Burning

“Forty years later, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush in the wilderness near Mount Sinai. Enthralled by the sight, Moses approached to get a closer look and he heard the Lord’s voice: ‘I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Trembling with fear, Moses didn’t dare to investigate any further. The Lord continued, ‘Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have clearly seen the oppression my people have experienced in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning. I have come down to rescue them. Come! I am sending you to Egypt.’ (Acts 7:30-34, CEB)

So there was a bush burning and Moses stopped to look at it and then a voice came. What would you do?

Honestly I would have run. But Moses just kind of paused.

God then explains who the voice is and that Mose is a chosen voice for God. God is going to work in and through Moses, like the burning of the bush without it burning to be there for God’s people.

Have you ever seen a burning bush that wasn’t consumed? Maybe it wasn’t a bush…

Listen, God is calling and will work in and through you.

Loving People. Loving God.

Attention

“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. “And when you fast, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They distort their faces so people will know they are fasting. I assure you that they have their reward. When you fast, brush your hair and wash your face. Then you won’t look like you are fasting to people, but only to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, CEB)

It’s Ash Wednesday. Do we wear ashes today for attention?

Do we live our faith for the attention it brings us?

Are we good to people so other notice and we get rewarded for it?

THe passage today tells us to not do that. To not draw attention to ourselves, but live in a way that lifts up others. We should not live our faith so we are seen for doing it.

Attention is not the goal.

Love of people, and giving of life to all.

Loving People. Loving God.

Clean

The next day he got up and went with them, together with some of the believers from Joppa. They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Anticipating their arrival, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in order to honor him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Get up! Like you, I’m just a human.” As they continued to talk, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean. For this reason, when you sent for me, I came without objection. I want to know, then, why you sent for me.” Cornelius answered, “Four days ago at this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me. He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to him. Therefore, send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is known as Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, located near the seacoast.’ I sent for you right away, and you were kind enough to come. Now, here we are, gathered in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has directed you to say.” (Acts 10:23b-33, CEB)

See Peter knew it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with a Greek, but God showed him a better way and that what they had been doing was not what God intended and learned from that and changed.

Change is ok, and not just something from a vending machine. It is ok to admit you learned something and now see the world and things differently.

We all need space to grow and will continue to grow until the fulfillment of the kingdom.

Never stop learning and deepening your relationship with God. And allow the world to see you change.

Love out loud.

Loving People. Loving God.

Clean

At noon on the following day, as their journey brought them close to the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted to eat. While others were preparing the meal, he had a visionary experience. He saw heaven opened up and something like a large linen sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners. Inside the sheet were all kinds of four-legged animals, reptiles, and wild birds. A voice told him, “Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!” Peter exclaimed, “Absolutely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke a second time, “Never consider unclean what God has made pure.” This happened three times, then the object was suddenly pulled back into heaven. Peter was bewildered about the meaning of the vision. Just then, the messengers sent by Cornelius discovered the whereabouts of Simon’s house and arrived at the gate. Calling out, they inquired whether the Simon known as Peter was a guest there. While Peter was brooding over the vision, the Spirit interrupted him, “Look! Three people are looking for you. Go downstairs. Don’t ask questions; just go with them because I have sent them.” So Peter went downstairs and told them, “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?” They replied, “We’ve come on behalf of Cornelius, a centurion and righteous man, a God-worshipper who is well-respected by all Jewish people. A holy angel directed him to summon you to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Peter invited them into the house as his guests. (Acts 10:9-23a, CEB)

God says it is clean, so you don’t get a choice in the matter.

God told Peter, “Never consider unclean what God has made pure.” Everything and everyone is pure. Therefore we can not call anything unclean, or any one unclean.

God decided what is clean and good and we do not get a say in the matter, whether we like it or not.

God made everyone clean, so we must love everyone.

Loving People. Loving God.

Transfiguration

About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes flashed white like lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus’ departure, which he would achieve in Jerusalem. Peter and those with him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw his glory as well as the two men with him. As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it’s good that we’re here. We should construct three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—but he didn’t know what he was saying. Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe. Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!” Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen. The next day, when Jesus, Peter, John, and James had come down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to take a look at my son, my only child. Look, a spirit seizes him and, without any warning, he screams. It shakes him and causes him to foam at the mouth. It tortures him and rarely leaves him alone. I begged your disciples to throw it out, but they couldn’t.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and crooked generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon threw him down and shook him violently. Jesus spoke harshly to the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. Everyone was overwhelmed by God’s greatness. (Luke 9:28-43a, CEB)

Have you ever just rambled and you had no idea what was coming out of your mouth? Yeah, that was Peter here.

We can make three tents, one for you, one for Elijah, one for Moses…

Do we listen to Jesus though?

The demon did. But do we?

If you were on the mountain and saw Elijah and Moses, you would know it was them from their pictures, or maybe they had on name tags, and Jesus dazzling white would you listen if you heard the voice from the cloud? It is easy for us to say yes I would listen. However, I know that I didn’t listen.
Go and be a pastor.
Yeah right, I’m not a pastor.
I will be with you.
Uhm don’t think so…

Many pastors tell the same story, we don’t listen, because we think we know what is best for us and what God has for us to do.

I often wonder at the times I have been at a call and how long they last and if I am causing issues and not getting stuff right and that is why we move as much as we do. And I will be the first to admit, I am not perfect and I mess things up, but I also believe God is with me in and through those calls and God has a way of working through all things.

Listen to God. Your life will go much smoother, it will not be without trials and bumps, but why be part of the problem?

Loving People. Loving God.

see and hear

At that very moment, Jesus overflowed with joy from the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you’ve hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and shown them to babies. Indeed, Father, this brings you happiness. My Father has handed all things over to me. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples, he said privately, “Happy are the eyes that see what you see. I assure you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see and hear what you hear, but they didn’t.” (Luke 10:21-24, CEB)

Do we actually hear and see the things around us?

Sometimes things aren’t clear and we do not get them. We hear the words and see the sites but they do not work together to give us the correct message. Sometimes our minds already know what we need to hear and see and so that is what we see and hear, or we have been told that something means something else and so we do not look or listen.

When will we allow God to speak and show us what we need to hear and see?

See and hear what God is telling and showing you. Not what you think God should tell and show you or what you want God to tell and show you.

Actually see. Actually hear.

Loving People. Loving God.

Listen

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Company. He and his whole household were pious, Gentile God-worshippers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish people and prayed to God constantly. One day at nearly three o’clock in the afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God in a vision. The angel came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Startled, he stared at the angel and replied, “What is it, Lord?” The angel said, “Your prayers and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to God. Send messengers to Joppa at once and summon a certain Simon, the one known as Peter. He is a guest of Simon the tanner, whose house is near the seacoast.” When the angel who was speaking to him had gone, Cornelius summoned two of his household servants along with a pious soldier from his personal staff. He explained everything to them, then sent them to Joppa. (Acts 10:1-8, CEB)

Listen. God will speak.

Maybe not like to Cornelius, but God speaks.

Through friends and family. Through those around us.

To show us love, grace, and mercy.

Are you listening?

Loving People. Loving God.

not us

While the healed man clung to Peter and John, all the people rushed toward them at Solomon’s Porch, completely amazed. Seeing this, Peter addressed the people: “You Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why are you staring at us as if we made him walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of our ancestors—has glorified his servant Jesus. This is the one you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, even though he had already decided to release him. You rejected the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer be released to you instead. You killed the author of life, the very one whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this. His name itself has made this man strong. That is, because of faith in Jesus’ name, God has strengthened this man whom you see and know. The faith that comes through Jesus gave him complete health right before your eyes. (Acts 3:11-16, CEB)

The things we do are not done by us.

They are done by the power of God working through us.

We need to make sure the world knows, Jesus is why the good flows from us.

Tell the world about Jesus.

Live love out loud.

Loving People. Loving God.

Do not be a stumbling block

Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause people to trip and fall into sin must happen, but how terrible it is for the person through whom they happen. It would be better for them to be thrown into a lake with a large stone hung around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to trip and fall into sin. Watch yourselves! If your brother or sister sins, warn them to stop. If they change their hearts and lives, forgive them. Even if someone sins against you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I am changing my ways,’ you must forgive that person.” (Luke 17:1-4, CEB)

Jesus says here it is worse for you if you lead someone to sin than the one who trips.

We should not be the reason someone falls away from God.

We should constantly show love and grace for all people leading them to a deeper relationship with God.

Live Love Out Loud.

Loving People. Loving God.

Lord’s supper

Now I don’t praise you as I give the following instruction because when you meet together, it does more harm than good. First of all, when you meet together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it. It’s necessary that there are groups among you, to make it clear who is genuine. So when you get together in one place, it isn’t to eat the Lord’s meal. Each of you goes ahead and eats a private meal. One person goes hungry while another is drunk. Don’t you have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you look down on God’s churches and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Will I praise you? No, I don’t praise you in this. I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you: on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this to remember me.” He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you broadcast the death of the Lord until he comes. This is why those who eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord inappropriately will be guilty of the Lord’s body and blood. Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way. Those who eat and drink without correctly understanding the body are eating and drinking their own judgment. Because of this, many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few have died. But if we had judged ourselves, we wouldn’t be judged. However, we are disciplined by the Lord when we are judged so that we won’t be judged and condemned along with the whole world. For these reasons, my brothers and sisters, when you get together to eat, wait for each other. (1 Corinthians 11:17-33, CEB)

Here in 1 Corinthians is where we get the institution of the Lord’s Supper. This letter was written before the gospels and is the first place we see the words Jesus spoke that night.

Paul is saying there are those in the Corinthian community who are showing up early and eating all the food and when those who have to work show up there is nothing left. And those who are there early are more than likely people of money, they do not need to work but have the funds to sustain themselves. And they are not eating at home, nor waiting on all of the community to gather but rather eating all of the bread and wine for communion and others get none.

We need to include everyone. No one is left out and no one get s more than anyone else.

All means all.

Loving People. Loving God.