Words of Christ...Matthew 6: 34
"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today".
As I think back over the years of all the New Year Resolutions I've made, and not kept, one resolution that I don't remember ever making was to have another year just like the past year. I suppose that this is evidence that at the time I did not think that I had a very satisfying year. Looking back, I assess the years differently than I did at the moment. I have years that I would love to re-live. I had times that are now treasures, yet at the time I was always looking ahead and not embracing those moments as I should have.
What does Jesus mean when he says, "Today's trouble is enough for today."? I think that we are so quick to put this day behind us...looking ahead to tomorrow, that we don't embrace the problems of today which Jesus can use to do good works. We want the troubles to go away instead of wanting them to be a connection to God. We also fail to enjoy the blessings of today. I believe that Jesus is telling us to look at each day as a gift from God, filled with His blessings. Even the troubles are given to us so that we may rely on God, allowing Him to be our God.
As His children, instead of making a New Year Resolution let's make a New Year Proclamation. God will give us day after day of blessing. He will be with us at times of trouble and He will provide all that we need. He will reveal Himself to us as He leads us in ministry and service. The Bible, His words, will sustain us and transform us. We will not worry about tomorrow, because we are worshipping Him today!
Discover and Proclaim the Truth of The Bible which is: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." (John 3:16 NRSV). Jesus came to humanity to proclaim and give evidence to that love and He has commanded us to do the same. We, who believe, must not merely be followers, but we must be proclaimers of the Gospel Message and we can only do that by being filled with the love of God.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
WORSHIP...The Christmas Story...Luke 2: 1 - 38
The birth of Christ as told in Luke, is one of true worship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. From the angels appearing to the shepherds saying "Glory to God in the highest...", the shepherds bowing to Jesus in the manger, and then the stories of Simeon and Anna to whom the Holy Spirit revealed the truth of Jesus. They were led to worship the baby Jesus in the temple and to testify to the glory of God and the salvation that had been born.
Imagine the wonder and the overcoming awe that the shepherds experienced with the heavenly host praising God...getting a glimpse of heaven on earth. Imagine the gladness that Simeon felt when the Holy Spirit fulfilled a promise to him that he would live to see the Messiah and then he was led by the Holy Spirit to the baby Jesus in the temple. And imagine the gift of joy that Anna received when her life of prayer and fasting in worship to God was rewarded by becoming one of the first witnesses to Him and for Him.
In Matthew we read of the three wise men who set out on a journey to worship a King. Their sole purpose was to worship Him and present Him gifts in recognition of His glory.
Today, I am afraid that we fail to worship Him as purely as the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, or the wise men. We want to serve Him, but we also want from Him. We fall short of elevating Him to the glory and wonder that these first witnesses did. The good news is though, that with the help of the Holy Spirit, His glory is revealed to us. With the counsel of the Holy Spirit, His truth and His love draw us closer to Him; and with the help of His Spirit, we can join the heavenly host in worshipping Him.
Have a WONDER...filled and WORSHIP...filled Christmas.
Imagine the wonder and the overcoming awe that the shepherds experienced with the heavenly host praising God...getting a glimpse of heaven on earth. Imagine the gladness that Simeon felt when the Holy Spirit fulfilled a promise to him that he would live to see the Messiah and then he was led by the Holy Spirit to the baby Jesus in the temple. And imagine the gift of joy that Anna received when her life of prayer and fasting in worship to God was rewarded by becoming one of the first witnesses to Him and for Him.
In Matthew we read of the three wise men who set out on a journey to worship a King. Their sole purpose was to worship Him and present Him gifts in recognition of His glory.
Today, I am afraid that we fail to worship Him as purely as the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, or the wise men. We want to serve Him, but we also want from Him. We fall short of elevating Him to the glory and wonder that these first witnesses did. The good news is though, that with the help of the Holy Spirit, His glory is revealed to us. With the counsel of the Holy Spirit, His truth and His love draw us closer to Him; and with the help of His Spirit, we can join the heavenly host in worshipping Him.
Have a WONDER...filled and WORSHIP...filled Christmas.
Friday, December 17, 2010
CRUMC...Sunday Sermon Sneak Preview Class
We had no class this week because Wednesday evening we had a meal for the homeless people staying at the Mission in Citrus, a full bus from what I heard. The church had a great turn out and the youth of our church were wonderful hosts of the dinner. We have several members who quietly and anonymously support the mission throughout the year, but this was truly a blessed night.
I heard a message yesterday and a pastor mentioned that Christmas is about God putting a face on His grace. Of course that is the face of Jesus, but it is also the face of all who serve God by being the hands and love of Christ's living Spirit. Jesus' face shone brightly Wednesday evening at Crystal River United Methodist Church as members of His body joyfully and lovingly fed those who are homeless and hungry. There were smiles on every face and there was truly a sense of welcome and comfort around the tables. I guess Jesus was just letting us know that we all belong and are part of His family.
I heard a message yesterday and a pastor mentioned that Christmas is about God putting a face on His grace. Of course that is the face of Jesus, but it is also the face of all who serve God by being the hands and love of Christ's living Spirit. Jesus' face shone brightly Wednesday evening at Crystal River United Methodist Church as members of His body joyfully and lovingly fed those who are homeless and hungry. There were smiles on every face and there was truly a sense of welcome and comfort around the tables. I guess Jesus was just letting us know that we all belong and are part of His family.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunday, Dec.12, 2010...Sermon Scripture: Isaiah 35
As a class, we seemed to struggle with this scripture. It is a prophesy which points to the total healing that God will deliver to the Jews, and we concluded that the delivery is Jesus. I think the struggle we had was out of conviction that we have failed to receive the fullness that Jesus offers, which should make us a joyful group of people in this otherwise lost world.
The beginning verses give us a beautiful picture of God's creation rejoicing and blossoming. It also talks about the healing God will bring to the lame, the blind, and the deaf plus a birth of hope and promise from God. We agreed that the chapter is one of promise and assurance that God will deliver us. We should be full of joy.
Verse 8: "A highway shall be there, and it will be called the Holy Way (Way of Holiness...NIV); the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people." We know that Jesus said that He is the Way, so this Holy Way is truly the gift of Jesus, who leads us down the path where we receive all the promises He has outlined. I believe that this scripture points to the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our guide and counsellor on our daily walk. He leads us, brings us back, and shows us all the glory that is God.
Isaiah showed us what God did for the world when He gave us Jesus. The world was ransomed by His blood and we are redeemed. We are identified with Christ and God's fullness lives within us via the Holy Spirit. We are one with God just as Christ is one with Him. If we would all pray and seek that oneness we will be the joy that God talks about. We will travel that Way of Holiness, set apart from the world and a light unto it...all according to God's plan and promise.
The beginning verses give us a beautiful picture of God's creation rejoicing and blossoming. It also talks about the healing God will bring to the lame, the blind, and the deaf plus a birth of hope and promise from God. We agreed that the chapter is one of promise and assurance that God will deliver us. We should be full of joy.
Verse 8: "A highway shall be there, and it will be called the Holy Way (Way of Holiness...NIV); the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people." We know that Jesus said that He is the Way, so this Holy Way is truly the gift of Jesus, who leads us down the path where we receive all the promises He has outlined. I believe that this scripture points to the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our guide and counsellor on our daily walk. He leads us, brings us back, and shows us all the glory that is God.
Isaiah showed us what God did for the world when He gave us Jesus. The world was ransomed by His blood and we are redeemed. We are identified with Christ and God's fullness lives within us via the Holy Spirit. We are one with God just as Christ is one with Him. If we would all pray and seek that oneness we will be the joy that God talks about. We will travel that Way of Holiness, set apart from the world and a light unto it...all according to God's plan and promise.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010...Matthew 3: 1-12
The NIV Bible titles this passage "John The Baptist Prepares The Way". As we recognize the Advent Season, the expectant waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus, we found these verses to be a true call for action, not so much waiting. I believe that John realized that the waiting period was over, and the preparation/ action time had arrived with Jesus.
Our Wednesday class talked about the preparation John the Baptist brought to light; Repentance. John's message was of repentance as being the first step toward receiving all that the Kingdom has to offer. Repentance requires recognition and confession of our sins. It is also an acknowledgement of our need for a Savior, forgiveness and redemption. And it is an awareness that sins have consequences. John knew that repentance was absolutely necessary in order for Jesus to find a place for His Kingdom to be established...in our hearts.
We also talked about John the Baptist Seizing the Moment. John recognized the importance of his mission, the purpose, and the urgency. Why does the Bible tell us what John was wearing, what he ate, and that he lived in the wilderness? In verse 5 we are told that people went out to him from Jerusalem. I think that God wants to make sure that we realize that people will seek us out, not because we fit in, but because they will recognize that we have a message they need to hear. John knew that those who came were seeking only what God could give them. John was quick to point out that he was just a messenger ( v.11..."But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry."). He was not the One who could save them. He knew who he was serving and he pointed to Jesus as the king they were searching for.
During this Advent Season, we need to pray that we are prepared to sieze the moment, knowing that God will send people to us who need to hear of the redemption available to all who repent of their sins and acknowledge their need for the grace available through Jesus.
Our Wednesday class talked about the preparation John the Baptist brought to light; Repentance. John's message was of repentance as being the first step toward receiving all that the Kingdom has to offer. Repentance requires recognition and confession of our sins. It is also an acknowledgement of our need for a Savior, forgiveness and redemption. And it is an awareness that sins have consequences. John knew that repentance was absolutely necessary in order for Jesus to find a place for His Kingdom to be established...in our hearts.
We also talked about John the Baptist Seizing the Moment. John recognized the importance of his mission, the purpose, and the urgency. Why does the Bible tell us what John was wearing, what he ate, and that he lived in the wilderness? In verse 5 we are told that people went out to him from Jerusalem. I think that God wants to make sure that we realize that people will seek us out, not because we fit in, but because they will recognize that we have a message they need to hear. John knew that those who came were seeking only what God could give them. John was quick to point out that he was just a messenger ( v.11..."But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry."). He was not the One who could save them. He knew who he was serving and he pointed to Jesus as the king they were searching for.
During this Advent Season, we need to pray that we are prepared to sieze the moment, knowing that God will send people to us who need to hear of the redemption available to all who repent of their sins and acknowledge their need for the grace available through Jesus.
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