ps from ps – Lenten version During the season of Lent, we have a tendency to slow things down. To be a tad more intentional.
So during these “40 days” we will be adding Soup and Psalms in person at SPEC each Wednesday at 12pm. When we gather, we’ll read a particular Psalm (the same one that will come up in the weekend worship) and ask ourselves a few questions and then take time in prayer.
So I’m inviting you to do the same thing. Join us in person if you can (4007 Main St, Eggertsville NY 14226). But if you can’t, join us in spirit through email.
Here is our Psalm for the week: Psalm 107. Read it through once, giving yourself a chance to breathe after, and then read it one more time. Psalm 107 1O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.Then ask yourself the following: 1. What caught your attention? 2. What questions does this bring up? 3. What do you hear God saying to us through it?
Feel free to share any of our thoughts with me and if you email steve@stpaulseggertsville.com before 11am Wednesdays, I will share them with the in-person group.
ps from ps – Lenten version During the season of Lent, we have a tendency to slow things down. To be a tad more intentional.
So during these “40 days” we will be adding Soup and Psalms in person at SPEC each Wednesday at 12pm. When we gather, we’ll read a particular Psalm (the same one that will come up in the weekend worship) and ask ourselves a few questions and then take time in prayer.
So I’m inviting you to do the same thing. Join us in person if you can (4007 Main St, Eggertsville NY 14226). But if you can’t, join us in spirit through email.
Here is our Psalm for the week: Psalm 19. Read it through once, giving yourself a chance to breathe after, and then read it one more time. Psalm 19 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmamentproclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voicegoes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.In the heavenshe has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hidden from its heat.7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Then ask yourself the following: 1. What caught your attention? 2. What questions does this bring up? 3. What do you hear God saying to us through it?
Feel free to share any of our thoughts with me and if you email steve@stpaulseggertsville.com before 11am Wednesdays, I will share them with the in-person group.
ps from ps – Lenten version during the season of Lent, we have a tendency to slow things down. To be a tad more intentional.
So during these “40 days” we will be adding Soup and Psalms in person at SPEC each Wednesday at 12pm. When we gather, we’ll read a particular Psalm (the same one that will come up in the weekend worship) and ask ourselves a few questions and then take time in prayer.
So I’m inviting you to do the same thing. Join us in person if you can (4007 Main St, Eggertsville NY 14226). But if you can’t, join us in spirit through email.
Here is our Psalm for the week: Psalm 22:23-21. Read it through once, giving yourself a chance to breathe after, and then read it one more time. Psalm 22: 23-31 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. 26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live for ever!27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. 28 For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, 31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it. Then ask yourself the following: 1. What caught your attention? 2. What questions does this bring up? 3. What do you hear God saying to us through it?
Feel free to share any of our thoughts with me and if you email steve@stpaulseggertsville.com before 11am Wednesdays, I will share them with the in-person group.
ps from ps“ Beware of practicing your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1)
Interesting reminder on a day that we make a special trip to a church or a parking lot and have ashes placed on our foreheads.
In this monologue in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus actually mentions several things that can enhance our connection, return and relationship with God. He’s inviting us into more intentional time and space with God so that we ourselves will see God’s incredible love for us.
Many subtract things in this season of Lent. Meat on certain days. Swearing. Candy. Alcohol. And more.
Many add things. Ashes. Exercise. Prayer. Worship. Bible reading. And more.
I guess I’d just invite you to go back to Jesus’ original invitation – whatever you do, make it about deepening your relationship with a God who loves you.
So what will your intentions be for this Lenten season? Whatever they are, God’s intention is for you to know that you are loved!
Lord, help me be more intentional, Thanks for Lent. Amen
ps from ps “Swing hard in case you make contact.” That’s one of my favorite phrases for my golf game. And my life game I guess.
And certainly, our church game!
We don’t have to be in church to be IN church. In fact, I bet if you look around today, you’re going to see it. And hopefully you will see it in action. Check out this quick clip to see where I saw church this weekend by clicking HERE.
What I loved about the Snowball Classic is that even the bad shots were STILL church. $13,000 raised to battle hunger from both good and bad shots!
God doesn’t ask us to be perfect. God invites us to just be active. Swinging away. Today I hope and pray you’ll see church around you. Look in the mirror…there’s church. Take a selfie…there’s church. Go to work or school…there’s church. Gather around the table for your meal…there’s church.
Let me know where church is for you today! I know that wherever you go, it’ll be right there.
Lord, open my eyes and let me see….be…church, Amen
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