Reflections From Sunday Evening

The big word today- “prosopagnosia”.
It is sometimes called “face blindness”. A person with this condition does not recognize faces. They use other techniques to recognize people. They may rely on a persons posture. It may be their voice. It could be how they walk. Rather than recognizing faces they look for other characteristics.
I wonder if there might be a sense of spiritual prosopagnosia?
Mary Magdalene did not recognize the risen Lord until he called her by name.
The two on the Road to Emmaus did not recognize the risen Lord until he broke bread and gave it to them.
The disciples in the boat did not recognize the risen Lord until the beloved disciple remembered and recognized.
The same disciples did not recognize the risen Lord until they experienced the miraculous catch of fish.
The same disciples did not recognize the risen Lord until they were invited to come and share breakfast.
At this point no one wonder WHO he was, they KNEW it was the Lord.
You may not see Jesus’ face but you may recognize the Lord. What are the characteristics of the Lord that you recognize? You need not wonder who. You know the one who knows you and loves you.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Renewal. An interesting scientific study relates to cell renewal. The cells our bodies consist of are constantly being renewed. Hair falls out and is replaced. (Well, until a certain age for some special people!)
You mat cut your finger and in a few days it heals and generally there is no sign of injury. Scars are another thing for another day.
You may have blood work done or perhaps donate blood, but you do not gradually run out. Renewal.
Our spirits are being renewed as well. We are being renewed daily - or even moment by moment. (2 Corinthians 4:16).
The Holy Spirit is constantly renewing.
Love is being renewed.
Grace is being renewed.
Mercy is being renewed.
Forgiveness is being renewed.
We need never grow stagnant in the spiritual life. God is constantly doing His work. What are we doing to recognize this renewing work of God in our lives?
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This weekend Cindy and I went and saw Aretha Franklin’s documentary concert, “Amazing Grace”.
It consisted of footage of Aretha and the Southern California Gospel Choir during two nights in a Baptist church in 1972. For a number of reasons the footage was shot but not completed until recently. It features Aretha Franklin singing Gospel, which is where she started. It is amazing how many of our most popular performers started in church. ( Ever hear of Elvis?)
She put her heart and soul into the music. The church where the taping took place was energized.
It caught my attention when I saw young Mick Jagger engaged in the music from the audience.
Music.
Music is the doorway to faith for many.
Music is the return route to faith for many.
Music is the constant encouragement for many.
Music transcends practically everything.
Music fuels the soul.
Music.
On another note...Happy Mother’s Day to all of you.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

A couple of thoughts from the past week.
I’ve been reading a biography of E. Stanley Jones. He was a Methodist missionary and evangelist. He also used his global reputation and acted as a statesman. He worked for Indian independence as well as working to avert WWII.
In one place he reflected, “I have no enemies because I have no enmity.”
I consider this worth emulating. To hold no enmity in our hearts against anyone is a true objective of the Christian life. No enmity, no enemies.
A second thought that relates to this focuses on the Fruit of the Spirit. If we desire no enmity we need a power greater than ourselves.  The Holy Spirit comes.  The Holy Spirit does much in and through our lives but drawing us to Jesus is vital. The Spirit then grows us in our relationship with Jesus. The best measure of spiritual growth is seen in fruitfulness. This is recognized by the Fruit of the Spirit.
 Love is THE fruit of the Spirit. Then comes joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The more time spent with Jesus - the closer you stay to Jesus - the more fruit of the Spirit.
I pray my life be defined by the fruit of the Spirit.
Fruit of the Spirit developing in increasing measure means no enmity. No enmity no enemies. It seems like a life worthy of pursuit.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Well this has not been the weekend I would prefer. Early in the week it started with that little cough. Now three days of meds and antiviral I am hopefully on the road to recovery.
It was great to watch church live stream today. Well done Britton and team. I especially appreciate Sue Arensberg for sharing our Sunbeams and Parents Day Out programs and of course the parents who got the kiddos out to sing.
As I laid around the past couple of days I could not miss the latest Tyreek Hill news. Our world has failed so many people. We must work to create healthy environments of respect for women and care for children. This is a sad situation.
Personally I believe Tyreek and all who fail need forgiveness and second chances. However there are consequences for our actions. Football days are done.
The other news I followed was the report from the United Methodist Judicial Council. Their actions followed what was done at the General Conference. Some thought the entire Tradition Plan might be ruled unconstitutional but that was not the case. They viewed the work as dealing with a series of petitions rather than a “plan”.
I’ll be happy to visit with people about these issues as we move forward. For now the local church is still the same. We continue to work with both liberties and restrictions.
That’s what I’ve been doing. The coming week holds expectations for healing and good things. These are my wishes for you.
In spite of things, it’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Why look for the living among the dead. He is not here. He is risen!
This announcement declares that everything has changed. The world is not what it was since Jesus rose from the dead. This event has cosmic repercussions. The world is not doomed to destruction but destined for renewal.
The announcement declares redemption for the whole creation.
The resurrection has life redemptive meaning for people. But with people the announcement turns into an invitation.
Come see.
Frankly, with Easter we have only just begun.
Now we move out of our roots and ruts to know and follow Jesus.
I have seen the Lord!  Come see Jesus.
We recognized him when he broke the bread. Come eat with Jesus.
Receive the Spirit and join Jesus in a life of forgiveness.
Like I said, we have only just begun.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Pastor Nancy shared her new word today. Of course she told me  just before I started to preach and couldn’t get the word out of my head.
Coddiwomple.  Spell check does not recognize it but dictionaries do.
Coddiwomple: to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination. It could mean toward an uncertain, or unknown destination.
It is a great word to begin Holy Week. It captures how many of us approach uncertain tomorrows or even the life of faith.
Jesus began his coddiwomple that led to the cross. With Jesus the destination was not vague but had our salvation in view. There could have been surprising twists in the journey, but the ultimate result was clear. The coddiwomple would end at the cross...but then.
We are invited onto our own coddiwomple this week.  There may be some seemingly vague destinations.  What should we make of towel and basin with its call to serve?
What about a Holy Thursday meal with friends? What about our personal view of the cross?
We may not be exactly sure where our faith will take us, but we travel with purpose.
Coddiwomple.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve