ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 31

 

Ephesians 4: 29

 

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”

As I read Ephesians 4: 25-32  I wasn’t happy. What did this have to do with Lent? The more I studied the passages the more frustrated I became. Then verse 29 flashed at me like a neon sign:

 

It was an “ouch” moment. It reminded me, as my family does that I am not always aware of how the talk coming out my mouth sounds to others. There can be a sharp tone or edge to my voice that I don’t hear but others do and could misunderstand or be hurt. I didn’t like the verses because they pointed out to me something I didn’t want to see. I want my words to show love, offer comfort and be well meaning but, I realize sometimes they don’t. I want to be useful for building up, not tearing down. I want my words to give God’s grace to those who hear.  

 

I thank you Lord for reaching out to me through your word, work on me and change me.   Help me to hear your words of grace for me in the “ouch” moments. 

 

Joan Volberding

ASLC Devotions

Wednesday, March 30

 

John 7:23-24

 

 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath in order that the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.

 

Elizabeth’s daughter, Leah, is a freshman this year at Geneva High. Leah has a condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She is short for her age, too, and has difficulty with her hearing, a result of neglect during her first 18 months of life in a Romanian orphanage.

 

During her years in public school, Leah has been teased and taunted at times by the other students. So this morning when Leah came downstairs dressed for school, we looked at each other and cringed. She doesn’t have the best fashion sense, and often selects clothing combinations that aren’t attractive. We worry that she’ll be teased about her outfit.

 

It may appear that with her disadvantages, she would struggle. But Leah has a wonderful, positive and upbeat spirit. She is outgoing, uninhibited, and makes friends easily. She enjoys high school, is doing well in class and looks forward to joining the flag drill team next fall.

 

Don’t let your first impression misguide you - appearances may be deceiving. Treat others with respect and kindness, just as Jesus did. Judge with right  judgement.

 

Don Prest

 

ASLC Devotions

Tuesday, March 29

 

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

 

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.

 

 

Ancestors and family history - I am so curious about it all. I wish I would have taken the time years ago to ask more questions and to listen better to the stories that were told. My Great Granddad, who I knew well as a young girl, wrote over 10 books of our family history in great detail. The stories and documents that he recorded are truly amazing. There are stories of happiness and joy and also stories of heartache and shame. Great Granddad wanted us to know and I believe also, to feel what the lives of our ancestors were like.

 

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is asking them to not forget about those who have gone before us. They like we, have experienced times of ‘clouds’ hanging over us. Times when we too have stumbled along our way in trying to do what is right. And we, like our ancestors are filled with the spiritual rock of Jesus Christ, who in our times of struggles and shame, lifts us up to start anew.

 

Ann Lynch

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Monday, March 28

2 John 5-6

 . . . But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it. . .

When I looked this passage up, I used my daughter’s Bible that she uses for confirmation class. What I love about that Bible is that it offers additional insight into the various passages in the Bible—things you may not know about the background of the writer or the particular situation in which the writing takes place. For this passage, it noted that John’s nickname was the apostle of love and that even in extreme old age, when he was carried into his church, he talked of nothing else but “love one another” because he said it was the Lord’s command and that if this was all that was done, it would be enough.

That’s saying something. If we would just learn to love one another, not just in word but in deed, the world would be an enormously better place immediately. It seems so simple, but as our guest pastor Maureen stated that first Sunday after Christmas, it’s not that easy. Her challenge to our congregation that day, as I recall it, was to love someone this year whom you never thought you could. I recently reiterated that challenge to one of my daughters when discussing a classmate who was making some trouble for her. “Your challenge is to see her as God’s child, as you are, and to love her in spite of what she’s doing to you.” We talked about how to go about that and the fact that it’s a long process, in many cases. But the bottom line is that to love one another is a worthy endeavor. So get out there and love your neighbor! Walk the talk!

Margo Ban

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

Saturday, March 26

John 4:1-6

 

 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and “baptizing more disciples than John (although he himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

 

You never know where your journey will take you. On a recent trip, to a warmer climate, we solicited the help of a local taxi driver. We requested information on a medical clinic, asking if it was reputable and reliable.   No one plans for fevers and sore throats on a vacation. Our driver assured us that the doctors were excellent and highly qualified and that her friends had used the clinic in the past. Because of the driver’s kindness and directions, we asked her if we could call her during our visit to take us to different venues. Later in the week, we used her services to travel to a secluded pier to obtain a rental boat. After hearing our destination and asking us many questions, she became very hesitant and explained this particular area was remote and not located in a safe part of town.

 

After much discussion, she would not let us out of the van but rather transported us to a safe marina. Our group used her services throughout the week, while she always looked out for our safety. We asked her to take us to the airport on Sunday, which was her day off, however she told us that first she would have to attend church and then pick us up on her own time. God provides us with His disciples who keep us safe and steer us down secure paths on life’s journey. We thank God for people who have Christ in their lives and in their hearts. 

 

In the previous chapters of John, we learn of Jesus and John the Baptist ministries. Their influence and preaching stirred up the masses, challenging their thinking and their faith.

 

The religious leaders in Judea feared them and felt threatened because Jesus and John developed a powerful following. The tension was great and Christ left Judea and traveled to Galilee. It may seem to some that Jesus may have been avoiding conflict with the Pharisees, but Jesus was just being led by the Father’s will. After looking at a map and reading John’s gospel, we know Jesus took the most direct path between Judea and Galilee, passing through Samaria. This too was part of the Father’s plan for the people of Samaria as we later read in chapter four. The Lord also provided a well to quench His thirst and a place for Jesus to rest His tired body after his long hot journey. We don’t know what journey our Father has in store for each of us, but we do know He will be right by our side giving us strength and direction.

 

If God brings you to it,

He will bring you through it!

 

Sandy and Nate Drucker

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Friday, March 25

 

Ephesians 2:17 

 

“So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near;”

 

It’s the last day of Spring break at our house, 7 days of togetherness so far…PEACE.

 

As I searched the internet for others thoughts on this verse I wasn’t sure if just the word PEACE was enough to write about. It struck a cord with me, PEACE, to those near and far. PEACE to those in war torn areas, PEACE to those who have experienced disaster, PEACE to the folks of All Saints.

 

On-line references to the verse talk about how much Paul writes about PEACE. That Jesus’ PEACE is the impetus for PEACE making. And that it’s hard work, requiring love, self-control and grace. All are united through Jesus, near and far.

 

PEACE.

 

Adrienne Bolbot

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 24

Colossians 1.17

He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

How many times have we tried to put ourselves at the beginning? Whether it’s to buy some new “toy” or to make sure we get those tickets to the quickly sold out show or to buy the latest fashion trend or get front seats at a church service, being NUMBER 1 is our goal.

What we really should be remembering is that He is our number 1 goal. We need to understand that with Him we can be whatever we want to be. Maybe it doesn’t come to us today or tomorrow. But, by putting things in the proper perspective with respect to our Lord, we can achieve great things.

Even when we think that our lives are running out of control due to sickness, injury, loss of loved ones, job concerns or just a bad day, He is there to help us. It might be through a pastor, friend, relative or stranger, but He holds us together with His love. 

Keeping your eye on the goal allows you to block out all the distractions keeping you from achieving it.

Mike Nedzel

ASLC Devotions - Wednesday

Wednesday, March 23

John 8:4-5, 9

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders.

 

I see in the Bible and in life that people are generally well-meaning. There’s just the problem that our anxieties and self-interests help shape our understanding of what’s good. Then there are those who go out of their way to help but invoke incredible havoc, like Aaron and the golden calf. This story is like that. The Pharisees wanted the best for Israel.

Well-meaning people are often in a hurry. Think of Saul before he was converted: ripping around, spiritedly tearing people apart. Well-meaning folks can be worse when they get in groups. See the Pharisees. Couldn’t wait for Jesus to finish teaching, but had to break in. Couldn’t settle on a hypothetical, but had to use a real live person as their test case. (Well, I’m very glad they brought her to Jesus rather than solving this one downtown on their own.)

Jesus didn’t hurry. By slowing everyone down and forcing some self-examination with his question folks had time to think things over.

I know we all have lots to do. Still, try to carve out a piece of each day to quiet down and learn from Jesus. From this verse it seems that for well-meaning people like me, the choice is kind of stark: either listen to him or destroy ourselves and others. How about a time out today before someone gets hurt?

Richard Foltz

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

Tuesday, March 22

Romans 4:13

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

 

Really? What promise? This is Lent. What does Abraham have to do with us or with Jesus dying on the cross—and how can such a barbaric thing have any part in a loving God's plan?

 

I never understood the plan for Jesus until I read about Abraham. In his letter to the Romans, Paul shows that faith, not religious rules and requirements (such as the Law of Moses), makes both Jews and non-Jews eligible to have our sins erased, which is necessary to be in communion with a holy God. He holds up Abraham as the example of faith.

 

Abraham lived before Moses and so was not subject to the Law, yet he was “reckoned righteous” because he believed God when God told him and his wife Sarah that they would be blessed with many descendants and land. In fact, God sealed the covenant, as was the custom between king and vassal, by passing between two lines of cut up sacrificed animals. He was saying, in effect, that if I don't honor my promise, then I will die. And if you and your descendants don't do your part (believing God), then…I will die(!!!) Well, Abraham got the descendants and the descendants got the land but they didn't honor God, so God, who is unable to break promises, had to die. Jesus became the sacrifice so that we (Abraham’s spiritual descendants by faith) can live in God's presence forever.

 

Make any sense now? It brings to mind the hymn: Amazing Love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me?

Linda Foltz

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Monday, March 21

Hebrews 3:6

 

But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house.  And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

 

Down in Florida, at our winter church, where the average age of the members is over 75, it is something to watch and listen to how these people understand the faithfulness of their Lords.  He is always there for them to go to whether it is a miracle cure of cancer (which we have seen happen), or help with the grief over the loss of a grown child or spouse,  I'm glad to be reminded of His being there for us all as we go through the Lenten season.  Let yourself experience it.

 

Dutch Graesser

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

Saturday, March 19

Luke 7:2

A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.

This is the opening to a fascinating healing story: Jesus is going to heal this slave and restore him to health. All without entering the house: without even meeting the person, Jesus heals this centurion's slave confirming that the gifts of God are not just for the people of Israel but for all the world.

But what's interesting at the moment is the relationship of the centurion to the slave. This is a centurion, an important Roman military officer. He could get another slave. No big deal. But he wants to save this one.

This reminds me of the relationship of Jesus to each of us: the Lord of heaven and earth values us enough to save us. Jesus wouldn't need to save you or save me. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, so to speak. But Jesus values us highly. And when we are ill and close to death, Jesus comes near. Thanks be to God!

Pastor Seth Moland-Kovash

Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Friday, March 18

Romans 3:23-24

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

For a couple of decades I was estranged from the church of my baptism. It’s complicated. Suffice it to say that I was fully aware that I had “sinned and come short of the glory of God;” I had convinced myself that God didn’t want to have anything to do with someone like me.

As we prepare again to celebrate the Resurrection I can celebrate how wrong I was, too. It doesn’t matter that I was (am) a sinner—we all are—in this letter Paul assures me that I am forgiven by grace alone. What a relief. A few verses later Paul writes: ²⁸Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Again, what a relief. If I had to constantly watch my p’s and q’s and fulfill a specific set of requirements I’d be back on the outside. I’m a procrastinator.

On the other hand, I can follow some simple directions. In what is called the Great Commandment Jesus said: Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart… (you know the rest) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thy self. Matthew 22:37-39. That I can try to do; and know that that I am justified by faith alone.

Tom Germuska

Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 17

 

2 Timothy 1:6-7

 

"I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you. . . . for God did not give you a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline."

 

This text, like so many others in scripture, reminds us that just as life itself is a gift, given by God, so also is our faith-life. And just as physical life can, at times, seem routine, even 'in a rut' and not very exciting, so also can our spiritual life.

 

This must have happened to Timothy, too, who here is reminded to "rekindle" the gift of God he had received.

Fascinating imagery---Timothy reminded to fan the dormant embers within him---to fan into flames the spiritual gifts which, by God's grace, he had been given.

 

The imagery of a fireplace in our heart, lit more brightly by rigorous and loving attention to darkened embers, seems like a special gift early in this Lenten season. It is a gift to ourselves, first of all, as we are reminded to 'fan these flames' by giving disciplined attention to prayer, reflection, and worship over these weeks leading to Easter. And then the joy of sharing this gift---the joy of finding ways to share the light and warmth of Christ's love with those around us, both near at hand, and far far away.

 

Thanks be to God!

 

Del Anderson

Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.

ASCL - Devotions - Wednesday

Wednesday, March 16

Matthew 18:10-12

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones…. If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?

I have always found the parable of the lost sheep to be very comforting. Which of us sheep can’t take solace in knowing that our Shepherd cares for each of his sheep and would leave the larger flock to look for, and lead back home the one of us that is lost. This is why Jesus came after all; to seek the lost and to lead us back to rejoin the community of believers. 

 

Yes, we should all take comfort from knowing that God cares for each of us and rejoices over the return of each lost sheep or little lamb. This lesson is also a call to each of us to reach out to the wondering sheep that we know, especially those who are young in their faith and still learning about the Good News of the Gospel. 

 

When the lesson talks about, “little ones” I like to think of “little believers”. Each of us is called as a disciple of Jesus to reach out and help others on the path to hear and know the Good News of Jesus. I give special thanks for our Sunday School, VBS and Bible study leaders for their work in teaching the “little believers” here at ASLC and bringing them along to join the flock.

 

Jeff Witt

Join us for a soup dinner this evening at 6:15 followed by Lenten worship at 7:00. We will meet the lawyer Nicodemus this week.

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

Tuesday, March 15

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.

It is difficult to feel connected – to other people or to God. People are scary – they're smarter, taller, better athletes, better people, better connected, or just plain better than “I” am. It's even worse with God – it's difficult to get that emotional connection.

So I find myself reassured by the writer of Hebrews. Jesus, our high priest, is able to empathize with our weaknesses. I love when any person – especially someone I respect – is willing to show human fraility, because it helps me connect. In a similar way, Jesus truly understands your temptations and mine. Let that closeness fill you.

But unlike our human leaders, Jesus always rose to the occasion. When temptations come knocking, I often let them enter; Jesus never did. Unlike you, Jesus did not sin. That is an important distinction to keep in mind, even as we celebrate the commonality of temptation.

Doug Kuhlman

Join us for a soup dinner on Wednesday at 6:15 followed by Lenten worship at 7:00. We will meet the lawyer Nicodemus this week.

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Monday, March 14

 

Hebrews 2: 10, 12

 

 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you”.      

 

One of the challenges of the Christian faith is to see Jesus as human. As Christians, we have no problem confessing Jesus as true God; however it’s the man part that challenges us. Yes, Jesus was human. He had human needs just like we do. He got hungry, thirsty, tired, frustrated, was tempted, and felt emotional and physical pain.  

 

 Jesus was our pioneer of our salvation through this suffering. He was our trailblazer in bringing us to God. Jesus became human to become one of us; to love us; and most important save us.    

 

To me the most exciting part of today’s scripture is that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. Just think about this for a moment. Jesus, who is both Almighty God and true Man, calls us brothers and sisters. He loves us with an everlasting love. He knows you by name.   Jesus calls us brothers and sisters beginning in our Baptism and continues this on-going relationship each day. We are all in Gods family.  

 

Wayne E. Kolweier

Join us for a soup dinner on Wednesday at 6:15 followed by Lenten worship at 7:00. We will meet the lawyer Nicodemus this week.

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

Saturday, March 12

 

Matthew 18:3-4

 

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children,

   You will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the

   Kingdom of heaven.

 

Adults tend to compare themselves to one another. Who is the best at this or that. We give ourselves worth by excelling at something in particular. Or, we tend to set our value by what we have. We qualify our lives, we posture. This is in contrast to how young children are. Children are innocent.   They look to adults for guidance and answers. At a young age, they have no sense of feeling superior over another child. 

 

Art Linkletter used to have a TV show called “Art Linkletter’s House Party” with a segment called “Kids Say the Darndest Things”. You never knew what charming or surprising things these kids would say. But, they were honest and sincere. They didn’t pretend or put on airs. They weren’t interested in saying something that would “best” all the other kids. 

 

Adults can take a lesson from children. It’s not the greatest or the best, but the one sincere of heart who sets the example for us to follow. Can an adult strip away the layers and begin anew, like a child? With God’s help, all things are possible – even recapturing the innocence of youth. Pray for the desire and guidance to be like a little child, eager to learn, eager to please.

 

Lori Quinn

Remember to "leap forward" with your clock this evening and we'll see you in worship at 8:30 or 11.

ASLC Time Reminders

Hello there,

This reminder isn't so much about All Saints' time, but about your clock.

This Saturday evening, before you go to bed, be sure to "spring ahead" with your clock by one hour.

Our worship on Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent, will be at normal times (8:30 and 11) but your clock may not be.

God's Blessings today!

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Friday, March 11

 

Romans 8:11

 

For I am longing to see you so that I may share some spiritual gift to strengthen you -

 

Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that he wants to share a spiritual gift with them. Have you ever thought about what your spiritual gifts are or are you using the spiritual gifts God has blessed you with? It is up to you whether you use these gifts or not.

 

Our spiritual gifts are what make each of us unique. They allow us to work together in the name of the Lord and do good works. They help us support and give one another strength during both good times and trying times.

 

Sometimes we may not recognize our own spiritual gifts. How then do we discern our own spiritual gifts? The obvious way is through prayer; we just need to make sure we listen for the answer. Another way is to listen to others around us as they may recognize our gifts better than we do. Another way yet is through a spiritual gifts inventory: take one of those and you may be surprised what you find out. It may not be what you expect.

 

As we move forward in this Lenten season, embrace your spiritual gifts. Ask God to guide you in the use of your spiritual gifts and help you discern what your gifts are.

 

Sandy Herweg

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 10

Romans 1:11-12

For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

When I first started coming to All Saints I met 3 women who inspired me with their faith –Helen, Janice and Marlene. These women helped me to identify what gifts I could use in the church to serve the Lord. I didn’t think my God-given gifts and faith showed outside the church in my daily life- an eager helper, always smiling with a good sense of humor.

At my last permanent job a fellow processor came up to me at a business function and said I was a woman of faith. After I made it through the 2 years without a permanent job people told me how I showed my faith. In my first review my manager praised my positive attitude during the busy, stressful times.        

Honestly, during the low periods I’ve had so far in my life after the time of arguing with God, worrying and not smiling I came to the conclusion that faith was the only route to go. Each time it gets easier to do it. Once you give the worries to God a tremendous weight is lifted off your shoulders, a smile comes back to your face and yes, you can even laugh again.

Try today to give just one worry up to God. I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Janet Lowe

ASLC Devotions - Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, March 9

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 love stuff. Stuff is cool, and it’s fun! I recently got a bunch of new stuff for Christmas, and, boy, is it fun! Stuff can also be a giant burden at times. Have you moved lately or helped someone else move? If you’re like me, moving is a time to ask yourself, “Where did all this… stuff… come from?”

Interesting thing: The NYC Department of Sanitation has an anthropologist-in-residence on staff. Her name is Robin Nagle. In an interview with The Believer magazine, Professor Nagle made this notable observation:

“Every single thing you see is future trash. Everything.”

The book you’re reading this from, your coffee cup, your smartphone, your new car – you, me. Eventually, it is all trash. Yes, even us. One day we will die and the people around us (for very good reason) will decide they just can’t keep us in the house any more.

What if I lived every day keeping the above verses in mind? How would that affect the priorities of my life? What would I spend my time and my money on? I bet I would have a lot less stuff. Imagine how easy it would be to move to a new home – even your heavenly home!

Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

John Lofgren

ASLC Ash Wednesday

Just a reminder to join together and begin your Lenten journey tomorrow (Wednesday, March 9) with worship at NOON or 7 PM.

Worship will feature Imposition of Ashes, Holy Communion, and a special dramatic visit from Eve (yes, Eve!)

We hope to see you here at All Saints.

More information and full schedule can be found at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.^*

We might not initially use the word faith to describe the motivation of Moses' parents for hiding him after his birth when Pharoah ordered that all first-born males should be killed. Fear perhaps. Parental protection definitely. But faith doesn't immediately come to my mind when I think of why they would have done that.

Except that it's all about faith. It's all about believing (having faith) that there is a higher and more trustworthy authority than any Pharoah. Faith has to do with knowing in whom you can trust. When you know in whom you can trust, you align every decision in your life according to that authority. So Moses' parents had faith in God, and they did what God would have them do, demonstrating that their faith in God was stronger than their faith in Pharoah.

If people looked at your actions (or you look at them yourself) who does it show that you believe in most strongly? Yourself? Your employer? Your family? Your country? Or your God?

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries. The March edition of "Saints Alive" our newsletter is now available.

ASLC Devotions -- Thursday

Hebrews 8:6 But Jesus^* has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises.

Often it seems that we as Christians are envious of the disciples and the people who got to walk around and see and talk with Jesus. We think everything would be so much easier if we could have just been up on that mountaintop with him: if we could see him feed the 5000. Then we could believe. Then our faith could be strong. That would be great.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that actually we are in a much more privileged place than those who had Jesus right next to them. Because we have Jesus in heaven. We have Jesus at the right hand of God's throne mediating for us, speaking on our behalf, telling God "Yeah, I know it looks bad, but I know what it's like down there..." Or saying "Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing." We've got Jesus right where we need him: in heaven, speaking for us and getting the place ready for us. That's more excellent!

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries. The March edition of "Saints Alive" our newsletter is now available.

ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday

Luke 12:31 Instead, strive for God's kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God/ and his righteousness/ and all these things shall be added unto you/ Allelu- Alleluia."

If, while reading that, you found yourself singing or humming or doing the actions... then you owe a debt of thanks to your Sunday School teacher or camp counselor.

I find more and more that it's the lessons of childhood that are needed for the complexities and confusions of so-called adult life. If you seek first and remember first that you are a member of God's kingdom, a beloved child of God, then all the rest seems to fade away, doesn't it? If you remember that your coworkers are beloved children of God and members of God's kingdom, then perhaps your annoyances and grievances fade to the back as well, don't they? Perhaps we all just need a week at Bible camp.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God/ and his righteousness/ and all these things shall be added unto you/ Allelu- Alleluia."

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries. The March edition of "Saints Alive" our newsletter is now available.

ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday

1 Kings 17:14 For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.

You may remember the story of Elijah, God's prophet during a time of great drought. He went to stay with a poor widow in Zarephath who was going to cook a death-meal for she and her only son with the last bit of meal and oil she had. Then the two were going to eat their last meal, lay down, and die. Elijah promised her that this plan wasn't going to work out quite the way she had thought.

Here above we have Elijah's promise to her: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.

Do you feel at the end of your rope? Does your jar of meal feel almost empty? Are you scraping the bottom of the oil jug? Just hang on. It won't run out. I'm going to print this promise on a slip of paper and carry it in my wallet - that way, when I open that which feels to be emptying, the promise will be there. Want to join me?

In Christ,
Pastor Seth


Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries. The March edition of "Saints Alive" our newsletter is now available.