Matthew 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me." It's the biggest lie in the history of childhood. And the lie doesn't change as you become an adult. Names can hurt. Words can hurt. Words can destroy and kill and tear apart. And words can give life.
This should be obvious for Christians. Remember that we are people who worship the Word about to become flesh once again this year. Remember that we worship a God who created the whole universe by speaking it into being... words did all this! "Let there be light." Words have power. And like anything with power... they are dangerous. How are you using words today? Are you using words to create life and hope and peace and healing? Or the other things?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite today (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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.
When the cold and the bundled seek warmth, and there is none, and their bones are chilled to the marrow, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not leave them out in the cold.
Just seemed more appropriate this morning.
Whether thirst is your bad situation or cold is your bad situation... Whether a cancer diagnosis or a job loss is your bad situation... Whether a shortage in the Santa budget or an inability to get along with your family is your bad situation... Whatever your bad situation, the Lord will answer you, the God of Israel will not forsake you. God had good news for your bad situation, whatever it is. In the dark and in the cold, just hold on. Because the light is coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite tomorrow (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
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.
When the cold and the bundled seek warmth, and there is none, and their bones are chilled to the marrow, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not leave them out in the cold.
Just seemed more appropriate this morning.
Whether thirst is your bad situation or cold is your bad situation... Whether a cancer diagnosis or a job loss is your bad situation... Whether a shortage in the Santa budget or an inability to get along with your family is your bad situation... Whatever your bad situation, the Lord will answer you, the God of Israel will not forsake you. God had good news for your bad situation, whatever it is. In the dark and in the cold, just hold on. Because the light is coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite tomorrow (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Lenten Devotional Being Prepared
This message was sent a couple weeks ago, but in case you forgot to respond!
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
- an assigned biblical text (usually 6-10 verses)
- a deadline (in mid-January)
- instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
Write your thoughts about what these passages are saying to you. What do they make you think of? What do you learn about God from them? What do you learn about yourself from them? Use the booklets "Christ in our Home" or the daily email devotionals as inspiration. But make it your own. Share your thoughts with your sisters and brothers.
Finally submit the following via email: your key verses, 250-350 word reflection, and how you would like your name to be printed.
These will be printed together in a booklet for our congregation, the booklet will be made into a pdf and put on our congregation's website, and the devotions will be emailed as part of our daily email devotional plan for the season of Lent 2011.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
Friday, December 3, 2010
Change of Address
Hi there,
In order to simplify a few things and due to some changes in policy of the site that we use for congregational publicity (including these devotional messages): beginning next Monday, the daily devotionals will come to you from office@allsaintspalatine.org. This email address is being phased out. Make sure to check your spam folders and do the things you need to do to ensure you continue to receive the messages. If there are any glitches or problems, please let us know.
Pastor Seth
In order to simplify a few things and due to some changes in policy of the site that we use for congregational publicity (including these devotional messages): beginning next Monday, the daily devotionals will come to you from office@allsaintspalatine.org. This email address is being phased out. Make sure to check your spam folders and do the things you need to do to ensure you continue to receive the messages. If there are any glitches or problems, please let us know.
Pastor Seth
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 13:25
25And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals* on his feet.”
When Paul gives his testimony about John the Baptist, he uses the words that John spoke -- I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet. Now, we're a long ways from untying sandals, but that was one of those jobs given to the servants of the house. John says, "I'm not even worthy to be his servant."
We talk about John the Baptist during Advent especially as one who pointed the way to Jesus, deflecting attention from his own actions and pointing people to Jesus. How are we called to be John the Baptist during this time, and always? How can we point our lives toward Jesus?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
25And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals* on his feet.”
When Paul gives his testimony about John the Baptist, he uses the words that John spoke -- I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet. Now, we're a long ways from untying sandals, but that was one of those jobs given to the servants of the house. John says, "I'm not even worthy to be his servant."
We talk about John the Baptist during Advent especially as one who pointed the way to Jesus, deflecting attention from his own actions and pointing people to Jesus. How are we called to be John the Baptist during this time, and always? How can we point our lives toward Jesus?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, December 2, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 1:23-25
23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place* in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’
When the disciples met again after the ascension, they were together and devoted themselves in prayer. The book of Acts lists those who were together and indicates they spent their time in prayer "together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus." The time comes when they need to fill out their numbers, so they put together a nominating committee and come up with two men who fit the needs -- Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The verse that I didn't include above indicates that the group "cast lots" and the lot fell upon Matthias.
The theme of prayer is woven throughout these verses and we can imagine that this was a time of intense prayer and reflection for the disciples and others who had been with Jesus throughout his life, death, resurrection and ascension. While we did not walk with Jesus through those events, our lives should be no less prayer-focused. During this season, as we await his birth, let's gather in prayer -- to remember, to wait, to give thanks, to intercede, to carve out a space in our days for conversation with God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place* in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’
When the disciples met again after the ascension, they were together and devoted themselves in prayer. The book of Acts lists those who were together and indicates they spent their time in prayer "together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus." The time comes when they need to fill out their numbers, so they put together a nominating committee and come up with two men who fit the needs -- Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The verse that I didn't include above indicates that the group "cast lots" and the lot fell upon Matthias.
The theme of prayer is woven throughout these verses and we can imagine that this was a time of intense prayer and reflection for the disciples and others who had been with Jesus throughout his life, death, resurrection and ascension. While we did not walk with Jesus through those events, our lives should be no less prayer-focused. During this season, as we await his birth, let's gather in prayer -- to remember, to wait, to give thanks, to intercede, to carve out a space in our days for conversation with God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 24:35
35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
In the lectionary readings that we have during the end of November and throughout Advent, we hear a lot about the end-of-time prophecies. Some of them are specific, referencing judgment methods, while others give hints about the signs that will take place and how people will know that the end is near.
I have no idea when the end will come. And, most days that doesn't concern me. However, what is of great importance to me is the steadfast nature of the words of Jesus. These are the words to which we cling, and ultimately, as the Word became flesh -- we cling to our salvation in the Word as Jesus. The rest? Well, that will all pass away.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join together this evening for dinner at 6:00 and worship at 7:00 as we dwell in the hope and anticipation of Advent.
35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
In the lectionary readings that we have during the end of November and throughout Advent, we hear a lot about the end-of-time prophecies. Some of them are specific, referencing judgment methods, while others give hints about the signs that will take place and how people will know that the end is near.
I have no idea when the end will come. And, most days that doesn't concern me. However, what is of great importance to me is the steadfast nature of the words of Jesus. These are the words to which we cling, and ultimately, as the Word became flesh -- we cling to our salvation in the Word as Jesus. The rest? Well, that will all pass away.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join together this evening for dinner at 6:00 and worship at 7:00 as we dwell in the hope and anticipation of Advent.
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