Chestnut Level Presbyterian Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church: Quarryville, PA
The weekly messages offered from the pulpit can be uplifting, inspiring, correcting, life-changing. Listen here and know that God loves you and wants to be in communion with you.
It seems we just don't have enough time to do everything we feel we must do. We often strive to break away from the shallow living of the modern life. We desire deeper.
Jesus tells us to ask and answers will be given. We all have that channel to commune with God.
How can we know God's will in our lives? When the stakes are so high, how do we know we are making the right decisions? Are we doing God's plan or are we baptizing or own agenda?
Think of selah as an interlude of sanity. Stop and listen, for a moment of reflection. Resting is an opportunity to push back the world and let God take control.
What are you doing for Pentecost? What is God did that here in The Chestnut Level sanctuary? Remember, God poured out his Spirit on all people. All people.
What do you think of Jesus Christ? What do you think of the Church? These questions were asked of people, with divergent answers. How does the church get such a bad reputation in spite of the glory of Jesus?
What are we to do when we see an injustice? Are we to stop and help or are we to move on? There is only one lens through which we should see the world's problems, and that is the lens of a tear. When the world is at it's worst, that is when the church must be at it's best.
Weekly worship is looked at as an obligation at best. We gather in God's presence offering presence. Worship is a time to abandon ourselves to God. All God asks is for that one hour back. How much do we love God?
Why should we go out into the world, with all its different religions, and teach them about Jesus? We can go out into the world, with all our doubts and weaknesses and still show them the truth of the Gospel. Just be yourself.
Some who followed Jesus did not understand His ministry. They had pinned all their hopes on Jesus. What is there to do after Jesus' crucifixion, when things didn't quite work out the way they had hoped? The message of Easter teaches us that 'it ain't over 'til it's over'. Lo, Jesus is alive!
Perfectionism is a self-destructive approach to life. In living life, we must realize that rigidly following rules ruins life. We desire this purity. Purity in heart is where it all begins. A Pure Heart is a soft heart, not a hard heart. We shouldn't strive for a sinless existence, but rather a sincere existence.
How shall we inherit eternal life? Love God. But how? Good does have a personality. We cannot love rules, or other objects that cannot love us back. We can, however, love that which lives. We can love God with a loyalty that rivals nothing else.
What is it in our lives that we're clinging to so steadfastly that we miss out on true happiness?
There is Joy in the world, but it is not something born of this world. Instead, it is a product of the Gift God gave us in Jesus our Messiah.
In this carol is an extraordinary story. A child has entered this world, a baby destined to protect you and me. The words paint a vivid picture of Jesus' birth.
Jesus came as God to live among us. This is a broad difference from all the other major religions of the world. God came to be with us in the messiness of life.
Those in the Kingdom of Jesus serve others cheerfully, giving to others without hesitation.
What is your motivation for serving? Having gifts in the Spirit means an invitation for us to participate in God's ministry. Good calls us to serve others, to bring the gospel to those who've not not heard it. God sent Jesus as a servant, to reveal God's nature to the world.
What risks are involved in making change? There is importance in change, in reformation. We must be open to reform. The foundation we have in Jesus Christ never changes, yet in our humanity, we change, often astray. Reformation returns us to the true Foundation of our faith.
There is apostasy found more often in this present age, but remember that by faith in Jesus Christ, we cling to God. What's greater than a changed life?
Jesus is leading us all in the dance of harmony with one another, facing Him as out center. Sin broke into or world and fractured our dance.
The Grace we feel, the Grace we live and the Grace by which we are forgiven is unearned and undeserved, yet God gives it freely to all.
The resurrection and life after in Heaven are often overlooked. The truth is we have no idea what is waiting for us. What does God have in store for us in Heaven?
Forgiveness is a challenging business. Forgiving enemies is even harder! The greatest feeling in the world is that of having been forgiven.
Have you ever had the desire to get out from the daily grind of life, to abandon the path of rote living? The nature of God letting go can be painful, yet the theme of being lost and being found is an exposé God's tremendous love for us.
There are good causes for which we as Chrstians are to make a stand. There are causes from which we should refrain. The focus and the basis are always God for what we stand.
What does God's word have to say about social justice? We've been told to love God and to love our neighbor, but what does this mean? Have you ever wondered about this?
God tells us not to cross over the rights of other human beings. It is His desire for us to protect the sanctity of human life. It is better for us to go to God's Word to learn His will for us. It is key to sanctify life and remember the sanctity of it.
Where God speaks about the sanctity of human life is in His Word. While abortion is never explicitly discussed, the sanctity of human life is expressed.
What role should play in public life? Should politics and religion mix in public? Christianity exists in so many nations, which means Christianity persists under so many different secular leaders.
Parenting can be an emotional roller coaster and can exhaust one. One can even be brokenhearted over raising children.
We live on a pluralistic world. To many, one choice seems just as good as another. Is it really that wide open? The world has differing opinions of Christ. Some are competing claims about Him. Who do you say that He is?
The Holy Spirit empowers us to openly admit that Jesus is Lord. The Spirit also deliberately gives us gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. These gifts are from the Spirit and are for us to use in the building up of the body of Christ and for each other.
Jesus' message was aimed at the Pharisees. He shocked them by telling them that repentant sinners still also be in Heaven. The first will be last and the last will be first. The initiative of Grace lies with God. All of us are in desperate need of God's Grace.
When we talk about faith, some think of the terms belief and trust. We are not called by God to be successful. We are called by God to be faithful.
We make or decisions based on certain authorities in our lives. Rules, experience, money, desires, advice... Many are not comfortable with someone else being the authority for making decisions. It is in our best interests to follow the direction of authorities. The authority of Scriptures stands the test of time, being the inspired word of God.
Saul's heart was hardened for the Law; he was a believer in God's Law and was on a mission to put an end to those of The Way. He encountered Jesus on his mission and learned of his errors. His zeal was terribly misguided.
Only as we forgive do we release the poison of our own lives and move on. Being in a prison of unforgiveness, we hold our own keys.
There is risk being a peacemaker. There is important work in being a peacemaker, in spite of the risk.
Let's face it, we are imperfect beings. Even in our imperfection, God has great plans for us. Jacob's life changed to Israel because of his struggle with God. Each of us struggles, with God, with ourselves, with others. How can we find comfort in those struggles?
We are all created by God, with strengths and weaknesses. We are created in love and are equally loved by God, even when mankind treats with conditional love.
We are often shaped by our parents, but even moreso In our relationships with siblings. Some may have grown up being compared to am older sibling or neighbor's child. Emotional damage can occur.
God tested Abraham, just as He tested his own son. When we think of having to do what God asked of Abraham, it seems easy to withdraw from the task. Abraham did not falter, or did he?
What happens when we try to take matters in our own hands? Do those matters go as planned? Do we always forego 'Plan A' when things don't go right? Do we settle for mediocrity in our lives instead of a healthy vibrant life with God?
Do not be afraid. The battle is not yours, but God's. The church has to show up for the battle. The enemy is prone to destroy itself.
Jesus came as Immanuel, God with us. Through Jesus, God becomes more involved in the lives of people. In Christmas, God's power spread to all the people, very real in our lives. Frosty came alive and brought joy to children, yet ultimately he sacrificed his life for others.
We are ask just misfits, trying to make our way in life. From the time we were children, couldn't we remember something about ourselves that wasn't just right? Not good enough? God rushes to meet us even when we feel unjustified.
No matter how one feels about the Gift of Christ to the World, there is no stopping the importance of the Salvation God gave us.
Choice is built into the structure of our lives. When we follow and conform to the world, we will become bitter and dismayed.
What we feel inside becomes our outside personality. Sarah laughed because she was promised a joy she thought would never come and saw the humor in it. The Bible does celebrate laughter, while telling of the Good News of Salvation.
The life of the believing Christian is a life of risking the unknown. We take on risk as we leave the security of the familiar. The risky life of faith is the only way we can take on the world. Abraham's faith was shown in his belief in God. What needs to be done to take that risk and step out?
People can organize to create great things, but to what purpose? Is personal pride involved? Make a great name? Too many try to create an identity apart from God and His Law. They want to achieve and self-worship without acknowledging God. One cannot look up (to God) while looking down (to the self). Remember, nothing quite fails so grandly as a success without God.
What kind of witness have we been, as a church? Aren't we a little hard on each other, politically or socially? What is ministry supposed to look like? To witness means to open our hearts and tell others of what happened, speaking in truth.
Cain's actions in killing his brother were the reaction of hatred. Sin in our nature leads us to astronomical rates of murder. Where does it end? It end with the relationship we have with God, through Jesus Christ.
The Lord intended us to have a mate, a helper, an intimate friend. With such a gift, there is cause for gratitude, for peace.
God created us with the uniqueness that defies human logic. Humanity remains the most amazing creation in existence.
God came to be with us in the form of us to live as we did. Part of that living included the joy of humor in life. We are encouraged to enjoy humor as well as take joy in the Salvation freely offered by God through Jesus Christ.
Can you imagine a world without Christmas? What would a life be without hope? We would be stuck in the burden of the sin in our lives.
"Life is difficult" M. Scott Peck... Get on with rebuilding your lives. Do not ruminate on the past, of what was, for life will be even more glorious. Starting from scratch will seem difficult, but it must be done. Get on with your lives. In all things, everything works for the good according to those who love God.
This world is a bold example of the chaos that reigns in a sinful world. The faith we have should guide our hearts and direct our missions to address the real needs amongst the chaos.
The message of our faith is to cling to the faithfulness of God. The message of faith is to be shared with others and strongly believed.
Zephaniah's message of prophecy resounds true even today, in that he recognized the lack of truth to people's words about faith and belief. As it was then and as it is today, people must be true to their word and their faith, living what they say.
God wants a relationship with all of us, yet we still want to do our own thing, thus pushing away God. The Good News is that we are always accepted by God. The Bad News is that we often reject what we truly need.
People often want change. They want to change the world around them, the people around them, or even themselves for the better. Some believe change is not possible. What can we do as the church of Jesus Christ? Change begins in the heart.
How is it that people can stand by when wrong is being done? Jesus did teach about The Good Samaritan, even after Obadiah passed along God's message generations before.
Oh, how God wants to be in relationship with us! How many times have we turned away, denying Him?
The sin seen by God was like a pungent odor in His nostrils. As a nation achieves success and prosperity, apathy creeps in and becomes a way of life. That apathy is a form of Sin. Even helping others as Jesus did, one person at a time in one place at a time, is an act of faith and hope and love that matters.
The destruction seen in the book of Joel was caused by locusts. The swarm was a living testament as to God's judgment on the nation of Israel. Joel sounds the alarm for the Israelites to wake up and repent. The plague of locusts happened to Israel, but we can experience other 'plagues' in our lives, in our moments on this earth. We are to repent, acknowledge our sins and return to right living.
Hospitality if important to God. It is a down home way of showing the Gospel to others. Offering gifts to others is a way to show love, to show caring. All gifts, big or small, are important in the kingdom of God.
The rest described for Sabbath is more than simply resting. It is also setting aside time to acknowledge God's creation, to be quality time free from the burdens of the everyday life. It is a time to engage in worship. What an amazing gift!
The pressures of motherhood can be great. The expectations of a mom on mother's day are even greater. God sees us all as one of his children. God sees moms in the stress they endure. Mothers raise their children in an imperfect world, yet the care and nurturing of a mother to her children cannot be matched.
We help others through the touch we can give. Jesus healed others through his touch. We can be there for the World in the healing needed.
Christ had the power to roll away the stone for Lazarus and for Himself. Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, as celebrated in this message to the world.
A gate serves two separate functions. 1) It blocks traffic keeping out the unwanted and keeping in the protected. 2) It opens and allows flow to happen, at the control of the keeper. Jesus described himself as the Gate.
The bread of life is a free gift. God loves us and wants us to enjoy the most important relationship in our lives, bringing us the forever enriching blessing known as the Bread of Life. Believe on the Lord, partake in the Bread of Life.
Some make their faith a subjective topic in life, as if there is no truth, or a lower case 't' truth. Jesus' claim of being the way, the Truth and the Life is absolute truth, with a capital 'T'. His is an exclusive truth claim. When He said that, He left little wiggle room, he is the only way to God.
While the occupation of shepherd was a seeming low one, Jesus elevated it to a place of importance. The true shepherd cares for his flock while the hired hand runs at the first sign of trouble. Jesus stayed for us then and He stays for us today.
Light affects us in many different ways. This can include the quality of health. God created Light first, seeing that it is good. Light is also associated with glory. Jesus declared he is the Light of the World, during a festival before many people.
Discussions about the end times have divided Christians since the Bible was published. It is important to study God's Word to know our stance on these topics.
There can be a danger in one's faith if the Gospel is accepted only in meaning, but not as transformational. The gift of Salvation is far more important than just a good idea. How dow one become lukewarm to God? Remember Jesus! Don't forget the relationship God wants with us! Remember the Good News!
The life of faith calls for having a vision for the future. Believers of Christ need to work together for that future.
The Church of Sardis had a reputation looking alive, yet it did not have a life of faith. Hypocrisy was a characteristic found in this church. The outside appearance didn't match the inside. The people would 'fake it'. The opposite of hypocrisy is authenticity. Be yourself.
There is truth in the phrase "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". It is important that false teachings do not creep their way into the Church. We have to remember there is a word of encouragement in hearing Jesus' declaration as the only way. We live in a time when there is a wide array of spiritual belief. We must hold fast to Jesus' declaration.
The Book of Revelation can seem like a mystery to understand. Once the veil of poetry is lifted, one can understand so much more. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, holds the stars (the universe) in His palm. There is no reason to worry about anything, since everything is in His control.
There are many things in this world that cause is to pause and think, not knowing the answers. Very often today, we go through life without trembling with fear over the need for Salvation. Yet we are fearful of so many other ideas that have less impact on our actual lives. Why is this?
Can we see the importance of this coming Holiday of Christmas? Can we wrap our heads around the good gift that has been bestowed upon the world, embracing the love God always had for us?
We often want to operate in our own strength, not in the strength of God. When we are weakest, we are strong in the Lord. God encamps himself right in the middle of our weaknesses.
We place importance and circumstance around places, events and people in our lives. Sometimes we demarcate them with symbols and materials of great value. Put God first and everything else falls into place.
It is key to understand we are here to live and do significant acts in such a time as this. Esther was in a place of royalty for just such a time as to save her people. "If I perish, I perish", shows her obedience to God. Can we carry through when the challenge lies before us?
Are you using the resources God has given you, expanding on his Kingdom? As we think about the Parable of the Talent, are we thinking about the talents with which we've been entrusted? Are we afraid of the Master?
In effort to preserve ourselves, we wear an external veneer that nowhere near reflects what is on the inside. God knows what is inside and wants us to have an inside that matches the outside. Where is our focus? Where is our treasure?
A church can serve as a beacon to the community. A church can be a place for family. A church can only succeed, however, when it points to the Salvation of Jesus Christ.
Building our house upon the rock. It is a comparison of how our lives are buffeted by storms. Non-Christians and Christians suffer alike, aka the storms in life. As we are building our houses of faith, we have to remember it is the foundation that determines our survivability, not the location. What is our foundation?
The verse of today's scripture is to be lived our every day. We are to hide God's word in our hearts like that of a valuable treasure. We want it so desperately that we live it in our daily lives.
What we see depends on the 'lenses in our lives'. Do we see people with value around us or do we see them as difficulties?
When we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are made anew. It changes our attitudes, our outlooks and our interactions. If Jesus Christ is not in our lives, we are unwilling to change.
We've had to make adjustments in our lives in a 'post 9/11' world. For a brief time people in the US lived in unity. How do we endure the changes and the challenges of today's disunity? Let your light shine before others. When the world is at its worst, the church must be at its best.
The beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be seen in the confrontation of us with our sins and beliefs. How is it that we became so firm in thinking that being good takes us to Heaven? This message confronts that belief, as well as relates what is truly important.
Oftentimes the difficulties we face are the result of having given in to temptation. God does not force temptation upon us, just as the temptation of eating the forbidden fruit was not thrust upon Adam and Eve. The difficulties of our lives will always be there, but some of those difficulties are that which can be avoided by good decisions.
People interpret 'bless all the people pure in heart' are misinterpreting the phrase as a call to be perfect. According to the Pharisees, even Jesus was not pure enough. People striving for perfection are not only striving for perfection on the outside, but also on the inside. 'I'm not good enough, I'm not pure enough, I don't pray enough, I don't give enough.' It's in the heart of the person where purity must begin.
Jonah was bigoted against the Ninevites. But wasn't he a prophet? Jonah's heart was filled with love, but only for his own people of Israel. God used him to take part in one of the greatest revivals of the bible.
The phrase of the title is nowhere to be found, but is rather a quote by Benjamin Franklin. It is an adage to bolster the demeanor for those who are working hard in their own rules. They work hard, but do not seek God. It is a lie. We cannot help ourselves before God. Believing in the statement is a feeble attempt to save the self without God. We must entrust ourselves to the care of the Great Healer and trust in God.
We will face difficulties, sometimes one at a time, sometimes all at once. God sacrificed His Son and went through difficulty as well. Give it three days.
Christianity is always just one generation from extinction. The primary mission of the church is its children.
Is your life centered around fame, power and money? Many are hooked on the idea of owning a lot of stuff, which can lead to the 'most toys, least time' syndrome. Money and things do not love us back. Nothing replaces the status of loving others and them loving back and nothing replaces the love of God.
If you were to open up the Bible, would you find the love story God has in store for us? The Bible tells us about a God who loves us and hangs on our every word.
There are times when events that happen we don't agree to. We can love those who've wronged the family even though there's strife. God loves us unconditionally, no matter what we've done. Coming home to God means returning to the love we once found familiar.
We see all around us examples of good mentoring. Mentoring is an investment of one into another. Lives are changed through mentors. We all need people around us, to guide us, to correct us and to love us.
What motivates us to action is often the result of inspiration, in seeing others stepping into action. People are often inspired by observing others and some are inspired when they know of a need. People also find that God can be the inspiration. It is not how much one has, but how it is given over to God.
There are friendships between people which can be described as real and deep. The souls are 'knit together' and it shows in how the friends hold each other up, defend them and even make sacrifices.
Friendship in faith is a readinesss to face dificulties together. Challenges to faith can be better endured through togetherness in that faith. When someone you know sees their world falling down all around them, what sort of friend will you be?
There is a friendship in partners. People working toward a common goal can achieve much, for together they can succeed. People can discover new friendships in such partnerships as well, including working together on church committees.
While we do not pick our relatives, we can choose our attitudes and thus show God's love toward them in a way that rewards.
God's love comes to us for our comfort, not to take away our troubles. If we sought God only to take away our troubles, we would miss the true love God wants for us.
While we feel that God is nowhere near us, we couldn't be further from the truth. Our understanding of the omnipresence of God can mislead us in our decisions.
We have limitless reason to praise God! God knows us and what we are thinking, even before we say it. While this can seem unnerving, it can also be a way to healing. God loves us that much!
When we face the seemingly impossible, we often forget the omnipotence of God. Maybe it's not a miracle we ask for, but still, God can do so much, if we only ask and if we know that He is our one true God.
What was it like when Jesus entered Jerusalem and became 'king for a day'? On his triumphant entry, people were shouting "Hosanna!", exalting Jesus far more than they did Herod or Pontius Pilate. Yet, Jesus was so much more than king for a day.
As adults, we work in our lives, but is the work a blessing or a curse? We have been given work by God such that we are more like Him. Much of the work we do is for the benefit of others. This includes being volunteers. Work is a blessing and a form of Worship, especially when we do our best.
We can make bad decisions motivated by sin. How many times have we done something regrettable out of the sin in our heart?
We as a family of believers can be close and open with each other. As Christians, we should be warm and welcoming and have an intimacy through the Love of God.
We often face the challenge of forgiveness on a daily basis. Forgiveness is a difficult and deliberate action, as we must actively overlook the wrong done upon us. We must let go of hurt, whether imaginary or real. We must choose to end the hurt felt. We must release ourselves from the prison of bitterness.
Our attitude in our soul reflects our understanding of Grace and Forgiveness. God bridged the gap between us and his Holiness when Christ gave up his life and the curtain was torn from top to bottom. Grace and forgiveness are ours!
We yearn for a love that will last forever. The reality is that we have no idea what a forever love truly looks like because we are imperfect. God has given us the image of unconditional love through his example. We wish to love unconditionally, but our imperfection prevents us from living out this model.
The spiritual milk upon which we are raised guides us in the right direction. However, as time goes by we may taste other foods.
All that God created speaks of his power and dominion over His creation. We as his people should embrace his creation and also strive to uphold it. In awe we see his handiwork.
The characteristics of today reflect a shallowness in our lives. We cast our nets wide without going deep. Depth in life and love include critical thinking. Being a Christian does not mean avoiding deep thinking. While we can love with our hearts, we can also love with our minds.
Do we have people in our lives who challenge our patience? How long is our fuse? How long is the embrace of God's love? What does that mean? Do we grasp the understanding of the gift of Love that God has for us? When we read the Scriptures, we notice that Jesus never met a stranger. Jesus made people feel treasured and we can do the same!
Are you 'playing church'? We need genuine heartfelt worship before God. When we're done with worship, we should be asking ourselves 'How'd I do?', not 'Did I get anything out of that?'.
Years are like snowflakes: no two are alike. For every new year that comes, the outlook on the horizon appears different. The timing of what happens in our world and our lives is on God's time, not our time. Don't the sweat the small stuff; don't worry. As we go into 2021, in spite of all the worldly indicators, God is in control of all things.
How do we survive in this world of challenges and frustrations? To experience God's agape love is to know of the indwelling of God in our hearts. There is no condition to it and there is no end to it.
Can you imagine a life without friends? Is the loneliness something with which you can find satisfaction? The essence of real friendship means sharing the same passions. Christmas from the first moment has been meant for a celebration among friends.
Eros means love based on worth or value. It is the force of Eros love that drives us to say "I gotta have that [person, job, vacation, object]". The problem is that when we rely on Eros love, we rely on conditions (as long as). This is conditional love, not an unconditional love. Eros love can go away just as quickly as it came. Eros love draws lines and sets limits, which is a severe limitation. Our lives are not to be as a people pleaser, but as a God pleaser.
We often find ourselves declaring our love for things and events in our lives. There are so many aspects of life to which we can attach ourselves. Are we ready to love the baby Jesus for what he is to the world, or are we to just love the Christmas season like a car?
The primary characteristics of a believer is exhibiting calm in the storm. We worship a God so big and loving that even a vessel in a storm still reveals God is in control. We are to gain courage in this. God is the reason we celebrate! God is the reason we give thanks. Sometimes God calms the storms and sometimes God lets the storms rage and He calms us.
The life of a Christian can be quite difficult. While the knowledge of one's salvation is a welcome blessing, life must still be endured here on earth. This makes for a great challenge in one's living, in one's behavior. Do you welcome the hazards of Christian life?
What does it mean to put your life at risk for something that really matters? Will it mean risking your life? Would it take much to speak out boldly?
What role should faith play in politics? What role will your faith bring to the ballot box? We as Christians have a necessary obligation to live under the rule of our host nation and to live under the rule of God. What do we owe our nation? We owe our obedience to our governing bodies, no matter who is in power. But we're not good at it, are we? Ultimately, we have an obligation to our rulers, but we must also remember that God rules over all and that we do all for him.
Being a person of peace does not include shying away from maintaining the peace, even though there may be difficulty in maintaining the peace.
We should want the biggest dosage of God we can get, because it's what we need to get through life. In His presence we can draw life from his Love. Being pure in heart does not mean being perfect. There is purity in truth and a focus on God.
God showed mercy to us all in His Grace. We could do the same, showing grace, forgiveness and acceptance to others.
Those seeking God may be seeking out of desperation. Those not seeking God may feel they already have everything they need. When we are not desperate for God, we are often in search of other things to fill our lives. There are demands on our lives: jobs, homes, family, friends and socializing. Hunger will cloud our judgement. When we long for God, we will be satisfied.
The virtue of meekness does not go with the reward. One can consider meekness as a quiet strength. It is strength under control. The ultimate result is in God's hands, not our hands.
Grief and sorrow are moments we would rather avoid. The sadness can make our living hard. When we mourn, we acknowledge that life should not be this way. The way things are is not the way God intended them to be! God didn't create the world to be a place for death. The black stain on creation is sin. Mourning also means that what breaks the heart of God should also break our hearts.
God wants us to put on clothing that shows love, patience and kindness to the world. It is key that we look more like God as we interact with the world.
The heart of mankind is filled with a fierce sense of independence. This independence separates us from God, as we protest our individual situations. We protest each other's behavior to us as well. When we protest, we seem to overlook our own faults (brokeness) and our own sins. Jesus made the ultimate protest for us, when he went to the cross and died for our sins.
Talk is 'in'. There are talk shows on television and radio, as well as podcasts and Twitter. The need for truth remains steadfast in this world of constant communications. Treasure the reputation of your neighbor as well as your own.
Some things are important to us. Meanwhile, people steal out of need, people steal out of greed, people steal for personal convenience. Stealing can be expanded to when people gain something fraudulently for nothing. If we were to be honest, we could admit to stealing in one form or another. It can be based on our preoccupation with personal stuff, but we can eventually forfeit our soul with this preoccupation.
It can be difficult to hold on to the same person for a lifetime. Jesus discussed with the Pharisees about divorce, putting into context the old testament law about divorce. Jesus further ended the discussion about divorce. 'No adultery' is intended to be no sexual contact outside the covenant of marriage, which is to be a blessing to those married. It is a model of commitment for endurance. Marriage is to lift up God's intention. The good news is that God still loves us, married, divorced or devoutly single.
It is important not to cross the line of human rights and take another life. We are to lift up human life. Everyone is created in the image of God, so we are to treat them as in the image of God. Show restraint. The Gospel is key to the breaking of the cycle of violence.
God has such good plans for us as a society. A basis for the plans begins with the Ten Commandments. It is important to place our trust in God. We can carry on that tradition of being good parents, honor God's commandment and bring about the blessings of righteousness.
Jesus redefined the Sabbath as a gift for the benefit of Mankind. What is the keeping of the Sabbath trying to tell us? There's a reason for the rest prescribed on the Sabbath. The fourth commandment is an opportunity to refresh, reflect, rest and remember what's important in our lives. It's an invitation for a timeout with God, in keeping our relationship with God.
God is not without meaning. We, as Christians, are not to misrepresent God to the world around us.
What we understand as idols needs to be closer scrutinized. How are we to understand idol worship if we don't fully know the idol?
Why did God give us the Ten Commandments? Was it to 'end our fun'? Was it to point a finger of shame at His Creation? Let's take a closer look at the purpose of God's perfect plan for us.
Crises are the stuff of which life is made. The Hebrews wandered the Wilderness for forty years before going to the Promised Land. The tribes of Israel had a better understanding of God before leaving the Wilderness and entering the Promised Land. God is just. How much is accomplished in whining and complaining? None. Sometimes we need to be patient; we need to go through the Wilderness. Only God can free us; only God can lead us out of the Wilderness. While we persist in the Wilderness, we have to assess if we put ourselves there. In the meantime, understand that God will lead us out, if we're willing to follow his lead.
What do you remember when you were told you have been set free? Free? Free from what? Free from sin! Do you remember? Do you remember the joy?
In the Church of Jesus Christ, every Christian is a minister, using the gifts of which each has been blessed. Every believer is a vital part of the Church.
History is described as one thing after another. Paul wrote that all things work for the Good of God, even in the ugly moments experienced. How do we put this truth in perspective? When we look at individual events, good or bad, it gives a too granular viewpoint. One has to take all the events and bring them together in a summation of life. God is going to bring about his purpose and no one can stop it.
The relationship of mother to child can be unconditional love, quite like the Love God expresses toward us.
Our lives are the result of what resides in our hearts. We easily place our own will above that of God's will. The Grace of Salvation can set our hearts right.
As we grow older, we struggle with our memories. Memory is good for our physical health and our spiritual health. It is important to remember God. It is more important to live for God, not ourselves. A failure to obey is often coupled with a failure to remember God. When our focus is on God, the enticement of the world grows strangely dim.
Our home in God is our refuge. "Come unto me and I will give you rest", as spoken by Jesus. The Lord is our safety, is our sanctuary.
Many of us feel helpless and hopeless, like the day of Jesus' crucifixion. There is tremendous hope in His Resurrection!
Imagine if you were invited to dine with the President. What would you expect? Listen in and learn what it means to serve.
Crowds can be fickle. What are we to make of those fickle crowds demonstrated during Holy Week? We should not get caught up being swayed by the masses, yet we are not immune to the thinking of a mindless mob.
From the depths of the pit we can arise and rejoice, for it is the Lord who gives us such tremendous strength, resolve and grace! Amen!
Envy is a form of discontent, looking for more. Often we want something someone else has, even to the point we don't want them to have it. If envy becomes our bitter partner, sin will enslave us to self destruction. The lives we've been given by God are lives we are to live in following Jesus without focusing elsewhere.
In our lives we are constantly moving, sometimes straying. Sometimes we find ourselves in the wrong places. There is grace in God's forgiveness, thus bringing us back home.