Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Living Life in the Unexpected

Life seldom goes according to plan.  It is funny that way. 
We work.
We strive.
We prepare.
Then in one momentary blink of an eye, everything changes!
Work ceases or is redirected.
Aspirations must be re-examined in light of new developments.
Plans are irrevocably altered.

Who are you in those moments?
Where is your head?  Where is your heart? 
What emotions are stirred just in considering such interruptions?

I contend that God is a God of those moments.  As a matter of fact, I think God specializes in them. 
Consider this...
An older woman, well beyond childbearing years, gives birth to a nation.
A shepherd, minding his father-in-law's flock, finds the fire of justice and freedom kindled in his soul.
A young boy from a nowhere town is annointed king.
A teenage girl finds herself pregnant and carrying salvation for all humanity in her young womb.
A firey religious leader finds his pious zeal transformed into a passion for the gospel of grace.
A Roman instrument of death becomes the symbol of God's unending love for humanity.

Yes, God seems to specialize in taking our scattered lives and shattered plans and transforming them into something even more than anything we could have ever imagined.

Where is it right now that you are experiencing the dispair of the unexpected? 
Where are your anxieties growing over the interruption or redirection of your plans?

Be present there.  Really present.
Continue to move...
God is faithful. What comes to pass may not be easy.  What transpires may not be what you would expect.  But God is present.  God is working.  Even in the midst of the unexpected. Just ask Sarah, Moses, David, Mary or Paul.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Treasured Pearl

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."  Matthew 6:33

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."  Matthew 13:44-46 (NRSV)

This quest you are on...

This pursuit for purpose...

This search for significance…

This longing to make something of yourself…

This hunger to be someone…

This desire for something more…

beats in the core of every human heart.

We innately know that for which our life longs is out there, somewhere.  So we search, intently. 

There at the core of all that is lies the truth that has no beginning and will ever cease to be.

So, do we have the courage to let go of all that we once thought valuable?  Do we have the faith to purchase that field of treasure?  Will we dive for that pearl of greatest value? 

There is no need to continue running aimlessly toward lies that masquerade as truth.

For the kingdom of heaven has been found.

It is worth everything.  It is the pearl of infinite value.

May you find peace this week!\
 
Please, do not forget to fill out the college information sheet here.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Welcome Back

School has most likely begun or will begin for you shortly.
I am sure that a new year brings with it many new axieties as well as more than its fair share of excitement. 

Some new things for the new school year just for you.
  • Some people suggested that some daily verses to read would be helpful.  To that end, you will find a new widget to the right that contains the daily lectionary texts for each day.  You will find Psalms, a First Testament text, a Gospel text, and a reading from one of the Epistles.  Click on the texts and it will take you to the reading.
  • There will be a weekly devotional listed here on this page as well.  Hopefully you will find these to be encouraging and uplifting.
  • There will also be suggestions for service and missions regularly including things that are going on at Second.
  • Please take a few minutes to fill out our college information form here.  This will help us stay in contact with you throughout the school year.  If you have any suggestions as to how we might support you and keep in touch with you this year.
We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers as you start this new school year.  We want to support and encourage you as much as possible. 

God bless!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

What's Next?

Life is a journey.  You currently find yourself in one of the seasons of life that is characterized by change at nearly every turn. There may be times when you ask, "What's next?"

What is next?  We obviously cannot know exactly.
How can we face the unknown "next" with confidence?

Let's chat!

Sunday, August 14, 7:30 at McAllister's Deli on east 86th St. near Kohls.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Why?

Why?
Why are you?
Why are you here?

These are some of the biggest questions we can ask.

This Sunday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. at McAllister's Deli at Keystone, we will look at the question, "Why are we here?"

Drinks and desserts are free.  Bring a friend and we look forward to seeing you there.