November 16, 2014

This weekend we celebrate God’s graciousness as we dedicate our Estimates of Giving for 2015. It is a joy to return to the Lord a portion of what we have received for the work of Christ’s Kingdom! I look forward to celebrating that joy in worship and in fellowship after both services this weekend. There is much this week to remind me of joy. This week I have been reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. This is the story where a younger son asks for his inheritance early, which is a scandal in his society. He receives it from his Father and rushes off into a life of materialism and lavish, indulgent living. Once the funds are dried up and the party is over, he is humbled. He returns to the Father and before he can even ask for forgiveness, the Father runs to him and kisses him with compassion in his heart. Instead of being disciplined he is welcomed and honored. A party is planned. The older son gets jealous and the Father replies, “Son you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” I am joyous in that I see, as one of God’s children, what God has is mine. Yet even when I leave that secure place and run off on my own will, God welcomes me back. All heaven rejoices when that which is lost is found. In Simply Jesus N.T. Wright says, “The kingdom has come and is coming in Jesus. Jesus … is the link between heaven and earth.” In Jesus the sick are healed, the wanderers are welcomed, the lost are found. Wednesday I had the privilege to officiate with Pastor Ralph at the Service of Witness to the Resurrection of Joan Thomas. By the time you read this, two other saints, Doug Riddagh and Nathalie Clancy will have been commended to the Lord as well. A wedding will have taken place. In all the joy and in the sorrow, a loving Father welcomes us home, celebrates our faithfulness, and forgives our sin. This church and our faithfulness are part of God’s plan to bring the kingdom to full fruition. As we dedicate our giving and our “Estimates of Giving” today, may we rejoice that God has joyfully chosen us to be part of the kingdom. As we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, let’s remember that is God who chooses to use us together as Eastminster Presbyterian Church now. God will provide for all our needs… and God has a place prepared in the kingdom for us eternally. What a cause for deep joy! We are not lost… we are found. We are children of a compassionate God. Blessings, Tim

Nov. 9, 2014

God surprises us in many ways. As we go through the “Enriched” series we see that contrary to expectations of the times, God uses children to bless and enrich us. God gathers people from all races and countries around his Banquet Table to feast. God uses the unlikely such as the prostitute Rahab in God’s history of Salvation. And today’s text God uses a foreigner, a hated Samaritan to bring compassion, aid and abundant generosity to one who is wounded and left for dead. God surprises us in many ways. Back in our younger years, most adults would never have imagined being where we are and doing what we are doing now. Life has a way of working out in God’s time. The bumps and bruises make us stronger. The dead ends turn to streets of opportunity we would have never encountered if we rushed on our own. The people God puts along the road of life change us forever. God surprises us in many ways. As we return of our Estimates of Giving next weekend, I anticipate that God will surprise us with outpourings of generosity that will literally be life changing. Life changing for the giver in trusting the Lord. Life changing in the mission that ensues as Eastminster reaches out. God surprises us in many ways. I look forward to the journey ahead and to the Ice Cream “Sundae on Saturday” after worship on November 15 and the Celebration Brunch after worship on November 16. Please plan to stay for good food, fellowship and maybe a surprise or two! God surprises us in many ways. As I face the excitement of the surprises of life, I hold on to Proverbs 3:5-12: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. 13Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. As we look at the story of the Good Samaritan today, know that our Bible on the Communion Table is turned to Proverbs 3… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This is great wisdom for the journey ahead! Blessings, Tim