Focusing Our Vision

As you prepare for our worship I encourage you to watch the video, read the Scripture and reflect on the three questions.

Scripture Reading:

“Nehemiah 1:4   When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.

Nehemiah 1:5 Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands,

Nehemiah 1:6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!

Nehemiah 1:7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.

Nehemiah 1:8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

Nehemiah 1:9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’

Nehemiah 1:10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants.

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”” (Nehemiah 1:4–11 NLT-SE)

“Nehemiah 2:11   So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, Nehemiah 2:12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. Nehemiah 2:13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. Nehemiah 2:14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. Nehemiah 2:15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.” (Nehemiah 2:11–15 NLT-SE)

Reflection Questions:

1. What is Nehemiah’s response to what he had heard from his friends (versus 1:4-11)?
2. What is the significance of what Nehemiah does when he gets to Jerusalem (Verses 2:11-15)?
3. How can we live a focused life in today's world?

Building a Firm Foundation for the Future: Developing a Clear Vision

We live in uncertain times. The COVID pandemic has shown that in a moment’s notice everything in the whole world can change. But God gives us the tools necessary to navigate change, both at a corporate level as well as individuals. During the next four weeks we are entering into a stewardship campaign and we are going to use the book of Nehemiah to gain the skills necessary to build a firm foundation for moving into uncharted times.

Scripture Reading:

Nehemiah 1:1-3; 2:11-15

^1:1 These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. ² Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem.

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”

^2:11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, ¹² I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. ¹³ After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. ¹⁴ Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. ¹⁵ So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.

Reflection Questions:

1. If this story happened in your world today, what would it look like?
2. In re-telling this story, what might the Spirit be suggesting is important?
3. How does Nehemiah’s response to what he is learning teach us about how to live today?

Peace and Joy

Who needs some peace and joy? I do! I’ll take it! I’ll buy it! I want it! I need it! And I’m sure I’m not the only one in the same place at the moment. After a month of staying at home, practicing social distance and communicating only by phone, zoom, and email, I miss everyone. I miss gathering for church, I miss joining friends for lunch, and I miss family and friends. As bad as I perceive my situation to be, I am cognizant that others are struggling deeper than I am. Some cannot pay their bills and have little food for their families. Many have lost jobs and others have lost loved ones. What does Jesus have to offer today to those of us who are weathering the storm behind closed doors? The disciples had just gone through a very traumatic experience. Their hopes and dreams had come to a crashing end. They still did not understand what had happened. How could Judas betray Jesus? Betray them all? What would happen next? To this group of frightened disciples Jesus comes offering peace. The disciples are filled with joy when they experience their beloved friend right there in their midst. What am I missing today that I am not experiencing the risen Christ right in the midst of my circumstances? Why am I not filled with joy upon the realization that Jesus is here and really, that is all I need? I invite you to be in prayer for this weekend as we worship this same Jesus and as we talk about these very difficult questions that many are facing today. See you this weekend!

Loida Divine

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-22

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions:

After reading the scripture, here are some questions for you to think about:

1. Recall a time that you felt frightened and then suddenly something or someone gave you clarity and peace in your path.
2. What specific emotions do you think the disciples were experiencing prior to Jesus coming into that room?
3. Do you know someone that might be experiencing fear today? Write their name on a piece of paper and say a prayer for them to experience God’s presence today.

The Story of Easter

Back in 2008 I was serving as an associate pastor at Killearn UMC, in Tallahassee. Because of my role, as an associate, it had been several years since I had preached an Easter morning sermon (Lead pastors do not like to give up Easter Morning sermons). Well on that particular year I got a call from our lead pastor, Bob, on Friday that he was having a voice problem and he wanted to let me know. He had an appointment with the doctor and was sure he would be preaching, but just wanted to keep me in the loop.  Saturday at noon he called again, and in almost a whisper, let me know that his voice was getting worst, but he was still pretty sure he would be preaching. On Saturday at 6:00 pm his wife, Katherine, called to let me know that Bob had totally lost his voice and would not be preaching the next morning. I remember praying for Bob and then working hard into the night to refine the sermon I had started playing with on Friday. While I loved preaching on that Easter morning, I felt so sorry for my lead pastor and friend, Bob, who was present at church, and with joy sat quietly all morning! For some reason I feel like I understand Bob’s predicament this year. I still have a voice (Praise God) but everything else has gone out the window. 

As I prepare for this Easter weekend, I am reminded that this is a time to focus on our hope for today and for our future, who is Jesus Christ. Whatever happens in our age and within our lives is secondary to the hope that we have in Jesus. All we can do as disciples is to choose to follow Christ every day. 

I invite you to watch the short video, read the scripture and reflect on the questions below, as you prepare for our Easter celebrations this weekend. 

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 28:1-10

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was 

dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went 

out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great 

earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from

  heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face 

shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as 

snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, 

and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!”

  he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was

  crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as

  he said would happen. 

Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go 

quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the 

dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You 

will see him there. Remember what I have told 

you.”The women ran quickly from the tomb. They 

were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and 

they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 

And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. 

And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped 

him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell 

my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me

  there.”

Reflection Questions:

1. In the Matthew story of the resurrection two groups of people are focused on––the guards and the women. Describe how each of the groups reacted to the events that unfolded before them. What made the two groups react in different ways?
2. Put yourself in the place of the women. What caused the women to be filled with joy?
3. When Jesus comes to the women he instructs them to tell the disciples to leave for Galilee. Why do you think Jesus called them back to Galilee to meet with them?

The Story of Palm Sunday

As we come to the end of Lent, we actually begin the great story of Holy Week. Join us this Sunday as we begin the journey of Jesus in his final week on earth. Celebrate Palm Sunday as we walk with Jesus entering Jerusalem as a triumphal King and then next Friday spend time with us in meditation as we digest the horrors of the trial and crucifixion. Then on April 12 join us online as we celebrate Easter Sunday. As we begin this week I invite you to watch the video, read the scripture passage and reflect on the questions below.

As you prepare for this Sunday I also invite you to have on hand some bread and juice (or other drink and food) for the celebration of Communion. We will be celebrating communion via our live worship and everyone will be invited to take part. Don’t feel like you need to go to the store if you do not have bread and grape juice, anything can work, even water and a cracker or water and whatever food you have available. 

Have a blessed day and I look forward to being with you Sunday!

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 21:1-11

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’” The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 

And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus road a donkey as he entered Jerusalem?
2. Why do you think the people were praising God as Jesus entered Jerusalem?
3. What would you compare this story to in todays world?

Jesus Talks about Forgiveness…

Times like the one we find ourselves in seem to bring out the best and the worst of us all. I am always amazed during times of crisis to see the heroic acts of ordinary people to serve the world around them––only to then see the same person who has preformed the heroic act get caught up in some petty self-entitled rage over an insignificant issue. I have seen this in other people and I have seen this in my own life. I have decided over my lifetime that this is an indication, especially in times of prolonged public distress, that we are working out the sanctification of our innermost being. 

One of the areas of inner development most often mentioned in the Gospels is that of forgiveness. In fact I have come to believe that the act of forgiveness is one of the most fundamental human needs we have to grow into, if we are going to become the women and men God created us to be. This week we will be looking at the need we each have to live into a life of forgiveness and how it becomes essential for riding out the good and especially the bad times of life. Please take a few minutes over the next few days to watch the video, read the scripture and reflect on the questions below.

Also, there might be neighbors, family and friends that are looking for a word of hope and are open to worshiping online. Invite them to joins us this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. See you online!

Scripture Reading:

Matt. 18:21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

Matt. 18:22  “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

Matt. 18:23  “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. ²⁴ In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. ²⁵ He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

Matt. 18:26  “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ ²⁷ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

Matt. 18:28  “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

Matt. 18:29    “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. ³⁰ But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

Matt. 18:31  “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. ³² Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. ³³ Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ ³⁴ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

Matt. 18:35  “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

Reflection Questions:

1. See if you can retell this story of forgiveness in your own context.
2. Why do you think Jesus calls Peter to forgive “seventy times seven times?”
3. How would you work today in your life to forgive “seventy times seven times?”  

Jesus Feeds the Multitudes

My favorite book (actually a trilogy) of all time is the Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Most of you know of this classic story of the battle between those things which are good against those which are evil within creation. In the first volume of the LOTR trilogy is one of my most beloved quotes:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Ganfalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)

The rapidly changing events of our world have caused me to return to this quote several times over the past week. I am convinced that right now is one of those events (probably for many of us a once in a lifetime) that can cause us to make a similar declaration as Frodo, while knowing, in reality, that we have to ask ourselves the question, “What am I going to do with this time that is given me?” This Sunday we will be dealing with this question and as we do we will have the great wisdom/example of Jesus Christ to lead us in our response.

I hope you will take time to watch the video, read the scripture and reflect on the questions below as you prepare for the Life Feed Worship Experience this Sunday.

Scripture Reading: 
“Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down.A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.
Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”
The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”
Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” 
They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.”
So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground.Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.
They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children.” (Matthew 15:29–38 NLT-SE)

Reflection Questions:

1. What does it mean that Jesus “Healed them all?”

1. Why do you think Jesus, “Felt sorry for these people?”

1. How would you tell this story in modern America?

1. How do the disciples participate in the story?