This is the season to linger by the window when wind
"To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them." Thomas Aquinas
“Blessed are the ears that hear the pulse of the divine whisperer, and give no heed to the many whisperings of the world.” Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ
October 9 2 Kings 22:14—23:3; Psalm 119:145-176; Psalm 128, 129,130; 1 Corinthiens 11:23-34 Matthew 9:9-17
:25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ :26 ‘For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’ :28 Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. :29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”
The original Passover memorialized, ‘remembers’, Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through Moses, just as the new Passover of Holy Communion commemorates, ‘remembers’ the Church’s deliverance from sin through Jesus. The word, “remembrance” means “anamnesis” in Greek. This refers to the OT practice of liturgical memorials. Incense was placed with the bread, in the Temple’s Holy Place, [the room in front of the Holy of Holies filled with bread, wine, lights and incense] as a ‘remembrance’ offering [Lev. 24:7]. Trumpets were blown it the time of sacrifice to remind Israel of the Lord, thy God. [Num. 10:10] In the NT, “remembrance" describes how the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant only reminded Israel of their sins, but were unable to remove them. [Heb.10:3]
It is only Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross that powerfully
remits our sins. His priestly offering is then perpetuated throughout history, being drawn into the present every time the eucharist, thanksgiving, liturgy is celebrated. Unlike those in the OT, this liturgical memorial not only reminds us of Christ's saving death but re-presents it every time we receive the Eucharist. [Luke 22:19]
Regarding verse :28 Each of us must examine ourselves by testing the attitude of our own heart and actions. We must be attentive to the significance of the Lord’s Supper, thus understanding the Supper, under God, as a spiritual means of grace. Paul implored the Corinthiens not to take this part of their worship lightly, as if they are dining together in their own cliques. Paul exhorts, “if you are hungry, eat at home” as this is a time to celebrate Christ, not your own indulgences.
Verse :29 takes this point further. Do not eat or drink of the ‘remembrance’ unless you have discerned the “body.” “Body” is a play on words and refers both to the church body, made up of believers united in him, as well as the body of Christ. Be reconciled, confess any sin of unforgiveness, so that our ‘body’ is ready to receive the holy ‘remembrance’ of Christ’s ‘body'. Discern your personal relationship with Christ as you receive his ‘body'.
Think about it: What does Holy Communion mean to you? Do you intentionally set aside time for prayer and self evaluation before receiving Holy Communion? Do you picture yourself in the presence of Christ? Does your church celebrate Christ’s presence through Holy Communion quarterly, monthly, weekly, or daily?
If there is a denomination that causes you to question their practice regarding Holy Communion, pray for the opportunity to ask questions. Go to the source, clergy or a knowledgable lay person in that church.
Do you consider all Christians, no matter the
denomination, as part of the Church ‘body’? Celebrating the eucharist, thanksgiving, of Christ as often as is possible is what Christians are called to do. How we give thanks is as different as the variety of Christian churches available for worship to any and all who are baptized in Christ.
Christians are ‘one body’, called to ‘remembrance’ as we receive the ‘body’ of Christ.
10-10 2 Kings 23:4-25; Psalm 131,132,134,135; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Matt. 9:18-26
1 Corinthiens 12:3 “No one can say Jesus is Lord
except by the Holy Spirit. :4 There are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, varieties of ministries but the same Lord. . . .manifest for the common good. :11 The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts just as He wills.”
The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthiens through his letters until he was able to be present with them. Paul’s instruction in understanding the Holy Spirit’s power in those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus is a blessing to all generations. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit that gives us our basic understanding of the One who is Lord of our life. It’s the same Holy Spirit who leads us more deeply into our Christian faith if we say, “Yes.”
The Holy Spirit can be called upon to enter our soul during baptism but it is up to us to tap into this power given to us in order to manifest the gifts God has given each of us. It’s not up to us to choose the gift we want. For the good of the Christian community we actively contribute to, it is up to us to be “open” to the the spirit’s power that manifests through us according to God’s purpose within the community of the church.
Often, the Lord manifests a gift within us that we do not even see. Becoming an active participant in our church community is the best way to discover where we feel best used. Saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that interest us is only the beginning. With an open heart, the Lord will lead us to a ministry that we enjoy and where our gifts are needed.
Think about it: Are you involved in your church in some
capacity? Being an usher during worship services may not seem like using your gifts but this ministry is of utmost importance. You are the first one many see when they visit. Your Joy and ability to personally greet each individual may be the only personal encounter some have at church.
The first step in deciding where to minister is prayer. Ask the Lord how you can best be used in your church community. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart. Pray for confidence to volunteer in a ministry of interest even if you may have never served in that capacity before. If this does not seem like a good fit, keep exploring. The Holy Spirit will lead you.
Think about it: For many of us it may seem too late to raise a child to know and love our Lord. But it is never too late to help grow a child in the love of Christ. First, pray for every child in your extended family, that they are drawn into the presence of God in Christ. Ask for ways you can be a Christian influence in their lives.
10-11 2 Kings 23:36—24:17; Psalm 140, 141, 142, 143:1-12;
1 Corinthiens 12:12-26; Matthew 9:27-34
1 Corinthiens 12:13 “By One Spirit we are all baptized
into one body. :20 Many members but one body. :26 If one member suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice with him.”
Some of us were baptized as infants. The clergy called upon the Holy Spirit to enter into the soul of the infant being presented by the family. The infant is “filled with the Holy Spirit and sealed as Christ’s own forever.” The church members, family and sponsors said “YES” when asked if they would raise this child to know Christ. When the child reaches the age of reason, that child will affirm, or confirm, that Christ Jesus is Lord of his/her life. Yet, all too often that child is not even taken to church, much less raised to know Christ and make him known to others.
Other denominations raise the child in the church but do not baptize until that child affirms, or confirms, his/her love and devotion to Christ Jesus. Either way, if even one person is praying for that child, the Holy Spirit will lead that child accordingly. Prayer is powerful when
we live far away and have little influence on that child’s life. Birthday cards and notes throughout the year help each child know that someone else is reaching out in love and support.
If parents are so determined to baptize their children they must be intent upon their formation. If the parents are unable to do so, then those in the church are called upon to guide them. Sunday school may not be sufficient. It takes one-on-one time with children to help them grow into Christ.
The entire church body suffers when these children are not guided into manifesting their gifts to share with the church body. The greater Christian Church suffers because of the absence of all those baptized children who have yet to set foot in a church.
Also, connect with the children in your church and find ways to draw them into all events as well as the worship service. Help them become a significant part of the church family.
Grand parents can relieve many parents by stepping in to help in small ways. This does not mean teaching Sunday School. Each church ministry could offer an opportunity for children to participate. Coffee hour can use helpers. Ushers can use partners. One Sunday each
month can have children right beside adults in each part of worship, including a one minute testimony from the older kids.
Children have incredible gifts that can be used at a very early age. See how adult ministries can incorporate children into their ministry. Look into the children’s ministries at your church and discover how you can be of help.
10-12 Jeremiah 35:1-19; Psalm 137, 144, 104; 1 Corinthiens 12:27—13:3;
Matthew 9:35—10:4
1 Corinthiens 13:1 “If I speak in tongues of men and angels and have no love, I’m like a clanging symbol, a noisy gong. Gifts are nothing without love.”
Speaking in tongues is simply speaking a language that we do not know when we choose to praise and glorify the Lord, usually privately or in a small group that chooses to pray together this way to glorify the Lord. It’s all good and given to us by God. However, if this gift, or any of our gifts, is used with pride instead of in loving regard for another, it is like squeaking chalk to a child’s ears. We should not disdain any gift, especially if we don’t have that gift. Each gift should glorify the Lord as we participate in the community of Christ.
I have experienced an entire church praising God in tongues in glorious rhythm and with soft voice in celestial harmony - each in a different language. I have heard joyous affirmation as one hears a language they know from the one speaking who has no clue what he is saying. The affirmation and Joy of the Lord is present, as He is with any gift we use to glorify God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Think about it: Do we sometimes ‘clang’ like an off-tune
bell when giving an unwanted opinion or when taking the lead when we barely know the big pictures? Sometimes we know we can do a better job than others in the ministry we have chosen. Perhaps we can. Yet, it’s good to take time to get to know each person individually, ask question, listen to the group conversation and discern our best role. Sometimes, it’s that shy person who just needs a bit of encouragement to step into a leadership role. Other times the Lord is calling us to use our gifts. We will know when we ‘singing’ with the group or ‘clanging’ in dissonant sounds. We know know when we are pushing ourselves into leadership or when others encourage us to use our gifts. It’s a delicate balance. In any ministry, take time to stop, observe, listen and then step in where you might be used best. Try it. See what happens.
Think about it: Can you think of the last time the Lord healed your soul? His “consolations”, graces given to us, are so daily. How often do we show our gratitude to our Lord through worship and praise? How often do we share our daily miracles with others and, at the same time, give glory to God? Think about your journey in Christ from the very beginning. Are there any moments when you have experienced God’s healing hand through the power of the Holy Spirit? Write it down with approximate date. Add it to your gratitude list.
10-13 Blessed John Henry Newman is becoming a “Saint”
today. [All who claim Christ Jesus as Lord are saints but those who are given the honor of “Saint” with a big “S” are those who gave a significant contribution, even their lives, to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ.] John Henry Newman, a renowned Anglican, 1801-1890, is considered one of the greater theologians of our time. He was the leader of the Oxford Movement in the Church of England which focused on several issues, the main one being separation of the Anglican Church from state control.
In 1845, after much theological discernment, Newman chose to join the Catholic church. Two years later he became a Priest and in 1879 became a Cardinal. His most famous work is his Apologia in which he defends his conversion to the Catholic Church. Newman’s 40 books and 21,000 letters fill a small library and contain some of the finest theology and philosophy in recent centuries from which both Protestants and Catholics benefit. Google his name. Discover something new that can help build your faith.
10-13 18th Sunday after Pentecost
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
Luke 17:11-19 “On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’"
God not only heals, He heals extravagantly. Any with
skin disease were called ‘leper’ in those days. They were ostracized from the community, living on the outskirts of town, and relied on others to bring food to them. These ten knew about Jesus and sought his healing power. All were healed but only one, a Samaritan, gave thanks to Jesus and glory to God. Samaritans, much less lepers, were not accepted by most Jews but many knew of Jesus, the healer.
This group is no different than most of us. We may have an extravagant intersession by the hand of God and not even think to give God thanks. Most of us have heard that it’s the 10% who do most of the work in church to benefit the rest. In this case, one person, 10% of this group, gave back by saying, “Thanks be to God!” Gratitude is the greatest gift we can give for the extravagant gifts God gives us daily.
Think about it: Can you think of the last time the Lord healed your soul? His “consolations”, graces given to us, are so daily. How often do we show our gratitude to our Lord through worship and praise? How often do we share our daily miracles with others and, at the same time, give glory to God? Think about your journey in Christ from the very beginning. Are there any moments when you have experienced God’s healing hand through the power of the Holy Spirit? Write it down with approximate date. Add it to your gratitude list.
10-14 Jeremiah 36:11-26; Psalm 1,2,3,4,7; 1 Corinthiens 13:4-13; Matthew 10:5-15
We’ve heard these verses at most weddings. In fact, when my sweet hubby proposed to me, he read these verses to me. After decades of marriage we still address many parts such as, “love is patient and kind,” usually after we have experienced a heated disagreement. The verses bring our focus back to the One who has always been the center of our marriage, Jesus Christ.
The last few words of this beautiful passage, “but faith, hope and love abide . . . and the greatest of these is Love,” have been memorized by many of us. Yet, do we ponder what they truly mean? “Abide” is a continuous, active verb which means that faith, hope and love have been, are, and will be forever.
Faith is the belief in things not seen (Heb 1) and Hope is applying that faith. . . “Hope that was and is and is to come.” Yet, the greatest of these three concepts is Love. Throughout scripture we discover how God is Love. God IS, past, present and future. Therefore, Love IS, past, present and future. We then learn that Jesus is “God in the flesh.” [John 1:1-14] Therefore, if God is Love, past, present and future and if Jesus is God, then Jesus is the greatest of these . . . . Love.
Think about it: Do you sometimes read scripture and disregard nuggets you don’t understand without walking through reasonable steps to dig deeper? Words in
scripture do mean what they say. Surface reading gives us plenty to chew on. That’s what so incredible about studying scripture. Surface meaning is profound and enough to maintain a healthy soul.
Yet, if we spend a little time going just a bit deeper, we discover richer food for thought. It is like pealing an artichoke. The outside skin is tough but edible when cooked and soaked in delicious butter. Yet, as we work into the center, we discover delicate, tasty leaves that seem to melt in our mouth. That’s exactly what happens when we dig deep into scripture.
Try this process with one passage you love. Read it slowly. Look to see if there are any cross references [not commentary but other scripture to give greater insight]. Now write down the verse in your own words. Ask the Lord to help you peel another layer so you can digest more deeply. The more you dig the more you taste Jesus’ Love.
10-15 Jeremiah 36:27:—37:2; Psalm 5,6,10,11; 1 Corinthiens 14:1-12; Matthew 10:16-23
The disciples were graduating from ‘Jesus class’ so to speak. They were ready to at least go out two by two, into the masses, to heal the sick, share the love of Christ and help return people’s focus to God. Nothing beats doing the job that needs to be done instead of always observing someone else.
This passage is timeless, isn’t it. No matter what the job or what we are trying to do, but especially when going into the secular world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, be prepared! I believe that’s the Scout motto - “Be Prepared.”
I’ve seen guests on television shows trying to argue their position on a topic but I could tell they were not prepared for the crushing interruptions by the moderator. They provide a good argument but it is not good enough for the skeptic. Like wolves, the secular world can tear us apart if we try to share the gospel when we have not been living up to the expectations of our Lord.
Think about it: All who are baptized and who affirm Jesus as Lord are called to share our own story of
transformation into the Christian life. If we do nothing else, we must recall our story, understand our conversion and share that story with one who inquires. It should be three minutes or less. Yet, few have been asked to prepare a story and prepare to share it at a moment’s notice. Now, more than ever, is the time to Be Prepared.
Take a few minutes to deliberate on three parts. First, what was your life like before you understood Jesus Christ as Lord of your life? Second, what was the turning point, the moment you repented and gave all your sin to Christ who died for us? When did you fall into Love with Christ? Third, how have you lived your life beyond the expectations of the secular world since that time?
Daily scripture reading will provide deeper roots in Christ, enable us to strengthen our story and make us ‘wise as serpents and innocent as doves’ amongst the wolves.
Daily scripture reading will provide deeper roots in Christ, enable us to strengthen our story and make us ‘wise as serpents and innocent as doves’ amongst the wolves.
10-16 Jeremiah 37:3-21; Psalm 119:1-24, Psalms 12,13,14;
1 Corinthiens 14:13-25; Matthew 10:24-33
This is a continuation of yesterday’s thoughts. If, indeed, we know our story, live our story and give our story to those we meet, we acknowledge Jesus before all people. In fact, by doing so we fulfill our mandate to ‘know God and make God known to others.’ It’s as easy as that. Just live a life knowingly glorifying God at all times.
Remember years ago, when it was the fashion to wear rubber wrist bands? We had all sorts of sayings on them to remind us to BE according to our convictions. One band that was popular among Christians was the one that read “WWJD” . . . “What Would Jesus Do?” I recall these words each time I enter a grocery store. Most of the healthy foods are on the outer “U” so I’d simply take my list around the “U” first. Then I’d look at the other items and decide WWJD?
I am still able to stick to my healthy eating habits because of that small discipline many years ago.
On the other hand, when we forget those words and step away from our focus on the Lord, others notice. If we are trying to live a Christian life looking like we are part of the secular world, we have much to learn. “Jesus loves us, this we know, for the Bible tells us so…” might be forever on hour hearts but how are we loving Him back? Read Romans 1. If we slack off on making our Lord #1, if we stop coming into His presence, like attending church on Sundays, if we ‘worship’ creaturely comforts over our Creator, God will allow us to do so. He will simply let go of us, allow us to live according to our own devices. In turn, as we slip away from God, God will slip away from us . . . simply let go of us.
Think about it: Have there been tough times in your
Christian walk? Join the club. Being ‘different’ is not easy. Standing tall and strong in that difference is very difficult. We cannot live the Christian life in isolation. That is why we must get involved in at least one Christian group, beside our weekly worship service, where we are affirmed and are able to affirm others. It may be a Bible study, a Christian book group, a weekly family group or growth group. Being in Christian community weekly is the best way to remain focused on our Lord and grow in strength to stand firm and tall as ‘different’ in this secular world. That difference is what draws people to us with questions regarding the source of that strength. By doing so you are a walking acknowledgement that Jesus is Lord of your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment