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Joel 2:23-32
Dreams can be powerful things. Say the words, "I have a dream," and virtually any American will see an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, delivering one of the most famous speeches, probably, in US history. Speaking from his heart, King called for an end to racial discrimination in the United States. What started as a dream for King captured the imagination of an entire country, and we now have the Civil Rights Movement as a part of our heritage. Dreams can change the course of history.
God understands the power of dreams, as one of the promises of the outpouring of the Spirit will be that "your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (v. 28). When we seek after God, allowing him to fill us with his Spirit and give us his dreams and visions for those around us, how world-changing will those dreams be?
Craig K.
Joel 2:23-32
Cathy and her sister were asked to clear their mother's vegetable garden. Their mother was in ill health and unable to harvest the vegetables from her garden that she had enjoyed for many years. As the sisters cleared away the plants their mother instructed them to "save the seeds." After many years of gardening she knew the value and hope each tiny seed held.
The next spring Cathy's mother died. She decided she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and plant a vegetable garden, her sister helped as well. They planted the seeds exactly as their mother had for so many years. That summer they had a bountiful harvest.
The following year Cathy and her sister again planted the garden. As Cathy was weeding late one spring morning she realized the truth and importance of her mother's words, "save the seeds." Those words took on a new meaning. She was to "save the seeds" of her faith and plant the good news of God's love to all that she meets. She understood the responsibility and privilege of sharing the faith with others so that others may come to know Jesus.
"We many not plant her garden again next spring," Cathy says, "but each of us will continue to plant tiny seeds of faith." In caring for her mother's garden Cathy's faith came alive.
The prophet Joel reminded the people how God had provided rain for their crops. As a result the people experienced an abundant harvest. "The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil." All of which was cause to "rejoice in the Lord your God."
Tim S.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
After the United States was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup soccer competition, Ronald Blum, an Associated Press reporter, wrote an article titled, "US ponders what might have been." On Sunday the players began scattering to their various adopted countries, knowing most of them would never play together on the same team. As they departed, Blum noted, "All the optimism had vanished, four years of planning and effort foiled by a debilitating defense, faltering forwards and, in the ultimate insult to their pride, a sudden realization the most-talented soccer team in American history wasn't good enough to consistently compete with the world's best." In the four games that the team played, they were only ahead in scoring for three minutes total.
Reflecting on his team, Coach Bob Bradley said, "There is a pretty empty feeling right now because I think coming out of the first round, we felt that there was a real chance of doing something bigger."
Paul often compared his missionary work to being engaged in an athletic event. In our lectionary reading, Paul, imprisoned and with a feeling of hopelessness writes, "I have finished the race." With a pending execution from the Roman authorities, Paul realizes his only reward will be the "crown of righteousness" that he will receive in heaven. Paul is alone, for as he said at his trial, "no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." The only assurance that Paul has is knowing that he finished the race, he finished his missionary work, to the best of his ability.
The American soccer team left South Africa defeated, but not forsaken, for they finished the race to the best of their ability. Paul, in prison, may have felt defeated, but not forsaken, for he finished his work to the best of his ability. There are going to be many times we walk off the field of life wondering if we have accomplished anything of significance, especially when what we have attempted has fallen so far below our expectations. But, our reward is not measured in points on the scoreboard, but by Jesus who will place upon us the "crown of righteousness." Only Jesus will understand our dedication and commitment to service.
Ron L.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Drink offerings have a long history. In Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the epic sagas of the Trojan War, characters frequently pour these offerings, known as libations, to their gods before they start on a journey or make an important decision. It was a way of showing one's reverence and remembrance of the gods -- an act of piety as well as an act to ward off their displeasure. Today, drink offerings are less serious and more ceremonial. For example, a bottle of champagne is often broken on the bow of a ship on her first voyage. This libation, like the libation mentioned in the reading in Timothy, symbolizes the beginning of something new: a new life, new travels, a new realization, a new decision. It is a libation to the holy one to ask God to join the journey.
Leah T.
Luke 18:9-14
Gail was upset over the girl her son was dating. She knew that she was all wrong for him. Eric refused to listen to her words of wisdom, which created more tension in their relationship. "I'd pleaded, argued, reasoned, even written notes," Gail claims but nothing would change her son's mind.
One day still frustrated and upset over the situation she spotted a coffee cup in the kitchen counter. She remembered reading an article several years ago about a "penny cup." She recalled that a woman was impatient for an answer to prayer and decided that every penny she found she would place in the cup. The pennies served to remind her that God was listening to her prayers and that in God's time they would be answered.
Gail decided that that was what she would do. She found a mug that Eric had given her when he was in the third grade. She continued praying and began searching for pennies. A strange thing happened as she collected pennies, she began appreciating her son's girlfriend. She discovered that she was a good person and truly loved Eric. The more she prayed the more she realized that this girl was bringing out the good qualities in her son.
As she dropped another penny into the cup she realized that God had indeed answered her prayer.
Jesus told of two individuals who went to pray at the temple. One was a religious leader who thought he was secure in his faith. He made the fatal error of thinking that because of his position that he was better than everyone else. As he prayed he listed his accomplishments, "I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income" as if God did not know what was in his heart. In contrast was a person who knew he was in need of God's grace. He prayed a simple, heart felt prayer, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Jesus asked which person was made right with God. Obviously the person who knew he needed God and not the one who looked down on others. Jesus concludes with, "for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Tim S.
Luke 18:9-14
Why has reality TV been able to maintain its popularity? Part of the reason has to be because there is always a "villain" spouting off about how great he/she is and how no one has a chance. Conversely, there is also at least one "hero," the soft-spoken, perhaps even humble, competitor who recognizes that they have to work hard for any hope of success, knowing that nothing is given. It is the humble one that often wins fan support.
Well, this passage isn't reality TV, but it gives us a glimpse into why we may think the way we do about arrogance and humility. God has similar feelings. The Pharisee here does everything "right," but his arrogance and self-righteousness left a bad taste in God's mouth. However, the tax collector, not even willing to look up to heaven because he knew he was unworthy, cried out for mercy and was justified. God doesn't want "villains" who are full of themselves. They'll be brought down to earth soon enough.
Craig K.
Joel 2:23-32
Dreams can be powerful things. Say the words, "I have a dream," and virtually any American will see an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, delivering one of the most famous speeches, probably, in US history. Speaking from his heart, King called for an end to racial discrimination in the United States. What started as a dream for King captured the imagination of an entire country, and we now have the Civil Rights Movement as a part of our heritage. Dreams can change the course of history.
God understands the power of dreams, as one of the promises of the outpouring of the Spirit will be that "your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (v. 28). When we seek after God, allowing him to fill us with his Spirit and give us his dreams and visions for those around us, how world-changing will those dreams be?
Craig K.
Joel 2:23-32
Cathy and her sister were asked to clear their mother's vegetable garden. Their mother was in ill health and unable to harvest the vegetables from her garden that she had enjoyed for many years. As the sisters cleared away the plants their mother instructed them to "save the seeds." After many years of gardening she knew the value and hope each tiny seed held.
The next spring Cathy's mother died. She decided she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and plant a vegetable garden, her sister helped as well. They planted the seeds exactly as their mother had for so many years. That summer they had a bountiful harvest.
The following year Cathy and her sister again planted the garden. As Cathy was weeding late one spring morning she realized the truth and importance of her mother's words, "save the seeds." Those words took on a new meaning. She was to "save the seeds" of her faith and plant the good news of God's love to all that she meets. She understood the responsibility and privilege of sharing the faith with others so that others may come to know Jesus.
"We many not plant her garden again next spring," Cathy says, "but each of us will continue to plant tiny seeds of faith." In caring for her mother's garden Cathy's faith came alive.
The prophet Joel reminded the people how God had provided rain for their crops. As a result the people experienced an abundant harvest. "The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil." All of which was cause to "rejoice in the Lord your God."
Tim S.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
After the United States was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup soccer competition, Ronald Blum, an Associated Press reporter, wrote an article titled, "US ponders what might have been." On Sunday the players began scattering to their various adopted countries, knowing most of them would never play together on the same team. As they departed, Blum noted, "All the optimism had vanished, four years of planning and effort foiled by a debilitating defense, faltering forwards and, in the ultimate insult to their pride, a sudden realization the most-talented soccer team in American history wasn't good enough to consistently compete with the world's best." In the four games that the team played, they were only ahead in scoring for three minutes total.
Reflecting on his team, Coach Bob Bradley said, "There is a pretty empty feeling right now because I think coming out of the first round, we felt that there was a real chance of doing something bigger."
Paul often compared his missionary work to being engaged in an athletic event. In our lectionary reading, Paul, imprisoned and with a feeling of hopelessness writes, "I have finished the race." With a pending execution from the Roman authorities, Paul realizes his only reward will be the "crown of righteousness" that he will receive in heaven. Paul is alone, for as he said at his trial, "no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." The only assurance that Paul has is knowing that he finished the race, he finished his missionary work, to the best of his ability.
The American soccer team left South Africa defeated, but not forsaken, for they finished the race to the best of their ability. Paul, in prison, may have felt defeated, but not forsaken, for he finished his work to the best of his ability. There are going to be many times we walk off the field of life wondering if we have accomplished anything of significance, especially when what we have attempted has fallen so far below our expectations. But, our reward is not measured in points on the scoreboard, but by Jesus who will place upon us the "crown of righteousness." Only Jesus will understand our dedication and commitment to service.
Ron L.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Drink offerings have a long history. In Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the epic sagas of the Trojan War, characters frequently pour these offerings, known as libations, to their gods before they start on a journey or make an important decision. It was a way of showing one's reverence and remembrance of the gods -- an act of piety as well as an act to ward off their displeasure. Today, drink offerings are less serious and more ceremonial. For example, a bottle of champagne is often broken on the bow of a ship on her first voyage. This libation, like the libation mentioned in the reading in Timothy, symbolizes the beginning of something new: a new life, new travels, a new realization, a new decision. It is a libation to the holy one to ask God to join the journey.
Leah T.
Luke 18:9-14
Gail was upset over the girl her son was dating. She knew that she was all wrong for him. Eric refused to listen to her words of wisdom, which created more tension in their relationship. "I'd pleaded, argued, reasoned, even written notes," Gail claims but nothing would change her son's mind.
One day still frustrated and upset over the situation she spotted a coffee cup in the kitchen counter. She remembered reading an article several years ago about a "penny cup." She recalled that a woman was impatient for an answer to prayer and decided that every penny she found she would place in the cup. The pennies served to remind her that God was listening to her prayers and that in God's time they would be answered.
Gail decided that that was what she would do. She found a mug that Eric had given her when he was in the third grade. She continued praying and began searching for pennies. A strange thing happened as she collected pennies, she began appreciating her son's girlfriend. She discovered that she was a good person and truly loved Eric. The more she prayed the more she realized that this girl was bringing out the good qualities in her son.
As she dropped another penny into the cup she realized that God had indeed answered her prayer.
Jesus told of two individuals who went to pray at the temple. One was a religious leader who thought he was secure in his faith. He made the fatal error of thinking that because of his position that he was better than everyone else. As he prayed he listed his accomplishments, "I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income" as if God did not know what was in his heart. In contrast was a person who knew he was in need of God's grace. He prayed a simple, heart felt prayer, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Jesus asked which person was made right with God. Obviously the person who knew he needed God and not the one who looked down on others. Jesus concludes with, "for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Tim S.
Luke 18:9-14
Why has reality TV been able to maintain its popularity? Part of the reason has to be because there is always a "villain" spouting off about how great he/she is and how no one has a chance. Conversely, there is also at least one "hero," the soft-spoken, perhaps even humble, competitor who recognizes that they have to work hard for any hope of success, knowing that nothing is given. It is the humble one that often wins fan support.
Well, this passage isn't reality TV, but it gives us a glimpse into why we may think the way we do about arrogance and humility. God has similar feelings. The Pharisee here does everything "right," but his arrogance and self-righteousness left a bad taste in God's mouth. However, the tax collector, not even willing to look up to heaven because he knew he was unworthy, cried out for mercy and was justified. God doesn't want "villains" who are full of themselves. They'll be brought down to earth soon enough.
Craig K.
