Psalm 84:2 “Even a sparrow finds a home and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.”
As I walked into my office this morning I looked at the tree that is next to the steps. In it was a nest and on that nest sat a mourning dove. Her soft eyes watched me with caution, not sure of my intentions. I just stood and looked at her.
In looking at the location of the nest, it is next to a wall and is protected from the north winds, a good location to raise young. I find it fitting that this dove would find sanctuary so near to God’s house. Eventually other birds will build and are building nests around this place, all seeking protection in the presence of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we followed the example of this dove, to seek shelter in the presence of God. The community of Christ offers us protection from the harsh winds of the evil one. God offers to cover us as a mother hen would cover her chicks, if we but ask.
As this summer progresses and we go about our lives, do not forget that there is a place of refuge, a place for rest, a place of safety, a place that is part of the body of Christ. Don’t forget the church.
Amen
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
because you love...
John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commandments".
This statement portrays the beauty of the Christian belief. Love. In the laws of Moses, you were commanded to obey. If you did not obey, bad things would happen. You obeyed the Mosaic laws to prosper and to avoid hell.
Many ministers and churches today preach that if you don't live right, you will go to hell, so you must live right in order to get to heaven. Basically a rewards program. But that is not what Jesus taught, he taught love.
Here is another way to read this "Keep my commandments, for no other reason than that you love me." The Love of Christ should be the only motivator for obeying Christ. He tells us that because of his love for us he brings comfort and peace, but that is for those who love him.
We need to ask ourselves, why do we obey Christ, why do we go to church, why do we read the bible? If the answer is not "Because I love God' then we need to do a serious rethink of our faith.
Love is the only reason and motivation to follow Christ. If you love him... well you finish the sentence
Amen
This statement portrays the beauty of the Christian belief. Love. In the laws of Moses, you were commanded to obey. If you did not obey, bad things would happen. You obeyed the Mosaic laws to prosper and to avoid hell.
Many ministers and churches today preach that if you don't live right, you will go to hell, so you must live right in order to get to heaven. Basically a rewards program. But that is not what Jesus taught, he taught love.
Here is another way to read this "Keep my commandments, for no other reason than that you love me." The Love of Christ should be the only motivator for obeying Christ. He tells us that because of his love for us he brings comfort and peace, but that is for those who love him.
We need to ask ourselves, why do we obey Christ, why do we go to church, why do we read the bible? If the answer is not "Because I love God' then we need to do a serious rethink of our faith.
Love is the only reason and motivation to follow Christ. If you love him... well you finish the sentence
Amen
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I AM
John 14:6 "Jesus said to him,"I AM the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
Powerful and often disturbing words. To some these words are elitist, to others the are only for followers of Christ and are not meant for non-believers. I believe that these words are for all. That to truly come in to relationship with God the father, you have to come to the Son first.
Jesus Christ was sent as the final sacrifice of salvation. Christ was able to bridge the chasm between our sinfulness and the perfection of the Father. When we approach God, we must first come to Jesus, for he and only he can be our advocate and only his atoning blood can make us clean.
When we look at the Holy Spirit, we see the comforter who points us to Jesus. We come to Jesus for his saving grace and by believing in him, we are washed white as snow and presented to the Father. The Father has prepared the banquet in which we may feast for eternity.
This offer is given to everyone, no one will be able to say they were not given a chance, the Holy Spirit sees to that. People choose, have chosen and will choose whether to follow the light, or stand in the darkness. The Holy Spirit shines that light to Christ, who is the way.
Paul would later write "That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11) Some will bow in triumph and some in defeat, but there will come a time when the whole world will bow, and confess, because Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. There is no other way to come to the Father and share in eternal life.
Amen
Powerful and often disturbing words. To some these words are elitist, to others the are only for followers of Christ and are not meant for non-believers. I believe that these words are for all. That to truly come in to relationship with God the father, you have to come to the Son first.
Jesus Christ was sent as the final sacrifice of salvation. Christ was able to bridge the chasm between our sinfulness and the perfection of the Father. When we approach God, we must first come to Jesus, for he and only he can be our advocate and only his atoning blood can make us clean.
When we look at the Holy Spirit, we see the comforter who points us to Jesus. We come to Jesus for his saving grace and by believing in him, we are washed white as snow and presented to the Father. The Father has prepared the banquet in which we may feast for eternity.
This offer is given to everyone, no one will be able to say they were not given a chance, the Holy Spirit sees to that. People choose, have chosen and will choose whether to follow the light, or stand in the darkness. The Holy Spirit shines that light to Christ, who is the way.
Paul would later write "That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11) Some will bow in triumph and some in defeat, but there will come a time when the whole world will bow, and confess, because Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. There is no other way to come to the Father and share in eternal life.
Amen
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