December 19, 2008

Read Psalm 40

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O Lord. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.—Psalm 40:8-10

The Christmas season is one of our favorite times of year, but it is also one our busiest times of year. We truly enjoy the season’s traditions, songs, smells and celebrations. However, we find that every year we rush through the season trying to find the perfect gifts and the perfect decorations, trying to wrap up another year of school and work and trying to make it to each of our family’s celebrations. We get so caught up in all of the activities and traditions of Christmas that we miss the opportunity to reflect on and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. When we first read today’s Scripture passage, we were truly humbled. We could definitely not honestly speak these words as true in our lives during the Christmas season. Then we asked ourselves if this passage was true in our lives throughout the year. This Scripture is a challenging one, but one that we should seek to be true of our lives during this Christmas season as well as throughout the year.

Pray: Lord, during this Christmas season and throughout the year, help me to desire Your will and to share Your love with my family, my friends, and my community. Amen.

Rob and Becca have lived in St. Louis for the past 2 and a half years and are expecting their first child in February 2009.

December 18, 2008

Read Matthew 3:1-12

When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: ‘Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It’s your life that must change, not your skin... [Jesus] is going to clean house – make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in is proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.—Matthew 3:7-8,12 (The Message)

Through today’s passage God calls on us to think about how we are living our lives. Are we going through the motions of following God, like the Pharisees and the Sadducees? Or are we truly allowing God to come into our lives and into our hearts? Keeping up an outward appearance of faith that is only skin-deep means nothing to God. This message from John the Baptist reminds us that Jesus does not want frivolous religious activity from us; he wants our hearts. God desires continual evidence that we want to change the way we live. What an overwhelming charge! It’s no wonder that Jesus is here to clean things up in our lives – to keep what is pleasing to God and to put the rest out with the trash to be burned.

Pray: Jesus, thank you for coming into my life and changing me from the inside out. Teach me to bear fruit that is satisfying and pleasing to you. Ignite a fire within me and give me courage as you make a clean sweep of my life. Amen.

Jenny Shult works as a social worker at a large non-profit that supports people with developmental disabilities and their families.

December 17, 2008

Read Mark 1:1-8

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"—Mark 1:2-3

A few weeks ago, Pastor Matt finished his sermon series, “Why Church?” A lot of what we talked about was the public perception of Church and how people viewed Christians. Although we don’t wear camel hair and eat locust drenched in honey as John the Baptist did, we can seem kind of weird to people who are not followers of Christ.

When trying to reach people, with the good news of Christ, the Advent and Christmas season is the perfect time to introduce your faith to them. I think what sometimes gives the church a wrongful perception is that too often the people try to do the “saving” themselves. John the Baptist teaches us to prepare the way of the Lord. Sometimes, all we need to do is plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit do the rest!

In this season of giving, think of someone who can use this good news and share it. Let us all be like John the Baptist in preparing the way of the Lord here on earth.

Pray: Lord, allow your spirit to move in me as I do my best to tell everyone I know about your amazing love. Help me in my own way, using the gifts you’ve given me, to prepare the way for others to feel the presence of your Holy Spirit.

Andy Waggoner leads our worship with music each Sunday at The Gathering.

December 16, 2008

Read Isaiah 9:1-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2b

Advent season is a perfect time to exemplify this verse. There are many people in our world, smaller even, St. Louis, that walk in darkness. They watch the news and believe that everything is spiraling out of control; unemployment, sickness, poverty, intolerance, and violence. They don't see the light in every day or every moment. There is a light of goodness for those who chose to see it. It could be a simple smile or a perfect snowflake on the windshield. Once you see the small gifts of light that were always there, but unnoticed, they seem to multiply until there is only light. It is overwhelmed by the teamwork of individual tiny lights. Today be a steward. Be that first point of light that creates a cascade effect of beautiful light.

Pray: Dear God, please help me to be a bright light to show your love to the world everyday. Amen.

Rebecca Foster is the Director of Kid's Ministry at the Gathering United Methodist Church.

December 15, 2008

Read Luke 22: 39-53

When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.—Luke 22:45-46

As a child reading this passage, I used to get so angry at the apostles. Here they are with Jesus, the son of God, and they cannot even follow the simple instructions to “stay awake and pray.”

Now as an adult, I sympathize with the apostles. I, too, know Jesus is the son of God and my savior, yet I find myself asleep on Jesus many times without even realizing it. God’s requests are quite simple: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor.” Yet, I consistently put my own desires ahead of His, pushing God lower on the priority list, falling asleep on my promise to Him.

The encouraging thing about this passage is that Jesus does not give up the apostles. He gives them many chances, and He forgives us continually. As followers of Christ let us work together to stay awake and recognize His presence in our life always.

Pray: Lord, thank you for forgiving me when I fail to follow your commandments. Open my eyes and awaken my soul. Amen

Mac Bergson and his wife, Rebecca, recently moved to St. Louis from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. One of their favorite things about living in St. Louis is “waking up” on Sundays at The Gathering.

December 14, 2008

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.—1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he is basically offering up examples of how they might keep up the “basics” of Christian living. In this passage, what resonated with me most, were the first 3 practices to work on, all of which require effort & discipline: To be joyful always, To pray continually, To give thanks in all circumstances. In today’s world, it is challenging to keep up with life’s fast pace. However, Paul reminds us that in order to survive the daily grind, we need to keep our spiritual life a priority and that we need to nurture it and strengthen it by applying these 3 practices.

It’s not easy to be joyful always! We all have bad days and worse, tragic events that may happen in our lives. How we react to these circumstances or events is a choice we make. Our reaction is a direct result of our belief about the situation. When we believe that God loves us, wants what is best for us, and that God will cause every situation in our lives to turn out for the best, then it is much easier to be joyful.

Pray continually. In the midst of our busy lives, many times we think that we don’t have time to pray. When you pray, you are forced to slow down. The focus of our thoughts become on God, rather than ourselves. When I pray during the day, it helps me to quit beating myself up for my own shortcomings, but rather to think about how powerful God is and to remember that he will help me through the situation, day or week.

Give thanks in all circumstances. We need to remember that no matter what the situation, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)

Pray: Dear God, Thank you for being there for me in the chaotic world I live in. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me for focusing on my busy life, rather than putting the focus on you. Help me to remain disciplined so that I can continue to make my spiritual life a priority through rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. Amen

Renee Loomis is the leader of the Connections Team at The Gathering.

December 13, 2008

Read Psalm 30

God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out.—Psalm 30:2-3 (The Message)

Have you ever noticed that some Christians seem to be happy all the time? It seems as though nothing gets them down. But the truth is, no one is happy all of the time. Part of being in the world, a world of sin, is a life filled with sin, enemies, jealousies, retaliations, bitterness, and gossip.The difference for Christians is awareness amidst all of the difficulties we experience in life that God will always take care of us. Even though our life may be filled with all types of difficulties and burdens, we know that, The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.

The Psalm ends You did it: You changed lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

Pray: God, give me joy in the middle of life’s troubles. Amen.

Steve Stack is interested in skiing, spending time with friends, God, St. Louis Cardinals, power tools, London, music, New York City, and Belgian beer.

December 12, 2008

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God even our Father,
who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good wood and work.—2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Though there is a lot more to being a Human Resources professional than helping people, the most rewarding part of my job is being able to provide comfort and encouragement to the employees I support.

Despite Kia’s limited eye sight and handicap due to her autoimmune condition, she willingly relocated to St Louis, after her department had been eliminated in South Carolina. Far away from family and friends, she managed to settle in an apartment she loved, arrange rides to and from work with new found friends, in addition to making a name for herself on her new team.
On September 14th, Hurricane Ike washed away all of her personal belongings along with her hope for a happy life in her new city. Not only was Kia physically displaced to temporary housing, she felt a greater sense of isolation, without a place to call her own. Despite the fact that she loved her job and her new peers, she vacillated over resigning and moving back to South Carolina.

I had faith that Kia could continue to thrive in her position and would find happiness in St. Louis. After countless conversations and pros & cons lists, she decided to stay. She said our genuine commitment to her happiness and comfort was the reason she stayed.
Though empathy may be an expectation set in my job description, I truly believe my compassion and inspiration to go above and beyond is rooted in my Christian beliefs. I aspire to follow Christ’s path, in sharing the hope and comfort that he offers me in times of trouble.

Pray: Comforting God, remind us daily that you are always with us to help us.
Continue to show us how we can guide others to solace, as you have guided us.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Corey Elizabeth Stranghoener is a HR Supervisor at Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s St Louis Contact Center.

December 11, 2008

Read Psalm 37

Our steps are made firm by the Lord.—Psalm 37:23

I’ve been running regularly for the past two months. It’s not very far, and I certainly don’t move very fast. Before the Glendale Firehouse run a few weeks ago, a friend suggested her son could run with me. Thankfully, Jake decided he didn’t want to run, because I really didn’t want to lose to an 8 year-old.

Some mornings, the last thing I want to do it roll out of bed to go running. It’s cold. It’s dark. I’m tired. I’m sore. I have a busy day at work. The excuses are endless. Ultimately, I get up, lace up the shoes and head for a run.

The first few days were miserable. Ten minutes were enough to leave me stumbling home. And then it was fifteen minutes. Even running—well, jogging --- a few hills were put in for good measure. In the end, I like the exercise, the challenge, and time for reflection.

On a daily basis, life gives us a variety of challenges. Work, family, and health are but a few of the things that make us want to quit whatever we are doing. At times, we feel like quitting, going home and climbing into bed.

David’s words in Psalm 37 is just one source of reassurance that God not only loves us, but also strengthens our “steps,” holds us in time of need, and even carries us when times are more dire.

Pray: Lord, we all face challenges in our lives; big and small, self-imposed or otherwise. Remind us that our faith in you gives us the strength to face and meet those challenges. Amen.

When he isn’t running the streets in the dark, Jeff lives in Glendale with his wife, Jennifer, his son, Eric, and a baby who had yet to show up at the time of writing.

December 10, 2008

Read Psalm 38

As for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.—Psalm 38:10

Today is the first of the twenty-three darkest days of the year. This year the winter solstice will occur at 6:04 am on December 21. As I do every year, I am performing a rather desperate personal calendar ritual, in which every morning I count the days until the solstice, add an equal number of days afterward, and tell myself: Okay, we’re in the twenty-three (or fifteen, or seven) darkest days of the year, and I’m still getting through, still getting out of bed, still doing what I need to do. After twenty-three more days, there will be more light than there is today. Things will get better. I can do this.

I have a hard time with the darkness. Like the psalmist, I feel like my eyes have gone dark along with the days, that the inner light has been dimmed along with the pale late-autumn sun. The fire of life has been banked; the embers are buried in ash; the warmth has retreated beyond my reach. The darkness has been increasing for so long that I am beginning to fear that the light will never return.

It is in this darkness that we somehow find the faith and the courage to light the candles of Advent. Make no mistake: it really is dark, and the candles really are very small. There is nothing in the world to reassure us, and no innate security in the tiny lights we tend each week. We tread the darkness by grace, carrying the gift of the Lord’s promises in one hand and our candle in the other. It is not until Christmastide that we discover that these are more than enough.

Pray: Blessed and Beloved Spirit, by your holy grace give me the faith and courage to carry our Advent candles through this present darkness, until the blazing star of Christmas warms our lives. Amen.

Becky Browne is a retired schoolteacher who takes art classes at the community college, sings Sacred Harp music, and loves her cats.

December 9, 2008

Read Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind – Psalm 26: 1-2

Test my heart and mind, indeed. Libby and I spent years trying to get pregnant before we had Justin. After much prayer and medical help, our wish came true. This was a trying time for us but I felt like our trust in the Lord is what gave us the greatest gift we can ask for, our son Justin.

After trying for a second child, with the benefit of knowing what challenges we faced the first time, we were again unsuccessful. This time, doctors told us it would not happen. Tested, you can say that. After giving up, feeling sorry for ourselves and questioning God, we decided to explore adoption. We waited a couple of years, which felt like forever, but we were blessed again with the greatest gift you can ask for, our daughter Maya.

Trust in the Lord without wavering is not easy, but some of the greatest gifts in life are not just handed to you.

Pray: Dear Lord, please be with me every step of the way, when things are easy and when things are difficult. I may ask tough questions but trust that your love for me will always be there. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Mike Wilcox loves spending time with his kids and following Mizzou sports.

December 8, 2008

Read Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.—Luke 1:52

This evening as I was winding up a long day at the downtown church I serve, our cook came to me and told me that there were two women, both in tears, and their young son, Christian, in the dining room. I knew Christian and one of the women. She and the boy had been coming to the church’s drop-in center for the past few weeks, and she told me a bit of their story. Her partner was working at a local Wal-Mart, but they lost their apartment when she lost her job at a day-care center. I knew that they were struggling to find a shelter, but that no beds were available. Some nights, a friend who managed a pizza parlor would lock them in the restaurant and let them sleep in the booths after closing. Other nights, they slept on the docks. Each night they are on the streets, they risk losing their son, not to mention their lives. This cold night, the pain and stress were more than they could bear.

When I work with families like Christian and his parents - with individuals who have no resources, no support, no place to lay their heads - I come to a deeper understanding of why Jesus came into this world. He came to give hope to those in need, to lift up the lonely and the homeless and to call those of us with resources into solidarity with those less fortunate.

Pray: O gracious and merciful God, we so often fail to see the invisible living among us. Yet you sent your son to bring down the powerful and lift up the lowly. Open our eyes and hearts to the lost, the lonely and the forgotten, and grant that we may work together with them to raise each one up so that we may all share in the blessings of your creation.

Anne O’Donnell is a second year student at Eden Theological Seminary, and pursuing ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church.

December 7, 2008

Isaiah 40:1-11

You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"—Isaiah 40:9

In retrospect, I believe we all understand the fragile social boundaries that formed our high school existence. For the most part, we are trained to coexist in one large community, but are expected to understand our niche and are to contently live within its constraints. Well, sorry, things are never that simple with me. I was a band geek, a jock and an art weirdo all wrapped up in one and was “blessed” with a knack for openly voicing my opinion. Part of my responsibility as a band geek was to hang outside the band room doors and act like a dork. Mostly, I was content to oblige those expectations, but sometimes I was compelled to make myself heard. You see, the Special Education classroom was directly across the hall and, as you can imagine, there was often grossly inappropriate rhetoric cast in the direction of those students. I am not sure if it was my unique gift of verbal confrontation getting the best of me, a genuine expression of caring or a lot of both. Probably a lot of both. Either way, I felt it was my responsibility to call out these rude passers by and make sure that it was understood that their tasteless behavior would not be tolerated around that section of the hallway and that they best apologize and get on with their own business. I believe it is this type of small, not so random act of caring that makes God’s word powerful among mankind. A day full, decade full, life full of voicing God’s word is what makes it infinite.

Pray: God, give me the strength to spread Your word. No matter how insignificant, help it to bless those around me and live forever in Your eternal light. Amen.

Stephen Barr grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, was further educated in Kirksville, Missouri and has made a life as father, husband and advertising Creative in Webster Groves, Missouri. His family, his healthy apatite for music and his unhealthy obsession with proper football are the spices of his life.

December 6, 2008

Read Luke 21:5-19

"Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?—Luke 21:7

It is so easy get wrapped up in looking to the future, to wondering what it holds for ourselves, the ones we love, and the communities in which we live. The early church was no different. Christ taught about the time when he would come again, and the New Testament is full of references and anticipation of Christ’s return.

Each week before communion, we sing about the mystery of our faith:

Christ has died…we celebrate with joy the arrival of the Christ-child who will die because of our sin.

Christ has risen…we live in the hope and peace of the Risen Christ.

Christ will come again…The season of Advent is about waiting, yet it is waiting with a purpose. Christ calls us to look ahead to that time of his return with similar expectant waiting, not with trepidation or doubt, despite not knowing when or how the time will arrive.

How can we prepare our hearts and minds this season of waiting? Are we living now with celebration, joy, hope and peace as we look ahead to Christ’s second coming?

Pray: Lord, help me in this season of Advent to look expectantly to your return with the same joy, peace and hope with which I look to the child in the manger. Amen.

Meagan Sinn is a project accountant for a St. Louis based architectural firm, and spends her free time with family, friends, and obsessing about Cardinal baseball.

December 5, 2008

Read Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.—Psalm 16:1

In Psalm 16 David reveals his trust and reliance upon God in this life and in the life to come. Since God is always trustworthy, we can place our confidence in Him and depend on Him in every aspect of our life. God has already proven how much His love can be trusted by sending
Jesus…the ultimate gift and the ultimate sacrifice.

At Christmas we are reminded that this ultimate gift has already been prepared for us. We view a holiday or a birthday with great anticipation and we trust that something good is going to come our way. We are excited about the gifts…cards, hugs, telephone calls, wrapped presents, offerings of love and good will. Remembering these acknowledgements and knowing what we mean to others help us during those dark moments in our life. Placing our trust in God evokes the same feelings as receiving a gift.

We have received the best gift…the gift of the everlasting love of Jesus Christ and understanding the significance of that gift is life sustaining. This eternal gift which offers inner peace, forgiveness, strength, and redemption is ready for us every moment of the day…24/7, 365 days a year. As you see, we do not have to wait for a holiday, birthday, or special event to receive this gift. We simply have to ask and the gift is given.

Pray: Christ is reborn whenever we trust and open our hearts to love. Today I ask that the wonder and joy of the birth of Christ be renewed within me so that by my actions I give this gift of love to others. Amen

Michael Muren moved to St. Louis in November of 2007 and joined The Gathering in June.

December 4, 2008

Read Luke 20: 27-40

Because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.—Luke 20:36

Just before we ran out of the door to the airport, I remembered my long overcoat for the evening of the reception. In the past I have always worn it for dressy occasions. The evening of the reception we got ready and I put on my coat. I felt very good about the outfit I had chosen for the reception and Jeff looked very nice as well. We had a wonderful time and all too soon the evening was over and we were back in our hotel room. As I walked into the room I noticed my reflection in the mirror and was surprised by what I saw, huge, I mean huge, shoulder pads in my coat!! I looked like a linebacker for the Rams! I quickly calculated how old my coat was. All the next day at the hotel and airport I was wondering what people were thinking of me, not just of my coat but of me. As we were waiting for our luggage to arrive, a realization came over me. This coat does not determine anything about me, nor does the coat the lady has next to me determine anything about her. How many times have I secretly judged someone either negatively or positively merely by their possessions?

Pray: Lord, please help me to always remember we are all your children and need to care for and love one another unconditionally. Amen.

Alice Davis is the Program Manager of Seniors & Company Adult Day Care and a Demonstrator for StampIn’ Up!

December 4, 2008

Read: Luke 20: 27-40

Because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. —Luke 20:36

Just before we ran out of the door to the airport, I remembered my long overcoat for the evening of the reception. In the past I have always wore it for dressy occasions. The evening of the reception we got ready and I put on my coat. I felt very good about the outfit I had chosen for the reception and Jeff looked very nice as well. We had a wonderful time and all too soon the evening was over and we were back in our hotel room. As I walked into the room I noticed my reflection in the mirror and was surprised by what I saw, huge, I mean huge, shoulder pads in my coat!! I looked like a linebacker for the Rams! I quickly calculated how old my coat was. All the next day at the hotel and airport I was wondering what people were thinking of me, not just of my coat but of me. As we were waiting for our luggage to arrive, a realization came over me. This coat does not determine anything about me, nor does the coat the lady has next to me determine anything about her. How many times have I secretly judged someone either negatively or positively merely by their possessions?

Pray: Lord, please help me to always remember we are all your children and need to care for and love one another unconditionally. Amen.

Alice Davis is the Program Manager of Seniors & Company Adult Day Care and a Demonstrator for StampIn’ Up!

December 3, 2008

Read Isaiah 2:1-11

Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.—Isaiah 2:8

In this scripture, the prophet Isaiah called the people to turn from lives of idol worship and sin and warned them of God’s judgment and punishment if they refused. Although we may not be carving and worshipping idols, we collect and worship possessions like cars, homes and money that symbolize power and attempt to give our lives meaning.

Several months ago, when the economy began taking some sharp turns and it was obvious we were headed for challenging times, I had a conversation with one of our clients at Kingdom House about how the economy will affect us. A woman in her sixties, the client shared that she scrapes by monthly with the minimum. She said, “I get some help for my senior housing, I wear my clothes until they’re worn out, I don’t consume a lot of food and I ride the bus when I need to get around.” She went on to say, “One of my few monthly purchases is toilet tissue, so I don’t think it will affect me so hard.” I remembered how each time I see this lady, she is smiling and peaceful. She says that she IS happy. I reflected on the belongings I feel I “need” to get by and how those things can become the idols we worship.

What freedom to not want things! And what a paradox that having the things you think you want does not answer those imagined needs. Look around and truly see those people who are free from want, in such simple circumstances.

Pray: Loving God, during this time of Advent, help me to put my hope and confidence in You and not in the possessions that separate me from Your love. It is in Your word that I find meaning and purpose for my life. In the days ahead help me to support and strengthen others through your love. Amen.

Jennifer March is part of the Hospitality Team at the Gathering and is the Director of Development at Kingdom House. Kingdom House is a social service agency created by the United Methodist Church.

December 2, 2008

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

So we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts.—1 Thessalonians 2:4

Being the parent of two teenagers I am reminded every day how somehow they feel they must dress a certain way or do certain things so they’re not an “L 7” in teenage terminology. I often wonder if it really has any effect on who their friends are and what their friends think of them.

Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians was speaking not to please men, but to please God. He knew it was important to follow the leading of God rather than be influenced by what people might expect or want.

If our motive is to please Him, then we should proclaim His message boldly in word or in action without regard to the responses we receive from others.

I am excited the Gathering is focused on spreading the word of God in an area where churches had been closing. Rejoice; we have the opportunity to spread His word right outside our walls.

Pray: Dear God, help me to focus on God’s expectations for me not on the hopes of people in my life. Amen.

David Guess is the father of Katie and Alex.

December 1, 2008

Read Isaiah 1:10-20

What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt-offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.—Isaiah 1:11, 15-17

Especially at this time of year, we often feel that it is enough to simply go through the motions. Christmas is coming, so we prepare with the season of Advent. We go to worship, we light a candle, we read a scripture. But Isaiah warns us in the strongest language that just going through these motions is not enough! God does not want sacrifices, or burnt offerings, or rote worship attendance and mindless candle lighting. God wants us to transform ourselves! It is the transformation of ourselves, our attempt to be pure, to cease to do evil, to learn to do good, that brings meaning to our worship. Worship attendance, prayer, singing and candle lighting all have their place, but must be preceded by genuine transformation of our persons. As Isaiah says, we must wash ourselves and make ourselves clean. Remember that going through the motions will not be enough this Advent season!

Pray: O Lord, cleanse and purify me as I approach this Advent season. Guide me in learning to do good so that my heart is properly prepared for the worship and activities of this time. Amen.

David Parnell is a graduate student at Saint Louis University.

November 30, 2008

Read: Isaiah 64:1-9

When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.—Isaiah 64:3

Happy New Year! No, I’m not confused. Today is the first day of the Christian year. Our cycle of Scripture readings, the lectionary, and Christian holidays (i.e. Christmas, Easter, All Saints, etc.) start over today. We begin the season of Advent, a season of expectation, waiting, watching and hope for a sanctified and perfected creation. Advent, which literally means “coming” is the season in which we celebrate and await Christ’s coming into this world, both as a baby in 1st Century Bethlehem, and again in victory to set the world to right. At its core, Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas and Epiphany when we will explicitly celebrate Christ’s coming and his unveiling as God come into our world as a human being.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Boy, what does all that mean?” or, if you’re a little bit of a skeptic, “Do you really think God could be present in a world full of violence, greed, racism, hatred and poverty?” The Church itself has enough baggage to seem hypocritical when it claims that God is at work saving humanity and perfecting creation. As a Pastor and a person of faith, I have to be honest. There are days when I have my doubts about God’s presence and work in this world. Advent brings all of this out in the open. Nowhere in our cycle of Scripture readings are the claims about God’s presence in the world and Christ’s promise to return in victory more explicit. In the readings for today, the Psalmist, Isaiah and Mark all use powerful images from nature to describe God’s presence. When God enters creation, nature does more than simply take notice. It quakes, trembles and shakes. When God enters creation, no one can deny it. And I wouldn’t be a Christian, let alone a Pastor, if I hadn’t had life experiences in which I could not deny God’s presence. I have had serendipitous, emotional, clarifying and unexplainable experiences that I simply knew had to be God at work. But that doesn’t erase the long periods of time in which I desperately look for God to do something…anything.

I want to encourage you all to use this devotional and the season of Advent to do that. Use them to look for God’s work. You will no doubt look upon a world full of materialism, consumerism and idolatry as Christmas approaches, but you will also see exceptional moments of generosity and love. Throughout history, as Christmas approaches and we look to Christ’s coming into the world, wars have been put on hold, people have given more than they ever thought possible, poverty has been eased. It is a season when you cannot deny God’s presence. It is a season, when, as Isaiah puts it, “the nations…tremble” at God’s presence. I look forward to waiting and watching and expecting God’s advent with you. To end this devotion, pray not that God might come into creation, but that you might have the vision to see it happen.

Pray: Lord, I pray not only that God might come into creation, but that I might have the vision to see it happen. Amen.

Nate Berneking is our Pastor of Spiritual Formation and is in the process of reading all of the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction.