Friday 31 May 2013

Friday - constant forgiveness, constant responsibility

Prayer:   Lord Jesus Christ,  let Your healing love enfold us this day so that we can be instruments of Your love.   Lord Jesus Christ,  let Your healing love spring up within us so that with great delight we can do Your will.  Amen

Read  St Luke 17: 1 – 4

Jesus then instructs the disciples that hard trials and temptations will come their way.    It is a part of life.      Be alert to these trials and temptations.  

Jesus continues to say that if the disciples see a friend not following the path to God,  to correct the friend.  If the friend repents,  then forgive the friend.  Even if the friend continues to behave badly,  the disciples must constantly forgive their friend.  

Constant forgiveness.    Constant responsibility.      Two extremely difficult things to do in our life  yet Jesus is instructing the disciples (and us) that forgiveness and responsibility are central to our faith.    Reflect-- how does our Church constantly forgive and is constantly responsible.

Let us journey together with an Ignatian Examen time of Reflection and Prayer:

1.  Give God thanks for all you have received.   Give God thanks for the big things you have received as well as all the small things you have received.    Remember the “things” are not monetary.  Faith,  life,  family…..    What have you received in your life that you are thankful?  

2.  Ask for the grace to know your sins and to root them out.
Spend time on this statement.  Ask God to help you root out the things in your life that are sinful…. or caused hurt to yourself…. or caused hurt to others….   
Ask God to help you remember and then ask for forgiveness of things you have said or not said… for things you have done or not done.
Be greatful for the life God has given to you.

3.  Reflect over the day.  What actions,  thoughts, words, feelings have you had?   Have your actions, thoughts, words, and feelings led you to God?  Have you remembered to constantly forgive yourself and others?  Have you remembered to be constantly responsible for your own actions? 

4.  Ask God to forgive your sins and faults
It is in asking forgiveness of God that we become whole people of God.

5.  With God’s help,  what one thing will you resolve to change in your life tomorrow so that your life is a reflection of God?

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Thursday 30 May 2013

Thursday - listening

Prayer:   Wake us up O Lord this day to the needs of all peoples.   Wake us up O Lord this day to answer Your call of helping others.  Amen.

Read St Luke 16: 19 – 31

To emphasis to the Pharisees (and us today) the conflict of possessions and piety,  Jesus tells a parable.  This is a “wake up” parable.   Jesus begins this parable by telling of a rich man and a poor man.  The  rich man  had everything and lived in luxury.     The poor man was covered with sores and had to beg for everything in his life.

Then both men die.   Lazarus is taken up by the angels to the lap of Abraham.   The rich man is in hell and in torment.  The rich man,  who has had everything he could want in his life looks up and calls out to Abraham to have mercy and  to ask for Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool the rich man’s tongue for he is in torment.

The rich man knows Lazarus as he calls him by name.  Yet,  even though Lazarus sat outside the door of the rich man’s house,  the rich man did not help Lazarus.    The rich man with all his wealth ignored the needs of the poor and sick.    

Abraham tells the rich man that he can not send Lazarus to help him… the rich man had all of his life to help others yet he chose to ignore the needs of others.

The rich man then asks Abraham to go speak to his five brothers and tell them to smarten up their lives and to help the poor and the sick and the needy.   But Abraham answers that the five brothers have Moses and the Prophets to tell them how to live a good life.   

Then comes the response from the rich man… “But they are not listening”.    Abraham responds that if they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets,  they are not going to listen to someone who rises from the dead.

But they are not listening.    

But they are not listening.    Words that we too must heed this day.   Are we listening to the words of Scripture telling us to go help the poor, the sick,  the shut-in?   Does our Church listen and help the poor, the sick, the shut-in?    


Let us journey together with an Ignatian Examen time of Reflection and Prayer:

1.  Give God thanks for all you have received.   Give God thanks for the big things you have received as well as all the small things you have received.    Remember the “things” are not monetary.  Faith,  life,  family…..    What have you received in your life that you are thankful?  

2.  Ask for the grace to know your sins and to root them out.
Spend time on this statement.  Ask God to help you root out the things in your life that are sinful…. or caused hurt to yourself…. or caused hurt to others….   
Ask God to help you remember and then ask for forgiveness of things you have said or not said… for things you have done or not done.
Be greatful for the life God has given to you.

3.  Reflect over the day.  What actions,  thoughts, words, feelings have you had?   Have your actions, thoughts, words, and feelings led you to God?   Have you listened to the words of Scripture this day?

4.  Ask God to forgive your sins and faults
It is in asking forgiveness of God that we become whole people of God.

5.  With God’s help,  what one thing will you resolve to change in your life tomorrow so that your life is a reflection of God?

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Wednesday - gratitude

Prayer:  O Lord,  may we take this time today to reflect upon our behaviour,  our attitudes,  and our life.  May we live this day in Your glory and Your love.  Amen.

Read St Luke 16: 14 – 18

The Pharisees had been listening to Jesus.  They begin mummering that Jesus is sadly out of touch with the community.    The sacrifices and atonements were based on financial resources.   Giving to the poor was based on financial resources.  The Pharisees did not think there was a conflict between piety and possessions.

Yet Jesus is bringing the Pharisees up short by stating that money is not everything.   God looks inward at the heart and sees what kind of person really lies within.    God does not look at people’s bank accounts or the deals they’ve made or the purest animals purchased for sacrifice.   God looks inward at the person’s behaviour, attitudes, and life.

How do we bring our focus off of money and onto God?    Gratitude.    One of the Church Fathers,  Ignatius,  stated that gratitude is the foundation to our relationship with God.    Each day,  Ignatius instructed the Church to do a daily reflection of what they had accomplished each day and whether their day was filled with gratitude to God.

Let us journey together with an Ignatian Examen time of Reflection and Prayer:

1.  Give God thanks for all you have received.   Give God thanks for the big things you have received as well as all the small things you have received.    Remember the “things” are not monetary.  Faith,  life,  family…..    What have you received in your life that you are thankful?  

2.  Ask for the grace to know your sins and to root them out.
Spend time on this statement.  Ask God to help you root out the things in your life that are sinful…. or caused hurt to yourself…. or caused hurt to others….   
Ask God to help you remember and then ask for forgiveness of things you have said or not said… for things you have done or not done.
Be greatful for the life God has given to you.

3.  Reflect over the day.  What actions,  thoughts, words, feelings have you had?   Have your actions, thoughts, words, and feelings led you to God?

4.  Ask God to forgive your sins and faults
It is in asking forgiveness of God that we become whole people of God.

5.  With God’s help,  what one thing will you resolve to change in your life tomorrow so that your life is a reflection of God?

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Tuesday - the Church as servant

Prayer:  Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. I bind unto myself the name, The strong name of the Trinity; By invocation of the same. The Three in One, and One in Three, Of whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.  (www.churchyear.net/trinityprayers.html)

Read Luke 16: 10 – 13

Jesus continues to tell the disciples that if they are honest in small things,  then they will be honest in big things.  

Jesus asks the disciples,  “If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store?  No worker can serve two bosses:  He’ll either hate the first and love the second or adore the first and despise the second.  You can’t serve both God and the Bank”  (Luke 16: 12 – 13.  The Message  Navpress 2005).

Reflecting back upon the parade of the shifty manager –  was this manager honest in small things?  Probably not.    Then when it came time to be fired,  the shifty manager was not honest in  the larger things either.  The shifty manager only looked out for himself.

 How is the Church portrayed within each of our communities?    Would business leaders say that the Church is frugal to the point of being Scrooge – like  in always asking for deals or hounding the business leaders for free items?   Or would business people say that the Church is a spiritual and physical oasis for those in need?


While many of  our denomination’s Churches are land rich and building repair poor,  we must remember that if we are honest in the small things,  then we will be honest in the big things.   The Church must remember to give the first fruits – give the best for  any event or ministry – to think creatively with the monies and volunteers that we have.      If we give our best and not constantly ask for deals,  then our Church becomes a spiritual and physical oasis for the whole community.   This is the beginning of servanthood.

 Today,  meditate upon how your Church is a servant.

Prayer:  Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. I bind unto myself the name, The strong name of the Trinity; By invocation of the same. The Three in One, and One in Three, Of whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation,  salvation is of Christ the Lord.  (www.churchyear.net/trinityprayers.html)

Monday 27 May 2013

Monday - trinity Monday

Prayer:    Creator,  Redeemer, Sustainer -- three in one and one in three.    Each day You sustain us as we live our lives in You.  Each day You redeem us when we do wrong.  Each day You show us more of Your new creation.   May we live this day in joy and praise.  Glory be to God the Father,   God the Son,  and God the Holy Spirit now and forever more.  Amen.

Read Luke 16: 1 - 9
this is one parable that Jesus told to the disciples that must have left the disciples scratching their heads and say, "Huh?  What did Jesus mean by telling this parable?"
The parable is about a manager who is in the process of being fired because the manager is wasteful and lazy and had been using the stores good for his own personal use.  The boss calls the manager into his office and asks him for a complete audit of his financial records.  The manager hands over the financial records all the while coming up with a scheme to keep him with money in the bank.  The manager goes to people who were still in debt to his boss and asks each how much they still owed the boss.  Each of the people are then asked by the manager to pay a reduced bill.  the boss is then thoroughly impressed with his manager.  the boss is even impressed with the manager's shifty style of business.  And why?  Because the manager knew how to look after himself when faced with unemployment.
But what does this have to do with us today?  Is Jesus telling the disciples and us that we must be shifty in our business dealings and only look after ourselves?  Nope,  not at all.  Jesus is telling this parable for two reasons.  First is do not become complacent with your life in Christ.  Do not just slide by calling yourself a Christian and not working at maturing one's faith.  Do not only look after yourself.  Remember that Christ calls us to be a servant.  second is to take very adversity and make a creative positive change.
In Canada,  all Churches and non-profit organizations who hold charity status are asked each year to send in an information return to Revenue Canada Charities Directorate.  One of the tings our National Denomination asks is that each Church's financial records are audited.  An audit is a simple step in keeping the Church finances open for all to see and view.  And as a church and a charity,  our finances must always be open for all to see and view.  Yet,  how many Churches do not audit their financial records?  Or have two volunteers scrutinize the Church financial records?  How many Churches do not state the wages and stipends of all ministry workers?  Is this similar to the shifty manager?   Are churches only looking after themselves and not remembering to be a servant to all?   Something to think about.

Prayer:   Almighty and everlasting God,  You have given to us Your servants grace and mercy.     May we take grace and mercy into the workings of the Church this day so that the community can see our Church is a place of openness and love.    Holy Holy Holy God,  Holy Holy Holy Christ,  Holy Holy Holy Spirit -- three in one and one in three to whome we live in praise and glory.  Amen.  

Saturday 25 May 2013

Saturday - Learning

Prayer:  Creator,  Redeemer, Sustainer… Your love springs up within us and we share Your love with everyone we meet this day.  Amen.

From the Shorter Catechism
Question #4:  What is God?

Answer:  God is a Spirit,  infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness,  justice, goodness, and truth. 

John 4:24
Job 11: 7 – 9
Psalm 90: 2
James 1: 17
Exodus 3: 14
Psalm 147
Revelation 4: 8
Revelation 15: 4
Exodus 34: 6 – 7

Have you ever been in a Bible Study where the question comes up of trying to define God?   As each person shares their definition of God,  each definition seems to be different and unique.      Or have you ever been in a meeting with people of differing denominations and their understanding of God is different and unique?   Or taught a Sunday School class of Kindergarten and Grade One students and listened to their description of What is God?   The descriptions are all different and unique. 

As the living God lives within each of us,  we all have a unique understanding of what is God.   Our life experiences enable us to tell others what is God.   And as we’ve all lived differing lives and had differing experiences,  our definition of what is God is as unique as each of us.     

This day,  read over the Shorter Catechism answer to “What is God”.    God is……

And rejoice in the glorious love of God this day.

Prayer:    Great God,  we rejoice in Your glorious love.  May we take this love and go out into the world and share it with all peoples.  Amen.

Friday 24 May 2013

Friday - Forgiveness

Prayer:  Deliver us O Lord for the sake of Your love.  Let Your healing flow down upon us this day.  Amen.

Luke 15:  21 – 32

Verse 21 opens with the youngest son asking his father for forgiveness.    Even though it was his stomach that originally pinched that led him to returning home,  something new has happened.   The youngest son has realized that the life he led at home with his father and family was actually wonderful.  The youngest son steps up to new maturity and asks his father for forgiveness.      “Father,  I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son”.    (St Luke 15: 21   NIV   Zondervan 1983).

The father then does four things that are incredible.  First,  the father calls his servants to bring  the best robe for his son.     The best robe was kept only for the most honoured guest that would visit the home.   The father  was giving the best robe to his son.    This was the father’s way of showing to everyone that the son was accepted back home again as a son and not a servant.   Second, the father asked his servants to put a ring on the son’s finger.   The ring is a symbol and sign that the son is part of the family.   Third,  the father asked his servants to put sandals on the youngest son’s feet.   Only slaves and the poor went about barefoot.   Those who wore shoes were not slaves.  Fourth,  the father killed the fatted calf and opened up his home so family and friends and neighbours could celebrate the return of the youngest son.  All was forgiven.

But out in the field is the eldest son. He comes near the house and hears rejoicing and music and dancing.    He asks one of the servants what the party is all about.  The servant answers that his brother had returned home and that their father had forgiven the youngest son.     The eldest son stews away in anger.  The eldest son stomps off in anger over his father welcoming his brother home.    The eldest son  had been left with trying to help his father run his business on half the property with half the servants and half the animals because his brother had taken the other half.

The father goes out to the eldest son and pleads for him to join in the celebration and in the forgiveness of the youngest son  but the eldest son turns his back on his father in anger.  

So who really is the prodigal son?   Is the prodigal son the youngest son for wanting the wild life and then realizing his mistake and asking for forgiveness and coming home?  Or is the prodigal son  the eldest son who lived each day with his family and does not ask for anything but becomes angry and does not forgive his father for welcoming his younger brother home?   

Jesus was telling this parable to the Pharisees and Sadducees.  To the very people who are God’s chosen people.  The very people who lived in the love of God each day yet somehow,  the very people who could not forgive those who had turned away from God and then after a time repented.  

Forgiveness is so important for us in our journey as Christians.  If we hold in our anger or stew away in anger like the eldest son,  our lives become bitter and we end up not allowing the love of God into our hearts.     Each day,  remember to ask God for forgiveness.  It cleanses our minds and our souls so that we can be like the father of this parable and always forgive others.   Come home,  all is forgiven.

Prayer:   Great God,  we know that we can always come before You as You have already forgiven us.   We thank You for Your eternal forgiveness.  Cleanse our minds and hearts and souls this day of all actions and words that have brought pain to Your people. Forgive us O Lord.   Amen

Thursday 23 May 2013

Thursday - And then he came to his senses

Prayer:  Forgive us O Lord when we forget to open our hearts to Your people.  Forgive us O Lord when we forget to open our hands to helping those in need.  Forgive us O Lord when we forget to open our souls to Your glory.   Amen.

Luke 15: 13 – 20
The youngest son set off for a distant country.  Away from his family.  He gathered all he had and turned it into money.  The youngest son then  squandered all of his money.     Then he had nothing.  A famine surrounded the land and the only job he could find was working with pigs.   Pigs.   The law of Moses forbade the people from eating certain things.  One of the big “don’t eat this” was pig.  (Deuteronomy 14:8)   And here is the youngest son looking after and caring for the very animals that are forbidden to be eaten or touched.   Now the youngest son is unclean.

He got so hungry and he was willing to eat the food fed to the pigs.   

Verse 17 is one we should all keep in mind!   “And then he came to his senses”    The youngest son’s  stomach pinched with hunger and he suddenly came to his senses.    He rehearsed what he would say to his father.   It began with asking his father for forgiveness of his ways and asking to  become part of the family again but this time only as a servant as he was not worthy.

The father must have been waiting and watching for his son.  While the youngest son is a long way off,  the  father spots his son.     Isn’t it amazing how frequently we can pick out our family if they are in a crowd or a long way off… not by what they look like or wear but by the way they walk or hold themselves.    So too this father spotted his son coming home.

The father is filled with compassion and runs out to greet his youngest son.   Run.   Running in a hot climate is never smart.   The word “run” here translates as hiking up one’s  robes and running with great abandonment and haste.     Dignified men did not run.  But here is a father running to greet his son.  And why does he run?  Because he is filled with compassion.

Even though he knew that his youngest son would be unclean,  this father runs up to him and throws his arms around his youngest son and kisses him.    This establishes his compassion and love for his son.  

Today meditate and think about the compassion of the father.   Do we have compassion today?   Does our Church have compassion today?  How do we show compassion for those who run wild and then return home?  

Prayer:  Help us this day O Lord to come to our senses.    May we always live and move and have our being in Your love.  Amen.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Wednesday - the Prodigal son

Prayer:  Almighty God,  as we live out our life,  remind us to always put You first.   Amen.
Luke 15: 11 – 13

And Jesus tells a third parable of  being lost and found.   This is the parable of the Lost Son.   The Parable of the  Prodigal Son.      This parable is jam packed with thoughts.    Jesus begins to tell of a father who had two sons.  Good so far.   The younger son said to his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate”. (NIV  Luke 15: 12 Zondervan, 1983).   Wait a minute.   The father was still living!   There was no estate yet.    Jesus’ listeners must be thinking,  “what an impudent son!   How rude not only to ask his father to give him money but he didn’t ask his older brother!”.        In Judaism,  the oldest son always received a blessing before the father died and then the oldest son became head of the household.  The oldest son held authority over all other brothers and sisters.  Plain and simple.  Yet here is the youngest son asking his father for his father’s monies. 

Then,  equally as surprising,  the father agrees to give his youngest son a portion of the estate.    What amount does the father give to the son?   Half.    Half of his property.   In Judaism,  the younger son might have received a third of the estate…. but to receive half?  Goodness.  

As Jesus is telling this parable,  his listeners must have been thinking, “Houston,  we have a problem!”     The younger son now has monies he isn’t entitled to as the father is still alive.  The father must now provide for his household with only half of his former funding.   The eldest son stays home and sees his inheritance  marching down the road with his younger brother, the rebel.   

What does it say in the Laws about  rebellious sons?    Deuteronomy 21: 18 – 21 states that if a father has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother,  then the father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders.  The elders will listen to the father and if the son does not repent and continues being rebellious,  the elders will gather the men of the town to stone the rebellious son to death.      What does the father in this parable do that is different than the laws?   The father freely  gives his estate to his rebellious son. 

The father freely gives half of his estate  to his son.  The estate would be not only money but goats, sheep,  servants,  and land.    With great speed,  the youngest son marches off for a distant country.   The youngest son begins to squander all his wealth.   

Jesus told this parable in answer to the Pharisees and Sadducees that Jesus was eating with the riff-raff of society—those who were not acceptable into the society of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.  Jesus was eating with Tax Collectors and others -- the riff-raff of society that had turned away from God.  And Jesus was reminding them that they can come home and be with God.

Today,  meditate and ask yourself if you are like the youngest son?  Have we ever turned away from the gifts God has given us?  Have we squandered the love that God has freely given to us thinking our ways were better?   Have we forgotten to rely fully each day upon God?
Prayer:   Creator God,  may we use the gifts that you have given to us with joy and praise.   May we fully rely upon You each and every day.   This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Tuesday - Parable of the Lost

Prayer: This day,  O Lord,  we come before You in prayer.  Centre within us a desire to learn more about You and about Your Word.  Amen.

Luke 15: 8 – 10

The Parable of the Lost Coin continues Jesus’ teaching on finding those who have been “lost” (or turned away from God)  and brought back into the love of God.   

When we think of coins,  we think of  our nickel, dime, quarter, loonie, and twoonie.    If we drop one of our current coins,  we might give a bit of a look for the coin but if we don’t find it,  it is no real problem.  We have other coins.     

The coins mentioned in this portion of scripture are Greek currency coins called drachmas.    The woman has ten  drachmas (Greek currency).  Each drachma is worth a day’s wages.  She looses one coin and immediately begins to look for that lost coin. Looking at this parable from today’s  Canadian wage standards,  the woman would have lost a coin worth anywhere from $25.00 to $100.00.   Indeed we would all be down on our hands and knees searching out this coin.

When the woman finds the lost coin,  she calls her friends and neighbours and says, “Rejoice with me,  I have found my lost coin”.     Jesus continues telling the listeners that there is rejoicing in heaven when a person who has turned away from God,  comes back into the love of God.

Today as you reflect on this portion of Scripture,  also reflect on how a person can become “found” again… how a person can come back into the love of God.    Is God asking you to help someone come back into the love of God?  

Prayer:  Great God,  we thank You that we can always come into Your presence.  Even if we have been away for a long while,  You are always with us.   Help us to become aware of Your presence this day so that we can live in Your love and Your joy.  Amen.

Monday 20 May 2013

Sunday and Monday - Pentecost

Sunday  May 19  Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday is fifty days after Easter.  On this Sunday,  we celebrate the coming down of the Holy Spirit onto the apostles.   The Day of Pentecost is frequently known as the beginning of the Christian Church.   Today’s  prayer is taken from the Church of Scotland’s  Season of Prayers.


Prayer:   Loving God, We ask for the gift of your Holy Spirit to help us pray as we ought.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
We ask for the energy and vision of your Spirit for those who are tiring in the battle against injustice and oppression: for those exhausted by the struggle with poverty and hunger.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
We ask for the hope and comfort of your Spirit for those whose lives are overshadowed by illness or pain;  for those whose lives are darkened by sorrow or bereavement.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
We ask for the peace and joy of your Spirit  for those living in the shadow of war and violence; for those eaten up by guilt and anxiety and whose Christian life has become hard and dry.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
We ask for the guidance and strength of your Spirit for those uncertain how to use their time, talents and gifts; for those tempted to do what is wrong.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
We ask for the love and courage of your Spirit for those reaching out to comfort the distressed; for those reaching out to others with the Good News of Christ.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
Loving God,  We ask for the assurance of your Spirit  to know your presence with us in our daily lives: in our relationships; in our work and service; in our worship; in our times of joy and pain.
Holy Spirit: Help Us.
In Jesus’ name: AMEN  
(Prayer taken from the Church of Scotland website.   http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/6213/wpstarters120611.pdf)


Monday  May 20
Prayer of Pentecost:  Lord God, We greet you on this the birthday of your Church.
We thank you for the gift of your Spirit, poured out upon those first disciples long ago,
and present with all who have followed them since in faith and obedience to your way.
Holy Spirit of God, We praise you that you are present with us in worship and prayer,
as you have been present with your people in all ages: around us, among us and within us. HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD: FILL YOUR CHURCH TODAY.
We praise you for your divine energy, ever active in the world, from the first day of creation until now, inspiring prophets and saints in every generation,
and guiding your people in their mission and earthly journey. So guide and direct our lives, and the life of your Church, today and in the days to come. May we discover your gifts among us for the building up of the Church: gifts of witness, teaching, love, hospitality and pastoral care.
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD: FILL YOUR CHURCH TODAY
When the Church seeks power: show us the way of service. When the Church abuses its wealth: show us the meaning of sacrifice and generosity. When the Church is wrapped up in its rituals: teach us the secret of simplicity. When the Church seeks its own counsel: correct us with the truth of your eternal Word.  When the Church becomes apathetic, fearful or pessimistic: give us faith, hope and love.
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD: FILL YOUR CHURCH TODAY. Amen.

Luke 15:  1 – 7

Jesus tells the parable of the Lost Sheep with the Pharisees and teachers of the law after they start whispering about Jesus eating with sinners and welcoming sinners to his table.

A shepherd has one hundred sheep.  One sheep wanders away.  The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes to seek out the lost sheep.   Once the shepherd finds the one lost sheep,  he rejoices and calls his neighbours to help him celebrate that the lost has been found.   

Jesus continues to say to the Pharisees and teachers of the law,  “I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15: 7  NIV,  NavPress, 2005).

This is a perfect scripture for the Church today.   Do not forget the lost.  Go find them.  And as we continue to celebrate the Season of Pentecost,  remember and find those who don’t get out to Church or don’t attend Church anymore.   Go find them and rejoice.

Prayer:  HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD: FILL YOUR CHURCH TODAY
Forgive us when we quench the work of your Spirit
by our apathy, self-interest or lack of faith,
and help us to make room for you to bear rich fruit in our lives:
the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, humility and self-control.
Spirit of truth: fill our minds.
Spirit of Christ: fill our hearts.
Spirit of power and holiness: revive your Church.
Spirit of love and peace: lead all nations into your kingdom.
HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD:  Fill Your Church today.  Amen.

Saturday 18 May 2013

Saturday

Prayer:  Holy God,  by Your Holy Word,  we are feed.   We rejoice that we can hear Your voice through the scriptures.  Amen.

Question 3:  What do the scriptures principally teach?
Answer:  The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

2 Timothy 1: 13

We need to read the scriptures each and every day.  If we don’t read the scriptures regularly then how will we know what they say?

  

Prayer:   Holy God,  Holy Mighty,   Holy Immortal One,  Your Holy Scripture is a precious treasure the lies within our hearts.   Your Holy Scriptures tells us where we have been as Your people and where we must take Your Word.    Your Holy Word,  O Lord,  gives us comfort in our distress and joy in our life.   May we always thirst for Your Holy Word.  This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Friday 17 May 2013

Friday - Really listening?

Prayer:    Holy LORD,  we follow Jesus this day.   By his word and Spirit, we are lead.  We will follow You Jesus.   You live for us and intercede for us.  And we will follow You all the days of our lives.  This we ask in Your Son’s name.  Amen.

Luke  14:  31 – 34

Jesus continues giving another example of how those who follow Jesus must have a firm foundation.

Suppose a king is about to go to war against another king.  Before a king goes to war against another king,  he sits down and figures out if he has enough soldiers to win the battle.   If he figures he will loose the battle,  then he sends out emissaries to the other king to ask for terms of peace.   This is the same,  says Jesus,  of those who follow him.  They need to give up everything – family – to follow Jesus.    Jump in with both feet and follow Jesus,  just don’t stand around all day debating if one should or should not follow Jesus. 

Then Jesus goes on to give the example of salt.    Salt is used for many things from increasing the taste of food to healing properties.  But if salt has lost it’s  saltiness (or goes stale), then it is worthless and must be tossed out.  As followers of Jesus,  we can not loose our love and compassion of God.  If we do then we are no better than unsalty salt.       Jesus then asks the crowd if they are really listening to his words.

Are we really listening to the words of Jesus today?  

Prayer:  Great God,  when the path to You seems to become dark,  we know that Jesus will light this pathway so that we can follow in joy and delight.   In our daily routine and chores,  help us to always follow Jesus.  This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Thursday 16 May 2013

Thursday - Firm Foundation

Prayer:  Come Lord Jesus and be our guest this day with us as we live out our life.  Be with us as we share Your love with those we meet and talk to today.  In Your love we ask this prayer.  Amen.

Luke  14:  25 – 30

Large crowds were following Jesus.  Turning to them  Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children,  his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he can not be my disciple?’  (St Luke14: 25   NIV,  NavPress 2005).      What?   Would you be as stunned as the crowd with these words from Jesus?

Why did Jesus say we must hate our family in order to follow him.    In Semitic understanding,  the family is always first.  Here Jesus is saying that in order to follow him,  family must come second.      This must have been a real eye opener for a lot of the crowd.  Jesus is taking the people out of their cultural heritage and asking for change.   And we all know about change don’t we.    Change is not always easy to do but in order for us to grow in spiritual maturity,  we must continually change.

Then Jesus gives an example of how a person must follow Jesus.    The example is of a person wanting to build a tower.  Engineering principles state that in order to build the tower,  the tower must be on an extremely firm foundation.   This is the same as following Christ.   If we want to follow Christ,  we need a firm foundation – an understanding of basic Christian beliefs.

What would you say are basic Christian beliefs?

Prayer:    Great God,  You are our firm foundation.  As we seek You out through prayer and reading scripture,  we find a loving God like no other.    Help us this day to build and maintain a firm foundation in our Christian beliefs.  Help us not to waver in our beliefs but to always reflect Your love in all we do and say.  This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Wednesday - Dinner in the Kingdom of God

Prayer:  We turn our eyes to You this day O LORD.   We look to You and know that You love us no matter what we do or say.   Thank You O LORD that we can come to You and You welcome us.   In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Luke 14:  15 – 24

One of the guests at dinner said to Jesus how fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom.  Jesus replied to the guest with a parable of a man who planned a wonderful banquet party and invited many guests.  When it was time for the party,  the man sent his servant out to tell those who had been invited to come to the party.   Alas,  not one of those who were invited could attend the party.  They all had excuses as to why they could not attend the party.  And their excuses were pretty pathetic.  
So the man sent his servants out to the streets and alleys and invite those who were poor and crippled and blind and lame.   The servant did his master’s bidding but there was still room at the banquet table.  So the man told his servant to go out again and go further afield to the country lanes and invite people to his party.    
The man then says that not one of the men who were invited will get a taste of his  banquet. 

Some Scholars state that this parable is an allegory for God and who will get in to the Kingdom of God.   The man is God and the servants are the prophets and apostles who go out and spread God’s word… God’s special invitation.    Other Scholars state that this parable is all about people assuming because they attend Synagogue on Friday or   Church on Sunday that they will be able to enter Heaven,  yet by turning a deaf ear to God’s teaching  they show they care more about being seen that being a person of belief.
The people who were invited to the party (Kingdom of God) turned down God by their own choice.

How does our Church today  invite people to the Kingdom of God?   Do we invite in those who are poor and crippled and blind and lame and those who have no access to a worshipping community?  
   
Prayer:  You invite us this day O LORD to your banquet table and we say a resounding, “yes we will come to Your table”.    Help us to always remember that we  must listen to Your voice and Your words this and every day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Tuesday - invite someone new to the table

Prayer:  Restore us O Lord and renew our souls.  May Jesus  filling our hearts with renewed life and enthusiasm in order to fulfil the needs of the Church.   May our love flow into our actions and relationships with others this day.  Holy God,  Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One grant us Your love and peace.  Amen.

Luke 14:  12 – 14

Jesus continues to speak to his host (the Pharisee) and suggests that the next time the host invites people to a meal,  to invite people other than his family and friends.  Invite people who never get out.  Invite misfits.  Invite those who just don’t fit in with the life of a Pharisee.

Jesus says that if the host invites those who are not like him (the Pharisee) to a meal,  he will be blessed and the favour will be returned at the resurrection.

Inviting people to a meal who aren’t your family and friends.   This takes any of us out of our comfort zone.   Yet God never said being a Christian would be comfortable.

Think back to the last time you had a meal at Church.  Were you surrounded by people you knew?  Was there anyone standing near a wall because they didn’t know anybody?  Jesus reminds us that we need to go over to those who don’t know anybody and invite them to join you at the table where you are sitting.

Work of the Synod:  Remember in your prayers the Presbytery of Winnipeg as they meet on Thursday May 16. 

Prayer:  Great God, we come before You today in gratitude for Your Word to us today.    Help us to find blessings and opportunities in event the most challenging experiences.   This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Monday 13 May 2013

Monday - servanthood

Prayer:  O God,  Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  Your Word is a light to lighten the nations of the world about Your love and goodness.   May we take Your Word with us where ever we go this day.  Amen.

Luke 14:  7 – 11

Jesus looks around the table and notices how the guests have picked the places of honour at the table.   Jesus tells them a parable about hospitality and manners and servanthood.

Jesus tells them when someone invites you to dinner,  don’t take the place of honour.  Someone more important than you might have been invited by the host.  Then the host will call out in front of everyone, “You are in the wrong place”.   You will be embarrassed when you have to get up and move out of the place of honour to the last place available.  

Jesus continues to say that when a person is invited to sit at table,  to choose the lowest place… the worst place and the host night very well invite you up to a better place at the table. 

Behind this story of good manners at parties,  Jesus is also reminding the Pharisees and guests that if they continue to walk around thinking they are better than everyone else and always expect special treatment,  they will end up flat on their faces in embarrassment.    But  if people are content with who they are and not put on any airs nor expect special treatment,  then you will become a much better person who looks out for others and not just themselves.  

This is a very important parable for us today.   More and more in Canada,  people are expecting special treatment.   People are thinking they are better than anyone else.   As a Church,  we must be alert to thinking we are better than anyone else – or alert to thinking we are better than any other Church in our community.     All Churches must strive for excellent hospitality,  excellent manners,  and excellent servanthood.  It is in our serving that we bring the love of God into the neighbourhood.

Prayer:   O Christ,  You are our firm foundation.  It is through Your teachings and Your parables that we learn to be servants of God.   Open our eyes to the new opportunities that God is calling us to be involved with this day.    This we ask in Your name.  Amen.

Sunday 12 May 2013

Sunday - Easter Season -- Mother's Day

Prayer:   Breathe on us,  breath of God.  Fill us with life anew, that we may love what You love, and do what You would do.  Breathe on us, breath of God until our hearts are pure.  Until our will is one with You to do and to endure.   Breathe on us, breath of God till we are wholly Yours.  Until this earthly part of us glows with Your fire divine.  Breathe on us, breath of God so shall we never die.  But live with You the perfect life of Your eternity.  Great God,  be with our Mother's  this day.  May we rejoice knowing that they gave us life and love.  This we ask in Your Son's name.  Amen

(Breathe on Me, Breath of God.   Text by Edwin Hatch.  Music by Robert Jackson).