Month: January 2022

Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 43:1‭-‬7.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

God has promised to gather the faithful in the last days. This passage tells the people that God is with those who trust in Him. The prophet Isaiah who often had hard words for Israel shares the love God has for all His children. 

We may not face the trials and dangers that were common then, but we are assailed by sin just as they were. God’s promise is eternal and unchanging, the same for us as for all who have come before. We must remember how much He loves us and through our obedience and care for each other, show how much we love Him.

God says “I have called you by name and you are mine” (v. 1). How wonderful to be connected personally to our Creator! Let this promise of redemption be the focus of all we do, that when Jesus returns for us, we will be ready.

Heavenly Father, we are amazed at the depth of Your love for us. Make us strong in faith and love that we may share the Gospel with everyone. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 2:11‭-‬16.

For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny. “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Paul’s lesson to the Corinthians in this passage is that we have been given God’s spirit and we must encourage everyone to accept His spirit as well. He explains that the human spirit understands only human things, while the spirit of God within us understands spiritual things as Christ taught. “We have the mind of Christ” (v. 16) to instruct our ministry.

Did you pause when reading that and say “I don’t have a ministry”? Whether you see it or not, we all have a ministry of caring for each other. It was how Jesus reached people and through the Holy Spirit we are called to continue His ministry.

Each of us who accept Christ are called to be in ministry to the world, making disciples of all nations according to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). How we do that depends on our gifts, our situation and our discernment from the Lord. Each one’s work for Christ may look different, but our mission is the same.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of our savior and the work You give us to continue what He taught. Help us to bring the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:43‭-‬48. 

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that we are to love each other, no matter what. It is what God does and He wants His children to do the same. Jesus teaches that loving one another is part of loving God.

We have to ask ourselves what that actually means – is it always being nice to everyone, never disagreeing? We keep our children from playing with matches and running in the street to protect them, even though it may make them unhappy. God Himself sends discipline and correction when we stray.

Loving one another doesn’t mean just letting people do whatever they want. God has given us the responsibility to watch over each other in love, and sometimes that is difficult. If we truly want to love each other as God loves us, we must be willing to do what is right even when it is not easy. 

Gracious God, we are humbled that You call us to be part of Your plan and share Your love with the world. May we go in Your name to care for Your creation. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 2:1‭-‬12.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

God called a diverse group of people to visit Jesus following His birth. In Luke 2 we read of the angels giving the message to the shepherds, the lowest of the low in Jewish society. Today we hear of a group of wealthy foreigners who arrive with gifts for the newborn king.

There couldn’t be more difference or distance between these visitors. We know the poor shepherds from the neighborhood were invited specifically by a message from God. The wise men from the East used the gifts God gave them to determine that the star would lead them where He intended them to go. Both Jews and Gentiles were called, indicating God’s gift of the Messiah was for all the world.

We too are invited to visit the manger, no matter our social status, education or country of origin. Like those of long ago, it is up to us to respond, to come to Jesus and return to our lives forever changed. God has given us all the gift of salvation through His son. Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the blessing of our savior. May we continue to grow in faith and love that all the world may come to You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:7-10‬.

For thus says the Lord: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’

The prophet Jeremiah tells the people that their sorrows will not last forever and that God calls them back to His love and care. This passage speaks words of comfort to those who have strayed from God’s plan. God promises to heal them and keep them “as a shepherd keeps his flock” (v. 10).

God has offered us this relationship since the very beginning. When we fell into sin, God was hurt by our unfaithfulness but His love is so great He has made a way for us to be reconnected through the life, death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. This promise is given to all His children, regardless of who we are and where or when we live.

Those who return in repentance are forgiven and renewed. We are given a responsibility to care for His people as He cares for us. God has a plan for each of us individually and together as His people; may we go into the world in His strength.

Gracious God, we are thankful to be reunited with You and to be called to share Your love. Help us to be the people You intend, and may we spread the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Acts‬ ‭7:44-50‬.

Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?”

This passage is part of Stephen the martyr’s testimony before he is stoned by the mob outside Jerusalem. He recounts the history of the tabernacle or tent of meeting which was the place of worship and the building of the temple as God’s dwelling place. However, he reminds them that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says” (v. 48), quoting Isaiah 66.

We need to be reminded that everything we have, right down to the subatomic particles that all matter contains, is made by God, not us. Sometimes we get wrapped up in how amazing our technology is and feel we’ve accomplished something wonderful. We have done great things, but only through the providence of God.

Our own strength and knowledge is feeble without God. Nothing we make or do exists outside His creation. Let’s give thanks for everything we have been given, realizing these gifts are to be used wisely for the good of all His children.

Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our foolish pride, thinking we can do anything without You. Bless us to use what we have been given well, sharing Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalm 72.

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

This prayer asks God to give the king wisdom and mercy to rule the people. King Saul and King David were appointed by God to be in charge of all things in Israel and they literally had the power of life and death. God’s intent was that these chosen leaders would rule as God does, in love and justice. It didn’t always work out that way.

Most of the nations on earth have chosen a form of representative government, which we feel is better than imperial rule by one or a few. However, they are still human, capable of failure and in need of our prayers. We still need the Lord’s blessing on our leaders that we may be fair and honest in our political systems.

If you chuckled or shook your head in dismay at the last statement, you’re probably not alone. Many people are not satisfied with the actions of their representatives. It is said that we get the government we deserve. Starting today, let’s pray for our officials, that God would give them the wisdom and guidance they need.

Gracious God, be with those in positions of responsibility. Lead them that they may govern wisely, with justice and mercy. May we be supportive even when we disagree and work together to do Your will. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 1:10‭-‬18.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

This passage is a description of the wonderful blessing we have received in Christ. It speaks of the joy of His coming and how He reconnects us to God. It also shares the sorrow that not everyone accepted Him, that “the world did not recognize Him” (v. 10).

Jesus reaches out with God’s love to everyone, but it is up to us individually to make this gift part of our lives and share it with the world. This is where our responsibility in salvation begins. We certainly cannot save ourselves, but we must recognize Jesus and what He comes to do for us.

During this time that we evaluate our lives and make plans for the future, we need to examine our relationship with God and how Jesus has opened the door to a renewed connection for us. We must be intentional in our faith and steadfast in our actions. Through our witness in the world, others may come to know Him and accept God’s love for themselves.

Wise and wonderful God, You love us so much it is hard for us to grasp. Help us to be the disciples of today, sharing the joy of Christ and the blessings of Your kingdom with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Galatians 4:4‭-‬7.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

How inspiring and comforting to hear “Since you are His child, God has made you also an heir”. To put it in more common terms, we are written into the will to receive an inheritance from God. As if He hasn’t already blessed us richly enough through our very existence and all the gifts of creation, God still has more to give us.

While a will is a legally binding document in our society, God’s inheritance for us is eternal. There are requirements and responsibilities we must fulfill under God’s law in order to be part of the inheritance as well. God loves us so much He has made a way for us to be redeemed from our sin and claim the promised gifts.

Are you ready to be an heir of God’s kingdom? It isn’t always easy but it is always worth it! God has instructed us and blessed us to follow the example of Jesus, and to join with Him in life everlasting.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your love given to us to share with the world. May we reach out to others that all may be heirs in Your kingdom. Amen.