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.
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