Month: January 2022

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Monday Morning Meditation 1-17-22

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25

This is one of those baffling passages, or at least for our sensibilities it is baffling.  There is stuff going on, there is a crisis, there is action that needs addressing and Jesus is sleeping.  Mark’s gospel tells us he slept in the stern – the very back of the boat! The disciples are, of course, worried – we all would be, there is a crisis after all.  But Jesus takes a break.

One of my favorite pastoral books is called “Rest in the Storm”.  Based upon this gospel narrative, it is a reminder that we need to take breaks.  God has regulated this – a Sabbath day of rest (and that is not supposed to be a “day off” when you get caught up with the laundry and errands), periodic celebrations and even times of rest for our fields. 

This pattern is important for all of us.  We need time off of work and school to spend with family and friends, time to do the shopping, cleaning and yard work, and time with God.  Our daily devotions are important for this, but then we also need to find extra time to be alone with the Lord.  And we need time to refresh even in the midst of crisis.As this gospel story progresses, Jesus simply handles the situation.  While we do not have the power to stop storms, sometimes we need to take a break before handling the issues.

As you travel through your week, make sure you take the down time necessary to recharge.  And then rely upon the Lord to handle all the stuff.

Peace,

Pastor Bill
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Morning Meditation 1-10-22

1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
3Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.

4One generation shall laud your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.
5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
7They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

10All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
12to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

Psalm 145

Today is a new day.  For what are you thankful?  Today is a new day, what one thing will you bless the Lord for?  It is Monday morning, the traditional day of “Ugh” as we begin a new week.  It is easy to complain.  It’s cold, it is the beginning of a new work week – a time of drudgery for many.  For kids, the new school week and if your household was like mine, getting up was difficult this morning.

I can sit here and tell you all the bad stuff about today, all the work, all the frustrations of not getting things done over the weekend, all the problems in the nation and the world – and I’m sure you can do the same.

But what works of the Lord shall we proclaim today?  What shall we say of the glory of the Kingdom?

As you begin your day and a new work/school week, consider these questions.  Ponder these questions.  Take a couple of minutes and just think about these questions.  Then make known to all people God’s mighty deeds – or even the little things God has done for you just today.

Peace,

Pastor Bill