When we think of the biblical character King Solomon we think of his wisdom, the books of Proverbs or Ecclesiastes or Song of Solomon, even the visit from the Queen of Sheba. The next two Sundays we will consider Solomon’s prayers. Each prayer gives insight on the nature of God. The history in Samuel and Kings show the development of the understanding of God as present only in the Ark of the Covenant, to the God that cannot be contained and the earth is God’s footstool.
This week is our church annual picnic. Our worship time will be considering Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings 3 and using it as the base for a mini-prayer retreat. Join us for this time of getting away for a time of personal prayer and fellowship.
The next Sunday, August 25, will conclude the series, “Triumph and Tragedy: The Three Kings of Israel.” 1 Kings 8 and the question “Where does God live?’ will be the sermon.
See you at the barn on Sunday!
Pastor Greg
Aug 15
Three Wishes Solomon’s Prayers
Aug 01
The Settled-for-Life
So much of life is just consumed with living. Getting the bills paid, getting to work, getting the kids, getting groceries, getting the dog to the vet, getting the yard done; you know, just living. Some look at this and ask, “Is this all there is?” Most just accept it and live what I call, “the settled-for-life.”
Those few moments that we can squeeze time for the Scriptures, we are confused by the way life should be for those with faith. We read that those with faith in God, “through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead back to life (Heb 11:33-35).”
I guess when we read this picture, we assume it is just some fantasy, a grand illusion of something far beyond any of us. Yet, this is not an abnormal picture of the life of faith, it is just the life that cannot be lived by accepting just the settled-for-life. We are challenged by Scripture to “lift up our eyes.” God told Abraham to lift up his eyes and see the land promised to him and his descendants. Jesus tells his disciples to lift up their eyes and see the fields that are ready for harvest.
There is a quest for us to lift up our eyes and see what we could do by faith. This week’s sermon is about David and a spiritual quest he undertook for God. It has valuable lessons for us as we attempt great things for God.
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-14
Pastor Greg
Jul 25
Character in Daily Values
Character in Daily Values
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body,
whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Our “spiritual life” is most strongly expressed in our outward character. Here is some thoughts I found helpful by Lee McGlone.
Character.
One of the most frightening of the ancient heresies that rises in each age is that of Gnosticism. It suggests a blatant distinction between things spiritual and physical so that all that matters is spiritual. The physical has no lasting meaning or value. This philosophy characterized itself in two ways. First, as a call to asceticism: total self-denial, complete abstinence of any earthly thing. Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil. Second, it led to indulgence in things physical and carnal. Because the physical world doesn’t matter, and all that matters is spiritual, what one does with one’s physical life is of no regard. Such a view legitimizes every kind of abhorrent behavior. Modern-day stories abound. Without naming names, we must admit that ministers are not immune from such abuses. Behavior does matter. Character is all that matters.
Pastor Greg
Jul 18
An Alternative to Prayer
An Alternative to Prayer
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray
and not lose heart. Luke 18:1
Here is an interesting article on prayer and worry by Lee McGlone.
Prayer.
Prayer is the alternative to worry. Instead of wringing our hands in a frenzy, we are to be busy at the great work of prayer. How glad I was, only a couple of months ago, when our liturgical dance team traveled to New York City and shared a word of hope in and around Ground Zero. When I watched the videotape of our young ladies reaching out to share the love of God in downtown firehouses, on street corners, with people in need, I was overwhelmed. They proclaimed the God of all comfort who comforts us in our affliction, who stands by us faithfully when the earth shakes and the mountains are cast into the sea. The video ended with these words from Jeremiah 31:13: “The young women will dance for joy. I will turn their mourning into laughter. I will give comfort—and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” As the video ended, I cried. I cried because what I saw wasn’t about a performance; what I saw was a prayer. It was a bold declaration of grace and the all-sufficiency of God to heal our deepest wounds. And I thought, in a troubled world like this there really is hope, as long as there are young people like this who so boldly declare faith in God.
How often do we seek for an alternative to prayer? We do every time we choose to worry.
Pastor Greg
