Please Note: I did purchase and download this video but was unable to upload it into this blog… hence the preview.
Month: May 2013
Morning Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT – Judas replaced
Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”
(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)
By Duccio, 1308-1311
Museo dell Opera del Duomo, Florence
Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the decision-making wisdom of the Apostles… to search the Scriptures for guidance… to come up with Godly alternatives… to pray for your will to be done… and to trust the you for the outcome. To God be the glory. Amen.
Hymn: “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” – Charles Wesley (1744)
‘Trespassing’ is Crossing a Line in the Wrong Direction: AWAY From God
Our pastor is preaching through the book of Ephesians right now. A couple of weeks ago, he talked about the difference between trespasses and sins. Trespassing is crossing a line…in the case of humanity, we’ve crossed a line that God drew, and it has separated us from Him.
I formed this picture in my mind, of God (as the hen gathering her chicks) with all of us huddled around Him, facing a line (some action or actions which would drive a wedge between us and make it impossible for us to go back). “Stay here,” He says. But our first ancestors, blinded by the lie–”You won’t really die…” (Genesis 3:4)–take the first fatal step in the wrong direction. And looking back they see a flaming sword barring their way.
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Trinity Sunday: What Is the Trinity?
It’s a mystery….
Bishops like to practice the tradition of quizzing confirmation candidates during the rite of confirmation. On one occasion, a particular Bishop asked one of the candidates to explain the Mystery of the Trinity. The shy teenaged girl mumbled softly, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The bishop, who did not hear her answer clearly, said, “Excuse me, I didn’t understand.” The girl spoke up and answered, “You’re not supposed to understand, it’s a mystery.”
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Holy Trinity Sunday: John 16:12-15 NLT – Holy, Holy, Holy
Reading: John 16:12-15 NLT
“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
“He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
“All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me….’”
Prayer: Holy Spirit – Guide me, teach me, lead me… so that I might glorify the Son… and so honor the Father… in justice, truth, and mercy. Amen.
Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy! (Savior and King)” – Reginald Heber (1826)
The Peanut Gallery 