Worship Words

God’s Promise of Faithfulness

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God’s Promise of Faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Questions to Ponder-

What if you were asked to write a letter to the people you love in the style of Paul? What if you were asked to write a letter to your congregation in the style of Paul? What would you say? How would focus on God’s faithfulness? What other promises from God would you include in your letter?

Here’s my letter to you, dear readers.

Susannah, called to be a disciple of Jesus, to the readers of Tea and Theology scattered far and near, to those who know they are God’s beloved. Grace to you and peace from God who is always faithful and Jesus the Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have grown and learned and developed your faith by the grace of God-just as the good news is living among and in you- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ. Good news my friends, you will be strengthened now and every day so that you may be ready. God is faithful. God has called you into fellowship with Jesus and all whom God loves. For God’s faithfulness and for your faithfulness, I am eternally grateful. -Susannah
Photo credit-Rev. Kristi Foster. Taken at Taize.

God’s Promise of New Life in the Waters of Baptism

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God’s Promise of New Life in the Waters of Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17 (baptism of Jesus)

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Questions to Ponder

How do we respond to God’s promise of new life? How do we share our faith/witness? And while preaching how can we share the good news with others? How would we share God’s promises with our congregation?

In our baptisms, we are reminded that we are God’s beloved. We are called by our names and we are known by the Creator of all. There is power in your name and power in reminding yourself you are God’s beloved. Remember your baptism and remember you are God’s beloved created in the image of God. Amen.
 

Happy New Year!

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A New Year!

When the year draws to an end, I want to mark the occasion. My husband and I remember the year that is ending through the memories we have collected in our jar. While I don’t want to add another item to my to do list, I do want to look ahead to the new year with hope.

To prepare for this prayer for the new year, gather some paper and a pen and find a comfortable place to sit. When the questions come up in the prayer, pause. Take time to write and reflect.

God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
A new year is approaching. After reflecting and remembering this year, I want to look ahead with hope. I wonder what this new year will bring. For your guidance as the new year begins, I pray.
What are my hopes for myself for the new year?
What are my hopes for those I love for the new year?
What are my hopes for where I live, my country, and this world for the new year?
Faithful God, hear my hopes for this new year. Amen.

Merry Christmas

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As the season changes from Advent to Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Here is my prayer for you. Wherever you find yourself this holiday, I pray that you feel God’s love breaking into our world. I pray that you pause and experience the wonder of God’s gift to us. I pray that you laugh with those you love. I pray that you take a moment to remember your loved ones who live with God. I pray for peace on earth. I pray that the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent will live on in your lives as this year ends and a new one begins. Amen and Merry Christmas!

 

What do I want to do today? Nothing! – A Prayer for One of Those Days

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Just like everyone else, I have days where I do not want to do anything I’m supposed to be doing. Instead of getting ready for work or something that must be done right away, I do 20 other things, read a book, or watch tv. When I finally start to get ready, I have to hurry which means I forgot something (most often my lunch). I don’t have the answer to eliminating these days from your life. I would like to share this prayer which may help stop mornings that start like this from turning into terrible days.

God, Another day is here. My bed looks so inviting. Would another 15 minutes hurt anyone? God, I hear you trying to keep me on track. Reminding me of my gifts and calling. I know all this, and I don’t want to do it today. Yes God, I know I am your beloved child. And yes, God, I know I must get on with my day. And yes, God, I know I need vacation and Sabbath time. (Breathe deeply). Holy One, I hear you calling me to make time for work and Sabbath time. I will. And now I will go where you have called me to serve. And I will remember the Sabbath and find more time for joy. Amen.

Words of Love – Advent 4

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Love

“When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.

‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’

He said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’  –Matthew 22: 34-40

Leviticus 19:18 – love your neighbor as yourself

Deuteronomy 6:5 – love God with all your heart

Deuteronomy 10: 19 – love the stranger

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 – time for everything including love

Micah 6:8 – love justice

Matthew 5: 43-48 – Jesus reminds us to love our enemies

John 15: 9-17 – “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you…”

1 Corinthians 13 – the love chapter

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What surprised you about how and where love is mentioned in the Bible?

Where do you find love this Advent season?

How will you share love this Advent season?

Words of Joy – Advent 3

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Joy

“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.”

                                                                           Psalm 5:11

Psalm 16:11 – In God’s presence there is joy.

Psalm 30:4-5 – Joy comes in the morning.

Matthew 2: 10 (story of the wise men is 2: 1-12)

Luke 1:44- John leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary arrived

Luke 2:10-angels bring shepherds new of joy

Philippians 1: 3-5-I thank God for you.

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What surprised you about how and where joy is mentioned in the Bible?

Where do you find joy this Advent season?

How will you share joy this Advent season?

Words of Peace – Advent 2

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Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14: 27

Many times in Old Testament people are told to “go in peace.” For example Jethro to Moses in Exodus 4:18 and Eli to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:17.

Psalm 29:11 – “May the Lord bless his people with peace.”

Psalm 34:14 – “Seek peace and pursue it.”

Isaiah 9:6-7 – A child has been born to us.

Matthew 10: 34-39-Jesus did not come to bring peace.

Luke 1:79 – Zechariah speaking

Luke 2: 14- angels to shepherds

 

What surprised you about how and where peace is mentioned in the Bible?

Where do you find peace this Advent season?

How will you share peace this Advent season?

 

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A Gratitude List

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Tomorrow we interrupt our regular lives and say thank you. I encourage you to express your gratitude to your loved ones for all the ways they brighten the world. I encourage you to notice your abundance and share. I encourage you to get outside and enjoy creation. That is how I hope you’ll spend your Thanksgiving! And as we celebrate this holiday, I am thankful for you, dear readers, for walking this journey with me. Thank you!
I’m going to start this prayer/gratitude list and hope you join me by adding those people, places, and things for which you are grateful-
Dear God, We thank you for
turkey, stuffing, cranberries, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, and pumpkin pie
tables where we gather to eat together
farmers who grew our food
family, friends, and all our loved ones
changing seasons
warm drinks and fuzzy socks
dishwashers and people who love to cook
the warmth of the sun
a day off of work
work we are called to do
laughter
small children learning and growing
elders among us who share their wisdom
candles and tablecloths and paper plates
stories of our ancestors
family recipes
naps and games
memories
walking around the block to make room for dessert
opportunities to notice our abundance and share
traditions and flexibility…
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Words of Hope-Advent 1

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Years ago, I was asked by a church to lead a four-week Advent study. I’ve always loved the ritual of the Advent candle lighting, so for the study I decided to explore where does the Bible mention hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday in Advent, we met and opened our Bibles together. It was such a rich experience that I’d love to do that again here on my blog. Each Monday morning, I’ll share Scriptures for the next week of Advent. I do my sharing a week early to help out any clergy friends in need of inspiration. Bring your Bibles and read through the Scriptures listed.

I’ll invite us all to reflect on these questions-

What surprised you about how and where hope/peace/joy/love is mentioned in the Bible?

Where do you find hope/peace/joy/love this Advent season?

How will you share hope/peace/joy/love this Advent season?

And since Advent begins on Sunday, we’ll start right away with hope.

 

Hope

 

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,   his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

                                               Lamentation 3:21-25

 

Psalm 33:18, 22- God’s eye is on those who hope in God’s steadfast love.

Psalm 39:7 – My hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 42: 1-5 – My soul longs for God.  God is my hope.

Psalm 71: 5, 14 – “I will hope continually.”

Jeremiah 17: 5-13 – verse 7 trust can be translated as hope. Hope/trust?

Romans 4:13-25 – Abraham’s hope

1 Corinthians 13:13 – faith, hope, and love abide

 

What surprised you about how and where hope is mentioned in the Bible?

Where do you find hope this Advent season?

How will you share hope this Advent season?

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