Sunday Reflection (November 10, 2024)

Sunday Reflection upon Ruth Chapter 1
When the Israelites Naomi returns to her birthplace, her Moabite daughter-in-law returns with her. Despite the hardships, Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to Naomi is a powerful testament to her faith and trust in God’s plan, a shining example for us all to follow. Eventually, the widow Ruth finds a home and husband in Naomi’s hometown of Bethlehem in Judea. Yes, that is Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. God so blessed Ruth that she became a great-grandmother of one of the greatest kings of ancient Judah, King David, and one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ.
Ruth’s journey was challenging, but her unwavering faith in God and loving commitment to her mother-in-law led her to abundant blessings. In the context of today’s biblical narrative, U2’s “I Will Follow” can be seen as a reflection of Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi, a love that transcends borders and hardships. Perhaps “I Will Follow” is about following his mother’s unconditional love, much like Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. Like Ruth, may we cling to our Lord Jesus Christ. May we follow the ways of the Lord: faithfulness, love, compassion, and kindness.

Sunday Sermon November 10, 2024

Devotion October 30, 2024

Prayer for the Week (November 3, 2024-November 9, 2024)

Let us pray to God who has chosen Christ’s Church to be a part of God’s plan for the ages: Father, you have knit together your elect into the mystical body of your Son, Christ our Lord. Give us grace to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living so that we come to those indescribable joys that you have prepared for those who love you through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit eternally dwells as one God in everlasting glory. Amen.                                                                                                                                   (Book of Worship)
                   
                                                                                         
               

                                   

                         

Sunday Sermon November 3, 2024

Devotion October 30, 2024

Devotion October 29, 2024

Sunday Reflection (October 27, 2024)

Sunday Reflection upon Psalm 34
In some ways, Psalm 34 describes what we think it should be: The righteous will be blessed, and God protects the righteous.  The Psalm raises a profound question: if God offers such protection, why did Jesus, or any other righteous person, suffer at the hands of corrupt evildoers? The Psalm does not provide a direct answer to this question. However, the final verses offer a glimmer of hope. Psalm 34:20 is quoted about Jesus: Although he suffered, ‘yet not a bone was broken.’ What does this mean for us? It means we may endure suffering, but God has not abandoned us.
Indeed, the words and deeds of Jesus, the righteous one, serve as a stark reminder of our wicked ways and deceitful speech. Yet, in his ultimate wisdom, the Lord redeems the lives of his servants (34:22). The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a beacon of hope for all of us. It reassures us that God has not given up on us and that with ultimate judgment comes ultimate restoration. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful symbol of hope, a constant reminder that God’s love and mercy are always with us.

Prayer for the Week (October 27, 2024-November 2, 2024)

Let us pray to God who hears us and all who appeal to him:  Our living God, you are near to us in our joys and pains.  Give us the eyes of faith, love, and courage to carry out your mission. Help us understand the needs of those who cry out to you in misery or suffer in silence. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, may we share your healing compassion with those around us and with the world through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Sunday Sermon October 27, 2024