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Give all of ourselves (November 8) 2009-11-03 by Winola Green Submit a Question | Submit an Article What a familiar scene, clergy walking around in long robes particularly today at high church celebrations, etc. Seeing this I have always remembered this passage, then I focus about what we are about and the significance of such GARB. I think we in the pews need information on the significance. Such vestments, etc. can in one way resemble a common service, but on the other hand, sometimes caution must be taken to not assume an aire of control or smugness. As for the use of the white collar, it is helpful in being recognized not to be praised and respected but as a sign of giving comfort and peace. The giving of our resourses, I feel the widow's gift is a sign of our need to give ALL of ourselves in service to which God has called and he provides for us. Keeping Watch (November 8) 2009-11-03 by Barbara L Switzer Submit a Question | Submit an Article This story of the Widow's Mite is one I remember from childhood, with the lesson being that even small contributions can be worth much. It seems like it's often read during the fall, when many congregations are having their Stewardship Drives for raising the next year's budget. The part which caught my attention this time was that Jesus "sat down opposite the treasury" and just did some people-watching. This must not have been such unusual behavior, as Jesus is not asked to "move along" nor is he questioned about this activity. What does this mean for me? Who is watching when I give? Should I be self-conscious about giving, whether it's cookies for a bake sale, baby clothes for the Thrift Shop or my annual pledge? Like the story of the rich young man, it seems like attitude is once again the focus of Jesus' teaching. How do I keep the right mindset when I'm giving? It's so tempting to want to be recognized. I have a friend who will tell you that it's easier to raise money for a building or monument than it is for fixing the roof or repairing the plumbing - mainly because we don't usually put a plaque on the wall in the restroom recognizing the funds used to pay the plumber! Maybe we should.... Talk to me about keeping watch over my attitude when giving, so I don't get discouraged or feel neglected. Giving from an empty wallet (November 8) 2009-11-02 by amy Submit a Question | Submit an Article Our church runs a soup kichen on Sundays, and hands out sack lunches on Saturdays in the park downtown. One Saturday, Charlie, a regular, pulled a tattered wallet out of his pocket and started digging through ragged pieces of paper. Finally, he pulled out a well-worn coupon for a Butterball turkey. "You've helped me out so much, I want you to have this," Charlie said. The expiration date on the coupon was that day. I took it to a local grocery, and redeemed it for a big frozen turkey. Charlie's generosity means 100 hungry men, women and children will have hot soup one Sunday. Every time I read about the poor widow and the copper coins, I think of Charlie giving away the only thing in his wallet with value. Help us understand how we with much abundance can give like this from our poverty. Sacrifice ? Who Me? (November 8) 2009-11-02 by John Roberts Submit a Question | Submit an Article Mark 12: 38-44 Two short lessons in sacrifice. Self and Stuff. Jesus tells us to watch out for religion scholars. Why? Because they have taught us more than we need to know about sacrifice of self. They have shown the unhealthy desires for prominence,deference, worldly honor and worldly profit from position. Twentyfirst century conduct is not much different. Personal examples: A pastor who always wore a collar when away from home or church so that he would get proper "respect". A pastor who insisted on being called "Doctor" even though his degree was honorary, not academic. A pastor who told me I could not pronounce Benediction in a worship service, even though I am a commissioned lay pastor, had been invited to preach by my session, was authorized by my Presbytery to serve Holy Communion in my church. The reason -- I did not graduate from a seminary. Jesus says we should have the attitude of a servant. The second lesson on sacrifice is demonstrated by the widow. Sacrifice of stuff is supposed to be sacrificial rather than out of abundance(a lot of stuff that we wouldn't even miss) and not so that everyone knows who did it. 21st century conduct is still the same. Why Lazarus: reply 2009-10-31 by John Maas Submit a Question | Submit an Article I have to let John be John and the other Gospels be the other Gospels. I don't think the Wedding at Cana is in the others, either. More at issue for me is what the truths are in the story. Myths may not be actual events, but they still tell truth. (Not inferring this is myth, though.) Truth is that Jesus has a bigger purpose than healing sick people -- but raising us from the power of sin, death, devil. Truth is that we usually have a limited scope of what we think God can do. Truth is that Jesus continues to call us out from the bonds of death that bind us -- in this life and at the end of this life. Truth is that this demonstration seals Jesus' death, because some will resist the power of God, especially when it threatens our own personal power. [First Page] [Prev] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 [Next] [Last Page] Login - (This login is for administrators and bloggers. Usernames and passwords for GoodPreacher subscribers will not work here.) |
