10-29-17

Whether a first-time guest, returning seasonal resident, or regular worshiper, welcome to Kirkin’ O’ th’ Tartans!  Today is a day where we appreciate our heritage and also look to the future with hope.  The Hebrews used to “tell time” by looking backwards and recounting God’s faithfulness and then looking ahead reassured that God’s love, grace and provision would be with them in the future.

 

Likewise, we have much to rejoice about today.  We inherit a rich tradition of faith at Eastminster, and we are open and excited about the new things God calls us to do.  God is alive here, and based on past faithfulness and grace from above, we go forward with the fruit of faithfulness, knowing God will inspire and guide. 

 

Please plan on staying a bit after the service and enjoying shortbread and a beverage out on the breezeway.  One of the hallmarks of Eastminster is that there are incredibly interesting people here to get to know and with whom to share.  Or you can speak with me… just joking, I hope!

 

Hope to see you next Sunday as we welcome confirmands and remember those “saints” that died this year. By all means plan to attend Eastminster’s Annual Celebration Luncheon on November 12 at 11 a.m. 

 

May we all “Live by the Spirit” this week!  May we be gifted, inspired and open to love those God puts in our paths!

 

 Blessings,               

Pastor Tim

10-15-17

Today we start a new Sermon Series, “Let Your Light Shine!”  It is based on Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:14-15:

 

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

 

When I first read these verses, I thought they leaned toward “works righteousness.” I focused on “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works.  Yet are we called to let our “light” … that which is brightest and best in our souls and our works … shine so others might praise us and say what good people and what a good church we are?  Tempting perhaps, but not true.

 

Jesus calls us to live for God and in so doing, “Let your light shine” so that others are led to praise God and give God glory.

 

Has anyone ever called you God’s angel when you showed them love?  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone broken down in tears of joy for assistance received and said, “Thank you Jesus!”  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone benefitted by an anonymous gift or deed and given glory to God.  Chances are your light shined.

 

We are created to shine God’s love.  It’s a good feeling and a challenge at the same time.  Over the next several weeks we will explore how Christians “Let Your Light Shine” and how Eastminster might be a “Lighthouse” in the community and world.

 

Today we start with the Old Testament book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 58:10-11 we read:

If you offer your food to the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be like the noonday.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
    and satisfy your needs in parched places,
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters never fail.

As you hear testimony of what is going on through Eastminster at Daily Bread, praise God for shining Light through Godly members and friends.  Then pray:

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.  Use me today and each day to shine your Light and to bring you glory.  Amen

 

In what ways are you called to shine?

Blessings,

Pastor Tim