October 2, 2020

25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you endure;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
You change them like clothing, and they pass away;
27     but you are the same, and your years have no end.
28 The children of your servants shall live secure;
    their offspring shall be established in your presence. – Psalm 102:25-28

We’ve reached the days that the leaves are about to change color (some already started), pretty soon, we will be reminded of the beauty that is painted on the mountain trees as the colors shine brightly in the sunlight.  However, as beautiful as these colors are, we know that this means death to the leave on the tree.  Those leaves will soon fall to the ground, and the trees will be bare.

A mentor of mine, who with his wife adopted a child who was from Malaysia, said he remembers the first time this child experienced autumn here in east Tennessee.  The child wanted the tree leaves change color, enjoying the beauty, but as the leaves  began to drop each day the child became sad.  His adopted father asked why the boy was sad at the sight of the tree losing it’s leaves. The boy said that the tree is dying, and he liked that tree. Where the boy was from, when a tree lost its leaves it meant that the tree was dead, and it wasn’t coming back.  The father assured the boy that the tree was fine, and that when spring time would come the tree would bud and sprout new leaves.  It was hard for the boy to understand, and perhaps he didn’t fully believe until the spring.  When spring arrived, however, the boy saw the buds just as his father has said they would appear, and his little faith became sight – the tree was alive and sprouting new growth!

Long ago, the ancient psalmists new the cycle of things, all of their society, all of creation as they knew it, they understood would one day pass away, but in their faith, they believed that God would endure forever. Even more, they believed that their children (or down their family lines) as they remained faithful, would survive. “the children of your servants shall live secure…”

Their understanding has now become one of the great markers of our faith. We have a hope, that though we will one day pass away from this earth, there is a beautiful resurrection (new life) that is waiting for us.  There our faith will be made sight, and we will rejoice in the presence of our God, forever and ever.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

October 1, 2020

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 9:12

Do we have obstacles in the way of our life reflecting the gospel of Christ?

Our obstacles may be different than what Paul is referring in 1 Corinthians. In this chapter and starting in the previous, Paul has been questioned about the appropriate food a Christian should partake. This call is less about any dietary law, but about what is socially part of the culture of the day. In a region where the gospel is new, much of the food especially meat that is prevalent for consumptions comes from animals that had be slaughtered at part of ritual sacrifice to other gods. Should those who profess the One God and father of the Lord, Jesus partake of such food? Wouldn’t that hurt our witness?

Of course for those who understand and have faith, we learn that God is the One true God, and all other gods are nothing more than false idols, in this instances Paul’s argument is food is food, and it is a gift from God, so it shouldn’t matter.  However, Paul understood that there is sometimes a perception that can’t be overcome among those who don’t yet believe. Therefore, the better choice is to not make someone else stumble because of their lack of understanding or faith.

This secondary argument is the reason for Paul saying ‘we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel…’ When we think about the idea of integrity, being of sound Christian character, then we should strive to not feel we have to explain our way out of a situation.  I’ve heard it said before; “If you have to explain, your already losing.” The idea behind that statement is that if you have to try and explain yourself out of a situation, that person to whom you are explaining already feels they have reason to question you integrity. The question of character creates an obstacle to one ability to share faith.

As a leader, I know how difficult it can be to be transparent, to share the reasons behind decisions, or to for people to trust when they don’t understand those decisions. Mistakes are made, and explaining our way out isn’t always an option. The best course of action, I’ve found, in removing obstacles is to acknowledge our choices, own our choices, and if they are brought into question ask forgiveness if those decisions have caused pain or grievance.  Character or integrity is best seen not explaining our way out, but working our way through, so that obstacle do not become barriers, and we are able to reflect the kind of grace we believe is offered from God, through Christ Jesus our Lord.  May we seek to remove our obstacles for the good sharing the gospel now and always.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 30, 2020

…yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. – 1 Corinthians 8:6-7

Here is an interesting chapter, giving us a glimpse into the challenges of the first century, gentile, church.  Paul is responding to questions about food that is sacrificed to idols and whether or not person should be permitted to eat them.  The idea of where our food comes from might not something that we would even begin to worry about in today’s society. Most of us simply go to the store or restaurant and purchase the food we want to eat and go on with life. Now, we might care about the quality of our food, or the farms which produced it, but I would guess not in the same manner as what Paul is referring.

There is something that we can learn though, that perhaps is important. Paul, in writing about food, reminds us that idols are at the end, worthless.  Paul’s broad claim is that there is only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus.  Without these, northing would exist. Paul’s claim reminds us that while we might put our faith in many things, anything other than putting faith in God and Jesus is worthless. Yet, Paul acknowledges that not everyone knows or understands this concept.  It is for the latter reason that we continue even in the twenty-first century with people who put their faith in many different things, and may be revealing the alternative places we might place our worship. Not everyone understands how they might be placing faith in things other than God. Not everyone has understood the salvation offered through Christ, nor how the grace, mercy, and love of God are offered.

I find, that this give us, the people of God, all the more reason to reflect God’s love for us in our actions, in our words, and in the way we interact with others.  If we claim to be the church, to be one of Christ’s own, the way we treat others matters so that we can show them where to truly place their faith, and come to understand everything else is just a worthless idol.

I pray, we live today and everyday living a life of praise and worship to the One, true God. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 29, 2020

The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD – at the presence of the Lord of all the earth - Psalm 97:5

Living near the mountains we see, every day how beautiful they are shaped by God.  Their beauty is especially made evident at sunrise and sunset, when the glow of the sun changes their color, and we praise the majesty of God’s handiwork. We love, being so close, having the great opportunity to be in those mountains on a regular basis. Whether hiking, driving, camping, there is something amazing about being in those wonderful mountains.

The mountains are majestic and large and full of the beauty of God’s creation.  Yet at the command of God, or just in his presence, those mountains could melt like wax on a candle.  The mightiest of mountains could become as flat as the plains of the mid-west.  If this could occur to the mountains, whose beauty we enjoy, then why is it that a heart is so cold to produce mountains of its own, mountains of resistance, resentment, pain, regret.  Would these mountains also melt in the presence of the same? 

God created us in His image, yet humans often harden their hearts to God’s love and mercy because we become prideful.  Even when we are open to the Lord and pray to him, often are hearts are still hardened because of our in ability to love others as God has loved us.  The mountains of our hearts, then, become strong like the mightiest mountains on this earth.  But they are still not too powerful for the love of God. 

God’s perusing love works to melt those mountains, and help us find a peace within.  God is after us, and God will never let up until He has us.  God is more faithful than we could ever imagine.  His presence is all over this earth; and we shouldn’t be blinded to it any longer… 

Notice how bright the sun may be shining today, or how the morning dew glistens on the leaves of the plants.  All this and much, much more are signs of the Lord’s presence; even the smile on the face of a friend or loved one, in the kindness of their voice. Everything is a reminded of God’s presence. So, as we are in God’s presence today, may we allow the mountain of anguish and strife that may be in our hearts melt like wax before His majesty and grace.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 28, 2020

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

The encourager has made it to your email every day since March 20. In the midst of the pandemic, shutdowns, and isolations, it seemed necessary to share messages of hope and encouragement. 

These messages have meant as much to me to share them, as I hope they have to you to receive them.  Together, we have been reminded of the greatness of our God. We have shared in the trails of our times, and hopefully strengthened the faith to overcome the daily struggles.

As I write this, the days are becoming a little more ‘normal’ (whatever that is). Life has picked back up, schedules are filling up, and much of life seems to be getting back up to pace.  For the encourager, this means I need help. 

I know that many of you have enjoyed these daily words, and reminders of God’s grace. I am always glad and grateful when someone takes a moment to respond. Those responses keep me motivated and focused on sharing.  Yet, as we move into the next month, I want to put out this request.  Do you have an encouraging word of devotion you could share with the congregation?

Would you be willing to write and short note of encouragement, a devotion, a prayer? Would you allow me to share those with the congregation to keep the daily encourager going? If so, please write them and send those notes/devotions/prayers, and I will set them to go out each morning to the congregation as has been the practice these many months.

Many have not yet felt ready to join our in-person worship services, so this might be a way to keep them and us connected. Some of these messages have been shared with those far beyond our community, and in doing so the encouragement of God’s love spreads broadly. I would love to see the encouragement continue to reach our congregation and beyond, so with boldness form the throne of God, I ask you to offer help to keep these daily notes going out.

The writer of Hebrews believed that help comes to those in their time of need, and so with great faith, I am asking for help in this need, as we continue to press forward as the people of God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

remit devotions to sam3ward@gmail.com

September 27, 2020

To join our online worship service please go to: https://www.stmarkknox.org/sermons

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… 10“Be still,  and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:1,10

As we have made our way through the Exodus story with Moses these past weeks, we have seen God present with his people. I hope these stories have reminded us that, as God peoples, today we, too, experience the presence of God in our lives. 

God is there to offer us council and help, to give us direction and purpose. God is present with us in our hurting, and in our rejoicing, and sometimes God is the reason we move for former to the latter. God’s strength amazes us, and confounds us. God’s promises to be with us give us the endurance to keep on going through trying times, knowing that God will be with us in the struggle.

I think that’s the best part of studying the history of the Israelites. They, as a people, know that God was with them in the struggle.

I’ve heard from some in our congregation who have been willing to share their struggles with me, asking for prayer on various things. Through these conversations, I become aware that we do not always recognize the struggle that is going on in those around us. We can’t always read the struggle on their faces, or hear in their voices.  Still, as a people of God, we should recognize that we are in this life together. We are a community, a church, and we should pray for and uplift one another even when we don’t recognize they are struggling.

Truth is, we would want someone to do the same for us, if we were in such situation.  I hope, today, and in the days ahead, we would take a moment to pray for those situations of which we are unaware, but know that God knows, and in the stillness of our being, God will be exalted for helping our friends through the struggle, giving them strength in their time of trouble.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 26, 2020

On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2     the Lord loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are spoken of you,
    O city of God.          Selah

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
    Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia—
    “This one was born there,” they say.

5 And of Zion it shall be said,
    “This one and that one were born in it”;
    for the Most High himself will establish it.
6 The Lord records, as he registers the peoples,
    “This one was born there.”             Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say,
    “All my springs are in you.” – Psalm 87

We might remember singing the hymn “Marching to Zion.” The lyrics states that those who love the Lord should come along as we march towards the gates of the beautiful city of God.  Zion is the name given for thy city or mountain in which God dwells. For many scholars, Zion of synonymous with Jerusalem because so many important things happen in that particular place.

• There Melchezidek, king and priest of God Most High, reigned and served.

• There Abraham was willing to offer Isaac on the mount of the Lord where His perfect sacrifice would be provided.

• There David, Israel’s greatest earthly king, reigned and made it the kingdom’s capital.

• There the tabernacle of God found its fulfillment and permanence in the great temple David designed and Solomon built.

• There the institutions of sacrifice, worship, and priestly service were established for centuries.

• There Jesus recognized and honored the city and observed the feasts and temple rituals.

• There Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.

• There the church was born in a day at Pentecost.

• There the apostles served and sent out the Gospel.

• There is where many believe God will establish the physical, geographic center of His ultimate kingdom upon earth.

Ultimately we know that Jesus will establish a new heaven and new earth and his church will welcome Jesus back, but the reality is that the new Jerusalem, the new city of peace will be far grander than the old. It will house the saints above and saints below, and it will be a kingdom that lasts forever. It hard to wrap our minds around such a concept, but as we pray this old Psalm of praise, the great joy is to know that all will surround the never-ending wellspring of life, with singing, dancing, and praise to the God who is forever.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 25, 2020

14 Those who love me, I will deliver;
    I will protect those who know my name.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
    I will be with them in trouble,
    I will rescue them and honor them.
16 With long life I will satisfy them,
    and show them my salvation. – Psalm 91:14-16

I know a saint of God, who told me she prayed psalm 91 any time her children would leave the house when they were younger. For her, the psalm as the best assurance she could offer that her children would be safe and protected when not with her. Both of her children and now grown and have their own families, but she continues to pray this prayer over them and many others whom she loves.

God is the great deliver, and while we know there are dangers we face in this world, the words of this psalm do remind us for God’s assurance, his angels that watch over, his hands that bear us up. In fact, it is a portion of this psalm that the devil uses to tempt Jesus telling him to cast himself off the highest mountain “for as it is written …. you will not dash your foot against a stone” (Matt 4:1-10). Jesus response, however is a greater command from God, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.

While we may believe in the goodness of God to protect us and assure us of help in time of trouble; I also agree with Jesus, we should not test the Lord our God. I think sometimes, we need to be reminded that God watches over us, when we don’t know any better, but we also need to use our own common sense so that we don’t test the Lord. 

God knows that we have seen a lot of death in this world over the last 6 months or so, it’s a struggle to try to get back to life as we once knew it. I believe in God’s protection, but I also choose to wear a mask, keep distance, and pray that others would do the best they can to keep themselves and others safe.  May we strive for the long life that is promised by doing what we can to protect ourselves and others, for the glory of God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 24, 2020

But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. - 1 Corinthians 6:17

There is no doubt that we are a connected people.  Even as disconnected as we may have felt during the pandemic, we are still connected in many ways. In all previous generations there were never the opportunities to be connected as we have in this current generation.  Meetings that used to obligate our travel, now can happen from the comfort of everyone’s own home. We can ‘see’ each other even if we live thousands of miles apart.

Now I know that this might seem like a “so what” kind of moment, it’s done all the time and the technology has allowed many a people to join together from afar.  However, have you really thought of the implications of this?  We can now visit with relatives and actually see how they are doing even when we or they have moved away.  We can have meetings and attend school and learn from the comfort of our own homes.  We have the ability to be connected to anyone, anywhere in the world.  If this is so, however, why is there still such division and divisiveness in our world?

Paul, in the most connected fashion of his day, wrote a letter to the church at Corinth, and reminded them that they too shared a connection, that if anyone of them be joined in Christ Jesus, then they are all of one Spirit with Him.  As we lay aside what makes us different and unique and take on the one Imago Dei (the image of God) we can be united as one people for a common purpose of sharing God’s grace and love with the world. 

We must confess that we have sometimes used out connectedness to spread things other than kindness and love. We are the most connected people to ever walk on this earth, why not use this connectedness for something that could change the course of the world, or at least the life of another?  Why not use this connectedness to remind others for the presence of God in their lives, that no matter where we go, or where we are, we are connected by the One Spirit, making us one people for the glory of His name. God calls on each of us to share in His love, and calling for unity in His almighty name.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 23, 2020

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:43-45

Jesus, in the sermon on the mount speaks many truths in which his followers should listen and obey.  Many of the teachings founds in Matthew’s gospel were common among the Jewish audience to whom he was writing.  They would have understood all the “you have heard it said…” saying.  They were part of the regular teaching they heard in the synagogue.  Jesus, however, liked to push the envelope, to get the people to open up their minds and hearts a little further. To dive deeper in their understanding of God’s mercy and grace offered to them through faith.

This above passage is one such teaching. Loving our neighbor seems to be at the very heart of God’s command to us, for we know that the greatest command is to love God and love neighbor as we wish to be loved.  However, the apparent saying, was to love neighbor but hate an enemy.  I don’t know where at some point this idea of hatred for an enemy arises. I know we can point to many psalms and passages of the old testament which state something to the effect of God hates this or that enemy with a perfect hatred.  Yet, Jesus teaches us that God, the Father in heaven is father to all. He makes the sun rise and set on all, regardless of evil or good status; righteous or unrighteous status.

The deeper truth is that as God is God of all, we are to hold closer those with whom we disagree. Hold them in prayer, care about their situation, perhaps have a little empathy.  Enemies today, are not often those who are ‘at war’ with one another, though that is an experience in this life. Instead, Jesus teachings on how to pray for or love our enemies makes me think of those who we have relationship, but that relationship is broken. How could we pray or mend that relationship? How can we find peace with those whom we disagree?

As easy as it is to be angry towards all whom we might disagree, perhaps the better place to be is in prayer for them, and hope that they would pray for us, so that we might move forward together, seeking understanding and peace.

Grace & Peace to you,
Sam

September 22, 2020

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark saying from of old… - Psalm 78:2

Though I have written on this psalm before, I want to share a little more, as it is again the psalm of the day (following the daily office of the Book of Common Prayer).

The “dark,” or deep, sayings are called such because they have so much of the Law of God given in them, with the charge to teach them to our children, that these laws might abide forever. The teachings from their own history of disobedience, was meant to teach the Israelite people the providence of God, both mercy and judgement. The teaching is meant to encourage them to obey God, even when others hadn’t. God’s work even in our disobedience should strengthen our resolution to keep God’s commands.

The psalms brief summary of religion, containing the principles of faith and obedience, show only our God to be the living and true God. God is God alone, and the only One to be praised. The three-fold mention of the Divine names, and the plural number of the word translated God, seem plainly to intimate a Trinity of persons, even in this express declaration of the unity of the Godhead. Happy those who have this one Lord for their God. It is better to have one fountain than a thousand cisterns; one all-sufficient God than a thousand insufficient friends. This is the first and great commandment of God's law, that we love him; and that we do all parts of our duty to him from a principle of love. We are to love God with all our heart, and soul, and might. That is:

1. with a sincere love; not in word and tongue only, but inwardly in truth.

2. with a strong love. He that is our All, must have our all, and none but he.

3. with a superlative love; we must love God above any creature whatever, and love nothing but what we love for him.

4. with an intelligent love. To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, we must see good cause to love him.

5. with an entire love; he is ONE, our hearts must be united in his love. Oh that this love of God may be shed abroad in our hearts!

May our lives reflect the love that we have of the One who showers us with mercy and grace, though we do not deserve it. Praise be to the God whom we love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Worship Update

As we navigate back towards a new normal, for the next several weeks we will continue to meet at 10:00 am.  In addition, the online service will continue to be available at 9:00 am each Sunday for those who wish to remain a part of the online community for any reason.

A few things you will need to know as you plan to worship in-person with us.

1.      Everyone present must wear a mask (we will have some available if you forget)

2.      When you arrive please “check-in” with the ushers. (We are required to keep an accurate account of everyone present. )

3.      Many of the pews in our sanctuary will be roped off, please do only sit in an open area, and we will do our best to keep 6 feet distance between family units.

4.      Tithes and offerings may be left in the offering plates located at designated areas in the back and front of the sanctuary – you may leave these as your enter or as you leave.

I greatly look forward to see you in the Sanctuary next Sunday! I hope you have a blessed week, and find ways to be blessed by blessing others each and every day!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 21, 2020

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day. – 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

When Jesus was walking with the crowds he told them a parable. The particular parable I have in mind, is the one where laborers are called to work in a vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), some in the early morning hours, some a mid-day, some mid-afternoon, and the final call for laborers near the end of the day. At the end of the work, there was grumbling among those who worked harder and longer that they were paid exactly what was agreed upon. Their anger wasn’t necessarily at the pay, but at the workers who came in much later and made the same wage as they.

Jesus says this parable as an analogy of what it is like in the kingdom of heaven. The difficulty we have in our society is that we seem to always expect more. I know I was taught to not complain about work, to get up early, to work hard, and be rewarded. I would assume many of us were taught the same. We, most of us know the value of a hard day’s work. However, we see (and complain) when someone seems to always have an easy road, living on easy street without having (by our perception) any hardship along the way. 

Paul, in the passage above, speaks of the seemingly easy road the Corinthians are living. Corinth, of all the first century churches we know about, was the most wealthy. They did seem, to the rest of the world ,to live like kings. However, what we know about this church is that there were plenty of divisions within. They argued about everything, and Paul, who in my opinion, speaks with a great deal of cutting humor, speaks to them as the children, like which they were acting.

They had it so well, and could have been great among the churches, could have supplied so many ministers, support for ministries, they could have done much for the kingdom of heaven, but instead they spent their time arguing among themselves. Instead of laboring for the kingdom, they disputed about things that in the long run wouldn’t matter. 

Truth is, they still receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven, for they had faith in Christ. But for those who know the value of hard work, or even from Paul’s perspective in writing this letter to them, we might be tempted to judge. However, just like the vineyard owner in the parable, Paul’s remarks remind to offer blessing for the last as well as the first. For we all belong to God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 21, 2020

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day. – 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

When Jesus was walking with the crowds he told them a parable. The particular parable I have in mind, is the one where laborers are called to work in a vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), some in the early morning hours, some a mid-day, some mid-afternoon, and the final call for laborers near the end of the day. At the end of the work, there was grumbling among those who worked harder and longer that they were paid exactly what was agreed upon. Their anger wasn’t necessarily at the pay, but at the workers who came in much later and made the same wage as they.

Jesus says this parable as an analogy of what it is like in the kingdom of heaven. The difficulty we have in our society is that we seem to always expect more. I know I was taught to not complain about work, to get up early, to work hard, and be rewarded. I would assume many of us were taught the same. We, most of us know the value of a hard day’s work. However, we see (and complain) when someone seems to always have an easy road, living on easy street without having (by our perception) any hardship along the way. 

Paul, in the passage above, speaks of the seemingly easy road the Corinthians are living. Corinth, of all the first century churches we know about, was the most wealthy. They did seem, to the rest of the world ,to live like kings. However, what we know about this church is that there were plenty of divisions within. They argued about everything, and Paul, who in my opinion, speaks with a great deal of cutting humor, speaks to them as the children, like which they were acting.

They had it so well, and could have been great among the churches, could have supplied so many ministers, support for ministries, they could have done much for the kingdom of heaven, but instead they spent their time arguing among themselves. Instead of laboring for the kingdom, they disputed about things that in the long run wouldn’t matter. 

Truth is, they still receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven, for they had faith in Christ. But for those who know the value of hard work, or even from Paul’s perspective in writing this letter to them, we might be tempted to judge. However, just like the vineyard owner in the parable, Paul’s remarks remind to offer blessing for the last as well as the first. For we all belong to God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 20, 2020

To join our online worship, please visit: stmarkknox.org/sermons

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. – Psalm 96:2

A couple had just moved into a new apartment and they were besieged by salesmen for every kind of product and service. This was back in the days when dairies still made home deliveries. So one busy day a dairyman came to the door. “No,” said the woman firmly, “My husband and I don’t drink milk.”

“Be glad to deliver a quart every morning for cooking.”

“That’s more than I need,” she replied, starting to close the door.

“Well, ma’am, how about some cream? Berries comin’ in now, and …”

“No,” she said curtly, “we never use cream.”

The dairyman retreated slowly, while the woman congratulated herself on her sales resistance. The truth was that she had already ordered from another dairy, and this seemed to her to be the easiest way out.

The following morning, however, the same dairyman appeared at the door. In one hand he held a bowl of dewy strawberries and in the other a half-pint bottle of cream.

“Lady,” he said, as he poured the cream over the berries and handed them to her, “I got to thinkin’—you sure have missed a lot!” The woman changed dairies. (From Reader’s Digest -May, 1982).

Truth is until we have tasted and know the goodness of our God, it is a hard sale to share with others the blessings of our God.  Today, is the day to recharge, to gather in worship (even if you join online) so that we can taste, again, the goodness of our God. When our hearts of full to overflowing with the joy we have experienced in worship, we are then ready to go and sing God’s praises day-to-day, as the Psalm says.  We always need that reminder however, to stop, recharge, and allow God to refresh our spirit’s with spiritual milk.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 20, 2020

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Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. – Psalm 96:2

A couple had just moved into a new apartment and they were besieged by salesmen for every kind of product and service. This was back in the days when dairies still made home deliveries. So one busy day a dairyman came to the door. “No,” said the woman firmly, “My husband and I don’t drink milk.”

“Be glad to deliver a quart every morning for cooking.”

“That’s more than I need,” she replied, starting to close the door.

“Well, ma’am, how about some cream? Berries comin’ in now, and …”

“No,” she said curtly, “we never use cream.”

The dairyman retreated slowly, while the woman congratulated herself on her sales resistance. The truth was that she had already ordered from another dairy, and this seemed to her to be the easiest way out.

The following morning, however, the same dairyman appeared at the door. In one hand he held a bowl of dewy strawberries and in the other a half-pint bottle of cream.

“Lady,” he said, as he poured the cream over the berries and handed them to her, “I got to thinkin’—you sure have missed a lot!” The woman changed dairies. (From Reader’s Digest -May, 1982).

Truth is until we have tasted and know the goodness of our God, it is a hard sale to share with others the blessings of our God.  Today, is the day to recharge, to gather in worship (even if you join online) so that we can taste, again, the goodness of our God. When our hearts of full to overflowing with the joy we have experienced in worship, we are then ready to go and sing God’s praises day-to-day, as the Psalm says.  We always need that reminder however, to stop, recharge, and allow God to refresh our spirit’s with spiritual milk.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 19, 2020

…surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… - Psalm 23:6

I love the great liturgies of life, those phrases we speak over and again in the Christian life. Perhaps they come from the great liturgies, those, phrases of Scripture, prayers, or writings of the ancient teachers that constantly shower us with God’s mercy.

One great thing about these liturgies is how we bring so much of ourselves into them.  Though the words are always true and the same, they change with us. As we allow the inflection of our lives to be read on top of these great words, we hear them differently.  The phrase above, for instance, the beautiful reminder of God’s everlasting mercy and goodness from the shepherd’s psalm.  There are times, we can say this phrase with great emphasis on the “surely” knowing that it is true every step of the way.  In those times, we are enamored by an ever faithful God whose love we know completely.  However, there are times in life when we say the same statement, but it seems more like a question: surely Lord?  Will we ever be aware of God’s faithfulness, or God’s mercy again? Surely, it is following us all the days of our life? Right? 

Perhaps this is exactly why the great liturgies of faith are so important. They remind us that even when we know the right words, we don’t always know how to use them.  There are times when our faith is as sure and true as the sunrise, and there are other times, when we are afraid because the darkness is overcoming us.  At all times, though, the great words of faith can be a reminder. Even when we are faltering or floundering, God, who sent his Son Christ Jesus our Lord is a light unto our path.  Furthermore, we can allow the Holy Spirit to become alive, again in our lives, directing us back again to the sureness of our faith.  The world is not always a place of nurture, and sometimes a place spiritual dryness.  However, I am reminded over and again by the great liturgies of life, that when I feel the dryness of the world, there is an ever flowing stream of the greatness of the Lord, and I find it is the words of life that ring ever true. 

No matter where you are in your faith journey today, don’t forget to stop and take a drink of the great liturgies of life, for they are a wellspring, an ever-flowing stream of the life-giving water.  Praise be to God for his faithful and loving words that always rind true for us.  Surely his goodness and his mercy with follow us all the days of our life!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 19, 2020

…surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… - Psalm 23:6

I love the great liturgies of life, those phrases we speak over and again in the Christian life. Perhaps they come from the great liturgies, those, phrases of Scripture, prayers, or writings of the ancient teachers that constantly shower us with God’s mercy.

One great thing about these liturgies is how we bring so much of ourselves into them.  Though the words are always true and the same, they change with us. As we allow the inflection of our lives to be read on top of these great words, we hear them differently.  The phrase above, for instance, the beautiful reminder of God’s everlasting mercy and goodness from the shepherd’s psalm.  There are times, we can say this phrase with great emphasis on the “surely” knowing that it is true every step of the way.  In those times, we are enamored by an ever faithful God whose love we know completely.  However, there are times in life when we say the same statement, but it seems more like a question: surely Lord?  Will we ever be aware of God’s faithfulness, or God’s mercy again? Surely, it is following us all the days of our life? Right? 

Perhaps this is exactly why the great liturgies of faith are so important. They remind us that even when we know the right words, we don’t always know how to use them.  There are times when our faith is as sure and true as the sunrise, and there are other times, when we are afraid because the darkness is overcoming us.  At all times, though, the great words of faith can be a reminder. Even when we are faltering or floundering, God, who sent his Son Christ Jesus our Lord is a light unto our path.  Furthermore, we can allow the Holy Spirit to become alive, again in our lives, directing us back again to the sureness of our faith.  The world is not always a place of nurture, and sometimes a place spiritual dryness.  However, I am reminded over and again by the great liturgies of life, that when I feel the dryness of the world, there is an ever flowing stream of the greatness of the Lord, and I find it is the words of life that ring ever true. 

No matter where you are in your faith journey today, don’t forget to stop and take a drink of the great liturgies of life, for they are a wellspring, an ever-flowing stream of the life-giving water.  Praise be to God for his faithful and loving words that always rind true for us.  Surely his goodness and his mercy with follow us all the days of our life!

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 18, 2020

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

This may not sound revolutionary to us. As people of faith we have long heard about the indwelling of the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit.  However, I want to take a moment for us realize how revolutionary this line of thinking really was for the early Christians. 

God is often thought of us distant, as a powerful being beyond comprehension. Even the early Israelites believed that God’s presence was too powerful to behold. Even after building the temple in which to worship, there was a veil over the place where God’s presence was said to dwell.  When we get to the accounts of the time of Jesus death, we learn that when Jesus gives up his spirit into the hands of God, that the veil in the temple is torn in two. Later, Jesus breathes the Spirit into his disciples (John 20:22).

This powerful act is a sign of the new covenant between God and people through Jesus. We now are the place where the presence of God is pleased to dwell. As we live into our faith, God is with us, as close as a heartbeat or word on our lips. God’s dwelling place is with us, and is revealed to us as our Emmanuel (literally, God with us). The enormity of our understanding of God that changes through the bible is what helps us understand the one God as a trinity, or One God in three persons.  The Father is God, creating, sustaining, all powerful. The Son, came and walked among us, offered salvation through his death and resurrection, The Holy Spirit is God that dwells within, leading us ever deeper in relationship with God.

Yet, at the same time, all of these ‘persons’ are the same, One God.  Thus, God dwells within, and we are a temple of God’s presence. The divine spark is in each of us through faith, and it pleases God that we act and speak in His divine love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

September 18, 2020

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? – 1 Corinthians 3:16

This may not sound revolutionary to us. As people of faith we have long heard about the indwelling of the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit.  However, I want to take a moment for us realize how revolutionary this line of thinking really was for the early Christians. 

God is often thought of us distant, as a powerful being beyond comprehension. Even the early Israelites believed that God’s presence was too powerful to behold. Even after building the temple in which to worship, there was a veil over the place where God’s presence was said to dwell.  When we get to the accounts of the time of Jesus death, we learn that when Jesus gives up his spirit into the hands of God, that the veil in the temple is torn in two. Later, Jesus breathes the Spirit into his disciples (John 20:22).

This powerful act is a sign of the new covenant between God and people through Jesus. We now are the place where the presence of God is pleased to dwell. As we live into our faith, God is with us, as close as a heartbeat or word on our lips. God’s dwelling place is with us, and is revealed to us as our Emmanuel (literally, God with us). The enormity of our understanding of God that changes through the bible is what helps us understand the one God as a trinity, or One God in three persons.  The Father is God, creating, sustaining, all powerful. The Son, came and walked among us, offered salvation through his death and resurrection, The Holy Spirit is God that dwells within, leading us ever deeper in relationship with God.

Yet, at the same time, all of these ‘persons’ are the same, One God.  Thus, God dwells within, and we are a temple of God’s presence. The divine spark is in each of us through faith, and it pleases God that we act and speak in His divine love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam