The familiar passage, Be still and know that I am God, has been a good word for me during the last week. It has been especially helpful to consider “being still” in light of the entire Psalm 46. The psalm opens with some other familiar words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Both lines inspire strength, hope, and comfort. However, I have never put the two together. I haven’t even considered they were the opening and closing of the same psalm. Now I am appreciating how each illumines the other. This week when I think about being still and knowing God, I am remembering it more as, “Easy now. God is God. You can trust Him. He is my proven refuge, strength, and help.”
I had a little fun with the passage. One translation I read put an exclamation point after "Be still and know I am God!" So, I started reading the psalm as a crescendo from a quiet first verse to a shout at verse 10. It works a little different to shout out "Be still and know that I am God," but it makes sense in the context of the psalm. Try it.
Pastor Chuck
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
4-21-2010
I want to never graduate from Children’s Church.
Of course if I started attending Children’s Church there would be problems. For one, I have never been able to figure out the crayon thing. And there are several other good reasons the Children’s Church teacher would probably be calling my parents to discreetly insist they find a more age-appropriate placement for me. Nevertheless, although the Christian Education administration will find ways of moving me through the system, I am reluctant to accept the demotion to Adult Church.
As we all know Adult Church is ever so much less interesting than Children’s Church, but we are there because the system moves us along, and we eventually collect in the only place left. Last Sunday two grade school aged worshippers stayed in the service upstairs even though there was a Youth Service alternative. I know they were there because they were passing notes – to the church staff. I’ll share them with you,
I love Jesus. He’s a good guy.
With lots of love,
A.
I like the prayers you guys do. I’m very thankful.
Love,
C.
My sermon content last Sunday did not surpass the down-to-earth, personal faith of these younger worshippers. A person could live well by the straightforward terms expressed in those brief notes. It is the simple, personal faith of a child that is the Children’s Church from which I pray I never graduate.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:13-14 (NIV)
CO
Of course if I started attending Children’s Church there would be problems. For one, I have never been able to figure out the crayon thing. And there are several other good reasons the Children’s Church teacher would probably be calling my parents to discreetly insist they find a more age-appropriate placement for me. Nevertheless, although the Christian Education administration will find ways of moving me through the system, I am reluctant to accept the demotion to Adult Church.
As we all know Adult Church is ever so much less interesting than Children’s Church, but we are there because the system moves us along, and we eventually collect in the only place left. Last Sunday two grade school aged worshippers stayed in the service upstairs even though there was a Youth Service alternative. I know they were there because they were passing notes – to the church staff. I’ll share them with you,
I love Jesus. He’s a good guy.
With lots of love,
A.
I like the prayers you guys do. I’m very thankful.
Love,
C.
My sermon content last Sunday did not surpass the down-to-earth, personal faith of these younger worshippers. A person could live well by the straightforward terms expressed in those brief notes. It is the simple, personal faith of a child that is the Children’s Church from which I pray I never graduate.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:13-14 (NIV)
CO
Thursday, April 8, 2010
River Days
“I thank my God every time I remember you,” says the apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi (Philippians 1:3). Vicky and I say the same about you, our church family. You have cared for us and our children and grandchildren for over 31 years now. You would think we would get used to it, but you keep finding ways of raising the bar of lovingkindness.
On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.
Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.
The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”
At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.
We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.
Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck
On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.
Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.
The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”
At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.
We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.
Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck
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