Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created…”
What better place to start the year than with the start of the bible? “In the beginning God created...”, these powerful words start the book that is the foundation of religion for most of the people around the world. It is within the covers of this book that we can see a chance for a new beginning.
God is the god of new beginnings. God created and then nurtured this world and creation. God cleaned up the mess we made many times and still shows love towards us. We read about Noah, and God saving humanity, and about Joseph and God saving Israel. We read on and see how kingdoms were given beginnings, and people over and over given new beginnings. Then we see the ultimate in new creations, Jesus Christ, God’s son, the word made flesh, sent to earth to save the world.
God is not done creating, and that is the assurance we have in Christ. This New Year can be a new opportunity to be a new creation in Christ. The question you have to ask yourself is, “am I truly happy this way?” If you aren’t then it is time to be created in the image of Christ.
Beginning is what it’s all about. Can you be a new creation in Christ? Do you want to be? God is ready to begin again, and all you have to do is ask.
Amen
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Gifting
2nd Timothy 1:6a “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…”
The holidays are upon us. We run around in a frenzy worrying about what gift to give who, how we are going to pay for it and what will we do if Aunt Martha gives us another of her “special” fruitcakes. In essence, the time of celebration becomes a time of worry and concern.
But we need to stop the frenzy and remember the gifts that God has given us. We live in a time of Gospel Illiteracy and Spiritual Malnutrition. For those of us who grew up in an earlier tradition, we may not remember not knowing about Jesus or the Nativity, but there are whole generations who only know Christmas as a time to shop and get gifts.
We have been given a gift that needs to be shared. As the church ages it, we need to be aware that the new people coming in may not know about Christ, and it is up to us to teach.
When people come into the church, they first need fed and nourished, not put to work. We as a church need to be willing to teach and help the younger generations to grow in Christ. We have been given the gift of experience and knowledge and wisdom.
To all of us who have some age on us, this is a reminder that our job is just getting started, our call has been given, and Paul is reminding us that we have a gift that needs to be shared.
If you are worried about the gift you can give to those around you, give of the knowledge and love you have for the church. Help the younger generations grow and know Christ, so that when they are where you are, they can lead the next generation.
We have all been called to be the gift, it’s time to answer that call.
Amen
The holidays are upon us. We run around in a frenzy worrying about what gift to give who, how we are going to pay for it and what will we do if Aunt Martha gives us another of her “special” fruitcakes. In essence, the time of celebration becomes a time of worry and concern.
But we need to stop the frenzy and remember the gifts that God has given us. We live in a time of Gospel Illiteracy and Spiritual Malnutrition. For those of us who grew up in an earlier tradition, we may not remember not knowing about Jesus or the Nativity, but there are whole generations who only know Christmas as a time to shop and get gifts.
We have been given a gift that needs to be shared. As the church ages it, we need to be aware that the new people coming in may not know about Christ, and it is up to us to teach.
When people come into the church, they first need fed and nourished, not put to work. We as a church need to be willing to teach and help the younger generations to grow in Christ. We have been given the gift of experience and knowledge and wisdom.
To all of us who have some age on us, this is a reminder that our job is just getting started, our call has been given, and Paul is reminding us that we have a gift that needs to be shared.
If you are worried about the gift you can give to those around you, give of the knowledge and love you have for the church. Help the younger generations grow and know Christ, so that when they are where you are, they can lead the next generation.
We have all been called to be the gift, it’s time to answer that call.
Amen
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