Miracles

Scripture--John 1- John 3

We are on our fourth and final Gospel!  The first three Gospels are called the synoptic gospels--those gospels that look similar and have similar stories.  The Gospel of John is anything but similar.  We are not sure it was "written" by the disciple John, instead we believe it was written by his followers using his stories.  Where the others gospels are descriptive and formulaic telling a well crafted story, John tells us more about emotions, theology, and symbolism.  Look for the depth of his prose as much as the details of the stories.  Look for the way he paints Jesus and the disciples!  I've been in many a Bible Study where the scientists laughed at my Liberal Arts love of John.  Lets see what you think!  

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

Observation:  Next time, we have to do this more slowly!  I want to talk about it all.  How John Skips genealogy all together and starts with the discussion of "Light".  I love it!  So much!  Or how John says he is NOT Elijah!  (We talked about that earlier!) Or about Jesus the party animal at the wedding.  Or about Nicodemus and being born again.  Or about Nathaniel's "What good can come from Nazereth? (Kennesaw?)"  Or how interesting John's timing of Jesus throwing people out of the temple was at the beginning instead of during Palm Sunday!

But here's what stuck out to me today:  Why do we need miracles to believe?  The disciples needed him to turn water into wine to believe.  The people at the baptism had to hear God's voice to believe. the Jews in the temple asked for a miraculous sign. 

Application:  What miraculous sign does this generation need to believe?  What miracles in your life did you need to see to believe?  Even more--how can you use the amazing things in your life to tell your story to others.  Sometimes we forget how important miracles are.  There are miraculous things in my life--in my story.  That's how I can tell others about Christ.  That might just be how they'll believe.  When they see the miracles!

Prayer--O Miraculous Christ!  Open our eyes!  Let us see your miracles.  Feel your healing.  Change our perspective.  And open our mouths.  So that we can share your story, that is playing out in our lives!  Amen

Blessings!

Pastor Emily

July 1-- John 4-John 6

July 2-- John 7-John 9

July 3-- John 10-John 12

July 4--John 13-John 15

July 5--John 16-John 18

July 6--John 19-John 21

July 7--Acts 1-Acts 3

July 8--Acts 4-Acts 6

July 9-- Acts 7-Acts 9

Dining with Christ

Scripture:  Luke 22-Luke 24

Don't forget that as this book ends, that its much like a movie that you know will have a sequel.  Think of the disciples all watching Jesus ascend, and the movie guy's voice booming, "And they watched Jesus descend and went back to Jerusalem, waiting for the spirit to come...."  Acts is the continuation of Luke, written by the same author!  And don't worry, we'll get to Acts soon! 

Observation: 

What really spoke to me today was the story of the last supper.  My parents get back today from 10 days visiting our family in Iowa and South Dakota.  We moved here from Iowa when I was 9.  We visit often, but not for every holiday.  We have wonderful meals together around our table with our family of four (and whatever other folks we can round up!), but part of me honestly does miss big family gatherings.  I know while Mom and Dad were visiting they had lots of big family dinners!  Maybe that missing family is what made this stick out to me.

But all I could picture was this big dinner.  Jesus says in 22:15, "I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer."  He says, I really wanted to eat with you before this.  It makes him sound so human!  I know that feeling!  Then they start to fight over who is the best and he has to break it up.  (Something I know my Mom and Dad had to do with Sarah and I!) The Jesus starts to talk to Peter. Catch this translation (CEV) of that discussion in vs. 31-35:

³¹Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. ³²But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others." ³³Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you."

    ³⁴Jesus replied, "Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don't know me."

I'd never heard it that way before!

Application:  Are you inviting people to your table?  Are you ready to really sit down to a meal with Christ?  What do you think about when you take communion--that you are a part of Christ's life?  That he specially wants to share a meal with you?  Or is it just an obligation?  May this reading change the way you see Communion!

Prayer--God, I want to be part of your table.  Of your life.  Of your family.  May I never take for granted the love you have put in my life! Amen!

Blessings!
Pastor Emily!

June 30-- John 1- John 3

July 1-- John 4-John 6

July 2-- John 7-John 9

July 3-- John 10-John 12

July 4--John 13-John 15

July 5--John 16-John 18

July 6--John 19-John 21

July 7--Acts 1-Acts 3

July 8--Acts 4-Acts 6

July 9-- Acts 7-Acts 9

Radical Love

Scripture--Luke 19-Luke 21


Observation--Did you ever notice who Jesus rails against in Luke?  Was it the "sinner"?  Or was it the one who took themselves to be high and mighty?  Was it the teachers (20:45-47).  Or the Rich (19:45-48 and 21:1-4)?   Not that we are to sin, but did you see it wasn't the ones we consider "bad", it was the ones who thought too much of themselves.  


Application:  As I was reading this section I was multi-tasking and came upon this tweet, "GET TO KNOW SOMEBODY HOMELESS. PUNK. FOREIGN. QUEER. MUSLIM. ATHEIST. PAGAN. MENTALLY ILL. AUTISTIC. COMMUNIST. ADDICTED. DIFFERENT"  I often wonder how we expect to tell others about God if everyone we know agrees with us.  I have been thinking of how much I pride myself with being open minded unless someone disagrees with me.  I wonder if God in these verses wanted me to remember that my own pride is the enemy.  Not people who are different.  Not people who disagree.  That its my job to go out and love, no matter who they are, what they look like, or what they say.


Prayer:  Lord of Love.  Thank you for loving me when I'm unlovable.  Give me your eyes and your heart.  Let me love and see as you do.  So that I may shine your love and light into this dark world!  Amen.

Dishonest Wealth

Scripture--Luke 16-Luke 18

Observation:  The Parable of the Dishonest Manager has always puzzled me, and honestly, it still does.  I mean how can someone who changes debts (seemingly lies)  rewarded?  I've read commentaries that say that the Rich Man was just happy to get something.  And in fact the rich man seemingly was mad that manager was lazy, not dishonest.  But then why does Jesus praise us for using dishonest or wicked wealth?  Shouldn't we try to have "good" wealth.

But that's the problem!  Jesus thought all wealth was wicked.  In fact the word for wealth--Mammon--was the name of one of the biggest rival gods.  People were worshipping Mammon, and so do we.  But Jesus promises if we use Mammon faithfully, then God will trust us with more.  Not more wealth--bigger and better things!  More responsibility!  (Maybe even more things we see as challenges!)

Application:  Our Challenge today is simple, Jesus says, lets try and trust you with wealth, lets see what you can do!  How faithful will you be with what you've been given!

Prayer:  Lord, let us never forget who we serve. Where we have been lazy, forgive us and help us to be hardworking.  Where we have been dishonest, forgive us and help us to be faithful.  Where we forget our place, forgive us and help us to remain humble.  Thank you for the the forgiveness you promise!  Amen.

Blessings!

Pastor Emily 

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

June 30-- John 1- John 3

July 1-- John 4-John 6

July 2-- John 7-John 9

Sabbath?

Scripture:  Luke 13-Luke 15

Observation  Is it just me or does it seem like we’ve been arguing about the Sabbath a lot lately?  It seems like they always want to catch Jesus on a technicality.  And its not that Jesus doesn’t take sin seriously!  The beginning of the section started with the proclaimation of repent or perish.  Then he talked about the narrow door.  In fact being small or humble seems to be a theme here (narrow door, mustard seed, fig tree, lost sheep, widow, etc).  But, judging on technicalities seemed to be outside what Jesus was saying.  For he seemed to love people more than rules.  He seemed to love people more than customs.  He seemed to want people to be healed and whole more than he wanted to be “perfectly” Jewish by the standards of humans.

Application:  Where in your Christian walk are you focusing more on rules than on love.  Where are you arguing over the letter of the law instead of following Christ?  Where are you clinging to customs instead of clinging to God?  This convicted me today!

Prayer:  God, I want to follow you.  No questions.  No distractions.  Don’t let me get in my own way.  Don’t let my own rules or preconceived notions keep me from you and from loving your people.  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily


Coming up....
June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

June 30-- John 1- John 3

July 1-- John 4-John 6

July 2-- John 7-John 9

Giving it to God

Scripture:  Luke 10-Luke 12


Observation:  Two related passages stuck out to me today:  10:20, "Nevertheless don't rejoice because the spirits submit to you.  Rejioce instead that your names are written in heaven" and the Warning about Worry in 12:22-34!  I started examining my priorities.  Am I doing this for my glory or for God's?  Am I worried about this so I am better or so people see God?  Am I working this hard to get a gold star by my name or so that people see how amazing God is?


Application:  Its time to start giving every fear and worry to God.  Its time to start giving every accomplishment  and success to God.  Its time to turn over fear of failure, fear of being inconsequential, fear of being out of control to God. God takes care of the flowers and the trees and the birds.  Jesus takes care of God's people (ALL PEOPLE!) and God's church.  So, its time to let go, and let God.


Prayer:  Jehovah-Jireh, You are the one who provides.  To you be all honor and glory.  To you be all that I am, all that I have, all that I will become.  May I love you with my whole heart, my whole being, my whole strength and my whole mind, and may I love my neighbor as myself.  Amen.


Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

June 26-- Luke 13-Luke 15

June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

June 30-- John 1- John 3

July 1-- John 4-John 6

July 2-- John 7-John 9

Who is the greatest?

Scripture:  Luke 7-Luke 9

Observation  

9:43 "Everyone was overwhelmed by God's greatness"

9:46 "An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest".

They saw God's greatness in the miracles.  They were overwhelmed by God's power.  Then just a couple verses later they tried to put themselves on the same place as God.  Just a little lower than Christ. 

Application:  Too often I want to be the greatest.  But I am only the greatest when I let Christ be Lord.  When I give up control.  When I let myself and others be overwhelmed by God's Greatness.  Have you been overwhelmed by God's greatness today?  

Prayer:  O Great God!  I am amazed by you.  Let me today surrender myself to all that you are.  So I can be complete in you.  Let me be weak so you can be strong.  Let me be small so you can be large.  Let me be dark so your light may shine.  In your almighty name.  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

June 25-- Luke 10-Luke 12

June 26-- Luke 13-Luke 15

June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

A List

Scripture:  Luke 4-Luke 6

Observation:  SO MANY!  So today you get a list!

1. I'm so thankful that I only have to ask for forgiveness!  Verses 5:17-36 make it seem like you have to drop your friend through a window and then escape the authorities to be forgiven!  I'm glad that repentance is enough!
2. Did you see the list of Apostles in 6:12-16?  Could you have named the 12 before that?  
3. What does Jesus say about following the strict law in 6:1-11?  How can you apply that to your life?
4. What differences do you see in Luke's version of the Beatitudes?  To me it seems so much more negative and focused on wealth than Matthew's version.  What differences do you see?   
5. Love your enemies.  Do good to those who hate you.

Application:  Who in your life is frustrating you?  Have you prayed for that person lately?  I'm telling you from experience, it is hard and holy.  It is hard to remember them in prayer, but it changes your outlook!  It reminds you that God loves them.  And Jesus COMMANDS us to do it.  I challenge us all to follow this commandment today!

Prayer: Jesus our Redeemer.  You see our hearts.  Clean the dirty places.  Forgive our sins.  In this moment we remember those who hate us. Those who have condemned us.  Our enemies.  Bless them.  Give them peace.  And let us show them your love.  In your precious name we pray.  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily

June 24-- Luke 7-Luke 9

June 25-- Luke 10-Luke 12

June 26-- Luke 13-Luke 15

June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

LUKE!!!

Scripture:  Luke 1-Luke 3

Wow!  Are we here already?  Half way through the gospels!  Luke is believed to have been a doctor.  His prose is detailed and thoughtful.  Like Mark, he was NOT one of the 12 named disciples.  Instead he seems to be another person who traveled with Jesus.  He clearly used others reports, and even says that in his introduction.  Unlike Matthew, who wrote to the Jews, Luke writes to a Gentile audience. In the first few verses, he says he is writing to Theophilus, or Lover of God.  His writing includes themes of social justice, healing, and help for the poor.  Luke is actually a longer book that includes Acts.  But, we can discuss that in a couple more weeks!  If you want more information, see 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Luke

Observation:  

So much here again!  About dreams and about women and pregnancy and angels and shepherds and finding joy in what the world sees as suffering and in prophesy!  Did you see the differences in the genealogies?  It is fascinating!  But, what stood out to me was the story of Anna and Simeon!  Simeon's words in my translation (CEV Luke 2:34-35) said to Mary, "This boy is assigned be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel to be a sign that generates opposition, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your innermost being too!"

Application:  

Too often we want Jesus to be friendly and gentle.  Wallace often calls this Jesus a "Cotton Candy Jesus" one full of air, with little substance.  People in my generation often talk about, "Boyfriend Jesus"--the Jesus you sing great love songs to!  But that's not the Jesus that Simeon describes.  Nor is it the one that Luke will reveal.  This Jesus was and IS and always will be revolutionary!  He will generate opposition to the status quo.  Where are we in our lives being radical for Jesus?  Where are we standing up to the the forces of evil?  Where is Jesus challenging you to change?  Its time to stand up and live a life that generates some opposition!  Lord, let it be!

Prayer:

God, let us not be content with the status quo.  Show us where we can make changes for you. Let us go into the world making a difference, not just releasing hot air!  May we make a difference for you!  Amen!

Blessings!
Pastor Emily

June 23-- Luke 4-Luke 6

June 24-- Luke 7-Luke 9

June 25-- Luke 10-Luke 12

June 26-- Luke 13-Luke 15

June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

The Magic of Jesus

Scripture:  Mark 16
How did your Bible deal with verses 9-20?  Did they bracket them like mine?  Did they refer to them as the longer and the shorter ending?  Although the Council of Trent in 1442 decided they were cannonical, most modern translations bracket them off.  They seem to clearly not be original.  Although this does not make them necessarily less scriptural.  What do you think?


For more information see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_16


Observation:  The extra scripture is fascinating to me.  Unlike Luke's version that we'll read in the next few days, Mark's Jesus wasn't exactly "magical".  He was good, and performed miracles, but if they text stands, he was still "missing" at the conclusion of verse 9.  He didn't come back and walk into locked rooms or disappear in front of people.  Yes, we "knew" where he was, but we hadn't seen him yet.  Verses 9-20 tell a different story.  They talk about Jesus who grants his followers abilities to control snakes, speak in other languages, perform miracles, and even drink poison without being hurt!  And many people want to hold onto a magical Jesus.  But does Jesus have to do "special things" in order to be wonderful?  And do you have to perform miracles to be a disciple?


Application:  I love the differences in the portrayals of Jesus.  I'm a person who loves the grays of my life and my faith.  I love that Mark sees Jesus differently than Luke.  It means you can see Jesus differently than I do!  Your relationship is your own.  Each of the Gospel writers had their own perspectives and views.  We can too!  Maybe you speak in tongues and see miracles performed.  Maybe you listen to Mumford and Sons and question the virgin birth.  Maybe you sing the right hymns from the choir of First Church.  Jesus still loves you and can be real in  your life.  I love the reality that we each have our own relationship.  I pray tonight that your relationship, however it it looks is real, deep and strong.  (and I pray that even if you can, that you don't play with dangerous snakes!  Grins!)


Prayer:  Christ of the Resurrection--thank you for coming to us!  Thank you for loving us!  Each in our own way.  Let us find ways to be more loving to your children.  Let us find ways to be more loving to ourselves.  Let us find ways to never forget the importance of your coming!  In they name we pray--Amen!

June 22-- Luke 1-Luke 3

June 23-- Luke 4-Luke 6

June 24-- Luke 7-Luke 9

June 25-- Luke 10-Luke 12

June 26-- Luke 13-Luke 15

June 27-- Luke 16-Luke 18

June 28-- Luke 19-Luke 21

June 29-- Luke 22-Luke 24

Staying out of the Sanhedrin

Scripture:  Mark 13-15

Observation:  I have two observations today. 

1)   Since I try to write a little bit ahead, I was reading this section on the evening I came back from Annual Conference.  I was tired. We’d spent four days seeing people, socializing, voting, sitting, smiling, listening, worshipping, praying, and so many other things.  I had gotten up for 5:45 Jazzercise three mornings.  I was exhausted.  And I was reading in bed.  Do you know where I fell asleep during reading?  Directly at the time the disciples did!  It was poignant for me.  They’d had a tough week too, and we both fell asleep on Jesus!

2)   The trial before the Sanhedrin got to me.  They were saying all kinds of things about Jesus, and no one could decide what the truth was!  Some would say one thing and some another.  They were crucifying him on hearsay!  (I would have found him a better lawyer!  HA!)  In the end, he said the truth and they convicted him on his own words.

Application:  Too often gossip causes problems.  At Annual Conferenece, we spent a week talking about candidates for General Conference.  We used information that she heard from him from them.  I’m sure I spoke things I’d heard but didn’t know.  Too often we go off of what we hear instead of what we know.  We let drama and gossip reign and then crucify others based on hearsay.  That’s what they did to Jesus.  Even when we want to love and be loved, sometimes we say things we don’t mean!  Gossip hurts, let us find ways to control our tongues!

Prayer:  Oh Risen Christ—forgive us when we fail you.  Help us to forgive others when they fail us.  Take control of us, all of us, so that we may serve you with our bodies, our minds, and our tongues!  In thy precious name!  Amen 

Blessings! 

Pastor Emily

Almost done

Scripture: Mark 10-12


Observation:  Wow, Mark went by fast!  The thing that stuck out to me most, honestly was that in Mark's version, Jesus doesn't seem to stay in Jerusalem.  Did you catch that in 11:11 and 11:19?  That after the processional, that they went back to Bethany?  And after he chased people out, he went back out of town.  I wonder if he was more comfortable in Bethany?  Or if he was hiding?  Or if that's how it needed to be to make everything go as planned?  Or if he just didn't want to be in such a place.


Application:  What questions do you wish Jesus would answer.  Sometimes when we study scripture, we are left with more questions than answers.  Other times we think we have it all down, just to reread something and have something new pop out!  I feel like the disciples were in that boat!  They thought they had it all figured out!  They were arguing over who was best.  They thought they were listening.  They were watching Jesus ask questions about figs and taxes.  They didn't always get answers either--did they (10:33)?  But they didn't get it.  They were blind.  But, Jesus, today, I have questions.  I believe you can help me to see.  Give me the faith to move the mountains!  


Prayer:  Lord, you are amazing.  But I have so many questions.  Thank you for letting me bring my questions to you.  Thank you for your answers and for your silence.  Let me never forget that my sight is in you.  Let me see you and those you love better.  Open my eyes!
Amen.

Greatest of These

Scripture--Mark 7-9


Observation--Having spent the week at Annual Conference, Mark 9:33-37 really stood out to me.  This was the place where the disciples were fighting over who was greatest.  Sometimes we do that too, don't we?  As Methodists we say we are better than the Baptists.  Or as Kennesaw UMC we say we are better than Acworth UMC or Emerson.  Or as pastors we say we are better than others.  This year at Annual Conference we voted in delegates to represent us at General Conference.  In many ways, it ends up being a big contest to see who is the greatest.  I wonder if that's how the disciples were.  Trying to be best.  Its human nature isn't it.  But Jesus has a better way.  In 9:35b Jesus says, "If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!"  Who are you serving?


Application:  Sometimes in trying to be the best, we lose sight of whats important.  Let us all concentrate on serving others, loving God, and finding ways to change the world.  That's better than being the greatest anyway! 


Prayer: Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.


Blessings!
Pastor Emily 

Pulled in So Many Directions!

Scripture--Mark 4-Mark 6

Observation:  Maybe I’m just tired this morning, but all I could see were all the people pulling at Jesus.  I think a couple people commented on this in Matthew, but goodness everyone wanted a piece of him.  While he was going to help one man, a woman came interrupted it.  He tries to go off with his disciples and pray and be away, but instead people needed him.  It just makes me appreciate him so much more! 

Application:  We all can take Jesus’ lead more often.  To try and get away when we need time to recharge.  To help everyone we can.  And to not grumble!  Oh, what a lesson for me today!

Prayer:  God of the morning!  Come and refresh my spirit.  Recharge my light.  Refill my heart with your love.  Give me the power and strength to keep serving you in the world.  Thank you for reminding me that I can always recharge, refresh, renew by plugging back into you!  Amen. 

 Blessings!

Pastor Emily

June 18-- Mark 7- Mark 9

June 19-- Mark 10- Mark 12

June 20-- Mark 13-Mark 15

June 21-- Mark 16

June 22-- Luke 1-Luke 3

June 23-- Luke 4-Luke 6

June 24-- Luke 7-Luke 9

Mark!!

Scripture--Mark 1-Mark 3

Many biblical scholars date Mark as the first gospel written.  In fact, many stories appear in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, leading scholars to believe that Matthew and Luke both read Mark before writing their own manuscripts.  Mark’s gospel is the shortest and seems to get to the point instead of having the same details of other gospels.  As we read, watch carefully for both what is THERE and what is MISSING!  For more information go to  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark

Observation:  On first glance I’m always amazed that Mark starts with John the Baptist’s prophetic words and the baptism.  It seems as if he thinks Jesus’s baptism was more important than his birth.  In baptism, Jesus was publically adopted by God.  That adoption and recognition as the Son of God were important to showing Jesus’ mission and role.  Mark completely skips Jesus’ time as an infant or child.  Then later on in 3:32 Jesus adopts all around as his family.  That extends the adoption to everyone! 

Application:  Do you live into your role as Christ’s brother or sister?  Do you live into the reality that you are part of God’s family—chosen, loved, accepted?  Too often we try to earn Jesus’ love.  We try and earn our place at the table.  But Mark reminds us that we are part of a heavenly family.  We are loved for who we are.  We can be healed and taught, because we are part of the family.

Prayer:  Oh, Jesus our brother—let us never forget that you have adopted us into your family.  Let us live into the love and spread it to the rest of your children.  Thank you for your love.  Thank you for letting us be part of your family!  Amen!

Blessings!

Pastor Emily

June 17-- Mark 4-Mark 6

June 18-- Mark 7- Mark 9

June 19-- Mark 10- Mark 12

June 20-- Mark 13-Mark 15

June 21-- Mark 16

June 22-- Luke 1-Luke 3

June 23-- Luke 4-Luke 6

A New Beginning!

Scripture:  Matthew 28
The Image to the right is a word cloud of the most popular words in Matthew.  The bigger the word, the more often it is used.  I thought it was a lovely way to conclude our time in Matthew!

Observation: I love the resurrection story!  Love is bigger than death!  Love is bigger than evil!  God wins!  Church scholars call the last few verses, the great commission.  Where Jesus tells us what to do.  He commissions us to send us out into the world!  And What a commission it is!  He gives us things to do, but ends with, “I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.”  That part us preachers often seem to leave out when we preach on those words.   But today, those are the words I needed!  Jesus won’t leave me, EVER!

Application:  Its time for me to relax under the notion that Jesus is with me always.  That I can do all the things I do, because Jesus is here.  And that my life will be different because he will never leave me.  Its time to live remember that Jesus will always be here!
Prayer:   Jesus—I’m ready to go make disciples.  Give me eyes for the hurting.  Give me ears for those who need your love.  May I be for you a witness into all the world with the knowledge that you are always here!  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily

June 16-- Mark 1-Mark 3
June 17-- Mark 4-Mark 6
June 18-- Mark 7- Mark 9
June 19-- Mark 10- Mark 12

Heavy

Scripture-- Matthew 25-Matthew 27

Observation:  These were hard chapters to read.  The emotion and the power of these words weighed heavy on me today.  The two parts that stuck out were the Parable of the Talents and the time in the garden.  Every time I read the Talents, I think, “But God, I’m not sure I can handle more. You’ve given me so much, what if I let you down.”  Then I got to the garden.  Jesus had just shared the last supper with his disciples.  The ones he trusted.  The ones who had just in 26:34 promised not to deny him.  The ones who were supposed to be so good, fell asleep three times.  Jesus said to them, in verse 38:   "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me."  I would have stayed awake!  But they fell asleep so many times.  Then Peter denied him.  They let him down.  The ones who were given so much, let him down.

Application:  Its easy sometimes to say that we are doing “all we can do”.  That we are “being good’.  But I know there are times I’ve fallen asleep.  I know there are times I’ve rejected or denied him.  I know there are times that I could be better.  And I’m so thankful for his grace.  That he took the cup.  That he followed through on the path.  Even though I’m not worthy.  Even though I mess up.  I hope today that you don’t leave with feelings of shame or guilt, but the love of a God who went to the cross for you!  That you will always have a second chance.  That God will give you more.  God gave Peter more.  You will get more too!

Prayer:  God, forgive our betrayal.  Forgive us when we fall asleep.  Forgive us for being in the number who crucified you.  Forgive us our sins.  Let us leave this moment knowing we are loved and forgiven.  Bless us not because of what we can do, but because of who you are.  Because you shared your cup, and made a new promise with us.  Thank you.  Amen.

(edited:  go to this song!  It will be good with your worship!!  http://www.youtube.com/embed/ILtKwWPILCo)

Blessings! 
Pastor Emily

Scripture:  Matthew 22-Matthew 24

Observation:  In the middle of this dark section talking about end times and with Pharasses and sadduces trying to trick jesus, is the Great Commandment.  In the middle of parables that confuse me more than I understand, is the piece about the greatest commandment.  I kept thinking as I read, “these are the last things he is telling his disciples.  His last days.”  Remember this is in the time in Jerusalem!  Tomorrow we will begin the Passion Narrative!  And in the middle is the greatest commandment.  Love God.  Love others AS you love yourself. 

Application:  Sometimes we don’t love ourselves.  We let other issues get us down.  We let our lives get too busy.  We forget that we must work hard, love others AS we love ourselves.  Not more, not less.  AS.  I can’t forget to love God, love others, and love myself.  Even when things look bad.  For its what he wanted us to remember!  In the middle of your busy life, in the middle of your trials, in the middle of your blessings, are you following the greatest commandment?

Prayer:  Loving God—let us love like you do.  Let us love you and praise you for all you do.  Let us love those around us, deeply, strongly, truly.  But let us not forget that we are special too.  Let us be creatures of love, and live lives of love because you are love.  Amen.

Blessings!  

Pastor Emily

Upcoming Readings!

June 14-- Matthew 25-Matthew 27

June 15-- Matthew 28

June 16-- Mark 1-Mark 3

June 17-- Mark 4-Mark 6

June 18-- Mark 7- Mark 9

June 19-- Mark 10- Mark 12

Faithful Much?

Scripture:  Matthew 19-Matthew 21

Observation:  So, from teaching about Divorce to Palm Sunday today’s reading seemed to be a lot about faithfulness!  Faithfulness to each other.  Faithfulness to God.  Faithfulness to authority.  What really surprised me though was my reactions to the two stories about fairness—when Jesus said that everyone would get into the kingdom—even if they came late.  I’m talking about the story of the vineyard workers in 20:1-16 and 21:28-32.  That God loves everyone—and that those who only praise God with their lips will have problems.  But those who denounce for a while, and then come will have a place.  Is that how we treat people?  Or do we only believe “Good people” are worth our love?

Application:  When I was a little girl, my mother tells stories of how worried I was about things being fair.  She tells a story of me counting Christmas presents one year and being mad that Sarah got one more than I did.  Since then she ALWAYS gives us the same number.  But our God is good and merciful and loving and perfect, but not always fair.  My Dad often says, “Fair is a place you go to ride rides and see shows”.  God loves us and will take us when we turn to him with our lips and our eyes.  Its not my job to judge others, its my job to love them and witness to them.  Its my job to help them turn to Christ—with all that they are.  So, I’m ready to go find new workers for the kingdom.  Are you?

Prayer:  Spirit of Truth—Remind me today to be faithful to your word, your will, and your way.  Remind me to love instead of judge and pray instead of persecute.  Remind me that you are merciful not fair.  That you call me to be faithful, not jealous.  Thank you for all I have, all I am, and all I will be.  Amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Emily

June 13-- Matthew 22-Matthew 24

June 14-- Matthew 25-Matthew 27

June 15-- Matthew 28

June 16-- Mark 1-Mark 3

June 17-- Mark 4-Mark 6

June 18-- Mark 7- Mark 9

June 19-- Mark 10- Mark 12