May 7, 2025
Watch Your Step!
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.”
Proverbs 4:14
Our devotional verse for Proverbs Wednesday once again comes from a section in the early chapters of this book. The heading for chapter four of my desk Bible reads, “Wisdom is Supreme.” This section reads as words of instruction from a father to a son on how to live a wise life. Our specific verse directs the reader to avoid the path of the wicked and to not walk in the way of evil men. As I read this verse I wondered if this can be the origin of the saying, “watch your step.” Usually, a person is told to watch their step if they are saying or doing something that might cause harm either to themselves or someone else.
I am sure many of us have heard this idiom in reference to our behavior at one time or another. Of course, it is always a good idea to be careful of your steps, especially if you are navigating a minefield or descending the stairs from the balcony in the sanctuary. But if we consider the words of the verse from Proverbs it takes on a deeper meaning. It is wise to consider our thoughts or actions and their impact on others and on ourselves.
Who we chose to associate with, or support can often influence how others view us. I am sure many of us can look back on a time when our parents questioned our choices of friends and compatriots. Through the eyes of a teenager, we may have been upset with Mom and Dad for implying our pals might not make the best choices. But as we gain experience, we may reflect that perhaps they were right in their caution.
May we always seek to be wise in the paths we choose to tread, and who we choose to travel them with. When we lose our way, or misstep on our journey, may we seek to follow the direction of our Lord. If we use as a compass the admonition to love God and love each other, we will never stray far from the path of righteousness!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
May 6, 2025
Why We Do What We Do!
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
As a Pastor I am called to wear many hats and perform many tasks. Preparing and leading Sunday worship, serving the sacraments, and visiting people are just some of the day-to-day responsibilities that a Pastor is called on the perform. I also have come to realized that I am a professional pray-er. One who is expected to pray whenever necessary. Of course, this includes during Sunday services, but it also includes before meetings, and during visits as well. Most of the time I have anticipated the situation and have something prepared, or at least in my head. Sometimes, I get surprised. A couple of years ago, following a charity golf tournament, the organizer of the event, a friend of mine, asked me to say the blessing at the banquet. Later, I mentioned to him that he might want to give me head’s up in the future. His reply was, “Oh, you are a professional pray-er, you do not need any notice!
As a congregation, we pray a lot during worship. Our average Sunday service includes at least nine prayers, either in unison, responsively, or delivered by yours truly. As we reflect on this morning’s devotional verse from James, several of those prayers come to mind. First is the prayer of confession, which we do communally and individually. The other instance related to James’ words is the Pastoral Prayer. Just as James suggests we do confess our sins together and recognize the power and effectiveness of our communal prayers.
At various times, in various places, I have been asked about certain prayers. I recall a church where I filled in for their Pastor over a period of several weeks. Each week the liturgy I authored included a prayer of confession. Several people asked me why I did that. I was told that they only had a prayer of confession on weeks when they received Holy Communion. When I asked why just then, I was told that people did not think they needed to confess every week. Some people felt it was, “too negative.” I found that be to quite interesting.
While I do not feel the need to pray before daily tasks like shaving or unloading the dishwasher, I do think prayer needs to be part of our lives. I agree with James’ belief that the prayer of the righteous (and perhaps the semi-righteous too) is an effective tool for those who believe. So, whether you are a professional, an amateur, or somewhere in between, please remember the value of your prayers on this day!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
May 5, 2025
Evident Gentleness?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:4-5
The verses we are reflecting on this morning are the words of Paul from his letter to the church in Philippi. It is believed that Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome. Despite his circumstances, Paul references joy and rejoicing in the Lord throughout this letter. The verses above speak of the need to always rejoice in the Lord. Paul also encourages the people of the church to let their gentleness be evident to all.
That sentence, the exhortation to be openly gentle so that all may see it can be both inspiring and concerning. It is inspiring in that Paul sees the ideal of always being gentle in one’s behavior as being a sign of person’s faith. Thus, it is important to demonstrate that gentleness as often and publicly as possible. It is concerning in that this evident gentleness may be perceived as weakness by those who oppose the church and its teachings.
Come to think of it, this issue was not confined to an ancient city in a far ago time. This can be a factor in the manner in which modern society views how the church behaves even today. When we offer care, compassion, and welcome to people without condition, we are thought to be weak by some. But that perception is incorrect. Instead of being weak, we are strong. Strong in our faith, strong in our sense of right and wrong, and strong in our belief that the Lord is with us. One should never confuse kindness for weakness or gentleness for a lack of conviction.
The strength of the church, both locally and the universal church, can be found in our determination to heed the teachings of our Lord. Regardless of the which direction the societal winds blow, our faith leads us on the proper path. Often, the need to chart a course that is counter to the winds requires courage, determination, and above all else, faith. May the recognition of the Lord’s close, abiding presence inspire us to display evident gentleness as we make our way through the world!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck
May 1, 2025
Talking to the Big Guy!
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” Jesus replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Acts 9:5-6
The above verses are part of the conversion story of Saul, found in the Book of Acts. The account of Saul’s conversion is our first reading in this Sunday’s service. Saul, later to be known as Paul (yes, that Paul) was on his way to Damascus. He was going there to arrest anyone in the synagogues in Damascus who belonged to “the Way.” In other words, any Jews who had become followers of the Christ.
Saul had obviously been making quite a name for himself as he went about persecuting those who professed Jesus as Lord. We know that he was present and gave his approval at the stoning death of the Apostle Stephen. Now he is on his way to Damascus, armed with letters from the high priest that authorized his mission.
On the road approaching Damascus, Saul encounters a light from heaven and a voice that asks Saul why is behaving this way. Our verses this morning illustrate this divine encounter. The result of this interaction is that Saul is struck blind and is led into Damascus by his companions. For the next three days, Saul remained blind and did not eat or drink anything.
Eventually Jesus sends a man named Ananias to go to Saul. Anaias prays over Saul and scales fall from Saul’s eyes. He is immediately baptized in the name of Christ and regains his strength. The rest, as they say, is history!
I cannot say that I have ever had a “white light” moment like Saul or even like Jake in The Blues Brothers. I imagine most of you have never had a close encounter with Jesus along your way. If you think you did, you may have decided to keep it to yourself. For most average folks our encounters with the divine are much more subtle. Thus, we need to be open and mindful of the fact that the Lord can influence our circumstances in ways we do not always understand. Even in difficult times, we must not lose sight of our need to pray, reflect, and serve as we seek to live out our mission as modern day apostles. May it be so for us today!
Peace,
Pastor Chuck