Reflections From Sunday Evening

This afternoon we went to a Mannheim Steamroller concert. They certainly have a unique style. They do not invent anything. They play keyboards, strings, recorders, and percussion. But the way they put things together is just different.
As I took in the sights and sounds the thought struck me. The Christian life does not consist of elements that are foreign to daily life. There is work and play. There are family and friends. But life has a unique arrangement.
Christ transforms the elements of life into a unique blend that captures the imagination of those looking on.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan represents a seismic shift in how God’s people live. Their faith, religion, and relationships are constructed on the law. There are hints of grace from the beginning of the Bible but law is the foundation until Jesus awakens people to Spirit and grace. Of course, Paul will step in later to develop a life if Spirit and grace.
When the religious people crossed on the other side of the road from the needy traveler, they were living out of their understanding of faith.
Jesus shows by example that the new way of life he brings is more concerned with how we treat people than memorization and adherence to rules. They help us but are not the end of the story.
We still struggle with living by the Spirit. It is easy to slip back into law. It seems more comfortable. But Spirit it is!
Who is the neighbor to one in need? The one who recites the principals of law? No. It is the one who shows mercy. Let’s go and do likewise.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I’ve been thinking about prayer. When I reflect on my prayers I realize much of what I was taught about prayer in childhood continues to help today. I feel a bit encouraged by child like faith being lived day to day.
I also realize that often my prayers seem like prayers for a project. There is nothing wrong with praying for projects, unless you reduce people to projects.
My thoughts are, rather than praying for projects I can learn to pray on and with purpose. God is purposeful.
God has purpose for creation.
God has purpose for your life.
God is resolute in His divine purposes.
With that in mind, how would praying with purpose inform your prayers?
By the way, I don’t have an answer to this. I continue to make new discoveries about the spiritual life, especially prayer.
I think I’m on to something here. Looking forward to finding out what !
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Remember. This weekend we remembered those who have entered into life eternal during the past year. We honored spouses, parents, children and friends. I have personal memories of the majority of those whose faith we celebrate. The good news is that everyone has someone to remember.
Of even greater significance is that Jesus remembers us. One crucified with Jesus asked to be remembered. Jesus assured him he would be with him in paradise, even that day. He remembers.
In life and in death God always remembers us. Know that the Lord remembers you today - and every day.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had.a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Chiefs win!  Yeah! Great!
Mahomes injured. 😭
It is another reminder that in sports things are never as great as they seem in good times...nor as bad as they seem when things go wrong.
For long time Chiefs fans, we remember Super Bowl I. Loss.
We also remember Super Bowl IV. Win!
Point to consider. In 1969 quarterback Len Dawson was injured in the second game of the year. Back-up Mike Livingston led the team through a six game stretch. End result. Dawson came back and the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
We have been waiting patiently for 50 years to return to the championship game.
Could history repeat? ( That’s another thing about sports. A strange mixture of eternal optimism and complete skepticism.)
But shift your thoughts. For us, sports are diversion. For Christians the real life is the spiritual life. Good times and bad times do not necessarily matter. With Jesus all times are graced times.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I have reflected on scripture that says “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21)
Have you ever wondered how to store up treasure in heaven?
Here is a thought. When we give of our time, energy, or money, we make a heavenly deposit. Then I envision something interesting taking place. We make an earthly deposit and then there comes a heavenly blessing. Heavenly blessings are not necessarily material or financial. Heavenly blessings are things we do not expect or anticipate. Heavenly blessings provide what we truly and deeply need. Perhaps that is why we often feel peace when we would be expected to feel anxious. God’s blessings can prove pretty amazing.
We offer our time, energy, and money - our whole lives- not in order to get something but simply because we love the Lord.
Your heavenly account is vastly greater than you realize. Heavenly blessing are coming in ways we may not recognize.
So, maybe we could recognize God’s blessing more fully.
Just a thought.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Autumn. The Fall season.
The leaves change colors.
Football season is in high gear.
Basketball teams are preparing for their season. The same for hockey.
Baseball playoffs are going strong.
People are enjoying October vacations and weekend get aways.
New TV shows premiere.
Holiday decorations appear in stores.
Sports, entertainment, and culture dominate life in the Fall. ( This may be true in any season, but we are thinking Fall now.)
I look at things that seem most prevalent in my life and take note that I did not immediately list “faith” matters.
That is not because I do not value or pay attention to my faith. I do.
I prayed this morning. Just like you.
I read the scriptures this morning. Just like you.
I went to worship this morning. Just like you. ( I acknowledge that is an expectation but I was there and engaged.)
So, our faith is vital to us. We would not be the people we are becoming apart from faith in Christ.
It is a wondrous time of year to fully enjoy God’s gift of life.
Seek the Lord and live your faith by the Holy Spirit. Faith provides meaning to all of life.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve