Worship into the Week- Reformation Sunday

 

Reformation Sunday- 

Old Testament Reading Genesis 4:1-15

Sin Leads to the First Murder

Jealousy becomes the driving force in Cain's life 

when he becomes jealous over God 

accepting his brother's Abel's offering.

There are consequences to sin and it encompasses 

envy, anger, and violence. 

The story evolves with God's justice and mercy

 as he punishes Cain with a curse and exile.

But, God also protects Cain with mark.

This story highlights the importance of the heart's motivation

 and connection in worship.

We also see that sin is so destructive and that the evilness

 of sin creates a spiraling of consequences.

We know that we are each responsible for our brothers 

and sisters."Keeping" is part of loving and helping others.

Seeing others- those marginalized, outcast, not like us,

becomes our great challenge.

A heart change is what is in order.

Lord, change my heart.

On this Reformation Sunday we also give thanks 

for the brave work of Dr. Martin Luther 

in the Reform of the Church.

Lord, bring the changes needed today in our church.

Help us to stay the course and lead like Jesus. Amen.

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Worship into the Week- Wrestling with the Divine

 

 Worship into the Week- Genesis 32:22-30

An all-night wrestling match with a 

divine being is not part of a normal week.

This section of Scripture begins the story of change for Jacob. 

He is moving from a self-reliant man to dependence on God.

It was not a planned transition. 

This encounter comes after he sends all

 of his family and possessions away.

His new "limp" is a mark of his encounter with the divine.

He is physically and permanently changed now.

His new self is centered on the blessing

 that comes from his struggle and vulnerability.

Jacob's previous life was full of conflict and deception.

His wrestling match is a turning point in his struggle.

Now he has a new identity. He is also the patriarch of a nation

 that has "struggled with God and man."

This encounter with the divine being is a profound moment

  of intimacy and struggle between God and humanity.

Things will always be different for Jacob.

His physical disability looms large in his daily life.

But, the transformation is monumental. 

Ultimately, he receives a blessing through his defeat and injury.

What a tremendous story when true strength comes 

from dependence on God, and not on self-reliance.

Maybe we can see the power of this "letting go"

 in our own day to day struggles.

Time to call in the power reserves and rely on God.

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Worship into the Week- My People, My People

 

   

Worship into the Week- Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi

Ruth 1:1-19a

What a beautiful story of loyalty

when life got completed and things didn't go as planned.

Husbands lost. Families disrupted.

Life order out of order.

Things were changing and they 

were all stepping into the unknown.

But, this God of Naomi was a deep calling for 

trust from Ruth.

She was ready for whatever and wherever 

with them together.

Our middle daughter has a saying in their little family

 that is said together at meal time.

Hands held, with the meal prayer said, is a family chant. 

"My people, My people!"

 rings out as they smile at each other.

That is the chant of Ruth.

The part where Boaz comes in is not in the reading for today,

 but the idea of Kinsman Redeemer

 is significant for the rest of the story.

Ruth and Boaz become part of the

 heritage of Jesus himself.

I have often stood in Bethlehem at the field

 historically known as the field of Ruth and Boaz.

 Thinking about this story allows me

 to give thanks for my family. 

My story of "grafted into" the family of Jesus

allows me to say- My People, My People.

 I give great thanks for that great gift.

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Worship into the Week- The Righteous Live by Faith

 

Worship into the Week- The Righteous Live by Faith

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

The prophet is suppose to wait for God's 

revelation, which will be written down and made clear.

The righteous believer lives by their unwavering faith in God.

This is the opposite of how the proud and puffed up live

 in their own evil and self-reliant days.

This section calls for patience and waiting for God's timing.

We must trust in His faithfulness, 

especially when the world feels overwhelming

 with injustice and rampant evil.

"If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come;

it will not delay." v.3

In Chapter 2 Habakkuk gets God's response 

to his complaints about the wicked and unjust actions

 of the Babylonians. God promises He will eventually

 judge the proud, greedy and oppressive empire.

The reminder in verse 4 is often quoted in the New Testament,

"the righteous (just) shall by faith."

Our reminder too, when we want the arm of justice

 to move on our behalf.

Especially when we must wait for it.

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Twin Oaks Winery

 We were blessed to celebrate a couple of milestone birthday

 this summer at Twin Oak Winery in Bluemont, Virginia.

Extra care and attention was in order and we were 

well taken care of on this Sunday afternoon.

A special time with "original girls" 

for our family made a festive day.

Sun and grape vines and lots of laughter with great views.

A perfect day.

John and I love to see new beautiful spaces

 in the land of Virginia.

                      I was blessed to return for some more time 

here in this spot in September.

(This time to do work and planning.)

I highly recommend the day time 

view of the valley in the distant.

Twin Oaks is set up for a special occasion.

Sunset is kind of magical here.

 

A day away is a wonderful recharge time.

Newly remodeled with the touch 

of dear friend and owner Michele Spear.

18035 Raven Rocks Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135

Open Friday- Sunday

(Check times)

This spot is worth the journey 

to the Shenandoah Valley.

Worship into the Week- Eyes on Jesus

 

Worship into the Week-

Eyes on Jesus- Amos 6:1-7

This passage describes God's "woe" or His judgment 

to be placed on the complacent wealthy leaders 

of both Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria.)

Their lifestyle was focused on personal luxury and self-security.

They did not pay attention to the suffering of people 

around them and the warnings of God.

Their focus was only on themselves

and they did not use their money and power well.

Their arrogant ways led them to place a false trust

 in political and military security rather than God.

They were warned they would be the first to be exiled 

because of their hard hearts, indifference 

and moral indecency.

Oh my, this sounds like a parallel story to today's world.

A word for today?

Woe- self-focus always misses the mark.

A journey of faith keeps eyes on Jesus.

The life goal is to live and work to serve the Lord.

That is wisdom.

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