John 8:19 Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’
Obviously Jesus got into lots of arguments with the Jewish authorities when he claimed to be God. When he claimed to be the same being as the God they and their ancestors had worshiped for centuries they were, shall we say, skeptical. Let's not judge them too harshly. I'd be skeptical today if someone walked into my office and announced that they were God.
But we believe it. We stake our lives on it. We use our faith that Jesus is one with the Father to guide our lives. And it changes everything for us. This means we have access to God. We can know God by knowing Jesus. We can love God by loving Jesus. We have the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday January 5 we will have one service as we mark Epiphany at 10 am. Education Hour will be at 9 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Isaiah 26:7 The way of the righteous is level;
O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous.
I'd hesitate to call myself righteous. In fact, I wouldn't even hesitate. I just wouldn't do it. I know my faults. But I also know that I've been made righteous. In my baptism, I've been made righteous. And each day I pray that God forgive my unrighteousness and give me the strength to show God's love and righteousness into the world. Each day I pray that God would make my path smooth and level, as Isaiah says.
When he died recently, the world was reminded of many quotes from Nelson Mandela. One I had not heard struck me: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” That sounds about right, as long as we add that it's God who gives us the strength and the will to keep on trying. So God, make us righteous today. Make our paths straight, and help us to keep on trying. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday January 5 we will have one service as we mark Epiphany at 10 am. Education Hour will be at 9 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous.
I'd hesitate to call myself righteous. In fact, I wouldn't even hesitate. I just wouldn't do it. I know my faults. But I also know that I've been made righteous. In my baptism, I've been made righteous. And each day I pray that God forgive my unrighteousness and give me the strength to show God's love and righteousness into the world. Each day I pray that God would make my path smooth and level, as Isaiah says.
When he died recently, the world was reminded of many quotes from Nelson Mandela. One I had not heard struck me: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” That sounds about right, as long as we add that it's God who gives us the strength and the will to keep on trying. So God, make us righteous today. Make our paths straight, and help us to keep on trying. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday January 5 we will have one service as we mark Epiphany at 10 am. Education Hour will be at 9 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Friday, December 27, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Friday
1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.
God is light. In God there is no darkness at all.
There's lots of darkness in our world. You don't need me to tell you that. Jump over to cnn.com and you'll find it. For some of you, I know you don't even have to do that. Just look up from your computer screen. There's darkness.
In these dark days (for astronomical reasons) the church affirms that the truth is that light wins. Light is stronger than any darkness. Light will return. In the birth of the Christ-child God promised that light is always going to be stronger. And we keep that faith.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
God is light. In God there is no darkness at all.
There's lots of darkness in our world. You don't need me to tell you that. Jump over to cnn.com and you'll find it. For some of you, I know you don't even have to do that. Just look up from your computer screen. There's darkness.
In these dark days (for astronomical reasons) the church affirms that the truth is that light wins. Light is stronger than any darkness. Light will return. In the birth of the Christ-child God promised that light is always going to be stronger. And we keep that faith.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Acts 7:58 Then they dragged Stephen out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Through an accident of the calendar and how these things are set, December 26 is the feast day of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr who was stoned in Jerusalem shortly after the first Easter for preaching that Jesus was truly God's son. So today, as the house is in a state of Christmas hangover - wrapping paper still strewn around, kids now crying over the toys that have already broken, we recognize that we can't stay at the beautiful and cute little manger long.
The real life for which Jesus came into the world is happening outside the manger. The real life for which God sent the light to overcome darkness is happening away from Bethlehem. And sometimes it's uncomfortable and not pretty. Sometimes it's downright ugly. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it kills. But even in the face of death we remember that this is exactly why Christmas happened. Christmas happened so Stephen could be reunited with God and live forever. Christmas happened so you can live forever. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Through an accident of the calendar and how these things are set, December 26 is the feast day of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr who was stoned in Jerusalem shortly after the first Easter for preaching that Jesus was truly God's son. So today, as the house is in a state of Christmas hangover - wrapping paper still strewn around, kids now crying over the toys that have already broken, we recognize that we can't stay at the beautiful and cute little manger long.
The real life for which Jesus came into the world is happening outside the manger. The real life for which God sent the light to overcome darkness is happening away from Bethlehem. And sometimes it's uncomfortable and not pretty. Sometimes it's downright ugly. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it kills. But even in the face of death we remember that this is exactly why Christmas happened. Christmas happened so Stephen could be reunited with God and live forever. Christmas happened so you can live forever. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
On this Christmas morning, we ponder John's reflection on the beginning. It's not so much a Christmas story in the traditional sense, but it does show us something of what it means that God has come into our world.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
On this Christmas Eve, we offer you the story of Jesus' birth according to Luke:
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Christmas Eve (tomorrow) at 3 (Family Service), 5 and 11 (Festive Celebrations with Pre-Service Music half-hour before). Then, Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Christmas Eve (tomorrow) at 3 (Family Service), 5 and 11 (Festive Celebrations with Pre-Service Music half-hour before). Then, Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Monday, December 23, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Luke 1:46 And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
The very first words of Mary's Magnificat make me start to sing. These words of Mary have been set to music so many times and in so many different beautiful settings, I start to sing and confuse myself with which version I'm singing. The Holden Evening Prayer setting, Bach's version, the hymn "The Canticle of the Turning." These and many more set music to Mary's beautiful words of what this birth means for her and for the whole world.
Sometimes I think the jumble of tunes in my head is just about right. The birth of Christ into our world means so much, it's like multiple musical tunes happening at the same time. It doesn't mean just one thing. Peace. Hope. Light. Shaking of the foundations. So many things. The proper response seems to be to join Mary in her opening and simply say "My soul magnifies the Lord."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Christmas Eve (tomorrow) at 3 (Family Service), 5 and 11 (Festive Celebrations with Pre-Service Music half-hour before). Then, Sunday December 29 we will have one service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list. Blessed Christmas!
Friday, December 13, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Psalm 146:10 The Lord will reign for ever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Forever is a long time. Like, I mean it. A long time. Forever is longer than today. Forever is longer than Advent. Forever is longer than "next year." Forever is longer than the sadness and doldrums of this life.
On the other hand, forever is also longer than the joys and happinesses of this life. Forever will last longer than your marriage, than your love, than anything (good or bad) you can possibly imagine.
And that's how long God will continue to be the God of the universe, giving blessings and love to all.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Forever is a long time. Like, I mean it. A long time. Forever is longer than today. Forever is longer than Advent. Forever is longer than "next year." Forever is longer than the sadness and doldrums of this life.
On the other hand, forever is also longer than the joys and happinesses of this life. Forever will last longer than your marriage, than your love, than anything (good or bad) you can possibly imagine.
And that's how long God will continue to be the God of the universe, giving blessings and love to all.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
How long, O Lord, how long? People of faith have had this cry on their lips for centuries and millennia. As we watch the hungry continue to struggle, as we continue to go without ourselves, as we watch those we love suffer in pain waiting for death and the gift of the promised new life, we cry "How long?" It can sometimes seem like God moves slowly.
Peter reminds his readers that God isn't slow, but patient instead. Waiting for just the right time; giving each one of us the time we need. I have learned another phrase from sisters and brothers in the African-American church... "God may not come quickly, but God is always right on time." Whatever time God comes in, that is God's time. Ours is to wait and watch patiently and expectantly.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
How long, O Lord, how long? People of faith have had this cry on their lips for centuries and millennia. As we watch the hungry continue to struggle, as we continue to go without ourselves, as we watch those we love suffer in pain waiting for death and the gift of the promised new life, we cry "How long?" It can sometimes seem like God moves slowly.
Peter reminds his readers that God isn't slow, but patient instead. Waiting for just the right time; giving each one of us the time we need. I have learned another phrase from sisters and brothers in the African-American church... "God may not come quickly, but God is always right on time." Whatever time God comes in, that is God's time. Ours is to wait and watch patiently and expectantly.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 12:35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure.
It's a message as simple as the things you learned in Kindergarten, and just as important. Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk. Christianity is about confessing your belief in Jesus as God's Messiah sent to bring light into dark places, yes. But Christianity is also about being that light in dark places.
When someone is baptized at All Saints, whether an infant or an adult or anywhere in between, they are told "Let your light so shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." How's your light shining today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
It's a message as simple as the things you learned in Kindergarten, and just as important. Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk. Christianity is about confessing your belief in Jesus as God's Messiah sent to bring light into dark places, yes. But Christianity is also about being that light in dark places.
When someone is baptized at All Saints, whether an infant or an adult or anywhere in between, they are told "Let your light so shine before others that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." How's your light shining today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Isaiah 41:17 When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
The witness of Scripture is pretty clear about God's expectations for the poor. It's related to yesterday's message about living a life pleasing to God by loving one another. The prophets speak God's voice clearly: the poor should have nothing to worry about as long as God's people are around. God's people should take care of the poor. Simple.
Of course it's not that simple. It doesn't always happen. It doesn't always happen today and it didn't always happen that way in biblical times. Sometimes those who have forget about those who have not. Sometimes those who have are willing to help the "deserving" poor but not the other kind, as if it's up to them to decide. So God says - I, for one will not forsake them. This doesn't mean we're off the hook. It's more the exasperated cry of God - we're supposed to be the first option.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
The witness of Scripture is pretty clear about God's expectations for the poor. It's related to yesterday's message about living a life pleasing to God by loving one another. The prophets speak God's voice clearly: the poor should have nothing to worry about as long as God's people are around. God's people should take care of the poor. Simple.
Of course it's not that simple. It doesn't always happen. It doesn't always happen today and it didn't always happen that way in biblical times. Sometimes those who have forget about those who have not. Sometimes those who have are willing to help the "deserving" poor but not the other kind, as if it's up to them to decide. So God says - I, for one will not forsake them. This doesn't mean we're off the hook. It's more the exasperated cry of God - we're supposed to be the first option.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
Monday, December 9, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another
This verse comes from a passage of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians where he is trying to remind them all that he had taught them about how to live a life that pleases God. This is a question that still comes up even in our own age. Many of us still want to know the will of God. We want to know that we're doing it. We want to know how to decide. And Paul set out to provide some guidance to help people answer that question.
Here is one of the key things for Paul - you want to live a life that pleases God? Love the brothers and sisters. Love one another. That pleases God. It's simple to say and harder to implement. It takes a lifetime of practice. But it is good to be reminded every once in a while - a life that pleases God is centered around love for one another.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
This verse comes from a passage of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians where he is trying to remind them all that he had taught them about how to live a life that pleases God. This is a question that still comes up even in our own age. Many of us still want to know the will of God. We want to know that we're doing it. We want to know how to decide. And Paul set out to provide some guidance to help people answer that question.
Here is one of the key things for Paul - you want to live a life that pleases God? Love the brothers and sisters. Love one another. That pleases God. It's simple to say and harder to implement. It takes a lifetime of practice. But it is good to be reminded every once in a while - a life that pleases God is centered around love for one another.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for midweek Advent supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we use Holden Evening Prayer and consider Peace. In worship next Sunday, our young people (Sunday School and Confirmation) will present the Christmas story at the 8:30 service. We will worship at 11 as well. Holy Communion at both services. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full information and respond to this email to be unsubscribed from the devotionals mailing list.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
As you gather to give thanks and eat today, whether it be with family or with neighbors and friends or with strangers around a table in the Gathering Space, I encourage you to remember to give thanks to God. Here is one idea of a prayer you could use:
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Today, we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Then, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Today, we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Then, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Luke 1:1-4 Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.
Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent. It's New Year's Day - the beginning of the church year. And so we turn to thinking about beginnings. Luke began his gospel by telling his audience why he was bothering to write a gospel account. He wanted them to know the story in an orderly way. He wanted them to know the truth of the things about which they had been instructed.
As we begin this new church year, my prayer is that you will know the truth of Jesus Christ more and more. My prayer is that you'll know the truth of God's love for you shown in Jesus. My prayer is that you'll know the truth of the life and hope that is yours because of all the things about Jesus, the things about which you have been instructed, the things about which Luke wrote.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Wednesday evening (TONIGHT) as we give thanks. 7 pm worship. Then Thursday (TOMORROW), we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Finally, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent. It's New Year's Day - the beginning of the church year. And so we turn to thinking about beginnings. Luke began his gospel by telling his audience why he was bothering to write a gospel account. He wanted them to know the story in an orderly way. He wanted them to know the truth of the things about which they had been instructed.
As we begin this new church year, my prayer is that you will know the truth of Jesus Christ more and more. My prayer is that you'll know the truth of God's love for you shown in Jesus. My prayer is that you'll know the truth of the life and hope that is yours because of all the things about Jesus, the things about which you have been instructed, the things about which Luke wrote.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Wednesday evening (TONIGHT) as we give thanks. 7 pm worship. Then Thursday (TOMORROW), we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Finally, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Isaiah 33:22 For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler,
the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Last Sunday we celebrate Christ the King Sunday. This is a relatively new festival of the church, invented in the year 1925. I think that's important. The feast was started because the pope at the time, Pius XI wanted to remind Christians that Christ is our king as opposed to anything else. Christ is our king as not Mussolini. Christ is our king and not Hitler or Stalin. Christ is our king and not any earthly person or system.
This makes this a really important festival even today, in my eyes. I think it's still very important to use to remember that Christ is our king and not MSNBC or Fox News. Christ is our king and not left or right notions about what's right and wrong. Christ is our king and not any preconceived notions. This week, as we give thanks, I invite you to give thanks for the kingship of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Wednesday evening as we give thanks. 7 pm worship. Then Thursday, we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Finally, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Last Sunday we celebrate Christ the King Sunday. This is a relatively new festival of the church, invented in the year 1925. I think that's important. The feast was started because the pope at the time, Pius XI wanted to remind Christians that Christ is our king as opposed to anything else. Christ is our king as not Mussolini. Christ is our king and not Hitler or Stalin. Christ is our king and not any earthly person or system.
This makes this a really important festival even today, in my eyes. I think it's still very important to use to remember that Christ is our king and not MSNBC or Fox News. Christ is our king and not left or right notions about what's right and wrong. Christ is our king and not any preconceived notions. This week, as we give thanks, I invite you to give thanks for the kingship of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Wednesday evening as we give thanks. 7 pm worship. Then Thursday, we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Finally, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Monday, November 25, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Jeremiah 46:27 But as for you, have no fear, my servant Jacob,
and do not be dismayed, O Israel;
for I am going to save you from far away,
and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
and no one shall make him afraid.
I am struck by the words "I am going to save you from far away." I know historically that this meant that the people of Israel were far away from their home. They were living in captivity when this message came from God through Jeremiah. I know that God was telling them that they would be saved from their far-away place and would be brought home.
But I'm also struck by the sense that we sometimes have that God is far away. Of course, I want to affirm that God is also near. God is as near as your heartbeat, as near as your breath. But, in another sense, God truly is far away. God is different than us and different than our world. God is, somehow, far away. And YET, God saves. God doesn't need to be in the room to save me. God doesn't need to be holding my hand to save me. God is strong enough to save me even if I feel that God is far away.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Wednesday evening as we give thanks. 7 pm worship. Then Thursday, we will feed friends and neighbors 11-1:30. Come and join. Finally, Sunday, we will worship at 8:30 and 11 am. There will be no Education Hour this Sunday.
Friday, November 8, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Acts 24:15 I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
This is Paul speaking before one of his judges during his long journey of trials and appeals all the way to Rome. He is laying claim to his basic beliefs - and then he goes on to show how those beliefs should not be any kind of threat to Rome. But here he lays out the basic faith of Christians: I have a hope that there will be a resurrection.
The church says and does lots of things. But our central message is really about resurrection. Our central message is that life isn't over when the doctors say it is. Our central message is that there is more to this world than what we can see and experience right now. There is more. That is our hope. That is our faith. That is our confidence.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
This is Paul speaking before one of his judges during his long journey of trials and appeals all the way to Rome. He is laying claim to his basic beliefs - and then he goes on to show how those beliefs should not be any kind of threat to Rome. But here he lays out the basic faith of Christians: I have a hope that there will be a resurrection.
The church says and does lots of things. But our central message is really about resurrection. Our central message is that life isn't over when the doctors say it is. Our central message is that there is more to this world than what we can see and experience right now. There is more. That is our hope. That is our faith. That is our confidence.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Acts 23:11 That night the Lord stood near him and said, ‘Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.’
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for proclaiming the Christian message. The Jewish leaders turned him over to the Roman authorities just as they had Jesus. Paul had an ace card though - he was a Roman citizen. This entitled him to appeal to trial in Rome and afforded him lots of other privileges that weren't available to non-Roman citizens like Jesus. And so his trip to Rome began. He brought the Christian message to the center of the world.
God told him to keep up his courage so he could bear witness to Jesus' truth in Rome. Paul had no idea where this journey was going to take him, but he trusted in God. I have no idea where my life's journey will take me and you have no idea where you are going. But know this: God is with you. And God will work through you to change the world.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for proclaiming the Christian message. The Jewish leaders turned him over to the Roman authorities just as they had Jesus. Paul had an ace card though - he was a Roman citizen. This entitled him to appeal to trial in Rome and afforded him lots of other privileges that weren't available to non-Roman citizens like Jesus. And so his trip to Rome began. He brought the Christian message to the center of the world.
God told him to keep up his courage so he could bear witness to Jesus' truth in Rome. Paul had no idea where this journey was going to take him, but he trusted in God. I have no idea where my life's journey will take me and you have no idea where you are going. But know this: God is with you. And God will work through you to change the world.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Luke 19:11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
This is the introduction to one of Jesus' parables. For the moment, the exact parable is not important - it's the introduction that has my attention. We often wonder why Jesus told parables. Why didn't he just say what he meant and be clear about it? Here's one answer - because he was getting close to the end of his journey and his disciples seemed to be misunderstanding the point.
His disciples supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. Of course, we readers who know how the story ends know this isn't the case - at least not in how they thought it would happen. The kingdom of God did not appear in Jerusalem. Jesus died. He seemed to have lost. He needed to get them ready for this overturning of expectations. So he spoke in parables, to help them learn to think in kingdom ways - upside down, and surprising ways. Kingdom ways of thinking are so different from worldly ways it takes training. How's your training going?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
This is the introduction to one of Jesus' parables. For the moment, the exact parable is not important - it's the introduction that has my attention. We often wonder why Jesus told parables. Why didn't he just say what he meant and be clear about it? Here's one answer - because he was getting close to the end of his journey and his disciples seemed to be misunderstanding the point.
His disciples supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. Of course, we readers who know how the story ends know this isn't the case - at least not in how they thought it would happen. The kingdom of God did not appear in Jerusalem. Jesus died. He seemed to have lost. He needed to get them ready for this overturning of expectations. So he spoke in parables, to help them learn to think in kingdom ways - upside down, and surprising ways. Kingdom ways of thinking are so different from worldly ways it takes training. How's your training going?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Zechariah 7:8-10 The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying: 9Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another; 10do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
This is a message from God through Zechariah that talks about hypocrisy. Just before this passage, God asks the people, when you fasted and observed all the special festivals, did you do it for me? Because that's not what I really wanted. What I really wanted was mercy and love. What I really wanted was for you to treat the most vulnerable among you with love and loyalty.
There is nothing wrong with religious observance. There is nothing wrong with daily prayer, with worship and rituals. What is wrong is if we are in such a hurry to get to church for prayer that we step over our neighbor to get there. Walk the walk. Every day.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
This is a message from God through Zechariah that talks about hypocrisy. Just before this passage, God asks the people, when you fasted and observed all the special festivals, did you do it for me? Because that's not what I really wanted. What I really wanted was mercy and love. What I really wanted was for you to treat the most vulnerable among you with love and loyalty.
There is nothing wrong with religious observance. There is nothing wrong with daily prayer, with worship and rituals. What is wrong is if we are in such a hurry to get to church for prayer that we step over our neighbor to get there. Walk the walk. Every day.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Monday, November 4, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Nehemiah 13:3 When the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.
A concern for Nehemiah in re-establishing Israel after the Babylonian captivity was to purify the nation, to make distinctions between Israelites and non-Israelites. This was about being clear about who was subject to God's teaching and who was not subject to God's teaching (or law).
We are the new Israel, born not of a specific ethnicity but of faith and baptismal waters. We should not be drawing distinctions on ethnic lines. But perhaps we should be drawing more distinctions in terms of being subject to God's teaching. Perhaps we should more often say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." When the world around us ridicules others and starts or fuels petty arguments, perhaps we should say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." When the world around us seeks to win at any cost, perhaps we should say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." Maybe distinctions aren't such a bad thing all the time!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
A concern for Nehemiah in re-establishing Israel after the Babylonian captivity was to purify the nation, to make distinctions between Israelites and non-Israelites. This was about being clear about who was subject to God's teaching and who was not subject to God's teaching (or law).
We are the new Israel, born not of a specific ethnicity but of faith and baptismal waters. We should not be drawing distinctions on ethnic lines. But perhaps we should be drawing more distinctions in terms of being subject to God's teaching. Perhaps we should more often say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." When the world around us ridicules others and starts or fuels petty arguments, perhaps we should say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." When the world around us seeks to win at any cost, perhaps we should say "We're Christians and that's not how we act." Maybe distinctions aren't such a bad thing all the time!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
This would be a great theme verse for the whole concept of biblical stewardship if you were looking for one. It's all about recognizing that the things we have are not really ours. They are treasures (gifts) entrusted to us for a time. This includes all the money and physical things we usually concentrate on. But it also means our talents - your kindness and love are gifts entrusted to you by God. Your faith itself is a gift entrusted to you by God. God calls on you to guard that treasure - to use it wisely.
The second clause is equally important - "with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us." This is an acknowledgement that a life of Christian stewardship is hard. It's hard to remember that God has given us all these gifts and that God has given us enough. It's hard to remember that it's not our doing. And it's hard to remember that we're never alone. We need God's continual help, not just one time at baptism. So the Holy Spirit lives within us, continuing to help and guide us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
This would be a great theme verse for the whole concept of biblical stewardship if you were looking for one. It's all about recognizing that the things we have are not really ours. They are treasures (gifts) entrusted to us for a time. This includes all the money and physical things we usually concentrate on. But it also means our talents - your kindness and love are gifts entrusted to you by God. Your faith itself is a gift entrusted to you by God. God calls on you to guard that treasure - to use it wisely.
The second clause is equally important - "with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us." This is an acknowledgement that a life of Christian stewardship is hard. It's hard to remember that God has given us all these gifts and that God has given us enough. It's hard to remember that it's not our doing. And it's hard to remember that we're never alone. We need God's continual help, not just one time at baptism. So the Holy Spirit lives within us, continuing to help and guide us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Mark 11:24 So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Sometimes I think we Christians aren't bold enough in our faith. Let me correct that and own it: sometimes I think I am not bold enough in my faith. Do you ever pray and TRULY believe that you've already received what it is that you're praying for? Do you ever pray "forgive us our trespasses" and really believe that you've already received forgiveness? Even harder, do you ever pray "as we forgive those who trespass against us" and really believe that you've received the ability to forgive?
So much stress and heartache could be avoided if we truly believed that we received all the good gifts contained in the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Sometimes I think we Christians aren't bold enough in our faith. Let me correct that and own it: sometimes I think I am not bold enough in my faith. Do you ever pray and TRULY believe that you've already received what it is that you're praying for? Do you ever pray "forgive us our trespasses" and really believe that you've already received forgiveness? Even harder, do you ever pray "as we forgive those who trespass against us" and really believe that you've received the ability to forgive?
So much stress and heartache could be avoided if we truly believed that we received all the good gifts contained in the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Habakkuk 2:5 Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves,
and collect all peoples as their own.
If you listened to popular culture about Christianity, you'd think the Bible was obsessed with sex and defeating other religions. Those things are in the Bible. The Bible has something to say about them. But really, the things the Bible condemns MUCH more strongly are wealth and greed and arrogance. I wonder why we don't talk about that more often? I wonder if it could because they hit a little more close to home for most of us.
The problem with wealth or pride isn't in and of themselves. The problem is that they are unsatiable desires and they turn our attention from the source of every good gift. The desire for wealth feeds a desire for more wealth. Out-of-control pride feeds on itself and quickly becomes arrogance. And we forget that everything good does not come from us, but comes undeserving from the God who made us all. Every good thing you have in your life is a free gift. Thank God for that!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves,
and collect all peoples as their own.
If you listened to popular culture about Christianity, you'd think the Bible was obsessed with sex and defeating other religions. Those things are in the Bible. The Bible has something to say about them. But really, the things the Bible condemns MUCH more strongly are wealth and greed and arrogance. I wonder why we don't talk about that more often? I wonder if it could because they hit a little more close to home for most of us.
The problem with wealth or pride isn't in and of themselves. The problem is that they are unsatiable desires and they turn our attention from the source of every good gift. The desire for wealth feeds a desire for more wealth. Out-of-control pride feeds on itself and quickly becomes arrogance. And we forget that everything good does not come from us, but comes undeserving from the God who made us all. Every good thing you have in your life is a free gift. Thank God for that!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Monday, October 7, 2013
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Habakkuk 1:5 Look at the nations, and see!
Be astonished! Be astounded!
For a work is being done in your days
that you would not believe if you were told.
What is going on around here!?! What is it with people today? Or with politicians - what is going on? I've never seen anything like this before? I wrote this message last Friday, but I am going to guess that the federal government is still in shutdown and we still don't know what's going on or when it will end. "A word is being done in your days that you would not believe if you were told."
Except that Habakkuk means this positively. God speaking through Habakkuk means this positively. God is doing amazing things you wouldn't even believe if you were told. And they are good things. Life-giving things. Children are being fed. Lives are being saved. All over the world. And in your neighborhood. Those are the amazing things of your God. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Be astonished! Be astounded!
For a work is being done in your days
that you would not believe if you were told.
What is going on around here!?! What is it with people today? Or with politicians - what is going on? I've never seen anything like this before? I wrote this message last Friday, but I am going to guess that the federal government is still in shutdown and we still don't know what's going on or when it will end. "A word is being done in your days that you would not believe if you were told."
Except that Habakkuk means this positively. God speaking through Habakkuk means this positively. God is doing amazing things you wouldn't even believe if you were told. And they are good things. Life-giving things. Children are being fed. Lives are being saved. All over the world. And in your neighborhood. Those are the amazing things of your God. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This message is a ministry of All Saints Lutheran Church. If you wish to be unsubscribed, please send us a message. Visit our website for full calendar and information about our ministries. This Sunday we worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday, October 2
Matthew 19:20-22
20The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ 21Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 22When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
It could be said, probably of all of us, that we have many possessions. One of the projects I undertook this summer was our basement, that unfinished storage space that had become the dumping grounds for anything we wanted out of sight over the past seven (or more) years. We often read this passage as the young man was grieving because he loved his things and didn’t want to get rid of them. After my experience this summer? I think maybe he was grieving because he knew the hard work that awaited him. I joke. Sort of.
Truly, what Jesus asks of the young man is the hard thing. Evidently keeping the commandments was easy for him, but giving up his possessions would be difficult. I wish we knew what happened to the young man. Did he do what Jesus asked of him? Or did he make a different decision? What do you think?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday, October 1
Hosea 10:12
12 Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
I don’t know many farmers who sow righteousness in their fields. Corn, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat, yes. But not righteousness.
Of course this is meant to be an analogy. We sow the righteousness in the world – or in our hearts – and we reap the steadfast love. It is time, Hosea says, to break up the fallow ground. Fallow ground is land that has been allowed to not be planted for a period of time, in order to restore its fertility. It is land that has rested and not been productive. But now it is time to plant the seeds of righteousness so that steadfast love might flourish. It is time to seek the Lord.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
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