2021 02 07

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to be weary and exhausted. Economic hardships delivering a tidal wave of stresses, combined with various degrees of mandatory isolation, have left many uncertain about the way forward. Mental health in many instances has been compromised. The good news is that God is concerned about all who are weary and exhausted. Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Jesus raised up Simon's mother in law and the fever left her, restoring her to her social world and community. Healing is about restoration to community and restoration to life. God's will is for all to serve in community with others, all to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Isaiah 40:21-31; Mark 1:29-39

2021 01 31

Our politicians and many business leaders try to manipulate us today looking for short term gain, compromising right over wrong, trusting history will vindicate them. The power of social media platforms aids their agenda. In many ways, our politicians and leaders need a course correction which emphasizes a more just and caring society for all. Jesus has power over both the natural world and the supernatural world, such as commanding even the unclean spirits and they obey him and exit the unclean man. Jesus taught on the authority of God, which was a new teaching, unlike the scribes, and his divine authority to teach was attested by his deeds of power. He taught God's will and truth, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on reading for the week: Mark 1:21-28.

2021 01 24

The good news is to unite in rejecting untruths and extremism and with all our heart confront the pandemic, racial justice and climate change. Collectively we can remove the harsh edges within society and create a more sustainable, just society for all. Believe and live the good news which resides in your heart. Jesus is the truth and the light. Salvation for those that repent and believe. Be born again to see the kingdom of God. Jesus called Simon and Andrew, also James and John to be fishers of many to be born again by the spirit. Good news for those that believe, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: Jonah 3:1-5,10; Mark 1:14-20.

2021 01 17

Healthy communities are only possible when people have access to stable employment, incomes, affordable and quality housing and nutritious food. We need to challenge the status quo. Truth matters even and especially when it is hard to hear. All are given tasks in God's kingdom, which often involves working to change the human conditions which are broken. The call of God was heard by Samuel, Philip and Nathanael. We all develop our own relationship with God, and often it takes others to aid us in understanding the call God places before us. Here I am God, to your power and glory.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; John 1:43-51.

2021 01 10

Technological advancements are reshaping our world with blinding speed, touching all facets of life, with many positive outcomes. Telecommunications can enlighten and connect the masses seemingly instantaneously. Ideas and beliefs have the power to transform lives. Truth matters. The absence of truth can manifest with negative outcomes and far reaching consequences. Jesus is the truth. Gods presence lives in the life of true believers through the power of the spirit, which moves us forward. John's baptism of repentance and Jesus baptism with the holy ghost is a life transformation. Live in the power of the spirit today and allow that transformation lead to the transformation of other lives, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: Actis 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11.

2021 01 03

As we turn the page on 2020, transformational change is assured as a result of the pandemic. Adopt lessons learned and know we are all connected. Love overcomes fear. We move forward with hope, peace, joy and love as we strive to reinvent for the greater good and demonstrate an incremental improvement in our lives. Believe in Jesus, the word made flesh, and accept his grace and truth. Rejoice through tears, as healing can be painful as well as joyous. Sorrow no longer. Believe, and our souls shall be satisfied as a watered garden, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Jeremiah 31:7-14; John 1:1-14.

2020 12 27

We live in a world of contradictions, good versus evil, with many struggling. Society is dynamic and competitive yielding winners and losers. Social media platforms such as Facebook, U-tube, Whats App, Messenger, Instagram and many more have the capacity to initiate positive change and also to promote radicalization. Radical transparency opens the windows into the soul and unrest to propagate. The good news is Jesus is born, the true savior, the sign of Gods consolation and redemption. We live with a message of hope in Gods promises. Wear the robe of righteousness, believe in Jesus, walk in his light and enjoy good tidings of salvation, all to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Luke 2:22-40

2020 12 24

Challenges have encapsulated our lives significantly this year more than in recent memory. Our mental health and physical well being impacted by the pandemic, tragedies and economic survival have stretched our resolve to overcome obstacles. The good news is that Jesus is born bringing us hope, peace, joy and love. Tidings of great joy, peace on earth and goodwill toward all. An angel visited Joseph in a dream and informed him that Mary had not had an illicit union but the child she was to bear was God incarnate. Jesus was born in humble circumstances, wrapped in swaddling clothes. God chose the shepherds, guided to the Messiah by the angel Gabriel, to bear witness to the birth. Jesus, came to bring salvation and deliverance for all that believe. Let the light of Christ shine through and be an angel to those in need, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings: Luke 2:1-20

2020 12 20

Today we share the pain with family members and neighbors of the six fishers lost with their scallop boat on stormy waters of the Bay of Fundy. We also share the pain of other tragedies still raw in our memories. Compounding the tragedies, the pandemic has significantly impacted our lives, many experiencing loneliness and isolation and others economic loss. Extending comfort and compassion at this most stressful time gives strength and hope to those struggling with heartache. The angel Gabriel foretold Jesus birth, the Prince of Peace. Shepherds and angels followed his star in the east and found baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Jesus came bringing us hope and we rejoice. Angels are Gods messengers and helpers. Let the light of Christ shine through and be an angel to those in need. Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Isaiah 9: 2a 6-7; Luke 1: 26-31 2: 1-7, 8-14; Matthew 1: 18-21 , 2: 1-2, 10-12 22: 34-40

2020 12 13

Today we live the reality of the pandemic and it's impact on our lives, many experiencing loneliness and isolation and others economic loss. Let us be aware of the disparities and extend comfort and compassion, yet not overlook the simple joys, but open our eyes to the joy that surrounds us. The joy of an act of kindness such as pay it forward or the joy of observing an eagle soar, seemingly effortlessly high in the sky. John the baptist was the first to identify Jesus as the son of God and is the primary witness to Jesus. Like John, God commissions us to bear witness to Jesus, the one who has come in the flesh and is here with us. The word made flesh. Wear the robe of righteousness. Our joy is in God and is a gift which fills us when we remember what God has done and what God has promised to do. Good tidings of salvation, for those that believe, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8,19-28.

2020 12 06

Prior to the pandemic our lives were unfolding with breath taking velocity. News flashes, mostly negative and an abundance of activities from the mundane to absolute priorities had seemingly left us on a treadmill with no means to slowdown and gain a perspective. The pandemic has created an unintended consequence causing a slowdown, allowing an opportunity to discover the peace of God within our hearts. God’s comforting words shall stand forever. John the Baptist preached and proclaimed," One mightier than I will come", as he conducted baptism of repentance for the remission of sins for the throngs. Allow Jesus, the prince of peace, help us seek out the peace within our hearts to become peacemakers for ourselves and those we touch. Our time to stand up with strength and conviction, to do the work of the Lord. Let us hope for peace on earth. A peace reflecting the peace within our hearts, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8

2020 11 29

Today we live in a world with many health challenges, discrimination both racially and socially motivated, a lack of sensitivity for the disadvantaged, pervasive lawlessness and polarization of wealth. In many ways an unjust society. We live with hope in our hearts for a better world, for better understanding and a willingness to be righteous according to God’s commandments. We give a cry of misery and an appeal for mercy and God’s intervention to our guilt. God’s love and compassion never fails. God’s mercies never come to an end. God’s faithfulness is assured. Believe in Jesus, God’s only son who sacrificed his life for our sins that we may have eternal life in heaven, all to the glory of God.

Amen

Based on readings for the week: Isaiah 64:1-9

2020 11 22

The world is broken in many ways. Many are morally bankrupt and choose to gravitate to material wealth holding a blind eye to those less fortunate. Disparities and hardships fester and grow with reckless abandon. The parable of the sheep and the goats exemplify Jesus return at which time the final judgement will be administered. Whenever we give food to the hungry, welcome a stranger, help the homeless or visit the sick, we act in kindness toward Jesus himself because he has walked in their shoes. Those of privilege who have failed to see the needs of the disadvantaged behave as though they have never seen Jesus. Give of your time and energy to those less fortunate. Together we can make a difference. Let us walk in Jesus footsteps, a path well lit, to the glory of God.

Amen

Based on reading for the week: Matthew 25:31-46

2020 11 15

Economic challenges manifest as a result of unemployment, a lack of a living wage and excessive rent escalation. Racial discrimination, drug addiction and an array of life altering disease also present unique challenges to the human condition. God's faithfulness is continuous and without limit. The parable of the talents implies that we use our God given gifts, that is personal abilities and wealth in the service of God and that we take risks for the kingdom of God. Seemingly insurmountable challenges can be conquered by remaining steadfast in the faith. We are all children of God. Walk in Jesus light with strength and confidence. Salvation through Jesus for those that believe, to the glory of God.

Amen

Based on readings for the week: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30.

2020 11 08

Democracy this week was on full display with the US election. The power to choose and make a difference. Indeed, the power for individual choice defines our life journey. We are not compelled to choose God but we can make a conscious choice to serve God. We do not know when Jesus will come but be ready to meet God and continue to choose again and again to serve God. The parable of the ten virgins suggests we must be ready to meet Jesus as we do not know the hour of his return. Believe in Jesus and live your life following his teachings. Salvation for all those that believe, all to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week. Matthew 25:1-13

2020 11 01

Jesus gave us the beatitudes at the beginning of the sermon on the mount. Blessed are the poor, those that mourn, the meek, the righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those persecuted. The silent majority stand today amidst the poor, those that mourn, the meek, the righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those persecuted. We are complicit in largely abdicating responsibility as taught by Jesus. The me society has desensitized our responsiveness. Jesus says to rejoice for heaven is our reward for those that believe. In revelation, believers wear white robes of purity and carry palm branches as signs of victory and joy following war to wash away the sins of the past. God shelters believers and wipes away their tears. Believe in Jesus and live your life in his shelter to the glory of God. Amen.

Based on the Readings for the week: Revelation 7: 9-17; Matthew 5:1-12

2020 10 25

Polarization of views and discrimination build walls and distrust. Leadership and clarity of the law brings compassion and understanding. The fishers on all sides of the lobster dispute search for leadership and clarity of the law. God's laws and the people's laws have legitimate realms of authority but if a conflict arises, God's laws are supreme. Moses received the ten commandments and the greatest commandment is," Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Love of God, neighbor and self are all an intertwined part of the same whole. We cannot love God and hate our brothers and sisters. The Lord allowed Moses to see the promised land before he passed into the kingdom of heaven. Demonstrate vigilance, diligence and compassion for others in times of crisis and share the good news of salvation through Jesus, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on readings for the week: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 22:34-46

2020 10 18

It is important that we respect and obey the people's laws, the will and justice of the people and that we respect and obey God's laws. People's laws and God's laws should co-exist peacefully and compliment each other. People's laws are constantly being adjusted to reflect societal values to include justice, freedom, respect, community and responsibility. God's laws and the people's laws have legitimate realms of authority but if a conflict arises, God's laws are supreme. Jesus sees through religious hypocrisy. Seek God's wisdom and direction by demonstrating vigilance, diligence and compassion for others. Share the good news of salvation through Jesus, to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: Luke 20:20-26

2020 10 11

We are living in very challenging circumstances with so much of society unjust and global realities beyond our control. We are confused and looking for answers. It is about being thankful on this " Thanksgiving Sunday " for what we have, not what we want and recognizing it could be a lot worse. Let's focus on serving the common good, on helping the most disadvantaged and the most vulnerable. The Lord gave us the ten commandments and the power to prosper. Jesus cleansed ten lepers and only one gave thanks. Through faith we are made whole. Remember Jesus and his teachings and live your life in his image, all to the glory of God.

Amen.

Based on the readings for the week: Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Luke 17:11-19

2020 10 04

Today we confront challenges of biblical proportions. Pandemics, famines, droughts, floods and wild fires. Our environment and climate is changing mainly at the expense of human excesses. Lawlessness and discrimination are also front and center. It's a "me" society. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked husbandmen. Through God's grace, Jesus is sent to redeem the world and foretell his demise at the hands of the Jewish authorities. Moses received the ten commandments from God, a template to enter the kingdom of heaven. Live your life in accord with God's will and be faithful. God's kingdom will stand forever. Remember, you can't break God's laws, you can only break yourself on them. Believe and accept Jesus into your heart, to the glory of God. Amen

Based on this weeks readings: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Matthew 21:33-46