Matthew 23:37-39
37‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children
together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38See, your house is left to you, desolate. 39For I tell you, you
will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
Well, Jerusalem — we all have heard that city name before, it was the capital of David’s kingdom and was where Jesus went for the festival of the Passover. In this passage Jesus is talking about how he is weeping over Jerusalem, depicting it with a motherly image — even though Jerusalem refuses him. I think that he is weeping over Jerusalem because maybe they just lost sight of what is really important, very much like today in most societies. Also, he is trying to help them find their way back, but they are being stubborn goats and not allowing him to do so.
In verses 38-39, I think what he is trying to say is that he left the temple to them, but they abandoned it because they were hopeless. Also, that he will not come back or appear again until they will say once again ‘Dear Lord, we praise you, we lift you up’.
Brittany Mata
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Friday
Philippians 3:18-20
18Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us here of something very basic. He warns of dangers on the road of life—that we dare not let ourselves get bogged down and side-tracked by a self-centered, selfpromoting lifestyle. The danger is a real one, just as much for us of the 21st century as it was for God's people of the 1st century.
But Paul's warning is balanced by a second reminder—that by God's grace, we are not only residents of earth, but also citizens of heaven. So our prayer may be:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; Come among us to forgive us, and strengthen us; Come among us that we might walk faithfully with you, midst all the temptations, challenges, and opportunities of life, day by day.
Amen.
Del Anderson
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
18Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us here of something very basic. He warns of dangers on the road of life—that we dare not let ourselves get bogged down and side-tracked by a self-centered, selfpromoting lifestyle. The danger is a real one, just as much for us of the 21st century as it was for God's people of the 1st century.
But Paul's warning is balanced by a second reminder—that by God's grace, we are not only residents of earth, but also citizens of heaven. So our prayer may be:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; Come among us to forgive us, and strengthen us; Come among us that we might walk faithfully with you, midst all the temptations, challenges, and opportunities of life, day by day.
Amen.
Del Anderson
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Thursday
Philippians 3:7-8
7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the
surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
As a senior in high school, I have been faced with the daunting task of applying to colleges and considering what I want to make of the vast expanse of time in front of me known as my future. While filling out numerous drop-down menus on college application websites, I have to vainly highlight my
“gains” that make me stand out from my classmates. Even though I have been accepted to universities, this does not answer the question about what I want my career to be when I grow up. But regardless of my college or career choice, I know that whatever I choose will not surpass Jesus’ “job” as my Savior. Imagine Jesus’ shock when he was crucified on the cross. Maybe he didn’t know that he would be resurrected to sit at the right hand of our Father. No matter the college or career path I choose, I know that my accomplishments fail in comparison to Jesus’ but if I have faith in Him, I can follow in his footsteps to Heaven.
Christine Spasoff
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the
surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
As a senior in high school, I have been faced with the daunting task of applying to colleges and considering what I want to make of the vast expanse of time in front of me known as my future. While filling out numerous drop-down menus on college application websites, I have to vainly highlight my
“gains” that make me stand out from my classmates. Even though I have been accepted to universities, this does not answer the question about what I want my career to be when I grow up. But regardless of my college or career choice, I know that whatever I choose will not surpass Jesus’ “job” as my Savior. Imagine Jesus’ shock when he was crucified on the cross. Maybe he didn’t know that he would be resurrected to sit at the right hand of our Father. No matter the college or career path I choose, I know that my accomplishments fail in comparison to Jesus’ but if I have faith in Him, I can follow in his footsteps to Heaven.
Christine Spasoff
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Wednesday
Luke 21:34–36
34 [Jesus said,] ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will comeupon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times,praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the coming kingdom of God. It’s obvious that the trees and leaves tell us when spring is changing to summer, right? For the disciples, change was definitely coming. Living through the events to follow – the meal, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventually his resurrection – would certainly change their lives forever. The words above are Jesus’ instructions of preparation for what’s to come.
Each year we live through those events also. Like the disciples, we need to be alert, ready for what is coming. As we journey through Lent, preparing ourselves for the events we remember on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil, and Easter morning, let’s be on guard.
Let’s pray for strength to get through our trials. Pray that we might hear the comfort of Jesus’ words. Pray that, when we hear cries for help, we offer our assistance. Pray that the changes in our lives might not weigh us down. Pray for peace, in our own hearts and lives, and for those in our church, homes, neighborhoods, work places, and for the world. Be alert, pray, and be at peace.
Doug Williams
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
34 [Jesus said,] ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will comeupon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times,praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the coming kingdom of God. It’s obvious that the trees and leaves tell us when spring is changing to summer, right? For the disciples, change was definitely coming. Living through the events to follow – the meal, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventually his resurrection – would certainly change their lives forever. The words above are Jesus’ instructions of preparation for what’s to come.
Each year we live through those events also. Like the disciples, we need to be alert, ready for what is coming. As we journey through Lent, preparing ourselves for the events we remember on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil, and Easter morning, let’s be on guard.
Let’s pray for strength to get through our trials. Pray that we might hear the comfort of Jesus’ words. Pray that, when we hear cries for help, we offer our assistance. Pray that the changes in our lives might not weigh us down. Pray for peace, in our own hearts and lives, and for those in our church, homes, neighborhoods, work places, and for the world. Be alert, pray, and be at peace.
Doug Williams
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Tuesday
2 Peter 2:19b-21
19 … People are slaves to whatever masters them. 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.
There are a couple of key phrases in this passage, in my opinion. First, that we are slaves to whatever masters us, I believe to be so true! The key is to have things like ‘bringing joy to others’ be one of my obsessions and perhaps lose the obsession concerning finding the perfect pair of boots. Can
it be done? Of course! But it will take all of my focus and determination and still the boot obsession will linger in the back of my mind. The point here, I believe, is that I know what I want to rule my life and can identify those items that perhaps do not belong, and that’s half the battle! The rest is up to me and my will to be a better person.
The second important phrase here is basically saying that ignorance is bliss. If I’m straying off the path of goodness but have no idea what the whole goodness thing is all about, then I really don’t know what I’m missing. However, if I’ve been exposed to God and what He has to offer me and all of us and I still stray off His path, then I’m in worse shape than the person who didn’t know God at all because I KNOW what I’m missing. Got that?! I understand the point of this passage, but I am convinced that it is better to have known God once and strayed than to never have known Him at all. Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?
Margo Ban
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
19 … People are slaves to whatever masters them. 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.
There are a couple of key phrases in this passage, in my opinion. First, that we are slaves to whatever masters us, I believe to be so true! The key is to have things like ‘bringing joy to others’ be one of my obsessions and perhaps lose the obsession concerning finding the perfect pair of boots. Can
it be done? Of course! But it will take all of my focus and determination and still the boot obsession will linger in the back of my mind. The point here, I believe, is that I know what I want to rule my life and can identify those items that perhaps do not belong, and that’s half the battle! The rest is up to me and my will to be a better person.
The second important phrase here is basically saying that ignorance is bliss. If I’m straying off the path of goodness but have no idea what the whole goodness thing is all about, then I really don’t know what I’m missing. However, if I’ve been exposed to God and what He has to offer me and all of us and I still stray off His path, then I’m in worse shape than the person who didn’t know God at all because I KNOW what I’m missing. Got that?! I understand the point of this passage, but I am convinced that it is better to have known God once and strayed than to never have known Him at all. Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?
Margo Ban
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Monday, February 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Monday
1 John 2:1-6
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. 4Whoever says, ‘I have come to know him’, but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6whoever says, ‘I abide in him’, ought to walk just as he walked.
There are two parts to this reading that mean a lot to me. The first being that we should not sin, but if we do, we have an advocate in Jesus. He not only takes on our sins but the sins of the whole world. When I think about that, I am so humbled to know that Jesus loves us all that much that he
would take on that burden for our very souls.
The second part, John makes pretty clear, is that if you say you know him and don’t obey his commandments you are a liar. I don’t know about you, but for me there are days where I find it hard to obey his commandments and I feel pretty bad about it. I want to walk as he walked but I know that is not possible for most, so I take peace in knowing that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us.
Joe Quinn
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. 4Whoever says, ‘I have come to know him’, but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6whoever says, ‘I abide in him’, ought to walk just as he walked.
There are two parts to this reading that mean a lot to me. The first being that we should not sin, but if we do, we have an advocate in Jesus. He not only takes on our sins but the sins of the whole world. When I think about that, I am so humbled to know that Jesus loves us all that much that he
would take on that burden for our very souls.
The second part, John makes pretty clear, is that if you say you know him and don’t obey his commandments you are a liar. I don’t know about you, but for me there are days where I find it hard to obey his commandments and I feel pretty bad about it. I want to walk as he walked but I know that is not possible for most, so I take peace in knowing that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us.
Joe Quinn
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Saturday
John 12:28-30
Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.’
As I read these verses, I wondered – how often do I listen to God’s voice? I’m certain it is not nearly as often as God would like me to listen. Also, does God feel sad when I don’t listen to him? Would my life be better or would I make better decisions if I listened to God more often? If I don’t listen to Him, am I missing something?
I am certain in God’s eyes the answer to all of my questions is a resounding YES! During Lent, I am going to try a little harder to listen because I know God is watching and talking to me. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a song I learned at Church Choir camp as a child, He’s Got His Eyes on You. As we move through Lent I am going to keep that song with me as a reminder to work a little harder to listen to God.
Won’t you join me during Lent and try a little harder to listen to God and remember He is always watching us?
Sandy Herweg
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.’
As I read these verses, I wondered – how often do I listen to God’s voice? I’m certain it is not nearly as often as God would like me to listen. Also, does God feel sad when I don’t listen to him? Would my life be better or would I make better decisions if I listened to God more often? If I don’t listen to Him, am I missing something?
I am certain in God’s eyes the answer to all of my questions is a resounding YES! During Lent, I am going to try a little harder to listen because I know God is watching and talking to me. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a song I learned at Church Choir camp as a child, He’s Got His Eyes on You. As we move through Lent I am going to keep that song with me as a reminder to work a little harder to listen to God.
Won’t you join me during Lent and try a little harder to listen to God and remember He is always watching us?
Sandy Herweg
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
Friday, February 19, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 7:35
It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, “Who made you a ruler and a judge?” and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
Who made me a theologian and a devotional writer? That was my initial thought when Pastor Seth sent out the request for help with the Lenten Devotional Booklet. Not only “Who am I to do this?” but “What are others going to think of my random ramblings on a Biblical passage?” Will they reject it like the people initially rejected Moses? So it was comforting to me to read this passage. God certainly didn’t appear to me in a burning bush, but God’s message was clear as I pondered the invitation. I, like everyone else, have something to say and something unique to contribute. I can say that God made me a theologian and devotional writer – maybe not a good one, but the call was clear nonetheless. A similar call to spread your talents, even the ones you don’t necessarily feel you have, has been issued. Will you listen to the people, like the ones who rejected Moses? Or to God, who calls us to action?
Doug Kuhlman
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, “Who made you a ruler and a judge?” and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
Who made me a theologian and a devotional writer? That was my initial thought when Pastor Seth sent out the request for help with the Lenten Devotional Booklet. Not only “Who am I to do this?” but “What are others going to think of my random ramblings on a Biblical passage?” Will they reject it like the people initially rejected Moses? So it was comforting to me to read this passage. God certainly didn’t appear to me in a burning bush, but God’s message was clear as I pondered the invitation. I, like everyone else, have something to say and something unique to contribute. I can say that God made me a theologian and devotional writer – maybe not a good one, but the call was clear nonetheless. A similar call to spread your talents, even the ones you don’t necessarily feel you have, has been issued. Will you listen to the people, like the ones who rejected Moses? Or to God, who calls us to action?
Doug Kuhlman
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I’ve been thinking a lot about financial security since I was “reduced in force” from my job last fall. It’s tempting to worry about finances and earthly treasure to the exclusion of all else. But I need to ponder what and where my treasure really is.
ELCA pastor and New Testament scholar Mark Allan Powell wrote for The Lutheran in November 2006 on Matthew 6:21, the final verse above. These words are ringing in my ears these days. Powell said we usually reverse what Jesus said: that where our hearts are, there will our treasure end up. He pointed out that, in fact, what this verse says is that “how we spend our money determines what sort of people we become.” As he put it, “We can decide what sort of people we would like to be and then give generously of our treasure — our time, our money and our talents — to those things that will change us within.”
That makes a difference as I consider my next career move. What might it mean in your life? Is it good news that we have a choice about where we want our hearts to be?
Sonia C. Solomonson
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship today at noon and 7 pm.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I’ve been thinking a lot about financial security since I was “reduced in force” from my job last fall. It’s tempting to worry about finances and earthly treasure to the exclusion of all else. But I need to ponder what and where my treasure really is.
ELCA pastor and New Testament scholar Mark Allan Powell wrote for The Lutheran in November 2006 on Matthew 6:21, the final verse above. These words are ringing in my ears these days. Powell said we usually reverse what Jesus said: that where our hearts are, there will our treasure end up. He pointed out that, in fact, what this verse says is that “how we spend our money determines what sort of people we become.” As he put it, “We can decide what sort of people we would like to be and then give generously of our treasure — our time, our money and our talents — to those things that will change us within.”
That makes a difference as I consider my next career move. What might it mean in your life? Is it good news that we have a choice about where we want our hearts to be?
Sonia C. Solomonson
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship today at noon and 7 pm.
ASLC Devotions -- Lent Intro
Hi there,
In a moment you'll receive another email with your regularly scheduled devotional message. Except it won't be your regularly scheduled message. For the remainder of the season of Lent (which begins today, Ash Wednesday), Pastor Jenn are going to be silent in these emails. Instead, you'll be reading reflections from members of All Saints. These have been compiled in a book and mailed to each household. If you'd like a hard copy, be in touch with the church office and we can send you another. The whole book is also available as a pdf on http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
So now come and read what gifts that God has given to all the saints of All Saints.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join us for worship also today (Ash Wednesday) at noon and 7 pm.
In a moment you'll receive another email with your regularly scheduled devotional message. Except it won't be your regularly scheduled message. For the remainder of the season of Lent (which begins today, Ash Wednesday), Pastor Jenn are going to be silent in these emails. Instead, you'll be reading reflections from members of All Saints. These have been compiled in a book and mailed to each household. If you'd like a hard copy, be in touch with the church office and we can send you another. The whole book is also available as a pdf on http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
So now come and read what gifts that God has given to all the saints of All Saints.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to join us for worship also today (Ash Wednesday) at noon and 7 pm.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Ezekiel 2:1 He said to me: O mortal,* stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you.
In the first chapter of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision he had of a chariot come down from heaven. At the end of that, no surprise to anyone, Ezekiel falls down on his face. And he hears a voice. The voice commands him to stand up on his feet and listen.
I haven't seen a chariot from heaven this morning. But I am tired. And I want to just go back to sleep. Maybe you do too. Maybe you also need to be told: Stand up on your feet, and God will speak with you. If so, you've been told.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for all the details on the ministry of All Saints. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship at noon and 7 pm on, well, Wednesday.
In the first chapter of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision he had of a chariot come down from heaven. At the end of that, no surprise to anyone, Ezekiel falls down on his face. And he hears a voice. The voice commands him to stand up on his feet and listen.
I haven't seen a chariot from heaven this morning. But I am tired. And I want to just go back to sleep. Maybe you do too. Maybe you also need to be told: Stand up on your feet, and God will speak with you. If so, you've been told.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for all the details on the ministry of All Saints. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship at noon and 7 pm on, well, Wednesday.
Monday, February 15, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Exodus 35:21 And they came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the Lord’s offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the sacred vestments.
I love grammar. I love the passive voice. I love being reminded, through simple grammar, who is really at work in the world; and who is responsible for all the good things that we are able to do as people of faith, as the church. And I'll give you a hint: it ain't you. (Told you I love grammar)
"everyone whose heart was stirred": not everyone who stirred their heart or everyone who got themselves all worked up... "everyone whose spirit was willing": Who made their hearts willing?
It ain't you.
It ain't me.
Whether she'd like to admit it or not, it ain't Pastor Jenn.
It's God.
It's the Holy Spirit. The Spirit stirs our hearts to faith and action. The Spirit makes our spirits willing. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for all the details on the ministry of All Saints. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship at noon and 7 pm on, well, Wednesday.
I love grammar. I love the passive voice. I love being reminded, through simple grammar, who is really at work in the world; and who is responsible for all the good things that we are able to do as people of faith, as the church. And I'll give you a hint: it ain't you. (Told you I love grammar)
"everyone whose heart was stirred": not everyone who stirred their heart or everyone who got themselves all worked up... "everyone whose spirit was willing": Who made their hearts willing?
It ain't you.
It ain't me.
Whether she'd like to admit it or not, it ain't Pastor Jenn.
It's God.
It's the Holy Spirit. The Spirit stirs our hearts to faith and action. The Spirit makes our spirits willing. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for all the details on the ministry of All Saints. Join us for Ash Wednesday worship at noon and 7 pm on, well, Wednesday.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Acts 3:12
12When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, ‘You Israelites,* why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?
Peter has healed a man in the verses previously, and those surrounding them are surprised. Peter addresses them, going on to indict them for the crucifixion of Jesus. But this verse gives credence to a power that is not their own, but from God.
Do we attribute our accomplishments to ourselves, or do we recognize that our power comes from God? Perhaps you don't think that you've made someone walk, but your words, your caring, your love and attention have given life to those around you when God speaks through you. These are not our words, but God's, not our power, but God's.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
12When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, ‘You Israelites,* why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?
Peter has healed a man in the verses previously, and those surrounding them are surprised. Peter addresses them, going on to indict them for the crucifixion of Jesus. But this verse gives credence to a power that is not their own, but from God.
Do we attribute our accomplishments to ourselves, or do we recognize that our power comes from God? Perhaps you don't think that you've made someone walk, but your words, your caring, your love and attention have given life to those around you when God speaks through you. These are not our words, but God's, not our power, but God's.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
1 Samuel 10:1
1Samuel took a phial of oil and poured it on [Saul's] head, and kissed him; he said, ‘The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around.
We sometimes use oil at various points in people's lives -- baptism and death, most notably. There are many scriptural references to oil dripping from foreheads, about oil being poured on the anointed one, etc. It becomes a symbol of being chosen, of being claimed.
In your baptism you were claimed and chosen, and the sign of the cross was made on your forehead -- not as something that can be wiped away, but as something permanent. The oil of course dries, soaks in, gets washed off, but God's claim doesn't. I hope you feel a little oily today, oily with the promise of God's love, and oily with God's saving grace.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
1Samuel took a phial of oil and poured it on [Saul's] head, and kissed him; he said, ‘The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around.
We sometimes use oil at various points in people's lives -- baptism and death, most notably. There are many scriptural references to oil dripping from foreheads, about oil being poured on the anointed one, etc. It becomes a symbol of being chosen, of being claimed.
In your baptism you were claimed and chosen, and the sign of the cross was made on your forehead -- not as something that can be wiped away, but as something permanent. The oil of course dries, soaks in, gets washed off, but God's claim doesn't. I hope you feel a little oily today, oily with the promise of God's love, and oily with God's saving grace.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, February 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Judges 5:3
3‘Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes;
to the Lord I will sing,
I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel.
Then Deborah and Barak sang that day, and they invited kings and princes to hear them. But the scripture makes it very clear that they're singing to the Lord, the God of Israel. It might be a fine line, a subtle nuance perhaps, but I appreciate the difference between singing to the kings and princes and inviting them to listen.
I wonder how our lives would be different if the songs of praise and story that we sang (literally sang or figuratively sang) were melodies to the Lord, and we invited the rest of the world to listen. All too often, I think, we sing to the rulers of this world, and simply invite God to eavesdrop on our lives. Is your life one of praise to God, or do you just hope that God happens to be listening?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
3‘Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes;
to the Lord I will sing,
I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel.
Then Deborah and Barak sang that day, and they invited kings and princes to hear them. But the scripture makes it very clear that they're singing to the Lord, the God of Israel. It might be a fine line, a subtle nuance perhaps, but I appreciate the difference between singing to the kings and princes and inviting them to listen.
I wonder how our lives would be different if the songs of praise and story that we sang (literally sang or figuratively sang) were melodies to the Lord, and we invited the rest of the world to listen. All too often, I think, we sing to the rulers of this world, and simply invite God to eavesdrop on our lives. Is your life one of praise to God, or do you just hope that God happens to be listening?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, February 5, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 9:31 Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Do you know what I'm most impressed with in this little summary report of the early church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
I'll give you a hint: it's not that they increased in numbers. That's all well and good, but what's most amazing comes earlier in the report.
They had peace.
They lived in the fear of the Lord.
They lived in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
I don't know how to measure those things, but I know them when I see them. And when I see that in the church, I feel truly blessed.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
Do you know what I'm most impressed with in this little summary report of the early church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
I'll give you a hint: it's not that they increased in numbers. That's all well and good, but what's most amazing comes earlier in the report.
They had peace.
They lived in the fear of the Lord.
They lived in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
I don't know how to measure those things, but I know them when I see them. And when I see that in the church, I feel truly blessed.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 9:19-20 For several days Saul was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’
I hope you know the precursor to this story. Saul is a leader of the Jewish contingent working on stamping out the early Christians. He's on his way to Damascus to arrest the disciples and haul them back to Jerusalem for trial and execution. On the way, Jesus speaks to him and Saul is converted to faith that Jesus is the Messiah. He goes from the biggest persecutor of Christians to the biggest preacher of Christianity in a matter of a few hours. And he continues on his way to Damascus... it's just that he's switched sides.
My favorite part of this story to think about is the disciples in Damascus. Put yourself in their shoes. You've heard of Saul. You know he's on the way to town and what he's going to do. Then he shows up and tells you he's changed. He tells you a crazy story about being struck blind. How do you respond? Do you welcome him? Are you wary? Do you trust?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
I hope you know the precursor to this story. Saul is a leader of the Jewish contingent working on stamping out the early Christians. He's on his way to Damascus to arrest the disciples and haul them back to Jerusalem for trial and execution. On the way, Jesus speaks to him and Saul is converted to faith that Jesus is the Messiah. He goes from the biggest persecutor of Christians to the biggest preacher of Christianity in a matter of a few hours. And he continues on his way to Damascus... it's just that he's switched sides.
My favorite part of this story to think about is the disciples in Damascus. Put yourself in their shoes. You've heard of Saul. You know he's on the way to town and what he's going to do. Then he shows up and tells you he's changed. He tells you a crazy story about being struck blind. How do you respond? Do you welcome him? Are you wary? Do you trust?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
ALSC Devotions--Tuesday
Luke 2:26-32 It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.* Guided by the Spirit, Simeon* came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon* took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant* in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
Today is one of what we call the minor festivals. It's the day of the "Presentation of our Lord." We celebrate the day that his parents brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the ritual of presenting their firstborn child to the Lord, as all of their ancestors had done. In Jesus' case, the prophet Simeon interrupted the expected proceedings with praise of God. Simeon recognized the infant Jesus for who he was and for what God was doing in and through him. Simeon recognized it and praised God that he had lived long enough to see it.
Simeon's song has become a part of our liturgy. Many Sundays we sing Simeon's song. In Latin it's called the Nunc Dimitis. In English we usually call it the less poetic "Post-Communion Song." But the next time you are in worship and you find yourself singing: "Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled...." I want you to think of Simeon. And remember that the Lord has been presented to you... in Word and in Meal. And join Simeon in praise.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant* in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
Today is one of what we call the minor festivals. It's the day of the "Presentation of our Lord." We celebrate the day that his parents brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the ritual of presenting their firstborn child to the Lord, as all of their ancestors had done. In Jesus' case, the prophet Simeon interrupted the expected proceedings with praise of God. Simeon recognized the infant Jesus for who he was and for what God was doing in and through him. Simeon recognized it and praised God that he had lived long enough to see it.
Simeon's song has become a part of our liturgy. Many Sundays we sing Simeon's song. In Latin it's called the Nunc Dimitis. In English we usually call it the less poetic "Post-Communion Song." But the next time you are in worship and you find yourself singing: "Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled...." I want you to think of Simeon. And remember that the Lord has been presented to you... in Word and in Meal. And join Simeon in praise.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
Monday, February 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
1 Kings 17:12-13 But she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son.'
When faced with a widow's desperation, Elijah responded with faith. When faced with a mother's dying plan, Elijah called faithfulness out of her.
The widow of Zarephath was preparing a last meal for she and her son in their famine-stricken land. She was going to use up the last of her meal and her final drops of oil to make a cake for she and her son that they could eat for they lay down to die. Elijah's response seems (to put it mildly) a little cold-hearted and selfish: "Fine, but make me something to eat first." But notice his first little theme words, possibly God's fundamental message to humanity: "Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid of what you lack. Do not be afraid of the empty cupboard. Do not be afraid of running out. Continue to faithfully serve those whom God brings to your doorstep. Continue to faithfully welcome the stranger and alien in your midst. Do not be afraid. God will take care of the rest.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
When faced with a widow's desperation, Elijah responded with faith. When faced with a mother's dying plan, Elijah called faithfulness out of her.
The widow of Zarephath was preparing a last meal for she and her son in their famine-stricken land. She was going to use up the last of her meal and her final drops of oil to make a cake for she and her son that they could eat for they lay down to die. Elijah's response seems (to put it mildly) a little cold-hearted and selfish: "Fine, but make me something to eat first." But notice his first little theme words, possibly God's fundamental message to humanity: "Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid of what you lack. Do not be afraid of the empty cupboard. Do not be afraid of running out. Continue to faithfully serve those whom God brings to your doorstep. Continue to faithfully welcome the stranger and alien in your midst. Do not be afraid. God will take care of the rest.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
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