Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma, on this Monday Morning of Holy Week.
The drama of Holy Week has three acts, beginning on Palm Sunday with a mood of carnival. A parade, children singing Hosanna (which means Save Us Now), this first act is one of joy.
Act 2 - the Upper Room...the Last Supper...arrest, trial...crucifixion. An act overflowing with grief and sorrow.
Act 3 - Easter victory over sin and death. It was women who discovered the empty tomb. The men were crushed and doubted the word which the women brought. Slowly their eyes of faith were opened. Despair turned to a mood of triumph. Christ is risen!
We've all known such bittersweet times. Two moods given - causes for joy, reasons for sadness. The third offers a matter of choice. One can choose to accept or reject Christ's offer of new life, of resurrection now and beyond the grave.
It's your choice!
Richard
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
2010.03.22 Monday Morning!
Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
We are told often that we are living in a period in which the Gospel is not relevant and the Church is ineffective. The result has been ceasing to expect anything and realizing our expectation.
There is plenty in the world to make us prophets of gloom and doom. However, Christians can tune into another message which shows signs of hope rather than despair.
One such message comes with an opportunity to give to an annual appeal called the One Great Hour of Sharing. Our Presbyterian Church joins with other Churches in receiving this offering.
You are invited to walk the "Road of Service" (the Jericho Road) and involve yourself in ministry to the physical needs of those crushed by disaster, persecution and war, those trapped in poverty, homelessness, suffering.
For Christians this offering is a moment of spiritual opportunity:
Jesus said: "Truly, as you gave to one of the least of brother and sisters, you did it to me."
"Feed my sheep" with your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be dedicated at Pilgrim Church on Palm Sunday, March 28.
The quality of mercy still is twice blessed!
Richard
We are told often that we are living in a period in which the Gospel is not relevant and the Church is ineffective. The result has been ceasing to expect anything and realizing our expectation.
There is plenty in the world to make us prophets of gloom and doom. However, Christians can tune into another message which shows signs of hope rather than despair.
One such message comes with an opportunity to give to an annual appeal called the One Great Hour of Sharing. Our Presbyterian Church joins with other Churches in receiving this offering.
You are invited to walk the "Road of Service" (the Jericho Road) and involve yourself in ministry to the physical needs of those crushed by disaster, persecution and war, those trapped in poverty, homelessness, suffering.
For Christians this offering is a moment of spiritual opportunity:
Jesus said: "Truly, as you gave to one of the least of brother and sisters, you did it to me."
"Feed my sheep" with your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be dedicated at Pilgrim Church on Palm Sunday, March 28.
The quality of mercy still is twice blessed!
Richard
Monday, March 15, 2010
2010.03.15 Monday Morning!
Lent can be an instructive time for all of us! When good intentions are forgotten, when ideals once cherished have deteriorated, when sacred responsibilities make us weary or cynical, Lenten devotions help us rediscover energies which form the inner life.
Take time to retreat into the quiet sanctuary of your soul. That special time will bring an expansion of joy and a buoyancy to your spirit.
There is an unfaltering power in prayer, meditation and daily fellowship with God.
Don't allow your soul to dry up!
Cheers! Thumbs up!
Richard
PS: Try writing in a small notebook Bible verses and passages which you remember from childhood and youth. You'll come up with many, but I'm almost willing to guarantee that Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", will be on your list. Probably Paul's "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13, will be too. There are "beauty spots" in the Bible never to be forgotten.
Take time to retreat into the quiet sanctuary of your soul. That special time will bring an expansion of joy and a buoyancy to your spirit.
There is an unfaltering power in prayer, meditation and daily fellowship with God.
Don't allow your soul to dry up!
Cheers! Thumbs up!
Richard
PS: Try writing in a small notebook Bible verses and passages which you remember from childhood and youth. You'll come up with many, but I'm almost willing to guarantee that Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", will be on your list. Probably Paul's "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13, will be too. There are "beauty spots" in the Bible never to be forgotten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)