Lent Is Here
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting,
but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father,
but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father,
who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:17-18
I am one of the biggest advocates of planning ahead. I preach it and I practice it and for the most part I’m consistent, except for when it comes to Lent.I just don’t know what it is. Every year the Lenten Season comes around the same time, and every year I’m surprised that it’s here. Then I spend the day before Ash Wednesday scrambling and scurrying to get prepared for the 40+ days ahead. If I’m going to fast, I very spiritually ask God to tell me what to fast, and if possible by the end of the day so I can stop at the store when I leave work. Then I write down what I want to “get out of my fast” and the “purpose” for which I’m fasting.
Rubbish! I mean seriously, most of us are fasting because that’s what we’re supposed to do at Lent. Unfortunately fasting has become less of a spiritual practice and more of a fad. Some people are so accustomed to it, that they haven’t asked God what their fast should consist of in years. They know they’re going to do The Daniel Fast, or stop drinking or give up Facebook because they do the same thing every single year.
And the reasons we fast are just as bad as the methods. Sure we say we’re doing The Daniel Fast so God can be our source. But it’s actually because we know we’ll lose at least 8 lbs. and reward ourselves with a cute new Easter outfit. We avoid (I mean abstain from) social media so we can finally do the stuff we’ve been putting off for the last month. We don’t watch TV because there’s nothing good on this time of year anyway. Well, except for The Walking Dead which returns this Sunday.
Sorry, I digressed.
If you find yourself fasting out of habit, or just so you can say you’re fasting, rededicate your fast to the Lord. Actually talk to your Heavenly Father about what He wants for you during this season. He will tell you. When he gives you the answer and you follow his lead, he will give you all the strength and support you need to successfully complete your fast and be victorious in the end.
(Contributing Writer: Marlena Patterson)
Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me
Book Author Ta-Nehisi Coates
(Contributing Writer: Thomas L. Bowen)The Word: July 19, 2015
Lectionary Scriptures for the week of
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2015
Proper 11(16) (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
Proper 11(16) (8th Sunday after Pentecost)
Color: Green
SCRIPTURES:
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
“After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him…” [continue reading]
Jeremiah 23:1-6
“‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord.” [continue reading]
Psalm 89:20-37
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.” [continue reading]
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” [continue reading]
Ephesians 2:11-22
“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)…” [continue reading]
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.” [continue reading]
The Word: June 14, 2015
Lectionary Scripture readings for the week of…
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015
Proper 6(11)
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
Color: Green
SCRIPTURES:
1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13
“Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul.” [continue reading]
Ezekiel 17:22-24
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.” [continue reading]
Psalm 20
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” [continue reading]
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15
“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High…” [continue reading]
2 Corinthians 5:6-17
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.” [continue reading]
Mark 4:26-34
“He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground…” [continue reading]
The Word: June 7, 2015
Lectionary Scripture Readings for…
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015
Proper 5(10)
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
General Assembly Sunday
Color: Green
SCRIPTURES:
1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)
“So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.” [continue reading]
Genesis 3:8-15
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” [continue reading]
Psalm 138
“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.” [continue reading]
Psalm 130
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord…” [continue reading]
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
“It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak…” [continue reading]
Mark 3:20-35
“Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.” [continue reading]
Read Your Bible (Particularly the Proverbs)
These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.
Proverbs 1:1-6 (ERV)
The world would be a whole lot better if everyone just read the Proverbs in the morning instead of the newspaper or our social media news-feeds. I mean seriously. If everyone in the world, Christian or not, just adhered to the Wisdom of Solomon, we may not have half of the issues we have. Why? Because it’s all relevant.Here’s an example. Proverbs 7:6-23 (ERV) begins, “One day I was looking out my window at some foolish teenagers and noticed one who had no sense at all.” I mean seriously. How many times have you looked out your window and saw some teenagers acting nuts-o? And there’s generally one in every bunch that feels like they have to be the wildest.
Anyway, the scripture goes on to say that the teen with “no sense at all”, wound up walking through the neighborhood near “that” woman’s house. Some of you know exactly who “that woman” is. Now, even if you live in a wonderful neighborhood that doesn’t have a “that woman”, then you at least have heard stories about her from friends, or seen her on a popular prime-time television show that’s shown on Thursday nights. (I’m just sayin’.) You can pick one.
The boy knew he had no business over there in the first place. But it’s getting dark and the woman suddenly appears before him. He didn’t even have to read the Proverbs to know she was going to pop up, because in 1984 the prophet Whodini said the “Freaks Come Out at Night”.
Verse 10 says the woman was dressed in her booty shorts and stiletto sneakers because she had plans for him. What? That’s not what it says? So what’s the word the Bible uses? Hmm?
Brothers! Let me tell you something. Most of you are not as smooth as you think. It’s not likely that you “just happened” to notice her from across the room. It was probably planned.
Okay. Let’s jump down to verse 13. I’m going to translate what happens in 2015 while you read along in your Bible. But my version is much cleaner.
“She saw the young man and said, ‘Hey Tony. Where my hug at?’ Then she said, ‘I just got finished making that homemade lasagna and strawberry cheesecake. I told you I could throw down. You should come and get some while it’s hot.”
Know your Bible! Don’t get bamboozled! Now, “that” woman, is your baby mama and you’re stuck with her forever!
Now ladies. Before you jump down my throat, it works both ways. Except a man wouldn’t be called “that guy”, he’d be referred to as, “Girrrrl (with the roll of the eyes), you betta watch out for him because He. Is. A. Dog.” You see; the guys have it much worse. But in case you’re interested in reading it, that version takes place in 2 Samuel 11.
Anyway, you read the rest for yourself. All I’m saying is, read your Bible. Particularly the Proverbs. They can save your life.
(Contributing Writer: Marlena Patterson)Our Vision in Stained Glass
The stained glass windows in our sanctuary depict our vision of family, ministry and our commitment to our culture, identity and heritage. The windows throughout the church are the original windows, completely refurbished for the present sanctuary. The faces in the windows have been redone to reflect our African backgrounds. The flesh tones are varied to display the richness of our diversity. The street level windows on the P Street side are based on Ndebele tribal patterns of Southern Africa. The nine-panel window above the choirs has, at its base, three panels similar to the Ndebele styled designs. The blue above the designs is for the waters of our middle passage. Out of the sands of a new world rise the hands in rich multi-color that represent the hands of our ancestors reaching up to God in prayer. From these hands emanate a rainbow-representing our many gifts and talents. Above the center panel is the star of hope that has guided us through life’s difficult struggles. The center panel is a chalice—the cup of the new covenant. From this cup, many people drink and become one in the Spirit.
Read about the redesign of Shiloh’s Stained Glass Windows.
Why We Read the Bible
Have you ever heard or said any of the following statements?“I’m a busy person with a lot to do. I don’t have time to read the Bible.”
“I already believe in Jesus Christ. I’ve already heard the Gospel. So I don’t need to read the Bible.”
“I don’t think I need to read the Bible as long as I’m a good person and I treat others with love.”
“I go to church on Sunday and Bible Study during the week. That’s enough Bible for me.”
Many people wonder why followers of Christ should read the bible. Others see it as something that’s good to do, but it’s not necessary. The following Scriptures should answer the question…
Why should I read the bible?
Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Don’t stop reading this book of the Law, but day and night think of what it says, so you can be careful to do everything written in it; then you will prosper and succeed.
“And now I entrust you to God and his care and to his wonderful words that are able to build your faith and give you all the inheritance of those who are set apart for himself.
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.'”
It is not the flesh that gives a person life. It is the spirit that gives life. The words I told you are spirit, and so they give life.
And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. Then my Father will love him, and we will go to him and make our home within him. The one who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The words that you’re hearing me say are not mine, but come from the Father who sent me.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.
God’s Word is alive!
The more you expose yourself to it, the more it will expose itself to you. To know God better you must spend time hearing what He has to say. The Bible is His message to you. If you want Him to listen to what you have to say, you should also listen to what He has to say. Although God can also speak directly to your heart, you need to know His written Word so you can judge whether God is speaking to you, or the enemy is trying to deceive you.
God will not love you more because you read the Bible.
It’s for your benefit — not required to make God love you. However, without reading the Bible, you will not grow spiritually, and you will be more easily deceived. Prayerfully reading the Scriptures yourself is the only real defense against being misled.
God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).
Do you want to know the truth? If so, don’t spend your time on lesser, unreliable things?
The promise of Jesus in John 8:31-32 is for you. If you continue in the Word of God, you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free!
Your spiritual life is important.
You always have time for what you consider important.
Only those who continue in God’s Word come to the place of knowing called faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Jesus taught that God’s Word is a seed (Luke 8:11). Plant the seed of God’s Word in your life and you will reap blessings.
(Contributing Writer: Joy Patterson)The Word: May 31, 2015
Lectionary Scripture readings for…
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015
(Trinity Sunday: First Sunday after Pentecost)
Color: White or Gold
SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 6:1-8
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” [continue reading]
Psalm 29
“Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.” [continue reading]
Romans 8:12-17
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.” [continue reading]
John 3:1-17
“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.” [continue reading]
Forgiveness
“But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign
through righteousness to bring eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 5:20-21
The thing about forgiveness is that it goes two, three or even four ways. First, the offender needs to seek forgiveness from God. That’s number one. Next, the offender needs to seek forgiveness from the person to whom they caused harm. That’s a given. But then, the offender, and sometimes the person harmed, needs to forgive him/herself. That is always difficult. Finally, the world (whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or people on Facebook) needs to forgive the offender. That folks, is near impossible! Not because we’re incapable of forgiving, but because we are unwilling.Sometimes we forget that Christ was literally nailed to two posts of wood, beaten to a pulp, and had to walk dang near naked in front of EVERYONE. We forget that he was humiliated, falsely accused, cursed at, spat on, and probably worse, just so that God could forgive us and we could be reconciled to the Father. Sometimes we forget that “at just the right time, when we were still sinners, Christ died for US.” Sometimes we forget that to God sin does not have degrees; it is all just sin.
So, regardless of how bad the offense, we need to forgive one another. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” For some reason, we think kindness and compassion is only for those who are innocent. Just like we tend to think that church is only for those who are “Saved”.
Now I’m sure someone will say, “Well I can forgive, but I won’t forget.” That’s fine. You should remember so that you can learn and grow from that experience. But you still need to forgive them. And when you do, don’t bring it up at every Thanksgiving dinner, or summertime cookout. And don’t go around telling everyone you meet what happened, under the disguise of a “testimony” when your motives are not to lift up, but to tear down.
So what’s point?
Forgive your offender. Let them of the hook.
Let the issue go, and give them a chance to change.
And most importantly, give God a chance to heal them and you.
(Contributing Writer: Marlena Patterson)