Author: Carol Snyder

Can you recall your Kindergarten or First Grade teachers? I can. After a week of Lab School at Eastern Illinois University where I had attended preschool, my parents decided to move me to the public elementary school, Mark Twain. Mrs. Triplett was awaiting my arrival and had two girls, Lisa Grant and Gina Eads, with her at the door. What an impression they made on me, welcoming me, ensuring I had a great start to Kindergarten. I can still visualize the picture of them standing there and then recall they brought me over to the sandbox in the room as my parents left.

My other vivid memory was Mrs. James, my first grade teacher. She had a checker system for being good – 3 checkers and you received an M&M. She had all kinds of interesting plants and animals in her room. We had an extensive unit on Ecology and went on a ton of field trips. I still pay attention to Walking Sticks, Praying Mantis and Monarchs based on her science units.  She invited the entire class over to her house to bake Christmas cookies. I can still picture Mrs. James. What an impression she had on me!

As I thought about other teachers, I recall one of my favorites, Mr. Gochenour, fifth grade. If you could recite all the states and capitols, he gave you a “huge” Marathon candy bar.  He also taught the entire class how to Disco Dance – Ha!  As my school years progressed, I don’t recall many of my junior high teachers and just have a few favorites from high school. I had to have a conversation with my mom about my teachers to try to help my memory! What that told me was how influential teachers were in my early years.

I think that is true today for our children. I know my kids school habits, friends, thoughts about school and confidence were formed by their teachers at Northpoint. I thank Mrs. Kraft and Mrs. Kerber for their influences on my boys.

The other visual this chapter gave me was our Children’s Sermon. I smile each week as the children go forward for a message from the Pastor. How influential that person is and can be with these little people. I can recall my father practicing his children’s sermons on me at a very young age. He wanted to make an impression and leave the children with a brief yet important thought of the day.

As we look at Matthew 19 today and as with many of the chapters in Matthew, there is so much content. Many chapters contain multiple messages, words of inspiration, parables, guidelines and reprimands. Matthew 19 is no different. “Let the little children come to me”. We all know this verse well.   The disciples were trying to keep the children from bothering Jesus. However, he “rebuked” them.   He understood the important influence he could make on their lives as such as early age. How impressionable the children were and he wanted to take the time to impart his words on them as well as provide healing to those in need.

As we go about our daily lives, let us be thankful for people who make an impression on our children, from teachers to pastors. May we also take time to make our own impressions on young children, those we know and even those we do not know. Even a smile or a compliment makes a difference.

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” You can finish the song out loud or in your head.

Extra reading:  Psalm 92

Matthew 5, Psalm 78

We are blessed! Shout it outloud!  We are blessed!  How nice to start a Friday knowing God has blessed us! I can just imagine Jesus, standing on top of the “mount”, preaching to a huge crowd who had gathered to hear his word.   Everyone might have been hushed so they could hear his words. People in attendance could have been just like us, those seeking mercy and grace, those seeking knowledge on how to live, and those seeking forgiveness.   Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples and the crowd how to live a faithful life, to be joyful, happy, full of love and wisdom, and how to please God.   The Sermon on the Mount is obviously one of the most famous, impactful sermons Jesus delivered. Honestly, it is one we should hear every week. It just has a calming effect every time I hear it or read it and it is for everyone, no matter what state of mind or condition you are in.

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

He blesses those who are humble, those who are being persecuted or bullied, and those who are sad. He brings realism to the message by addressing all types of feelings people of that day may have been experiencing. He had the foresight though to understand these feelings would continue to impact people on earth, just as they do today. I read through these Beatitudes several times and what strikes me is the word “blessed”.   The definition of “blessed”:

1 religion

a :held in reverence :venerated

• the blessed saints

b :honored in worship :hallowed

• the blessed Trinity

c :beatific

• a blessed visitation

2 :of or enjoying happiness; specifically,  Christianity :enjoying the bliss of heaven —used as a title for a beatified person

• the blessed Virgin Mary

3 :bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune

• a blessed event

He wants everyone to feel his powerful word. He wants the crowd to feel as if he is reaching out to help each and every one of them. He addresses those who may be struggling with life and reminds them they are blessed.   We are pleasantly reminded of his message of happiness, of being honored, and of having good fortune. Sometimes, when times are a bit tough, I make a little list of my many blessings. It helps put things in perspective and brings me back to center. Maybe it’s a rough patch or some bad news, but the blessings list helps remind me that we are still blessed by God. I think the next time I have a down day or a down week, I will open right to the Beatitudes, for God offers us his blessing. He is here for us.

 

The pursuit of excellence. The hunt for the prize. The victory of a game. Have you ever been in pursuit of something, knowing you have to work really hard to achieve it? How about training for a marathon, running it and savoring the moment you cross that finish line? Have you ever lost something, spent hours trying to find it (I am thinking of my mother and her constant “pursuit” of finding her glasses 🙂 ), and then you are so pleased when you do, even if it’s just for a moment? How about that one photo from your childhood that you just have to find, digging through bins or an online album? Or have you ever even had that moment where you are trying to remember someone’s name from your past and it comes to you in the middle of the night? All these examples may spark even a little adrenaline rush. We have little things and big things we chase after all the time.

In today’s story, Luke 15, Jesus uses parables to relate to his pursuit of Christians or pursuit of turning sinners into Christians. He first gives us the parable of the lost sheep. He relates to our desire to find something that is lost. Wouldn’t we all go find that one lost sheep even if it meant leaving the rest of the herd behind? And then, rejoice, we find that lost one. Maybe there are some in the world who wouldn’t go after that one lost sheep, but many would chase down that one sheep.  He wants us all celebrating one sheep or one Christian.

Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The second parable also appeals to many people. The parable of the lost coin. Would we not try to find that lost coin if we lost one and knew it was on the ground, in a corner, if we could just find it.

‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Hunting for little things is sometimes frustrating, but we do it, right? These first two parables are interesting as they relate to “things”.

The third parable tugs at us, particularly those of us who are parents and those of us who may still be very close to our parents. The parable of the lost son. In this story, the son is lost. Lost in the world, off to find his way, do his own thing, throw away his money all to pursue his selfish ways and gain “freedom”. While away, his loyal brother works hard, pleases his father and does what he views is right. When his father celebrates the return of his brother, the eldest is made. He does not think it is fair! He has been the one doing well, fulfilling his father’s wishes, God’s plan for him. But he can’t help himself and is upset. His father calms him but acknowledging his hard work, loyalty and commitment, but also helps us understand the need to celebrate when a lost sole is found.

³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

All three parables help us understand God’s pursuit. His hard work to help sinners become Christians. His hard work to help Christians remain Christians. To help the believers who sin to confess their sins and to continue on his path. His job is so hard some days! And if you don’t think so, pick 10 (or 100 or 1000) people in your head. Think of all God has to do for each one of those individuals. Wow. Yes he chases us down. He is on for the chase, the hunt, the game of pursuit of people.   Thankfully, he does not give up, whether the task is large or small.   He rejoices and celebrates each and every one of us he finds.  He puts his hands in the air and signals VICTORY!

**Special note:  This photo was taken during the Boston Marathon the year after the bombing.  As I wrote this post, I was looking for someone crossing the finish line, and then I remembered this sign of triumph as I saw my kids at the last turn.  The idea of pursuit reminded of the many days of training (pursuing) with my good friend Teresa Herbert.  How pleased we were to finish – yes, hands in the air!  She is running Sunday’s Chicago Marathon, and I know she will have her hands in the air as she crosses the finish line after months of pursuit.  May God watch over her and all the runners.  May God continue to provide opportunities for us to raise our hands in the air as Christians coming together in victory and may we respond to the pursuits he places in our paths.

Additional reading:  Psalm 64

As we awake to this first day of fall, we have an awesome story to read. Luke 2. The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth. A fantastic and familiar story for all of us. Yet as we look at the news showing the destruction of islands, and coastlines, destruction of homes and so many lives lost, destruction of cities from Hurricanes to Earthquakes to more Hurricanes to terrorist attacks, it doesn’t seem like our moods should be happy.  It is hard to watch this devastation on TV and know so many are suffering.  However, I believe God gave us today’s verse to try to give us peace and hope. We can take a few moments and soak up the words of this special and most important story.

 ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

We all have images of this very sweet and tender moment. Yet, as we look at the journey to Bethlehem, it was most likely treacherous and filled with anxiety for Mary and Joseph. Joseph was doing was what right, obeying the law and bringing his wife-to-be across the countryside to be registered. He knew the journey might be difficult, yet he persevered, only to find no room at the Inn. I’m sure at times he was scared and didn’t know what would happen to them. Here he was with Mary who was pregnant. The angel of the Lord visited him. He was following the instructions by taking Mary as his wife. How complicated it may have seemed for him. Yet, he had faith and followed the path God had outlined for him.

After the birth of baby Jesus, they were visited by shepherds and magi, celebrating the birth. Joseph then continued on the path laid out for his family.  It was time for Jesus to be consecrated as was part of the Law of Moses. I haven’t always read past the story to appreciate the miracle of Simeon:

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss^[d] your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” 

Another sign from God. Part of the broader plan. Joseph and Mary had to be moved by all that was happening, maybe a little scared, especially when Simeon told Mary that Jesus was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against. I would have been a bit apprehensive.

Follow Simeon up with Anna, the prophet, who gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Another sign. I am certain they marveled at all that continued to transpire. As they moved forward with life and raising their son, there were many more events and interactions that occurred, including the story of Mary and Joseph finding Jesus preaching in the temple.   We don’t know all the details but another sign of what God had in store for Jesus as our savior.

Coming full circle, I hope as you read Luke 2 today, you take time to reflect on how blessed we are to have been given the story of baby Jesus. It comes during a tumultuous week, maybe for you personally, but also for our nation and for the world.  There are angels amongst the ruble such as Simeon and Anna, trying to help others move forward.  This Christmas story, along with many others, gives us hope and peace to continue to persevere and believe.  It may not give us answers as to why?, but it gives us a quiet sense of peace and calmness.  I hope you smile when you read the Christmas story on this first day of fall.  Enjoy your day!

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Psalm 50

2 Peter 2 and Psalm 36

When I read these words the first time, I wasn’t sure where to start. I definitely prefer a more positive message. After rereading again (and again), I found hope and bit of a happier note in the Psalm.

As we start into the readings today by Simon Peter, he writes about false teachers and their destruction. False teachers started to spread rumors and teachings that were against God’s word. From what I am envisioning, these “teachers” were standing on street corners, preaching their views. They were trying to capture the hearts and minds of “depraved” people.

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;

If the people were weak or wanted to hear a different view or wanted to have someone support their wrongdoings such as greed, they listened to these false teachers.  However Peter points out that they will be fall into harm’s way.

¹³ They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

Peter then goes on to tell of the many times God overruled these types of people and lead good or evil. As I was reading the examples of Lot, Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, I also thought about Moses. As he was leading the people out of Egypt, God demonstrated his power by parting the Red Sea and then collapsing it back in on the “evil” people. We read these examples of how God does have a plan to take care of those who follow his word.

¹⁷ These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

Kind of harsh, but in a way comforting. It also reminds us that he is the judge. He will handle it. We don’t need to try to take over his “job” and condemn the evil. He’s got it.

As we read Psalm 23, the message is consistent. For those who don’t follow God or who don’t “fear” him, God will handle it. We hear his word:

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.

Again, I find comfort in this message. It’s all in God’s hands.  Let us take rest in knowing God has it under control even if we don’t see it right away.  We need to be patient.  Good can triumph over evil.

¹⁰ Continue your love to those who know you,
    your righteousness to the upright in heart.
¹¹ May the foot of the proud not come against me,
    nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
¹² See how the evildoers lie fallen—
    thrown down, not able to rise!

 

 

 

The Book of James contains 21 epistles.  “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” is the author and is writing this book to the twelve tribes who are scattered throughout the land due to the persecution in Palestine at that time. James is encouraging the people to remain faithful and to endure and be patient through trials and tumult. Sounds familiar to scenes we have recently seen in the country and in the world. We all need encouragement to keep the faith, to persevere.

Many of the references to James conclude that this James is the brother of Jesus. He is faithful and notes he is a servant of Jesus Christ.

This book was most likely written about 70 AD. It was only gradually accepted into the New Testament. It is noted that these readings will be similar to what we read back in Matthew and Luke. We will most likely find many short themes or thoughts. Some think he purposefully addressed many topics with short passages. Others state that he wrote in no particular order, only in response to what was happening to his people. It will be interesting to read and determine our thoughts on his order.

The part I am looking forward to reading is on justification and salvation. Justification by faith. One other theme called out will be the anointing of the sick.

I found this quote interesting:

“The Letter of James also, according to the majority of scholars who have carefully worked through its text in the past two centuries, is among the earliest of New Testament compositions. It contains no reference to the events in Jesus’ life, but it bears striking testimony to Jesus’ words. Jesus’ sayings are embedded in James’ exhortations in a form that is clearly not dependent on the written Gospels.”^[17]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_of_James

We can get started in this first Chapter reading about trials and temptations and also listening and doing. James 1

Related to this verse, we read in Psalm 22 about trials.

¹ My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
² My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.^[b]

James and the people of that time may cry out with this same theme? Why have your forsaken me? Why aren’t you helping me? Why aren’t you listening to me?   People of our time may be asking the same thing?  And finally, we ask God:

11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
²⁰ Deliver me from the sword,

People of all times ask God for this strength to help us persevere through trials and through rough patches. May we learn from James and from our Psalms reading that it’s not just us today. It was people long ago and people along the way.

 

 

 

Wow. 1 Timothy 4 is filled with instruction. The second portion is filled with lots of verbs:

• Command
• Teach
• Don’t
• Devote
• Do not neglect
• Be diligent
• Watch
• Persevere

Paul seems to be getting shorter in his messages and stronger here in this verse. How can we tackle all he is asking us to do? Let’s start with the view of Paul as Timothy’s coach and as our coach. The first part of this chapter tries to point out that some will go astray. He could be talking about the people of Ephesus but he also is showing us that it could happen to people we know today. He is clear that demons and temptation will take people down a different path in life, an ungodly life, those focused on using God’s gifts in the wrong manner. He reminds us that everything he created is good. That’s a great way to start each day, isn’t it? Remembering all we see, have, do was created by God and is intended to be good, not evil or for evil use.

 ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Paul then asks us to work on our discipleship, helping others learn and grow, and helping others stay on the right path. If we are “…nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed…”, then maybe we can help others learn about this good teaching. I think we can do this in many situations. I tried it out this week and received a good response (not always the case I know). One of my friend’s took her oldest to college way far away. I sent her my favorite verse Jeremiah 29:11. I have never really had an in depth conversation with her on this subject of religion so I was taking a risk, but I wanted to show I share her anxiety. It worked. She was caught off guard and very thankful.

Back to Timothy.  Paul then moves on to coach us to not only focus on physical training, but to focus on our spiritual training. In some cases it is easy to go out and run or go to the gym, but shouldn’t it also be easy to sit down and read the bible or go to church on Sundays? Doesn’t seem to be as easy. We have to train ourselves, get in the routine (our Bible Journal community), and continue to track our progress.   He reminds us to put our hope in the living God, the living word and spirit.

Lastly, Paul goes to his strong verbs. Even though some of us are young :-),  I think he really means all people who might be young in studying the word or young in sharing our faith with others or truly young in age. He wants us to be confident in our ways and in our voice, not letting others overshadow us. He wants us to set an example for the nonbelievers and believers in our speech, in our conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

And don’t take it lightly or think you aren’t worthy. I take this as speaking openly or testing the waters when it might seem uncomfortable. Or if it’s too hard to speak, put your faith into action.

⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹

Lastly, one of my favorite verbs.  Persevere! That’s hard, but if we go back to the first part of this chapter, we don’t want to be one of the ones Paul refers to as abandoning the faith.

I wish you well today as you:

• See everything God created as good
• Coach others
• Stretch to show your faith even if you might be “young”
• Watch for signs
• Continue to persevere in following God’s path

We have the opportunity to hear from Paul again in 1 Thessalonians. As we have been reading along, it amazes me as to how many different audiences, followers and non-believers Paul tried to touch in his preaching and his writings. A few posts ago, I wrote about how meek Paul was in person yet Bold in his writings. We have another chance to see Paul in action. Here, he is on his second missionary journey and faced opposition right away from Jews and Gentiles, yet still managed to teach the young people to stand firm in their faith.

As background, Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia. Thessalonica was a seaport along a trade route between Rome and Asia Minor. A wide variety of religions and cultures existed and the believers were struggling to survive under the pressures of others in the community, including stoning and other forms of torture. These young believers were taught by Paul to be tough, to stand firm in their faith. This introduction does not sound that much different than living in today’s world. People are persecuted for their beliefs and yet they stand firm. We are all standing firm in our faith, living through many different and difficult circumstances.

As we begin to read 1 Thessalonians, we see Paul’s message being one of encouragement, comfort and strength for the church. Paul wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He props up his group, reminding them of the second coming of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

As we read on, Paul left earlier than planned due to the duress of being there. Eventually, he could stand it no long and sent Timothy back to check in and to continue bolstering the believers. While no apostle or leader was present, the believers bonded together and kept their faith. They were one in community of Christ. Paul went on to encourage them to continue their grow in their faith through his letters. He also presented them with something to look forward to in the future: the second coming of Christ.

I look forward to reading these messages as this book already appears to relevant to us every day.

 

 

 

Ephesians 3

As we were introduced to Ephesians this week, Deb noted the important context for Paul writing this book. It’s short but so packed with information. Each small paragraph could represent it’s own bible journal blog.

In this particular chapter, we hear Paul write about God’s mystery, how we are filled with grace, how we are to be rooted in love and how God works within us. Paul was experiencing his own mystery when he was writing this chapter, not knowing how his mystery would end. He kept following God’s message and sharing his word, no matter how his situation ended.

² Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ³ that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ…

Who doesn’t like a good mystery? I did a quick search on Amazon of the best selling mysteries: Macarons and Mayhem, Mystery at Maplemead Castle, The Great Crime, The Missing One, just to name a few. There was also a book entitled The Book of Mysteries Bible Journal. While I did not have time this week to order or read it, the title caught my attention. 43 verses in the bible pop up in the category of mystery from King Nebuchadnezzar to these verses:

Luke 8:10: And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.

Mark 4:11: And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,

What is your favorite mystery from the bible? So many powerful verses about the God’s word, actions, and messages for us to ponder. Today’s verse is no exception as God offers us the mystery of Grace. As Teresa stated on Wednesday, God “lavished Grace upon us abundantly”. Part of the mystery is in why? If he knows we are sinful people, he gives us the chance to redeem ourselves through grace rather than continue to suffer with our sins.  A wonderful mystery with a happy ending for each of us. He reminds us of why he sent his son to die for us so that we might have eternal life. God loves us and continues to show us his love for us, sometimes very clearly and other times in mysterious ways.

⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, ¹¹ according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Work through your own mystery, knowing God is in charge and gives you grace, peace and love each and every day.  I love the way he ends this chapter – thanks Deb for the reminder!:

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”