Month: December 2024

by

Monday Morning Meditation 12-16-24

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

In yesterday’s sermon text (Luke 3:7-18), John the Baptist gives examples of how we should live:  repent, be generous and gracious, give to those in need, do not take advantage of others, etc.

The passage from Hebrews reinforces John’s teaching (as does much of scripture).  We are to continually give God praise and do good.  It is a simple way of life, a life of repentance, praise and care, summed up perfectly in loving God, loving our neighbors and loving ourselves.

As we quickly approach Christmas and a New Year, consider how you can continually offer a sacrifice of praise and do good to those around you.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

by

Monday Morning Meditation 12-9-24

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12:2-6

“I will trust and not be afraid.” Powerful words from the Prophet Isaiah and yet it is our call, to trust in God with all our hearts and not be afraid. 

During our adult formation class on angels, we’ve been talking about how God sends angels to minister to us, to help us, to guide us and to protect us.  Sometimes we do not even know an angel was present, yet God sent one in our time of need.

Bad things will happen in life, we live in a fallen world, yet have trust in God and then give God the glory when the good things happen.

As you travel through this second week of Advent, take some time, give God some glory, and with joy, draw water from the wells of salvation for God is good.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

by

Monday Morning Meditation 12-2-24

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

As we enter into this season of Advent, think about this passage – Paul reminding the church that we do not lack spiritual gifts, that God has blessed us with them and God is faithful. 

The season of Advent is about God’s faithfulness.  The Old Testament passages prophecy the arrival of the Anointed One, the Gospel passages remind us that the promise has been fulfilled even as we wait for the complete coming of the Kingdom of God.

This Hope is ours, God is faithful.

Have a blessed and hopeful Advent,

Pastor Bill