12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12
Toward the end of Advent we marked the winter solstice, when the darkness stops taking over our days and light begins to reappear. It also coincided with the Blue Christmas worship that we held at All Saints. Other churches have similar worship times, as a way to remember the losses that we have experienced, and to acknowledge that often the holidays are a mixed bag of emotion.
Now, we are reminded of Jesus' words and promise as the light of the world -- and the light of life. Even in our darkest moments, Jesus is there, shining forth for us, lighting our way.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ Mark 13:37
Perhaps we're all feeling a little sleepy these days -- either from a lack of activity, too many cookies (ahem), or the frenzied activity of visiting and traveling. And yet Jesus says, "Keep awake!"
Now this verse addressed the next coming -- we don't know when that day will come. But in these days post- Christmas, when we've packed away most of the holiday cheer and the needles from the tree aren't the only things getting on our nerves, perhaps we should awaken again to see Jesus in our midst. Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll see Jesus. Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll witness the miracle of goodwill between children, siblings even! Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll have the chance to bring the gospel to someone who desperately needs it today, in the form of a smile, a kind word, a smidgen of grace when you thought it might be all gone.
Keep awake,
Pastor Jenn
Perhaps we're all feeling a little sleepy these days -- either from a lack of activity, too many cookies (ahem), or the frenzied activity of visiting and traveling. And yet Jesus says, "Keep awake!"
Now this verse addressed the next coming -- we don't know when that day will come. But in these days post- Christmas, when we've packed away most of the holiday cheer and the needles from the tree aren't the only things getting on our nerves, perhaps we should awaken again to see Jesus in our midst. Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll see Jesus. Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll witness the miracle of goodwill between children, siblings even! Keep awake, for you don't know when you'll have the chance to bring the gospel to someone who desperately needs it today, in the form of a smile, a kind word, a smidgen of grace when you thought it might be all gone.
Keep awake,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
8Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and search out all the commandments of the Lord your God; that you may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you for ever. 1 Chronicles 28:8
King David is in the midst of giving a speech about what he wasn't able to accomplish -- mainly because God had different plans for him -- and what his son Solomon will do, when we read this verse. I would guess, from what I know about David, that he would have liked to have done more, that he would have liked to have built the temple, the sanctuary for God. But as a man of faith who listened to God, he respected that building the resting place for the ark of the covenant was not for him to do.
And so the task passes on to the next generation. We might not be in the business, as a church, of passing on land to those who come after us, but we are given many things that we are to leave for those who come next -- our faith, our hope, our heritage, our songs. I give thanks for the inheritance of faith that we have received from our ancestors, and I give thanks for the passing of these gifts that I see taking place around me.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
King David is in the midst of giving a speech about what he wasn't able to accomplish -- mainly because God had different plans for him -- and what his son Solomon will do, when we read this verse. I would guess, from what I know about David, that he would have liked to have done more, that he would have liked to have built the temple, the sanctuary for God. But as a man of faith who listened to God, he respected that building the resting place for the ark of the covenant was not for him to do.
And so the task passes on to the next generation. We might not be in the business, as a church, of passing on land to those who come after us, but we are given many things that we are to leave for those who come next -- our faith, our hope, our heritage, our songs. I give thanks for the inheritance of faith that we have received from our ancestors, and I give thanks for the passing of these gifts that I see taking place around me.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, December 28, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Matthew 2:13
Sometime early in Advent I sifted through a file in my office labeled simply "Art." Through the years, I've clipped images from magazines, bulletin covers, postcards, calendars and tucked them into this file folder. I go through it occasionally, as a devotional practice. I re-discovered this past season an image of the holy family fleeing. They're portrayed loosely, and both Mary and Joseph have their heads turned as if looking behind them; Mary clutches the bundle I presume to be Jesus closely.
It's not the typical image that I carry with me of the holy family. More often I imagine them as they're seen in so many nativity sets, resting in adoration. This angel that comes to Joseph, though, sets them in motion again -- and in haste they go, go, go. I held that image in my mind during the season preparation, knowing as we must, what comes next. And while the family was fleeing from Herod, from a certain death, they were headed for safety, and they were headed for respite.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Sometime early in Advent I sifted through a file in my office labeled simply "Art." Through the years, I've clipped images from magazines, bulletin covers, postcards, calendars and tucked them into this file folder. I go through it occasionally, as a devotional practice. I re-discovered this past season an image of the holy family fleeing. They're portrayed loosely, and both Mary and Joseph have their heads turned as if looking behind them; Mary clutches the bundle I presume to be Jesus closely.
It's not the typical image that I carry with me of the holy family. More often I imagine them as they're seen in so many nativity sets, resting in adoration. This angel that comes to Joseph, though, sets them in motion again -- and in haste they go, go, go. I held that image in my mind during the season preparation, knowing as we must, what comes next. And while the family was fleeing from Herod, from a certain death, they were headed for safety, and they were headed for respite.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, December 25, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Christmas Day
A message from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5a).
Into this shadowed world light shines and joyous voices sing. Glad tidings cheer the heart and liberate hope. "A child has been born for us, a son given to us" (Isaiah 9:6). God our Savior has appeared!
God's saving goodness and loving kindness have arrived in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in the humility of a manger, and later in the scandal of the cross, God's promise is being made good in plain sight for all to see, in a life of generous mercy, richly poured out for all.
"See, your salvation comes," the prophet wrote (Isaiah 62:11). God's faithfulness to God's promises calls us to a new hope, for the hope of eternal life is an inheritance that we can enjoy today in lives of generosity and compassion, joy and peace.
Merry Christmas from Pastors Jenn and Seth
Remember that this Sunday (December 27) we will have only one worship service, at 10 am.
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5a).
Into this shadowed world light shines and joyous voices sing. Glad tidings cheer the heart and liberate hope. "A child has been born for us, a son given to us" (Isaiah 9:6). God our Savior has appeared!
God's saving goodness and loving kindness have arrived in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in the humility of a manger, and later in the scandal of the cross, God's promise is being made good in plain sight for all to see, in a life of generous mercy, richly poured out for all.
"See, your salvation comes," the prophet wrote (Isaiah 62:11). God's faithfulness to God's promises calls us to a new hope, for the hope of eternal life is an inheritance that we can enjoy today in lives of generosity and compassion, joy and peace.
Merry Christmas from Pastors Jenn and Seth
Remember that this Sunday (December 27) we will have only one worship service, at 10 am.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Christmas Eve
Almighty God,
you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light.
Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence
and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tonight as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. 3:00 Family Worship and 5 and 11 Holy Communion with candlelight "Silent Night." Preservice music before each. If you are able, please park outside our lot or at the outskirts to leave room for visitors and those who are not able to walk far distances.
you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light.
Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence
and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tonight as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. 3:00 Family Worship and 5 and 11 Holy Communion with candlelight "Silent Night." Preservice music before each. If you are able, please park outside our lot or at the outskirts to leave room for visitors and those who are not able to walk far distances.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Micah 4:6 On that day, says the Lord,
I will assemble the lame
and gather those who have been driven away,
and those whom I have afflicted.
We all have our dreams of the perfect Christmas. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. I'm dreaming of singing "Silent Night" in German. I'm dreaming of eating more cookies than any human being not named Santa should eat on any one night.
Micah had a vision of a perfect Christmas too, though he didn't call it that. Micah's vision of a perfect celebration of the Lord's coming sounds to me something like an awards banquet at the Special Olympics crossed with a night at our PADS shelter. That'd be pretty cool. So Micah's vision of the Lord's coming looks something like a standard week here at All Saints. Thanks be to God for the ways that you live into this vision of the Lord's coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us to celebrate the birth of the Christ child tomorrow (Thursday) at 3, 5, and 11. 3:00 Family Worship, 5 and 11 Holy Communion with candlelight. Preservice music before each.
I will assemble the lame
and gather those who have been driven away,
and those whom I have afflicted.
We all have our dreams of the perfect Christmas. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. I'm dreaming of singing "Silent Night" in German. I'm dreaming of eating more cookies than any human being not named Santa should eat on any one night.
Micah had a vision of a perfect Christmas too, though he didn't call it that. Micah's vision of a perfect celebration of the Lord's coming sounds to me something like an awards banquet at the Special Olympics crossed with a night at our PADS shelter. That'd be pretty cool. So Micah's vision of the Lord's coming looks something like a standard week here at All Saints. Thanks be to God for the ways that you live into this vision of the Lord's coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us to celebrate the birth of the Christ child tomorrow (Thursday) at 3, 5, and 11. 3:00 Family Worship, 5 and 11 Holy Communion with candlelight. Preservice music before each.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Micah 4:3-4 He shall judge between many peoples,
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!
Show us your justice between nations and peoples.
Help us to beat our swords into ploughshares, our Predator drones into fertilizer planes.
Show us how to put the swords away forever; teach us something other than war.
Give us each a vine and a fig tree, a safe place to eat and be satisfied, not looking over the hill to see whose fig tree looks bigger.
Banish fear forever.
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child with three Christmas Eve services: 3:00 family service, 5 and 11 Holy Communion candlelit services, with preservice music before each.
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!
Show us your justice between nations and peoples.
Help us to beat our swords into ploughshares, our Predator drones into fertilizer planes.
Show us how to put the swords away forever; teach us something other than war.
Give us each a vine and a fig tree, a safe place to eat and be satisfied, not looking over the hill to see whose fig tree looks bigger.
Banish fear forever.
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child with three Christmas Eve services: 3:00 family service, 5 and 11 Holy Communion candlelit services, with preservice music before each.
Monday, December 21, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Genesis 25:27-28 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Stephen Colbert is one of my favorite comedians. Not one of my favorite parenting experts. But in a chapter of his book on parenting he recommends that all parents should have a favorite child, and they should tell their children they have a favorite. But they shouldn't say which one. This keeps the kids guessing. Again... not probably the best parenting advice, but pretty funny in my opinion. Maybe Isaac and Rebekah should have been a little more secretive about their favorites. Maybe then Esau and Jacob wouldn't have grown up to rival one another so much, and lots of problems later could have been avoided.
In this week of family gatherings, we all know that the "Hallmark" picture of family gatherings isn't always true. Sometimes there are forced smiles, subjects to be avoided, or people to be outright ignored. One reason Jacob and Esau had so many problems later in life is that they got confused: they thought that their parents favor equaled God's favor, that God loved them the most. So remember this week: God sent His Son for everyone. For you and for me. And for your crazy Uncle Buck. All the same.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
If this Christmas season is one marked by sadness and mourning for you, gather with others for our Blue Christmas worship service tonight (Monday) at 7 pm.
Stephen Colbert is one of my favorite comedians. Not one of my favorite parenting experts. But in a chapter of his book on parenting he recommends that all parents should have a favorite child, and they should tell their children they have a favorite. But they shouldn't say which one. This keeps the kids guessing. Again... not probably the best parenting advice, but pretty funny in my opinion. Maybe Isaac and Rebekah should have been a little more secretive about their favorites. Maybe then Esau and Jacob wouldn't have grown up to rival one another so much, and lots of problems later could have been avoided.
In this week of family gatherings, we all know that the "Hallmark" picture of family gatherings isn't always true. Sometimes there are forced smiles, subjects to be avoided, or people to be outright ignored. One reason Jacob and Esau had so many problems later in life is that they got confused: they thought that their parents favor equaled God's favor, that God loved them the most. So remember this week: God sent His Son for everyone. For you and for me. And for your crazy Uncle Buck. All the same.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
If this Christmas season is one marked by sadness and mourning for you, gather with others for our Blue Christmas worship service tonight (Monday) at 7 pm.
Friday, December 18, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Hebrews 10:35-36
35Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
In this final stretch of Advent, how's your endurance? Are you ready for this whole blessed season to be over so we can get to Christmas and open presents and then put everything away and return to normal? Have you forgotten the little bits of magic you found when you first opened the box of ornaments or turned on the lights outside? How's your confidence that Jesus will be born and we will raise our voices in songs of praise of hope for the world, again?
During this season, remember that God will not abandon you -- have confidence in that. Remember that our waiting comes with great hope, great expectation, and ultimately great promise. Find your endurance waning? Light the candles, center yourself with prayer, dip into the well of worship, and remember God's promises for your life.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
35Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
In this final stretch of Advent, how's your endurance? Are you ready for this whole blessed season to be over so we can get to Christmas and open presents and then put everything away and return to normal? Have you forgotten the little bits of magic you found when you first opened the box of ornaments or turned on the lights outside? How's your confidence that Jesus will be born and we will raise our voices in songs of praise of hope for the world, again?
During this season, remember that God will not abandon you -- have confidence in that. Remember that our waiting comes with great hope, great expectation, and ultimately great promise. Find your endurance waning? Light the candles, center yourself with prayer, dip into the well of worship, and remember God's promises for your life.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, December 17, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Hebrews 10:14
14For by a single offering [Jesus Christ] has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
I know that I'm a long ways from being perfect in any and all human ways. Knowing that, and living with that reality, means that a verse like this one humbles me to no end. Through our baptism, we have been made holy -- and through Christ's saving offering, we have been perfected.
Wow. I'm going to let that one sink in a little while.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
14For by a single offering [Jesus Christ] has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
I know that I'm a long ways from being perfect in any and all human ways. Knowing that, and living with that reality, means that a verse like this one humbles me to no end. Through our baptism, we have been made holy -- and through Christ's saving offering, we have been perfected.
Wow. I'm going to let that one sink in a little while.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Micah 4:11-13
11Now many nations
are assembled against you,
saying, ‘Let her be profaned,
and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.’
12But they do not know
the thoughts of the Lord;
they do not understand his plan,
that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing-floor.
13Arise and thresh,
O daughter Zion,
for I will make your horn iron
and your hoofs bronze;
you shall beat in pieces many peoples,
and shall* devote their gain to the Lord,
their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.
There is a theme in the assigned readings of these days leading to Christmas, a theme that I see of preparation and a theme of triumph. The song of Mary that we will read, also reflects the rising of the lowly and the mightiness of God. It can be difficult to read, though, these images of death and destruction to people -- even if they don't seem to be heeding the Lord's thoughts. Who am I, who are we, to know the thoughts of the Lord?
What I do take from these verses, however, are words of comfort and strength for a nation. And always, always, the strength of God. Perhaps in these days of preparation, these days of feeling very small, that is the message that comes most clearly -- the strength is in God, the power is with the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thoughts? Visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/ to share them.
11Now many nations
are assembled against you,
saying, ‘Let her be profaned,
and let our eyes gaze upon Zion.’
12But they do not know
the thoughts of the Lord;
they do not understand his plan,
that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing-floor.
13Arise and thresh,
O daughter Zion,
for I will make your horn iron
and your hoofs bronze;
you shall beat in pieces many peoples,
and shall* devote their gain to the Lord,
their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.
There is a theme in the assigned readings of these days leading to Christmas, a theme that I see of preparation and a theme of triumph. The song of Mary that we will read, also reflects the rising of the lowly and the mightiness of God. It can be difficult to read, though, these images of death and destruction to people -- even if they don't seem to be heeding the Lord's thoughts. Who am I, who are we, to know the thoughts of the Lord?
What I do take from these verses, however, are words of comfort and strength for a nation. And always, always, the strength of God. Perhaps in these days of preparation, these days of feeling very small, that is the message that comes most clearly -- the strength is in God, the power is with the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thoughts? Visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/ to share them.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
New Online Bible Study starting
Season of Epiphany Online Bible Study
Start your new year off right, with Bible Study. This group is for all of you want to study and discuss the Bible, but can't quite commit to regular attendance at a Sunday morning or Thursday morning or Wednesday evening group. This study will begin on the day of Epiphany (Wednesday, January 6) and will end on Transfiguration Sunday (February 14). Obviously, if it's going well, we'll continue with another session, but that is the outline of this session. We'll be studying 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 which talk about spiritual gifts and love. Those who sign up for the group at http://bookoffaith.ning.com/group/allsaintspalatine (yes, you'll have to sign up for an account there, but there are some really cool tools) will be able to read a brief update or comment each day with a question or two to ponder. Those who sign up are committing to check the site at least once a day during that time and to respond each day with at least one sentence. If you have any questions, email pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
Lenten Devotional Being Prepared
This message was sent last week. There are still a few slots open, so just in case you forgot to respond or have given it some thought, here it is again!
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
- an assigned biblical text (usually 6-10 verses)
- a deadline (in early January)
- instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
Write your thoughts about what these passages are saying to you. What do they make you think of? What do you learn about God from them? What do you learn about yourself from them? Use the booklets "Christ in our Home" or the daily email devotionals as inspiration. But make it your own. Share your thoughts with your sisters and brothers.
Finally submit the following via email: your key verses, 250-350 word reflection, and how you would like your name to be printed.
These will be printed together in a booklet for our congregation, the booklet will be made into a pdf and put on our congregation's website, and the devotions will be emailed as part of our daily email devotional plan for the season of Lent 2010.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Isaiah 11:6-9
6The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
We have a dog that has, to put it mildly, a lot of energy. Those who have met Woody the Puggle have experienced his exuberance for being part of God's creation. I walked into our living room the other morning just in time to see our son tackle the dog. I gasped in anticipation that the scene would end poorly for all involved. Imagine my shock when the dog simply rolled out of the way, and then sat very, very still as our son gently stroked both of his ears.
I don't think the early-morning scene was a sign of Christ's coming, but it gave me a tender moment to witness gentleness and coexistence, as well as maybe a little bit of grace. The calf and the lion are not supposed to live together, the wolf and the lamb have designated places in the pecking order -- places that don't involved coexistence. But the branch that grows from Jesse's roots -- the One whom we call Messiah, Lord, Savior, Jesus the Christ -- changes all of that. Where do you witness that grace and that coexistence? And how can we continue to pray that into reality?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Respond, ask your own questions... http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
6The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
We have a dog that has, to put it mildly, a lot of energy. Those who have met Woody the Puggle have experienced his exuberance for being part of God's creation. I walked into our living room the other morning just in time to see our son tackle the dog. I gasped in anticipation that the scene would end poorly for all involved. Imagine my shock when the dog simply rolled out of the way, and then sat very, very still as our son gently stroked both of his ears.
I don't think the early-morning scene was a sign of Christ's coming, but it gave me a tender moment to witness gentleness and coexistence, as well as maybe a little bit of grace. The calf and the lion are not supposed to live together, the wolf and the lamb have designated places in the pecking order -- places that don't involved coexistence. But the branch that grows from Jesse's roots -- the One whom we call Messiah, Lord, Savior, Jesus the Christ -- changes all of that. Where do you witness that grace and that coexistence? And how can we continue to pray that into reality?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Respond, ask your own questions... http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 14, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Numbers 16:12-14
12 Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab; but they said, ‘We will not come! 13Is it too little that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also lord it over us? 14It is clear you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come!’
When the Israelites leave captivity in Egypt, the land they enter leaves much to be desired in their mind -- as does the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The people whine, a lot, and they seem convinced that the land is not as Moses has promised. What the people seem to forget, however, is that it's not really about Moses and Aaron.
The Lord speaks to Moses repeatedly, giving him the message for the people that this land is land that the Lord is giving unto the people. It's a pretty common human mistake, I think, to forget that the Lord is speaking. What ends up happening to the band of folks who have turned away from listening to God's word? In verse 31 and beyond we learn that the earth actually opened up and swallowed them with all of their households and goods. The land around us might not appear to be flowing with milk or honey, and we might feel that we'll die in this wilderness, but it's always a good reminder to listen to the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Questions? Thoughts? Just want to share? http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
12 Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab; but they said, ‘We will not come! 13Is it too little that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also lord it over us? 14It is clear you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come!’
When the Israelites leave captivity in Egypt, the land they enter leaves much to be desired in their mind -- as does the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The people whine, a lot, and they seem convinced that the land is not as Moses has promised. What the people seem to forget, however, is that it's not really about Moses and Aaron.
The Lord speaks to Moses repeatedly, giving him the message for the people that this land is land that the Lord is giving unto the people. It's a pretty common human mistake, I think, to forget that the Lord is speaking. What ends up happening to the band of folks who have turned away from listening to God's word? In verse 31 and beyond we learn that the earth actually opened up and swallowed them with all of their households and goods. The land around us might not appear to be flowing with milk or honey, and we might feel that we'll die in this wilderness, but it's always a good reminder to listen to the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Questions? Thoughts? Just want to share? http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 11, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us
I just want to use today's message to say thank you.
I am thankful to each of you for your generosity to the ministry that happens in and through All Saints.
I am thankful to God for your generosity... for your giving to support the "boring" things of our budget like a mortgage and and staff salaries. And for your giving to things like the recent Christmas Angels project, where you supported 28 families, more than ever before!
Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance.
Paul was writing to the Corinthians about the collection for the church in Jerusalem that needed the support of sisters and brothers in Christ around the world. But I want you to think about this slightly differently this morning: where is your abundance? And it's not fair (and untrue) to say... nothing. Has God blessed you with financial abundance? Has God blessed you with an abundance of musical talent? Has God blessed you with an abundance of time? Where specifically is your abundance?
Next question: where do you see a need in that same area? It may be in some ministry here at All Saints. It may be in your PTA or your neighborhood association. But where do you see a need that matches with your abundance? That's what Paul is talking about... God always provides an abundance to match every need. Our calling as Christians is to make the matches. Thanks be to God for all the ways in which you share your abundance!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Paul was writing to the Corinthians about the collection for the church in Jerusalem that needed the support of sisters and brothers in Christ around the world. But I want you to think about this slightly differently this morning: where is your abundance? And it's not fair (and untrue) to say... nothing. Has God blessed you with financial abundance? Has God blessed you with an abundance of musical talent? Has God blessed you with an abundance of time? Where specifically is your abundance?
Next question: where do you see a need in that same area? It may be in some ministry here at All Saints. It may be in your PTA or your neighborhood association. But where do you see a need that matches with your abundance? That's what Paul is talking about... God always provides an abundance to match every need. Our calling as Christians is to make the matches. Thanks be to God for all the ways in which you share your abundance!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 126:1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,*
we were like those who dream.
I love the yearning in this verse. I love the bare honesty that comes only from someone who has experienced deep pain and has also experienced the relief and the joy of restoration.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, it was like some crazy dream.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, all of our dreams had come true.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we walked through the world in a haze... unsure whether we were really awake.
I am enough of a cynic and a grumpy old man inside to get pretty tired of all the Hallmark commercials this time of year with the kids staring wide-eyed at Santa around the tree. But... that joy of Christmas can be a sign for us of something much bigger: a sign of the joy and the wonder with which we can look at the world and our lives and see all that God has done. Because the Lord has restored our fortunes, and we are like those who dream.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
There will NOT be Holden Evening Prayer this evening.
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
we were like those who dream.
I love the yearning in this verse. I love the bare honesty that comes only from someone who has experienced deep pain and has also experienced the relief and the joy of restoration.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, it was like some crazy dream.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, all of our dreams had come true.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we walked through the world in a haze... unsure whether we were really awake.
I am enough of a cynic and a grumpy old man inside to get pretty tired of all the Hallmark commercials this time of year with the kids staring wide-eyed at Santa around the tree. But... that joy of Christmas can be a sign for us of something much bigger: a sign of the joy and the wonder with which we can look at the world and our lives and see all that God has done. Because the Lord has restored our fortunes, and we are like those who dream.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
There will NOT be Holden Evening Prayer this evening.
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Lenten Devotional Being Prepared
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
- an assigned biblical text (usually 6-10 verses)
- a deadline (in early January)
- instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
Write your thoughts about what these passages are saying to you. What do they make you think of? What do you learn about God from them? What do you learn about yourself from them? Use the booklets "Christ in our Home" or the daily email devotionals as inspiration. But make it your own. Share your thoughts with your sisters and brothers.
Finally submit the following via email: your key verses, 250-350 word reflection, and how you would like your name to be printed.
These will be printed together in a booklet for our congregation, the booklet will be made into a pdf and put on our congregation's website, and the devotions will be emailed as part of our daily email devotional plan for the season of Lent 2010.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Isaiah 19:23 On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.
Do you ever get tired of people arguing and fighting and killing each other because they disagree about what God looks like, or what God wants them to do in the world? It's a particularly sore spot for me because talking about God is sort of, well, you know... my job. And I believe that God weeps when people's arrogance and condescension gets in the way of worship and praise.
The promise of God is that someday a superhighway with open road tolling will be built. And it will connect Egypt and Assyria. It will connect Chicago and Tehran. It will connect Rome and Wittenberg. It will connect Jerusalem and Mecca. And Christian will worship with Muslim. Sunni will worship with Shia. Jew will worship with Roman Catholic. Lutheran will worship with Anglican. Lutheran will worship with, well, other Lutheran. That's the promise of God. Come, Lord Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Do you ever get tired of people arguing and fighting and killing each other because they disagree about what God looks like, or what God wants them to do in the world? It's a particularly sore spot for me because talking about God is sort of, well, you know... my job. And I believe that God weeps when people's arrogance and condescension gets in the way of worship and praise.
The promise of God is that someday a superhighway with open road tolling will be built. And it will connect Egypt and Assyria. It will connect Chicago and Tehran. It will connect Rome and Wittenberg. It will connect Jerusalem and Mecca. And Christian will worship with Muslim. Sunni will worship with Shia. Jew will worship with Roman Catholic. Lutheran will worship with Anglican. Lutheran will worship with, well, other Lutheran. That's the promise of God. Come, Lord Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Monday, December 7, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
I love Advent. I love the waiting and the anticipation. I love the promise and the hope. There are days when the promise seems far off and the hope seems hard to cling to. There are days when it seems as though God will never come to feed us like a shepherd. There are days when all I do is hope for someone to gently lead me like a mother sheep.
Those days come all through the year. The yearning for a better future, for a more hopeful and just and Godly future isn't limited to these four weeks before Christmas. But in this season we are reminded of the promise. We are shown signs of the promise. We are reminded that, in a crying baby, God has already fulfilled the promise. And we are reminded that it is our job as Christians to pray 'Come, Lord Jesus.'
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
I love Advent. I love the waiting and the anticipation. I love the promise and the hope. There are days when the promise seems far off and the hope seems hard to cling to. There are days when it seems as though God will never come to feed us like a shepherd. There are days when all I do is hope for someone to gently lead me like a mother sheep.
Those days come all through the year. The yearning for a better future, for a more hopeful and just and Godly future isn't limited to these four weeks before Christmas. But in this season we are reminded of the promise. We are shown signs of the promise. We are reminded that, in a crying baby, God has already fulfilled the promise. And we are reminded that it is our job as Christians to pray 'Come, Lord Jesus.'
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss this passage and others, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us for our special cantata presentation and Communion worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Friday, December 4, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
From Paul's letter to the community at Philippi:
It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, December 3, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Philippians 1:18a
18What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
Paul has been imprisoned, and from that place writes that he knows some people proclaim Christ out of false motives -- motives that keep him imprisoned. And others, well, they make proclamations from a place of goodwill and love. What is amazing to me is that he rejoices regardless of the motives -- because of the proclamation of Christ.
I'm more inclined to rejoice in those things done and said from the place of goodwill and love. I often can't see beyond the false motives of envy or rivalry. And, yet, there's something to learn from rejoicing in all that proclaims Christ. These words from Paul will give me something to think about, that's for sure!
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Want to share what these words from Paul make you think about? Visit aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
18What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
Paul has been imprisoned, and from that place writes that he knows some people proclaim Christ out of false motives -- motives that keep him imprisoned. And others, well, they make proclamations from a place of goodwill and love. What is amazing to me is that he rejoices regardless of the motives -- because of the proclamation of Christ.
I'm more inclined to rejoice in those things done and said from the place of goodwill and love. I often can't see beyond the false motives of envy or rivalry. And, yet, there's something to learn from rejoicing in all that proclaims Christ. These words from Paul will give me something to think about, that's for sure!
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Want to share what these words from Paul make you think about? Visit aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 90: 1-2
1Lord, you have been our dwelling-place*
in all generations.
2Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
We, as a people, tend to be a little short-sighted sometimes, especially when it comes to history. I often lose perspective and think this is either the greatest or the worst time, ever, forgetting about the triumphs or tragedies of the past. When we scan the past 100 years, or even more, we can gain some breathing space that might allow us to step back from whatever mountain sits on our desk or in our planner today.
I've preached and written a few times recently about re-focusing and remembering God in our daily lives. It can be difficult, I know, and often it's not long after I've hit "send" or stepped away from the pulpit that I slip back into despairing or worrying. So verses like these are good reminders, as are so many, that God is God from everlasting to everlasting. And, on those days when the hustle-bustle of the world is simply too much -- too many gifts to buy, too many bills to pay, too many appointment to meet (or forget) -- then the Lord is still our dwelling place.
Dwelling in the Lord,
Pastor Jenn
Share your own experiences of dwelling with the Lord, or experiencing God's everlasting presence at: www.aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
See you there!
1Lord, you have been our dwelling-place*
in all generations.
2Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
We, as a people, tend to be a little short-sighted sometimes, especially when it comes to history. I often lose perspective and think this is either the greatest or the worst time, ever, forgetting about the triumphs or tragedies of the past. When we scan the past 100 years, or even more, we can gain some breathing space that might allow us to step back from whatever mountain sits on our desk or in our planner today.
I've preached and written a few times recently about re-focusing and remembering God in our daily lives. It can be difficult, I know, and often it's not long after I've hit "send" or stepped away from the pulpit that I slip back into despairing or worrying. So verses like these are good reminders, as are so many, that God is God from everlasting to everlasting. And, on those days when the hustle-bustle of the world is simply too much -- too many gifts to buy, too many bills to pay, too many appointment to meet (or forget) -- then the Lord is still our dwelling place.
Dwelling in the Lord,
Pastor Jenn
Share your own experiences of dwelling with the Lord, or experiencing God's everlasting presence at: www.aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
See you there!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
2 Samuel 7:18 and 28
18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? ... 28And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant;
In the preceding verses, God has promised to David (through a vision to Nathan) that his throne and his household will be established forever. These verses contain David's response, or prayer, to God. They are a bit similar to Mary's response to the angel when she learns that she'll be the mother to Jesus.
We could (and maybe do) spend a lot of time wondering "Who am I?" And whether we posit the question to the Lord or not, it can be a wandering lament or a sort of awe-struck statement, our focus is clearly on ourselves. For today, at least, my focus will be on the statement that David makes toward the end of his prayer: Lord God, you are God. Your words are true. You have promised this good thing to your servant. You are God. Your words are true.
God's words and promises are true. God is God, and I'm not.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Want to respond on the blog? Visit: www.aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? ... 28And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant;
In the preceding verses, God has promised to David (through a vision to Nathan) that his throne and his household will be established forever. These verses contain David's response, or prayer, to God. They are a bit similar to Mary's response to the angel when she learns that she'll be the mother to Jesus.
We could (and maybe do) spend a lot of time wondering "Who am I?" And whether we posit the question to the Lord or not, it can be a wandering lament or a sort of awe-struck statement, our focus is clearly on ourselves. For today, at least, my focus will be on the statement that David makes toward the end of his prayer: Lord God, you are God. Your words are true. You have promised this good thing to your servant. You are God. Your words are true.
God's words and promises are true. God is God, and I'm not.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Want to respond on the blog? Visit: www.aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
38When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ 39He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
John 1:38-39
A couple of things about these verses strike me nearly every time I read this first chapter of John. One, the two who are following Jesus never answer the question that Jesus asks. These are two of John's disciples, and upon hearing John's proclamation "Look, here is the lamb of God!" begin to follow (at least walk behind) Jesus. Two, the writer of this Gospel finds it important that we know what time all of this takes place.
Sometimes these little details can cloud how we see the broader message of the gospel. And, other times they can provide an enlightening nugget of information. Not unlike the rest of our lives, we need to strike a balance between attending to details without missing the beautiful picture of what is before us. The danger for me in paying too much attention to these two little details? I miss Jesus' invitation to "Come and see." Let us raise our heads, stay alert, and "come and see" what Jesus wants us to see.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
John 1:38-39
A couple of things about these verses strike me nearly every time I read this first chapter of John. One, the two who are following Jesus never answer the question that Jesus asks. These are two of John's disciples, and upon hearing John's proclamation "Look, here is the lamb of God!" begin to follow (at least walk behind) Jesus. Two, the writer of this Gospel finds it important that we know what time all of this takes place.
Sometimes these little details can cloud how we see the broader message of the gospel. And, other times they can provide an enlightening nugget of information. Not unlike the rest of our lives, we need to strike a balance between attending to details without missing the beautiful picture of what is before us. The danger for me in paying too much attention to these two little details? I miss Jesus' invitation to "Come and see." Let us raise our heads, stay alert, and "come and see" what Jesus wants us to see.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, November 27, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always.
When I was younger and had to memorize Bible verses, I asked my pastor what was the shortest Bible verse. He told me about John 11:35 (Jesus wept). He didn't tell me about this one from 1 Thessalonians. I like it though.
I know we've all got a busy day today. Some are working. Some are shopping. Some are watching football. Some are recovering from a tryptophan-induced coma. Some are traveling. We're all busy, so we don't have time to memorize a big long Bible verse. But we can all remember "rejoice always." I like that because it reflects reality. It doesn't say "be happy always." There's a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is deeper and can sometimes coexist with sadness. Happiness is momentary, fleeting, and situation-driven. Joy comes from deep within. In fact, joy comes from deep without... joy is a gift of God. Joy is that which says "God loves me" in the midst of sadness and pain. Joy is that which says "God will lift us up" when all evidence says otherwise. Joy gives thanks even when it's not a nationally recognized holiday. Rejoice today. And rejoice always.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us as we begin the preparations for Christmas with the First Sunday of Advent this Sunday... worship at 8:30 and 11.
When I was younger and had to memorize Bible verses, I asked my pastor what was the shortest Bible verse. He told me about John 11:35 (Jesus wept). He didn't tell me about this one from 1 Thessalonians. I like it though.
I know we've all got a busy day today. Some are working. Some are shopping. Some are watching football. Some are recovering from a tryptophan-induced coma. Some are traveling. We're all busy, so we don't have time to memorize a big long Bible verse. But we can all remember "rejoice always." I like that because it reflects reality. It doesn't say "be happy always." There's a difference between happiness and joy. Joy is deeper and can sometimes coexist with sadness. Happiness is momentary, fleeting, and situation-driven. Joy comes from deep within. In fact, joy comes from deep without... joy is a gift of God. Joy is that which says "God loves me" in the midst of sadness and pain. Joy is that which says "God will lift us up" when all evidence says otherwise. Joy gives thanks even when it's not a nationally recognized holiday. Rejoice today. And rejoice always.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us as we begin the preparations for Christmas with the First Sunday of Advent this Sunday... worship at 8:30 and 11.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thanksgiving
The Prayer of the Day for today:
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 76:4 Glorious are you, more majestic
than the everlasting mountains.*
I looked up "majestic" in the dictionary. I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but it's sometimes useful to read a dictionary definition and some synonyms. "Having or showing lofty dignity or nobility." So God has more dignity and more nobility than the everlasting mountains. In our scientific age, we have learned that even mountains are not everlasting. Mountains come and go. The Rockies are young and jagged. The Appalachians are older and more rounded. But to the psalmist those differences were not related to change: what he saw in the mountains around his house had always been that way and would always be the same. And that everlasting sameness was dignified. It was seen as noble.
The nobility and dignity of God is just as everlasting as the psalmist imagined the mountains to be. God is as powerful today in your life as God was in the life of Noah. God loves you with the same everlasting love with which God loved Abraham and Sarah. The more that we learn about the change of things we thought was everlasting, the more amazing, the more noble, the more majestic that God appears.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in giving thanks to the majestic God in worship tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.
than the everlasting mountains.*
I looked up "majestic" in the dictionary. I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but it's sometimes useful to read a dictionary definition and some synonyms. "Having or showing lofty dignity or nobility." So God has more dignity and more nobility than the everlasting mountains. In our scientific age, we have learned that even mountains are not everlasting. Mountains come and go. The Rockies are young and jagged. The Appalachians are older and more rounded. But to the psalmist those differences were not related to change: what he saw in the mountains around his house had always been that way and would always be the same. And that everlasting sameness was dignified. It was seen as noble.
The nobility and dignity of God is just as everlasting as the psalmist imagined the mountains to be. God is as powerful today in your life as God was in the life of Noah. God loves you with the same everlasting love with which God loved Abraham and Sarah. The more that we learn about the change of things we thought was everlasting, the more amazing, the more noble, the more majestic that God appears.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in giving thanks to the majestic God in worship tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Ezekiel 29:6-7 Then all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know
that I am the Lord
because you* were a staff of reed
to the house of Israel;
when they grasped you with the hand, you broke,
and tore all their shoulders;
and when they leaned on you, you broke,
and made all their legs unsteady.
Ezekiel is given a message from God against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. So why exactly is God angry at Pharaoh? Most of us think of Pharaoh and the Bible in terms of Moses and the slavery of the Israelites for generations in Egypt. And we know how the Pharaoh that Moses knew refused to let the people go. But this is a different time period entirely. This Pharaoh had not enslaved the Israelites. He had not refused to let them go to freedom. In essence, he tricked them. He was a bad ally. The nation of Israel had allied itself to Egypt in order to try to protect itself against the Babylonians who were attacking. And the Egyptians didn't come to help. "When they leaned on you, you broke."
This makes me think of Martin Luther's explanations of the commandments. The commandment "You shall not murder" isn't fulfilled when you do not actually kill someone. We also have to help and support the lives of everyone around us in every way we can. We break the commandment when we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others. The requirements of the law are so much bigger than just "don't kill or don't enslave." Pharaoh was charged with failing to help sufficiently. And so are we. And that's why the law can never be fulfilled. I've never murdered anyone and assume that I never will. But I neglect the sufferings of others every day. The law is impossible to fulfill. Thanks be to God for the good news that Jesus' death and resurrection mean I am free from the punishment of the law.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to gather and give thanks to God for our special Thanksgiving Eve worship tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7 pm. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.
that I am the Lord
because you* were a staff of reed
to the house of Israel;
when they grasped you with the hand, you broke,
and tore all their shoulders;
and when they leaned on you, you broke,
and made all their legs unsteady.
Ezekiel is given a message from God against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. So why exactly is God angry at Pharaoh? Most of us think of Pharaoh and the Bible in terms of Moses and the slavery of the Israelites for generations in Egypt. And we know how the Pharaoh that Moses knew refused to let the people go. But this is a different time period entirely. This Pharaoh had not enslaved the Israelites. He had not refused to let them go to freedom. In essence, he tricked them. He was a bad ally. The nation of Israel had allied itself to Egypt in order to try to protect itself against the Babylonians who were attacking. And the Egyptians didn't come to help. "When they leaned on you, you broke."
This makes me think of Martin Luther's explanations of the commandments. The commandment "You shall not murder" isn't fulfilled when you do not actually kill someone. We also have to help and support the lives of everyone around us in every way we can. We break the commandment when we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others. The requirements of the law are so much bigger than just "don't kill or don't enslave." Pharaoh was charged with failing to help sufficiently. And so are we. And that's why the law can never be fulfilled. I've never murdered anyone and assume that I never will. But I neglect the sufferings of others every day. The law is impossible to fulfill. Thanks be to God for the good news that Jesus' death and resurrection mean I am free from the punishment of the law.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to gather and give thanks to God for our special Thanksgiving Eve worship tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7 pm. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Township Food Pantry.
Monday, November 23, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Daniel 7:27 The kingship and dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High;
their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’
As Pastor Jenn said in her sermon yesterday, Christ the King Sunday was introduced at a time when the leadership of Hitler and Stalin and Mussolini were on the rise. Christians in Germany and Italy and Russia (and elsewhere) were caught up in very pressing and real considerations about whether to serve their earthly ruler OR to serve Christ as king. The demands and expectations of the earthly kingdom were quite starkly opposed to the demands and expectations of followers of Christ the king.
That's really not my issue... I don't know if it's yours. While I agree with certain politicians and disagree with others, it's hard for me to say that one is doing things of the Lord and others are doing things anti-Lord. Maybe that's why Christ the King Sunday has always felt a little bit strange to me. It's just not my issue.
And yet, when I'm going to wake up on Monday morning and read my newspaper... and that newspaper will surely have stories of wars and rumors of wars, of debates about what is the right thing for government to be doing about healthcare, of children killed in some way or another... when I'm going to read that newspaper, it's a good thing to be reminded that one day, the Most High will reign over an everlasting kingdom.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Pastor Seth
For conversation and talk-back, visit http://allsaintsdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us in giving thanks in worship at 7 pm on Wednesday.
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High;
their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’
As Pastor Jenn said in her sermon yesterday, Christ the King Sunday was introduced at a time when the leadership of Hitler and Stalin and Mussolini were on the rise. Christians in Germany and Italy and Russia (and elsewhere) were caught up in very pressing and real considerations about whether to serve their earthly ruler OR to serve Christ as king. The demands and expectations of the earthly kingdom were quite starkly opposed to the demands and expectations of followers of Christ the king.
That's really not my issue... I don't know if it's yours. While I agree with certain politicians and disagree with others, it's hard for me to say that one is doing things of the Lord and others are doing things anti-Lord. Maybe that's why Christ the King Sunday has always felt a little bit strange to me. It's just not my issue.
And yet, when I'm going to wake up on Monday morning and read my newspaper... and that newspaper will surely have stories of wars and rumors of wars, of debates about what is the right thing for government to be doing about healthcare, of children killed in some way or another... when I'm going to read that newspaper, it's a good thing to be reminded that one day, the Most High will reign over an everlasting kingdom.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Pastor Seth
For conversation and talk-back, visit http://allsaintsdevotions.blogspot.com. Remember to join us in giving thanks in worship at 7 pm on Wednesday.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 13:1-3, 5-6
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
...
But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
This lament psalm is one that I often keep close because it speaks to such a human pain -- how long, O Lord, how long? Haven't we all prayed or cried some variation of these words to God? Can this situation go on forever?
What I often forget, however, is the way the psalm ends. The psalmist doesn't fall asleep in tears, doesn't stomp away angry, doesn't turn away from God. The whole psalm is a monologue to God, a prayer, and it ends with praise. The psalm ends with the acknowledgment of God's bounty, and perhaps more importantly, God's steadfast love. Let our hearts rejoice in the salvation of the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, November 13, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Corinthians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe,* and not according to Christ.
The other night I was innocently watching a hockey game, minding my own business. And then there was a commercial break. That's when it started. Fear and violence came into my home.... by which I mean, more fear and violence than I had seen watching the hockey game. First was a commercial for a new television series about alien invasion. Then came the commercial by one political advocacy group that told me that if I don't recycle my newspaper now, there's no chance of the planet's survival. Immediately followed by another commercial that argued that if I don't call my Senator now to oppose health care reform, then the American way of life is doomed. Last but not least was a commercial for "2012" the new movie based on ancient Mayan predictions that the world will come to a violent end in late 2012. Some of these commercials seemed like well-reasoned and plausible arguments and some were political advertisements. But I was glad for the rest and relaxation of the hockey game after that commercial break.
Fear is all around us. And fear is nothing new. Irrational fear is nothing new. Conspiracy theories and "end-of-days" scenarios have been around a very long time. Let me quote Paul again: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ." The only thing that can possibly combat all this fear and all this uncertainty about the future is certainty grounded in Christ. Christ has already won the victory for us on the cross. In the grandest sense of things, in the great sweep of history, everything's going to be OK, because we are resting in God's strong and gentle hands.
Now, back to the hockey.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join together for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11. If you have thoughts you'd like to share about these devotional messages, you can head over to http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
The other night I was innocently watching a hockey game, minding my own business. And then there was a commercial break. That's when it started. Fear and violence came into my home.... by which I mean, more fear and violence than I had seen watching the hockey game. First was a commercial for a new television series about alien invasion. Then came the commercial by one political advocacy group that told me that if I don't recycle my newspaper now, there's no chance of the planet's survival. Immediately followed by another commercial that argued that if I don't call my Senator now to oppose health care reform, then the American way of life is doomed. Last but not least was a commercial for "2012" the new movie based on ancient Mayan predictions that the world will come to a violent end in late 2012. Some of these commercials seemed like well-reasoned and plausible arguments and some were political advertisements. But I was glad for the rest and relaxation of the hockey game after that commercial break.
Fear is all around us. And fear is nothing new. Irrational fear is nothing new. Conspiracy theories and "end-of-days" scenarios have been around a very long time. Let me quote Paul again: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ." The only thing that can possibly combat all this fear and all this uncertainty about the future is certainty grounded in Christ. Christ has already won the victory for us on the cross. In the grandest sense of things, in the great sweep of history, everything's going to be OK, because we are resting in God's strong and gentle hands.
Now, back to the hockey.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join together for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11. If you have thoughts you'd like to share about these devotional messages, you can head over to http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 12, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
1 Timothy 6:17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
It's all about hope and trust. Where do we put our hope and our trust? The life of faith isn't so much about circumstance: what we have and what we don't have at any given moment. But it's about what and who we trust to provide what we need. In this letter to Timothy, the author doesn't say anything about standing with God based on riches. There are some who believed that those who are rich must be loved by God more... look at their riches as evidence of God's love. There are some who believed that the rich must have done something bad to get their wealth and God didn't love them. But those questions are irrelevant. The relevant questions are those of hope. Where do you put your hope?
Are you going to hope in riches that come and go? Are you going to hope in riches that cannot buy you what you really need? Place your hope in the God who provides everything we could possibly need.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11 on Sunday with Education Hour at 9:45.
It's all about hope and trust. Where do we put our hope and our trust? The life of faith isn't so much about circumstance: what we have and what we don't have at any given moment. But it's about what and who we trust to provide what we need. In this letter to Timothy, the author doesn't say anything about standing with God based on riches. There are some who believed that those who are rich must be loved by God more... look at their riches as evidence of God's love. There are some who believed that the rich must have done something bad to get their wealth and God didn't love them. But those questions are irrelevant. The relevant questions are those of hope. Where do you put your hope?
Are you going to hope in riches that come and go? Are you going to hope in riches that cannot buy you what you really need? Place your hope in the God who provides everything we could possibly need.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11 on Sunday with Education Hour at 9:45.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 94:17 If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
In my life as a pastor I have gotten to know several veterans.... veterans of every conflict since World War II. There are amazing stories to be told by those who either volunteered or were drafted to serve in the military. Most who have served are pretty reticent to tell their stories, but the stories are amazing when they begin to flow. What are most powerful for me are those stories of survival: survival in the face of huge odds. A jump out of a crashing bomber, the beaches of Normandy, the frozen Yalu River, the heat of DaNang, and the eerie still of a Mosul evening. The stories that I have heard all bear witness to unanswerable questions of "Why me?" and gratefulness for survival.
What all the veterans that I have known will also tell you is that God has no special protection for veterans or for those in war. Their stories can be examples for the rest of us, for those of us who live our daily lives in less obvious danger. But through stories of survival in Normandy and in Baghdad we learn again that we are dependent on God for every good gift, even for life itself.
Thanks be to God for those who have served. And thanks be to God for the gift of life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us this evening (Wednesday) for Holden Evening Prayer at 7 pm.
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
In my life as a pastor I have gotten to know several veterans.... veterans of every conflict since World War II. There are amazing stories to be told by those who either volunteered or were drafted to serve in the military. Most who have served are pretty reticent to tell their stories, but the stories are amazing when they begin to flow. What are most powerful for me are those stories of survival: survival in the face of huge odds. A jump out of a crashing bomber, the beaches of Normandy, the frozen Yalu River, the heat of DaNang, and the eerie still of a Mosul evening. The stories that I have heard all bear witness to unanswerable questions of "Why me?" and gratefulness for survival.
What all the veterans that I have known will also tell you is that God has no special protection for veterans or for those in war. Their stories can be examples for the rest of us, for those of us who live our daily lives in less obvious danger. But through stories of survival in Normandy and in Baghdad we learn again that we are dependent on God for every good gift, even for life itself.
Thanks be to God for those who have served. And thanks be to God for the gift of life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us this evening (Wednesday) for Holden Evening Prayer at 7 pm.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Deuteronomy 10:17-18 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing.
In worship on Sunday we heard about widows. We heard the story of the widow of Zarephath who hosted Elijah in her room, and whose jar of meal and didn't empty until everyone had eaten and until the famine in her land had ended. And we heard about the widow in the temple treasury who trusted God so completely that she gave her last two copper coins and was praised by Jesus.
And she was noticed by Jesus. Perhaps that is the greatest gift that Jesus gave to her (and to us). He noticed her. The invisible widow, who walked quietly and alone up to the treasury to give her offering, is invisible no more. The voiceless widow, who had no-one to speak for her, now has the Son of God to speak her praise and to tell her story. God executes justice for the orphan and the widow. Justice begins with paying attention. What needs your attention today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join us for Holden Evening Prayer tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 7 pm.
In worship on Sunday we heard about widows. We heard the story of the widow of Zarephath who hosted Elijah in her room, and whose jar of meal and didn't empty until everyone had eaten and until the famine in her land had ended. And we heard about the widow in the temple treasury who trusted God so completely that she gave her last two copper coins and was praised by Jesus.
And she was noticed by Jesus. Perhaps that is the greatest gift that Jesus gave to her (and to us). He noticed her. The invisible widow, who walked quietly and alone up to the treasury to give her offering, is invisible no more. The voiceless widow, who had no-one to speak for her, now has the Son of God to speak her praise and to tell her story. God executes justice for the orphan and the widow. Justice begins with paying attention. What needs your attention today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join us for Holden Evening Prayer tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 7 pm.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right* spirit within me.
11Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing* spirit. Psalm 51:10-12
Some of you, upon reading this, will begin to sing -- or at least think, "Don't we sing that, sometimes?" Indeed! Much of our liturgy in the Lutheran church comes from scripture, and it's always fun (for me at least!) to see those original passages. Perhaps part of that joy is knowing that what we say in worship is often connected to something bigger than our bulletin or hymnal.
Apart from the cool connection, though, these words are ones that I'll be meditating on today. What does it mean to have a clean heart? A new and right spirit? These verses contain creation, presence and restoration. What in your life needs restoration? How can your willing spirit be sustained? May these words be part of your prayer today, and always.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
For conversation, visit: aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
See you there!
and put a new and right* spirit within me.
11Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing* spirit. Psalm 51:10-12
Some of you, upon reading this, will begin to sing -- or at least think, "Don't we sing that, sometimes?" Indeed! Much of our liturgy in the Lutheran church comes from scripture, and it's always fun (for me at least!) to see those original passages. Perhaps part of that joy is knowing that what we say in worship is often connected to something bigger than our bulletin or hymnal.
Apart from the cool connection, though, these words are ones that I'll be meditating on today. What does it mean to have a clean heart? A new and right spirit? These verses contain creation, presence and restoration. What in your life needs restoration? How can your willing spirit be sustained? May these words be part of your prayer today, and always.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
For conversation, visit: aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
See you there!
Monday, November 2, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
10 When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, 11houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, 12take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
I'm reminded a bit of a child, who wrapped up in the excitement of a new place, forgets to say "thank you." Perhaps an interpretation that's a bit too simple, but I see us all a little overwhelmed and star-struck sometimes at the bounty that is around us. It can be pretty amazing to take stock of all that we have -- the opportunities, that options, the infrastructure, the relationships.
Take care that you do not forget the Lord. Take care.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
10 When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, 11houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, 12take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
I'm reminded a bit of a child, who wrapped up in the excitement of a new place, forgets to say "thank you." Perhaps an interpretation that's a bit too simple, but I see us all a little overwhelmed and star-struck sometimes at the bounty that is around us. It can be pretty amazing to take stock of all that we have -- the opportunities, that options, the infrastructure, the relationships.
Take care that you do not forget the Lord. Take care.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, October 30, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Romans 3:22-24 For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
These were some of the verses we read last Sunday in observation of Reformation Sunday. They come up in the daily lectionary today because tomorrow (October 31) is not really Halloween, it's Reformation Day.. the anniversary of that crazy Martin Luther putting his crazy 95 These up on that church door. So we read them again. But I think it's worth it. Here's why.
I've read these verses hundreds of times. I've preached on them or taught them dozens of times. Confirmation classes, adult classes, new member classes, sermons. I've read them and I've studied them and I've tried to come up with creative ways to talk about them.
And it hit me today: this is really hard stuff.
I WANT to be able to do something. I WANT to be able to please God. I WANT to be able to know I'm on the right track. I WANT to be able to know whether or not I'm being a good Christian. And these words (which I profoundly believe to be true) tell me I can't. It's just a gift.
Sometimes gifts are hard to accept, aren't they?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
These were some of the verses we read last Sunday in observation of Reformation Sunday. They come up in the daily lectionary today because tomorrow (October 31) is not really Halloween, it's Reformation Day.. the anniversary of that crazy Martin Luther putting his crazy 95 These up on that church door. So we read them again. But I think it's worth it. Here's why.
I've read these verses hundreds of times. I've preached on them or taught them dozens of times. Confirmation classes, adult classes, new member classes, sermons. I've read them and I've studied them and I've tried to come up with creative ways to talk about them.
And it hit me today: this is really hard stuff.
I WANT to be able to do something. I WANT to be able to please God. I WANT to be able to know I'm on the right track. I WANT to be able to know whether or not I'm being a good Christian. And these words (which I profoundly believe to be true) tell me I can't. It's just a gift.
Sometimes gifts are hard to accept, aren't they?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 29, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Hebrews 9:12 Christ entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
It's done. There's nothing more you have to do. There's nothing more you can do.
Jesus Christ put himself out as the ultimate sacrifice. God doesn't want any goats or calves. It's all been bought and paid for. All your sins are forgiven. Even the ones you haven't imagined yet.
It's done. There's nothing more you have to do. There's nothing more you can do.
So why are you still trying?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
It's done. There's nothing more you have to do. There's nothing more you can do.
Jesus Christ put himself out as the ultimate sacrifice. God doesn't want any goats or calves. It's all been bought and paid for. All your sins are forgiven. Even the ones you haven't imagined yet.
It's done. There's nothing more you have to do. There's nothing more you can do.
So why are you still trying?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.
The writer of this letter is concerned that his hearers would understand that not everything is true. Apparently relativism and blind acceptance of everything that comes along is not just a phenomenon of the 21st Century. Here's an ancient letter with the same concern: how we do know what's true? How do we know what comes from God? "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
Look at Jesus. Look at Jesus, who left behind the glory of heaven to take on human flesh. If what you're hearing is consistent with that, then it comes from God. So let's try an exercise: "God likes my kind of people more than that kind of people." Does that sound like something Jesus would have bothered to take on flesh to say? To die for? Nope. OK, here's another one: "God wants all people to know love and grace." Does that sound like Jesus? I think it's closer. This might be a fun thing to try today: take any absolute statements you hear... from radio personalities, friends, parents, pastors... and put them up to this test. See what happens.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
The writer of this letter is concerned that his hearers would understand that not everything is true. Apparently relativism and blind acceptance of everything that comes along is not just a phenomenon of the 21st Century. Here's an ancient letter with the same concern: how we do know what's true? How do we know what comes from God? "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
Look at Jesus. Look at Jesus, who left behind the glory of heaven to take on human flesh. If what you're hearing is consistent with that, then it comes from God. So let's try an exercise: "God likes my kind of people more than that kind of people." Does that sound like something Jesus would have bothered to take on flesh to say? To die for? Nope. OK, here's another one: "God wants all people to know love and grace." Does that sound like Jesus? I think it's closer. This might be a fun thing to try today: take any absolute statements you hear... from radio personalities, friends, parents, pastors... and put them up to this test. See what happens.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
Set your clock back Saturday night.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
2 Kings 6:21-23 When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” He answered, “No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.” So he prepared for them a great feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel.
This is one of those very bizarre and rarely read Bible stories. The Israelites and the Arameans are at war. Elisha, God's prophet, is giving the Israelites an advantage, so the King of Aram has a plan to get rid of Elisha. And the plan gets foiled and the Arameans are served up on a platter to the king of Israel. Who gets all giddy with excitement: "Can I kill them? Can I kill them?"
Any normal rule of war would say "Yes." But Elisha holds the king of Israel to a higher standard. He tells the king of Israel to feed these prisoners and to send them home. "And the Aramenas no longer came raiding into the land of Israel." Perhaps down the path of radical forgiveness is the only way to peace. Something to think about today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
This is one of those very bizarre and rarely read Bible stories. The Israelites and the Arameans are at war. Elisha, God's prophet, is giving the Israelites an advantage, so the King of Aram has a plan to get rid of Elisha. And the plan gets foiled and the Arameans are served up on a platter to the king of Israel. Who gets all giddy with excitement: "Can I kill them? Can I kill them?"
Any normal rule of war would say "Yes." But Elisha holds the king of Israel to a higher standard. He tells the king of Israel to feed these prisoners and to send them home. "And the Aramenas no longer came raiding into the land of Israel." Perhaps down the path of radical forgiveness is the only way to peace. Something to think about today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 26, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Exodus 4:1 Then Moses answered, “But suppose they do not believe me or listen to me, but say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’“
So God has appeared to Moses. From a burning bush... don't forget that point. And God asked Moses to go speak to the Israelites who are slaves in Egypt and to lead them out of slavery into the future that God has promised them. And Moses is looking for excuses to avoid the job. First point: if God speaks to you out of a burning bush, probably not the best time to be looking for excuses. Second point: we're a lot like Moses, aren't we?
We're afraid people will think we're crazy. If we go to talk to people about God and what God has done in our lives and why we bother spending time and money at church, we're afraid they'll think we're a bit nutty. There are many times when I have not quite wanted to get into the conversation with people because of what they might think... how am I going to follow up if they don't believe what I tell them about God? So Moses got a staff that did tricks... it turned into a snake. But what have you got? What evidence do you have in your life for God's presence and God's love? Do you have a family? A home? A meal today? I know it's not a snake-turning staff, but it's probably enough for today. Go with it.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
So God has appeared to Moses. From a burning bush... don't forget that point. And God asked Moses to go speak to the Israelites who are slaves in Egypt and to lead them out of slavery into the future that God has promised them. And Moses is looking for excuses to avoid the job. First point: if God speaks to you out of a burning bush, probably not the best time to be looking for excuses. Second point: we're a lot like Moses, aren't we?
We're afraid people will think we're crazy. If we go to talk to people about God and what God has done in our lives and why we bother spending time and money at church, we're afraid they'll think we're a bit nutty. There are many times when I have not quite wanted to get into the conversation with people because of what they might think... how am I going to follow up if they don't believe what I tell them about God? So Moses got a staff that did tricks... it turned into a snake. But what have you got? What evidence do you have in your life for God's presence and God's love? Do you have a family? A home? A meal today? I know it's not a snake-turning staff, but it's probably enough for today. Go with it.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember our special All Saints schedule: Education at 9:00, Worship at 10:00, Meal following.
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Friday, October 23, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Hebrews 7:18-19
18There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual 19(for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope, through which we approach God.
There is, on the other hand, this other hope. I don't know about you, but it can be rather tiresome to continually hear stories of bad news and despair. And, while the writer of Hebrews sets out the destruction of this earlier commandment, we also get "the other side" of the story. More powerful than a simple silver lining to a story, this other hand points to Jesus and is indeed a better hope.
However, I'll be taking it as a personal challenge to use this method over the next few days. As I find myself complaining, discouraged or simply frustrated, I'll be looking to the other hand -- the other hand of hope, the other hand of faith, that other hand that points to Jesus. I invite you to join me.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
18There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual 19(for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope, through which we approach God.
There is, on the other hand, this other hope. I don't know about you, but it can be rather tiresome to continually hear stories of bad news and despair. And, while the writer of Hebrews sets out the destruction of this earlier commandment, we also get "the other side" of the story. More powerful than a simple silver lining to a story, this other hand points to Jesus and is indeed a better hope.
However, I'll be taking it as a personal challenge to use this method over the next few days. As I find myself complaining, discouraged or simply frustrated, I'll be looking to the other hand -- the other hand of hope, the other hand of faith, that other hand that points to Jesus. I invite you to join me.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, October 22, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Hebrews 6:19-20 19We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.
The actual assigned reading for the day is the first ten verses of Hebrews 7, most of which discuss just what it means to be a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. A priest who was blessed by kings and determined to be a priest forever -- even though he didn't come from the right lineage.
While making this connection to Jesus, the writer of Hebrews was reinforcing the place of Jesus in a way that the readers and hearers would understand. They all knew who Melchizedek was without much explanation. While he's important to us, and the historical placement is important, the hope that Jesus brings to us is even more important. This hope that Jesus brings -- a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul -- is what moves us through dark times and what keeps us connected to God.
Blessings on your day of hope.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
The actual assigned reading for the day is the first ten verses of Hebrews 7, most of which discuss just what it means to be a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. A priest who was blessed by kings and determined to be a priest forever -- even though he didn't come from the right lineage.
While making this connection to Jesus, the writer of Hebrews was reinforcing the place of Jesus in a way that the readers and hearers would understand. They all knew who Melchizedek was without much explanation. While he's important to us, and the historical placement is important, the hope that Jesus brings to us is even more important. This hope that Jesus brings -- a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul -- is what moves us through dark times and what keeps us connected to God.
Blessings on your day of hope.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 37:30-31
30The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak justice.
31The law of their God is in their hearts;
their steps do not slip.
Sometimes it seems like we know things with our heads, but not with our hearts. The words of the psalmist remind us to hold the law of God in our hearts -- to let that be our guide for our steps. This past weekend many communities held CROP Walks, and people's steps helped raise money for world hunger.
It's not everyday that our steps can do that, and maybe you feel like your feet won't carry you very far anymore. But there's still something we can do -- we can let our tongues speak justice, and we can hold the law of God in our hearts. Where will your feet take you today? What will your steps do? What will your tongue speak?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
30The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak justice.
31The law of their God is in their hearts;
their steps do not slip.
Sometimes it seems like we know things with our heads, but not with our hearts. The words of the psalmist remind us to hold the law of God in our hearts -- to let that be our guide for our steps. This past weekend many communities held CROP Walks, and people's steps helped raise money for world hunger.
It's not everyday that our steps can do that, and maybe you feel like your feet won't carry you very far anymore. But there's still something we can do -- we can let our tongues speak justice, and we can hold the law of God in our hearts. Where will your feet take you today? What will your steps do? What will your tongue speak?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, October 16, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Revelation 17:13-14 These [ten kings] are united in yielding their power and authority to the beast; they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.’
There are a lot of things about God's plan for the end of this world that I don't know. Looking back at that sentence of the screen, I can safely say I've never written a more obvious sentence. I don't know what the end is going to be like. I don't know when it's going to come. I don't know how God is going to come. There are some clues in Scripture, but they are often muddy and shrouded in mystery and symbolism. And generally those clues are more about what people saw happening around them nearly 2000 years ago than they are about any future God has in store.
But as I read Revelation, there is one thing that's pretty clear: God's intended future is bad news for kings. If you rule over a kingdom or think that you're pretty powerful and important, God will one day have a different message for you. That much is clear.
And that is good news. It's good news for those of us who feel powerless more than we feel powerful. God will free you. It's good news for all of us because if I had to choose a king to make the right decisions, I think I'm going to go with God. Call me crazy.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. For worship, visit All Saints Sunday morning at 8:30 or 11.
There are a lot of things about God's plan for the end of this world that I don't know. Looking back at that sentence of the screen, I can safely say I've never written a more obvious sentence. I don't know what the end is going to be like. I don't know when it's going to come. I don't know how God is going to come. There are some clues in Scripture, but they are often muddy and shrouded in mystery and symbolism. And generally those clues are more about what people saw happening around them nearly 2000 years ago than they are about any future God has in store.
But as I read Revelation, there is one thing that's pretty clear: God's intended future is bad news for kings. If you rule over a kingdom or think that you're pretty powerful and important, God will one day have a different message for you. That much is clear.
And that is good news. It's good news for those of us who feel powerless more than we feel powerful. God will free you. It's good news for all of us because if I had to choose a king to make the right decisions, I think I'm going to go with God. Call me crazy.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com. For worship, visit All Saints Sunday morning at 8:30 or 11.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hope is an important thing in the Christian tradition, and in the Christian way of life. Paul, writing to the Romans, wanted them to understand and to get the power of hope for their lives in the faith. Sometimes the best way to communicate how important something is is not to write about it, but just to keep using the word. It's a pretty good clue for readers that it is important. So Paul uses the word hope twice in this brief sentence. Hope is used as a basic descriptor of who God is. As you might say "Pastor Seth the bearded," Paul says "the God of hope." Hope is that central and basic to what God is about in the world. And Paul wishes that his readers would "abound in hope." So God is a God of hope and we are to abound in hope. The life of faith is about walking in hope and trusting in the God of hope.
Trust in hope. Walk in hope. Live in hope. Be in hope. Abound in hope. Hope. Hope. Hope. The God of hope. Hope.
In Christ (and hope),
Pastor Seth
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Hope is an important thing in the Christian tradition, and in the Christian way of life. Paul, writing to the Romans, wanted them to understand and to get the power of hope for their lives in the faith. Sometimes the best way to communicate how important something is is not to write about it, but just to keep using the word. It's a pretty good clue for readers that it is important. So Paul uses the word hope twice in this brief sentence. Hope is used as a basic descriptor of who God is. As you might say "Pastor Seth the bearded," Paul says "the God of hope." Hope is that central and basic to what God is about in the world. And Paul wishes that his readers would "abound in hope." So God is a God of hope and we are to abound in hope. The life of faith is about walking in hope and trusting in the God of hope.
Trust in hope. Walk in hope. Live in hope. Be in hope. Abound in hope. Hope. Hope. Hope. The God of hope. Hope.
In Christ (and hope),
Pastor Seth
For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 26:1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
For the past two days, we've been reading passages from Obadiah: we've been reading about a people (the Edomites) who were guilty of sin because they sat on the sidelines and watched, and even helped, the Babylonians to conquer Israel and Jerusalem. Today we read a prayer from the psalmist that sounds more like something that might be prayed by the Israelites in that situation. I've done nothing wrong, Lord, and still I'm being hurt. Help me.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Ultimately, there is not a satisfying answer to that question. What our tradition does give us is the gift of prayer and promise. When bad things are happening to us, we can pray for God to help. We can pray for God to help others who are in difficult circumstances. And promise. We are promised that the bad things are never the end of the story. Though they come, our story never ends there. The Lord will answer this prayer from Psalm 26 and vindicate.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Holden Evening Prayer is tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm. For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
For the past two days, we've been reading passages from Obadiah: we've been reading about a people (the Edomites) who were guilty of sin because they sat on the sidelines and watched, and even helped, the Babylonians to conquer Israel and Jerusalem. Today we read a prayer from the psalmist that sounds more like something that might be prayed by the Israelites in that situation. I've done nothing wrong, Lord, and still I'm being hurt. Help me.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Ultimately, there is not a satisfying answer to that question. What our tradition does give us is the gift of prayer and promise. When bad things are happening to us, we can pray for God to help. We can pray for God to help others who are in difficult circumstances. And promise. We are promised that the bad things are never the end of the story. Though they come, our story never ends there. The Lord will answer this prayer from Psalm 26 and vindicate.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Holden Evening Prayer is tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm. For conversation, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Obadiah 11 On the day that you stood aside,
on the day that strangers carried off his wealth,
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you too were like one of them.
We continue from yesterday's reading with the vision for the people of Israel from Obadiah about the people of Edom. Remember that Edom had sided with the Babylonians, the big bullies, and helped them to conquer Israel, and had sent their own armies to help in the defeat of Jerusalem. And that's a problem for God. Even if they hadn't helped at all, but had stood by and watched, that's a problem for God.
When we stand by and watch injustice, we are guilty of that injustice. When we can and don't do anything about the hundreds of millions of starving people in the world, we are guilty of that injustice. When we can and don't do anything about violence and neglect and war, we are guilty of that injustice. We are just as guilty as if we participated. Like Edom, sometimes we stand on the sidelines and watch. And like Edom, we are guilty. What can you do today to stand with those who fight for justice?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join together for Holden Evening Prayer tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7 pm. For conversation about the devotional messages, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
on the day that strangers carried off his wealth,
and foreigners entered his gates
and cast lots for Jerusalem,
you too were like one of them.
We continue from yesterday's reading with the vision for the people of Israel from Obadiah about the people of Edom. Remember that Edom had sided with the Babylonians, the big bullies, and helped them to conquer Israel, and had sent their own armies to help in the defeat of Jerusalem. And that's a problem for God. Even if they hadn't helped at all, but had stood by and watched, that's a problem for God.
When we stand by and watch injustice, we are guilty of that injustice. When we can and don't do anything about the hundreds of millions of starving people in the world, we are guilty of that injustice. When we can and don't do anything about violence and neglect and war, we are guilty of that injustice. We are just as guilty as if we participated. Like Edom, sometimes we stand on the sidelines and watch. And like Edom, we are guilty. What can you do today to stand with those who fight for justice?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join together for Holden Evening Prayer tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7 pm. For conversation about the devotional messages, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 12, 2009
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Obadiah 1:1
The vision of Obadiah.
Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom:
We have heard a report from the Lord,
and a messenger has been sent among the nations:
‘Rise up! Let us rise against it for battle!’
Obadiah had a vision. And he shared it with the people. The people of Edom, the people who are the primary subject of the vision, would not have wanted to hear Obadiah's vision. They probably would have dismissed it as the crazy rantings of a nutcase. The vision consists primarily of pretty graphic promises of how the kingdom of Edom and the Edomites are going to be brought down from their mighty perches and destroyed. There's a reason that the book of Obadiah isn't featured heavily in children's Bibles.
But the Lord's message through Obadiah wasn't FOR the Edomites. It was for the Israelites, about the Edomites. The Edomites were not Israelites. They were a neighboring small kingdom. They had sided with the mighty Babylonians and helped them destroy Jerusalem. To get a small piece of the pie, they had sided with the big bully on the block and conquered Jerusalem. And the promise of God is: that's not the end of the story. The victory of the bullies is not the end of the story. The victory of those who side with the bullies is not the end of the story. God has another ending.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join together for Holden Evening Prayer this Wednesday at 7 pm. Also, discuss this reflection, and others, at http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)