Deuteronomy 15:12, 16-17
You Are His Servant
12 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you must let him go free.... 16 But if your servant says to you, "I do not want to leave you," because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, 17 then take an awl and push it through his ear lobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your maidservant.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 27, 2010
Revelation 21:1-5
You Are the Bride
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
You Are the Bride
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 26, 2010
Revelation 19:5-9
You Are the Bride
5Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both small and great!"
6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
You Are the Bride
5Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both small and great!"
6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 25, 2010
Ephesians 5:25-33
You Are the Bride
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
You Are the Bride
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
BUMC Newsletter 2-24-10
Enjoy this issue of In Step! Do you have the gift of hospitality? Join us tonight at 6:45pm to find out more about our Sunday morning hospitality team here at BUMC. You have the opportunity to model Christ’s love to all who worship at BUMC!
Trust God today to point you in the right direction…all you have to do is take the steps of faith.
Blessings and Peace,
Kendra :)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Uth Newsletter: http://www.broomfieldumc.org/clientimages/35460/newsletters/2010/uthnewsletter-march10.pdf
Daily Scripture Feb. 24, 2010
Colossians 3:5-11
You Are the Bride
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
You Are the Bride
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 23, 2010
Colossians 1:15-23
You Are the Bride
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
You Are the Bride
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 22, 2010
Romans 5:12-19
You Are the Bride
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.
15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
You Are the Bride
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.
15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 21, 2010
Genesis 1:26-31
You Are the Bride
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
You Are the Bride
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 20, 2010
1 Peter 2:4-9
You Are the Priest
4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame." 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone," 8and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
You Are the Priest
4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame." 7Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone," 8and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 19, 2010
Hebrews 12:14-17
You Are the Priest
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
You Are the Priest
14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Michelangelo’s David is a masterpiece from 500 years ago that can still speak to us now. Not only can we stand in awe of the statue, but we can also stand in awe of the story of it’s creation. Michelangelo carved David in the style of Disegno, which means that he could feel David’s soul in the marble. He even said he could feel it clamoring to be set free. All that Michelangelo had to do was to remove the pieces that were holding David in the marble. By eliminating these unnecessary pieces, a masterpiece was revealed.
Can we experience this same effect in our lives? Are there things that need to be removed or eliminated in order to be the masterpiece that God created in you?
As Curt Magnuson has so easily demonstrated for us in his carving skills. Something that is so familiar and simple can become something that is astounding. He carved these watermelons during the Ash Wednesday service, lighting them up at the end of the time. I remember sitting there, not too impressed, until he turned the lights on. Curt knew exactly what to remove and where to remove it from. He practiced this Art of Elimination in an astounding way. Thank you Curt for being an example for us all.
But sometimes this process of elimination is going to hurt a little. One of the biggest untruths I have ever heard was that being a follower of Christ guarantees an ease to life. I contend that really it should guarantee hard times. Jesus talks about carrying our crosses daily. To me that is not an easy image. It is something that requires effort, struggle and pains. Jesus came to change this world and we are commanded to continue with his mission to change - change our attitudes, our outlooks and this world.
What are parts of your Watermelon do you need to cut away?
Pete Smith
Tale of a Fourth Grade Nothing
A couple of years ago I undertook a project of sorting through a couple decades’ worth of mementoes, purging quite a bit of the random pieces of personal memorabilia that no longer held enough significance to warrant keeping. One thing I kept, and actually have posted above my desk here in the office, is a quarter-sheet of fading construction paper on which I wrote down two “Things I will do for Jesus.” My best guess is that this was a Lenten exercise from a religious education class, probably from when I was in fourth grade. The two things I said I would do for Jesus were:
1. I will eat with J and I will listen to her and I will wait for her.
2. I will try to remember to bring money for the poor and for church.
J was a girl with whom I’d been a classmate and participant in YMCA activities for a few years already. Taking my statement at face value, you might think that I was expressing compassion as part of my Lenten journey. But when I think back on my 9-year-old self, I know better. I know that I regarded treating J as she deserved to be treated as something I would do only if asked to do so by Jesus.
You see, even by fourth grade I found myself deep in the trenches of “mean girl” wars among my classmates, boys and girls alike. And I was regularly a loser in those battles, as everyone had learned back in first grade that it was insanely easy to push my buttons and make me cry. I was an easy target if only for that reason (although there were probably more). In fourth grade I was desperately trying to maintain some social standing among my peers, and I perceived—probably incorrectly—that J was even lower in the pecking order than I was. So by making her #1 on my To Do List for Lent, I wasn’t taking something on. I was giving up what was obviously the most important thing to me at that time: social acceptance. I was saying, “Hey, Jesus, do you see what I’m doing? Do you see?!? I hope you appreciate this!” Taking money out of my allowance for the poor and for church was a distant second compared to hanging out with someone even less cool than I.
I wish I could say that that was a one-time occurrence, but I remember another instance in junior high when I told the pudgy kid everyone picked on that I’d loan him a pencil in class, “but only cause it’s Lent.” So much for not praying like the hypocrites.
Now that Lent has begun, I find myself thinking about what I’ve given up and taken on in past years as I try to discern what will be truly meaningful this year. But now that J and I have "re-friended" each other on Facebook, I think I'll start by writing her a note to find out how things are going in her life. And this time, I'll really listen.
-- Mary Kate
1. I will eat with J and I will listen to her and I will wait for her.
2. I will try to remember to bring money for the poor and for church.
J was a girl with whom I’d been a classmate and participant in YMCA activities for a few years already. Taking my statement at face value, you might think that I was expressing compassion as part of my Lenten journey. But when I think back on my 9-year-old self, I know better. I know that I regarded treating J as she deserved to be treated as something I would do only if asked to do so by Jesus.
You see, even by fourth grade I found myself deep in the trenches of “mean girl” wars among my classmates, boys and girls alike. And I was regularly a loser in those battles, as everyone had learned back in first grade that it was insanely easy to push my buttons and make me cry. I was an easy target if only for that reason (although there were probably more). In fourth grade I was desperately trying to maintain some social standing among my peers, and I perceived—probably incorrectly—that J was even lower in the pecking order than I was. So by making her #1 on my To Do List for Lent, I wasn’t taking something on. I was giving up what was obviously the most important thing to me at that time: social acceptance. I was saying, “Hey, Jesus, do you see what I’m doing? Do you see?!? I hope you appreciate this!” Taking money out of my allowance for the poor and for church was a distant second compared to hanging out with someone even less cool than I.
I wish I could say that that was a one-time occurrence, but I remember another instance in junior high when I told the pudgy kid everyone picked on that I’d loan him a pencil in class, “but only cause it’s Lent.” So much for not praying like the hypocrites.
Now that Lent has begun, I find myself thinking about what I’ve given up and taken on in past years as I try to discern what will be truly meaningful this year. But now that J and I have "re-friended" each other on Facebook, I think I'll start by writing her a note to find out how things are going in her life. And this time, I'll really listen.
-- Mary Kate
Daily Scripture Feb. 18, 2010
Hebrews 12:7-11
You Are the Priest
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
You Are the Priest
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 17, 2010
Hebrews 12:4-6
You Are the Priest
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
You Are the Priest
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 16, 2010
Hebrews 12:1-3
You Are the Priest
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
You Are the Priest
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Career Transitions Small Group
Lori Payton, leader of the Career Transitions Small Group, let us know that she created a group on LinkedIn "so that we can stay better connected. We are also posting job openings as we hear about them. Please feel free to join and post jobs whenever you hear about them."
You will need to be a registered user of LinkedIn to access the group, but joining is fast and free. The Career Transitions group meets every other Wednesday (mark your calendar for the next meeting on February 24 at 6:30 p.m.) and has "graduated" a few attendees after they landed new jobs. In this economy in particular, that's a success rate worth noting!
You will need to be a registered user of LinkedIn to access the group, but joining is fast and free. The Career Transitions group meets every other Wednesday (mark your calendar for the next meeting on February 24 at 6:30 p.m.) and has "graduated" a few attendees after they landed new jobs. In this economy in particular, that's a success rate worth noting!
Daily Scripture Feb. 15, 2010
Hebrews 10:32-35
You Are the Priest
32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You Are the Priest
32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 14, 2010
Hebrews 10:19-25
You Are the Priest
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
You Are the Priest
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 13, 2010
Romans 8:15-17
Identity: You Are His Child
15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Identity: You Are His Child
15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Pete Smith Takes Holy Smokes Title
Congrats to Pete Smith for his "win" at last Saturday's Holy Smokes fundraiser for Flatirons Habitat for Humanity! Of course, the real winners are those whose dreams of homeownership will be assisted by the over $3,500 raised at the event. But Pete and his team* get bragging rights for having gotten the most tips for their "Vote for Me, I Cry Easily Meatballs." * We think the cowboy hat deserves some of the credit, too.
Kudos also go to Pastor Thomas for his stuffing, and the Sunrise and Chancel Choirs (led by Riikka Caffrey) who helped with preparation and provided support on the big day!
Click here to read the Broomfield Enterprise's coverage of Holy Smokes.
(All photos: David R. Jennings for the Broomfield Enterprise)
Daily Scripture Feb. 12, 2010
Matthew 6:25-26
Identity: You Are His Child
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Identity: You Are His Child
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 11, 2010
Galatians 2:15-20
Identity: You Are His Child
15"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
17"If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Identity: You Are His Child
15"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
17"If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
BUMC Newsletter - February 10, 2010
Greetings, Friends!
Enjoy THIS issue of In Step - and if you need a break from cooking tonight, come to BUMC for a Wonderful Wednesday meal of spaghetti & meatballs, salad and dessert. All proceeds benefit Haiti Relief through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief).
Let God be your rock of strength today - and take courage knowing He is steadfast in His promises!
Blessings and Peace,
Kendra :)
God is my salvation and my glory, the rock of my strength. Psalm 62:7
Daily Scripture Feb. 10, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:11-17
Identity: You Are His Child
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Identity: You Are His Child
11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 9, 2010
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Identity: You Are His Child
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Identity: You Are His Child
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Pete's Pick -- Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane"
The band that brought us "Dare You To Move" and "Meant To Live" on their break out album The Beautiful Letdown is out with a new effort, Hello Hurricane
. This is the first time that the band is no longer on a corporate label, they have started their own label and this is their first release. They now have their own creative freedom and ability to put out whatever they want for an album, and that is what they have done here. Ever since The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot has created some pretty good songs, but not good albums. This new album is a very strong endeavor at creating a good album.
Their first big single, "Mess of Me", is a rauckus and energetic song that sets the album off to a good start. They follow up with a few other solid songs ranging from rocking to ballads. Switchfoot offers a great album for listeners and are stepping up to regain the notoriety of The Beautiful Letdown.
Switchfoot is a great band and never really disappoints with their music or their lyrics. This is definitely an album worth getting. Not sure if I would buy it new, but definitely glad that I own it -- I got it for $5 from Amazon.com. Check it out for sure!
pete
. This is the first time that the band is no longer on a corporate label, they have started their own label and this is their first release. They now have their own creative freedom and ability to put out whatever they want for an album, and that is what they have done here. Ever since The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot has created some pretty good songs, but not good albums. This new album is a very strong endeavor at creating a good album.Their first big single, "Mess of Me", is a rauckus and energetic song that sets the album off to a good start. They follow up with a few other solid songs ranging from rocking to ballads. Switchfoot offers a great album for listeners and are stepping up to regain the notoriety of The Beautiful Letdown.
Switchfoot is a great band and never really disappoints with their music or their lyrics. This is definitely an album worth getting. Not sure if I would buy it new, but definitely glad that I own it -- I got it for $5 from Amazon.com. Check it out for sure!
pete
Daily Scripture Feb. 8, 2010
Philippians 3:12-14
Identity: You Are His Child
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Identity: You Are His Child
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 7, 2010
2 Samuel 9:1-7
Identity: You Are His Child
1 David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
2 Now there was a servant of Saul's household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?"
"Your servant," he replied.
3 The king asked, "Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?"
Ziba answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."
4 "Where is he?" the king asked.
Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."
5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.
6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.
David said, "Mephibosheth!"
"Your servant," he replied.
7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
Identity: You Are His Child
1 David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
2 Now there was a servant of Saul's household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?"
"Your servant," he replied.
3 The king asked, "Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?"
Ziba answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."
4 "Where is he?" the king asked.
Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."
5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.
6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.
David said, "Mephibosheth!"
"Your servant," he replied.
7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 6, 2010
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
1Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?
5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
1Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? 4For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?
5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 5, 2010
Acts 2:36-41
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 4, 2010
1 Corinthians 3:10-16
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Food For All 2009 wrap-up
I would like to say a quick thank you to all that helped make BUMC’s representation at DenUM’s Food For All a great success. There was a challenge out there to try and raise 85 complete meals from our church and I think that we did make that goal. It is hard to count so many meals, but I would say we were right around 90 this year, with a total of 320 total meals given out to the less fortunate for Thanksgiving.
We had a total of 45 youth and adults from BUMC who attended the event and helped pack those 320 meals. It was a beautiful day and, as tradition has it, we stopped for ice cream afterwards at one of my favorite ice cream shops.
We could not have done what we did without your help, and we are very grateful for your generosity and support. It is always so cool to see how much our church cares for those in need around us and I pray that we will continue to show and grow in these ways.
I just cannot say it enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you for feeding those in need.
pete
We had a total of 45 youth and adults from BUMC who attended the event and helped pack those 320 meals. It was a beautiful day and, as tradition has it, we stopped for ice cream afterwards at one of my favorite ice cream shops.
We could not have done what we did without your help, and we are very grateful for your generosity and support. It is always so cool to see how much our church cares for those in need around us and I pray that we will continue to show and grow in these ways.
I just cannot say it enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you for feeding those in need.
pete
Daily Scripture Feb. 3, 2010
Romans 8:12-17
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 2, 2010
John 8:54-58
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
54Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
54Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
Monday, February 1, 2010
Daily Scripture Feb. 1, 2010
Titus 1:1-3
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Our Vision: An Invitation to Go Forward
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
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