Month: January 2026

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Monday Morning Meditation 1-26-26

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29

As may of you, my morning (and most of yesterday) was filled with snow blowing and shoveling.  I am exhausted and quite done with this winter (although it may not be done with us).  As I sat down at my desk and thought about this meditation, the parable of the Good Samaritan came to mind.  Who is my neighbor?

We are blessed that we purchased a snow blower from a neighbor who moved away, and I am able to clean our drive and walk efficiently.  I normally do our neighbors, and sometimes others if they are in need.  Today was the same.  I do not write this to pat myself on the back, and truthfully this parable was in the back of my head. 

The snow seems to bring out the best in us as neighbors gather together and talk and help each other with the snow removal.

Jesus answers the question “Who is my neighbor?” with one of the greatest parables, reminding us that our neighbors include everyone – even people we may not associate with – and we are to do what ever we can to help.

As you travel through this week, be on the lookout for your neighbors.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

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Monday Morning Meditation 1-19-26

17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:17-21

Our world is filled with darkness right now.  Our nation is filled with darkness.  There are so many problems, so many situations, so many issues that are beyond dark.  Somedays I just want to hide from the news (and everything else). 

There is good news.

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome the light.  Never.

The judgment for the world is the light who has come. 

Take heart, while things might look bleak right now, the light is here and nothing can overcome it.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

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Monday Morning Meditation 1-5-26

This year, let us look at the example of the Magi, the “Wise Men” of Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12)

as inspiration for the New Year.

Here are some questions to ponder

The Magi looked to the stars for signs. 

Where am I looking?  Am I even looking for signs?

The Magi followed the star. 

Am I willing to follow the signs God sends me?

The Magi went to a place of importance and met with someone “in charge” to find their goal.

Can I go to the places of “importance” and find my target?

The Magi set out for Bethlehem to seek out the Christ Child.

Wise Men still seek him – am I?

The Magi were overjoyed when they arrived.

Am I overjoyed by my relationship with Jesus?

The Magi gave extravagant gifts.

Am I giving my all?

The Magi joyously left for home, but following a divine warning, went a different way to avoid those wanting to cause harm.

Am I willing to follow God and go a different direction to avoid those causing harm, and really do my ministry?