Here is a note and devotion from Pastor Karen:
Good afternoon!
Here is a quick update on my brother Steve. He is in his home in Kansas, now, after being discharged from the hospital a few days ago. He is able to work from home with his phone and computer (though his thumbs are wrapped and immobile) and can walk balancing himself with a walker, with the arm of his injured shoulder in a sling. He will see a specialist at Kansas University Medical Center tomorrow (Tuesday) about repairing more broken bones, this time a more delicate and complicated surgery than pinning his two broken thumbs. His shoulder and scapula were badly damaged in the motorcycle accident and this is causing pain in his neck, head, shoulder and back. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Friday.
Thank you for your continued prayers for his pain, healing, and spirits. We praise God for healing him and protecting him from more serious, permanent injuries!
Some of you have asked me about my little black bird friend. Thank you for asking! My yard has been alive with birds since I came back from my journey to Kansas a few days ago. I have a feeling my black bird is still here, but he/she is looking very grown up by now and has disappeared into the flock(s) that flitter around our trees. When I turn on the sprinkler, all sorts of birds appear to enjoy bathing and drinking—and many birds have discovered the joys of standing under the waterfall of my leaky hose reel.
And for today’s devotion… Ever heard the expression, “Practice what you preach”? In our gospel reading, Jesus warns the crowds to listen as the religious authorities teach, but don’t do as they do, because they don’t practice what they preach. Jesus gives a long list of their wrongdoings and shortcomings, but they all seem to center around arrogance, vanity, and conceit. They lack humility. They place themselves above other people. And they worry about giving the appearance of holiness, without living a life of holiness.
Jesus says:
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
“But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.”
The main point of this passage—the message for us all—is contained in the last 2 sentences:
“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This message was offensive to the rich and privileged of Jesus’ day, but it is also offensive to our way of thinking today, and not just in the world of business and finance. Think about how it is with sports—both professional and amateur. Here we are, preparing for the summer Olympics---when all that matters is your nation being the best. What matters is winning, no matter what the cost.
I have always enjoyed watching the amazing athletes compete for the gold, but today I am wondering how this fits with the humble, self-giving message of the cross.
What would Jesus say?
Prayer: Holy God, our heavenly parent, give us your wisdom when it comes to the things of this world and our life as Christians. Open our eyes to our own blind spots and wrong attitudes that we have accepted for so long. Show us how to think and how to live in this world, but not be “of this world.” Remove our selfishness and mold us into your humble servants, who realize our weaknesses and who realize who is our strength—You! Forgive us when we get spiritually lazy and neglect our prayer and devotional life. Give us passion for following Christ, reaching out to needy people, and living a life that is holy and acceptable to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Numbers 32:1-6,16-27; Romans 8:26-30; Matthew 23:1-12; and Psalms 1, 2 and 3.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
Good afternoon!
Here is a quick update on my brother Steve. He is in his home in Kansas, now, after being discharged from the hospital a few days ago. He is able to work from home with his phone and computer (though his thumbs are wrapped and immobile) and can walk balancing himself with a walker, with the arm of his injured shoulder in a sling. He will see a specialist at Kansas University Medical Center tomorrow (Tuesday) about repairing more broken bones, this time a more delicate and complicated surgery than pinning his two broken thumbs. His shoulder and scapula were badly damaged in the motorcycle accident and this is causing pain in his neck, head, shoulder and back. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Friday.
Thank you for your continued prayers for his pain, healing, and spirits. We praise God for healing him and protecting him from more serious, permanent injuries!
Some of you have asked me about my little black bird friend. Thank you for asking! My yard has been alive with birds since I came back from my journey to Kansas a few days ago. I have a feeling my black bird is still here, but he/she is looking very grown up by now and has disappeared into the flock(s) that flitter around our trees. When I turn on the sprinkler, all sorts of birds appear to enjoy bathing and drinking—and many birds have discovered the joys of standing under the waterfall of my leaky hose reel.
And for today’s devotion… Ever heard the expression, “Practice what you preach”? In our gospel reading, Jesus warns the crowds to listen as the religious authorities teach, but don’t do as they do, because they don’t practice what they preach. Jesus gives a long list of their wrongdoings and shortcomings, but they all seem to center around arrogance, vanity, and conceit. They lack humility. They place themselves above other people. And they worry about giving the appearance of holiness, without living a life of holiness.
Jesus says:
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
“But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.”
The main point of this passage—the message for us all—is contained in the last 2 sentences:
“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This message was offensive to the rich and privileged of Jesus’ day, but it is also offensive to our way of thinking today, and not just in the world of business and finance. Think about how it is with sports—both professional and amateur. Here we are, preparing for the summer Olympics---when all that matters is your nation being the best. What matters is winning, no matter what the cost.
I have always enjoyed watching the amazing athletes compete for the gold, but today I am wondering how this fits with the humble, self-giving message of the cross.
What would Jesus say?
Prayer: Holy God, our heavenly parent, give us your wisdom when it comes to the things of this world and our life as Christians. Open our eyes to our own blind spots and wrong attitudes that we have accepted for so long. Show us how to think and how to live in this world, but not be “of this world.” Remove our selfishness and mold us into your humble servants, who realize our weaknesses and who realize who is our strength—You! Forgive us when we get spiritually lazy and neglect our prayer and devotional life. Give us passion for following Christ, reaching out to needy people, and living a life that is holy and acceptable to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Numbers 32:1-6,16-27; Romans 8:26-30; Matthew 23:1-12; and Psalms 1, 2 and 3.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
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