Blog Archives

March 1 Worship

2/22/2015

This Sunday brings us to look at the spiritual discipline of Submission. I'll bet that when you first hear that word, you probably want to cringe. It's probably because the word strikes a negative connotation with you. You would rather be the master of your fate and determine the direction of your life. After all, you would perhaps want to be a person who wants to feel like you are in control of everything.

Consider now the words of Jesus as taken from today's Gospel Reading:

"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34

To be a follower of Jesus involves self-denial. You are making a commitment to his way of life. How do Jesus' words resonate with you? It's saying no to yourself and yes to Jesus. It is acting in obedience to the way of life he desires for you.

Then, too, elsewhere in the New Testament we have these words of the apostle Paul:

"Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21

Being subject to others? As you read further in this chapter you will see the mutual subjection that Paul describes. We do not always seek to have our own ways; we must seek what is best in whatever relationship we find ourselves.

For this Sunday's worship, I would invite you to read the Gospel Mark 8:31-38 as well as Ephesians Chapter 5. May God's blessings be upon the study of these words of Scripture and your worship this Sunday.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

How much do you feel you are living in obedience to all that your Lord has commanded you to do? Where might there be room for growth?

What might change for you in this season of Lent?

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February 22 Worship

2/15/2015

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During the season of Lent my focus for the Sunday worship will be on spiritual disciplines. I will be covering Confession, Submission, Simplicity, Meditation, and Prayer.

This Sunday my focus is on Confession. As Lent is a time for self-examination, I believe we do need to look closely at our condition and what caused Jesus to go to the cross. If we are open and honest we will find how we have missed the mark in living in God's ways. Will we even admit that there are things for which we are not aware and have grieved God?

We have these words in Scripture: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9

Confession can be corporate or individualistic. Our Sunday morning worship makes use of corporate confession. However, your own personal confession will also assist you in this season. It is bringing to mind specific sins for which you realize you have grieved God.

As we do admit our sin, we also can find forgiveness. Our brokenness can be overcome. We then can know in the words of Psalm 51, "the joy of our salvation."

I would invite you to make use of this discipline in this season of the church.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Do you make use of confession often in your own personal devotions?

How might you make use of the discipline of confession during this time of Lent?

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February 15 Worship

2/8/2015

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This coming Sunday brings us to the end of the season of Epiphany. Throughout Epiphany we have learned about Jesus healing sick and casting out demons as a way of revealing his glory. HIs glory now comes to a height with his transfiguration. His own being becomes transformed to give further identity about himself.

We read in Mark's account:

"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus." Mark 9:2-4

We note that Jesus took only his inner circle of disciples and they alone were privileged to experience the glory of their Lord! The narrative continues where Peter asks about making dwellings for them so that they can stay on the mountain. It doesn't come to be. They descend from the top of the mountain and continue on in his mission.

We are those reading about this event - after the fact. This event can bring confidence to us about Jesus' being. Perhaps we will even experience a spiritually exciting moments for ourselves during the course of our lives.

I invite you to reflect on this event in our Lord's life as you prepare for Sunday's worship.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Can you imagine what Moses and Elijah were talking about with Jesus? Have you ever wondered?

Has a peak experience ever come to you where you felt you were on a spiritual high?

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February 8 Worship

2/2/2015

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As we continue in Mark's Gospel we discover more of Jesus power in healing. In this Sunday's Gospel we have Jesus bringing healing to Peter's mother-in-law. Somehow, word gets out and others who are sick or possessed with demons are brought to Jesus.

We have the words recorded in Mark's Gospel:

"Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them." Mark 1:30-31

We would note the reaction of Peter's mother-in-law, where she began to serve them. Probably this involved showing hospitality and making a meal for Jesus and the disciples who were present. Likewise for us as disciples, we are called upon to serve others. It might involved showing hospitality to other Christians or it might mean bringing a meal to someone going through a difficult time.

Mark continues on in this even with these words of Jesus:

"Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do." Mark 1:38

Then, we would notice that Jesus' work didn't stop with Peter's home. Even though others were bringing people to Jesus for healing, he still had to move on to other towns. Our work as disciples calls us to go out into the highways and byways of life to serve others.

I hope you will reflect on these words of Scripture and how you might be doing the work of God's kingdom. The reign of God is one of service.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Can you think of ways where you could be in service to others?

Maybe you have prayed for healing of an illness and saw yourself being in remission or complete healing. How did you respond when healing came?

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March 1 Worship

February 22 Worship

February 15 Worship

February 8 Worship

I invite you to reflect on these words of Scripture in preparing for worship.

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