Matthew 23:37-39
37‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children
together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38See, your house is left to you, desolate. 39For I tell you, you
will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
Well, Jerusalem — we all have heard that city name before, it was the capital of David’s kingdom and was where Jesus went for the festival of the Passover. In this passage Jesus is talking about how he is weeping over Jerusalem, depicting it with a motherly image — even though Jerusalem refuses him. I think that he is weeping over Jerusalem because maybe they just lost sight of what is really important, very much like today in most societies. Also, he is trying to help them find their way back, but they are being stubborn goats and not allowing him to do so.
In verses 38-39, I think what he is trying to say is that he left the temple to them, but they abandoned it because they were hopeless. Also, that he will not come back or appear again until they will say once again ‘Dear Lord, we praise you, we lift you up’.
Brittany Mata
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Friday
Philippians 3:18-20
18Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us here of something very basic. He warns of dangers on the road of life—that we dare not let ourselves get bogged down and side-tracked by a self-centered, selfpromoting lifestyle. The danger is a real one, just as much for us of the 21st century as it was for God's people of the 1st century.
But Paul's warning is balanced by a second reminder—that by God's grace, we are not only residents of earth, but also citizens of heaven. So our prayer may be:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; Come among us to forgive us, and strengthen us; Come among us that we might walk faithfully with you, midst all the temptations, challenges, and opportunities of life, day by day.
Amen.
Del Anderson
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
18Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us here of something very basic. He warns of dangers on the road of life—that we dare not let ourselves get bogged down and side-tracked by a self-centered, selfpromoting lifestyle. The danger is a real one, just as much for us of the 21st century as it was for God's people of the 1st century.
But Paul's warning is balanced by a second reminder—that by God's grace, we are not only residents of earth, but also citizens of heaven. So our prayer may be:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; Come among us to forgive us, and strengthen us; Come among us that we might walk faithfully with you, midst all the temptations, challenges, and opportunities of life, day by day.
Amen.
Del Anderson
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Thursday
Philippians 3:7-8
7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the
surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
As a senior in high school, I have been faced with the daunting task of applying to colleges and considering what I want to make of the vast expanse of time in front of me known as my future. While filling out numerous drop-down menus on college application websites, I have to vainly highlight my
“gains” that make me stand out from my classmates. Even though I have been accepted to universities, this does not answer the question about what I want my career to be when I grow up. But regardless of my college or career choice, I know that whatever I choose will not surpass Jesus’ “job” as my Savior. Imagine Jesus’ shock when he was crucified on the cross. Maybe he didn’t know that he would be resurrected to sit at the right hand of our Father. No matter the college or career path I choose, I know that my accomplishments fail in comparison to Jesus’ but if I have faith in Him, I can follow in his footsteps to Heaven.
Christine Spasoff
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the
surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
As a senior in high school, I have been faced with the daunting task of applying to colleges and considering what I want to make of the vast expanse of time in front of me known as my future. While filling out numerous drop-down menus on college application websites, I have to vainly highlight my
“gains” that make me stand out from my classmates. Even though I have been accepted to universities, this does not answer the question about what I want my career to be when I grow up. But regardless of my college or career choice, I know that whatever I choose will not surpass Jesus’ “job” as my Savior. Imagine Jesus’ shock when he was crucified on the cross. Maybe he didn’t know that he would be resurrected to sit at the right hand of our Father. No matter the college or career path I choose, I know that my accomplishments fail in comparison to Jesus’ but if I have faith in Him, I can follow in his footsteps to Heaven.
Christine Spasoff
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us this Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour for all ages at 9:45.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Wednesday
Luke 21:34–36
34 [Jesus said,] ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will comeupon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times,praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the coming kingdom of God. It’s obvious that the trees and leaves tell us when spring is changing to summer, right? For the disciples, change was definitely coming. Living through the events to follow – the meal, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventually his resurrection – would certainly change their lives forever. The words above are Jesus’ instructions of preparation for what’s to come.
Each year we live through those events also. Like the disciples, we need to be alert, ready for what is coming. As we journey through Lent, preparing ourselves for the events we remember on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil, and Easter morning, let’s be on guard.
Let’s pray for strength to get through our trials. Pray that we might hear the comfort of Jesus’ words. Pray that, when we hear cries for help, we offer our assistance. Pray that the changes in our lives might not weigh us down. Pray for peace, in our own hearts and lives, and for those in our church, homes, neighborhoods, work places, and for the world. Be alert, pray, and be at peace.
Doug Williams
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
34 [Jesus said,] ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will comeupon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times,praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the coming kingdom of God. It’s obvious that the trees and leaves tell us when spring is changing to summer, right? For the disciples, change was definitely coming. Living through the events to follow – the meal, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventually his resurrection – would certainly change their lives forever. The words above are Jesus’ instructions of preparation for what’s to come.
Each year we live through those events also. Like the disciples, we need to be alert, ready for what is coming. As we journey through Lent, preparing ourselves for the events we remember on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil, and Easter morning, let’s be on guard.
Let’s pray for strength to get through our trials. Pray that we might hear the comfort of Jesus’ words. Pray that, when we hear cries for help, we offer our assistance. Pray that the changes in our lives might not weigh us down. Pray for peace, in our own hearts and lives, and for those in our church, homes, neighborhoods, work places, and for the world. Be alert, pray, and be at peace.
Doug Williams
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Tuesday
2 Peter 2:19b-21
19 … People are slaves to whatever masters them. 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.
There are a couple of key phrases in this passage, in my opinion. First, that we are slaves to whatever masters us, I believe to be so true! The key is to have things like ‘bringing joy to others’ be one of my obsessions and perhaps lose the obsession concerning finding the perfect pair of boots. Can
it be done? Of course! But it will take all of my focus and determination and still the boot obsession will linger in the back of my mind. The point here, I believe, is that I know what I want to rule my life and can identify those items that perhaps do not belong, and that’s half the battle! The rest is up to me and my will to be a better person.
The second important phrase here is basically saying that ignorance is bliss. If I’m straying off the path of goodness but have no idea what the whole goodness thing is all about, then I really don’t know what I’m missing. However, if I’ve been exposed to God and what He has to offer me and all of us and I still stray off His path, then I’m in worse shape than the person who didn’t know God at all because I KNOW what I’m missing. Got that?! I understand the point of this passage, but I am convinced that it is better to have known God once and strayed than to never have known Him at all. Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?
Margo Ban
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
19 … People are slaves to whatever masters them. 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
21For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.
There are a couple of key phrases in this passage, in my opinion. First, that we are slaves to whatever masters us, I believe to be so true! The key is to have things like ‘bringing joy to others’ be one of my obsessions and perhaps lose the obsession concerning finding the perfect pair of boots. Can
it be done? Of course! But it will take all of my focus and determination and still the boot obsession will linger in the back of my mind. The point here, I believe, is that I know what I want to rule my life and can identify those items that perhaps do not belong, and that’s half the battle! The rest is up to me and my will to be a better person.
The second important phrase here is basically saying that ignorance is bliss. If I’m straying off the path of goodness but have no idea what the whole goodness thing is all about, then I really don’t know what I’m missing. However, if I’ve been exposed to God and what He has to offer me and all of us and I still stray off His path, then I’m in worse shape than the person who didn’t know God at all because I KNOW what I’m missing. Got that?! I understand the point of this passage, but I am convinced that it is better to have known God once and strayed than to never have known Him at all. Sounds like a song, doesn’t it?
Margo Ban
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Monday, February 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Monday
1 John 2:1-6
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. 4Whoever says, ‘I have come to know him’, but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6whoever says, ‘I abide in him’, ought to walk just as he walked.
There are two parts to this reading that mean a lot to me. The first being that we should not sin, but if we do, we have an advocate in Jesus. He not only takes on our sins but the sins of the whole world. When I think about that, I am so humbled to know that Jesus loves us all that much that he
would take on that burden for our very souls.
The second part, John makes pretty clear, is that if you say you know him and don’t obey his commandments you are a liar. I don’t know about you, but for me there are days where I find it hard to obey his commandments and I feel pretty bad about it. I want to walk as he walked but I know that is not possible for most, so I take peace in knowing that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us.
Joe Quinn
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
3Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. 4Whoever says, ‘I have come to know him’, but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; 5but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6whoever says, ‘I abide in him’, ought to walk just as he walked.
There are two parts to this reading that mean a lot to me. The first being that we should not sin, but if we do, we have an advocate in Jesus. He not only takes on our sins but the sins of the whole world. When I think about that, I am so humbled to know that Jesus loves us all that much that he
would take on that burden for our very souls.
The second part, John makes pretty clear, is that if you say you know him and don’t obey his commandments you are a liar. I don’t know about you, but for me there are days where I find it hard to obey his commandments and I feel pretty bad about it. I want to walk as he walked but I know that is not possible for most, so I take peace in knowing that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us.
Joe Quinn
For more information on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Remember to join us for Wednesday Lenten supper and worship. Supper at 6:15 and worship (featuring Holden Evening Prayer and drama) at 7.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Saturday
John 12:28-30
Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.’
As I read these verses, I wondered – how often do I listen to God’s voice? I’m certain it is not nearly as often as God would like me to listen. Also, does God feel sad when I don’t listen to him? Would my life be better or would I make better decisions if I listened to God more often? If I don’t listen to Him, am I missing something?
I am certain in God’s eyes the answer to all of my questions is a resounding YES! During Lent, I am going to try a little harder to listen because I know God is watching and talking to me. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a song I learned at Church Choir camp as a child, He’s Got His Eyes on You. As we move through Lent I am going to keep that song with me as a reminder to work a little harder to listen to God.
Won’t you join me during Lent and try a little harder to listen to God and remember He is always watching us?
Sandy Herweg
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.’
As I read these verses, I wondered – how often do I listen to God’s voice? I’m certain it is not nearly as often as God would like me to listen. Also, does God feel sad when I don’t listen to him? Would my life be better or would I make better decisions if I listened to God more often? If I don’t listen to Him, am I missing something?
I am certain in God’s eyes the answer to all of my questions is a resounding YES! During Lent, I am going to try a little harder to listen because I know God is watching and talking to me. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a song I learned at Church Choir camp as a child, He’s Got His Eyes on You. As we move through Lent I am going to keep that song with me as a reminder to work a little harder to listen to God.
Won’t you join me during Lent and try a little harder to listen to God and remember He is always watching us?
Sandy Herweg
For more information on the ministries of All Saints, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between.
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