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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 6-23-25

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

We live in dark days.  There are wars and rumors of wars, there are battles and violence.  Our country is in political turmoil, people are constantly afraid, angry, upset and on edge.  This does not even take into account the actual issues that need to be addressed and the injustice and evil that is present in our lives.  We live in dark days.

When you walk into a dark room, what is the first thing you do?  Turn on a light.  The old saying “why curse the darkness when you can light a candle” is very appropriate for our times.  Yes, things are bad and I am very worried about the course of the world events, but I can do things around me.  I can light a candle of hope for people near me.  I can bring my light into every situation I enter.  Will my candle change the issues in the Middle East?  No, but the funny thing about light is this – the more light you have, the less darkness.  If we all do our part and light our candles, if we all go about and spread our hope with each other and with those in greatest need of hope we can make a change, or as Jesus says “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

It only takes a spark.  In your journeys this week, be the light.

Pastor Bill

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Monday Morning Meditation 10-7-24

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. Psalm 122:6

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:6

Today marks one year since the attack by Hamas, which has started a year of growing conflict.

Today marks 958 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Today is another day of flooding, lack of food, clean water and electricity for many victims of Hurricane Helene.

If we ever need to pray for our world, it is now.  Yet prayer is not enough; “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10.

While we cannot stop the wars in Ukraine or the Middle East, we can do something.  We can pray for peace, we can petition our leaders to do everything possible for a peaceful end to conflict.  We can provide needed supplies for hurricane victims.  We can donate to the many emergency organizations who are trying to help.  We can do a lot to make positive change.

As you think about the many events occurring in the world today, pray – then act.  Find some way to help.  Find some way to make a change.  If we all do this, we can make a better world.

Peace,

Pastor Bill