Philippians 4:1-9
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 30, 2009
Romans 5:1-11
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Trick or Trunk
On Sunday night, October 25th, trick or treating overtook the BUMC Parking Lot once again. For the fourth year in a row we have had our annual Trick or Trunk outing and this was the biggest year to date. It all started four years ago with an event for the youth group and it has now grown into something that had people from all walks of life braving the cold to participate.
Despite the cold temperatures and the hinting of snow in the air, more than 200 people showed up, some in costumes and most in big coats, to trick or treat and socialize. We had 10-12 cars that were decorated and all that attended had a blast! I would like to send out a huge thank you to all that helped make this such a fun time on such a cold night!
Here are some more photos of the event for your enjoyment.
-- Pete
Despite the cold temperatures and the hinting of snow in the air, more than 200 people showed up, some in costumes and most in big coats, to trick or treat and socialize. We had 10-12 cars that were decorated and all that attended had a blast! I would like to send out a huge thank you to all that helped make this such a fun time on such a cold night!Here are some more photos of the event for your enjoyment.
-- Pete
Daily Scripture Oct. 29, 2009
Luke 6:17-23
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets."
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, 19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009 BUMC Newsletter
Enjoy this issue of In Step, and take a moment today to praise the powerful God we serve! And if you have a story about God's work in your life, please consider submitting it for this year's Advent Devotional.
Click here for the Uth Newsletter.
Blessings and Peace,
Kendra
Praise the Lord...for great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Psalm 117:2
Daily Scripture Oct. 28, 2009
Psalm 67:1-7
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Becoming an Intentional Mom
So the coolest thing has been happening to me lately. I’ll tell you about that in a minute – but first I have to give a little background...
Our church is hosting an awesome seminar for moms coming up in a couple of weeks – Saturday, November 7th starting at 8:30 a.m. for registration and continental breakfast, with the seminar from 9-12:30. It is called The 7 Principles of Intentional Moms. We have had this seminar scheduled for months and now it is almost here! I’m so excited!
My excitement is mostly about our seminar speaker, Catherine Hickem, and the way God uses her to bless moms!! Catherine is the founder of a ministry called Intentional Moms (http://www.intentionalmoms.org/), and I had the privilege of getting to know her when I lived in South Florida a few years ago. Catherine is a pastor’s wife, a licensed therapist, and a dynamic ministry leader. She has been gifted by God with an anointed teaching gift, and an amazing heart for moms! She is an author of the book Raising Your Children With No Regrets: 7 Principles of an Intentional Mother
and another book is in motion that will be about parenting adult children. When I met Catherine, her ministry was just beginning to grow. Today her ministry is touching moms nationwide!
You can see a detailed description of the seminar on the above website. It is called The 7 Principles of Intentional Moms. (You can register to come at that website too!)
In my experience as a mom and in meeting hundreds of moms through ministry, I think moms need and want connectedness… and we also want to be the best mom we can possibly be! And we want HOPE, am I right? When I first attended Catherine’s seminar a few years ago, it was an absolute blessing for me as a mom. I learned to have more confidence in being the mom that God created me to be, and to understand that He chose me specifically to be the mom of my child! Still today I hear Catherine’s Godly words in my mind when I am in difficult or challenging parenting situations.
So that brings me to the cool thing that has been happening. Of course with the seminar coming up, our team at the church has been telling EVERYONE that we know about this event!! So as I tell people about her or the seminar or what it has meant to me, every single time while I’m talking I have chills run through my body!! I truly believe that it's the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure what exactly the message is that I’m meant to be getting, but I know that it means God is excited about the hearts that are going to be blessed. My prayer continues to be that Catherine’s seminar will touch MANY hearts in the Denver area!
As Catherine’s ministry assistant said to me recently, everyone goes home from this seminar with something practical that will help her specific family. It may not be the actual words Catherine spoke, but the Holy Spirit will speak to each person’s situation individually through the seminar.
I hope you will join us as we are blessed by Catherine’s gifts. To register, see our website or contact me at 720-880-5227. And did I mention there is a free childcare program? :) Hope to see you soon!! Give a gift to yourself and come!
--Vicki
Our church is hosting an awesome seminar for moms coming up in a couple of weeks – Saturday, November 7th starting at 8:30 a.m. for registration and continental breakfast, with the seminar from 9-12:30. It is called The 7 Principles of Intentional Moms. We have had this seminar scheduled for months and now it is almost here! I’m so excited!
My excitement is mostly about our seminar speaker, Catherine Hickem, and the way God uses her to bless moms!! Catherine is the founder of a ministry called Intentional Moms (http://www.intentionalmoms.org/), and I had the privilege of getting to know her when I lived in South Florida a few years ago. Catherine is a pastor’s wife, a licensed therapist, and a dynamic ministry leader. She has been gifted by God with an anointed teaching gift, and an amazing heart for moms! She is an author of the book Raising Your Children With No Regrets: 7 Principles of an Intentional Mother
and another book is in motion that will be about parenting adult children. When I met Catherine, her ministry was just beginning to grow. Today her ministry is touching moms nationwide! You can see a detailed description of the seminar on the above website. It is called The 7 Principles of Intentional Moms. (You can register to come at that website too!)
In my experience as a mom and in meeting hundreds of moms through ministry, I think moms need and want connectedness… and we also want to be the best mom we can possibly be! And we want HOPE, am I right? When I first attended Catherine’s seminar a few years ago, it was an absolute blessing for me as a mom. I learned to have more confidence in being the mom that God created me to be, and to understand that He chose me specifically to be the mom of my child! Still today I hear Catherine’s Godly words in my mind when I am in difficult or challenging parenting situations.
So that brings me to the cool thing that has been happening. Of course with the seminar coming up, our team at the church has been telling EVERYONE that we know about this event!! So as I tell people about her or the seminar or what it has meant to me, every single time while I’m talking I have chills run through my body!! I truly believe that it's the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure what exactly the message is that I’m meant to be getting, but I know that it means God is excited about the hearts that are going to be blessed. My prayer continues to be that Catherine’s seminar will touch MANY hearts in the Denver area!
As Catherine’s ministry assistant said to me recently, everyone goes home from this seminar with something practical that will help her specific family. It may not be the actual words Catherine spoke, but the Holy Spirit will speak to each person’s situation individually through the seminar.
I hope you will join us as we are blessed by Catherine’s gifts. To register, see our website or contact me at 720-880-5227. And did I mention there is a free childcare program? :) Hope to see you soon!! Give a gift to yourself and come!
--Vicki
Daily Scripture Oct. 27, 2009
Psalm 66:16-20
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.
18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
20 Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.
18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
20 Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 26, 2009
Psalm 66:8-15
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
8 Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
9 he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
10 For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings
and fulfill my vows to you-
14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke
when I was in trouble.
15 I will sacrifice fat animals to you
and an offering of rams;
I will offer bulls and goats.
Selah
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
8 Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
9 he has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
10 For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings
and fulfill my vows to you-
14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke
when I was in trouble.
15 I will sacrifice fat animals to you
and an offering of rams;
I will offer bulls and goats.
Selah
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 25, 2009
Psalm 66:1-7
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!
3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power
that your enemies cringe before you.
4 All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name."
Selah
5 Come and see what God has done,
how awesome his works in man's behalf!
6 He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot—
come, let us rejoice in him.
7 He rules forever by his power,
his eyes watch the nations—
let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Selah
The Prodigal God: We Had to Celebrate
1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
2 Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious!
3 Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power
that your enemies cringe before you.
4 All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name."
Selah
5 Come and see what God has done,
how awesome his works in man's behalf!
6 He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot—
come, let us rejoice in him.
7 He rules forever by his power,
his eyes watch the nations—
let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Selah
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 24, 2009
Luke 15:8-10
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Friday, October 23, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 23, 2009
Luke 15:1-7
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 22, 2009
Ezekiel 34:25-31
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
25 " 'I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. 31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
25 " 'I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. 31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 21, 2009
Ezekiel 34:17-24
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
17 " 'As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?
20 " 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.' "
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
17 " 'As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?
20 " 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.' "
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 20, 2009
Ezekiel 34:11-16
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.' "
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.' "
Monday, October 19, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 19, 2009
Ezekiel 34:1-10
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
7 " 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them."
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
7 " 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them."
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 18, 2009
Psalm 23:1-6
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
The Prodigal God: Everything I Have Is Yours
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 17, 2009
Acts 2:29-38
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
35until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet." '
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
35until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet." '
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Friday, October 16, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 16, 2009
Luke 15:1-7
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 15, 2009
Luke 13:1-5
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14, 2009 BUMC Newsletter
Greetings, Friends-
Enjoy this issue of In Step – and if you need a break from cooking tonight, come to BUMC at 5:45pm for a Wonderful Wednesday meal of a variety of soups, salads, and bread! Proceeds benefit Kairos of Colorado, which holds spiritual retreats in prisons around the state.
Remember this week that you are a unique and beautiful creation of God – the same God whose handiwork includes the most beautiful mountain views in Colorado!
Blessings and Peace,
Kendra :)
You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Psalm 139:13
Kendra :)
You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Psalm 139:13
Parentlink October Newsletter: Click here!
Daily Scripture Oct. 14, 2009
Matthew 4:12-17
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
16the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
16the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Pete's Pick: Rob Bell
Rob Bell – Drops Like Stars
Rob Bell is a person who helps stretch me in my faith. Most of the time when I read what he writes or listen to his podcast I feel like he is helping to expose various aspects of my thinking and soul that I have not yet thought about. His perspective on religion is one that I feel is right on, in most parts, and has really helped me grow in my faith as well. Bell is a pastor at a large church in Michigan, but is also a well known author. He has written 4 books, with his most current one being Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering
.
When I first got Drops Like Stars in the mail I was shocked at the size of it. Bell’s books have had the same dimensions and style, physically, and this book looked like a Rob Bell book on steroids. But I was very anxious to crack it open and start reading into Bell’s mind and teachings once again. The entire book is based on the idea of why art happens, why we create. That suffering is a universal feeling we all can relate to and usually leads to great connections with people on many levels, including art.
This is not a deep and theological book. It is not a book, like his others, that will speak tons of truths into your life. But it is a book that will make you think, and for me helped me appreciate art in a different way, I am not an artsy type of guy. But now I do understand it in a deeper sense. This is also a book that will only take you 45 minutes or so to read, but I imagine a book that you will come back to again and pick it up.
The one downside to the book is that it is expensive. I got mine off Amazon for $20, but it was retailing for around $50… yikes… so my advice, is to hunt around and find it at a good price. I would also strongly suggest and recommend Bell’s other books; Velvet Elvis, Sex God and Jesus Wants to Save Christians… check out his podcasts too!
-- pete
Rob Bell is a person who helps stretch me in my faith. Most of the time when I read what he writes or listen to his podcast I feel like he is helping to expose various aspects of my thinking and soul that I have not yet thought about. His perspective on religion is one that I feel is right on, in most parts, and has really helped me grow in my faith as well. Bell is a pastor at a large church in Michigan, but is also a well known author. He has written 4 books, with his most current one being Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering
.When I first got Drops Like Stars in the mail I was shocked at the size of it. Bell’s books have had the same dimensions and style, physically, and this book looked like a Rob Bell book on steroids. But I was very anxious to crack it open and start reading into Bell’s mind and teachings once again. The entire book is based on the idea of why art happens, why we create. That suffering is a universal feeling we all can relate to and usually leads to great connections with people on many levels, including art.
This is not a deep and theological book. It is not a book, like his others, that will speak tons of truths into your life. But it is a book that will make you think, and for me helped me appreciate art in a different way, I am not an artsy type of guy. But now I do understand it in a deeper sense. This is also a book that will only take you 45 minutes or so to read, but I imagine a book that you will come back to again and pick it up.
The one downside to the book is that it is expensive. I got mine off Amazon for $20, but it was retailing for around $50… yikes… so my advice, is to hunt around and find it at a good price. I would also strongly suggest and recommend Bell’s other books; Velvet Elvis, Sex God and Jesus Wants to Save Christians… check out his podcasts too!
-- pete
Daily Scripture Oct. 13, 2009
Matthew 3:1-11
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
Monday, October 12, 2009
Augustine's Rest Stop
Having trouble sleeping these days? No rest for the weary, as they say. Perhaps it is a timeless pursuit to desire gratifying rest that truly nourishes us so we may faithfully tend our souls. For years, I've been acquainted with Augustine's famous quote from the opening page of his Confessions: "O Lord, You made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You."
A few pages later, Augustine describes the off-ramp to this rest area:
-- Ken
A few pages later, Augustine describes the off-ramp to this rest area:
What does ambition seek except honor and glory? But only You, Lord, have a glory forever that can never be lost. What does power of the mighty desire except to be feared? But none has power that can ever be seized and stolen but You. What do the lonely and anxious long for except a love that they cannot lose? But who can give a love that does not fade and die but You?... What does weariness seek except rest? But what sure rest is there apart from You?... Thus the soul commits adultery whenever it turns from You and seeks these things that it cannot find except in You....
He closes this paragraph by asserting that even when we sin we are still "perversely imitating" God, and by that fact alone there is nowhere we can go that God isn't already there.
In our day of senseless culture wars, false reality shows, and moral dilemmas over war, health care reform, and financial market jitters, aren't you glad Augustine's 1500-year-old rest stop still entices us to find rest that restores the soul?-- Ken
Daily Scripture Oct. 12, 2009
Ezekiel 18:22-30
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
24 "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.
25 "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 26 If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. 27 But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. 28 Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
30 "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall."
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
24 "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.
25 "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 26 If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. 27 But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. 28 Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
30 "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 11, 2009
Psalm 78:24-34
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
24 he rained down manna for the people to eat,
he gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Men ate the bread of angels;
he sent them all the food they could eat.
26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens
and led forth the south wind by his power.
27 He rained meat down on them like dust,
flying birds like sand on the seashore.
28 He made them come down inside their camp,
all around their tents.
29 They ate till they had more than enough,
for he had given them what they craved.
30 But before they turned from the food they craved,
even while it was still in their mouths,
31 God's anger rose against them;
he put to death the sturdiest among them,
cutting down the young men of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they kept on sinning;
in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.
33 So he ended their days in futility
and their years in terror.
34 Whenever God slew them, they would seek him;
they eagerly turned to him again.
The Prodigal God: He Refused to Go In
24 he rained down manna for the people to eat,
he gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Men ate the bread of angels;
he sent them all the food they could eat.
26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens
and led forth the south wind by his power.
27 He rained meat down on them like dust,
flying birds like sand on the seashore.
28 He made them come down inside their camp,
all around their tents.
29 They ate till they had more than enough,
for he had given them what they craved.
30 But before they turned from the food they craved,
even while it was still in their mouths,
31 God's anger rose against them;
he put to death the sturdiest among them,
cutting down the young men of Israel.
32 In spite of all this, they kept on sinning;
in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.
33 So he ended their days in futility
and their years in terror.
34 Whenever God slew them, they would seek him;
they eagerly turned to him again.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 10, 2009
Luke 17:1-10
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3So watch yourselves.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3So watch yourselves.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Friday, October 9, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 9, 2009
Luke 16:19-31
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30" 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30" 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 8, 2009
Luke 16:1-18
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5"So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6" 'Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied.
"The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.'
7"Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?'
" 'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied.
"He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
8"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
16"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
18"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Jesus told his disciples: "There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2So he called him in and asked him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.'
3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg— 4I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.'
5"So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'
6" 'Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,' he replied.
"The manager told him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.'
7"Then he asked the second, 'And how much do you owe?'
" 'A thousand bushels of wheat,' he replied.
"He told him, 'Take your bill and make it eight hundred.'
8"The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
16"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
18"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 7, 2009
Luke 15:21-32
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Pete's Pick: Derek Webb
Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome
One of my favorite singer/songwriters of all time has a new album out entitled Stockholm Syndrome. This is a release that was preceded by a fun and long process of a scavenger hunt mainly around the southern portion of the US. Actually a good friend of mine took place in the hunt and received a free album, concert tickets and other goodies. So, there was a lot of anticipation in the Smith household for this new release from Webb.
Derek Webb used to sing in a Christian group called Caedmon’s Call, but left back in the early 2000s to pursue a solo career. He has released 5 albums so far, but he went a different way in his 5th album than he has in the previous 4. Some of these songs you just want to dance to, there is a more of a dance beat and electronics than in previous albums. And yet, this singer/songwriter, who seems most comfortable strumming chords behind an acoustic guitar, pulls it off.
Most of Webb’s albums have some sort of theme and meaning. His first was about the church, his fourth about politics and the most current one deals with the most current issue of pulling down the “normal” barriers of Christians and loving as Christ loved. Some have called Webb a prophet for this generation, which I believe to some extent as well.
The new album did receive some problems from the record label. One song, "What Matters More," covers a very ‘hot’ topic of the day and is one that the record label did not feel right releasing, but I think it is poignant to the message that Webb is trying to portray.
His music is available on iTunes and at some Christian/Big Box retail stores. But to get the What Matters More song you will need to go to his website, http://www.derekwebb.com/ , and I believe it is available for a free download. I highly recommend any of Webb’s albums… he is a must have in your music collection!
-- pete
One of my favorite singer/songwriters of all time has a new album out entitled Stockholm Syndrome. This is a release that was preceded by a fun and long process of a scavenger hunt mainly around the southern portion of the US. Actually a good friend of mine took place in the hunt and received a free album, concert tickets and other goodies. So, there was a lot of anticipation in the Smith household for this new release from Webb.
Derek Webb used to sing in a Christian group called Caedmon’s Call, but left back in the early 2000s to pursue a solo career. He has released 5 albums so far, but he went a different way in his 5th album than he has in the previous 4. Some of these songs you just want to dance to, there is a more of a dance beat and electronics than in previous albums. And yet, this singer/songwriter, who seems most comfortable strumming chords behind an acoustic guitar, pulls it off.
Most of Webb’s albums have some sort of theme and meaning. His first was about the church, his fourth about politics and the most current one deals with the most current issue of pulling down the “normal” barriers of Christians and loving as Christ loved. Some have called Webb a prophet for this generation, which I believe to some extent as well.
The new album did receive some problems from the record label. One song, "What Matters More," covers a very ‘hot’ topic of the day and is one that the record label did not feel right releasing, but I think it is poignant to the message that Webb is trying to portray.
His music is available on iTunes and at some Christian/Big Box retail stores. But to get the What Matters More song you will need to go to his website, http://www.derekwebb.com/ , and I believe it is available for a free download. I highly recommend any of Webb’s albums… he is a must have in your music collection!
-- pete
Daily Scripture Oct. 6, 2009
Luke 15:11-20
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."
Monday, October 5, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 5, 2009
Luke 15:8-10
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 4, 2009
Luke 15:1-7
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
The Prodigal God: Give Me My Share
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 3, 2009
Matthew 5:43-48
The Arrogance Hazard
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
The Arrogance Hazard
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Friday, October 2, 2009
Daily Scripture Oct. 2, 2009
Matthew 5:33-42
The Arrogance Hazard
33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
The Arrogance Hazard
33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pete's Pick: David Crowder Band
David Crowder Band – Church Music
A new album just hit the stores last week from the David Crowder Band. I was in high anticipation of this album, due to the fact that their last album, Remedy, was so well done and had such a great message within it as well. I was so excited that I even participated in a preorder package where I received the album, a few extra songs, some stickers, a poster, and the vinyl (that means record album to those born after the 1980’s). I still haven’t cracked open the vinyl and played it on my record player, but I have listened to the new album quite a bit.
And the verdict is that David Crowder Band has recorded another great album. It took a few listens to like this new endeavor, but it did start to speak to me in cool and exciting ways. They had an idea to create an album that could be played from end to end without stops, and then the Church Music Album was born.
Many of you may know a lot more David Crowder Band music than you think. Some Sundays at church it seems like we sing 2-3 of their songs, which I am not complaining about at all. We actually have already sung a new song off the album, and potentially my favorite song from the entire new album. That song is How He Loves and is a great look at the love God has for us. My favorite line is “if grace is an ocean, we are surely drowning”.
So, in my opinion, if you were going to one David Crowder album, get Remedy, and if you were going to own a few pick up Church Music and give it a few listens.
-- pete
A new album just hit the stores last week from the David Crowder Band. I was in high anticipation of this album, due to the fact that their last album, Remedy, was so well done and had such a great message within it as well. I was so excited that I even participated in a preorder package where I received the album, a few extra songs, some stickers, a poster, and the vinyl (that means record album to those born after the 1980’s). I still haven’t cracked open the vinyl and played it on my record player, but I have listened to the new album quite a bit.
And the verdict is that David Crowder Band has recorded another great album. It took a few listens to like this new endeavor, but it did start to speak to me in cool and exciting ways. They had an idea to create an album that could be played from end to end without stops, and then the Church Music Album was born.
Many of you may know a lot more David Crowder Band music than you think. Some Sundays at church it seems like we sing 2-3 of their songs, which I am not complaining about at all. We actually have already sung a new song off the album, and potentially my favorite song from the entire new album. That song is How He Loves and is a great look at the love God has for us. My favorite line is “if grace is an ocean, we are surely drowning”.
So, in my opinion, if you were going to one David Crowder album, get Remedy, and if you were going to own a few pick up Church Music and give it a few listens.
-- pete
Daily Scripture Oct. 1, 2009
Matthew 5:27-32
The Arrogance Hazard
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
31"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery."
The Arrogance Hazard
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
31"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery."
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