Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Church of the Reconciler Wednesday Evening Prayer
At our Church of the Reconciler Wednesday Night Evening Prayer this week we will be reading, praying, and meditating on the following Scripture Lessons: Psalm 95, Ephesians 2:1-10, Matthew 7:22-27. Our Evening Prayer begins at 6:30 PM in the Vennie Paulk Room. Hope you can come!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Summer needs for children and the homeless
Summer is nearly here, and along with the humidity and high temps, we can also expect the usual summer slump in donations. If you are able to help by sponsoring a drive for needed supplies, or by making an in-kind gift to our ministry now, we can head into the summer stocked up and ready to meet the needs of our children and homeless members.
We need:
toilet paper
sugar
40-gallon garbage bags
non-bleach floor cleaner
We don't need coffee or coffee cups, thanks to the generosity of Royal Cup Coffee.
In addition, we have the following request from one of our Sunday School teachers:
The girls’ Sunday School Class is looking for donations of yarn and knitting looms to make hats and scarves which we can donate to the Christmas bags assembled each year by Church of the Reconciler. The knitting looms, known by brand as Knifty Knitters, are sets of four round looms of various sizes. We can use all four of the sizes. The knitters are available at Michael’s, Wal-Mart, and on eBay.
Call the church office at 324-6402 if you have a donation. Thanks!
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010
Read Scripture: Luke 24: 1-12
Al- le-lu-ia!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Christ the Lord is risen today,
Earth and Heaven in chorus way,
Al- le-lu- lia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Sing ye heavens and earth reply!
Al-le-lu-lia!
An Easter hymn reminds us all that Jesus Christ has risen
Let every heart sing forth with joy; Salvation has been given!
Jesus showed the world that love would conquor every situation!
Live in peace with God's own son
Allelulia, Christ is risen!
Church of the Reconciler United Methodist Church
Come for our Easter Service at 9:30
112 North 14th Street
Birmingham, Alabama
Don't look for a steeple! Look for a warehouse full of God's loving people!
Easter Baskets for all the Children!
Read Scripture: Luke 24: 1-12
Al- le-lu-ia!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Christ the Lord is risen today,
Earth and Heaven in chorus way,
Al- le-lu- lia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Sing ye heavens and earth reply!
Al-le-lu-lia!
An Easter hymn reminds us all that Jesus Christ has risen
Let every heart sing forth with joy; Salvation has been given!
Jesus showed the world that love would conquor every situation!
Live in peace with God's own son
Allelulia, Christ is risen!
Church of the Reconciler United Methodist Church
Come for our Easter Service at 9:30
112 North 14th Street
Birmingham, Alabama
Don't look for a steeple! Look for a warehouse full of God's loving people!
Easter Baskets for all the Children!
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Restore the image of love in us.
Read Psalm 31 Verses 9-16
Key Verse: Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; (Verse 9)
Let Your face shine on your servant; Save me in your unfailing love. (Verse 6)
The psalmist is distressed indeed! His enemies are out to get him because they love political power and control more than truth and justice. His friends have abandoned him because their love failed in a time of testing. Surely we can all remember times when human love failed us and when our love failed someone else. “The human heart is deceitful above all things”. (Jeremiah 17:9) At one time or another all human love fails – yours does and mine does.
It is quite amazing that our love fails because we were created in the image of God – who is love. Where has this image of God gone? We have, as C. S. Lewis says, become bent”.
We are out of alignment. We are self centered rather than Christ centered.
How does this relate to Easter? On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was abandoned by his friends and crucified by his enemies. Human love failed that day but the love of God and Christ Jesus remained unchanged. Jesus was not angry, bitter, or filled with hatred. He did not call on God to send revenge upon those who murdered him without cause. Rather, He asked God to forgive them, to forgive us. That is redemptive love! What greater grace, unmerited favor, undeserved love, could there be?
PRAYER FOCUS: Restore the image of love in us.
PRAYER:
Lord God, I am so very thankful that Your love never fails. My love fails time and time again. I humbly bow before the cross and seek your forgiveness and mercy. I need the healing balm of grace that flows from the wounds of Your Son so I can begin to have your image imprinted upon me again. I look up . . . I see the risen Christ – Your manifest, living, transforming, unfailing love. Please transform me into His likeness.
Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If God’s love ever failed He would not be God.
Sharon Parsons
Key Verse: Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; (Verse 9)
Let Your face shine on your servant; Save me in your unfailing love. (Verse 6)
The psalmist is distressed indeed! His enemies are out to get him because they love political power and control more than truth and justice. His friends have abandoned him because their love failed in a time of testing. Surely we can all remember times when human love failed us and when our love failed someone else. “The human heart is deceitful above all things”. (Jeremiah 17:9) At one time or another all human love fails – yours does and mine does.
It is quite amazing that our love fails because we were created in the image of God – who is love. Where has this image of God gone? We have, as C. S. Lewis says, become bent”.
We are out of alignment. We are self centered rather than Christ centered.
How does this relate to Easter? On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was abandoned by his friends and crucified by his enemies. Human love failed that day but the love of God and Christ Jesus remained unchanged. Jesus was not angry, bitter, or filled with hatred. He did not call on God to send revenge upon those who murdered him without cause. Rather, He asked God to forgive them, to forgive us. That is redemptive love! What greater grace, unmerited favor, undeserved love, could there be?
PRAYER FOCUS: Restore the image of love in us.
PRAYER:
Lord God, I am so very thankful that Your love never fails. My love fails time and time again. I humbly bow before the cross and seek your forgiveness and mercy. I need the healing balm of grace that flows from the wounds of Your Son so I can begin to have your image imprinted upon me again. I look up . . . I see the risen Christ – Your manifest, living, transforming, unfailing love. Please transform me into His likeness.
Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If God’s love ever failed He would not be God.
Sharon Parsons
Friday, April 02, 2010
Who are You Looking For?
Read Scripture John 18:1-19,
Key Verse: Verse 5 “ He (Jesus) said to the guards, “That’s me.” The Message
Who are You Looking For?
The guards were led by Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had gone into a garden that he frequently went to for quietness and prayer. Only the disciples knew where this garden was located.
When Jesus saw that the guards were coming, he went out to meet them. He asked them, “Who are you looking for?” He knew full well who they were after.
The guards said the were looking for Jesus, the Nazarene. That is when Jesus answered them, “That’s me.”
The guards were taken back. They had expected a confrontation. They did not think it was going to be so simple to find Jesus.
This story in John begins the final hours of Jesus life before the crucifixion.
In the hours coming up, Jesus is not only betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, but Peter, probably his closest disciple, also betrays him, telling the woman in the market place that he does not even know Jesus.
As we close down the days of Lent we reread these episodes of Jesus’ life and realize how much Jesus suffered for our sins.
Why is this day called “Good Friday?” It seems like it should be called “Bad Friday.”
Many churches will have a service today where they cover the cross in black and have the seven last words of Jesus read, leaving the service in total darkness.
We rejoice in the knowledge that Easter is coming!
Prayer: Thank you, O God, for the coming resurrection. Amen
Thought for the Day: Just two more days till Easter.
Nancy Higgs
Key Verse: Verse 5 “ He (Jesus) said to the guards, “That’s me.” The Message
Who are You Looking For?
The guards were led by Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had gone into a garden that he frequently went to for quietness and prayer. Only the disciples knew where this garden was located.
When Jesus saw that the guards were coming, he went out to meet them. He asked them, “Who are you looking for?” He knew full well who they were after.
The guards said the were looking for Jesus, the Nazarene. That is when Jesus answered them, “That’s me.”
The guards were taken back. They had expected a confrontation. They did not think it was going to be so simple to find Jesus.
This story in John begins the final hours of Jesus life before the crucifixion.
In the hours coming up, Jesus is not only betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, but Peter, probably his closest disciple, also betrays him, telling the woman in the market place that he does not even know Jesus.
As we close down the days of Lent we reread these episodes of Jesus’ life and realize how much Jesus suffered for our sins.
Why is this day called “Good Friday?” It seems like it should be called “Bad Friday.”
Many churches will have a service today where they cover the cross in black and have the seven last words of Jesus read, leaving the service in total darkness.
We rejoice in the knowledge that Easter is coming!
Prayer: Thank you, O God, for the coming resurrection. Amen
Thought for the Day: Just two more days till Easter.
Nancy Higgs
Thursday, April 01, 2010
A New Command
Read Scripture: John 13: 1-17, 31b-35
Key Verse: Verse 34 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another.” The Message
A New Command
Jesus gave his disciples a new command, to love one another. He was talking with the disciples after they had eaten together in the Upper Room. He told them to love each other and others the same way that he loved them. He said that everyone would recognize that they were followers of him by the way they loved one another.
Can everyone recognize that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you showing the forgiving love of Jesus to everyone, even your enemies? This season of Lent is almost over. Have you grown in your relationship to Jesus and to following his command in the last 37 days? Easter is only three days away. The day of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection is almost upon us. Decide today to be recognized as a follower of Jesus Christ. Love one another.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the new command. Help us to follow you and love as Jesus loved.
Thought for the Day: Jesus gave us a new command. Follow it!
Key Verse: Verse 34 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another.” The Message
A New Command
Jesus gave his disciples a new command, to love one another. He was talking with the disciples after they had eaten together in the Upper Room. He told them to love each other and others the same way that he loved them. He said that everyone would recognize that they were followers of him by the way they loved one another.
Can everyone recognize that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you showing the forgiving love of Jesus to everyone, even your enemies? This season of Lent is almost over. Have you grown in your relationship to Jesus and to following his command in the last 37 days? Easter is only three days away. The day of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection is almost upon us. Decide today to be recognized as a follower of Jesus Christ. Love one another.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the new command. Help us to follow you and love as Jesus loved.
Thought for the Day: Jesus gave us a new command. Follow it!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Jesus Doing Good
Read Scripture: Hebrews 12: 1-3
Jesus Doing Good
It is believed that for the last 40 days of Jesus’ life many good and bad things occurred. Although I would not attempt to account these many occurrences on a daily basis; yet I will begin with Matthew’s 10th chapter. Here Jesus summons his disciples and gives them power over unclean spirits. He gives them their mission to go to the lost sheep of Israel, telling them that the kingdom is at hand. Jesus warns his disciples of coming persecutions, “I’m sending you out as sheep among wolfs. Be wise as serpents and humble as doves. The only reward promised, “Whosoever receives you will also receive me. And whosoever receives me will also receive my Father who sent me.” John the Baptist hears of Jesus’ teaching, and sends a messenger from prison asking Jesus, “Are you the one promised to come by Moses?”
There was a time that they were hungry and Jesus allowed his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath day. Jesus also healed the withered hand of a man on this same Sabbath day. Jesus teaches that “a tree is known by its fruit.” There was a question of the resurrection when Jesus told the Pharisees of his death and resurrection. The Pharisees mocked him, saying, “You said you are going to die and rise again. No other prophet as made this declaration, therefore give us a sign.” Jesus said, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of Man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus goes on and quiets a storm on the Sea of Galilee. He tells his disciples, “You need faith like a mustard seed, small but mighty.” Jesus feeds the multitudes. He asks the disciples, “Who do the people say that I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah.” Peter declared, “Though are the Christ, the Anointed One. Jesus tells his disciples to be known for mass amounts of forgiveness. Jesus teaches the importance of little children.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in Heaven ….
Please pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Charles Young, new member of Church of the Reconciler
Jesus Doing Good
It is believed that for the last 40 days of Jesus’ life many good and bad things occurred. Although I would not attempt to account these many occurrences on a daily basis; yet I will begin with Matthew’s 10th chapter. Here Jesus summons his disciples and gives them power over unclean spirits. He gives them their mission to go to the lost sheep of Israel, telling them that the kingdom is at hand. Jesus warns his disciples of coming persecutions, “I’m sending you out as sheep among wolfs. Be wise as serpents and humble as doves. The only reward promised, “Whosoever receives you will also receive me. And whosoever receives me will also receive my Father who sent me.” John the Baptist hears of Jesus’ teaching, and sends a messenger from prison asking Jesus, “Are you the one promised to come by Moses?”
There was a time that they were hungry and Jesus allowed his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath day. Jesus also healed the withered hand of a man on this same Sabbath day. Jesus teaches that “a tree is known by its fruit.” There was a question of the resurrection when Jesus told the Pharisees of his death and resurrection. The Pharisees mocked him, saying, “You said you are going to die and rise again. No other prophet as made this declaration, therefore give us a sign.” Jesus said, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of Man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus goes on and quiets a storm on the Sea of Galilee. He tells his disciples, “You need faith like a mustard seed, small but mighty.” Jesus feeds the multitudes. He asks the disciples, “Who do the people say that I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah.” Peter declared, “Though are the Christ, the Anointed One. Jesus tells his disciples to be known for mass amounts of forgiveness. Jesus teaches the importance of little children.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in Heaven ….
Please pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Charles Young, new member of Church of the Reconciler
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Stations of the Cross, Good Friday
You are invited to join us for the annual Stations of the Cross in downtown Birmingham, this Friday. We begin at Church of the Reconciler at 11:00 a.m.
Every year we gather to walk around our city, stopping at locations of significance to Birmingham's homeless community, as we commemorate the passage of Jesus, a homeless itinerant minister, on Good Friday. We remember Christ's commitment to the poor and reflect upon the importance of sharing love and hope with 'the least of these.'
It's an experience that will make you appreciate the Easter news in new and meaningful ways this year.
We suggest you wear a hat, and bring sunscreen and bottled water. The entire walk takes about two hours.
Justice for the poor
One of the most unjust taxes is the Alabama tax on groceries. Alabama Arise is leading the campaign for the repeal of this tax, which places an unfair and additional burden on the poor. Here is an update from Alabama Arise on the effort:
"Untax" Tuesday: What does it mean for me?
Here’s an easy way to explain what untaxing groceries will do for every Alabama household: It will give them two weeks’ worth of free groceries every year.
Here’s how it works: Removing the 4 percent state sales tax on groceries will lower everybody’s grocery bill by 4 percent, week after week, all year long. The savings add up to 4 percent of annual grocery costs, and 4 percent of a year is two weeks. That’s the amount of extra cash Alabamians will have in hand to make ends meet.
We estimate that the average Alabama family will save $100 per person every year, but no family is “average.” For some, that’s a high estimate, for others low. No matter what your family spends on groceries, two weeks’ worth every year will make a difference!
HB 1, the bill to “untax groceries,” is expected to move forward this week. Watch for a report on Wednesday’s committee action in the news.
God, In Whom I Trust
Psalm 91: 1-2 and 9-16
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Key Verse: "I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
God, In Whom I Trust
There has been discussion lately about the "In God We Trust" on the US currency. It is a contentious topic with hot discussions of the issue of seperation of Church and State. I don't want to get into whether it SHOULD be printed on the money or not. However, I'd like for you to think about putting your trust in God every time money passes through your hand. Whether it is the change that you put in a vending machine for a drink or a snack or the money you pay your bills with each month.
"I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to put our trust in you with everything.
Beth Ann Higgs, charter member and Church webmaster
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Key Verse: "I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
God, In Whom I Trust
There has been discussion lately about the "In God We Trust" on the US currency. It is a contentious topic with hot discussions of the issue of seperation of Church and State. I don't want to get into whether it SHOULD be printed on the money or not. However, I'd like for you to think about putting your trust in God every time money passes through your hand. Whether it is the change that you put in a vending machine for a drink or a snack or the money you pay your bills with each month.
"I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to put our trust in you with everything.
Beth Ann Higgs, charter member and Church webmaster
Monday, March 29, 2010
They Came to Look
Read Scripture: John 12: 9-11
Key Verse: Verse 9 “The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus, but also at Lazarus who had been raised from the dead. “ The Message
They Came to Look
The word had gotten out that Jesus was back in town. Everyone wanted to come and see him, and also to see Lazarus, who Jesus had raised from the dead.
The high priests began to plan to kill Lazarus. Too many of the Jews were beginning to follow Jesus. They had to stop this before it got any larger.
Many times we are guilty of “just looking.” Just like the Jews coming to see Jesus, they were curious about what he was dong. They were curious about what was going on. They had heard stories of miracles, and they wanted to see for themselves.
We need to make our church services so exciting that throngs of people will ask questions and come to take a look. We need also to get the word out that Jesus is changing lives and restoring people to God! We need to invite people to come and take a good look! They will be blessed when they come.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the miracles that happened each day at Church of the Reconciler. Thank you for lives that are renewed and changed because people come and take a closer look at you. Amen
Thought for the Day: Help us to get the word out that all should come and take a good look.
Nancy Higgs
Key Verse: Verse 9 “The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus, but also at Lazarus who had been raised from the dead. “ The Message
They Came to Look
The word had gotten out that Jesus was back in town. Everyone wanted to come and see him, and also to see Lazarus, who Jesus had raised from the dead.
The high priests began to plan to kill Lazarus. Too many of the Jews were beginning to follow Jesus. They had to stop this before it got any larger.
Many times we are guilty of “just looking.” Just like the Jews coming to see Jesus, they were curious about what he was dong. They were curious about what was going on. They had heard stories of miracles, and they wanted to see for themselves.
We need to make our church services so exciting that throngs of people will ask questions and come to take a look. We need also to get the word out that Jesus is changing lives and restoring people to God! We need to invite people to come and take a good look! They will be blessed when they come.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the miracles that happened each day at Church of the Reconciler. Thank you for lives that are renewed and changed because people come and take a closer look at you. Amen
Thought for the Day: Help us to get the word out that all should come and take a good look.
Nancy Higgs
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Some Things are Difficult to Understand
Read Scripture: Mark 14: 1-15, 47
Key Verse: Verse 5 “ They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her.” The Message
Some Things are Difficult to Understand
Mary had just anointed Jesus body with the perfume. Those who were there at the party were surprised, and many were upset. They did not understand what it all meant. Jesus told them that what she had done was a wonderful thing. He told them to leave her alone, that what she had done would be remembered forever.
We are often in situations that we do not understand completely what all is going on. Many times we make judgments on the actions of other people when we really should just step back and observe. This was the case with the people at Simon the Leper’s house in Bethany.
When was there a time that you “swelled up in anger” over a situation you did not completely understand? Maybe you read about something in the newspaper or heard about something on T.V.? Maybe you were in your own home and something happened that you questioned? We need to use Jesus’ advice and
not make judgments.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to try to understand what we are experiencing. Help us to not make judgments against people and become angry. Amen
Thought for the Day: There are situations that we do not understand fully, help us to not become angry and judgmental.
Nancy Higgs
Key Verse: Verse 5 “ They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her.” The Message
Some Things are Difficult to Understand
Mary had just anointed Jesus body with the perfume. Those who were there at the party were surprised, and many were upset. They did not understand what it all meant. Jesus told them that what she had done was a wonderful thing. He told them to leave her alone, that what she had done would be remembered forever.
We are often in situations that we do not understand completely what all is going on. Many times we make judgments on the actions of other people when we really should just step back and observe. This was the case with the people at Simon the Leper’s house in Bethany.
When was there a time that you “swelled up in anger” over a situation you did not completely understand? Maybe you read about something in the newspaper or heard about something on T.V.? Maybe you were in your own home and something happened that you questioned? We need to use Jesus’ advice and
not make judgments.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to try to understand what we are experiencing. Help us to not make judgments against people and become angry. Amen
Thought for the Day: There are situations that we do not understand fully, help us to not become angry and judgmental.
Nancy Higgs
Saturday, March 27, 2010
“What’s in Your Pocket?”
Read Psalm 31: 1-16
Key Verse: Verse 3a “You are indeed my rock and my fortress…”
“What’s in Your Pocket?”
Rocks! Everywhere we go he picks up a new rock. He has a whole collection of rocks. For Christmas Santa Claus even brought him a sack of polished rocks in his stocking. They go into his pocket, a reminder of where we have been that day.
Rocks are a geological wonder! When you study the different kinds of rocks you discover the miracle of the creation of the whole world.
In verse 3a of Psalm 31 we read, ‘You are indeed my rock and my fortress..” The writer is speaking of God. He is saying that God is giving him his strength to make it through each day.
We have many trials and temptations that we face. We wonder how we are going to get through each day and week. Let God be your rock and your strength. God will help you in the struggle.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and forgiving us our sins as we also forgive those who sin against us. Help us to look to you as our rock.
Thought for the Day: Jesus is my rock and my strength.
Nancy Higgs
Key Verse: Verse 3a “You are indeed my rock and my fortress…”
“What’s in Your Pocket?”
Rocks! Everywhere we go he picks up a new rock. He has a whole collection of rocks. For Christmas Santa Claus even brought him a sack of polished rocks in his stocking. They go into his pocket, a reminder of where we have been that day.
Rocks are a geological wonder! When you study the different kinds of rocks you discover the miracle of the creation of the whole world.
In verse 3a of Psalm 31 we read, ‘You are indeed my rock and my fortress..” The writer is speaking of God. He is saying that God is giving him his strength to make it through each day.
We have many trials and temptations that we face. We wonder how we are going to get through each day and week. Let God be your rock and your strength. God will help you in the struggle.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and forgiving us our sins as we also forgive those who sin against us. Help us to look to you as our rock.
Thought for the Day: Jesus is my rock and my strength.
Nancy Higgs
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Betrayal of Jesus
Read: Matt 26: 14 - 27, 66
The Betrayal of Jesus
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you; your parents, brothers, sisters, other family members, spouse, or any other person important to you? Jesus was betrayed by his disciples. First there was Judas, then Peter’s denial, and Judas identifying Jesus with a kiss on the cheek. These disciples were chosen to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would die to pay for our sins. By his grace we are set free from our wrongdoings.
When I look back at my life, it seems as if most of the people who were the closest to me have betrayed me. Each time this occurred, the pain and suffering I felt was pretty awful. But each time, I was reminded that my faith is in God. He is the one who is always there for me. In times of great suffering, he is walking beside me. It doesn’t mean that I will not have pain and suffering, but I know that he will walk with me. At times, I have felt him as he carried me because I was too weak to walk.
Just as Jesus asked our Father in heaven, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” So should we forgive those who have hurt us. But that’s is not all. There is more that we should do and I was reminded of this by one of the folks I met at the Reconciler. He told me that I should ask that person for forgiveness. Now, I realize that sounds backwards. Why should I ask this person who hurt me for forgiveness. Why should I pray for blessings on them? Just try it. It can change your life. It may or may not change the life of the person who hurt you, but it can change your attitude about how you go through your life.
TODAY: Just think about someone who hurt you. Pray for God to bless them and bring all good things to them. Do this for fourteen days. It can change your life. Forgive them just as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ asked that God forgive the people who betrayed him.
Gay Blalock
The Betrayal of Jesus
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you; your parents, brothers, sisters, other family members, spouse, or any other person important to you? Jesus was betrayed by his disciples. First there was Judas, then Peter’s denial, and Judas identifying Jesus with a kiss on the cheek. These disciples were chosen to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would die to pay for our sins. By his grace we are set free from our wrongdoings.
When I look back at my life, it seems as if most of the people who were the closest to me have betrayed me. Each time this occurred, the pain and suffering I felt was pretty awful. But each time, I was reminded that my faith is in God. He is the one who is always there for me. In times of great suffering, he is walking beside me. It doesn’t mean that I will not have pain and suffering, but I know that he will walk with me. At times, I have felt him as he carried me because I was too weak to walk.
Just as Jesus asked our Father in heaven, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” So should we forgive those who have hurt us. But that’s is not all. There is more that we should do and I was reminded of this by one of the folks I met at the Reconciler. He told me that I should ask that person for forgiveness. Now, I realize that sounds backwards. Why should I ask this person who hurt me for forgiveness. Why should I pray for blessings on them? Just try it. It can change your life. It may or may not change the life of the person who hurt you, but it can change your attitude about how you go through your life.
TODAY: Just think about someone who hurt you. Pray for God to bless them and bring all good things to them. Do this for fourteen days. It can change your life. Forgive them just as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ asked that God forgive the people who betrayed him.
Gay Blalock
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I Wait for the Lord
Psalm 130
I Wait for the Lord
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV)
Waiting is so difficult! Patience is considered a fruit of the spirit, but so many of us find ourselves growing restless when waiting for an answer to a prayer. We get ourselves into deep trouble without any help from God. We struggle on our own for so long, then “out of the depths” we cry to God. Then we sit and wait for an answer. “Where are you, God?” we ask. “Aren’t you listening?”
The psalmist describes waiting as an activity, not a something passive. While we wait we pray, we hope, and we trust in the Lord’s redemption. The poet gives us the image of a watchman waiting for the morning. The watchmen is alert, attentive, but never in doubt that the dawn will break and a new day will begin.
We must wait in the same way. If we trust God, if we believe in God’s redeeming love, then we understand that when our prayers are answered doesn’t matter. We know they will be answered—in God’s time.
Dear God, Thank you for being with us as we struggle through life’s difficulties. Help us to put our faith, our trust, in You. Amen.
Karla Price Higgs
I Wait for the Lord
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV)
Waiting is so difficult! Patience is considered a fruit of the spirit, but so many of us find ourselves growing restless when waiting for an answer to a prayer. We get ourselves into deep trouble without any help from God. We struggle on our own for so long, then “out of the depths” we cry to God. Then we sit and wait for an answer. “Where are you, God?” we ask. “Aren’t you listening?”
The psalmist describes waiting as an activity, not a something passive. While we wait we pray, we hope, and we trust in the Lord’s redemption. The poet gives us the image of a watchman waiting for the morning. The watchmen is alert, attentive, but never in doubt that the dawn will break and a new day will begin.
We must wait in the same way. If we trust God, if we believe in God’s redeeming love, then we understand that when our prayers are answered doesn’t matter. We know they will be answered—in God’s time.
Dear God, Thank you for being with us as we struggle through life’s difficulties. Help us to put our faith, our trust, in You. Amen.
Karla Price Higgs
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Signing the Good News
We're grateful to Ann Hill for offering her services of signing for the deaf every Sunday morning during worship. She became aware of Church of the Reconciler when she attended the recent memorial service for homeless people who died during the cold on the streets of Birmingham. While serving lunch at the Community Kitchen one day after the service, she asked someone what they knew about our church. "I don't have lot of personal knowledge about the church," she was told, "but I know that Reconciler is the go-to place for the homeless when they are in crisis."
Now, Ann drives 50 miles one way to attend worship with us and to sign the entire service. When you see her, thank her for joining our community and for her commitment to our ministry. And if you know anyone who's looking for a worship service with a signer for the deaf, tell them to visit us!
Inspired to Do Good
Read II Phillipians 2:5-11
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus Had:
Phillipians 2:4 (TEV)
One day my step daughters were disagreeing and one said to the other in a piercing high pitched voice: “you have an attitude.” I thought – hum m…I wonder if she means good or bad? I think I know.
The Christians at Phillipi had an attitude problem and Paul wanted to inspire them to have love and compassion toward one another. He reminded them how Jesus came to where they (and we) were suffering. He came “out of the ivory palaces into a world of world of woe.” The poet Charles Wesley expressed it this way in two phrases:
“Mild he lays His glory by, and
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see.”
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to have love and compassion on others if you are angry, selfish and revengeful?
Phillip P. Bliss reminds us
“Man or Sorrows! What a name
for the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hal-le-lu-jah, What a Savior!”
I say, WHAT AN ATTITUDE!
I challenge you to empty your selfish ego and go “help somebody…” who is suffering and see how good it makes you feel and what it can do for your attitude.
PRAYER
Dear God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, inspire us by your example to also be willing to suffer on behalf of others.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
He that gets down and dirty to help others shall be exalted.
PRAYER FOCUS
Hurting Homeless Humans
William Ray Wade
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus Had:
Phillipians 2:4 (TEV)
One day my step daughters were disagreeing and one said to the other in a piercing high pitched voice: “you have an attitude.” I thought – hum m…I wonder if she means good or bad? I think I know.
The Christians at Phillipi had an attitude problem and Paul wanted to inspire them to have love and compassion toward one another. He reminded them how Jesus came to where they (and we) were suffering. He came “out of the ivory palaces into a world of world of woe.” The poet Charles Wesley expressed it this way in two phrases:
“Mild he lays His glory by, and
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see.”
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to have love and compassion on others if you are angry, selfish and revengeful?
Phillip P. Bliss reminds us
“Man or Sorrows! What a name
for the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hal-le-lu-jah, What a Savior!”
I say, WHAT AN ATTITUDE!
I challenge you to empty your selfish ego and go “help somebody…” who is suffering and see how good it makes you feel and what it can do for your attitude.
PRAYER
Dear God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, inspire us by your example to also be willing to suffer on behalf of others.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
He that gets down and dirty to help others shall be exalted.
PRAYER FOCUS
Hurting Homeless Humans
William Ray Wade
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting 3/24
At our Church of the Reconciler Wednesday Night Evening Prayer this week we will be reading, praying, and meditating on the following Scripture Lessons: Psalm 121, Jeremiah 23:16-32, John 10:1-18. Our Evening Prayer begins at 6:30 PM in the Vennie Paulk Room.
Table Blessings
Read Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
Key Verse: Verse 29a “Give thanks to the Lord, who is good…”
Table Blessings
Many families and individuals say a table blessing or grace before every meal. It has always been a tradition in our family to say “the blessing” before we eat. At Church of the Reconciler, we sing our blessing on Sunday mornings before we eat our common meal. It does not matter if you are “in tune: or on pitch” the important thing is that you are stopping to give thanks to the Lord.
In the United Methodist Women’s Spiritual Growth Study for 2009 we studied the theme Food and Faith. In this study the group at Camp Sumatanga wrote new table blessings. A booklet was put together of the graces.
The familiar blessing that children learn to say, “Thank you for the food we eat, Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything. Amen.” (Author Unknown) is remembered by many people.
Often we have sung the Doxology as a blessing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Praise God, the Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” (p. 95 Methodist Hymnal.)
What ever blessing you use in your family or church groups, the important thing to remember is to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.”
Prayer: We just want to say thank you for loving us and showing us how to live and love our neighbor. Be with us as we give thanks to you. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Give thanks to God for his mercy and grace.
Nancy Higgs
Key Verse: Verse 29a “Give thanks to the Lord, who is good…”
Table Blessings
Many families and individuals say a table blessing or grace before every meal. It has always been a tradition in our family to say “the blessing” before we eat. At Church of the Reconciler, we sing our blessing on Sunday mornings before we eat our common meal. It does not matter if you are “in tune: or on pitch” the important thing is that you are stopping to give thanks to the Lord.
In the United Methodist Women’s Spiritual Growth Study for 2009 we studied the theme Food and Faith. In this study the group at Camp Sumatanga wrote new table blessings. A booklet was put together of the graces.
The familiar blessing that children learn to say, “Thank you for the food we eat, Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything. Amen.” (Author Unknown) is remembered by many people.
Often we have sung the Doxology as a blessing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Praise God, the Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” (p. 95 Methodist Hymnal.)
What ever blessing you use in your family or church groups, the important thing to remember is to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.”
Prayer: We just want to say thank you for loving us and showing us how to live and love our neighbor. Be with us as we give thanks to you. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Give thanks to God for his mercy and grace.
Nancy Higgs
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Triumphal Entry
The Triumphal Entry
Luke 19:37-40 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mt. of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord, Pease in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crown said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.!”
Several years ago I have the privilege of working with the North Alabama Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission One Day Children’s Event. We had over 350 children in attendance that year. I had begged family and friends to help with the hiking, crafts, food serving, and dance/games segments of the day. When the children arrived at camp that morning they were so excited that the workers became excited also. We were living on the high excitement from being together to learn about Jesus, being privileged enough to bring gifts of school supplies for children in another country, and time together to sing and dance the stories of Jesus. This is how the disciples of Jesus must have felt that day near the road to the Mt. of Olives. Joyfully praising God, and announcing to the world that the King they had been expecting had come. The people in authority tried to quiet the crowd, and told Jesus to keep them quiet. But Jesus must have been amused, and replied that he couldn’t keep them quiet…the disciples were overjoyed and excited and bounding with joy with having Jesus in their midst. Jesus said the excitement was such that even the stones on the ground were alive with joy and excitement.
Prayer: Lord, let us pray that we keep the excitement and joy of Jesus and his love for each of us alive and flowing each day of our lives. Amen
Luke 19:37-40 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mt. of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord, Pease in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crown said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.!”
Several years ago I have the privilege of working with the North Alabama Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission One Day Children’s Event. We had over 350 children in attendance that year. I had begged family and friends to help with the hiking, crafts, food serving, and dance/games segments of the day. When the children arrived at camp that morning they were so excited that the workers became excited also. We were living on the high excitement from being together to learn about Jesus, being privileged enough to bring gifts of school supplies for children in another country, and time together to sing and dance the stories of Jesus. This is how the disciples of Jesus must have felt that day near the road to the Mt. of Olives. Joyfully praising God, and announcing to the world that the King they had been expecting had come. The people in authority tried to quiet the crowd, and told Jesus to keep them quiet. But Jesus must have been amused, and replied that he couldn’t keep them quiet…the disciples were overjoyed and excited and bounding with joy with having Jesus in their midst. Jesus said the excitement was such that even the stones on the ground were alive with joy and excitement.
Prayer: Lord, let us pray that we keep the excitement and joy of Jesus and his love for each of us alive and flowing each day of our lives. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)