"It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock.  When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built."  (Luke 6:48 NLT)

When I say "building" what do you think of?  A particular building in a particular place?  The old barn back where you grew up?  The house that is your landmark for where to turn?  Putting together, "building" the quilt you are working on?  Or...maybe...like I have been watching this week.... building with Legos?  

This reading is in the middle of Jesus telling us we need to be not "just" saying we follow Jesus but actually listening to His teachings and following where He is leading.  Jesus explains NOT listening, and following, is like building a house with no foundation.  We are told to love the Lord with our "whole heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30 NIV)   And to seek God first (Matt. 6:33)  Jesus is reminding us to having a close relationship with God, through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

​So.....   How is "building" your relationship with Jesus going?  Are you taking a few minutes to BE with Him?  Every day?  Building the strong relationship?  The "solid foundation"?  Something to think about.......

"As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him."  (Luke 24:15-16 NIV)

How are you at recognizing someone, or when something is happening, or when you are the special person for someone?  How are you at feeling God's presence - Emmanuel God IS with us - when someone else is helping OR when you are helping someone?  It can be as easy as someone offering an arm, to help steady across uneven walking, or an encouraging word.  It can be a hug, or an arm around, when needed most.  It might even be as simple as a smile and a "thank you" when someone does something.

These disciples are on their way home to Emmaus.  A lot has happened and they are talking about it.  They know Jesus was NOT in the tomb but they don't, yet, understand the what and why.  They don't recognize Jesus but they did ask each other "were not our hearts burn talking within us while he talked with us" (Luke 24:32).  So, afterwards, they did recognize and KNOW God was (is) with them.

We all know the "Walk to Emmaus," we hear the Gospel lesson regularly, but where are you in the story?  Are you "just" talking about it?  Have you seen, and felt your "hearts burn," how Jesus IS with us?  Have you been able to share this feeling?  Something to think about.........

"Worship the Lord with gladness.  Come before him, singing with joy." (Psalm 100:2 NLT)

I remember a program, on TV (years ago!), that would talk about the "week that was."  Sometimes our weeks feel that way.... busy schedules getting changed because of new challenges, technology that works sometimes but then doesn't, time with family and friends either "helping" or..... not - all combine to make for very interesting weeks.  Sometimes a person begins to feel like staying in bed and pulling the covers up over our heads.........  But wait!  It is Sunday, Sabbath...WORSHIP!  Now what?

Scripture is telling us to worship with "gladness," "singing with joy"!  Do we have the energy?  Can we celebrate God's love?  Can we...get the coffee, get dressed, drive to the church and "celebrate"?  What if we were to make the effort, get to the building and just "be"?  Be IN worship, listening to the hymns, the Scripture and be in prayer?  Maybe..... by the time we are singing the last hymn we can be singing too......  Something to think about......

"They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."  (Matthew 2:11  NLT)

So.... are you ready for Christmas?  The birthday coming up?  Maybe it is a wedding gift?  When you saw "gifts" what did you think of?  When you saw the Scripture you thought Christmas?  What about the gifts God has given you?  The gift of music, working in the garden, needlework (like I have) or maybe it is cooking?  My question, this morning, is how are you using said gift?  Are you giving it back to God?

The Magi (or Wise Men) "entered the house and saw the child" so we know Jesus is a little older (which is a whole different sermon!).  The brought the gifts they had to give to - give BACK to? - Jesus.  God gave them the gift of following the stars, being able to travel and to be able to share the blessings (finances).  God gives each of us gifts we can use and share.  The questions are how do we use said gifts and who do we share said gifts with?

The churches I have been a part of have "prayer shawl" ministries - making, and giving, prayer shawls to people.  The people in the group are using their gift for needlework to make the shawls, scarfs and quilts to share.  So.........  I ask again...... how are you using the gift God has given you?  Who do you share it with?  Something to think about........