¹⁰Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: ¹¹it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”  Matthew 15:10-11

In a lively discussion with the Pharisees about customs and traditions, Jesus answers them with this passage from Matthew.  While His words are talking about the traditions and following the law, we can look at it from our perspective as well.  We can “do” all the right things, go to worship, pray, live a morally clean life and all the rest, but if we say nasty things to people, if our speech is unwholesome, the rest doesn’t matter.

Words are important. Telling those we love that we love them is important.  Finding a good thing to say to someone is important.  Sharing a compliment is far more important than an unwelcome critique. 

As you travel through this week, pay attention to your words (and the thoughts before the words).  Share the good, ignore the rest.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; ⁴⁶on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.  Matthew 13:44-45

What is the Kingdom of Heaven like for you?  Have you thought about it?  Is it the trope of people with angels’ wings hanging out on clouds playing harps?  How about a beautiful garden?  What about the image of God before you?

Jesus tells us about the Kingdom of Heaven and it often sounds like the earth – although a much better version.  The Kingdom is filled with people seeking righteousness and justice, peace and love.

With that thought, what is your image of the Kingdom?  Is it worth selling all you have to achieve?  Is it worth everything to have?

The Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God is worth far more than anything we could possess.  And the good news is this – it will not cost you anything you have, rather the Kingdom has already been purchase for you. 

As you travel through this week, seek the Kingdom, ask for the Kingdom, see the Kingdom.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Today is Memorial Day, a day we set aside to remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  In your celebrations, in your chores, in all you do today, take a moment and give thanks.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

¹I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ²with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

It is hard to live a life with humility and gentleness, especially when the world seems so bent on cruelty and anger.  Yet Paul calls us to live that life because we are Spirit Filled Jesus followers.

Can you imagine what the world would look like if at least all the Christians lived this way?  Can you imagine what your Monday would look like if you and I lived this way?  Shall we try?

Today, give someone a break, even if they were not nice to you.  Do not be mad at the bad driver, maybe they are having a rough day.  Give extra grace to the grumpy guy in the office.  Be kind and make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Just for today.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

1 Timothy 2:1-2

¹First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity

It’s no secret that the world is a mess right now.  The war in Ukraine has been going on over two years, and truthfully, the recent conflict started ten years ago.

The battle in Gaza has been ongoing since October, yet we all know the tension in the Middle East are many decades old.

There are ongoing conflicts and tensions in Haiti, Somalia, Libya, Myanmar, and shall I go on?  There are wars and rumors of wars.  Some we follow on a regular basis, others we never hear about (because there is “relatively little impact to the United States”), and yet we should do something.

Few of us are able to manage these conflicts, but we can all pray.  Pray for the various governments of the world, pray for world leaders that they are guided by wisdom from above, and that they seek out justice and peace for all people.  Who knows, God can always guide them towards the way of peace.

Take a moment today and pray for the areas of conflict in the world. 

Peace,

Pastor Bill

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

So it is Monday morning and let me guess; everyone got up, dressed, had breakfast and got out the door with plenty of time to get to work and school.  What?  I’m wrong?  Really?

Truth is many face struggles in the morning (which seems to come earlier and earlier each day).  For our students, there is the start of a new school week and perhaps there was not enough time to finish homework and study over the weekend.  Maybe there is a test this morning.

Many in an office face a pile of emails (and thanks for reading this post), to do lists, projects and the such.  Those working in factories have equipment issues, delays in supplies and more.  I could go on but the point is this:  Even on a bad morning we can turn to God to find peace.  Jesus offers a peace that goes beyond the chaos of your day.  If this Monday morning is one of “Those” Monday mornings, take a moment away from the chaos, do some deep breathing and pray.

One of my favorite prayers for days like this comes from Teresa of Lisieux;

Just for today,

what does it matter, O Lord, if the future is dark?

To pray now for tomorrow I am not able.

Keep my heart only for today,

grant me your light—

just for today.  Amen

²⁶“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. ²⁷You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27

This is one of Jesus’ promises of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus calls the Spirit “the Advocate”, sometimes translated as “Helper.    In the Greek it is Paraclete, the One who Come Alongside. 

Being an advocate for someone means you come alongside them, you fight for them, look out for them, guide them and care for them.  This is part of what the Holy Spirit does for us. 

Isn’t this great?  God the Father loves us beyond belief.  God the Son promises to be with us forever.  God the Holy Spirit walks alongside of us, giving us guidance and care.

As you enter into this new week, take a moment to feel God’s presence all around.  Go out into the world without fear, for God is with you.  Go out into the world with peace, for God is with you.  Go out into the world with love, for God is with you.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

²⁵ From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. ²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! ²⁷ All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, ²⁸ for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. ²⁹ All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive.
³⁰ Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. ³¹ They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it! Psalm 22:25-31

Psalm 22 begins with words we know well, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  These are the words Jesus says from the cross, as he was probably praying the psalm.

From those opening words, the Psalmist talks about all the bad that has happened to him, and wonders when his salvation will come.  But then it shifts in verse 25.  The Psalmist, deep in his issues and troubles, declares that all will proclaim God’s goodness.  The Psalmist has a deep, abiding faith that God will work it all out, even if we do not yet realize it.

We are all going through personal things, the world is certainly going through difficulties but we need to remember something.  God is still at work and even if we have not yet experienced the change we need right now, God has already done it.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31

There was a commotion before worship on Sunday.  Many were walking in and looking up to the sky – there was a bald eagle flying around.

We spent a few minutes watching the eagle before heading into the sanctuary and began the service, which marked the beginning of a Stewardship sermon series.

I was able to relate the eagle to the series quite creatively.  The weather was wonderful and I was able to stress how stewardship is about caring for what God has given us.  We live in such a beautiful area with four solid seasons, and this day was absolutely stunning.

Watching the eagle soar around reminded me of the passage from Isaiah, that we will have our strength renewed (especially meaningful right now as I’m in the post-Easter energy drain). 

After worship we all looked around but our eagle had left the area. 

This is a good reminder for us all.  Seek out the beauty of nature.  Find those places around you where you feel renewed and refreshed.  Take a walk among the trees, listen for the birds, give yourself some downtime in nature, for it is God’s gift.  And it is good stewardship to take advantage of beautiful days and places for you will be renewed. 

Peace,

Pastor Bill