G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.18.13

There are many other things that Jesus did …

We stand in the final days of the Easter season. The Lenten-Easter cycle that began with Ash Wednesday in mid-February comes to completion with tomorrow’s Pentecost Sunday. Today we hear the final words of John’s gospel: if all Jesus’ words were written down the world could not contain the books that would be written. There are many other things Jesus did and continues to do in our lives and in the life of the world.

These final words of John’s gospel are in some ways an invitation to us to continue to be a ‘living gospel’ through which others come into contact with the person of Jesus Christ. It is the challenge of allowing Easter to truly come alive in us so that we might be everyday witnesses to the Resurrected Christ.

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord. Ps 10(11):4-5, 7. John 21:20-25.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.17.13

‘When you were young you walked where you liked: but when you grow old someone will take you …’

The transition in life between childhood dependence to adult independence is well documented. But the transition from adult independence to dependence in marriage or in a religious vow of obedience or in illness or old age is less publicised but of equal significance. The latter kind involves a surrender to someone or something beyond our control-and involves trust. This is a key Christian experience and an aspect of Christ’s cross-placing himself in the power of those who hated him. From him we know it leads to growth, to resurrection.

The experience of dependence opens us to experience our weaknesses, yet calls us to reach out to others for help. In this way God can enter our lives precisely because we are vulnerable. Let us welcome our experiences of dependence as leading us closer to God and one another.

Acts 25:13-21. The Lord has set his throne in heaven. Ps 102(103):1-2, 11-12, 19-20. John 21:15-19.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.16.13

‘I have sent them into the world.’

Lord, your words today are not easy for us to act on. It seems that you are saying that each of us is sent into the world to build the kingdom, just as you were sent into the world by your Father for the same purpose. How do we do this?

There is a saying that we should bloom where we are planted. We take this to mean that we build the kingdom first in our hearts then in those among whom we live who are the other plants in the same garden. We can do this by prayer. The psalmist says: ‘You give power and strength to your people’, and so the peace and love of the kingdom will be spread near and far.

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope. Ps 15(16):1-2, 5, 7-11. John 17:20-26.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.15.13

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Paul quotes Jesus in these final lines of his speech at Miletus. This farewell is presented in Acts as Paul’s last will and testament. Obviously, ‘giving’ is considered of utmost importance to Paul.

Such giving can take many forms. Often, it is within our comfort zone like contributions to our local parish. Recently, I have been moved to help in ways that are truly outside my usual limits. For instance, buying a coffee for a stranger, which was quite daunting. The young woman was so taken aback that she could only blush and say, ‘Are you kidding?’

Eventually, she accepted my offer and said it was such a wonderful thing that she would do the same in the future. My ‘blessing’ was that she would pass on this concept of giving. How can we all bless someone today?

Acts 20:28-38. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. Ps 67(68):29-30, 33-36. John 17:11-19.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.14.13

‘You did not choose me: no, I chose you.’

These words of Jesus to his disciples were a timely reminder to them. As modern-day disciples of Jesus, they are just as timely a reminder for us. Once chosen, there is a job to be done. Then and now, those who are chosen are commissioned to go out and lead others to God the Father through following Jesus’ teaching.

Anyone chosen can fail, just as Judas failed. The love passed down to Judas from the Father through the Son was replaced in Judas’ case by a love of money. For us today, the choice, put simply, is between God and the ‘me society’. Let us pray for the grace to love as Jesus loved and for the strength to remain true to his teachings.

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26. The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. Ps 112(113):1-8. John 15:9-17.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.13.13

He spoke out fearlessly and argued persuasively.

If we could live our faith with the joy and conviction Paul showed here at Ephesus perhaps our church communities would be flourishing and not diminishing. In the gospel, the disciples of Jesus also spoke confidently when they said, ‘Now we see that you know everything and we believe that you came from God.’ We sense Jesus’ surprise, or maybe relief, in his reply: ‘Do you believe at last?’

But Jesus knew that their belief in him would be tested. He knew they would face persecution, and he urged them: ‘Be courageous for I have conquered the world.’ Jesus’ enemies were hoping that by taking their leader away his followers would be like ‘sheep without a shepherd’. So let us support each other in our faith and be on the lookout to help those who are struggling or not at peace.

Acts 19:1-8. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. Ps 67(68):2-7. John 16:29-33.

TRUTH OR TRADITION?  – WHY STUDY? #7   # 221

“I am profitably engaged in reading The Bible.  Take all this book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man.”  Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States.

Why Study The Bible?
In recent articles in this column we have been examining some reasons why it is good to spend time with The Bible.  1. It Is The Word Of God.  2. It Is The Law Of Liberty.  3. It Is A Complete Guide For This Life.  4. It tells Of Man’s Origin.  5. It tells Of Man’s Duty.  6. It tells of Man’s Destiny.

7.  We Will Be Judged By It.
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:  the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) .  On the isle of Patmos,  John was permitted to look into the future:  “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away;  and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:  and another book was opened, which is the book of life:  and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelation 20:11-12) .

The Standard.
It only makes sense that we should order our lives by the standard we are going to be judged by.  Imagine you are enrolled in a class, and the professor assures you in the beginning, that whether you pass or fail will be determined only by the final exam, and the final exam will be based on the textbook.  “You will not be graded on my lectures, on what we discuss in class, nor what you hear on campus.  The only thing that matters is the final exam, and it will be based on the textbook.”  How much time would you spend with the text?  What is discussed in class may aid in your understanding of the text, but knowing and applying the text is most important.

Changing The Deed.
You might rewrite your deed to a piece of property to include some of your neighbors land, but that doesn’t change the deed that’s recorded at the court house, and that’s the one that really matters.  Many folks want to change the deed, to include some things they would like to do in worship and service, but that doesn’t change the deed in the court of Heaven.

Rewriting The Text.
Rather than learn from the textbook God has given us for this life, many want to rewrite the text to allow them to do what they believe and practice in religion,  but their revised text is not the one our final exam is going to be based on.  If we want to pass our final exam, we need to read and learn what our text teaches.

Steer Creek Church of Christ,  3466 Rosedale Road,  Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone:  304.462.0384     E-Mail:  “ghmiller@rtol.net”  Web Site:  steercreekchurchofchrist.org

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.12.13

They went back to Jerusalem full of joy.

Just over a year ago, on sabbatical, I visited long-time friends in New Jersey. At the end of two days with their daughter, Elizabeth, she happily left me, saying: ‘It’s not like the departure gate at the airport, when I don’t know if I will ever see you again.’ A week later, at our last family gathering, Elizabeth was subdued and distant. Only later did I realise that was another, possibly final, farewell.

In complete contrast, the apostles, Jesus’ closest friends, having witnessed his ascension, were full of joy and continually praising God. They sensed something different about this parting. Jesus had promised he would be with them and that he would send his Spirit to be teacher and advocate, source of all the inspiration and courage they would need.

Jesus, help me trust you as they did.

Ascension of the Lord. W. Acts 1:1‑11. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. Ps 46(47):2-3, 6-9. Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23. / Ephesians 1:17-23. Luke 24:46-53.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.11.13

In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of his relationship with God, his Father.

Jesus came from the Father with good news and now he returns. When Jesus speaks of coming and going he isn’t talking of moving from one place to another. He is talking about being present to us in a different way. Through his death, Jesus consummates his humanity and enters most fully and deeply into the fabric of creation, where God dwells. Here is the heart of the Easter message.

By the grace of God in Jesus, creation is reinvested with its holiness. Ordinary and common things are shown to be holy things-bread and wine, water and earth, marriage and parenthood, career and vocation. Our living and our dying become good and holy, and the world in which we live and die and rise is the world in which God lives and dies and rises. Lord, for this we give thanks.

Acts 18:23-28. God is king of all the earth. Ps 46(47):2-3, 8-10. John 16:23-28.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.10.13

‘Do not be afraid to speak out: I am with you.’

The reading from Acts echoes Jesus’ words not to be afraid. Jesus endeavors to encourage his followers as they lament his imminent leaving: ‘Your sorrow will turn to joy.’ Trying to explain how joy can emerge from suffering, he uses the analogy of a woman in childbirth. Soon, through his death, Jesus will show both the evil and the good that people do. He accepts his suffering without fighting back, showing us how to absorb and so transform suffering. He shows us the brilliance of human potential, our best selves, in contrast to the hatred and fear expressed through violence.

As we move through challenging times we can be reborn and we can encourage others too. We can be fearless and speak out, knowing God is with us. We can transform our vulnerability into strength and our fear into peace through tolerance and compassion.

Acts 18: 9-18. God is king of all the earth. Ps 46(47):2-7. John 16:20-23.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.09.13

‘You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.’

Last September, my father died. As I drove to the airport to catch the plane to see him alive for the last time, I was crying, sorrowful. I spoke with him at 8.00 PM, and at 4.00 AM I held his hand as he breathed his last. That was a dark hour, emotionally, I left his bedroom and sat on the balcony of my parents’ home, looking east, remembering a great life, missing him already.

At 5.00 AM, the sun lifted itself slowly over the sea and above the clouds, and I knew that the sorrow was past. Dad had a new life, and so did 1. His death had made him present to me in a new way, a wonderful thing only possible because of Jesus’ own death and resurrection.

Acts 18:1-8. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Ps 97(98):1-4. John 16:16-20.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.08.13

His splendour transcends earth and heaven.

The words of today’s psalm, ‘He heightens the strength of his people’, reinforce our understanding of Jesus’ words as presented by John. When the Spirit of truth comes, Jesus says, we will understand the new order he brought. By being open to the Spirit, the indwelling presence of God within us, we begin to see how it can animate our lives and open doors to understandings we could never imagine.

‘The Spirit blows where it pleases, and for those of us on the journey, all we can do is listen and remain open.’ Through contemplative prayer we can tap into the Spirit always there: ‘It’s a way of living in the Presence, living in awareness of the Presence, and even of enjoying the Presence’ (Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer).

Acts 17:15, 22 – 18:1. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Ps 148:1-2, 11-14. John 16:12-15.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.07.13

‘Your right hand has saved me, O Lord.’

Today’s psalm celebrates God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. The story of Paul and Silas escaping from prison shows us the power of God to bring major transformations to our lives. Paul and Silas do not simply celebrate their good fortune and flee to freedom straight away. They take time to share God’s love with the prison guard who had kept them captive as well as his family.

Do I sing songs of praise to God in the midst of my troubles? When God answers my prayers do I, like the psalmist, feel the strength of my soul increased? Do I love the very person who attempts to keep me in chains? When I receive unexpected gifts of grace and freedom, do I share those gifts with others?

Acts 16:22-34. Your right hand has saved me, O Lord. Ps 137(138):1-3, 7-8. John 16:5-11.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.06.13

‘I have told you all this so that you may remember that I told you.’

Today we read of Jesus preparing his disciples for his imminent departure. He wants to make sure his followers will not forget his promise. He has already been preparing them for what may happen. Jesus is giving us that same reminder, for he knows we too live in a hostile world and are sure to encounter suffering.

When we experience difficulties, it is very easy to forget that Jesus told us this would happen. Our world can be critical of those who practice a religious faith, of people who are different, of people who speak a different language, of people who have a disability.

Lord, when I am being jeered at or criticized, help me to remember your promise that the Spirit of truth is with me.

Acts 16:11-15. The Lord takes delight in his people. Ps 149:1-6, 9. John 15:26 – 16:4.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.05.13

‘Let not your hearts be troubled.’

Both the first reading and the gospel today deal with the struggles of the new followers of Christ. His way was different to traditional Judaism and these followers were confused and rattled. There was so much they did not understand. But in both these readings there are simple instructions.

In Acts, the people are told that no greater burden is laid on them than ‘these necessary things’. In John, Jesus says to his followers, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled.’

Both these readings are a reassurance and a reminder not to allow our faith and lives to become too complicated. So much of Jesus’ teaching was helping people find clarity. Let us seek that today.

W. Acts 15:1‑2, 22-29. O God, let all the nations praise you! Ps 66(67):2-3, 5-6, 8. Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23. John 14:23-29.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.04.13

‘I chose you out of this world.’

Being chosen means that we are part of the divine design, the design of love, whereby the Father, Son and Spirit create and draw us into the kingdom of love. Jesus anticipates the vulnerability of his friends, knowing that they are only truly strong when he is beside them. However, the recognition that we are chosen imparts a certain strength. We find that we are able to step away from the crowd, and have the ability to behave with a clear and independent mind. The status quo may not contain the best solutions.

In Jesus, gentleness, self-control and compassion become standard components of our life. These attributes are only achieved by walking with Jesus in our daily round. Let us ask for his guidance in using our talents.

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Ps 99(100):1-3, 5. John 15:18-21.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.03.13

Jesus, my Lord, may you truly be my way, my truth, my life.

Give me the grace to walk in your footsteps, imitating you in doing good to all and by patient suffering. No one comes to the Father except through you, who are one with the Father. Jesus, you are both my Way and my journey’s End.

Teach me your truth; for you alone have the words of eternal life and only your words are spirit and life. Give me the grace to die to myself and live only to you who died and rose again for me. For then shall I have life and have it to the full, and come to possess eternal life in possessing you.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8. Their message goes out through all the earth. Ps 18(19):2-5. John 14:6-14.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.02.13

‘I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.’

Lots of people would pay a fortune for the secret to ‘complete joy’. It’s a good thing that in today’s reading Jesus gives it away for free! From its very beginning Christianity has been about the proclamation of joy. ‘Behold I bring you good news of great joy’, announced the angels at Jesus’ birth. Joy is at the heart of God’s plan for human beings. Joy is at the heart of Jesus himself.

Pope Benedict said a while back: ‘The world needs to recover the joy of faith.’ But joyfulness is a learned skill. It is also a daily decision, one that lifts us up above our circumstances. When we celebrate each day, we are exercising our ability to see and feel God’s goodness in all things.

Acts 15:7‑21. Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations. Ps 95(96):1-3, 10. John 15:9-11.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 05.01.13

The vine and the branches.

Jesus came on earth to share our life. He grew up, worked, died-all this the better to share his life with us. United with him, we have superhuman powers, and are superhuman beings, destined for eternal happiness with God.

Blood transfusions or heart transplants may save human lives, but that life remains merely human. Jesus offers to take us not to another planet or a distant star but to another level of reality-we are now God’s children. Do I make myself miserable because I do not have some lesser gifts such as beauty, brains, wealth or popularity? One day I will lack nothing: but meanwhile I have what is most important-Christ himself. Dear Lord, help me to be content.

Acts 15:1‑6. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Ps 121(122):1-5. John 15:1-8.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.30.13

Grant your people constancy in faith and hope that we may never doubt the promises we have learned from you.

The example of Paul’s faith and hope was that, after having been stoned so that he was thought to be dead, he was able to travel with Barnabas the next day to preach in Derbe! And then to travel back to Antioch to put ‘fresh heart into the disciples’ and to encourage them to persevere in the faith.

Paul did not doubt that what Jesus promised would be fulfilled. Would that we were so constant in our faith and hope!

Jesus handed down to us his own peace. Jesus tells us: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.’ Paul encourages the disciples: ‘We all have to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God.’

Let us trust in God, not that we will not be sent hardships, but that we will endure in faith and hope when we experience these hardships.

Acts 14:19-28. Your friends tell the glory of your kingship, Lord - Ps 144(145):10-13, 21. John 14:27‑31.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.29.13

The Holy Spirit, who the Father will send, will teach you all things.

In my prayerful reflection today I will endeavour to hear the words of Jesus recorded in this gospel extract from his supper discourse as if they were addressed to me personally.

Calling me by name, Jesus says to me: ‘If you love me, you will keep my word and my Father will love you and we will come to you and make our home with you.’

To me he promises to send the Holy Spirit who will teach me everything and remind me of all that he has said to me. O Lord, may I never forget your steadfast love and faithfulness.

Draw me ever more closely to yourself and open my ears to hear your saving word, to understand it more fully and to live my life in accordance with it.

Acts 14:5-18. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory - Ps 113B(115):1-4, 15-16. John 14:21‑26.

TRUTH OR TRADITION?  – WHY STUDY? #6     #220

Why Study The Bible?
In recent articles in this column, we have been examining some reasons why it is good to study The Bible.  1. It Is The Word Of God.  It is a love letter from the One who created us and gave us life.  2. It Is The Law Of Liberty.  So much of what we believe to be freedom ends up in slavery.  3. It Is A Complete Guide For This Life.  It tells us everything we need to know about life and how to get the best out of it.  4. It Tells Of Man’s Origin.  Man’s theories keep changing with time.  The Bible is the only book that tells it like it is, and has not changed one iota since it was first penned.  5. It Tells Of Man’s Duty.  The One who gave us life, expects us to fear Him and keep His commandments.  It’s really in our own best interest that we do so.

6.  It Tells Of Man’s Destiny.
Not only is The Bible the only book that tells of our origin, where we came from, but also the only book that tells of our destiny, where we are going.

Youth, Old Age, Death.
In the last chapter of his search for the meaning of life, Solomon speaks about the first three legs of our journey in this life:  Youth, Old Age, and Death (Ecclesiastes 12).  Remember your Creator in your YOUTH (verse 1).  There follows several pictures of OLD AGE (verses 2-6). Then comes some figures of DEATH (verse 6).  “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it (verse 7).

After Death Comes The Resurrection.
Jesus takes us to the next step:  “Marvel not at this:  for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29) .

After The Resurrection Comes The Judgment.
Matthew records the next step in the schedule of life:  “When the Son of man shall come in his glory…before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats…And these (the goats) shall go away into everlasting punishment:  but the righteous (sheep) into life eternal” (Matt 25:31-32, 46) .

An Unknown Destination.
If you were making a journey to an unknown destination, you would need to know something about the weather conditions, the road conditions, and what lies at the end of that journey.  When Abraham was called to leave Ur of the Chaldees, he didn’t even know where he was going, but God promised to show him the way.  God became Abraham’s GPS.  Since we don’t know where Heaven is, how can we know the way?  The Bible is our GPS that not only guides us in the right way, but also prepares us for the journey.  We need to spend time with it, and learn how to use it, that we be not deceived by false guidance systems.

Steer Creek Church of Christ,  3466 Rosedale Road,  Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone:  304.462.0384     E-Mail:  “ghmiller@rtol.net”  Web Site:  steercreekchurchofchrist.org

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.27.13

They were filled with joy and Holy Spirit.

We can still find shining examples of the robust confidence and courage of Paul and the early Christians. Even if our own lives often seem to reflect so little, we have only to look wherever the modern church is persecuted.

Today’s beautiful gospel is part of Jesus’ long, loving farewell to his disciples. Understanding that they were demoralised and disturbed, and that they still failed to recognise the true nature of his mission, he sought to comfort them and strengthen their faith.

On the eve of his Passion, he bequeathed to them the Spirit, to guide them and all his followers after his departure.
Holy Spirit, stay with us always. Fill us with your hope and peace and help us to do the Father’s will.

Acts 13:44-52. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God - Ps 97(98):1-4. John 14:7-14.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.26.13

May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.

Peter’s letter today speaks of how to be in community: how to lead with humility; how to be an example to others by the way in which we live our lives; how to stand in solidarity with others; how to surrender and trust in our God.
None of these things is easy, or even comes naturally.

Are we aware when we are acting from ego and self interest? How does this feel different from when we are surrendering to and trusting in our God?

In our prayer today let us spend some time surrendering to and trusting God. As Edwina Gateley so beautifully encourages us: ‘Just be exactly where you are - it is where you are meant to be. Rejoice in it.’

Peter 5:5-14. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord - Ps 88(89):2-3, 6-7, 16-17. Mark 16:15‑20.

Pauline Payne Zinn

Pauline Payne Zinn

Age 94, passed away with family around her on April 24, 2013 at Pine View Continuous Care, Harrisville, WV.

She was born July 11, 1918 at Cairo, WV, the daughter of the late Harry and Mabel Payne.
Pauline graduated from Cairo High School in 1936. She was employed by the Ritchie County Department of Public Assistance until 1943 when she married and began to rear her family. After many years as a homemaker, she returned to the now West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in 1967 and from which she retired after 22 years of service. Over the years, she was also active with the Farm Bureau, Homemakers Club and the Harmony 4-H Club.

She was reared Presbyterian and then became a member of the Lawford Methodist Episcopal Church and later the Newberne United Methodist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Roy Zinn (Barbara) of Tiffin, OH and W. Harris Zinn (Linda) of Mt. Clare, WV; one daughter, Paula Byrd (Richard) of Smithville, WV; grandchildren, Doug Zinn (Tracy) of Columbus, OH, Ryan Zinn of Columbus, OH, Tracy Snodgrass (Bub) of Hazelgreen, WV, Jeremy Zinn (Felicia) of Gray, LA, Amanda Layfield (Bryan) of Whiteman AFB, MO, Chris Byrd (Kelley) Harrisville, WV, Nathaniel Zinn of Morgantown, WV, and Cory Zinn of The Cayman Islands; six great-grandsons; and one brother, J. Robert Payne of Charleston, WV.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Roy S. Zinn, Jr. and brother, William B. Payne.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 29, 2013 at Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville with Rev. John Frum officiating.

Burial will follow in the Lawford Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2:00-5:00 PM.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.25.13

‘If it dies, it produces many grains.’

Today we commemorate the men who gave their lives in sacrifice for the good of their country at Gallipoli in World War I. Each year, on 25 April, groups of Australians, war veterans, young people and others, visit Gallipoli where it all happened, to contemplate the meaning and worth of that suffering.

The readings at Mass remind us of the Child who was born to us, the Son who was given to us, the One whose rule was to be one of wisdom and peace. It is in the light of this Wonderful Counsellor, this Prince of Peace, that we must evaluate the worth of sacrificing men and women, mostly young, in battlefields throughout the world.

Isaiah 9:1-6 / Wisdom 3:1-9. Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace for ever - Ps 71(72):2-4, 7-8, 12-13, 17. Ephesians 2:13-18 / 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. John 12:23-28 / John 14:23-29.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.24.13

‘What I say is what the Father has told me to say.’

Few things in life are more difficult than acting as a mediator, endeavouring to create harmony where there is dissension. It is quite moving to hear Jesus speaking of himself as a mediator in today’s gospel reading. He begins with the seeming contradiction that anyone who believes in him does not believe in him but believes in the one who sent him. He then describes his mediating strategy: ‘I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them because I came not to judge the world but to save the world.’

To respond to Jesus as an intermediary between us and his Father is to be drawn deeply into the ongoing mystery of redemption. Through his mediation, of which we are part, the Father’s merciful love touches the whole of creation.

Acts 12:24 – 13:5. O God, let all the nations praise you! - Ps 66(67):2-3, 5-6, 8. John 12:44-50.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.23.13

‘The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness.’

In other words, just watch what I do, how I live - that will reveal who I am. Jesus’ whole being was so clearly attuned to his love for the Father and all the Father’s children that he could make such a statement.

Scary stuff! If I think of inviting people to look at my life and decide from that observation who I am, I realise how often fear, hurt or jealousy distort my words and actions. Jesus, my desires so rarely show forth in what I do. Draw me closer to yourself. Heal the hurts and take away the fears that distort my attempts to love. Comfort me with the assurance that you know the desires of my heart.

Acts 11:19-26. All you nations, praise the Lord - Ps 86(87):1-7. John 10:22-30.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.22.13

‘I have come that you may have life - life in all its fullness.’

Life is not mere existence - even inanimate things exist. The life Jesus intends for each of us is a sharing in the being of God. The life that we receive from the Word we receive is God’s gift through the One who was manifested in him.

Lord, ‘you are unchangeable, yet you change all things. You are new, never old, and yet all things have new life from you.’ Help me to lose myself in you, to find myself in you, ever again, to love you in all. Yes, you have loved all into being. May all your people learn to listen, share with each other and reflect together on their lives in the light of the Gospel. Give me, Lord, only your love.

Acts 11:1-18. My soul is thirsting for the living God - Ps 41(42):2-3; 42(43):3-4. John 10:1-10.

TRUTH OR TRADITION?  – WHY STUDY? #5   #219

Why Study The Bible?
“A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of a knowledge of The Bible.”  (Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States).  In recent articles in this column we have been examining some reasons why it is good to spend time with The Bible.  1. It Is The Word Of God.  It is a letter from the one who created us and gave us life.  2. It Is The Law Of Liberty.  So much of what we believe to be freedom, ends up in slavery.  3. It Is A Complete Guide For This Life.  It tells us everything we need to know about this life and how to get the best out of it.  4. It Tells Of Man’s Origin.  Man’s theories keep changing with time.  The Bible is the only book that tells it like it is, and has not changed one iota since it was first penned.

5. It Tells Of Man’s Duty.
Now we’re getting to the real reason why so many do not believe The Bible to be the Word of God…they don’t want to believe it.  If they believed it,
they would feel obligated to obey it.

Man’s Duty.
After Solomon’s search to find what life is all about, he concluded:  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”  (Eccl. 12:13) .  There is man’s duty to his Creator in a nutshell:  Fear Him and do what He says.

Jesus summed it all up in one little four-letter word:  LOVE.  When asked the greatest commandment in the law,  He responded with two:  #1 Love the Lord thy God, and #2 Love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:37-39) .  If we could only learn to love, as God loves (AGAPE), everything else would fall into place.  That’s man’s entire duty to His Creator…learn to love.

Ye Do Err.
When the Sadducees came to Jesus with what they thought was solid evidence against the resurrection and future life, Jesus replied:  “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matt 22:29) .  They were familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, but they didn’t know (understand) them all, or they wouldn’t have made such an argument.

If you believe that all you need to do to get to heaven is keep the Ten Commandments, ye do err not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  If you believe that you and Jesus have it all worked out without the church, ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  If you believe that Jesus is going to come back to earth and set up a kingdom and reign on earth for a thousand years, ye do err, now knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  If you believe that baptism is not essential for the remission of sins, ye do err, now knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  If you would like to sit down, open our Bibles and discuss any of these matters, give me a call at 304.462.0384.

Steer Creek Church of Christ,  3466 Rosedale Road,  Stumptown WV 25267
Minister: Gene H Miller, 3281 Rosedale Road, Shock WV 26638-8410.
Phone:  304.462.0384     E-Mail:  “ghmiller@rtol.net”  Web Site:  steercreekchurchofchrist.org

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.20.13

‘What return can I make to the Lord for all he has given me?’

My child looks at me and smiles his first smile and I know in that instant I am blessed. How can I repay God? What can I offer him in thanks for his great goodness? He has looked at me with love and compassion and blessed me with life, the gift of children, of family.

How can I ever repay this generosity? My happiness and gratitude are overflowing. My spirit dances. I shall give God my time. A quiet prayer. A grateful pause. A moment of grace and thanksgiving in my daily life. A breath of pure praise. I lift up my spirit to God, for all that is good and lasting has come from him.

Acts 9:31-42. What return can I make to the Lord for all that he gives to me? - Ps 115(116):12-17. John 6:60-69.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.19.13

‘Those who eat this bread will live forever.’

In today’s gospel, Jesus is speaking not only to his disciples but also to ‘the Jews’, probably meaning both sincere listeners and people who could not accept his teaching. People who accept Jesus are constantly strengthened by their awareness of him with us not only in the Eucharist, as presented in the gospel today, but also in his abiding presence in the depths of our hearts.

By faithful prayer we deepen our sense of that presence in our hearts. In our prayer time, let us follow the promptings of the Spirit as we thank, praise, ask, and present to God whatever else arises in us.

Acts 9:1-20. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News - Ps 116(117). John 6:52-59.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.18.13

‘I am the living bread.’

What does it mean to say that Jesus is the ‘living bread’? First, it means that Jesus isn’t stale. The world hasn’t moved on from needing to hear the Gospel. The Good News is not old news - as stale as yesterday’s bread.

Jesus is the Living Bread because what it means to be truly human is the same now as it has always been. Human beings still yearn for love, acceptance, healing, compassion, forgiveness, community and justice. Every generation seeks out these same basic desires and needs, and every generation still gets it wrong one way or another.

The Living Bread of Christ is the faithful and sure way to be truly human. Every other way is a dead end. Christ is the way of life. Christ is the way to be authentically and genuinely human.

Acts 8:26-40. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy - Ps 65(66):8-9, 16-17, 20. John 6:44-51.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.17.13

‘I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.’

In life, there are moments of foreboding, of illness, of apprehension, moments when we confront our mortality. There is a touch of fear for we face the unknown, are faced with the inescapable fact of our dissolution. At these times, human courage is inadequate; the presence of those we love and who love us reaches only so far to touch and to heal the dread which assails us.

Yet these are moments of grace, for they are moments when we face the mystery of our creaturehood and enter into the mystery of the one who created us out of love. Love is the ultimate mystery. It is love which offers hope; it is love which calls forth faith; it is love which knows no reason but that one loves. This is the Father the Son has revealed.

Acts 8:1-8. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy - Ps 65(66):1-7. John 6:35-40.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.16.13

I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love.

Dear Lord, people who challenge their listeners, who point out to them that they are opposing the Holy Spirit just as their ancestors did, are rarely popular. Stephen must have known this, but he went ahead because, we are told, he was full of grace and power.

As we reflect on this scene what can we learn? Not many of us are full of grace and power but every one of us can call on the Holy Spirit, knowing, with the psalmist, that we can rejoice and exult in God’s steadfast love. We must be prepared to listen to the Holy Spirit so that, with your help, Lord, we can resemble Stephen rather than his listeners.

Acts 7:51 – 8:1. Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit - Ps 30(31):3-4, 6-8, 17, 21. John 6:30-35.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.15.13

They ate the loaves and were filled.

There is such an ‘emptiness’ epidemic in Australia today. Our mission seems to be to go out and fill ourselves up with ‘things’- be a gym junkie, shop till you drop, drink to get drunk, watch television all day. Sometimes, we do need distractions to help us cope. There is nothing wrong with being fit, wearing nice clothes, drinking a good wine and watching a good show.

The problem seems to be that we don’t know when enough is enough! At some stage, we do need to face our issues and not just escape reality and fill ourselves with things. If we could only give God a chance first! Allow him to fill the emptiness. Let us turn to our loving God, surrender our problems and allow God to give us the peace we need. What do I need to surrender to God today?

Acts 6:8-15. Blessed are they who walk in the way of the Lord - Ps 118(119):23-24, 26-27, 29-30. John 6:22-29.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.14.13

‘It is the Lord.’

As was the case in other post-resurrection appearances by Jesus, recognition is somewhat delayed. The fishermen had obeyed the advice of the stranger and were rewarded with a large haul of fish. After his resurrection, Jesus takes centre stage. Peter is presented with three opportunities to confirm his love for Jesus.

This passage is in stark contrast to Jesus being denied three times by Peter in the early part of Jesus’ passion. Immediately after Peter affirms his love for him, Jesus forewarns Peter of what lies ahead for him. That is, death as a martyr for his faith in Jesus and thereby confirming his professed love. Let us pray for the grace to be confirmed in our faith.

Acts 5:27-32, 40-41. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me - Ps 29(30):2, 4-6, 11-13. Apocalypse 5:11-14. John 21:1-19.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.13.13

Jesus comes to his disciples.

Picture the scene on the sea of Tiberias. It was dark. The wind had blown up and the waves were rocking the boat. Then someone approaches, walking on the water. The disciples were terrified. ‘Don’t be afraid. It’s me!’ Jesus said. (Don’t you love the intimacy of these words?) Immediately their fears are abated. They are safe.

In the psalm we hear that God watches over those who fear him. This is a fear that is mingled with reverence. Acts has a practical message for us. A problem was reported. The Greeks complained that their widows were being overlooked. The apostles agreed that something must be done. They called a meeting and instructed the brothers how to proceed.
Notice how prayer was paramount both in the apostles’ work of service and in the election of leaders. May we follow their example and always link our decision-making and our action to prayer.

Acts 6:1-7. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you - Ps 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 18-19. John 6:16-21.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.12.13

‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’

What politician or public figure, seeing a crowd arriving to hear him or her speak, would be concerned about their welfare? If it were an isolated area, would he or she worry about how they might get food or drink? Yet Jesus did just that. Not only did he speak to them of the Father’s love and show compassion by healing the sick, he also responded to their basic need for food.

Jesus got there before psychologist Abraham Maslow, with his hierarchy of needs. There is no point in speaking to people about the love of God if they are hungry, frightened or without shelter. Jesus, help me look at my world as you do. Help me see the poverty and loneliness that exist in my street or suburb and respond where I can.

Acts 5:34-42. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord - Ps 26(27):1, 4, 13-14. John 6:1-15.

G-MM™: Meditation Moment - 04.11.13

Peter speaks out forthrightly.

‘God raised Jesus from death to be our savior ... and we are witnesses of these things.’ Peter probably had heard, and maybe here was unconsciously echoing, John the Baptist’s outspokenness as we hear Jesus speak of it in today’s gospel. ‘He tells what he has seen and heard.’

Jesus, my Lord, I accept you with all my heart. Help me to hold on to that faith. Deepen it. Strengthen it. Forgive my weaknesses and my self-centeredness

Acts 5:27-33. The Lord hears the cry of the poor - Ps 33(34):2, 9, 17-20. John 3:31-36.