Haggai 1:8 June 30, 2013

Sam and Jennifer Jones 
Haggai 1:8

Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.

This verse is set in the context of the preaching of the prophet Haggai to a number of Jews who have returned to Judah from their captivity in Babylon.

After some seventy years of exile, the Jews felt little urgency in rebuilding the temple, being more concerned about building their own homes after their return to Judah. 

Now, God, through Haggai, is speaking to the Jews. Earlier, in Chapter 1, Haggai has told his people that "the time has come for the Lord's house to be built" in this land. The people are living in their "paneled houses", yet the house of the Lord remains in ruin. And, in this particular verse, the Lord, through Haggai, tells his people to "go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it, and be honored. " Haggai has thus given the call to build the house of the Lord. 

Our country's economy seems to be in a state of unrest right now -the "R" word keeps popping up in the news. A number of Americans are concerned about jobs, stability, and housing. Yet, in this time of economic turmoil, we at Westminster have been given a call to build onto our house of the Lord. We need to "go up into the mountain" and do our part to insure that the Lord's house be built. Each of us must bring to his house our own little bit of "timber" to make sure that the Lord can be glorified in this, his house of worship. We must accept this call from the Lord, so that He may take pleasure in his house, and be honored.

Our Heavenly Father please guide us, not only now in our time of building, but throughout our lives, as we glorify your holy name. We ask for your wisdom, your encouragement, and your resolve, as we strive to complete the task to which you have called us. Bless our Westminster family as we pursue the call to build onto your temple for the glorification of your divine name. AMEN.

Galatians 6:15 June 28, 2013

Mandy & Sean Baker 

Galatians 6:15

"Neither circumcision or uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation."

Rich, poor, young, old, thick, thin, from every nation, color, and background, hearts come yearning to find new life in Jesus Christ. In Biblical times, circumcision was a spiritual rite of passage that signified a covenant with God. In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he states that circumcision is merely a symbol. With the sacrifice of Christ's blood, shed for us at the crucifixion, and with his death and resurrection, we are no longer called to give physical symbols of sacrifice. Rather, by trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord, we receive forgiveness and eternal life with Him. We must trust Christ and allow Him to change us from the inside out. We can no longer live as the world lives; rather, we are to be a living, breathing example of Jesus. We must seek each day to be made new in Him. We can't be fake about it, either; potential believers can easily see through facades of false piety. We don't want to taint our witness for Christ by portraying ourselves as hypocrites. We must be willing to be real...to live what we believe...if we are to bring others to Jesus. We are called to be the embodiment of God's love; we are the arms that reach out to embrace the lost and hurting. Only when we are made new in Him will we see God's miracle of new creation happening in the world.

Galatians 2:18 June 26, 2013

Joe Errickson
Galatians 2:18

For if I rebuild what I once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the Law I died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

Paul writes the Galatian church upon learning of Jewish Christian attempts to impose Mosaic law, specifically the requirement for circumcision as being necessary for salvation. He denounces justification through works and strict obedience to the Law of Moses as a means to find God's grace. Christ brought a new covenant, a new foundation that is firm enough without reverting to Mosaic Law. A foundation based on faith in God and His mercy shown through the sacrifice of His son. Paul reasons any attempt to rebuild former covenant law transgresses against that faith. Christ took our punishment on himself. Returning to justification through obedience to Mosaic Law would nullify the need for a savior and sideline the grace of God. In essence meaning Christ suffered and died needlessly.

How often do we forget our salvation is not contingent on works and deeds? Good works should flow out of gratitude to God, who showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The abundant life should not be constantly burdened by the expectations of others, rather characterized by a life free to answer God's calling. Being faithful to that calling builds a legacy worthy of our Maker's approval.

Prayer: Gracious God, help us as we seek your will in all that we build, whether with bricks and steel or building a legacy to help others find their way in response to your calling. May we find direction within the walls of Westminster to go into the world standing on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone upon which we build. Amen.

Ezra 6:7 June 23, 2013

Alfred Shropshire

Ezra 6:7

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in this place.

King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a proclamation allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem from captivity (536 B. C.). Due to opposition by the people to whom the Jews' Land had been given while they were in captivity, and their neighbors, and through bluff and intrigue, work on rebuilding the Temple was disrupted for 16 years. At this time, Darius is now King of Persia. At the behest of Ezra, a search of the royal records unearths the proclamation made by Cyrus. Darius then issued orders to those who have been obstacles to the rebuilding of the Temple to stand aside. He opened the royal treasury and provided the necessary funds for the work, which took another 4 years. In 516 B. C. the Temple was completed and dedicated amid great rejoicing.

Although we had some objection from a neighbor when we first made our construction plans known, our intention to be a good neighbor to all neighborhood residents has enabled us to proceed as scheduled. Our "great rejoicing" is scheduled to occur in June, 2008. Let us hope that our "temple" will be put to full use as a place where God is honored through Westminster's service to the community.

Prayer. Thank you Jesus for the privilege to serve you by serving others. Give us courage and confidence to hare your truth and love wherever you lead us. Thank you for brothers and sisters who are partners in the gospel, called alongside of us in community. Amen.

(The Present Word - Winter 2007 – 2008)

Ezra 5:9 June 17, 2013

Amy & Tom Ray

Ezra 5:9

"Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, who commanded you to build this house, and make up these walls?"

The Lord stirred the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. The Jews immediately began to rebuild the Temple. This angered the Samaritans, who were then living in Israel. They demanded to know who the leaders of this rebuilding project were and who gave them permission. The Jews responded, "We are the servants of the God of Heaven and Earth..."

The Jews could very well have been intimidated by the Samaritans' demand to know who authorized their construction project. They were not. Rather, they boldly declared their faith in the Lord and continued to build.

When we concern ourselves with the reactions and criticisms of nonbelievers, we can become fearful to the point of inaction. As we go about the business of building our church, and, in fact, living our lives, we will be faced with challenges and obstacles. It is especially during these times we must bear in mind that, as long as we are in the service of God, He will provide.

Ezekiel 47:12 June 15, 2013

Jennifer Jones

Ezekiel 47:12

"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (3rd and 4th graders from Sunday school)

We sat in Sunday school with our eyes closed trying to imagine this spot. Eating the fruit would be wonderful. Who would be there with us? Jesus and others would be all around us. In the garden, there are all kinds of leaves for healing and fruit for eating. Eating fruit! Sort of like "cookie day", the second Sunday of the month, when the congregation gathers for fellowship after the sermon.

We need plants, like the ones in this verse, for our bodies. Oxygen in the air comes from plants. You can't have a garden without plants.

You can't have a Sunday school class without a Bible. The Bible is like the plants; it gives our heart, mind and soul what it needs. The bible teaches everything about God. It teaches about when Jesus was born, his life and his death on the cross.

Dear God, thank you for this wonderful day, thank you for gardens and plants, thank you for bringing us together to share with each other. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Ezekiel 36:36 June 14, 2013

Alfred Shropshire

Ezekiel 36:36

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.

These words, spoken by the prophet Ezekiel, summarize the vision that he has about the future after God restores the people of Israel to their homeland. They again will be His people, and He will be their God. The land, which was once desolate, will be restored to a paradise. It will be done because God said so. The peoples around Israel will then truly see how great the God of Israel is.

What a magnificent statement; "I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. " Think what a great world this would be if only our word was as dependable and trustworthy as God's. Just as each journey begins with one small step; each building grows one brick at a time; improving our world begins with each individual's own small space. When others see God in us, we are building a better world.

Prayer. Lord, may our hands and feet, our hearts and minds, be faithful in doing your work here on earth. Help us to follow the example set by Christ so that we are faithful servants. Amen.

Ezekiel 33:13 June 11, 2013

Julio Trujillo

Ezekiel 33:13

"When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die."

Sounds familiar doesn't it? How many times have we trusted in our own "righteousness" and acted upon our beliefs only to later come to the realization that our vision was clouded and our actions were not righteous? I don't know about you, but I find this to be an all too often occurring issue with me. If I get to thinking too much about it, I get discouraged and fall into despair. You see, I am all too human and, even though I know what God expects of me, too often I fall woefully short of His expectations. Although I try not to think too much about my habitual shortcomings in God's sight, I live with this realization every day of my life and at times feel that there is no hope for me. Reflecting upon Ezekiel's harsh words doesn't make me feel any better about the situation either! However, there is one word in the passage that provides comfort for me - trust. I realize that I am human and as such suffer from the effects of "the fall." But if I put my trust, not in myself, but rather on Jesus' sacrifice for me, I am reassured that God loves me and has provided a means of salvation for me. One of the hardest things for me to accept is that, even though I am a habitual sinner, God has already forgiven me through the sacrifice of His Son. This perpetual forgiveness is definitely not a human concept. God's love it doesn't get any better than that.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so much that you sent your Son to bear the punishment that I deserve.

Ezekiel 18:31 June 9, 2013

Tom & Amy Ray

Ezekiel 18:31

"Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit.”

In Ezekiel Chapter 18, prior to verse 31, the Lord makes clear that He will judge each of us according to our ways. and he provides for us a guide by which to live.

In verse 31, we are told to repent of our wrongdoings and make a new heart and a new spirit. When we realize that only God can make our hearts new, we humble ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions. We then are able to take steps to make positive changes in our lives according to God's will.

He wants nothing more than for each of us to return to Him. He provides all the tools we need to do so, but we must do the work, being constantly mindful of the choices we make and the actions we take.

Dear Lord, please help me to build a new heart and spirit and to turn away from my old sinful ways. Help me to turn my life over to You and obey Your will. Thank you for your forgiveness and strength as I seek to find a new life in You. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Ezekiel 11:19 June 7, 2013

Sarah Whitley

Ezekiel 11:19

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."

Ezekiel, the prophet, delivers a message of hope to his fellow exiles in Babylon. He reminds the people that even though they have been living in exile, God has been with them, has been their sanctuary. Therefore, he gives them a word of hope. God promises to return them to Jerusalem but a fundamental change must occur in them before the future can be bright with hope. God will accomplish this thing in them. He will remove their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh; heart s that are undivided in their commitment and loyalty and spirits that a re new.

God promises transformation. As we move through the transition period that is facing our church right now, might we allow God to give us new hearts and new spirits? As we reassess who we are, where God wants us to go, and who will lead us as a church, could we make that same assessment of ourselves as individuals? Will we allow God to transform our hearts and spirits so that each of us becomes the loving person he/she was created to be? Only God can transform our hearts and spirits, but it is up to us to accept the new heart and new spirit. The bright hope and future of our church depends in large part on whether or not each of us is willing to undergo the transformation of receiving a new heart and a new spirit for this new day in our church.

Almighty God, help us to let go of our self-centered agendas and accept the new heart and new spirit you offer us. Help us to love you and each other in order to help bring about the bright hope of the future of this church. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Ephesians 4:4 June 6, 2013

Suzanne Burton

Ephesians 4:4

"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called."

This passage seems especially fitting for our church today. Our session and General Assembly spend precious time wrangling over questions of who is "in" and who is "out" of favor within the church leadership and government. Jesus speaks to us through His word that we are all part of one body knitted together in unity. Paul uses this analogy that everyone can understand. No matter our differences, we worship one God with one Sprit among us, and hope for eternal life with God in heaven. All other arguments seem pretty small when measured next to that yardstick. Just as the body cannot exist in pieces, neither can the church. Our similarities and common bond are so much greater than the issues that divide us. In this season of anticipation, we are eager for new growth in our church body. Let us nurture those things that grow a body in love, truth, and hope.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to focus our hearts on unity and love for our fellow Christians. Please give our church family strength to press on to our hope in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Ephesians 4:23-24 June 2, 2013

Sue Howell

Ephesians 4:23-24

"Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy."

A new attitude, a new spirit of the mind, a new nature! We don't normally think of our personal newness of mind, heart, and spirit when thinking of new leadership for our church. But, as God's children and members of His church, we have to embrace this newness in order to follow His leading.

We must be open to newness and be willing to move on into our future with Him. We need to be able to take advantage of the opportunities for the newness of the new leader God has planned for us.

Prayer: Lord, give us openness and understanding as we look to the future for our church. Help us accept "new" with grace. Amen.

Ephesians 2:22 June 1, 2013

Mark Stuart

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit.

When I was younger I used to want to be an architect. I studied this for a while and finally reached the point where I was able to make the plans for a house. This house was eventually built and still stands as far as I am aware. I was quite proud of this accomplishment and had dreams that some day I might be able to build houses for the rich and famous; places that people would line up to visit and tell all their friends and relatives that they had been to see. A Biltmore Estates or even Elvis's mansion at Graceland were not out of my reach at that time. Time passed and my passion and interest faded. I went on to other pursuits that didn't involve architecture or building.

As I read the passage from Ephesians it occurred to me that I can still build. Not only can I, I am called to do so. And the building that I am called to build is so infinitely better than a house for someone rich and famous or even Elvis. It is a place where God lives. Think about that for a moment. God. We are all called to build his church. A place for Him to live.

The dictionary defines build as: to cause to be or grow; create or develop. We are clearly called to grow and develop God's house through the Spirit.

Of course, I can't do it alone. In fact, I am not supposed to. I will require the help of all my brothers and sisters in the church of Christ. This is what Paul says. We are to build together.

Fortunately for all of us we don't have to go and hire and architect. I am not sure about you but I somehow feel inadequate for the task and am not sure that I know of anyone that could do the job justice. The chief architect has already been named and the cornerstone has already been laid. It is Jesus Christ.

We simply are called to follow his plans. He has already equipped each of us with various skills and materials that are required for the completion of his plans. His direction is that we use our individual abilities and talents to build his church together.

Although we live in Rome and not in Ephesus, what better calling or greater joy can we receive than to build a place where God lives.