst David didn’t have his focus entirely correct, he at least attempted to do something! It often seems that way in our spiritual journeys. Doing something is always better than doing . God can use that ‘something’ in ways we never expected.
Is there a project you have been putting off? Maybe it’s time to launch out and test the waters. It may not turn out exactly as you planned, but if you allow God to lead and guide you then there is no telling where it may lead!
2. Accomplishments are stepping stones not standing stones. A journey is a journey. In Christian life we never arrive. We reach milestones along the way but our final destination is not of this world. Wherever we are now (however good or bad it may seem) is a stepping stone towards further growth.
Be thankful to God for where life has led you thus far. You have learnt many lessons. You have had your share of accomplishments and failures. But don’t allow yourself the luxury of thinking ‘that’s it’. Ask God to continue to lead you and guide you through His Holy Spirit.
3. Appetizers are good, but the dessert is out of this world! One of the re-occuring messages of Scripture is that ‘The best is yet to come.’ We are encouraged to live as though all of the experiences that come our way are a prelude to something greater.
Try and think things through from the perspective of a bigger picture… namely the framework of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. You are a deeply loved child of a God whom knows all that you are travelling through and has your ultimate best in mind.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Davids Dizzy Dance
Our reading from 2 Samuel 6: 12-19 gave us an account of the return of the Ark (a symbol of the Presence of God) to Jerusalem and a procession in which David danced for joy, much to the disapproval of his wife Michal. The sermon is here: "David's Dizzy Dance"
Some thoughts to ponder…
1. David appeared to have a paralyzing fear of the Ark… and by implication of God. In our day many profess an over familiarity with God (For example I met somebody the other day wearing a T-Shirt declaring ‘Jesus is my homeboy’). How do we maintain a healthy balance between living in awe of God whilst also entering into a personal relationship with God?
2. David danced ‘with all his might’ before the Ark. At the same time the procession was one which had form and order. Both were expressions of worship. How can we find a balance in worship between form and freedom?
3. David’s embittered wife Michal was so focussed on David that she failed to see the significance of the occasion. How can we avoid focussing on people and remain focussed on God?
A Prayer.
Lord our God, all powerful and glorious, we seek to have a sense of awe in Your presence whilst knowing You in a real and personal way through Jesus Christ. Help us to have neither a paralyzing fear of Your ways, nor an over familiarity with Your love. Teach us what it means for us to worship You ‘with all our might’. Help us to always keep our focus where it should be, on You, not upon each other. Amen.
Some thoughts to ponder…
1. David appeared to have a paralyzing fear of the Ark… and by implication of God. In our day many profess an over familiarity with God (For example I met somebody the other day wearing a T-Shirt declaring ‘Jesus is my homeboy’). How do we maintain a healthy balance between living in awe of God whilst also entering into a personal relationship with God?
2. David danced ‘with all his might’ before the Ark. At the same time the procession was one which had form and order. Both were expressions of worship. How can we find a balance in worship between form and freedom?
3. David’s embittered wife Michal was so focussed on David that she failed to see the significance of the occasion. How can we avoid focussing on people and remain focussed on God?
A Prayer.
Lord our God, all powerful and glorious, we seek to have a sense of awe in Your presence whilst knowing You in a real and personal way through Jesus Christ. Help us to have neither a paralyzing fear of Your ways, nor an over familiarity with Your love. Teach us what it means for us to worship You ‘with all our might’. Help us to always keep our focus where it should be, on You, not upon each other. Amen.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Answer that Call
Sermon can be found here... Answer that Call.
Our reading from 2 Samuel 5:1-10 gave us the account of David’s ascendancy to Kingship. Some reflections on the passage.
1. God calls people. All of us have a calling on our life. We are called to general things. To love God and love others. To worship. To change from doing things our way to doing things God’s way. There are also particular calls. To some particular role in secular service or in our working life. To serve as an elder or deacon. To preach or teach. There are as many different calls as we are different people!
2. When God calls people, people confirm the call. The people around David recognized him as the one who should take on the mantle of leadership. When God calls us to particular acts of service, that call is confirmed through those around us. There are also usually voices of dissent. Discernment is needed!
3. When God calls us to something, God helps us to meet the challenge. We are never called to work independent from God but always to work with God. God provides the resources we need and strengthens us to face the challenges through His Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Ask God to help you discern the call that is over your life. Trust that God is able to guide you through the actions of others, both positive and negative! Believe that as Jesus calls you to follow, He also equips you for service through His Holy Spirit.
Our reading from 2 Samuel 5:1-10 gave us the account of David’s ascendancy to Kingship. Some reflections on the passage.
1. God calls people. All of us have a calling on our life. We are called to general things. To love God and love others. To worship. To change from doing things our way to doing things God’s way. There are also particular calls. To some particular role in secular service or in our working life. To serve as an elder or deacon. To preach or teach. There are as many different calls as we are different people!
2. When God calls people, people confirm the call. The people around David recognized him as the one who should take on the mantle of leadership. When God calls us to particular acts of service, that call is confirmed through those around us. There are also usually voices of dissent. Discernment is needed!
3. When God calls us to something, God helps us to meet the challenge. We are never called to work independent from God but always to work with God. God provides the resources we need and strengthens us to face the challenges through His Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Ask God to help you discern the call that is over your life. Trust that God is able to guide you through the actions of others, both positive and negative! Believe that as Jesus calls you to follow, He also equips you for service through His Holy Spirit.
Hecksher Park Camping Weekend
This coming weekend a number of folk are heading out to Hecksher Park for a camping weekend. Guests are also invited to join them for the day on Saturday, or just stay part of the time. Call the Church Office if you need more details :-)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
First Visit to a Long Island Presbytery Meeting
Tuesday I had my first taste of L.I. Presbytery, attending their stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn. Much business was accomplished, decently and in order. There was much food for thought. One highlight for myself was the examination of a Korean born candidate for ministry, associated with the church in Bethpage; Jungsuk Seo.
He spoke of how in Korea, whilst they had great enthusiasm for mission, sometimes they lacked training and expertise such as we have in the West. It was such insights that he hoped to gain through training for ministry in the USA. I could not help but think that we had a lot to learn from his experiences. He had served in numerous situations including time as a missionary in Kazakhstan.
We have more than enough training, information and programs, but what we sophisticated Westerners plainly lack is the enthusiasm and passion for the things of God's Kingdom so evident in this young mans life.
The sermon at Presbytery was given by Rev. Pamela Szurek who spoke on Jesus calming the storm. She mentioned the dangers of relying on our self-sufficiency in dealing with our fears... when what was really needed was to wake Jesus up! Thankfully, the option of allowing Christ to reignite our spiritual life, is always there :-)
Of course there was a whole lot more reporting and discussing... but its good amidst all the business to find those little inspirational nuggets.
He spoke of how in Korea, whilst they had great enthusiasm for mission, sometimes they lacked training and expertise such as we have in the West. It was such insights that he hoped to gain through training for ministry in the USA. I could not help but think that we had a lot to learn from his experiences. He had served in numerous situations including time as a missionary in Kazakhstan.
We have more than enough training, information and programs, but what we sophisticated Westerners plainly lack is the enthusiasm and passion for the things of God's Kingdom so evident in this young mans life.
The sermon at Presbytery was given by Rev. Pamela Szurek who spoke on Jesus calming the storm. She mentioned the dangers of relying on our self-sufficiency in dealing with our fears... when what was really needed was to wake Jesus up! Thankfully, the option of allowing Christ to reignite our spiritual life, is always there :-)
Of course there was a whole lot more reporting and discussing... but its good amidst all the business to find those little inspirational nuggets.
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