Matthew 25:25a “So I was afraid”
I must ask your forgiveness for using just a part of the scripture, but actually the whole text is pertinent to the PK’s corner. So when you get a chance look up Matthew 25: 14-30.
We try to wrap out minds around why the 3rd servant was treated so badly, what had he done that was so wrong? He did not lose anything and the master lost nothing, so why the anger?
The answer to this is the 3rd steward did not even try. Life is full of setbacks, disappointments and failed efforts. These are the things that make up the human condition. The worst thing to do is to give up and not try. When the talents were handed out, they were given according to ability. The 5 talent guy, could handle 5 talents, the 2 talent guy could handle 2 talents and the 1 talent guy showed the ability to the master to handle that talent. But the 1 talent guy failed because he was afraid, (at least that was his excuse). Fear of loss, fear of retribution, fear of not winning, all these things figured into his decision to not try. Ultimately his failure to even make an effort caused him to fail.
God encourages us to try, to make an effort, to reach our potential, but too often we don’t try for fear of failing, or looking bad, or just being different. To follow Christ is to put yourself out there, and trust that God will give you the ability to succeed. We cannot stay at home and say, “What’s the use?” Too many people do that already, God calls us to go beyond ourselves and take the one talent and help others.
Imagine the response if the one talent guy bought food for the poor and needy, or helped to build a hospital, or used the talent to pay debts for his workers, that would have been a worthy investment that would have surpassed the 5 talent guy.
It may seem that we have an uphill battle in sharing the Good News, but we have to try, failure to try is not an option.
Amen
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sanctuary
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
In His Prayers
John: 17:20 " I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message."
One of the statements we as believers share is " you are in my prayers." Often this is said when we find out that someone is in hardship or has fallen on rough times. Today's scripture tells us that we are in Jesus' prayers.
Talk about a wonderful place to be, to be prayed for by the very person to whom we pray, the son of God. When we lift people in prayer, we are also mindful of them, and this verse tells us that Jesus has his thoughts on us. Jesus thinks of us, because he loves us.
This is good news to share, that we have a savior that loves us so much he thinks and prays about us. The world view is, "out of sight out of mind", but God's view is always in sight and mind.
Truly we are loved.
Amen
One of the statements we as believers share is " you are in my prayers." Often this is said when we find out that someone is in hardship or has fallen on rough times. Today's scripture tells us that we are in Jesus' prayers.
Talk about a wonderful place to be, to be prayed for by the very person to whom we pray, the son of God. When we lift people in prayer, we are also mindful of them, and this verse tells us that Jesus has his thoughts on us. Jesus thinks of us, because he loves us.
This is good news to share, that we have a savior that loves us so much he thinks and prays about us. The world view is, "out of sight out of mind", but God's view is always in sight and mind.
Truly we are loved.
Amen
Friday, March 21, 2008
and Peter too.
Mark 16:7 " But go, tell His disciples, and Peter to, "He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see HIm, just as He told you.'"
In the passion story, Peter turned on Jesus. Peter thought of himself as Jesus' right hand man, he was the rock of the church, thus the name Peter (a play on the Greek word "Petra" or rock). Here is the one who was the support of Jesus. But on that night before the crucifixion, Peter turned on Christ. In order to save his own skin, Peter denied, denounced and cursed any association with Jesus of Nazareth.
But at the Resurrection, the Angels tell Mary to make sure Peter knows. Why, because even though Peter could not forgive himself, Christ had already forgiven him. Peter was human, and subject to human frailties, and Christ knew the love and strength in Peter's heart. Peter could not live a life of regret for one bad decision.
This is the promise Christ gives to us. He does not expect us to live a life based on our bad decisions. Christ expects us to live a life based on the hope of the resurrection. All we need do is to ask for forgiveness. Christ offers us life and he calls out to his disciples, and you and me too.
Amen
In the passion story, Peter turned on Jesus. Peter thought of himself as Jesus' right hand man, he was the rock of the church, thus the name Peter (a play on the Greek word "Petra" or rock). Here is the one who was the support of Jesus. But on that night before the crucifixion, Peter turned on Christ. In order to save his own skin, Peter denied, denounced and cursed any association with Jesus of Nazareth.
But at the Resurrection, the Angels tell Mary to make sure Peter knows. Why, because even though Peter could not forgive himself, Christ had already forgiven him. Peter was human, and subject to human frailties, and Christ knew the love and strength in Peter's heart. Peter could not live a life of regret for one bad decision.
This is the promise Christ gives to us. He does not expect us to live a life based on our bad decisions. Christ expects us to live a life based on the hope of the resurrection. All we need do is to ask for forgiveness. Christ offers us life and he calls out to his disciples, and you and me too.
Amen
Monday, February 25, 2008
Forget it
Jeremiah 31:34b
"For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins"
One of the problems of being human is trying to forget the wrongs that are done against us. We forgive, but that memory just seems to keep popping up its ugly head. We find it impossible to truly forget the wrong.
That is what's so awesome about our God. He has the ability to truly forget. When we confess our sins to him, and seek forgiveness, those sins are cast on the sea of forgetfulness. God never brings them up again, because they were paid for on the cross.
You see, to paraphrase a statement I heard, God doesn't hold anything over our heads, because his desire is to hold us in his hands.
God truly can forgive and forget. Go and do likewise.
Amen
"For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins"
One of the problems of being human is trying to forget the wrongs that are done against us. We forgive, but that memory just seems to keep popping up its ugly head. We find it impossible to truly forget the wrong.
That is what's so awesome about our God. He has the ability to truly forget. When we confess our sins to him, and seek forgiveness, those sins are cast on the sea of forgetfulness. God never brings them up again, because they were paid for on the cross.
You see, to paraphrase a statement I heard, God doesn't hold anything over our heads, because his desire is to hold us in his hands.
God truly can forgive and forget. Go and do likewise.
Amen
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