The Israelites seemed to have responded to this crisis in two different ways. Some turned to God in prayer and devotion. Others rejected God and turned to idols and other gods, “sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on bricks.” But then, this is how it always has been. When things become difficult people usually respond in either of these two ways. Some rely upon God to give them strength and hope, others reject God outright.
Read MoreWhile God has given us wisdom, God also has allowed us to do with it what we want. Sometimes we use it for good. Other times we use it for bad. Sometimes we use it for selfish reasons, other times to help others. A quick view of the world around us cannot but note that it seems that we have use wisdom more for more of the former than the later.
Read MoreWe all have those times when we are surprised by what comes our way whether it is good things or bad, family or illness, and many times we are not prepared for its arrival.
Read MoreIt is a wonder that God decided to use Paul as an Apostle to spread the good news of Jesus. Perhaps someone more patient, slower to anger, and thoughtful would have been a better choice. But God chose Paul, and others, not because they were perfect but because they happened to be the ones who were present at the time and in the place someone was needed. God used them despite their faults and foibles.
Read MoreWhile we try to divide people into categories, God brings people together. While we try to be exclusive, God is inclusive. It is not our role to decide who is and who is not accepted into God’s family. Our role is to invite everyone.
Read MoreBut all of these problems, old and new, come from the same place: the desire of people to be loved and accepted, to be part of a community. Unfortunately there are people who try to exploit our desires for community by dividing people into groups (us and them). They and their divisive rhetoric seem to be growing in our society. In the end they only bring empty promises.
Read MoreWhile the main emphasis of this story is Peter’s revival of Dorcas from the dead, we note that Luke is sure to tell us she was devoted to good works and charity. To be devoted means that she saw it as important, if not the most important thing she could do – setting her own desires aside and helping others.
Read MorePaul tells us that Ananias “was a devout man according to the Law and well spoken about by all the Jews in Damascus.” I note this to point out that Ananias, by answering God’s call, changed the course of the world. To do so he had to conquer the fear and hate he had for Paul. Paul’s reputation was far and wide. I would guess that Ananias personally knew some of the Christians that Paul persecuted, arrested, and imprisoned. Paul was an enemy. Yet God called him to visit this enemy and make him a friend.
Read MoreThe director of the house, Dr. Kjeseth, would ask anyone who came into the house – from the yard crew to the city representatives – if they went to church and, if they said, ”no,” he would invite them to come to church. I can remember my first reaction to this as well as most of my classmates – embarrassed by his breaking that norm about not talking religion with others…
Read MoreThere she stood in the middle of a cemetery with tears running down her face. We really do not know much about her, mostly innuendo and gossip. We know that she struggled with mental illness – possessed by seven demons as they said. She was unmarried but we do not know why.
Read MoreWe seem to believe that you can judge a person by their looks. But then, I am not telling you something that you do not already know. But why do we do it? Why do we always get caught up in the new fad and try to look like everyone else?
Read MoreFor most of our lives, being passed over is not a good thing. It is filled with disappointments and brings about anger and self-doubt. We question if we should be where we are, work for the company we work for, and even if we should keep the relationships we have. Although, sometimes, though not often, being passed over leads to change and improvement. One great example of that is the story of the exodus.
Read MoreWe tend to look at the past and wish for those good times to return. But they were not as good as you remember because you have forgotten the bad things that happened and only remembered the good. Be careful for what you desire, you just may get it.
Read MoreWe know that brother’s complaint. We hear versions of it every day and have said it ourselves. From complaints about giving aid to poor people or helping immigrants we look to others with a human point of view. Jesus calls us to a different standard.
Read MoreI cannot tell you how many times people come to me in trouble and ask, “Why is God doing this to me?” Those same people often are the ones who pat themselves on the back and say, “Look how well I have done,” when things are going well. It is probably the opposite. When things are going well, it is God’s doing and when things are all messed up it is often our own fault.
Read More…Paul is telling the Philippians to imitate him. Part of this request probably comes from the fact that they were listening to others who were contradicting Paul. He also was warning the Philippians about listening to the world and running after things that were not important. Do not chase after material things or follow those whose minds are set on earthly things for their god is their belly and their glory is shame, Paul told them.
Read MoreWe have allowed the lures of the world to get their hook into us and pull us away from the life Jesus is calling us to. That is why Luther suggests that when we rise in the morning that we make the sign of the cross and say a short prayer asking for the strength to do Jesus’ work that day. That is the beginning of your preparation for the day.
Read MoreUnlike Moses or Peter, James, and John, we are not on a mountain top with God, instead, we are on the plain with the rest of the disciples trying to help those in need. That is our call – to act boldly.
Read MoreWe all have prejudices and preferences. We develop them to help us navigate the difficulties of life. We use them when we have to make a decision. They are most usable when that decision has to be quick although all of our decisions are shaded by them. The problem comes when our prejudices are based upon opinion and not truth.
Read MoreJesus begins to fill out what life with God is about – Love. “Love your enemies,” he tells us. If someone does wrong to you do not return wrong, instead love them. Then Jesus tells us how to live out that love.
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