9915 West Argent Road, Pasco, WA 99301
Archive
January 26, 2012
"The Self-Made Man (Woman)"
Our culture seems to endorse the “self-made” man. While there is virtue in rugged individual hard work; I have seen the destructiveness in families and faith when independence is taken to the extreme. The Bible speaks loudly to our cultures’ emphasis on self-reliance. Read on.
1 Timothy 1: 1-8
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
Consider:
How does Paul encourage Timothy?
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the opportunity to support each other in our faith journeys. Are you open to building relationships with other Christians?
Prayer:
God, I thank you that you have not left us alone in our faith journey. You have provided brothers and sisters in Christ to build us up. Help us to give up our pride of self-sufficiency and connect in deliberate ways like Paul did with Timothy. Amen.
*******************
January 3, 2012
"Sing a New Song"
Larry Norman (of Jesus Movement fame) composed this new song after he came to faith in Jesus. “Sing that sweet, sweet song of salvation and let your laughter fill the air. Sing that sweet, sweet song of salvation and tell the people everywhere. Sing that sweet song of salvation, tell every man in every nation to sing that sweet, sweet song of salvation and let the people know that Jesus cares.”
Psalm 98
1 Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
Consider:
Do you have a song of salvation in your heart?
Prayer:
God, I pray that you will continue to fill me with a new song of salvation. Amen.
January 4, 2012
"A Day Spent with Jesus"
Imagine going back in time and spending a day with Jesus. What a wild fantasy it would be for me! I would ask him lots of questions and observe his every move as well as carefully evaluate his character. Why? I do not want to follow and make a commitment to a false Messiah who claimed to be the only way to know God. The stakes for me are too high.
John 1:35-39
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
Consider:
What are some of the questions you would ask Jesus in your day spent with Jesus? How would you spend your time with him? What would it take to convince you that he is the Messiah-the Savior of the world — your Savior?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for allowing your early followers time with you. Lord, thank you that you are accessible to me, too. Let’s spend this day together. Amen.
January 5, 2012
"Love Versus Hate"
Jesus, in the last days of his life on earth, before he went to the cross, admonished his followers to love one another. In our reading today, the disciple John brings us again to our Lord’s main teaching, “you must love one another as I have loved you.” Love has been and always will be the distinctive of the Christian. Read on.
1 John 3:11-21
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Consider:
1. According to the above reading, how is love defined?
2. Is love more than a feeling or a sentiment of goodwill?
3. Are you walking in love with your Christian brothers and sisters?
Prayer:
Lord, talk is cheap, teach me to love with “actions and truth.” Amen.
January 6, 2012
"Eternal Confidence and Assurance"
If you died today would you be sure that you would go to heaven to be with the Lord? This question haunts many believers and so God addresses this issue so that we may have confidence and security regarding our relationship with Jesus today and beyond the grave.
1 John 5:13
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Consider:
The basis of our confidence of our eternal destiny is not how well we perform in this life or how we may feel at the moment; but our confidence and security is by God’s grace alone. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Prayer:
Father, I am so thankful that I need not fret about this life or of the life to come since I have come to trust your Son. For this and more I am eternally grateful. Amen.
January 9, 2012
"The Visit of the Magi"
Two years after the birth of Jesus, wise men (Magi/royalty) came from the east to worship Jesus (King of kings and Lord of lords (Isa.9:86-7; Rev. 19:16). The following reveals that this visit causes quite a stir in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Matthew 2:1-12
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Consider:
The birth of Jesus caused the political powers to panic, for Herod did not want any competition to his rule. Early Christians were persecuted because they claimed ultimate allegiance to Jesus and not to Caesar (and subsequent leaders) who also claimed to be a god(s). Church/state conflicts have been with us from the birth of our Lord and yet we are called to pray for our leaders (Romans 13:1-7) and keep Jesus as our King.
Prayer:
Lord, like the wise men who came to worship Jesus, so I too pay ultimate homage to you. I offer my life in service to you.
January 10, 2012
"I Can Hear My Savior Calling"
The following words of the hymn, Where He Leads Me, apply to today’s reading: “I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling, take thy cross and follow me.” Jesus is still calling people to follow him today.
Mark 1:16-20
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Consider:
Another hymn, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, also applies to today’s text. Simon, Andrew, John, and James decided to follow Jesus. Are you ready to follow Jesus? Are you ready to lay aside your “nets” and follow Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord, you invite us to follow you and then in turn invite others to follow with us. Thank you for your gracious invitation and joyous responsibility to invite others too. Amen.
January 11, 2012
"Mark, A Man of Few Words"
Our reading today comes from the Gospel of Mark — the shortest of the four Gospels. Do not let the length of Mark deceive you into thinking that Mark’s Gospel is elemental for he is able to say much about our Lord in a few words. I think you will agree. Read on.
Mark 1:29-39
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place. 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Consider:
1. Note that Jesus is both healer and teacher in our reading today. He heals Simon’s (a.k.a. Peter) mother-in-law and then the next day begins a preaching tour. What do you currently need in your life: Jesus’ touch in your life? His teaching?
2. Notice that Simon’s mother-in-law upon being healed begins to serve the entourage in her home. What does that say about her?
3. Jesus is in high demand and chooses to expand his ministry to reach others with his person and message. How did Jesus reach you? Why not share this with someone soon?
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus your teaching has come to me along with your caring touch. Thank you for your healing in all areas of my life. I too want to rise out of my sickness and serve others. Amen.
January 12, 2012
"Indignant Compassion"
When we think of Jesus we think of a “Jesus who is in control and has no ‘buttons to push.’ ” Yet in today’s reading Jesus is “indignant” when he meets a leper and some translators soften to “Jesus was moved with compassion.” So which is it — read on.
Mark 1:40-45
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant.[a] He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Mark 1:41 - Many manuscripts, Jesus was filled with compassion; however, this is not the best translation of the Greek but translators attempts to soften Jesus’ disposition.
Consider:
So what is the answer? He is indignant at the ravages of what sin can do to our minds, bodies and souls. Of course Jesus loved the leper and he loves you too! All of us need the Master’s touch.
Prayer:
Lord, we pray that you clean our souls from the ravages of our brokenness of mind, body and spirit. Amen.
January 13, 2012
"Who Can Forgive Sins?"
Question: Who can forgive sins? Answer: God.
In our reading today, Jesus meets a paralyzed man and says to him, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus’ words cause quite a commotion among the “teachers” (modern day theologians) for they knew only God can forgive sins and here is an itinerant, common village young man named Jesus who claims to forgive sin. “Heresy, blasphemy, foul ball they cry!”
Mark 2:1-12
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Consider:
1. How did the friends of the paralyzed man show imitative and ingenuity in bringing the paralyzed man to Jesus? How can we as believers do the same?
2. Jesus declares the paralyzed man forgiven. Why the hubbub: from the teachers? From the crowd?
3. Have you received forgiveness from Jesus?
Prayer:
Jesus, you came to earth for the purpose to free us from our sins so that we might be rid of the paralysis of mind, body, and spirit. I ask you to forgive me and I turn to you now as my Lord and Savior with deepest thanks. Amen.
January 16, 2012
"Can You Imagine a Wedding Reception without…?"
I enjoy weddings for there is so much joy spread around between family and friends who are celebrating the union of a man and woman filled with romantic affection and lofty hopes and dreams for the future. I also enjoy the reception which follows — the food, the conversations, the laughter and all the rites that go with the reception; the first dance, the cutting of the cake, the tossing of the garter and the bouquet. Can you imagine a wedding without joy and all the festivities?
Mark 2:18-22
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” 19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. 21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”
Consider:
1. Jesus challenges some “religious practices” in his day which irked his critics. Why? I think that the strict religious critics were in-part envious of the freedom and joy that Jesus followers expressed. What do you think?
2. Are you enjoying the liberty Jesus has given you?
Prayer:
Lord, you inaugurated a new era of salvation, healing, grace, acceptance, mercy and joy. Fill me/us with your Spirit so that your presence may continue to substance us. Amen.
January 17, 2012
"God’s Candidate for the Highest Office"
In this presidential election year all of us have different perspectives about who would be a good leader. In our reading today, God gives the Prophet Samuel the responsibility of choosing the next leader of Israel -- the man whom God will point out to him.
1 Samuel 16: 1, 5 - 13
1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
Consider:
What do you look for in a leader?
Prayer:
Lord, help us to begin to not look at the outward appearance of things but to see what you value the most in a leader. Amen.
January 18, 2012
"Rated-R"
Violent movies are rated ‘R’ for violence and rightly so. Our world is full of violence whereby cruelty between people brings so much anguish. In our reading today, the pagan warrior Goliath mocks God and the armies of Israel. David, the shepherd boy, takes up the challenge to defend God’s name.
I Samuel 17: 32-33, 37, 40-45
32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” 37 The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. 41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Consider:
You know the rest of the story about how David slays Goliath. The nation has a hero in David and the people have peace (for a while) and hope.
1. How do you account for David’s bravery?
2. Are you willing like David to confront evil?
3. How does Jesus confront and overcome evil?
Prayer:
God, I pray that I might keep your Name sacred in my life and stand up against evil when called upon. Grant me courage like David to trust in you in the face of evil. Amen.
January 19, 2012
"Blood is not Always Thicker than Water"
You have heard the old adage, “blood is thicker than water.” This means when “push comes to shove” in a dispute between casual relationships and family — family comes first — for family is a blood relationship. In our reading today, however the bond between Jonathan and his friend David (who in our reading yesterday defeated Goliath) is thicker than Jonathan’s blood-bond with his father, Saul.
I Samuel 18:6-9
When David and Saul approached (on David's return after slaying the Philistine),
women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang:
"Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands."
Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: "They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship."
And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul's son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: "My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know."
Consider:
1. Jealousy is destructive. Is your heart free from envy, covetousness and jealousy?
2. Jonathan and David were good friends so much so that Jonathan had David’s back. Do you know that Jesus has your back?
3. Why not call a friend and tell him/her how much you appreciate him/her today?
Prayer:
Jesus you have befriended me by going to the cross on my behalf. You always are in favor of me, although sometimes you have to correct me. Thank you for the friends you have given to me and assist me to be faithful to them. Amen.
January 20, 2012
"Honest Faith in the Face of Fear"
In our reading yesterday, David had killed the Philistine giant, Goliath. And because David became a hero in the eyes of the people, King Saul became jealous and sought David’s life. David fled for safety and hid in a cave. While there he had an opportunity to kill Saul (See 1 Sam. 24: 3-21) but in mercy David spared Saul’s life. The following Psalm is written by David under duress in the above time period. David cries out to God…
Psalm 57: 2-4, 6-11
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me — God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts — men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 6 They spread a net for my feet — I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path — but they have fallen into it themselves. 7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Consider:
1. Notice that David, the people’s hero, has normal fear because Saul sought to kill him. David does not withhold his emotions from God when he prays. Are you honest with your emotions when you pray?
2. David breaks forth into song because of God’s faithfulness. When you are in the throes of troubles, do you trust God?
3. In verse 8 above, David breaks forth into song. Look at his songs (verses 8-11) again and make his words the song of your heart, too.
Prayer:
Help me Lord, to always trust in you and to pour out my heart and to voice my fears to you in times of trouble. Help me not to take vengeance into my own hands but to commit my ways and circumstances to you. Amen.
January 23, 2012
"Driving Impaired on Interstate I-80"
I recall after 10 years of yearning for God to move in my life and in my ministry of First Congregational Church (our former name before Desert Springs) I heard the news while driving back home from Colorado, that our new affiliation with the Evangelical Covenant Church was going to back us financially in our outreach to the Tri-Cities. I sobbed so hard all I could mutter was “God you are so good … God you are so good!” I thought about pulling off the road for safety sake for my vision was blurred; however, against better judgment, I continued driving west on U.S. Interstate 1-80 lost in grateful songs of praise and joy. The following Psalm echoes my experience.
Psalm 89: 1-2
I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Consider:
How has God demonstrated his faithfulness to you? What are your dreams?
Prayer:
Lord, I ask you that I may experience and know in my heart of hearts your love and that I may express my love to you in service to others and songs of praise and thanksgiving. Amen.
January 24, 2012
"First Things First in Politics"
In this political year of Presidential primaries and all of the promises by both parties, little is mentioned about the spiritual vitality of our country or lack thereof. We hear a lot about the economy and next to little or nothing about God. I know we have a “policy of the separation of church and state” but if you know the Constitution, the true policy is called the “establishment clause” which means that the government shall not “establish” a religion. There is no such thing in the Constitution as the “separation of church and state.” The Constitution does not forbid religion. As a result of this misunderstanding, politicians are afraid to talk about God. As Christians we know that God is absolutely essential for the establishment of a just and good society. In our reading below, David, the newl––y installed King of Israel, made plans to restore the spiritual health of the nation which King Saul had ignored. David’s first plan was to honor God by returning the Ark of the Covenant from the home of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. Previously the Ark had been captured by the pagan Philistines and then the Odeb-edom was blessed to have the Ark in his home and David wanted the Ark as a blessing to all of the nation in the capital city of Jerusalem in the Temple itself. Here religions and state are bound togther by a King who put God first.
2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19
David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David amid festivities. As soon as the bearers of the ark of the LORD had advanced six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. Then David, girt with a linen apron, came dancing before the LORD with abandon, as he and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and to the sound of the horn. The ark of the LORD was brought in and set in its place within the tent David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. When he finished making these offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. He then distributed among all the people, to each man and each woman in the entire multitude of Israel, a loaf of bread, a cut of roast meat, and a raisin cake. With this, all the people left for their homes.
Consider:
What would happen in our land if God was honored among the people?Same question as above: our politicians?
Prayer:
God, your Word says “righteousness exalts a nation.” I pray that like King David of old, “we the people of the United States of America,” as well as our elected leaders, may honor you first. Amen.
January 25, 2012
"Jesus' Family Intervention"
I found out an interesting statistic. Eighty-percent of people who have problems of any kind rely on family for support. This is in part the reason God has established families so that people would be cared for and sustained throughout life. In our reading today, we find Jesus’ family trying to gain access to him. Many scholars say that Jesus’ family wanted access to Jesus at this time in his ministry to influence him. Jesus had gained quite a following and they were thinking that he might be “going off the deep end” — becoming a religious fanatic with self-delusions about being the Messiah. Jesus’ response to his family’s intervention is not what one would expect. Read on.
Mark 3:31-35
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of Godis my brother and sister and mother."
Consider:
Does Jesus’ response to his family surprise you? Who does Jesus consider family and what are the terms of belonging? The church is the family of God. Are you connected with your church family?
Prayer: Jesus, help us to follow you and to do your will so that we may be considered your family. Amen.
Daily Devotions
