S.B.: Psalm 23: 1 – 6
Are you carrying a burden? Does it seem like you are going absolutely nowhere… fast? Don’t despair, there is good news for you.
We lead very hectic lives, and we have very little time scheduled (if any) for the purpose of being restored. The necessity of restoration and renewal is something that God has planned for us, and is an integral part of our walk with HIM. We have a source of regeneration directly from God’s word… HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS… HE RESTORES MY SOUL!
A month ago, I had the privilege of going away on a retreat for Pastors. This retreat was not to be like any other that I have ever been on, because I had quite an eye-opener on what restoration and renewal really means.
Verses 2 and 3 from the 23rd Psalm came alive for me in a new and unexpected manner… “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters… He restores my soul.” Did you see the word “He” in these two verses? HE has to make me take some time to rest… My life is a beehive of activity and HE has to lead me to a place where I can have solace. He restores my soul.
Restoration comes from many sources… a balanced, healthy diet… spending time with family and friends… even recreation is a contributing factor to the restorative process, and God encourages us to partake freely of this gift.
The first part of this retreat was dedicated to rediscovering a personal Sabbath time. (a time dedicated solely to rest and restoration.) After we were welcomed to the retreat center, and the theme for the retreat was announced, we were told that from 4 to 6 o’clock was to be a Sabbath Time… meaning no “Pastoral Work” During the next two hours I prayed, I painted, I went out for coffee with another pastor, but found it difficult not to make a call, or check email, or write a sermon. It was difficult just to rest… I don’t mean sleeping… I mean resting my mind, and my soul. The words “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters…” took on a new meaning for me. God’s word does tell us “It’s okay… you’ve done enough… it’s time to take a rest.”
After dinner that evening, we went on an adventure in restoration and renewal. We were invited to a nearby church, and were brought into a large, state-of-the-art Game room.
What happened next was an interesting study into the need for restoration. Several of the men seemed to have no problem and started using the equipment and games available. The rest of us, however, stood around awkwardly for a few minutes until we gathered up the courage to give ourselves permission to have some fun! It was quite a learning experience that evening… and a very humbling experience, in that it took me a while to warm up to the idea that it was okay to have fun.
I share this experience with you today so that we can all know, myself included, that when God says in Psalm 23 that He restores my soul, those words are for today… right now… they are not just for funerals as we tend to apply this psalm.
God doesn’t want his children to be uptight and deadly serious all the time. God’s word to us is for us to cast our cares on HIM for HE cares for us! One of my favorite pictures, and maybe some of you have seen it as well at the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore, is of Jesus kicking a soccer ball with a bunch of kids.
Now, the question is “What is so significant about that experience?” The answer is that restoration is a two-step process. The Psalmist’s words “He restores my soul” carry the implication that I have to allow HIM to restore my soul. I have to yield myself to his will and his direction. Often He gives us things He wants us to do for the Kingdom… but he also gives us time to “relax, unwind, and have some fun.”
My prayer for all of us today is that we will take time to practice a Sabbath time during our week, remembering the words from our scripture passage today… He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Allow God to give you the rest that you need.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Love Never Fails
S.B. I Corinthians 13: 1 – 13
Last Sunday’s sermon was on attitude. This morning’s sermon is about our attitude of love, and the blessings we receive from it… and give with it.
One of my favorite memories of growing up in a Christian household centers around this morning’s text. Every time I would face a challenge… or every time I would get into trouble… my mom and my dad would always say the same thing… “Before anything else, let’s get back to square one… No matter what the situation… no matter what you’ve done… I Love You, Son.”
In our text this morning, we see God telling us the very same thing… One verse from our passage this morning leaps off the page. It contains the three most powerful words in the whole New Testament… “Love… Never… Fails…” We are not necessarily talking about the love that we have for one another, although that love is very important… after all, someone once said that love makes the world go ‘round… I would like to focus on the most uplifting and inspiring love of all… the Love that God has for his children… the Love that HE shared with us when HE sent HIS son to pay for our sins on the cross… HIS Love… and HIS LOVE ONLY… never fails. He is perfect, and HIS love is unconditional.
There is nothing that we can do to earn his love, but he gives it freely and deeply. HIS Love never fails. He does tell us in this passage this morning that while we may possess riches and knowledge and power and wisdom, that without love all these things are meaningless.
We know that God loves unconditionally, yet in this scripture he does not ask us to love as he loves. Rather, in this scripture he is giving us a lesson in what love really is, and what love really looks like.
Every time I read this passage, I have to ask myself how I personally measure up to this list. There are some tough questions that this list asks of us, but one answer keeps coming up. None of what we have means anything unless we have love in our hearts. In other passages in the Bible God tells us to love one another as He has loved us… here he is giving us more of a detailed list of some of the characteristics of that love.
In verses 4 through 6, Paul tells us that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He tells us what love is… and what it is not.
I feel as if I can safely suggest that most of us here today have experienced this kind of love… be it from a friends, parents, spouse or family or your church family… where we’ve been loved, and have loved the way Paul talks about in verses 4 thru 6, and how blessed we are by such love. The true blessing comes when we reciprocate, or even better, initiate such Christian love. When we go to church every Sunday, one of the things that I’ve noticed that we do, is we greet each other… whether it is with a handshake, or a hug, or a smile… and the thought occurs to me that for some, that handshake or hug or smile may be the only human contact that some people have in their week. That is called fellowship. This is a part of God’s design for his children, and he tells us to bless each other with that fellowship. “This is my commandment, that you love one another THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”
We sing a hymn every so often that says “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love… the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
Here’s a challenge for you today. This morning, earlier in the service, we had an opportunity to go and greet people… perhaps even people we have not met before. Take the time, perhaps even after the service today, to connect with someone whom you may not know very well… yet. Perhaps go to lunch or coffee today. Or perhaps connect with someone from our congregation during this week, reach out to that person… share God’s love with that person… And watch what happens.
The Body of Christ is a congregation filled with love for each other. This week, as we go about our lives, take the time to give someone a handshake or a hug or a smile. The blessings that you bestow will be great… the blessings that you receive will be immeasurable.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Last Sunday’s sermon was on attitude. This morning’s sermon is about our attitude of love, and the blessings we receive from it… and give with it.
One of my favorite memories of growing up in a Christian household centers around this morning’s text. Every time I would face a challenge… or every time I would get into trouble… my mom and my dad would always say the same thing… “Before anything else, let’s get back to square one… No matter what the situation… no matter what you’ve done… I Love You, Son.”
In our text this morning, we see God telling us the very same thing… One verse from our passage this morning leaps off the page. It contains the three most powerful words in the whole New Testament… “Love… Never… Fails…” We are not necessarily talking about the love that we have for one another, although that love is very important… after all, someone once said that love makes the world go ‘round… I would like to focus on the most uplifting and inspiring love of all… the Love that God has for his children… the Love that HE shared with us when HE sent HIS son to pay for our sins on the cross… HIS Love… and HIS LOVE ONLY… never fails. He is perfect, and HIS love is unconditional.
There is nothing that we can do to earn his love, but he gives it freely and deeply. HIS Love never fails. He does tell us in this passage this morning that while we may possess riches and knowledge and power and wisdom, that without love all these things are meaningless.
We know that God loves unconditionally, yet in this scripture he does not ask us to love as he loves. Rather, in this scripture he is giving us a lesson in what love really is, and what love really looks like.
Every time I read this passage, I have to ask myself how I personally measure up to this list. There are some tough questions that this list asks of us, but one answer keeps coming up. None of what we have means anything unless we have love in our hearts. In other passages in the Bible God tells us to love one another as He has loved us… here he is giving us more of a detailed list of some of the characteristics of that love.
In verses 4 through 6, Paul tells us that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He tells us what love is… and what it is not.
I feel as if I can safely suggest that most of us here today have experienced this kind of love… be it from a friends, parents, spouse or family or your church family… where we’ve been loved, and have loved the way Paul talks about in verses 4 thru 6, and how blessed we are by such love. The true blessing comes when we reciprocate, or even better, initiate such Christian love. When we go to church every Sunday, one of the things that I’ve noticed that we do, is we greet each other… whether it is with a handshake, or a hug, or a smile… and the thought occurs to me that for some, that handshake or hug or smile may be the only human contact that some people have in their week. That is called fellowship. This is a part of God’s design for his children, and he tells us to bless each other with that fellowship. “This is my commandment, that you love one another THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”
We sing a hymn every so often that says “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love… the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
Here’s a challenge for you today. This morning, earlier in the service, we had an opportunity to go and greet people… perhaps even people we have not met before. Take the time, perhaps even after the service today, to connect with someone whom you may not know very well… yet. Perhaps go to lunch or coffee today. Or perhaps connect with someone from our congregation during this week, reach out to that person… share God’s love with that person… And watch what happens.
The Body of Christ is a congregation filled with love for each other. This week, as we go about our lives, take the time to give someone a handshake or a hug or a smile. The blessings that you bestow will be great… the blessings that you receive will be immeasurable.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Contagious Christianity
John 15: 5 – 17
In this passage, Jesus is re-establishing his relationship with his disciples… and with us as well…
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
The promise that Jesus is telling us in the word “abide”…is to remain… to have Jesus and his word so deeply engrained into the very fiber of your being that you cannot help but live for Jesus.
He tells his disciples, and he tells us as well, that the key to our walk with him is to stay connected to him. I say that he tells us as well because the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that heaven and earth will pass away, but his never-ending word remains the same in an ever-changing world.
Being a Contagious Christian means more than just sharing your faith in Christ Jesus with the next person. It means being the branches, reaching out to those around you, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. It means that if someone grabs on to the branch that you’ve extended, they should feel God’s presence – remember that HE is the vine…He is the root… and he will help you and guide you to extend his love through you.
Remember verse 17 says “This is my command… love each other.”
Jesus goes on to say “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” How awesome it is of God that HE wants HIS joy to be in us… and that He gives us the steps we need to make our joy complete. We don’t even have to wonder or question what we have to do… he tells us, and shows us what to do… now the question is… will we do it… and do we always do it?
His command to us in verse 12 is “love one another as I have loved you…” This is one of those scriptures in the Bible where reading and understanding its meaning is sometimes easier than putting it into practice. Jesus, we know, loves unconditionally, and he is asking us to do the same, as he says “Love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU…”
But his promise is very clear… do this so that my joy may be in you… and that your joy may be complete.
He goes on to say in verse 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Remember one thing… God does not make mistakes. When HE chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, he expects that you will do it… he expects that you will be a contagious Christian by your actions, your words, and your faith.
“Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” Then in verse 17 he states again… “This is my command: Love each other.”
These words from scripture that I have shared today are to help remind each and every one of us of just one of God’s many promises.
We have many opportunities daily, weekly to put into practice God’s words from today. While God provides these opportunities, it is up to us to answer them, and apply them to our lives. Remember that He chose you… and appointed you… to go and bear fruit.
Paul’s attitude was that he wanted to know nothing except Christ and him Crucified. That showed through in everything he did, and as a result of that attitude, his ministry was felt through the known world of his day, and he wrote more books in the Bible than any other author. Paul was a Contagious Christian…
Someone recently shared with me this quote… which I will leave you with today…
“Attitude is truly contagious… So ask yourself one question… is yours worth catching?”
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
In this passage, Jesus is re-establishing his relationship with his disciples… and with us as well…
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
The promise that Jesus is telling us in the word “abide”…is to remain… to have Jesus and his word so deeply engrained into the very fiber of your being that you cannot help but live for Jesus.
He tells his disciples, and he tells us as well, that the key to our walk with him is to stay connected to him. I say that he tells us as well because the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that heaven and earth will pass away, but his never-ending word remains the same in an ever-changing world.
Being a Contagious Christian means more than just sharing your faith in Christ Jesus with the next person. It means being the branches, reaching out to those around you, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. It means that if someone grabs on to the branch that you’ve extended, they should feel God’s presence – remember that HE is the vine…He is the root… and he will help you and guide you to extend his love through you.
Remember verse 17 says “This is my command… love each other.”
Jesus goes on to say “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” How awesome it is of God that HE wants HIS joy to be in us… and that He gives us the steps we need to make our joy complete. We don’t even have to wonder or question what we have to do… he tells us, and shows us what to do… now the question is… will we do it… and do we always do it?
His command to us in verse 12 is “love one another as I have loved you…” This is one of those scriptures in the Bible where reading and understanding its meaning is sometimes easier than putting it into practice. Jesus, we know, loves unconditionally, and he is asking us to do the same, as he says “Love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU…”
But his promise is very clear… do this so that my joy may be in you… and that your joy may be complete.
He goes on to say in verse 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Remember one thing… God does not make mistakes. When HE chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, he expects that you will do it… he expects that you will be a contagious Christian by your actions, your words, and your faith.
“Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” Then in verse 17 he states again… “This is my command: Love each other.”
These words from scripture that I have shared today are to help remind each and every one of us of just one of God’s many promises.
We have many opportunities daily, weekly to put into practice God’s words from today. While God provides these opportunities, it is up to us to answer them, and apply them to our lives. Remember that He chose you… and appointed you… to go and bear fruit.
Paul’s attitude was that he wanted to know nothing except Christ and him Crucified. That showed through in everything he did, and as a result of that attitude, his ministry was felt through the known world of his day, and he wrote more books in the Bible than any other author. Paul was a Contagious Christian…
Someone recently shared with me this quote… which I will leave you with today…
“Attitude is truly contagious… So ask yourself one question… is yours worth catching?”
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
What we don't always share about ministry...
Dear Readers...
Today I thought I would share with you some insight into what it's like to be in Pastoral Ministry. Rather than sharing anecdotes and stories with you, I would share some facts and figures based on several different surveys.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
1991 Survey of Pastors (Fuller Institute of Church Growth)
90% work more than 46 hours a week80% believed pastoral ministry affected their families negatively33% believed ministry was a hazard to their family75% reported a significant stress related crisis at least once in their ministry50% felt themselves unable to meet the needs of the job90% felt inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands70% say they have a lower self esteem now compared to when they started in ministry40% reported serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month70% do not have someone they consider a close friend
Malony & Hunt, The Psychology of Clergy
William Moore in a study of 341 clergy from 36 denominations and 43 states showed that unrealistic expectations are a major factor in pastor burnout60% of clergy wives hold full time jobs or are involved in careersSome studies suggest 70% of clergy report experiencing major distress33% have considered leaving the ministry
.
Current Thoughts & Trends, December 1992
28% of pastors said ministry was a hazard to family life16% said it didn't affect family either way57% thought it was beneficial94% felt under pressure to have the "ideal" familyEstimated 20% of 300,000 clergy suffer from long term stressOne year the Southern Baptist Convention paid out $64 million in stress related claims, second in dollar amounts only to maternity benefits.
Leadership Magazine, Fall 1992
70% indicated their compensation contributed to marriage conflicts22% feel forced to supplement their church income
Current Thoughts & Trends, May 1992
Last 3 years, typical pastor's salary increased less than 1/2 the inflation rateAverage increase for 1988-1991 was 7.4%Over 40% of single staff pastors felt they were underpaid.33% of senior pastors felt they were underpaid.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Survey, 1997
Pastors:
· 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
· 80% of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
· 50% of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
· 85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors. 90% said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.
Pastors' Wives:
· 80% of pastors' spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
· 80% of pastor' wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
· 80% of pastors' spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
· 80% of pastors' wives feel pressured to do things and be something in the church that they are really not.
Pastors' Relationship With the Lord:
· 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.
· 95 % of pastors do not regularly pray with their spouses.
· 80% of pastors surveyed spend less than fifteen minutes a day in prayer.
· 70% said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons.
What are current clergy care needs?
- A place to get away, quiet time, place of silence, alone time
- A place to voice our concerns as leaders
- Counseling, spiritual direction, spiritual challenges
- Trust and private arena for discussion
- Peer support, time with others, fellowship and fun, sense of connectedness with other clergy & diocese
- Time for renewal & refreshment
- To be ministered to and not to minister
- We need to get over our schizophrenia over “Poor dear works too hard and WHAT, you’re taking a day off?”
- Clearer definition of the “role”, support, empower, matching clergy with appropriate parish
- Where are we going? Direction clearly defined?
- Skill gap closure- time management, help in knowing how to deal with difficult behaviour
- Ongoing supervisor holding clergy accountable, ongoing analysis & performance evaluation
- Growth personally & vocationally
- What does it mean to be a clergy in our day & age?
- Well balance lifestyle
o Affirming relationships, study time, play time, prayer time
- Alleviate financial pressure & burden of parish financial problems.
Today I thought I would share with you some insight into what it's like to be in Pastoral Ministry. Rather than sharing anecdotes and stories with you, I would share some facts and figures based on several different surveys.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
1991 Survey of Pastors (Fuller Institute of Church Growth)
90% work more than 46 hours a week80% believed pastoral ministry affected their families negatively33% believed ministry was a hazard to their family75% reported a significant stress related crisis at least once in their ministry50% felt themselves unable to meet the needs of the job90% felt inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands70% say they have a lower self esteem now compared to when they started in ministry40% reported serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month70% do not have someone they consider a close friend
Malony & Hunt, The Psychology of Clergy
William Moore in a study of 341 clergy from 36 denominations and 43 states showed that unrealistic expectations are a major factor in pastor burnout60% of clergy wives hold full time jobs or are involved in careersSome studies suggest 70% of clergy report experiencing major distress33% have considered leaving the ministry
.
Current Thoughts & Trends, December 1992
28% of pastors said ministry was a hazard to family life16% said it didn't affect family either way57% thought it was beneficial94% felt under pressure to have the "ideal" familyEstimated 20% of 300,000 clergy suffer from long term stressOne year the Southern Baptist Convention paid out $64 million in stress related claims, second in dollar amounts only to maternity benefits.
Leadership Magazine, Fall 1992
70% indicated their compensation contributed to marriage conflicts22% feel forced to supplement their church income
Current Thoughts & Trends, May 1992
Last 3 years, typical pastor's salary increased less than 1/2 the inflation rateAverage increase for 1988-1991 was 7.4%Over 40% of single staff pastors felt they were underpaid.33% of senior pastors felt they were underpaid.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Survey, 1997
Pastors:
· 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.
· 80% of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
· 50% of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
· 85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors. 90% said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.
Pastors' Wives:
· 80% of pastors' spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
· 80% of pastor' wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
· 80% of pastors' spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
· 80% of pastors' wives feel pressured to do things and be something in the church that they are really not.
Pastors' Relationship With the Lord:
· 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.
· 95 % of pastors do not regularly pray with their spouses.
· 80% of pastors surveyed spend less than fifteen minutes a day in prayer.
· 70% said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons.
What are current clergy care needs?
- A place to get away, quiet time, place of silence, alone time
- A place to voice our concerns as leaders
- Counseling, spiritual direction, spiritual challenges
- Trust and private arena for discussion
- Peer support, time with others, fellowship and fun, sense of connectedness with other clergy & diocese
- Time for renewal & refreshment
- To be ministered to and not to minister
- We need to get over our schizophrenia over “Poor dear works too hard and WHAT, you’re taking a day off?”
- Clearer definition of the “role”, support, empower, matching clergy with appropriate parish
- Where are we going? Direction clearly defined?
- Skill gap closure- time management, help in knowing how to deal with difficult behaviour
- Ongoing supervisor holding clergy accountable, ongoing analysis & performance evaluation
- Growth personally & vocationally
- What does it mean to be a clergy in our day & age?
- Well balance lifestyle
o Affirming relationships, study time, play time, prayer time
- Alleviate financial pressure & burden of parish financial problems.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pray... Seek... Turn...
II Chronicles 7: 13 – 16
God’s word for the church today is very simple and very straightforward…
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land…”
The story behind the story is that the Kingdom of Israel had undergone a period of complacency in their history, and as a result of that complacency things started to happen.
Suddenly, things weren’t the same… The way things are is not the way things used to be… suddenly the attitude of the people was one of rebellion as the economy and the moral climate of the day and age began to slowly creep into the church.
Then God spoke to King Solomon… “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
God gives King Solomon specific instructions on how to turn things around in the Kingdom of Israel… and in the church today…
1.) “If my people who are called by my name…” God was establishing a relationship with his people… God was telling his people that theirs was a special relationship… he was calling them his children… his family… but his children had lost sight of their first love… they had lost sight of their God…
2.) “Will humble themselves and pray…” Proverbs 3: 5, 6 says “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on their own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and he will direct your path…” God calls on us to seek his face… and turn to him… to humble ourselves and acknowledge him as sovereign in our lives, in our homes, in our families, in the church today… and in society today.
3.) “And seek my face…” In times of uncertainty seek his face for clarity and wisdom. In times of joy and celebration, like that of a new marriage, or the birth of a baby, seek his face, and know that HE is celebrating with you. He lives our feelings with us, but make no mistake, His words are very clear as are his expectations. God’s words can be sharp, like a knife. They can pierce your heart, but the difference is that a knife will hurt your heart… God’s word will heal your heart.
4.) The next phrase in this passage is difficult to wrestle with… the words “and turn from their wicked ways…” strike at our hearts. God’s message to us is not that of condemnation… God calls us from the ways of the world to an attitude of repentance and brokenness. God’s word to the church today is to seek first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness… he tells us to seek HIM first… our eyes need to be fixed on him… he calls us to it… he deserves it…he died for it… then, and only then, will everything else will be added to us.
These words that I am sharing with you this morning are from the Bible… God simply says that he will heal our land… but first he tells us that we need to do these things… humble ourselves and pray… seek HIS face… and turn from our wicked ways. In other words, his message to us is to agree with him that there is sin in our lives, and turn away from that sin (that’s repentance), and acknowledge that on our own we can do nothing (that’s brokenness…)…
His word does not say “maybe I will heal your land…” or “I might heal your land…” His word declares that if we do these things HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND! He… will heal… our land.
Bumper Sticker: “God Said It… I Believe It… That Settles It.”
God’s word for the church today is very simple and very straightforward…
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land…”
The story behind the story is that the Kingdom of Israel had undergone a period of complacency in their history, and as a result of that complacency things started to happen.
Suddenly, things weren’t the same… The way things are is not the way things used to be… suddenly the attitude of the people was one of rebellion as the economy and the moral climate of the day and age began to slowly creep into the church.
Then God spoke to King Solomon… “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
God gives King Solomon specific instructions on how to turn things around in the Kingdom of Israel… and in the church today…
1.) “If my people who are called by my name…” God was establishing a relationship with his people… God was telling his people that theirs was a special relationship… he was calling them his children… his family… but his children had lost sight of their first love… they had lost sight of their God…
2.) “Will humble themselves and pray…” Proverbs 3: 5, 6 says “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on their own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and he will direct your path…” God calls on us to seek his face… and turn to him… to humble ourselves and acknowledge him as sovereign in our lives, in our homes, in our families, in the church today… and in society today.
3.) “And seek my face…” In times of uncertainty seek his face for clarity and wisdom. In times of joy and celebration, like that of a new marriage, or the birth of a baby, seek his face, and know that HE is celebrating with you. He lives our feelings with us, but make no mistake, His words are very clear as are his expectations. God’s words can be sharp, like a knife. They can pierce your heart, but the difference is that a knife will hurt your heart… God’s word will heal your heart.
4.) The next phrase in this passage is difficult to wrestle with… the words “and turn from their wicked ways…” strike at our hearts. God’s message to us is not that of condemnation… God calls us from the ways of the world to an attitude of repentance and brokenness. God’s word to the church today is to seek first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness… he tells us to seek HIM first… our eyes need to be fixed on him… he calls us to it… he deserves it…he died for it… then, and only then, will everything else will be added to us.
These words that I am sharing with you this morning are from the Bible… God simply says that he will heal our land… but first he tells us that we need to do these things… humble ourselves and pray… seek HIS face… and turn from our wicked ways. In other words, his message to us is to agree with him that there is sin in our lives, and turn away from that sin (that’s repentance), and acknowledge that on our own we can do nothing (that’s brokenness…)…
His word does not say “maybe I will heal your land…” or “I might heal your land…” His word declares that if we do these things HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND! He… will heal… our land.
Bumper Sticker: “God Said It… I Believe It… That Settles It.”
Sunday, March 23, 2008
An Instrument of Life
Matthew 28: 1 - 10
Three Days Later…
The story starts out slowly as the sun emerges from the horizon. The other disciples are not around, but it is Mary Magdalene and Mary who travel to the tomb at dawn. Suddenly an earthquake shakes the land. This is not the first earthquake of the week. A few days earlier at the death of Jesus, the earth shook and rocks tumbled. A centurion guard witnessed these events and confessed, “Truly this man was God’s son!”
Suddenly, an angel wearing brilliant white descends, rolls back the tomb, and sits on the rock. This is enough to terrify the guards. First, the guards react with trembling before they freeze, immobilized by their fear. The angel speaks to the two women and utters remarkable words: “do not be afraid. . . he has been raised. . . go quickly . . . tell . . .”
Like the guards, the women are terrified; but the good news proclaimed by the angel brings them such great joy that they are compelled to move past their fear into action. They were afraid but they are able to run to tell others. They did not understand what was happening, but they are able to respond. These women have an interesting place in the history of the Church, because they were the first preachers of the good news of the Gospel… that Jesus Christ, who was dead, is alive! These women depart as willing witnesses to the risen Christ.
The story is not over. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Things happen quickly on this Easter morning. Just as the angel appeared suddenly, so the risen Christ appeared suddenly to the women. Unlike the immobilized guards, the women respond with purpose and action. They worship Jesus. They drop to their knees to worship the risen Jesus. Like the angel, Jesus responds with a pastoral word, “Do not be afraid.” Then they run back and tell the others… “HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS ALIVE!!! WE HAVE SEEN THE MASTER WITH OUR OWN EYES!!! HALLELUJAH!!! JESUS IS ALIVE!!!”
Throughout the story of Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death, these women… these disciples… have undergone a sensory and psychological overload… How can their minds and hearts not be swirling like a whirlpool? At this point, life makes no sense. These women know Jesus had been crucified and buried. They were first-hand witnesses to the brutal reality of it all, including the finality of the death and burial of Jesus. But now – Jesus has defeated death. Jesus’ victory over death, hell, and the grave changes everything once and for all. No wonder Jesus commissions the women . . . go and tell.
Throughout the Lenten season, one of the themes of this series of sermons, and of my personal prayer time, has been the Peace Prayer of Francis of Assisi.
The prayer concludes with the petition, “it is dying that we are born to eternal life.” That is the Promise of Easter… That is the Good News of the Gospel! Because Jesus Christ died and defeated death, we are given the victory! We have been assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus!
The prayer names many human experiences – hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, and sadness. But, the prayer counters each negative with a specific blessing which might be extended by an individual. By the grace of God, a disciple of the risen Christ can be turned into an instrument of peace, love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy.
The Power of God can transform a person from being self-centered and full of self-pity into someone committed to extending consolation, understanding, and love to another person.
Alleluia! Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
P.S. Prayer
Lord, Make us instruments of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is giving that we receive,
it is pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dyin g that we are born to eternal life. Amen
I Bid You Peace, and God's Blessings for a Happy Easter!
Pastor Ken+
Three Days Later…
The story starts out slowly as the sun emerges from the horizon. The other disciples are not around, but it is Mary Magdalene and Mary who travel to the tomb at dawn. Suddenly an earthquake shakes the land. This is not the first earthquake of the week. A few days earlier at the death of Jesus, the earth shook and rocks tumbled. A centurion guard witnessed these events and confessed, “Truly this man was God’s son!”
Suddenly, an angel wearing brilliant white descends, rolls back the tomb, and sits on the rock. This is enough to terrify the guards. First, the guards react with trembling before they freeze, immobilized by their fear. The angel speaks to the two women and utters remarkable words: “do not be afraid. . . he has been raised. . . go quickly . . . tell . . .”
Like the guards, the women are terrified; but the good news proclaimed by the angel brings them such great joy that they are compelled to move past their fear into action. They were afraid but they are able to run to tell others. They did not understand what was happening, but they are able to respond. These women have an interesting place in the history of the Church, because they were the first preachers of the good news of the Gospel… that Jesus Christ, who was dead, is alive! These women depart as willing witnesses to the risen Christ.
The story is not over. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Things happen quickly on this Easter morning. Just as the angel appeared suddenly, so the risen Christ appeared suddenly to the women. Unlike the immobilized guards, the women respond with purpose and action. They worship Jesus. They drop to their knees to worship the risen Jesus. Like the angel, Jesus responds with a pastoral word, “Do not be afraid.” Then they run back and tell the others… “HE IS RISEN!!! HE IS ALIVE!!! WE HAVE SEEN THE MASTER WITH OUR OWN EYES!!! HALLELUJAH!!! JESUS IS ALIVE!!!”
Throughout the story of Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death, these women… these disciples… have undergone a sensory and psychological overload… How can their minds and hearts not be swirling like a whirlpool? At this point, life makes no sense. These women know Jesus had been crucified and buried. They were first-hand witnesses to the brutal reality of it all, including the finality of the death and burial of Jesus. But now – Jesus has defeated death. Jesus’ victory over death, hell, and the grave changes everything once and for all. No wonder Jesus commissions the women . . . go and tell.
Throughout the Lenten season, one of the themes of this series of sermons, and of my personal prayer time, has been the Peace Prayer of Francis of Assisi.
The prayer concludes with the petition, “it is dying that we are born to eternal life.” That is the Promise of Easter… That is the Good News of the Gospel! Because Jesus Christ died and defeated death, we are given the victory! We have been assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus!
The prayer names many human experiences – hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, and sadness. But, the prayer counters each negative with a specific blessing which might be extended by an individual. By the grace of God, a disciple of the risen Christ can be turned into an instrument of peace, love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy.
The Power of God can transform a person from being self-centered and full of self-pity into someone committed to extending consolation, understanding, and love to another person.
Alleluia! Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
P.S. Prayer
Lord, Make us instruments of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is giving that we receive,
it is pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dyin g that we are born to eternal life. Amen
I Bid You Peace, and God's Blessings for a Happy Easter!
Pastor Ken+
Saturday, March 8, 2008
An Instrument of Understanding and Love
S.B.: John 11: 1 - 45
During Lent we have examined several notable events in the Life of Christ Jesus…
1. The Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness… We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Son of God.
2. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, introducing the concept of being “born again.” This conversation also contains the most memorized verse in the Bible… John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son… that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life…” We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Savior of the World, promising salvation for whosoever will…
3. Jesus’ discourse with the Woman at the Well… in which he introduces the idea that if we drink of the water HE has to give, out of us will flow rivers of living water… We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Messiah… the Christ… the Anointed One and His Anointing.
4. Jesus healing a blind man, and the doubt and questioning that he was subjected to after this miracle. We see Jesus here identifying himself as the healer.
In today’s lesson, Jesus deals with the subject of death. His best friend, Lazarus has been sick for a while, and while Jesus is on a preaching tour, he receives the word that Lazarus has died. Jesus expressed a very deep human emotion at the news of his friend’s passing… The shortest verse in the Bible is found in this passage… “Jesus wept…”
Jesus is making another statement here in this passage… In this text he is identifying himself as the resurrection and the life.
Experiencing the passing of someone you love is never an easy time.
Grief often clouds rational and logical thinking. Emotions can be overwhelming at the same time our mind tries desperately to bring order to the unsettling reality and finality of death. Understanding death is beyond our human grasp, especially when it comes prematurely to those we love.
In this text, Martha and Mary grapple with the tardiness of Jesus. Word had been sent to him about the illness of Lazarus, but Jesus did not drop everything to come to their beloved brother. It made no sense to the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus healed so many, but why not help their brother?
Martha expresses her belief in the resurrection and the promise of new life, but does not fully understand the implications for her brother. She confesses, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. . . Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
As this drama unfolds before our eyes, Jesus is greatly disturbed by the time he gets to the tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus orders the removal of the stone, but there is concern about the stench. Martha is not denying her brother’s death, but understands not only his death, but the decomposition of his body. “He has been in there already for four days, and he stinketh…” She believes that it is too late to turn back death. After all… dead is dead… right?
According to our human understanding, once someone is dead, that’s the end of it… it’s a hopeless case…
But Jesus has another plan. He understands the death of Lazarus will be used to glorify God and bring people to faith. In that respect, the delay by Jesus to respond to Lazarus might be understood as an act of love, so others might learn of a greater love.
Next Jesus offers a prayer as One who is unified with God. Although he prays for the sake of others, Jesus already knows his prayer will be answered because he knows God and God’s will. Jesus says the word and new life is given. Jesus cries out, “Lazarus, come out!”
Mary and Martha thought they had an understanding of Jesus, but then their brother became ill. Jesus did not respond as they anticipated. Despite Mary and Martha having great faith and understanding, they were unprepared for Jesus to raise their brother from death. They were so caught up in their own grief and limited understanding that they could not see the big picture involving resurrection. Yet, no one had seen a dead man brought to life from the tomb of death. How could there be understanding? This was beyond the human grasp or imagination. The resurrection of Lazarus serves to prepare followers of Jesus for his own resurrection following the crucifixion and burial. But again, how can there be understanding in these first followers for something unique in human history and beyond human comprehension?
Can we identify with Martha and the faithful who lift their voices in confession, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27 NRSV) We believe and we understand – even if our understanding is limited. Jesus proclaims to each of us who are shackled by the power of death and entombed by guilt and sin, “You are free.” We trust in the promise of new life. Like Lazarus, we can identify with the idea of being set free… and whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
Jesus endured death, hell and the grave not so much that he could understand us, but that we could understand him. Understanding people is a challenge. In part, it is hard to understand our own actions. Paul writes, “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.” It is hard enough to understand ourselves and our own behavior let alone someone else. Francis of Assisi suggests in his prayer that we pray, “Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.” In this prayer, we are encouraged to focus on the other person and not ourselves. We are urged to listen closely for the other’s perspective.
At the foot of the cross, the Scribes and Pharisees mocked Jesus saying “He saved others, but he couldn’t save himself…” Or would it be more accurate to say that he wouldn’t save himself?
Lord, make us instruments of your peace;
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Lord Jesus,
grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
During Lent we have examined several notable events in the Life of Christ Jesus…
1. The Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness… We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Son of God.
2. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, introducing the concept of being “born again.” This conversation also contains the most memorized verse in the Bible… John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son… that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life…” We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Savior of the World, promising salvation for whosoever will…
3. Jesus’ discourse with the Woman at the Well… in which he introduces the idea that if we drink of the water HE has to give, out of us will flow rivers of living water… We see Jesus here identifying himself as the Messiah… the Christ… the Anointed One and His Anointing.
4. Jesus healing a blind man, and the doubt and questioning that he was subjected to after this miracle. We see Jesus here identifying himself as the healer.
In today’s lesson, Jesus deals with the subject of death. His best friend, Lazarus has been sick for a while, and while Jesus is on a preaching tour, he receives the word that Lazarus has died. Jesus expressed a very deep human emotion at the news of his friend’s passing… The shortest verse in the Bible is found in this passage… “Jesus wept…”
Jesus is making another statement here in this passage… In this text he is identifying himself as the resurrection and the life.
Experiencing the passing of someone you love is never an easy time.
Grief often clouds rational and logical thinking. Emotions can be overwhelming at the same time our mind tries desperately to bring order to the unsettling reality and finality of death. Understanding death is beyond our human grasp, especially when it comes prematurely to those we love.
In this text, Martha and Mary grapple with the tardiness of Jesus. Word had been sent to him about the illness of Lazarus, but Jesus did not drop everything to come to their beloved brother. It made no sense to the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus healed so many, but why not help their brother?
Martha expresses her belief in the resurrection and the promise of new life, but does not fully understand the implications for her brother. She confesses, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. . . Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
As this drama unfolds before our eyes, Jesus is greatly disturbed by the time he gets to the tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus orders the removal of the stone, but there is concern about the stench. Martha is not denying her brother’s death, but understands not only his death, but the decomposition of his body. “He has been in there already for four days, and he stinketh…” She believes that it is too late to turn back death. After all… dead is dead… right?
According to our human understanding, once someone is dead, that’s the end of it… it’s a hopeless case…
But Jesus has another plan. He understands the death of Lazarus will be used to glorify God and bring people to faith. In that respect, the delay by Jesus to respond to Lazarus might be understood as an act of love, so others might learn of a greater love.
Next Jesus offers a prayer as One who is unified with God. Although he prays for the sake of others, Jesus already knows his prayer will be answered because he knows God and God’s will. Jesus says the word and new life is given. Jesus cries out, “Lazarus, come out!”
Mary and Martha thought they had an understanding of Jesus, but then their brother became ill. Jesus did not respond as they anticipated. Despite Mary and Martha having great faith and understanding, they were unprepared for Jesus to raise their brother from death. They were so caught up in their own grief and limited understanding that they could not see the big picture involving resurrection. Yet, no one had seen a dead man brought to life from the tomb of death. How could there be understanding? This was beyond the human grasp or imagination. The resurrection of Lazarus serves to prepare followers of Jesus for his own resurrection following the crucifixion and burial. But again, how can there be understanding in these first followers for something unique in human history and beyond human comprehension?
Can we identify with Martha and the faithful who lift their voices in confession, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27 NRSV) We believe and we understand – even if our understanding is limited. Jesus proclaims to each of us who are shackled by the power of death and entombed by guilt and sin, “You are free.” We trust in the promise of new life. Like Lazarus, we can identify with the idea of being set free… and whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
Jesus endured death, hell and the grave not so much that he could understand us, but that we could understand him. Understanding people is a challenge. In part, it is hard to understand our own actions. Paul writes, “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.” It is hard enough to understand ourselves and our own behavior let alone someone else. Francis of Assisi suggests in his prayer that we pray, “Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.” In this prayer, we are encouraged to focus on the other person and not ourselves. We are urged to listen closely for the other’s perspective.
At the foot of the cross, the Scribes and Pharisees mocked Jesus saying “He saved others, but he couldn’t save himself…” Or would it be more accurate to say that he wouldn’t save himself?
Lord, make us instruments of your peace;
where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Lord Jesus,
grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
I Bid You Peace...
Pastor Ken+
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