What was your favorite part of Holy Week and Easter this year? Where did the message of Jesus' death and resurrection speak to you most helpfully?
I really don't intend this to be an 'rhetorical question. I invite you to take a moment to post a comment. As we share we all grow and are encouraged in our faith.
My most moving moment was the beginning of the 8:30 a.m. service when we all proclaimed so boldly "Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!! Alleluia!!" Our proclamation stood in such wonderful contrast to those who wanted to declare "God is dead" and dampen our Easter faith and enthusiasm. The tomb couldn't hold Jesus. The tomb wouldn't hold back our Easter faith.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Shining Face of Jesus!
For those who know the Morning Star Church building, you know we have a floor to gable stained glass window on our western exposure. Central to this window the figure of Jesus walking on the water with the Disciple Peter just about ready to sink.
This time of the year, about 7:00 p.m. (give or take a little) the setting sun, when I’m standing at the altar for the special worship services of the season, is in just the right position to shine into my face directly through the face of Jesus.
Sometimes, I have to tell you, this image and moment is so moving that it leaves me speechless. It is the loving, caring face of Jesus shining into my face with eyes of love, a smile of un-conditional acceptance and a sense of pure delight in me. It is one of the most uplifting and affirming feelings I could ever hope to have.
This moment takes on a added significance when I relate it to the benediction, “may the Lord bless you and keep you, ... may his face shine upon you and give you peace.” You know the old words were “lift up his countenance upon you.” A “countenance” is something like the calm appearance of an accepting, loving face.
You see, in these moments of worship, that’s just what I get. It is just what I often need. It is the face of Jesus shining on me to give me His peace, His peace which passes all understanding and gives me hope.
Sometime this week, you may want to take a little walk up to the place where I usually stand and catch a glimpse of the shining face of Jesus. I know you’ll be blessed. And I won’t mind having you there enjoying what I enjoy!
May God’s face shine peace on you in these days leading up to Easter!!
This time of the year, about 7:00 p.m. (give or take a little) the setting sun, when I’m standing at the altar for the special worship services of the season, is in just the right position to shine into my face directly through the face of Jesus.
Sometimes, I have to tell you, this image and moment is so moving that it leaves me speechless. It is the loving, caring face of Jesus shining into my face with eyes of love, a smile of un-conditional acceptance and a sense of pure delight in me. It is one of the most uplifting and affirming feelings I could ever hope to have.
This moment takes on a added significance when I relate it to the benediction, “may the Lord bless you and keep you, ... may his face shine upon you and give you peace.” You know the old words were “lift up his countenance upon you.” A “countenance” is something like the calm appearance of an accepting, loving face.
You see, in these moments of worship, that’s just what I get. It is just what I often need. It is the face of Jesus shining on me to give me His peace, His peace which passes all understanding and gives me hope.
Sometime this week, you may want to take a little walk up to the place where I usually stand and catch a glimpse of the shining face of Jesus. I know you’ll be blessed. And I won’t mind having you there enjoying what I enjoy!
May God’s face shine peace on you in these days leading up to Easter!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Lenten Devotion
Bibs or Aprons?
~Author Unknown~
================
(Offered with the disclaimer that the “bib” image certainly doesn’t fit for many who, for one reason or another, aren’t able to control their eating needs and/or habits. The image is offered as a comparative image only.)
I recently visited a fast-growing church in Minnesota to learn from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.
One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want our members to wear aprons, not bibs." Here's what they meant:
Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.
Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.
Church growth consultant, Win Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.
On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples' feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.
In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."
Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me daily with your word. Fill me with your redeeming love. Open my eyes to clearly see the needs of those around me, and then open my hands to serve them. Each day, strengthen me with your Spirit, so that I might choose to wear an apron, not a bib. This I pray in your name. Amen."
~Author Unknown~
================
(Offered with the disclaimer that the “bib” image certainly doesn’t fit for many who, for one reason or another, aren’t able to control their eating needs and/or habits. The image is offered as a comparative image only.)
I recently visited a fast-growing church in Minnesota to learn from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.
One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want our members to wear aprons, not bibs." Here's what they meant:
Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.
Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.
Church growth consultant, Win Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.
On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples' feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.
In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."
Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me daily with your word. Fill me with your redeeming love. Open my eyes to clearly see the needs of those around me, and then open my hands to serve them. Each day, strengthen me with your Spirit, so that I might choose to wear an apron, not a bib. This I pray in your name. Amen."
In Memory of Eleanor
A couple of decades ago, I was privileged to become acquainted with Eleanor. Eleanor was a widow, in her 80’s. Every time I went to visit I would notice that she had a hardbound copy of “Daily Guideposts” on her side table, right beside her Bible. As we got to know each other, I asked her about the “Daily Guideposts” books. It turned out that each year Eleanor would receive a copy of the year’s “Daily Guideposts”. It was a gift from one of her grand children. And every day she would use her devotional time to read her Bible and reflect on the devotion for the day. When she pointed to her bookshelf, there in a neat row was the whole collection, about 10 years worth, of “Daily Guideposts.” Each had a special marker she had knit or crocheted for the year. Some also had bookmakers created by her grand children.
After Eleanor died, I stopped by the house to visit the family. Somehow they had gotten wind of my admiration for Eleanor’s devotion time with “Daily Guideposts”. They had the whole collection packed neatly in a box. They insisted that I should have them for my library.
I still have them. I still used them. Each year I find the one that fits the current calendar—that is January 1 is on the right day of the week (it makes it easier for me to stay on track that way) – this year it is “Daily Guideposts 1994, I pull it out and follow Eleanor’s discipline for my devotional time. And each year, I get to enjoy the wonderful bookmarks -- this year it is a white cross, made with a soft “sparkly” yarn.
Each year I give thanks for the legacy that Eleanor has passed along to me.
Furthermore, each year I marvel that the devotions are timely as every, just as though the whole book was written just for me.
After Eleanor died, I stopped by the house to visit the family. Somehow they had gotten wind of my admiration for Eleanor’s devotion time with “Daily Guideposts”. They had the whole collection packed neatly in a box. They insisted that I should have them for my library.
I still have them. I still used them. Each year I find the one that fits the current calendar—that is January 1 is on the right day of the week (it makes it easier for me to stay on track that way) – this year it is “Daily Guideposts 1994, I pull it out and follow Eleanor’s discipline for my devotional time. And each year, I get to enjoy the wonderful bookmarks -- this year it is a white cross, made with a soft “sparkly” yarn.
Each year I give thanks for the legacy that Eleanor has passed along to me.
Furthermore, each year I marvel that the devotions are timely as every, just as though the whole book was written just for me.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Staying in One Lane:
Yesterday I was driving a few miles over to run an errand. I wasn’t in any particular hurry so I was just meandering along at just about the speed limit and enjoying the fresh Sunday afternoon springtime air. And I was keeping my safe pace in the right hand lane, no need to change lanes, my destination was a right turn.
As I drove there was a particular car that caught my attention. It was speeding up and slowing down, shifting from one lane to the other, apparently trying to gain some advantage as the driver hurried along to his/her destination. At one point this vehicle passed me, the driver appearing to have a tense and annoyed facial expression. Up ahead, the street became one lane instead of two and I noticed that the driver made a quick turn onto a side street.
I a few blocks I reached my destination. As I reached my destination, I noticed that same vehicle, with the same annoyed appearing driver, waiting at a stop sign as several vehicles passed by. I actually reached the common destination ahead of this other driver. I reached it with a smile on my face and peace in my gut. I don’t know what was going on in that other driver’s gut, but I sure do know he didn’t have a smile on his face. And apparently his “short cut” hadn’t helped out either.
Maybe there is a lesson for life here. Too often, it seems, we are speeding along, focus on a destination. Along the way we keep speeding up and slowing down, jumping lanes in life (that is pursuing one thing then another) and taking “short-cuts” when we think we can. We get annoyed with others on the same journey who seem to be taking too long, hogging the road and living with a sense of peace. Much of the time none of this is because we “have to” but because we think it is going to gain us some kind of advantage in the end. And, in the end, you know, we all come to the same place – the gate of heaven.
Maybe there is something to be said for staying in the same lane, enjoying the pace of the journey and ending up the day, month, year or life with a smile on ones face and a sense of peace in one’s gut.
As I drove there was a particular car that caught my attention. It was speeding up and slowing down, shifting from one lane to the other, apparently trying to gain some advantage as the driver hurried along to his/her destination. At one point this vehicle passed me, the driver appearing to have a tense and annoyed facial expression. Up ahead, the street became one lane instead of two and I noticed that the driver made a quick turn onto a side street.
I a few blocks I reached my destination. As I reached my destination, I noticed that same vehicle, with the same annoyed appearing driver, waiting at a stop sign as several vehicles passed by. I actually reached the common destination ahead of this other driver. I reached it with a smile on my face and peace in my gut. I don’t know what was going on in that other driver’s gut, but I sure do know he didn’t have a smile on his face. And apparently his “short cut” hadn’t helped out either.
Maybe there is a lesson for life here. Too often, it seems, we are speeding along, focus on a destination. Along the way we keep speeding up and slowing down, jumping lanes in life (that is pursuing one thing then another) and taking “short-cuts” when we think we can. We get annoyed with others on the same journey who seem to be taking too long, hogging the road and living with a sense of peace. Much of the time none of this is because we “have to” but because we think it is going to gain us some kind of advantage in the end. And, in the end, you know, we all come to the same place – the gate of heaven.
Maybe there is something to be said for staying in the same lane, enjoying the pace of the journey and ending up the day, month, year or life with a smile on ones face and a sense of peace in one’s gut.
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