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.
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