Thought for Today

We live in interesting times.  Perhaps this SIP (Shelter in Place) is a magnification of what life has always been:  some thrive, some suffer, some express hostility, some find contentment. For some, the external circumstances control their life: sickness, abuse, addictions, lack of a job - or - health, in-home harmony, financial security.  In these times many find themselves without the foundation on which their lives have been built.  What they have known has been removed - or at the very least shaken to the point of cracking.

As I sit here in my comfortable and secure spot, I recognize that criticism of others for not experiencing SIP as I do would be slanderous.  What do I have to say to those suffering that brings hope, courage, strength and peace?

If I am unwilling to put love into action, I have nothing to say - no right to speak.

The challenge is:  what does love in action look like here and now?

"I was hungry, and you gave me food
“I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.
"I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.
"I was naked, and you gave me clothing.
"I was sick and you took care of me.
"I was in prison and you visited me."

When we do this for the "least of these, my brothers" we do this for the King.

How am I living out love like this now, in these circumstances? What does providing visits and/or shelter look like under SIP?  Circumstances have changed. God's command to love one another has not.

Lord, help me to explore, to learn, what it means to love in this strange time.  May I remember that love lived out looks different to each of us; there is no "one size fits all."  I want to love others as You have loved me.

Thought for Today

Although the changes in our world have been disconcerting, my prayer is that each of us is finding a rhythm in this time of shelter in place, that God's Presence is close to each of us, that our love for Him and for others is increasing.

The Scripture reading for this morning took me to the Gospel of Mark. Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He says:

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)

I began to ponder, how does a little child enter? Dependent upon someone else to provide, ignorant of what lies ahead or what this all means, a desire to explore, a desire to love, a desire to be loved... I'm sure you can add your own thoughts to this list.

Am I entering the kingdom this way, or am I trying to enter the kingdom with all of my own adult wisdom, experience, and self-sufficiencies? As I pondered this for myself, my prayer became, "Lord, increase my desire to explore Your kingdom. Lead me to discover what You have for me to do and to experience."

What is your prayer as you read this verse? How can you become like a child and enter God's kingdom?

I'm grateful we get to partner in the kingdom right here and right now! May God give you a vision of His kingdom where you are today!

Sunday Morning Worship Guide

March 22, 2020
Today we choose to follow God when we don’t fully understand!

Opening Scripture
Psalm 23 – Congregational Reading

Opening Prayer

Opening Song
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Announcements

Spiritual Practice
Contemplation and Imaginative Prayer

Candle Lighting
Cherrie Dougherty

Song of Contemplation
I Need You

Gospel Reading & Discussion
John 9:35-41

New Testament Reading
Ephesians 5:8-14

Song of Praise
Grace Like Rain

“When God’s Perspective Seems…”
I Samuel 16:1-13

Benediction

Announcements

Bible Study – We will be meeting this Wednesday, March 25th, at 6:30 pm for Bible Study online using ZOOM.  If you wish to attend, use the Meeting ID: 355 265 869.
Questions?  Contact Pastor Patti, (415) 246-0088.

Vespers Services – Need a way to connect during the week?  Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, 7:30 -8:00 pm, we meet online for a time of prayer, Scripture, and contemplation using ZOOM.  If you wish to attend, use the following Meeting IDs:

Tuesday                    483 715 260
Thursday                  705 355 955
Saturday                   763 066 369
Questions?  Contact Pastor Patti.

Going Deeper –Through April 5th we meet each Sunday morning, 9 am, to discuss and practice the tenets of John Wesley’s commitment prayer. Next Sunday, March 29th, we will meet online using ZOOM.  If you wish to attend, use the Meeting ID: 981 430 145.  Questions? Contact Pastor Patti, (415) 246-0088.

Morning Worship March 29, 2020 – We at 10:30 am for Morning Worship online using ZOOM.  If you wish to attend, use the Meeting ID: 405 874 707. Questions?  Contact Pastor Patti, (415) 246-0088.

Stations of the Cross: Sunday, April 5th, during our morning worship service (10:30 am) we will be experiencing the Stations of the Cross. This interactive experience is for all, children and adults.  We will walk the road to the cross with Jesus, taking time to contemplate the power of His sacrifice and what that means for us, our community, and our world. 

Put it on your calendar:

Maundy Thursday Service           April 9th         7:00 pm
Good Friday Service                      April 10th       5:00 pm
Resurrection Celebration             April 12th       10:30 am

Tithes, Offerings, and Special Giving: Our tithes and offerings support ministries in our community and around the world.  We give to others through our “Dime Sock” where one dime feeds one person for one day.  Offerings placed in the basket support Sasha, our sponsored child from the Ukraine. 

Do you want to give, but not sure how without an in-person service?  Donations can be mailed to Hamilton Community Church of the Nazarene, 5400 Nave Drive, Novato, CA  94949.  We are working on providing a process for on-line giving, but no method is currently available.

Psalm 23

   The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.

    Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff— they comfort me.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Lord, I Need You
Matt Maher

Verse 1
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart

Chorus
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Verse 2
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
Where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Grace Like Rain
Chris Collins, Edwin Excell, John Newton, Todd Agnew

Verse 1
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
And I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly

Chorus
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, All my stains are washed away
They're washed away

Verse 2
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Verse 3
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun

Daily Devotion - October 19, 2019

[This is from my personal quiet time.  I hope this will be helpful to someone else.]

This morning is quiet; yet I sit here waiting for the chaos.  I’ve written a “To Do” list, trying to catch up on my missed responsibilities; but now, more than anything, I need the Presence of Father God.

Read Ezekiel 19.

What was, and what is…

Strength to weakness and humiliation.

My lament.

Did I forget that my strength comes from You? What healing, Lord, will You bring to this broken place?

And I am reminded of the words of the prophet Habakkuk.

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.  God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.”  Habakkuk 3:17-19

Lenten Devotion - April 11, 2019

“We quickly enough feel and weigh what we suffer at the hands of others; but we mind not what others suffer from us.”
Thomas a Kempis

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus                          Matthew 7: 12

When Jesus equates something with the Law and the Prophets, we should listen up!

In many ways, we struggle to complicate the message of Jesus when it comes to understanding those things He considered really important.  If the Law and the Prophets led the way to understanding and peace with God, then when Jesus equates something with them, we need to listen.  Those things are really important.

Two times Jesus equates a teaching with the Law and the Prophets.  The first is here.  Simply treat others as you would want them to treat you.  The second is found in Matthew 22 when someone asks Him, “What is the greatest commandment?”  His response: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Fascinating and vitally important that we understand that the Law and the Prophets hang on, or are summed up by, our love for God and others, and the practical way in which we are kind to others.  We have doctrines that we think are important.  We have special sins that we have singled out as important.  We have procedures and traditions that we believe are important.  But for Jesus – in the eyes of God – that which is truly important can be boiled down to

a. Be nice.
b. Love God.
c. Love others.

Maybe its time for all of us to go back to our Kindergarten Sunday School class and learn, once again, that love matters.  How I treat the person next to me matters.  In fact, my love for God and for others, and how I live that love out to the people around me, matter more than all the doctrine or convictions I possess.

How humbling to realize that my “great knowledge” is worth very little.  God is not impressed by my understanding of spiritual things.  To God, what matters most is loving Him, loving others, and treating others as I desire to be treated.

Lord, sometimes I don’t want the Gospel to be simple.  I want to complicate things by deciding what is important and what isn’t – in a sense, I want to pick and choose those things that should matter most.  But You have already chosen and spoken that which is the most important.  May I love You with all that I am.  May my love for You live out through my love for others, and my desire to treat them with kindness.

Lenten Devotion - April 10, 2019

“We reprehend small things in others, and pass over greater matters in ourselves.”
Thomas a Kempis

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Jesus              Matthew 7:5

Why do we so often find it easier to see the faults of others rather than our own?

My experience tells me that we fear self-reflection because our world equates failure with rejection and lack of value.  If we see in ourselves where we have failed, we must believe that we are without value and may be rejected by others.  Yet often we are willing to see the failure of others, and make room (some receive more room than others) for redemption and reconciliation – at least if the apology, acknowledgment, repentance, and penance take place in what we deem to be an appropriate manner.

The problem outlined by Jesus and echoed by Thomas a Kempis is simple:  We all have issues.  Too often we want to see the issues of others rather than taking an honest look – and then remedying – the issues of our own hearts.  We condemn others more easily than we recognize our own need for repentance and restoration.

Hypocrisy often grows out of a heart of fear.  When I fear my failure, I have forgotten who God is and what He has done.  God is love.  Through Jesus, God has created the perfect plan for reconciliation.  I am not my failure.  I am not my past.  I am a loved child of God.  By dealing with my sin – by bringing it into the light – I am no longer a slave to that sin, no longer working to hide from others and myself where I have failed.  I have failed.  God knows.  And God loves, forgives and redeems me.

In this Lenten time of self-reflection and repentance, I am reminded of words I (and others) have spoken:  “I don’t have a great testimony.  I’ve never done _______.”  Recently I have been convicted as I remember these words and begin to look at the ways God has worked in my heart; convicting me of wrong attitudes and actions, calling me to live a life of love for others rather than living for myself.  I have seen God work in me, and see Him continuing that work.  My testimony is simply what God is doing in me.  When I look at what He has accomplished, I know that I have a testimony to tell.  When I look at the work that still needs to be done, I know that I will have a fresh testimony for many years.

Lord, forgive me for the times my faith in You is smaller than my fear of my failings.  I forget who You are and what You have done.  Today, right now, I choose to remember.  I choose to believe You when You say You love me.  I choose to receive Your Presence as Your Spirit lives in me, changing my heart, bringing me into reconciliation with You.  May my need to criticize and correct others be set aside, and instead may Your love and grace change me, so that I can love others and celebrate Your work of reconciliation in them.

Lenten Devotion - April 9, 2019

“We are sometimes moved with passion and we think it to be zeal”
Thomas a Kempis

“For Christ’s love compels us…”
Paul     II Corinthians 5:14a

I am a part of the generation raised to seek passion.  “Don’t just get a job, find your passion and go for it.”  I believe that passion can be a wonderful thing.  How wonderful to love what you do, to feel that what you are doing is important and is making a difference!

Passion can be misplaced.

I think back on my life and remember some of the things about which I felt passionately.  I was sure of the importance and ready to stand up and make everyone take notice…until I found out that my passion was misdirected, that I didn’t know all the facts, didn’t see all sides.  I spent a lot of energy and made a lot of noise but made very little positive impact when all was said and done.

I wish my memories were just from the way past – you know, back when I was young and foolish.  But I still struggle with allowing my passions to bypass my brain.  I still find myself passionate about things I believe I know, ready to take a stand and make some noise, only to find out that what I thought I knew was either incomplete or downright incorrect.

So where should my passion be?  What should motivate me to make a difference?  Where can I find my zeal (passion from God) rather than my own strong emotions?  Paul makes it simple:  “For Christ’s love compels us…”  All that Paul did was in response to the love of Jesus.  His zeal flowed out of Christ’s love. 

Jesus loved, and His love led Him “to proclaim good news to the poor…to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  My zeal – if it is from God – will lead me to do the same.  If I am proclaiming my rights, if I am proclaiming your wrongs, I am acting out of passion rather than the zeal of the Lord.

To avoid reacting out of passionate feelings rather than living and loving with the zeal of the Lord, I must be willing to slow down when I begin to speed up.  When my feelings begin to move me into hyperdrive, its time to stop, breathe, and listen to the voice of God’s Spirit within me.  Am I moving too quickly?  Am I listening to what I need to hear?  Have I allowed my emotions to override God’s wisdom?  In the stillness I hear what I need to hear, what I need to know, and what I need to do.

Lord, I’m grateful for the capacity for emotion You have placed within me.  I’m grateful that You are creating within me a desire for justice and mercy.  I’m also grateful for Your patience with me as I learn to listen before speaking, to think before reacting.  I’m grateful for Your Spirit who lovingly guides me into Your truth and fills me with a zeal that comes from You, rather than from my own thoughts and desires.  Please continue the work You have begun.  May I continue to humbly submit to You rather than choosing to be led by my own passions.

Lenten Devotion - April 8, 2019

Lenten Devotion – April 8, 2019

“Such as everyone is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly.”
Thomas a Kempis

“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
Jesus (Matthew 15:17-18)

God seems to think this “heart” thing is important.  From the ancient writings to the letters for the new church, the heart – and specifically, our need for a new one – is a common theme.  And like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, we are constantly trying to figure out a way to be godly without the work within us of change to our hearts. 

Physical heart surgery is invasive and scary (and risky!). In truth, spiritual heart surgery is the same. When I have open heart surgery, I am not in charge.  I give my life into the hands of the surgeon.  He will do what he feels needs to be done, and my opinion means little to nothing.  When I allow God to “Create in me a clean heart”, as the psalmist prays, I am not in charge.  I give my life into the hands of God.  He will do what He feels needs to be done. If I truly want a new heart, my opinion means little.  However, a major difference between the physical surgery and spiritual creation is my ability to stop the process and go back to the way things were.

Somehow, we believe that our outward actions – our outward judgments – define our spirituality.  If I am against those people, if I condemn those policies, if I take a stand against what they are doing, I am showing the world that I am godly, I am living a life that pleases God.  Yet most often God calls us to be self-reflective, to allow Him to change OUR hearts, to let Him purify our desires.  When we let God operate in us this way, we are changed, and our actions become of reflection of that change.

One other thought as I reflect on this statement by Thomas a Kempis:  I often judge in others most harshly those things I see in them that are a reflection of the attitudes in my heart I am trying to hide.  When I find myself becoming angry with another person or group of people, often I need to examine what I see in them that reminds me of my own need for cleansing.

Lord, to allow you to create within me a clean heart requires that I give up control.  Sometimes this is incredibly hard for me to do.  Would you put within me the burning desire to be made new, so that any desire I might carry to remain in charge would be swept away. May the newness of my heart be reflected in my actions and my judgments.

Lenten Devotion - April 7, 2019

“There is no creature so small and abject that it representeth not the goodness of God.”
Thomas a Kempis

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
David (Psalm 19:1-4)

Sometimes I am oblivious.

When my children were young, I remember how easily distracted they were by all the interesting things they saw along whatever path we were walking.  Tiny bugs, little flowers, unidentified lights and smells, all things were fascinating and all things encouraged questions and exploration.

I wonder if I was like that as a child?  I think I was, but somewhere along the way I became too busy with the “important” to recognize the glory of God in the everyday sights, smells, and even tastes.

I am reminded this morning that every creature has a part in the story of God, and my inability to recognize this means I am missing a part of that story.

Lord, forgive me when I move so fast that I miss creation’s song to You.  May I join in the praise rather than rushing through it.  May I be reminded constantly of Your goodness and glory.

Lenten Devotion - April 5, 2019

“He that judgeth of all things as they are, and not as they are said or esteemed to be is truly wise, and taught rather of God than men.”
Thomas a Kempis

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your children. In righteousness you shall be established…”
Isaiah 54:13-14a

Sometimes we have difficulty seeing things as they are rather than as we are told that they are or as we want them to be.  Reality can be harsh, and so too often true reality is traded in for a more comfortable version.  We may not even be aware of what we are doing.  Relinquishing truth can be as easy as listening to a favorite writer, reporter, or pastor.  If I choose not to verify what I am hearing, I am susceptible to believing that which is not true.

Could some of this willingness to embrace a false reality come from a wrong understanding of God?

Reality is harsh.  Society is falling.  Things are bad.  I can believe that bad is good.  Or I can close my eyes to what is happening so that I can live in blissful ignorance.  The underlying issue might be a lack of understanding of the power and goodness of God.  If things are bad, God can’t be good.  If things are going the wrong way, God must not have the power to change them.

Yet God is often powerfully at work in the midst of the evil around us. God often shows His love and goodness where the darkest attacks take place.  If I am willing to see God for who He is, instead of feeling hopeless I can become a part of the mission of God, bringing goodness and change in the midst of the hurt and evil. 

Let’s look for a moment at personal reality.  Many of us, at one time or another, have closed our eyes to the reality of our own failings.  To admit that we have done the wrong thing means condemnation.  Condemnation brings rejection.  So instead we keep pushing down the problems and posturing ourselves to look like we’re okay.

Did you know that God doesn’t reveal the truth of our failings to bring condemnation?  Did you know that God reveals truth to us so that we can be reconciled and prosper?  Our world uses our failings against us when they are exposed.  God exposes our failings so that we can grow and live abundantly.  The world reduces us to our lowest acts.  God raises us up in redeeming power of Jesus that we might live (as Isaiah explains) in prosperity and be established in righteousness.

The choice is ours.  We can continue to close our eyes to reality and live as the unwise; or we can allow God to open our eyes and live out His plan for us.  This is true wisdom.

Lord, we have been taught from early ages that failures bring condemnation.  We have been taught to trust the voices that speak a message we want to hear.  Help us to unlearn what we need to release that we would learn from You – be taught by You.  May we see things as they are, knowing that You bring acts of goodness to the darkest places.  May we see ourselves for who we are, knowing that You bring healing, restoration, and reconciliation.  May we reject the false understanding that reality brings disaster and condemnation, and instead choose to be taught by You, knowing that we can trust You fully to love and restore.