Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Evil

Scripture:  Revelation 11-13


Observation:  
This section brought two things to my mind.  1) An epic film.  It seemed like a Harry Potter or a Lord of the Rings movie or something like that.  Can't you see it?  2) Evil is all around us, isn't it?  And at the end of this section, evil seems to be winning...


Application:    
I honestly spend too much time watching the TV show Criminal Minds.  I love trying to figure things out.  I love the characters.  But the personification of evil on the show cannot be denied.  And in a lot of ways, that's what the text shows us.  There's a dragon and two beasts and more.  They control everything!  Our world may not be that exactly--but evil shows itself clearly every day.


The coworker who has it out for you.  The way that awful word slips out of your mouth in traffic.  The feelings of jealousy or rage that cause you to do things you never meant to do.  The way people cheat on their spouses or hurt small children.  People who break into cars or homes or pick pockets!  I could go on, but you know what I mean.  


I guess the question is, how do we handle evil?  How do we guard ourselves against it?  And more, how do we keep our world from letting evil win?  I pray that I can always keep my eye on the Truth.  On God. And that my love, God's love will always be stronger than the evil.  I know the Lamb is coming.  I just hope he hurries!

Prayer:  Oh, Lamb of God!  Let me always look for your love.  Let me always see your grace.  Let me fight evil at every turn--not with sticks and stones and more evil, but with  your love and grace.  In your holy name, I pray.  Amen.


Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

What does God look like?

Scripture--Revelation 8-10


Observation--We are about to begin a series in Revive examining images or attributes of God.    So I've been thinking and praying a lot about what God looks like.  What God IS like.  How God acts.


And the more I study and pray.  The more I realize I know so little!  I love to put God in my box and make God act and behave and look like I need or want or picture!


Today's lesson reminded me of this again!  Did you hear all the awful things that happened?  Locusts that ate the people.  Hail and Fire.  Mountains thrown into the sea.  Stars flung into the depths of the earth.  This doesn't sound like the God I know.  It scares me and saddens me.


Application:
But, I don't have to understand God, for God to be good.  I don't have to like what happens for me to love God.  I think of it like people.  I don't always like people. I shouldn't admit that--I'm a pastor, I should like everyone!  But I don't.  Sometimes people grate on my nerves.  Sometimes I've asked for things 10,000,000 times and its still not on my desk, or in my hands.  Sometimes people say mean things or do evil.  I don't always like people.   


But that's the beauty of being Christian.  I don't always like people--but I always love them.  I love them despite.  I love them because that's my call.  And if I believe that God works the same way--that God loves through everything--then if God is really like this--bringing wrath--then there must be something behind it.  I don't have to understand everything that happens, but I have to love inspite of it.


If I can love people when they are unlovable.  I surely can love God when I'm not sure I agree.  I love God. I honor God. I worship God.  And for today, that's more important than understanding Revelation!


Prayer:  God, you are amazing.  Let me remember you are bigger than I am.  Better than I know.  Let me be small, so you can be great.  Let me be still so you can work.  Let me be quiet so you can speak.  Amen.


Blessings--
Pastor Emily

Monday, August 29, 2011

Housekeeping

A couple of questions I NEED answered:


1) Is everyone up for ice cream on 9/11?  I don't want to plan it, if people can't come.


2) What next?  I think we definitely take at least a week off--but then what?
a) Do we just stop completely?
b) Do I just use this blog for weekly updates/meditations?
c) Do we start a new study?


My thoughts on a new study would be like this--

  • It would be topical--you all could help me but like:  Prayer or Stories we don't always study or Prophets or Big Questions or a specific Book
  • We'd read no more than 3 chapters a week--normally fewer! 
  • On Monday I'd post the scripture and some questions to think about/respond to.
  • On Thursday or Friday I'd post a meditation/blog response.  Then we'd respond again.
It would be less work, and there would be more chances to catch up.  Thoughts?

Cast your votes now my friends!  I'm up for whatever you are up for!  This has been a great journey!

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 


Worship

Scripture--Revelation 4-6

Observation:
The picture of total worship in Revelation 4 always chokes me up.  See in 4:8?  They never rest day or night, but keep on saying,
   “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
   who was and is and is coming.”


Application: 
Do you worship like that?  Do you live your life like that?

Often we are so busy doing, that we forget our lives are to be worship, all the time.  We forget that our lives are to be about praising God!  By our actions.  By our convictions.  By our speech.  Are you worshping the God who was and is and is to come?

Let us find a time in our lives today to worship God.  Maybe singing in the car.  Maybe helping the homeless person.  Maybe loving someone who is unloveable.  Let us find a way to worship God.

Prayer:
Almighty and Everlasting God--You are amazing.  You are mighty.  You are my All in all.  Thank you for your blessings.  Thank you for your forgiveness.  Thank you for your love.  In Your name I pray.  Amen.

Blessings--
Pastor Emily

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Scripture--Revelation 1-3--
I'm not sure its worth our time going into all the debates about Revelation (note its a singular--not Revelations. "John" only had one dream!).  All Apocalyptic literature is symbolic and literary and full of things we may never understand.  Perhaps what is laid out in Revelation will happen one day.  Maybe its just a parable to help us understand how we are to live--but either way, lets jump into this book trying to figure out what it is that God is saying to us.

For more information on the debates see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Revelation

Observation:
I loved the prophesy to each of the churches.  What do you think God would say to Kennesaw?  Or to your church?  Or to you and your family.  Reading those lists got me thinking.  What would God say to me.

Application:
Sometimes I wish I could just have an email or a phone call from God.  I'd even take a handwritten card!  I wish God would just make the desires of his heart known.  Oh, sure, God guides us, but sometimes it would be easier if we had them written out. 

But, I wonder if this is better.  If this means we have to search and seek and learn to listen.   We don't always listen very well.  We don't always hear or pay attention.  I pray that today I pay attention better. So, Jesus doesn't have to send me a letter.  So I already know his heart.

Prayer:  God, I'm looking for you.  In the faces of the people I see.  In the whispers of prayers.  In your scripture.  Sharpen my senses, so that I can see you.  In your name I pray.  Amen.

Blessings! 
Pastor Emily

Saturday, August 27, 2011


Scripture--2 John-3 John, Jude

Three books in one day!  Wow, we've come a long way!  And besides, do you see that we only have ONE BOOK LEFT AFTER TODAY!  WOW!

Observation:
Two things grabbed me today:
1) Jude 20-23-"But you, dear friends: build each other up on the foundation of your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep each other in the love of God, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will give you eternal life,  Have mercy on those who doubt. Save some by snatching them from the fire.  Fearing God, have mercy on some, hating even the clothing contaminated by their sinful urges."

2) 2 John 12 "I have a lot to tell you.  I don't want to use paper and ink, but I hope to visit you and talk with you face-to-face, so that our joy can be complete!"

Application:
I wish we were more merciful on those who doubt.  I wish we did more to build each other up on the foundations of holy faith.  I feel like as "Christians" worldwide we do more to push away people with doubts and step on each other than we do building each other up. It just makes me sad!

But, what really hit me in the 2 John passage was that I'm excited to tell you all things FACE-TO-FACE!  Don't forget--4 pm on Sunday, September 11th--Ice Cream!  The place is still TBD, since I've not gotten us a room!  But don't forget!  Lets meet and talk about how this went!

Prayer:  God, thank you for my friends.  Those who have journeyed this summer with me.  As the temperatures are starting to get slightly cooler, remind us that we still have many miles to journey.  Remind us to build each other up and show each other mercy.  Remind us to love like you.  In your name we pray! Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Friday, August 26, 2011

God is love

Scripture--1 John 4-1 John 5

Observation:
I probably shouldn't have to say this to you by now, but my whole theology of God revolves around passages from 1 John 4.  Its said a couple times (v. 8 and 16 at least!), but "God is love".  That's how I see God.  That's how I see this world--as a way for God to show us how much we are loved and for us to be able to show God how much we love in return.  So, my observation is pretty much all of 1 John 4:7-5:5.

Application:
This always reminds me that its my job to love.  Not to judge--God can do that.  Not to punish--I'm not the world's mom.  Not to question--to love.  To love when they don't deserve it--for I rarely deserve it.  To love when the chips are down--because they seem down a lot lately.  To love when they frustrate me and I'm tired--because they deserve it.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all just loved a little more?

Prayer:
God of Love--Let me love like you do.  Break my heart for what breaks yours.  Remind me that love is more important than anything else.  Let me feel your love more than anything else.  In your precious name--Amen.

LOVE and Blessings!
Pastor Emily 


August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Thursday, August 25, 2011

All you need is love, love, love

Scripture: 1 John 1-3

For more information on this fourth "general" or "catholic" or "universal" letter, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_of_John

Observation:
What a great read today!  (3:18) "Little children, lets not love with words or speech but with action and truth".

(3:1) "See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God's children, and that is what we are!  Because the world didn't recognize him, it doesn't recognize us!"

But what jumped out at me today was the section on God is light.  It sounds a lot like the first chapter of John the gospel!  It even quotes it. 

Application:
Two things stand out to me:

1) "If we claim to have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us!"  Let us never forget that we all sin!  We all make bad choices.  We all mess up.  That should make us more tolerant of ourselves and others--for God loves us all, even though we don't deserve it!

2) I love the play on light.  One of my favorite images of God is that of light.  When I see candles or flames, I remember that God is a light that will never go out. Its probably no wonder that I'm Methodist, since I love the cross and flame so much.  Its probably no wonder that the logo for our new Saturday night worship service, Revive, has a flame.  I see God in the light, in the stars at night, as the light that will always guide my path.  I am so thankful that no matter how dark things are, God is always there--shining through the darkness.

Prayer:
O God of Light--Guide my path.  Bring hope to my hopelessness.  Be the light that shines in my deepest darkest corners.  Let me love you--let your light shine through me!  In your blessed name! Amen.

Blessings--Pastor Emily

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Patience

Scripture--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3

Observation:
I love this,  (3:8-10) "Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a dreadful noise, the elements will be consumed by fire, and the earth and all the works done on it will be exposed."

Application: 
I tweeted this on Saturday, "I am not patient.  It was a virtue God has still not blessed me with yet!"  And its true!  I do not wait well.  5 minutes seems like an eternity.  But these verses were so strong for me.  "with the Lord a single day is like 1,000 years, and 1,000 years are like a single day."  So on those days when I wonder why God won't change things, I have to remember that God is changing things--but on God's time.  That God's ways are sometimes crafty and sneaky like a theif--changing so slowly that you don't even notice.  Its our job to stay true, to keep the faith, and to love--no matter how slow the return is.  I pray that today we all find a big more patience, a bit more love, a bit more understanding.  I pray that I find this virtue!

Prayer: 
Jesus--remind me that your ways are not mine.  That you are bigger than all my fears.  That you are ever changing things, even if I never see them.  Remind me that your time and way is best!  In thy name I pray--AMEN!

Blessings!
Pastor Emily
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

They'll Know We're Christians.....

Scripture--1 Peter 2-5
The author of the next two letters claims to be the Apostle Peter, writing to churches in Asia Minor experiencing religious persecution.

For more information see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_of_Peter


Observation:
It is so clear to me that the author is talking to people who are struggling.  Who are hurting.  I thought a lot about how this would come off to a kid who was being bullied.  Its all the theology my mother taught me so long ago, when I would come home crying that kids picked on me.

(3:9) "Don't pay back evil for evil or insult for insult.  Instead give blessing in return.  You were called to do this so you might inherit a blessing."

or

(4:7b-8) "Therefore, be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray.  Above all show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins".

Application:
Bullying is prevelant in today's schools and homes.  But there have always been people persecuted.  I wonder how the world would be if everyone followed what St. Peter described.  If we never traded insults or "got revenge".  I'll admit to anyone my naievete and Pollyanna-ish attitude, but I really try to live my life this way.  I don't always succeed, but I believe that if you truly love all people, good will happen.  There have been many times in my life this has lead to me being taken advantage of, but I'd rather that happen, then the evil make me a bad person.

I might be in trouble if I'm ever lucky enough to have kids.  I don't think you should hit them back (unless you're playing softball, but that's a story for another day!).  I don't think you should insult them to get even.  I think we all could spend more time loving and killing with kindness.  Maybe then they'll really know that we are Christians by our love.

Prayer:
Jesus, it hurts when others reject us, bully us, insult us.  It hurts when the world's evil seems to prevail.  But we know that you suffered to.  We know that you bled--from your body and from your soul.  Give us a piece of your strength and a full portion of your love, so that we may go out in the world and do your good.  Let us make a difference with our love.  Thank you!  Amen.

Blessings--Pastor Emily

Monday, August 22, 2011

James Again!


Scripture--James 4-1 Peter 1

Observation:
These last two chapters of James talk a lot about how we should treat each other! About how to act when we have disagreements.  About how we treat others.  I love the middle of 5!  (5:13 and following!)  If any of you are suffering, they should pray.  If any of you are happy, they should dance! If any of you are sick, they should call the Elders of the church , and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord!"

Application:
When was the last time you danced when you were happy?  When was the last time you called someone to pray for you?  When was the last time you truly believed that prayer would change your sufferings to joy!

I wish we had a faith community as strong as the one James suggests.  I wish we had a world of communities like this.  Its always my prayer that we can become like this.  Do you think we ever could?

Prayer:  God, thank you for the people in my life who support me.  Thank you for the people in my life who love me.  Thank you for sending me people to love and to support.  Thank you!!!  Amen

August 23--1 Peter 2-1 Peter 5
August 24--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Sunday, August 21, 2011

JAMES!!!!


Scripture--James 1-James 3
We aren't really sure who wrote James.  Tradition tells us that it was James, the brother of Jesus, but there's no evidence to this.  Its a book that Martin Luther called an Epistle of Straw, because it walked a fine line of potential works righteousness.  I think a close reading of James says the exact opposite!  I think a close reading talks more about love and grace than about works!  What do you think?


Observation:  Let me be completely honest.  I love James.  Adore James.  Think this book is amazing.  I teach it every chance I get.  I read it often.  I love it.

And honestly, James 1-3 has way too many good points!

Like, "Count it all joy when you come upon the time of the trial!" (1:2) or "Every Good and perfect gift comes from above" (1:17) or "Just like a lifeless body, so faith without action is dead!" (2:26) or the whole taming the tongue conversation in Chapter 3!  

But what struck me this time was 1:13-15 and the question of whether or not God tempts us!  

Application:  We hear it often--God is just testing you.  God is just tempting you.  I'm not so sure I believe that God does that.  This scripture is clear--we are tempted on our own.  We are the ones who make the choices.  Its the evil that does it to us.  I wonder how much more we could do if we could stand up to temptation.  The temptation to think evil thoughts.  To do evil things.  To eat more than we ought.  Or drink in excess.  To lie when its convenient.  To use our power to manipulate.  To say mean things to ourselves or others.  Let us stand up to our cravings.  Let us do what we can to be better.  Let us love others more and resist evil! 

Prayer:  God, help us stand up to temptation.  Help us resist evil.  Help us love you more than the things of this world.  Help us O Lord.  Hear our cries!  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1
August 23--1 Peter 2-1 Peter 5
August 24--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Faith


Scripture--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13

Observation:
Today and tomorrow probably have two of my favorite bible verses!  Here is the first:  (11:1) "Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see!"

Application:
Lets do a faith check!  Are you hopeful?  Do you believe that what you hope for will happen?  Has happened?  Do you have proof for what you do not see?  Our society asks for proof.  For facts.  Yet, with our faith there's not much we can exactly perfectly point to.  We have to believe.  And its hard!  But its vital to our relationship with God.  With our relationship with others.  So, how is your faith?

So, if its not where you want it to be--what can you do to change it?  To strengthen it?   To revive it?  That's your challenge today!  To see where your faith it--and to fight for it!  To believe in the things you can't see.  To find someone to help you increase your faith.  To find a church service or mission project or quiet place or whatever to help you strengthen it.  I pray your hopes and your faith are strong!

Prayer:
God, sometimes its hard to believe.  Its hard to have faith.  Strengthen our faith.  Increase our hopes. Love us so we have no doubt of your existence.  We want to be close to you.  We want to be yours.  Come into our hearts and make yourself known so that we will follow your ways forever.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1
August 23--1 Peter 2-1 Peter 5
August 24--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Friday, August 19, 2011

Encouragement


Scripture--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10

Observation:
Like Lindsay mentioned earlier this week, this notion of encouraging each other stuck out to me.  In 10:25 Paul reminds us to continue to meet together and to encourage each other!

Application:  
This has been so much fun!  We've been able to encourage each other throughout.  I'm not sure if Paul ever envisioned the internet when he wrote these passages, but I hope that he'd smile with the way we are "meeting together!"  I've spent a lot of time lately arguing with well meaning individuals about why social media is important.  Whenever they balk, I just point to you all!  I point to the success of this bible study, and how its brought together people from all different places and beliefs to studying and being intentional about our faith!  Thank you for journeying through this with me!

Blessings to you all!

Prayer:  
O Spirit of Truth--Thank you for my friends.  Please bless them and encourage them.  Please help open my eyes to those who need your love and encouragement.  Thank you!  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1
August 23--1 Peter 2-1 Peter 5
August 24--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Forgiven and Loved


Scripture--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7

Observation:
Two things today: 
1) I love the end of 5 and the description of needing milk or meat.  Sometimes I am so close to God that God can give me tough meaty things to chew on.  I can work through deep theological questions or tough scripture passages.  But sometimes I'm weak, and just need the simple milk of my favorite hymns or the hugs of sweet children.  One of my mentors in the faith would talk about this a lot.  She'd say, "Emily, I'm in a milk phase right now.  God's feeding me carefully!".  Its a passage that really makes me think!

2) I love the passage in 7:22-28 that describes Jesus as our new priest.  One of the biggest ideals in our theology is that Jesus made a new covenant or promise with God.  That through Jesus we didn't have to give burnt offerings or sacrifices.  That its no longer our responsibility to "make up" for our sins. Because our priest--JESUS--did that for us!   Read it again, and see if you see that!


Application
Do you live as if you are forgiven or as if you are guilty.  I know how I act when I feel guilty about things.  I cower.  I get worried.  I get scared.  I'm not myself.  My mom says that I've never been good at being "sneaky".  You can see when I feel guilty.

Does the world think that you are acting guilty or forgiven?  When we know we are forgiven, we act better to the rest of the world.  We are less judgmental and more loving.  Live into the new covenant. Live into the reality that Jesus has saved you.  Given the ultimate sacrifice.  Paid the ultimate price.



Prayer:  
Redeemer!  Savior!  Lord!  Thank you for paying the price for us!  Thank you for forgiving us!  Let us live into your forgiveness and show the world your love!  In YOUR name! Amen


Blessings!
Pastor Emily








August 19--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1
August 23--1 Peter 2-1 Peter 5
August 24--2 Peter 1-2 Peter 3
August 25--1 John 1-1 John 3
August 26--1 John 4-1 John 5
August 27--2 John-3 John, Jude
August 28--Revelation 1- Revelation 3
August 29--Revelation 4-Revelation 6
August 30--Revelation 7-Revelation 9
August 31--Revelation 10-Revelation 12
September 1--Revelation 13-Revelation 15
September 2--Revelation 16-Revelation 18
September 3--Revelation 19-Revelation 22

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Rest

Scripture:  Hebrews 2-4

Hebrews seems to be very "sermonic" to me.  Like the unknown author was writing a sermon.  The author seems to be clear that he doesn't want Christians to leave the faith and become Jews again.  He also puts Christ at the center of all his theology.  For more information see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Observation:  Its probably no suprise to anyone, that the discussion of rest and sabbath rest and final rest was fascinating to me.  (See the end of 3 and the beginning of 4.)

I underlined it when I first read it, but when I came back just now to write on it, I got completely confused and dumbfounded.  So, for the first time in SoS I went to commentaries to try and better understand.  And now I'm even more confused.

But here is what intrigues me.  The author of Hebrews is making a connection to eternal rest and sabbath rest.  As if rest is something special.  Something we can do as Christians that others may not understand.  That rest here and rest in heaven are some how related.

Application:
I am terrible at slowing down.  I like to be on the move and be busy.  In high school I did every activity I could and played softball hours a day.  I'd come home and do hours more homework than necessary and read a complete book.  In college I worked and played softball and was in a sorority and took 19+ hours.  In seminary, I worked a 30+ hour a week corporate job, a 20+ hour a week ministry job and full time school.  I like to be busy!  So, this idea of sabbath rest has always been hard for me.  I feel like I'm loafing.  Not doing what I am supposed to.

But verses like this remind me that Mary was right to sit at Jesus' feet.  They remind me that I have to slow down--that this was a commandment, something God needed and wanted from me.  That I am called to rest and focus on God.  How good are you at taking Sabbath?  At resting?  Do you see it as a blessing and honor from God?  Or just as something you have to do if you can fit it in.  Maybe take an extra 30 minutes today to rest.  To take Sabbath, to relax in God's infinite love and grace and mercy.  I bet it will do us ALL some good!





Prayer:  God of Rest--In You, we find peace.  In you we find comfort.  Let us find rest and peace and comfort in you today.  In Jesus' name we pray!  Amen.

Blessings--
Pastor Emily

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Thank You!

Scripture: Philemon-Hebrews 1
Philemon was a leader in the Collossian Church.  This is a book, one of the shortest in the Bible, dealing with forgiveness!  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_Philemon for more information.




Observation:  I love verses 6-7.  "I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ.  I have great joy and encouragement because of your love, since the hearts of God's people are refreshed by your actions, my brother"




Application:  Whose actions refresh your heart?  Who do you have a partnership with that helps you understand all that is good among us in Christ?  Those people are important!   Support in the faith is important.  Find those people and thank them today.  Let them know how important they are!  What a witness you could have in just telling people thank you!

Prayer:
God of Glory!  Thank you for your infinite blessings!  Thank you for the Christians in our lives who support us along the journey.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Amen.


Blessings!
Pastor Emily

Monday, August 15, 2011

Controversies




Scripture--Titus 1-Titus 3


(Titus is the third of the Pastoral Epistles.  See the intro to 1 Timothy or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus for more information).

Observation:  This hit me between the eyes: "Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, and fights about the Law, because they are useless and worthless (3:9)

Application:  How many fights do we as Christians have that are stupid?  Over social media policies or the color of the carpet in the sanctuary!  Over exactly what that unclear verse means or over how long the choir robes are!  I wish we were better at loving each other.  At respecting each other.  At loving Christ and letting God sort out the details.  I wish I could see past ideology and my own stubborn beliefs and just love.  I needed those words today!  Avoid stupid controversies!  Amen.


Prayer:  Jesus, let me focus on you.  Let all the distractions, frustrations and grudges melt away and let me see your face only.  Let me love you more than my issues.  Let me love your children more than my own beliefs.  Let me love like you.  In your name I pray.  Amen!

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 
August 16--Philemon-Hebrews 1
August 17--Hebrews 2-Hebrews 4
August 18--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7
August 19--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I'm Gonna Preach When the Spirit Says Preach!

Scripture--2 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4

Application--
I want to talk about all of this!

Clearly, Timothy must have been hot tempered!  See 2:14 and 22-26! Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts! I could use that one!  

Then a reminder that people will become (are!) selfish, greedy, braggarts, ungrateful, slanderous, disobedient, unholy, unloving, contrary, and critical!  (see 3:1-9).  OUCH!

I also love 4:6-7, "I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith."

But what stuck out to me most was, "Preach the word.  Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient.  Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction." (4:2)

Observation:  Are you ready to tell others about God?  When its inconvenient? See, too often we like to dance around God.  Dance around the truth.  We like to not confront issues or inadequacies.  But when God leads us we need to speak.  To be ready to stand up for our faith.  Are you ready?  Will do you do it?

I'm going to try harder. I wonder what difference we can make in the world with that?

Prayer--God of love--We are ready to be courageous for you.  Show us the people who need us and give us courage to speak to them!  Amen.  

Blessings--
Pastor Emily 

August 15--Titus 1-Titus 3
August 16--Philemon-Hebrews 1
August 17--Hebrews 2-Hebrews 4
August 18--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7
August 19--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1

Saturday, August 13, 2011

More Tough Ones


Scripture--1 Timothy 4-1 Timothy 6

Observation:  Here we go again!

First, in 5:3, does he really say only care for needy widows? I was confused there.

Then we get to chapter 6.  This is the chapter that American Christians used to justify slavery.  Paul says to teach that slaves should give their masters respect.  I'm going to continue to see these scriptures as symbolic.  That God is our master, and we should continue to submit to God our master.  Does anyone else have ideas on how else to interpret these?  

But I did like the warning of false teachers on 6:3-6! "3 If anyone teaches anything different and doesn’t agree with sound teaching about our Lord Jesus Christ and teaching that is consistent with godliness, 4 that person is conceited. They don’t understand anything but have a sick obsession with debates and arguments. This creates jealousy, conflict, verbal abuse, and evil suspicions. 5 There is constant bickering between people whose minds are ruined and who have been robbed of the truth. They think that godliness is a way to make money! 6 Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have."

Observation:  Be careful of people who are leading you away from God!  Those who say that God will reward you with MONEY just because you are good.  Or those who would rather argue than love.  Or those who just want the spotlight on them!  And keep us leaders accountable!  Don't let us fall into evil.  Help us stay true to God!  Talk to us if we are getting conceited or greedy!  We need you as much as you need us!  Don't ever forget that.

Prayer:  God of forgiveness--Show us the evil in our lives.  Forgive us for where we've fallen.  Let us go and become better for you!  In your son's name we pray!  Amen.

Blessings!  
Pastor Emily!

August 14--2 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4
August 15--Titus 1-Titus 3
August 16--Philemon-Hebrews 1
August 17--Hebrews 2-Hebrews 4
August 18--Hebrews 5-Hebrews 7
August 19--Hebrews  8-Hebrews  10
August 20--Hebrews 11-Hebrews 13
August 21--James 1-James 3
August 22--James 4-1 Peter 1