a verse or two
“[Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44
Spiritual Walk and Musings: a familiar Bible story from a different viewpoint.
We used the following blurb last year—it is some thoughts by Peter Graystone in his book 365 Ways to Make a Difference on the story of the Widows Mite. It offers a good alternative way to ponder this morning’s Bible reading and sermon.
“Have a look at this incident through the eyes of a well-off community. It is about a widow who loved God. She had nothing in worldly terms. And yet everything she had, she was prepared to give to him. Through these eyes it is an inspiring story of deep inner devotion. We should have a love for God and a generosity toward him as profound as that.
Now have a look at the same story through the eyes of a poor community. It is about a religious institution that had no qualms about how much suffering it caused. It increased its own wealth by charging the temple tax regardless of people's ability to pay.
So heartless was it that a destitute woman was made to pay an entire penny - everything she owned. Through these eyes it is a crushing indictment of a church that no longer protected the poor, but exploited them. We should examine ourselves and the running of our churches rigorously.
It is unsettling when you see a familiar Bible story from a new viewpoint, isn't it! To whom do these stories belong - rich communities or poor communities? Depending on how you answer, Jesus words will leave you either charmed or challenged.”
Something to do: Charmed or challenged:
“Cut a piece of paper to the size of a credit card. On it write 'charmed' or 'challenged' or both words, or some other phrase that describes your personal response to this powerful story. Put it in your wallet so that you are reminded of what you feel now from time to time when you are about to spend money.”
To Ponder and Pray: Words of praise from the Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology
In the midst of hunger and war
we celebrate the promise of plenty and peace.
In the midst of doubt and despair
we celebrate the promise of faith and hope.
In the midst of sin and decay
we celebrate the promise of salvation and renewal.
In the midst of death on every side
we celebrate the promise of the living Christ.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
closer than your next breath
a verse or two
"For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38—39
A Prayer of Confidence—Psalm 16.
1 Protect me, O God;
I trust in you for safety.
2 I say to the Lord, You are my Lord;
all the good things I have come from you.
3 How excellent are the Lord's faithful people!
My greatest pleasure is to be with them.
4 Those who rush to other gods
bring many troubles on themselves.
I will not take part in their sacrifices;
I will not worship their gods.
5 You, Lord, are all I have,
and you give me all I need;
my future is in your hands.
6 How wonderful are your gifts to me;
how good they are!
7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me,
and in the night my conscience warns me.
8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence;
he is near, and nothing can shake me.
9 And so I am thankful and glad,
and I feel completely secure,
10 because you protect me from the power of death.
I have served you faithfully,
and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.
11 You will show me the path that leads to life;
your presence fills me with joy
and brings me pleasure forever.
Spiritual Walk and Musings: No fear of Sheol.
At the time of David when Psalm 16 was written the common thought was that at death people went down to Sheol, to the world of the dead. A half-life kind of shadowy existence, like being in a swamp, never again able to fully enjoy the good of this life. A place where they were "removed from the light of God".
Today some scholars think Psalm 16 was written by a sick person who recovered and was glad they didn’t do down to Sheol—this tends to be the thinking of scholars who are biased against belief in the resurrection. As part of their argument they say belief in resurrection was not Jewish thinking until around 200 years before Christ. Other scholars disagree saying the idea of resurrection was common much earlier—they point to various Psalms as proof. For example Ps16 was written by someone dying—who because of their own deep relationship with God, they knew even in death they would not be separated from God and hence they had no fear of Sheol—God would save them and be with them and they with God.
This is a truth for us—in the now be encouraged to walk close with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Be they not strangers to you;
but may you know them
closer than your next breath.
Something to do: God is good.
This spring, when looking at the flower which come from the dead looking branch, the new plant or flower that comes from the dead looking seed or bulb – see the new life, in a different form – and know that God is good.
To Ponder and Pray: a prayer from Palm 73.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
"For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38—39
A Prayer of Confidence—Psalm 16.
1 Protect me, O God;
I trust in you for safety.
2 I say to the Lord, You are my Lord;
all the good things I have come from you.
3 How excellent are the Lord's faithful people!
My greatest pleasure is to be with them.
4 Those who rush to other gods
bring many troubles on themselves.
I will not take part in their sacrifices;
I will not worship their gods.
5 You, Lord, are all I have,
and you give me all I need;
my future is in your hands.
6 How wonderful are your gifts to me;
how good they are!
7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me,
and in the night my conscience warns me.
8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence;
he is near, and nothing can shake me.
9 And so I am thankful and glad,
and I feel completely secure,
10 because you protect me from the power of death.
I have served you faithfully,
and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.
11 You will show me the path that leads to life;
your presence fills me with joy
and brings me pleasure forever.
Spiritual Walk and Musings: No fear of Sheol.
At the time of David when Psalm 16 was written the common thought was that at death people went down to Sheol, to the world of the dead. A half-life kind of shadowy existence, like being in a swamp, never again able to fully enjoy the good of this life. A place where they were "removed from the light of God".
Today some scholars think Psalm 16 was written by a sick person who recovered and was glad they didn’t do down to Sheol—this tends to be the thinking of scholars who are biased against belief in the resurrection. As part of their argument they say belief in resurrection was not Jewish thinking until around 200 years before Christ. Other scholars disagree saying the idea of resurrection was common much earlier—they point to various Psalms as proof. For example Ps16 was written by someone dying—who because of their own deep relationship with God, they knew even in death they would not be separated from God and hence they had no fear of Sheol—God would save them and be with them and they with God.
This is a truth for us—in the now be encouraged to walk close with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Be they not strangers to you;
but may you know them
closer than your next breath.
Something to do: God is good.
This spring, when looking at the flower which come from the dead looking branch, the new plant or flower that comes from the dead looking seed or bulb – see the new life, in a different form – and know that God is good.
To Ponder and Pray: a prayer from Palm 73.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
we work together
a verse or two:
"Saint Paul said “the one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose...We work together as partners who belong to God”. 1Cor 3:8–9
A POEM: Our Fair
Our Fair date’s getting closer so we are on the prowl.
We hope you will give willingly with a smile and not a growl.
We all can do our little bit, with time or things to sell.
And if we all co-operate we know it will turn out well.
With plants or sweets and baking, a book pre-read with joy
Something for a while elephant, for craft or a pre-loved toy.
Some can donate ingredients. Others will set up or clean,
Making the tea, pikelets or “snags”.
Join forces and see what we mean.
Written by Annette Waters
Spiritual Walk and Musings: As per the poem.
One of the things I like about our fair is the way we all work together on the one thing. Normally during the year, week by week we all do so many different things...and they all add up to a big whole...but many of these things are in done isolation. You’d be amazed at the coming and goings at St. David's, cars parked there with people doing this or that—sometimes there is cross over but think of all the various groups and ministries within the church. There are a lot of people doing a lot of different this and that.
Of course weekly, on a Sunday, we come together to worship but many of the other things are not so corporate. I know the fair is hard work but I sense a good feeling of satisfaction among those involved. And it seems to me, even though it is hard work—people really do enjoy the being together, working together. So everyone, be encouraged and I hope you enjoy the church fair.
Something to do: As per the poem.
Find that stuff, bake those goodies, tell your neighbours.
To Ponder and Pray: As per the poem.
With a lot of folk coming through the hall, pray they see not just the stuff for sale but us. And pray that in seeing us they see Jesus Christ.
Pray our smiles are real and our eyes shine an acceptance and Godliness that is contagious. Pray that the little things we do to let people know who we are, where we worship, and what we do, pray they result in a harvest for the kingdom of God.
Most of pray that love is who we are, what we do and what is sensed.
God Bless
Jon
"Saint Paul said “the one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose...We work together as partners who belong to God”. 1Cor 3:8–9
A POEM: Our Fair
Our Fair date’s getting closer so we are on the prowl.
We hope you will give willingly with a smile and not a growl.
We all can do our little bit, with time or things to sell.
And if we all co-operate we know it will turn out well.
With plants or sweets and baking, a book pre-read with joy
Something for a while elephant, for craft or a pre-loved toy.
Some can donate ingredients. Others will set up or clean,
Making the tea, pikelets or “snags”.
Join forces and see what we mean.
Written by Annette Waters
Spiritual Walk and Musings: As per the poem.
One of the things I like about our fair is the way we all work together on the one thing. Normally during the year, week by week we all do so many different things...and they all add up to a big whole...but many of these things are in done isolation. You’d be amazed at the coming and goings at St. David's, cars parked there with people doing this or that—sometimes there is cross over but think of all the various groups and ministries within the church. There are a lot of people doing a lot of different this and that.
Of course weekly, on a Sunday, we come together to worship but many of the other things are not so corporate. I know the fair is hard work but I sense a good feeling of satisfaction among those involved. And it seems to me, even though it is hard work—people really do enjoy the being together, working together. So everyone, be encouraged and I hope you enjoy the church fair.
Something to do: As per the poem.
Find that stuff, bake those goodies, tell your neighbours.
To Ponder and Pray: As per the poem.
With a lot of folk coming through the hall, pray they see not just the stuff for sale but us. And pray that in seeing us they see Jesus Christ.
Pray our smiles are real and our eyes shine an acceptance and Godliness that is contagious. Pray that the little things we do to let people know who we are, where we worship, and what we do, pray they result in a harvest for the kingdom of God.
Most of pray that love is who we are, what we do and what is sensed.
God Bless
Jon
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
divorce
a verse or two
"I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little." Philippians 4:11-12
Spiritual Walk and Musings: Divorce.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about divorce this week. Ummm ….. things between Vivienne and I are fine although we do have our moments…normally my fault. Actually I’ve been pondering divorce because in Mark chapter 10, the section where Jesus is questioned about divorce seemed to be the hardest part to preach on. Hence today’s sermon and the following articles are around the theme of divorce.
I wonder if one of the hardest long term things about the death of a spouse is loneliness in the evening. And I wonder how many individuals within a current marriage are in fact lonely in the evening for various reasons (explore those reasons). And I wonder then if in that loneliness, one might start looking at grass on the other side of the fence (and yet when they get to the other side of the fence they realise it wasn’t that green). Let us learn to be like Paul who was content in all things (Phil 4:11 – 12). Those of us who have our partner still with us, spoil them rotten with your love – romance and all – don’t take them for granted. And for those of us who are alone and lonely during the evening – remember – one is never too old to get married.
Something to do: Go on a date.
Flowers, chocolate, candlelight, soft music and why not some poetry from the Songs of Songs………
To Ponder and Pray: A prayer for the lonely.
Lord, we stop to think of those who for various reasons cannot go out on a date. In their loneliness, be with them; may your spirit be a balm that heals. May you be Christ the friend in a time of need; and during that lonely season……Lord…...may your presence be felt. Amen.
"I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little." Philippians 4:11-12
Spiritual Walk and Musings: Divorce.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about divorce this week. Ummm ….. things between Vivienne and I are fine although we do have our moments…normally my fault. Actually I’ve been pondering divorce because in Mark chapter 10, the section where Jesus is questioned about divorce seemed to be the hardest part to preach on. Hence today’s sermon and the following articles are around the theme of divorce.
I wonder if one of the hardest long term things about the death of a spouse is loneliness in the evening. And I wonder how many individuals within a current marriage are in fact lonely in the evening for various reasons (explore those reasons). And I wonder then if in that loneliness, one might start looking at grass on the other side of the fence (and yet when they get to the other side of the fence they realise it wasn’t that green). Let us learn to be like Paul who was content in all things (Phil 4:11 – 12). Those of us who have our partner still with us, spoil them rotten with your love – romance and all – don’t take them for granted. And for those of us who are alone and lonely during the evening – remember – one is never too old to get married.
Something to do: Go on a date.
Flowers, chocolate, candlelight, soft music and why not some poetry from the Songs of Songs………
To Ponder and Pray: A prayer for the lonely.
Lord, we stop to think of those who for various reasons cannot go out on a date. In their loneliness, be with them; may your spirit be a balm that heals. May you be Christ the friend in a time of need; and during that lonely season……Lord…...may your presence be felt. Amen.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
to show mercy
a verse or two
"The Lord said to Abram, Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing."
Gen 12: 1 – 2
of the word that he commanded,
for a thousand generations,
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying,
'To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.'
When they were few in number,
of little account, and strangers in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account, saying,
'Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.'
When it was first announced that Steve Jobs was ill several years ago, if I remember correctly what I read back then, because of his wealth and influence he was able to receive medical treatment that was only available to an elite few – so modern and ground breaking was the treatment. And so it is sad it seems the treatment didn’t work. What is even sadder though is how many people die each day unjustly because our wealthy western lifestyle limits medical help to those where simple basic medical care could help tremendously. This lament is not against Apple or Steve Jobs but more how we in the west are so comfortable, comfortable to the exclusion of others’ well being. Why not muse on what Peter Graystone has to say on similar issues but allow the muse to wander back to things here in Richmond and New Zealand.
“Some four thousand years ago in a city in present-day Iraq there was a curious disturbance. In this place of many gods, each with its own controllable idol, one wealthy man claimed to have had a remarkable revelation. It was that there is only one God, and that he is invisible.
So convinced was he of this discovery that he was prepared to leave his comfortable home and set off on a nomadic journey to a land which the God he worshipped told him was to be the dwelling of his unborn descendants…[read Ps 105: 8 – 15 and]… see what God achieved so that this fragile group could be established as the people of God. People were protected even though they were 'few in number'; a home was found for landless and 'wandering' people; 'oppressed' people were given protection; powerful people who acted unjustly were 'rebuked'.
When God's blessing is given to any group in the world these are the signs that accompany it. They were evident when the Hebrews were a weak and humble tribe; they need to be evident in every nation, humble or powerful, that claims to worship the same God today.”
[copied from 365 Ways to Make a Difference by Peter Graystone]
"The Lord said to Abram, Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing."
Gen 12: 1 – 2
A Psalm (Ps 105:8 – 15)
of the word that he commanded,
for a thousand generations,
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying,
'To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.'
When they were few in number,
of little account, and strangers in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account, saying,
'Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.'
Spiritual Walk and Musings: A covenant with Abraham.
When it was first announced that Steve Jobs was ill several years ago, if I remember correctly what I read back then, because of his wealth and influence he was able to receive medical treatment that was only available to an elite few – so modern and ground breaking was the treatment. And so it is sad it seems the treatment didn’t work. What is even sadder though is how many people die each day unjustly because our wealthy western lifestyle limits medical help to those where simple basic medical care could help tremendously. This lament is not against Apple or Steve Jobs but more how we in the west are so comfortable, comfortable to the exclusion of others’ well being. Why not muse on what Peter Graystone has to say on similar issues but allow the muse to wander back to things here in Richmond and New Zealand.
“Some four thousand years ago in a city in present-day Iraq there was a curious disturbance. In this place of many gods, each with its own controllable idol, one wealthy man claimed to have had a remarkable revelation. It was that there is only one God, and that he is invisible.
So convinced was he of this discovery that he was prepared to leave his comfortable home and set off on a nomadic journey to a land which the God he worshipped told him was to be the dwelling of his unborn descendants…[read Ps 105: 8 – 15 and]… see what God achieved so that this fragile group could be established as the people of God. People were protected even though they were 'few in number'; a home was found for landless and 'wandering' people; 'oppressed' people were given protection; powerful people who acted unjustly were 'rebuked'.
When God's blessing is given to any group in the world these are the signs that accompany it. They were evident when the Hebrews were a weak and humble tribe; they need to be evident in every nation, humble or powerful, that claims to worship the same God today.”
[copied from 365 Ways to Make a Difference by Peter Graystone]
Something to do: Some listening, thinking and reading.
To Ponder and Pray: to show mercy.
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