2[Paul] said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ 3Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ 4Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’
I could make the joke here that those who had not heard of the Holy Spirit must have been Lutherans. Among groups of Christians, we Lutherans talk about the Holy Spirit a whole lot less than other groups. My gentle chiding is self-directed, also. But to Paul's question, did you receive the Holy Spirit, we need to answer, "Yes!"
And, having received the Holy Spirit, having been baptized with the Holy Spirit, we should proclaim and recognize the Spirit's work! All joking aside, even if we don't talk about it all that often, we certainly have heard that there is a Holy Spirit!
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Peter has been sharing the story of Jesus when the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. He's also been sharing the revelation he had that God shows no partiality, which had been a powerful experience of transformation for Peter.
This question that he asks the crowd, about can anyone withhold the water for baptism, strikes a chord within me -- not surprising, I'm sure. As we have all received the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us not withhold it from anyone.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Peter has been sharing the story of Jesus when the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. He's also been sharing the revelation he had that God shows no partiality, which had been a powerful experience of transformation for Peter.
This question that he asks the crowd, about can anyone withhold the water for baptism, strikes a chord within me -- not surprising, I'm sure. As we have all received the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us not withhold it from anyone.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 119:89-91
89The Lord exists for ever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
90Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
There are a lot of things that change in our lives, some of them very quickly, while others seem to take a bit longer. These words bring comfort in the midst of all the transitions that there something good that remains -- God's word and God's faithfulness endures.
These verses remind me (which I need some days!), that it's God and God's word and God's faithfulness to the generations. Our faith rests in God -- not in a political party or a person or the NY Times Bestsellers list. Our faith rests in God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
89The Lord exists for ever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
90Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91By your appointment they stand today,
for all things are your servants.
There are a lot of things that change in our lives, some of them very quickly, while others seem to take a bit longer. These words bring comfort in the midst of all the transitions that there something good that remains -- God's word and God's faithfulness endures.
These verses remind me (which I need some days!), that it's God and God's word and God's faithfulness to the generations. Our faith rests in God -- not in a political party or a person or the NY Times Bestsellers list. Our faith rests in God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Jeremiah 36:1-2, 26.
In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.
26And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest the secretary Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. But the Lord hid them.
These prophets sure had their work cut out for them. The Lord takes them by their ear and gives them directions, which they follow (though some of them a bit reluctantly) and then the people in charge get upset. What happens between the verses that I've shared above is that Jeremiah does this -- he gets Baruch to write the words down, and they share them, and the king gets angry.
These stories from the Hebrew Scriptures, while at times difficult to follow because of the seemingly strange names and lists of who begat whom, are fascinating to me. Because after the threat to arrest them comes, and the Lord hides them, they get up and do it again. Persistent prophets, and a protective God. Today, may you feel the protection of God and have the persistence of the prophet's to share that message.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.
26And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest the secretary Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. But the Lord hid them.
These prophets sure had their work cut out for them. The Lord takes them by their ear and gives them directions, which they follow (though some of them a bit reluctantly) and then the people in charge get upset. What happens between the verses that I've shared above is that Jeremiah does this -- he gets Baruch to write the words down, and they share them, and the king gets angry.
These stories from the Hebrew Scriptures, while at times difficult to follow because of the seemingly strange names and lists of who begat whom, are fascinating to me. Because after the threat to arrest them comes, and the Lord hides them, they get up and do it again. Persistent prophets, and a protective God. Today, may you feel the protection of God and have the persistence of the prophet's to share that message.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, January 25, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Acts 9:17-19
17So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul* and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Paul (Saul) was a great persecutor of the church, and had started out on his journey intending to capture believers. However, along the way, something that was nothing short of a miracle occurred and Jesus appeared to him. He spent the rest of his life converting people to belief in Jesus Christ. I've always been intrigued by the idea that "something like scales fell from his eyes" and after that he could see again.
The idea was that during Jesus' visit to him on the road, Saul was struck blind, and after the Holy Spirit filled him, he was able to see again. Most of you reading this don't need to be converted in the way that Saul or those he met did. However, I'm reminded that there are always blind spots in our lives that need the Holy Spirit's tending. And so we pray, Come Holy Spirit.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
17So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul* and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Paul (Saul) was a great persecutor of the church, and had started out on his journey intending to capture believers. However, along the way, something that was nothing short of a miracle occurred and Jesus appeared to him. He spent the rest of his life converting people to belief in Jesus Christ. I've always been intrigued by the idea that "something like scales fell from his eyes" and after that he could see again.
The idea was that during Jesus' visit to him on the road, Saul was struck blind, and after the Holy Spirit filled him, he was able to see again. Most of you reading this don't need to be converted in the way that Saul or those he met did. However, I'm reminded that there are always blind spots in our lives that need the Holy Spirit's tending. And so we pray, Come Holy Spirit.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, January 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Romans 12:4-5 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
We are holding an online Bible study here at All Saints at http://bookoffaith.ning.com/group/allsaintspalatine. We were recently discussing a similar passage to this but Paul had written it in 1 Corinthians. As we discussed the variety of gifts that God has given to the church and the need to work together with those gifts, disdaining none and holding none as more important, a wise comment was made.
A participant who shall remain nameless (let's call her "Jill R") used the analogy of a puzzle saying that God has made us as pieces of a puzzle. Our variety and diversity fit together. If one is missing, the whole thing is off. And we need one another. I like that. I think Paul would have liked that and would have used it in one of his letters. You are a special and vital puzzle piece. And so is everyone else. We are thankful for each piece of the puzzle and how it works together to make the whole with everyone else.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in worship at 8:30 and 11 this Sunday morning. Education hour at 9:45. To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
We are holding an online Bible study here at All Saints at http://bookoffaith.ning.com/group/allsaintspalatine. We were recently discussing a similar passage to this but Paul had written it in 1 Corinthians. As we discussed the variety of gifts that God has given to the church and the need to work together with those gifts, disdaining none and holding none as more important, a wise comment was made.
A participant who shall remain nameless (let's call her "Jill R") used the analogy of a puzzle saying that God has made us as pieces of a puzzle. Our variety and diversity fit together. If one is missing, the whole thing is off. And we need one another. I like that. I think Paul would have liked that and would have used it in one of his letters. You are a special and vital puzzle piece. And so is everyone else. We are thankful for each piece of the puzzle and how it works together to make the whole with everyone else.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in worship at 8:30 and 11 this Sunday morning. Education hour at 9:45. To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
Thursday, January 21, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Romans 7:6 But now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we are slaves not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit.
I love when people think they're free. When I think I freely chose to buy X brand Jeans because of personal analysis and choice, I like to sit back and think about the marketing and the social engineering and the global marketplace in which I'm trapped. I'm not free. I'm a slave... not many would say I'm a slave to fashion, but I'm a slave.
Paul recognizes this and says... look, you're going to be a slave to something. So pick. Would you rather be a slave to the written code of the law, or to the new life of abundance offered by the Spirit? Of course, the choice isn't that simple either. But it's important to recognize as we live our lives that we are acting as slaves... and we do have to choice of master. So choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in worship at 8:30 and 11 this Sunday morning. Education hour at 9:45. To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
I love when people think they're free. When I think I freely chose to buy X brand Jeans because of personal analysis and choice, I like to sit back and think about the marketing and the social engineering and the global marketplace in which I'm trapped. I'm not free. I'm a slave... not many would say I'm a slave to fashion, but I'm a slave.
Paul recognizes this and says... look, you're going to be a slave to something. So pick. Would you rather be a slave to the written code of the law, or to the new life of abundance offered by the Spirit? Of course, the choice isn't that simple either. But it's important to recognize as we live our lives that we are acting as slaves... and we do have to choice of master. So choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us in worship at 8:30 and 11 this Sunday morning. Education hour at 9:45. To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 145: 15-16 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
Families and even religious traditions have lots of different ways that they say table grace. In my family we said (when we said prayers) "Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen." As an adult I met someone who added another sentence on the end, though I can't quite remember it. It was something to do with "may all the world be clothed and fed." We've taught Carl the "Come, Lord Jesus" short version, and he's taught us LOTS of different ones.
I had a pastor colleague who, when asked to pray before a meal at church or at a staff gathering, would recite these two verses. Try it tonight at dinner.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
Families and even religious traditions have lots of different ways that they say table grace. In my family we said (when we said prayers) "Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen." As an adult I met someone who added another sentence on the end, though I can't quite remember it. It was something to do with "may all the world be clothed and fed." We've taught Carl the "Come, Lord Jesus" short version, and he's taught us LOTS of different ones.
I had a pastor colleague who, when asked to pray before a meal at church or at a staff gathering, would recite these two verses. Try it tonight at dinner.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Song of Solomon 4:3 Your lips are like a crimson thread,
and your mouth is lovely.
Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate
behind your veil.
A couple years back Augsburg Fortress, our denominational publisher, was developing a new children's Bible, aimed at 2nd-4th graders. Pastor Jenn and I each wrote some of the introductory material. Pastor Jenn was assigned Song of Solomon. If you've never read the whole book, do so. It's an ancient erotic poem. There are verses that are more racy than this, but this was about as far as I thought I could push you over your morning coffee. Now imagine writing introductory material appropriate for a 2nd-4th grade audience. Pastor Jenn did a great job.
There have been many ways of interpreting Song of Solomon over the years and wondering why it's in the Bible. It doesn't really talk about God or directly about faithful living. It's just a love poem... a beautiful one, but a love poem. ONE of the key interpretations over the years has been that we should read it as if God were addressing us. I won't buy it wholly, but that's a good enough interpretation for this morning. If you're feeling a bit too lumpy, or a bit too grumpy; if you're feeling unloved or unlovable, know that God thinks your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate.
And that can't be bad.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
and your mouth is lovely.
Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate
behind your veil.
A couple years back Augsburg Fortress, our denominational publisher, was developing a new children's Bible, aimed at 2nd-4th graders. Pastor Jenn and I each wrote some of the introductory material. Pastor Jenn was assigned Song of Solomon. If you've never read the whole book, do so. It's an ancient erotic poem. There are verses that are more racy than this, but this was about as far as I thought I could push you over your morning coffee. Now imagine writing introductory material appropriate for a 2nd-4th grade audience. Pastor Jenn did a great job.
There have been many ways of interpreting Song of Solomon over the years and wondering why it's in the Bible. It doesn't really talk about God or directly about faithful living. It's just a love poem... a beautiful one, but a love poem. ONE of the key interpretations over the years has been that we should read it as if God were addressing us. I won't buy it wholly, but that's a good enough interpretation for this morning. If you're feeling a bit too lumpy, or a bit too grumpy; if you're feeling unloved or unlovable, know that God thinks your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate.
And that can't be bad.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
Monday, January 18, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Acts 4:10 Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,* whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.
These words were spoken by Peter. He and John had healed a man (which caused a bit of a stir in Jerusalem), and so they were dragged before the authorities to tell what was going on. Think of something like the Salem witch trials. My advice is this: if you're ever being tried in something like that, don't yell back at the authorities. "This man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED." Why oh why did Peter have to throw that little jibe in there?
Of course, Peter's name has gone down in history and mine probably won't. We celebrate today as the festival of The Confession of Peter. We'll probably never have a Confession of Seth day. And I am struck with awe, at the depth of his faith and his courage. To speak boldly and passionately about what he had seen and heard and done and let the chips fall where they may. It has been said that God has given us the saints as examples of faithfulness to inspire us. Peter's boldness inspires me today. How can I live my confession?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
These words were spoken by Peter. He and John had healed a man (which caused a bit of a stir in Jerusalem), and so they were dragged before the authorities to tell what was going on. Think of something like the Salem witch trials. My advice is this: if you're ever being tried in something like that, don't yell back at the authorities. "This man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED." Why oh why did Peter have to throw that little jibe in there?
Of course, Peter's name has gone down in history and mine probably won't. We celebrate today as the festival of The Confession of Peter. We'll probably never have a Confession of Seth day. And I am struck with awe, at the depth of his faith and his courage. To speak boldly and passionately about what he had seen and heard and done and let the chips fall where they may. It has been said that God has given us the saints as examples of faithfulness to inspire us. Peter's boldness inspires me today. How can I live my confession?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To donate to Haiti relief efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response (100% of your donation goes directly to the effort in Haiti), visit http://www.ldr.org/alert/i
Friday, January 15, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Luke 11:14-16
Now [Jesus] was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. 15But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ 16Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven.
The crowds were amazed, but some of them said... How often do we take away from the glory of the moment with a snide comment or a challenge, or even a conversation that detracts from the rejoicing and awe.
While it's important for us to know that there were some in the crowd who spoke against Jesus, or who kept pushing for a sign from heaven, we can lose the amazement at what has happened: Jesus was casting out demons, and the one who had been mute, spoke. The one who had not been able to speak, spoke. Let us rejoice, and let us be amazed, that the one who could not speak has spoken.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Now [Jesus] was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. 15But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ 16Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven.
The crowds were amazed, but some of them said... How often do we take away from the glory of the moment with a snide comment or a challenge, or even a conversation that detracts from the rejoicing and awe.
While it's important for us to know that there were some in the crowd who spoke against Jesus, or who kept pushing for a sign from heaven, we can lose the amazement at what has happened: Jesus was casting out demons, and the one who had been mute, spoke. The one who had not been able to speak, spoke. Let us rejoice, and let us be amazed, that the one who could not speak has spoken.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, January 14, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts8:20-22
20But Peter said to [Simon], ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! 21You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
Several years ago I was at the reception of a wedding that Pastor Seth had officiated. In conversation with the folks around the table at dinner, we joked about people paying for their seats at church, particularly the idea of paying more for a "good seat" at certain times of year (namely Christmas and Easter). I remember saying something like, "For the right price, I'd be happy to reserve any pew for you -- even the one right in front!" There was much laughter that ensued and we moved on to other topics eventually.
There are a lot of places where money talks, but what we read here in Acts is that the Holy Spirit isn't for sale. God's power, God's love, God's gifts are not for sale. I'm not sure what kind of a price you might even dare to put on such a precious gift, but I'm filled with thanksgiving that it's not for sale. May the intentions of our hearts always be right before God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
20But Peter said to [Simon], ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! 21You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
Several years ago I was at the reception of a wedding that Pastor Seth had officiated. In conversation with the folks around the table at dinner, we joked about people paying for their seats at church, particularly the idea of paying more for a "good seat" at certain times of year (namely Christmas and Easter). I remember saying something like, "For the right price, I'd be happy to reserve any pew for you -- even the one right in front!" There was much laughter that ensued and we moved on to other topics eventually.
There are a lot of places where money talks, but what we read here in Acts is that the Holy Spirit isn't for sale. God's power, God's love, God's gifts are not for sale. I'm not sure what kind of a price you might even dare to put on such a precious gift, but I'm filled with thanksgiving that it's not for sale. May the intentions of our hearts always be right before God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 106:1
1Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
It's January, and we've packed away most signs of holiday decor (or have very solid plans to do so this weekend). Gone are the lights and the garlands, tucked away again isthe tinsel and the wrapping paper. The days of November and December seem to focus on gathering people, giving thanks and preparing. Now that the year has turned, our attention goes to getting organized and losing weight.
Scripture reminds us, still, though that God is good, and that steadfast love endures for ever. Does your house feel a little bit empty these days? Maybe quiet after family has gone back home or to school? Make a little ruckus with praise for the Lord. Our celebration of Jesus' birth should continue, as we give thanks to the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Join together at All Saints for Holden Evening Prayer tonight at 7:00 pm.
1Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever.
It's January, and we've packed away most signs of holiday decor (or have very solid plans to do so this weekend). Gone are the lights and the garlands, tucked away again isthe tinsel and the wrapping paper. The days of November and December seem to focus on gathering people, giving thanks and preparing. Now that the year has turned, our attention goes to getting organized and losing weight.
Scripture reminds us, still, though that God is good, and that steadfast love endures for ever. Does your house feel a little bit empty these days? Maybe quiet after family has gone back home or to school? Make a little ruckus with praise for the Lord. Our celebration of Jesus' birth should continue, as we give thanks to the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Join together at All Saints for Holden Evening Prayer tonight at 7:00 pm.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Judges 5:12
12‘Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, utter a song!
Arise, Barak, lead away your captives,
O son of Abinoam.
The scriptures that we read contain some of the most violent and graphic descriptions. We don't often read those passages on Sunday mornings, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. The stories, particularly in what we claim as the Old Testament, are full of violence and war -- much of it in the name of the Lord. These aren't the gentle words of comfort that I often look hope for or look to when I open the Bible. But they are there.
The song that Deborah is about to sing is one of triumph and glory, and there are captives to be led away -- the spoils of war. I struggle with these verses because of their violent description of life, not because I find it to be untrue about humanity still today, but because I wish it were different.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
12‘Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, utter a song!
Arise, Barak, lead away your captives,
O son of Abinoam.
The scriptures that we read contain some of the most violent and graphic descriptions. We don't often read those passages on Sunday mornings, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. The stories, particularly in what we claim as the Old Testament, are full of violence and war -- much of it in the name of the Lord. These aren't the gentle words of comfort that I often look hope for or look to when I open the Bible. But they are there.
The song that Deborah is about to sing is one of triumph and glory, and there are captives to be led away -- the spoils of war. I struggle with these verses because of their violent description of life, not because I find it to be untrue about humanity still today, but because I wish it were different.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, January 11, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Mark 1:6
6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
I've gotten out of the habit of titling things (sermons, papers, devotions) since it's not often required of me, but it strikes me that I'd call this one "Details." Mark's Gospel is the fastest and most urgently written (stylistically) of the four that we have in our canon, and yet the writer chooses to include what John the baptizer wore, and what he ate. It's just one line, but at the same time, there's a lot of information that he doesn't include, that we might otherwise think important to the story.
However, since we know these details about Jesus' cousin, I have to say that they have always sort of endeared John to me. These must have been details of note even for the time, let alone for today. And yet, he is the one in the river with Jesus. John is the one who heralds the way for Jesus. John is the one who leaps in his mother's womb when Mary arrives to see Elizabeth. John is the one who stands up to Herod and speaks a word of truth. John points to Jesus, even if he wasn't the coolest looking guy on the block.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Join together for Holden Evening Prayer this Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm at All Saints.
6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
I've gotten out of the habit of titling things (sermons, papers, devotions) since it's not often required of me, but it strikes me that I'd call this one "Details." Mark's Gospel is the fastest and most urgently written (stylistically) of the four that we have in our canon, and yet the writer chooses to include what John the baptizer wore, and what he ate. It's just one line, but at the same time, there's a lot of information that he doesn't include, that we might otherwise think important to the story.
However, since we know these details about Jesus' cousin, I have to say that they have always sort of endeared John to me. These must have been details of note even for the time, let alone for today. And yet, he is the one in the river with Jesus. John is the one who heralds the way for Jesus. John is the one who leaps in his mother's womb when Mary arrives to see Elizabeth. John is the one who stands up to Herod and speaks a word of truth. John points to Jesus, even if he wasn't the coolest looking guy on the block.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Join together for Holden Evening Prayer this Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm at All Saints.
Friday, January 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Ephesians 5:18-20 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I could make a joke about "do not get drunk with wine" and what we should choose instead. But I won't. We are continuing from yesterday, where Paul is teaching the Ephesians (and us) about what it means to live as a Christian and how we would want those around us to see our lives. The marker here is that we should all be singing people, we should be thankful people.
One of the greatest honors of my life as a pastor is that I get to know faithful people of God who've been faithful and dedicated disciples for 70-80 years or more. What is consistently most inspiring to me about these older saints of God is the example they provide for all of us about thankfulness. In the midst of circumstances that are anything but happy, or telling stories of times that were tragic, there is a deep and abiding thankfulness that never fails to inspire me. In the long view, God has always provided us with everything we need in Jesus Christ. Do those around you see thankfulness in your lifestyle?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
I could make a joke about "do not get drunk with wine" and what we should choose instead. But I won't. We are continuing from yesterday, where Paul is teaching the Ephesians (and us) about what it means to live as a Christian and how we would want those around us to see our lives. The marker here is that we should all be singing people, we should be thankful people.
One of the greatest honors of my life as a pastor is that I get to know faithful people of God who've been faithful and dedicated disciples for 70-80 years or more. What is consistently most inspiring to me about these older saints of God is the example they provide for all of us about thankfulness. In the midst of circumstances that are anything but happy, or telling stories of times that were tragic, there is a deep and abiding thankfulness that never fails to inspire me. In the long view, God has always provided us with everything we need in Jesus Christ. Do those around you see thankfulness in your lifestyle?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 7, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Ephesians 4:25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbours, for we are members of one another.
Paul is giving some advice to the church in Ephesus about how they are supposed to live as Christians. And the upshot of all the advice is this: it should be different. Someone should be able to see a difference in your life once you've become a part of the church. Once you've committed yourself to a life as a disciple, it should make a difference. The specifics we could debate all day long (take a Christian Ethics class), but the point is: it should make SOME difference.
This verse summarizes to me the essence of Christian ethics. You are a part of the other. Your self-interest is the thriving of your sisters and brothers. We are members of one another. Members. If you hurt, I hurt. So why would I want to cause you hurt? I'm only hurting myself. Again, the specifics are tough, but that's the basis for it. Now we spend our lives trying to work it out.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Paul is giving some advice to the church in Ephesus about how they are supposed to live as Christians. And the upshot of all the advice is this: it should be different. Someone should be able to see a difference in your life once you've become a part of the church. Once you've committed yourself to a life as a disciple, it should make a difference. The specifics we could debate all day long (take a Christian Ethics class), but the point is: it should make SOME difference.
This verse summarizes to me the essence of Christian ethics. You are a part of the other. Your self-interest is the thriving of your sisters and brothers. We are members of one another. Members. If you hurt, I hurt. So why would I want to cause you hurt? I'm only hurting myself. Again, the specifics are tough, but that's the basis for it. Now we spend our lives trying to work it out.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 2: 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Strange gifts for a baby shower, huh? Where are the diapers? Where are stuffed animals, the blankets, the jumpy things? The Magi gave the things they knew how to give, the most treasured things they had.
Christina Rosetti wrote a poem that I contemplate with you today:
"What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Strange gifts for a baby shower, huh? Where are the diapers? Where are stuffed animals, the blankets, the jumpy things? The Magi gave the things they knew how to give, the most treasured things they had.
Christina Rosetti wrote a poem that I contemplate with you today:
"What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Jeremiah 31:8 See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labour, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
Today is the last of the 12 days of Christmas. The after-glow of the Christmas season is almost worn out. Tomorrow, in the church calendar, is not just any Wednesday, but it's the Day of Epiphany. Tomorrow is the day we celebrate the coming of the Three Magi from the East to praise and worship the Christ-child. They got there by following a star.
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labour, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
Today is the last of the 12 days of Christmas. The after-glow of the Christmas season is almost worn out. Tomorrow, in the church calendar, is not just any Wednesday, but it's the Day of Epiphany. Tomorrow is the day we celebrate the coming of the Three Magi from the East to praise and worship the Christ-child. They got there by following a star.
In addition to remembering those three who came guided by a star, we think about the light of Christ that's rising over the world even now. Bethlehem's star is rising so all can see it. The Light of Christ is calling all people to God. The biblical writers looked forward to that day when all would be called home to gather together and worship on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. God promises to use that same Light that drew Magi to draw all people back. Even now, the gathering work of God is being done. Where do you see it this morning?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To discuss and ask questions, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
Online Bible Study
It's starting in two days!!!
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
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
Isaiah shares this vision of God's glory that was granted to him. We need to remember that Isaiah believed that the presence of God was so holy and powerful and majestic and (whatever other words you want to use) that it would kill a person to see it directly. And not only a person... notice what the seraphs (angels) do. They cover their faces and their feet with a variety of wings. Even heavenly beings cannot bear the full presence of God and God's glory.
God is different than us. God is bigger and more powerful and more glorious than we can even imagine. All human language fails to capture even a glimpse of the power of God. There are times when the only response to being in God's presence is awe and praise. These seraphs sang a song of praise. We don't know everything about God. We can't explain God. But we can and we do praise God. Each and every Sunday we echo the song of the angels during the liturgy of Holy Communion. Holy, holy holy is God! Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To ask questions and discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
Isaiah shares this vision of God's glory that was granted to him. We need to remember that Isaiah believed that the presence of God was so holy and powerful and majestic and (whatever other words you want to use) that it would kill a person to see it directly. And not only a person... notice what the seraphs (angels) do. They cover their faces and their feet with a variety of wings. Even heavenly beings cannot bear the full presence of God and God's glory.
God is different than us. God is bigger and more powerful and more glorious than we can even imagine. All human language fails to capture even a glimpse of the power of God. There are times when the only response to being in God's presence is awe and praise. These seraphs sang a song of praise. We don't know everything about God. We can't explain God. But we can and we do praise God. Each and every Sunday we echo the song of the angels during the liturgy of Holy Communion. Holy, holy holy is God! Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To ask questions and discuss, visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Philippians 2:5-11
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Happy New Year!
Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)