Daily Devotion for January 12

Intro

In the days of Jesus, weddings (receptions) lasted a week. They were times of "eat, drink and be merry..." The following passage is one such wedding. Notice that Jesus is present, as you read this familiar passage, think about the concept of inviting Jesus to your wedding and how would you celebrate?

SCRIPTURE: John 2: 1 - 10

1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."

5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[a]

7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

8Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

QUESTION

If you were Jesus, what would have been your first miracle?

QUESTION TO PONDER

Of all the possibilities for the first recorded miracle, wine was chosen, why?

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Bill Schuler who is now at home recuperating

REMEMBER

Hike this Saturday at Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve

Meet in the NUMC church parking lot or a the amphitheater at 10:30

Daily Devotion for January 7

INTRO

Last night at Down Time, I experience a wonderful worship environment that felt like a call to newness, or starting the New Year, or rebirth, etc. One of the Bible passages was Psalm 139. A scripture that I have read many times, but because of last nights worship environment, it was as almost as though I was experiencing it for the first time. Inspired by that passage, it is used for the 11 am worship service Opening Prayer.

O LORD, you have searched us and you know us. You know where we sit and when we rise; you perceive our thoughts. You discern our going out and our lying down; you are familiar with all our ways.

God knows who we are. God knows what’s inside us.

Question: Do you have a friend that knows you that well?

Do you know yourself that well?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

Psalm 139:4

Daily Devotion for January 6

INTRO

As we continue the dialogue of John the Baptist with religious clergy of the day, they are frustrated with John the Baptist not answering the question, "Who are you?" In their frustration they point blank ask him:

SCRIPTURE: John 1: 22 & 23

22 Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "

NOTE John knew who he was,. Because he knew who he was he was able to accomplish his task.

APPLICATION

All of us have a quest, not only to know who we are, but our “mission” in life. For John, he was the herald for Christ/Messiah. His mission (task) was to “Make straight the way for the Lord.”

US

To know our mission, it begins with knowing who we are and who God is. This is the most important journey for each of us.

Lent begins in about a month, our Lenten Series is on Les Miserable, a powerful story of FORGIVENESS. In the musical, Jean Valjean is confronted by the tension of his own identity. His real identity is Jean Valjean, but for the last decade or so, he has changed his mind to Monseiur Mandeleine (the Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer). During that time, a criminal was arrested and the authority believe that he is Jean Valjean. If Jean Valjean, and "inocent man" will serve a jail sentence in place of Jean valjean, but if Jean Valjean claims his true identity, he then must stand in place of the innocent man and serve his rightful sentence. If he turns himself in, many will suffer because they rely on Jean Valjean for their financial support. If he does not turn himself in, only one suffers. What shall he do? His answer is easy, when he realizes he must be true to his real identity, to know thyself, to be who he is.

US

When we are true to our true identity, decisions are easier to make. John the Baptist knew what he had to do, because he knew who he was. Jean Valjean knew what he had to do because he knew who he was.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Once Jean establishes his identity in his decison making process, he does the right thing and in the musical breaks out in song, "Here I am." In our own lives, perhaps we need to break out in song when we are true to who we are and sing "Here I am (Lord).

Daily Devotion for January 5

INTRO

This week we begin a sermon series on the gospel of John. In our passage for this week, John the Baptist is being questioned to "who is he?" In this passage the religious clergy take a guess and ask John, are you Elijah?

SCRIPTURE: John 1:21

21 They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"

QUESTION: Why did they ask if he was Elijah?

Answer: Elijah is the herald for the Messiah (relationship between two)

21b He said, "I am not."

"Are you the Prophet?"

He answered, "No."

POINT: John the Baptist knew he was not Elijah, nor a prophet. He knew who he wasn't. Tomorrow we will find out that John the Baptist not only knew who he wasn't but also knew who he was.

QUESTION: Have you ever been asked, "Who are you?"

Do you know who you are not and who you are (like John the Baptist).

QUESTION TO PONDER

What is the first step for self discovery. To know who we truly are, not a being that merely responds the stimuli of our society.

Daily Devotion for January 4

INTRO

As we make our New Year’s Resolutions, one must wonder if they are in harmony with our true identity. Sometimes our Resolutions fail because we have chosen a New Year’s Resolution that is out of character with our true being.

INRO TO SCRIPTURE

Gospel of John (sermon series until Lent, then Les Miserables)

SCRIPTURE: John 1: 19 - 23 (John the Baptist Denies Being the Christ

19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ."

QUESTION: Why would the Pharisees think John the Baptist is the Messiah/Christ?

QUESTION: Has anyone ever thought you were someone that you were not?

How did you respond?

NOTE: it is probably a certainty that no one has ever considered us to be Christ. But throughout history, every so often there are some folks who have thought they were and some folks have followed after these who claim to be the Christ.

QUESTION: In the day of Jesus, how would they know if they were actually following the real CHRIST?

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Is it necessary for us to know who we are before we can answer who we are not?

Daily Devotion for December 17

INTRO

Less than a week away is what we have all been preparing for, Christmas.

SCRIPTURE

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

OBSERVATIONS

The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God is with us (Emmanuel). It is God’s way to identify with the human race, to be one of us. The most exalted figure in history born in the most humble of conditions, a stable, a manger. Because room was not made for him. The accouterments of royalty were not laid out for him. Not only do we witness humility; but we experience that the most important aspect of life is not accolades; but relationship. We do not need great wealth or recognition. We need each other and a God who forgives us when we fail in this most imperative of endeavors, relationships.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Luke 2:10a “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy...” Christmas is coming!

PRAYER

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Children’s Christmas Mart at North Valley Caring Services (in the gym of Sepuleveda United Methodist Church) from 8 am until early afternoon. Helpers are needed to experience grace and compassion of Christmas.

Daily Devotion for December 16

INTRO

Jesus is not important just because of the setting of His birth. Jesus is important not because his parents were Mary and Joseph. Jesus is not important because people came to see Him.

QUESTION

Then why is the birth of Jesus so important?

SCRIPTURE

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

SAVIOR

Jesus was sent for us.

SCRIPTURE

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.

QUESTION

Who or what is this “Word”?

SCRIPTURE

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

ANSWER

Jesus is the word who was with God and was God and then came and dwelt among us as He became flesh.

Question

What else do we know about the Word (Jesus) prior to taking on flesh and becoming one of us?

SCRIPTURE

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

NOTES

This “psalm/hymn” is perhaps the oldest verse in the New Testament. This passage was recited in the early church. When Paul placed this passage in his letter to Philippi it would be analogous to writing a letter and placing within the letter a familiar song. This familiar song is a clear statement of the Incarnation of Christ. The Incarnation (a theological word meaning taking on flesh or becoming flesh) is a “cornerstone” in ancient (early) Christianity, as seen in the Nicene Creed.

POINT

This is why the news of the angel is so good, it is God with us (Emmanuel)

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son,

John 3:16

QUESTION TO PONDER

How did God give us His “one and only Son”?

Daily Devotion for December 16

INTRO

The most important person in the Roman Empire at the time of the birth of Jesus is Caesar. But little does he know, “theres a new kid on the block.” Yes, a little baby born in a manger and not in a palace, is to be the King of Kings. Lord of Lords. The only problem, Caesar has no clue.

TODAY

Is Caesar alone? Are there others who do not have a clue? Even today, in the midst of the battle “Merry Christmas” vs “Happy Holidays” are there people who have no clue? Where do we come in? Do we have a responsibility? And if so, why is it important to convey such a message?

FIRST CHRISTMAS: Luke 2: 8 - 15

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

ANGEL

When the angels, who come from the word in the Greek “aggelos” which means messenger (one who is sent to announce or proclaim), proclaim their message; the shepherds responded by saying “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened...”

QUESTION TO PONDER

What message are we conveying this Christmas and are people responding like the shepherds responding to the angels by saying, “let’s go ..and see...”

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Luke 2:10a “Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy...” Christmas is coming!

Daily Devotion for December 15

INTRO

This Sunday, is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 1 - 7

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a CENSUS should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of NAZARETH in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

CENSUS

A census was taken by the Roman Empire, typically every 14 years (after the birth of Christ), so it is assumed that possibly it was previous as well. The purpose was for taxation and compulsory military service (except for Judea, only taxes). At this time, Judea was part of the province of Syria.

NAZARETH

Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 80 miles. It was a difficult trip. Travelers brought their own food. the inn keepers provided a fire to cook the food and fodder for the animals.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

The Jewish mindset (like all others within the Roman Empire) to “give unto Caesar

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: Matthew 22: 15 - 21

15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

21"Caesar's," they replied.

Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

22When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

QUESTION TO PONDER

What does it mean to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God during the Christmas season?

Daily Devotion for December 14

INTRO

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

OBSERVATION

The Angel said in Luke 2:10; “Behold! I bring you good news of a great joy....” Christmas is coming! Days from now, ready or not, it will happen. NO matter how much we are prepared or not prepared Christmas will happen. The first Christmas came, prepared or not prepared. Hence, “there was no room for them in the inn.”

In other ways, the first Christmas was not fully prepared; it was not only a stable, but a manger and not a cradle. There were animals at the birthing scene and not midwives. One may even wonder if the straw was sterilized before the birth like in modern birthing rooms.

Then there was the baby shower and all those gifts....

If they were that unprepared for the first Christmas, then how shall we prepare? Got the cards in the mail? Gifts for all family, friends, acquaintances purchased? Cookies baked? Christmas tree decorated? Lights and other outdoor Christmas decorations properly displayed? I can see, that once again, I am not prepared. And like every Christmas: ready or not, here it comes!

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

First Corinthians 13, Christmas Version (submitted by Catharine Philips)

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Daily Devotion for December 11

INTRO

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. Historically, our Scripture is a Scripture read on January 6 (Epiphany). As you read the following passage, highlight the important words/events.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2: 1 - 11

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[b] and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ[c] was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'[d]"

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[e] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

QUESTION:

What do YOU see in this passage?

What do YOU consider the biggest point of this passages?

EXAMPLES (not an exhausted list)

1. Birth of Jesus
2. Prophecy fulfilled
3. Magi (pagans)
4. Herod sees Jesus as a threat
5. and the list goes on...

HISTORICALLY

a lot of emphasis was placed on the Magi. Who were they? How did they know? Why did they come?

In the first service, the choir will sing (from Handel’s Messiah) “For Unto Us” One of the powerful messages of this piece as well as the above passage is a reminder that Jesus is for US. Not just for our Jewish brothers and sisters, but for everyone (us).

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: Romans 11: 17 & 18b

If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.

Daily Devotion for December 10

THIS SUNDAY: Continuing C.S. Lewis “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (Narnia) and wrestling with Matthew 2

2 (Magi) asked (King Herod), "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

KING HEROD

Represents the resistance of the world. He sees the advent of the Messiah (Christ) as a personal threat. Some folks today are like King Herod, they resist Jesus because they see Jesus as a threat. Sometimes the conflict of the “king/lord” in our lives is a threat on how we choose to live our lives.

STAR

The wise men followed the star (comet, jupiter and Saturn, UFO, etc.)

Whatever it was, it was spectacular enough for them to follow a great distance. They were willing to “give-up” to follow the star and where it will take them.

QUESTION: Do you know anybody who is willing to “give-up” and follow a “star” no matter where it will take them?

OBSERVATION: lots of folks follow a “star” be it a movie star, fad, or some kind of thing that promises them a “new life” and identity.

HAVE COME TO WORSHIP HIM

This is their goal. They know their goal at “christmas.”

QUESTION: What is our goal this Christmas?

SONG TO PONDER “Angels From the Realm of Glor”

“Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Take time this Christmas and prepare to “Come and worship.”

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 9

INTRO

Preparing for the Third Sunday of Advent and using the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis) let us wrestle with Matthew 2 and the gifts of the wise men.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2: 10 -

10a When they (Magi/wise men/Kings) saw the STAR,

STAR

The wise men were obedient to a star.

10b they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the HOUSE,

HOUSE not stable

Herod will order not infants, but under 2 to be killed.

b they SAW THE CHILD with his mother MARY,

SAW THE CHILD

There eyes perceived a child; their minds perceived a king

MARY

QUESTION: Where’s Joseph?

c and they BOWED DOWN and worshiped him.

BOWED DOWN

Eastern custom of obeisance (signifying homage/submission/worship)

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

GIFTS (several places in OT - the King shall receive gifts from representatives of other countries)

POINT: The king is the king of all the world (gentiles included)

Blessing for all nations and not just Israel

Psalm 72: 10 - 11

May the king of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

GOLD and of INCENSE and of MYRRH

I sometimes wonder what I would have brought to the baby Jesus?

QUESTION: What gift would you have brought then and today?

CHRISTMAS HYMN: WE THREE KINGS (traditional symbols)

(V2) GOLD (king)

(V3) (FRANK)INCENSE (deity)

(V4) MYYRPH (suffering)

What is Myrrh?

It is an herb that is used for medicinal purposes as well as for embalming purposes.

This is why the 4th verse says:

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

QUESTION: What do you think of when you sing this verse?

Myrrh in the 4th verse represents the impending death of Christ and the placement of the body into the tomb.

Interesting baby gift for the Holy Family?

Let me give you a bit of advice, the next time you go to a baby shower and you’re wondering what to get the happy couple for their baby, don’t bring emablimb fluid. Even i know that’s not an approriate gift. Yet, the "wise men" brought myrrh. How wise is that? If they indeed are wise, then why bring it?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.....

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 8

DAILY DEVOTION #2

INTRO

This Sunday, during the first worship service, the choir will sing from Handel’s Messiah “For Unto Us All”. This wonderful piece is taken from ISAIAH 9:6

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

REFLECTION

Luke 2: reminds us that a child is born

John 3:16 reminds us that God “gave us his only begotten son”

But what about the “government shall be upon his shoulder”?

During the first coming of Christ, what “government” was placed upon his shoulder? Was it the message of the Kingdom of God? Or is this passage not of his first coming; but about his second coming?

Nevertheless, this wonderful verse used as lyrics by Handel continues to inspire us about the miraculous birth of Christ. This Christmas let us continue to wrestle with “why do we really need Christmas?”

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his own did not receive him (John 1:11) except for a few (some shepherds, etc.). Ironically, magi from the east traveled great distances to bring forth gifts. These gentiles remind us of the sacrifice to worship the Lord.

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 7

INTRO

On this day of Infamy, perhaps we should ponder how two countries, who were once bitter enemies (60 years ago), are now allies.

How relationships of hatred can be brought together and made new as a relationship of friends.

This reconciliation took time and something more.

Perhaps the challenge for us is to reflect on how we have been bitter enemies with someone or God; and grace has healed the wounds and reconciled us.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2: 1 & 2

1 AFTER Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

AFTER

Thus say Scrooge, “Humbug.” That’s how I feel every Christmas when i remind us that the Wisemen did not appear at the stable on the night of the birth of Jesus. Oh well. I still like the imagery.

BETHLEHEM

a small village south of Jerusalem

Anticipated birth place of the Messiah

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

John 7:42 others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"

1b during the time of King Herod, MAGI from the east came to Jerusalem

MAGI

Not Kings or wise men, but magi.

Not three (3 gifts), an unknown number.

What is a magi?

Magi is the root for magi(cian). Astrologers? Zoroastrian? Persian?

Even though this event did not take place at the birth of Christ, the imagery is helpful for us today as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

NOTE

This is a story of not Jewish Kings, or Jewish Wisemen, or Jewish Magi traveling long distances to pay respect to Jesus; it’s gentiles, It’s most likely Persians, and they are not part of the faith, they are magi (kind of like new agers, or some other unconventional faith group). These folks were not the first sought out for advice from a Jewish audience.

QUESTION

What lesson can we learn from this moment?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Christ died for the ungodly

Romans 5:6b

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 7

INTRO

On this day of Infamy, perhaps we should ponder how two countries, who were once bitter enemies (60 years ago), are now allies.

How relationships of hatred can be brought together and made new as a relationship of friends.

This reconciliation took time and something more.

Perhaps the challenge for us is to reflect on how we have been bitter enemies with someone or God; and grace has healed the wounds and reconciled us.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2: 1 & 2

1 AFTER Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

AFTER

Thus say Scrooge, “Humbug.” That’s how I feel every Christmas when i remind us that the Wisemen did not appear at the stable on the night of the birth of Jesus. Oh well. I still like the imagery.

BETHLEHEM

a small village south of Jerusalem

Anticipated birth place of the Messiah

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times."

John 7:42 others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"

1b during the time of King Herod, MAGI from the east came to Jerusalem

MAGI

Not Kings or wise men, but magi.

Not three (3 gifts), an unknown number.

What is a magi?

Magi is the root for magi(cian). Astrologers? Zoroastrian? Persian?

Even though this event did not take place at the birth of Christ, the imagery is helpful for us today as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

NOTE

This is a story of not Jewish Kings, or Jewish Wisemen, or Jewish Magi traveling long distances to pay respect to Jesus; it’s gentiles, It’s most likely Persians, and they are not part of the faith, they are magi (kind of like new agers, or some other unconventional faith group). These folks were not the first sought out for advice from a Jewish audience.

QUESTION

What lesson can we learn from this moment?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

Christ died for the ungodly

Romans 5:6b

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 4

I don’t watch Survivor. I saw it once, in it’s first season. I am such a wimp that I was horrified to watch this reality show and how people were back stabbing and voting people off the island. Like I said, I am a wimp. I was verging on tears hearing how mean people could be. Like I said, I am a wimp. Could people be that mean? They were creating these “evil” alliances. Planning the downfall of their fellow person. What would cause someone to act like this?

Question: Do these contestants act like this normally?

Or, are they acting out of character?

If they are acting out of character, what causes someone to do that?

Do we have the stuff to survive Survivor?

What would cause us to act out of character?

Why would someone who subscribes to a set of values and then discard them when the “ante” is raised?

Are our politicians confronted with this question daily?

As we climb into this concept we become aware of Edmund's dilemma with the Turkish Delight with his first encounter with the witch of Narnia

QUESTION TO PONDER

Can you be bought?

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 2

DAILY DEVOTION #3 (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe)

When the witch tempts Edmund with Turkish Delight, she knows his weak point (Achilles’ heel). She knows he can’t say “no.” It’s his favorite thing in the whole world. Notice that there is nothing wrong with Turkish Delight. It tastes good. It’s fun to eat. There is nothing sinful about Turkish Delight. What is sinful is how the Turkish Delight is used. It is the beginning of Edmund’s betrayal of his brother and sisters. The Turkish delight is used by the witch to help Edmund to make a bad choice.

In our own lives, there are Turkish Delights, that are not sinful, but the temptation is how it can be used to make a bad choice.

SCRIPTURE: 7: 15 & 16B

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do,

Daily Devotion for DECEMBER 1

INTRO

This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent. The theme is: Turkish Delight (from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.s. Lewis).

Edmund, the youngest brother, is tempted to betray his brothers and sisters when the witch offers him temptation, beginning with Turkish Delight and concluding with the possibility to rule a kingdom.

Intro to Scripture:

Paul in Romans 7, reminds us that we know what is good and what is not good, but sometimes we get caught doing the not good and refraining from doing the good, all because of temptation.

SCRIPTURE: 7: 15 & 16B

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do,

QUESTIONS

1. Edmund was confronted with the temptation of Turkish Delight, what is your Turkish Delight?

1. Does Turkish Delight confront you daily?
2. What is your best line of defense against Turkish Delight?

Thought to Ponder

True or False: Because of Turkish Delight we need Christmas?

Daily Devotion for November 30

This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Advent.

Theme for Advent: (Luke 20:10)

Behold! I bring you good news of a great joy....Christmas is coming!

We will continue discussing Narnia (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) by C. S. Lewis.

This Sunday our theme is: Turkish Delight

What is Turkish Delight? In Narnia, Edmund is offered anything he wants to eat by the witch. He requests Turkish Delight. She delivers.

This is the beginning of Edmund not being able to say "no." She convinces Edmund, while eating the Turkish Delight, to bring his brother and sisters to her. He is unaware that this is his first step of betrayal. All beginning with Turkish Delight.

QUESTION: What is your Turkish Delight (the thing that you enjoy the most)?

What would it take for you to betray those who are important to you?

This Sunday: the PASSING OF THE PEACE

QUESTION: Do we really need Christmas?

CHRISTMAS EVE (Call to Worship)

If our greatest need was for information,

God would have sent a teacher

If our greatest need was for technology

God would have sent a scientist

If our greatest need was for money

God would have sent a banker

If our greatest need was for entertainment

God would have sent an entertainer

But our greatest need was for forgiveness

So, God sent us the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ

INTRO TO SCRIPTURE

Question: Why do we really need Christmas?

SCRIPTURE: Romans 7:19

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing

NOTE: Paul struggles with sin. He does what he should not do; and does what he should not do.

QUESTION

In our lives, do we have difficulty with some things we should not do, and still do?

If we fall short, and do the things we should not do, then what is our need?

THOUGHT TO PONDER

To need, or not to need; that is the question.

Daily Devotion for November 23

Tonight

is the joint thanksgiving Service with our brothers and sisters in Christ across the Street; the Lady of Lourdes. The service is at 7:30 p.m.

The Sermon is on I Thessalonians 5:18

The question is: What if I don't feel like giving thanks?

This Sunday

is the First Sunday of Advent

Our theme is: Narnia (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)

Theme Scripture: Luke 2:10 & 11

The Angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of Bethlehem, a child is born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord.

Theme Question

What if it were always winter and never Christmas?

Daily Devotion for November 10

A POEM TO CONSIDER

History says, Don't hope

On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of Justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

So hope for a great sea-change

On the far side of revenge.

Believe that a further shore

Is reachable from here.

Believe in miracles

And cures and healing wells.

--Seamus Heaney

QUESTION TO PONDER

What does this mean to you?

THOUGHT TO PONDER

There are certain painful experiences that may cause one to desire closure.

In the midst of closure, there may also be a need for forgiveness.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

...And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...

--Sermon on the Mount, Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:12

Daily Devotion for November 9

This Sunday is LAITY SUNDAY.

Karen Soto-White is our fearless leader. Leading us into our theme of 2010; "We Are Family." This Sunday members will share their faith journey.

If you have a faith journey to share, let me know about it. Let's talk

Daily Devotion for November 7

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:31

When the Son of Man comes in his GLORY, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly GLORY.

QUESTION

How do you see God? When you envision God, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Is it “glory”? Or, is it something else? Do you see majesty, or awesomeness? Loving? Compassionate? Merciful? Shepherd? Friend? How about fear, as in “fear the Lord”? or Judge?

The above verse begins a passage where Jesus shares what will happen on Judgement Day. Not a very popular topic. At the end of his life, in the last discourse, Jesus who is about to approach his own judgement day tells the disciples what is like on Judgement Day.

In a couple of weeks, a long awaited movie is to be release: 2012. I haven’t seen it, but I remember back in the early 70’s talking about this “future” event. Back then we were into those kinds of ideas. Things haven’t changed much. It seems like there is always that future date: 1984, 2000 and now 2012 that can be the topic of conversation.

So, back again to our original question: How do you see God? There are many ways we see and experience God. What is important is to be active in that relationship with God, driven by love.

QUESTION TO PONDER

How do you see God?

THOUGHT TO PONDER

How does God see you?

Daily Devotion for November 5

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:32

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

OBSERVATION:

The shepherd separates the sheep from the goats at the end of the day.

POINT:

At the “end of the day” the GOOD SHEPHERD separates the sheep from the goats.

IMPLICATION

Not an exciting prospect. To be separated at the “end of the day” by an all powerful Shepherd (God). Judgement is not an exciting prospect at any time.

Ric, Bill and I have been meeting and discussing a book called Crazy Love. In that book, there is an excellent question, “What would be the first words out of your mouth if you encountered God?”

QUESTION TO PONDER:

What would be the first words out if your mouth if God appeared right NOW in your life?

SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS:

“Lord, I want to be a sheep.”

“We are not worthy”

“Woe is me I am a man of unclean lips”

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Whatever the answer, let these days be a time of preparing to worship God on Sunday. Worship is a time of experiencing God right NOW in our lives. Worship is not about us and being worthy, but about God and God being worthy of worship.

DAILy Devotion for November 5

This Sunday

Is VETERAN’S SUNDAY and CROP WALK SUNDAY.

Our Scripture is Matthew 24: 31 - 46. It could perhaps be summed up in one verse found in James:

SCRIPTURE: James 4:17

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

QUESTION: did you help that person in need across the street?

REFLECT

This is a good week to reflect on our need to help others.

Who do you help? Do you only help those worthy of your help? How about the folks who are unworthy?

When you reflect on the people you have helped over the years, does it say anything about who you are? Do you find yourself gravitating toward a certain type of environment when it’s time to help? Do you find yourself only helping when it is convenient to you?

This Sunday a dozen people are walking for others. I am so grateful for their willingness to walk as well as the willingness of others to sponsor them. CROP is an organization that feeds people locally and globally.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Carol, Joann, Teresa, Judy, Vicki, Phyllis, Pat, Gordon, Charlie, Jeri, Barbara and Mike

Daily Devotion for November 4

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25: 34 & 41

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

NOTE: There are two kingdoms. a kingdom prepared by God for the righteous. And a second kingdom of eternal fire.

The first kingdom is where everybody wants to go, thought just not yet. It is a kingdom that the common concept for criteria is grace. Can’t make it by our works. Yet, this passage turns that concept upside down. Where is grace, when it looks like works. Notice that the works aren’t even the typical concept of moral character, but the works is our response to the weak. Once again, whatever happened to grace?

If one truly loves god, and experiences the grace of god and that love, then as we grow in that love and grace we will begin to love others. If we truly love others, then we shall respond to the weak. In other words, it is love (Greatest and 2nd Greatest commandment) that is the criteria for entering the kingdom of God. The works reflect that love. In other words, you can’t fake love. You either love or don’t. Fake, unauthentic love, no matter how poetic the words are, if the actions don’t mesh with the words, the words are meaningless. James (faith without works is dead); and love without action is not love.

QUESTION TO PONDER

To love or not to love, that is the question.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

The rule for all of us is fairly simple: do not waste time bother whether you “love” your neighbor, act as if you did. C.S. Lewis

Daily Devotion for November 3

INTRO TO MATTHEW

Matthew is the “Do” gospel. It is the gospel that aligns with the Letter of James (“faith without works is dead” James 2:20) more than any other gospel.

INTRO TO MATTHEW 25

This chapter is the last words of the last discourse of Jesus. These words follow six parables about living ethical. This section contains a description of the Parousia (Second Coming of Christ). The focus is on actions of the follower and not merely the words. The scene is heaven, the act is judgement.

QUESTION: Do you believe in Divine Final Judgement?

If so, what then shall judgement be on?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25: 31 - 46

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

NATIONS

There are two basic interpretations of NATIONS

1. Literally nations, as all people of the world

2. Followers of Jesus only

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

QUESTION: What is the criteria of judgement?

ANSWER: How one responds to the weak.

PROBLEM: What happened to the assumption of judgement based on grace?

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Tomorrow’s Devotion may shed light

POINT: This Sunday is Veterans Sunday and CROP Walk Sunday.

At the end of both worship services the CROP Walk Walkers will be asked to come forward for a prayer and sending.

If you would like to sponsor one of the walkers, please feel free to see them after the service.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: Matthew 25:40

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Daily Devotion for October 28

INTRO

Today I officiate the funeral of a long time member, who moved away a couple years back. As a result, I do not know the person. But death, just the same, is difficult.

M.Scott Peck in his laudable book The Road Less Traveled the opening sentence is “Life is difficult.” How true that statement is. It also might be added that death is difficult as well.

One of the difficulties of death is that it takes away something precious to us, a loved one. This Sunday is All Saints Day, a time to honor those loved ones that have been taken away.

Our sorrow is not the result of a lack of faith, but a result of something that once was with us and no longer is.

In the midst of death, one may experience many different emotions. One such, healthy emotion, is anger. One can be angry for many reasons over many issues, none of which one would have been angry with previous to the death of a loved one. But in the midst of death, there can be anger. Sometimes that anger is directed toward God. One may shout out: “WHY!?!?” Or, perhaps one may whisper the question, “is this the best of all possible worlds?”

So, as All Saints Day approaches, let us ponder that which gives us strength to endure the agony of death. I truly believe we never get over it, we merely learn to live with it.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER: I Corinthians 15: 54 - 57

54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55 "Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion for October 27

This Sunday is All Saint’s Sunday. We will be honoring our loved ones who passed away.

SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 2

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die.

QUESTION: True or False: is there a time to be born and a time to die.

If so, then why is it so difficult when it is time to die?

Why does it hurt so much?

OBSERVATION: Death, in some ways, is out of human hands.

We have no choice. We shall all die. Whether we want to or not.

CHOICE: The only choice we have is what we intend to do with the time between birth and death.

SIGNIFICANT CHOICES: honor time and it’s briefness. They focus on relationships (God and others). They do not focus on acquiring. Because significant choices focus on relationships, when the time of death occurs, death becomes more difficult. It brings with it sorrow because the loss of the other hurts because of how deepness of the relationship.

QUESTION TO PONDER

Does this mean to count it (death) all joy (James 1:2) because the sorrow of death indicates that we led significant lives?

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Denise Bispo Brown. Her son, Aaron Brown, just passed away last week. He was 25 and died from complications of diabetes.

Daily Devotion for October 26

INTRO

This Sunday is All Saint’s Sunday. At each service we will remember loved ones who have passed away. I find this service difficult but at the same time restorative.

We will begin the worship service with a scripture reading to prepare us for the Passing of the Peace.

PASSING OF THE PEACE

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 6:5

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

QUESTION: How bad is the world?

(not at all, a little, moderately, a lot, completely?)

JOHN WESLEY

John Wesley used the above verse for his sermon on Original Sin. Commenting on the above verse John Wesley said the following:

How widely different is this from the fair pictures of human nature which men have drawn in all ages! The writings of many of the ancients abound with happy descriptions of the dignity of man; whom some of them paint as having all virtue and happiness in his composition, or, at least, entirely in his power, without being beholden to any other being; yea, as self-sufficient, able to live on his own stock, and little inferior to God himself.

QUESTION: Do you agree or disagree?

What is your description of the world?

Gottfried Leibniz

The German philosopher Leibniz said in the 18th century when observing the world and the problem of evil said that this is the “best of all possible worlds.”

QUESTION: Agree or Disagree?

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet)

The French philosopher Voltaire disagreed with Leibniz and made fun of his position in his book Candide.

Adult Sunday School (8 a.m. in the library)

In the Adult Sunday School we have been wrestling with this issue for the last three months and have a couple more months.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

And we know that in al things God works for the good of those who love him...”

Romans 8:28

Tomorrow, Sunday is an exciting day.

We will gather for worship in the morning.

Our focus: Boundaries

In the afternoon we will have fun with Trunk or Treat

And in the evening we will once again worship: Taize

For this moment, let's play a game (I do not believe in reincarnation)

QUESTION: If you were to be an animal in your next life, what kind would you be?

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 9:36b

like sheep without a shepherd.

QUESTION: What does it mean to be “sheep without a shepherd”?

Do we really need a shepherd?

Why do some animals live solitary lives like a mountain lion

and others live a life in collection like sheep

Do you know any mountain lions?

Do you know any sheep?

NOTE: SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

Sheep without shepherd is like followers without a leader.

Shepherd is a common symbol in the Middle East for leader. Good leaders are like shepherds who take care of the sheep. Bad leaders exploit their followers.

As we continue in ministry it is imperative to know ourselves and what kind of leader we are. Do we take care of our sheep, or do we exploit them?

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER

his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10: 4b

Daily Devotion for October 21

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:36a

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless,

NOTE: The ministry of Jesus was driven by compassion. His compassion was love driven (Greatest and Second Greatest Commandment).

QUESTION: Each of us are driven by something within us. As we define who we are we become more aware of what is driving us in our decision making process. The more we grow spiritually, the more we too are driven by compassion and love. It is crucial as we continue in ministry to know ourselves (define who we are and who we are not).

QUESTION TO PONDER

When you see the crowds, what do you see?