"Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and testify to what we have seen, but still people do not accept our testimony." (John 3:11)
I struggle with numbers. Thankfully I have people who help me with them. Maybe the struggle is why I can accept, and praise God for, the Trinity - 3 in 1 and 1 in 3. I can think of several things that are 3 in one - daughter, wife, mother; son, husband, father; daughter, sister, friend. I even have a favorite 3 in 1 recipe for chicken - 3 ingredients into one crockpot. The readings today are telling us about God's call (Isaiah 6:8) and Isaiah's response "send me." Paul is telling all of us about the Spirit bringing about our "adoption to sonship" so we can "cry Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15) Jesus, the Son of God is pointing out what has been seen, known, testified to but people still "do not accept our testimony." (John 3:11) Definitely Scripture references to God, the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit - three in One and One in Three. I would like us to think about this a little differently today. With all the changes, challenges and storms happening we can also think about God's strength, the Holy Spirit's guidance and, especially, the peace Jesus gives. (John 14:27) Something to think about........
0 Comments
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth." (John 16:13a)
Pentecost! Today is the day we celebrate Pentecost, being FILLED with the Holy Spirit. Today we talk about all the different ways we "talk" because the Disciples were all able to speak to the various people, from all over, in Jerusalem. God gave them the power to be able to speak to each person in the person's language so each person could understand God's loving presence. An awesome way of celebrating God's love, talking about God's love and sharing God's love. Today I want to point out an additional blessing of the FILLING of the Holy Spirit -- God's guidance and strength. On the first Pentecost a sound "like the blowing of a violent wind" filled "the whole house" and "all of them." (Acts 2:1-3) This guided, gave strength to and "enabled" each of them to "speak." (2:4) Paul is pointing out, in Romans, how the Spirit "helps us in our weakness" and how the Spirit "intercedes for us." (Romans 8:26) When we are in pain, confused and worried the Spirit is there for us because "the Spirit intercedes for God's people." (Romans 8:27) Even Jesus is telling us how God WILL BE with us to "guide us." Jesus points out the Spirit "will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you." (John 16:14) Yes, God gives us the words, the way to talk to, someone who is in need of God's loving guidance and strength. But God also gives EACH OF US the strength, and guidance, to get through all the changes and challenges we are each facing. Yes, we are all busy. We are all tired. We are all facing changes and challenges. We can ALL also feel the PEACE that passes understanding as we follow where God is leading. Something to think about........ "I am going to send what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been closed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)
Promise, promising, promised...what do you think of? The new job really looks "promising"? The people who moved to the Colonies with the "promise" of land and freedom? The same "promise" as people moved west? Each of these is thinking about people thinking of something that is, or will be, happening. Another thought is expecting something to happen. The "follow through", the actual doing, is the part of each of these we need to focus on. The readings today are about promises. Luke is pointing out, in the first chapter of Acts, all the things he (Luke) spoke about Jesus. How Jesus fulfilled, and proved, he was alive. Luke is also pointing out the promise Jesus is giving of God fulfilling God's promised gift. (Acts 1:3-4) Paul is reminding all of us of the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" God gives. (Ephesians 1:17) Jesus is asking the disciples to wait because he (Jesus) will "send what my Father promised" so they should "wait" for the "power." (Luke 24:49) Which brings us back to our promises.... How are we at keeping promises - especially to ourselves? Did you finish the Lenten study? Are you still working on the New Year's resolution? Caregivers, are you taking time for YOU to s-t-o-p and be with God? What about the promises we have made to the church - to be faithful with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service? (Confirmation promise) We KNOW God keeps God's promises. Do we? "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11)
When you think of "complete" what do you think of? "The pattern comes complete with instructions?" Or...this book case, coffee table, chair - fill in the blank - comes "complete" with instructions and all the pieces you will need -- just maybe not the needed tools? Or... the wedding, the baby, the adoption has happened and now the family is "complete"? According to my Webster Collegiate Dictionary "complete" means, filled up, brought to an end, perfectly equipped and (or) fully realized. According to my theological dictionary "joy" means a sense of extreme happiness and well being related in Scripture to knowing God and God's actions and love, specifically in Jesus Christ. The readings today are about being complete AND filled with joy. People were filled with joy, and complete, as Peter is speaking to a crowd when the Holy Spirit came on "all who heard the message" which was a surprise to those who were there with Peter. (Acts 10:44 & 45) John is explaining to people then, and to us now, how we "love the children of God' by loving God and carrying out his commandments." (John 5:2) And Jesus is explaining about God's love - God has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love." AND how this will make our "joy complete." (John 15:9-11) Busy schedules, changes in seasons (and schedules) and the difficulties we are all facing doesn't change us. We ARE "complete" and we do have God's "joy" because of God's presence with each of us. Our joy, and being complete, is how we can continue to share and encourage each other. Something to think about. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2024
Categories |