Yesterday as I continued to pray and reflect on the story of Mary and Jesus in John's gospel. The gospel tells the story fo Mary anointing the feet of Jesus with a very expensive perfume. This took place at an ordinary meal with Judas and Martha also present.
Two things about this story may surprise us. First, why would Mary interrupt their meal and use such expensive perfume on Jesus' feet? Second, her act of anointing points us ahead several days to Jesus' death on the cross and burial in a tomb.
Mary used expensive perfume only found in India. Pouring this on the feet of Jesus and wiping his feet with her hair was a demonstation of her love for Jesus and her sacrifice for him.
Her act of anointing anticipates Joseph of Arimethea taking Jesus' body from the cross to a tomb. The morning of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the women were on their way to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices and perfume.
As you look around you life and our world, what acts of generosity and sacrifice like Mary's do you see taking place?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Why do we worship?
"Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; in the company of the upright, in the great congregation. Great are the works of the Lord..."
So sings out the writer of Psalm111. What an uplifting reminder of why we as Christians worship the Lord our God. We come into God's presence in Jesus Christ in the company of the faithful to offer our thanks and praise.
Can you list all that the Lord has done for you on this day? No matter what kind of day you might be having if you sit down for a moment and begin to list all that God has done for you, you may be suprised at how your list grows.
I am so thankful this day for our worship life at Maple Grove Lutheran. We are blessed to gather in Christ's name in worship.
My prayer always is that more and more people will gather to worship weekly. No matter the schedule and demands of life. No matter the other commitments we might have, may we gather weekly and faithfully for worship.
See you in church!
Pr. Durk
So sings out the writer of Psalm111. What an uplifting reminder of why we as Christians worship the Lord our God. We come into God's presence in Jesus Christ in the company of the faithful to offer our thanks and praise.
Can you list all that the Lord has done for you on this day? No matter what kind of day you might be having if you sit down for a moment and begin to list all that God has done for you, you may be suprised at how your list grows.
I am so thankful this day for our worship life at Maple Grove Lutheran. We are blessed to gather in Christ's name in worship.
My prayer always is that more and more people will gather to worship weekly. No matter the schedule and demands of life. No matter the other commitments we might have, may we gather weekly and faithfully for worship.
See you in church!
Pr. Durk
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Crying out to God: Psalm 109
Do you ever find yourself calling out to God to "act now!" Do you find yourself crying out for the Lord to help you in times of trouble?
In Psalm 109 the writer cries out to God for help with enemies. He is experiencing pain and suffering from enemies who are speaking wicked and deceitful things about him.
"But, you, O Lord, my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!"
The psalm writers knows that he can depend on God's love. God's love is sure and faithful!
My hope and prayer is that God's love in Christ will provide you all the assurance and confidence you will ever need. Whether you are facing conflict and enemies or other challenges in life, God's steadfast love always remains active on your behalf.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
In Psalm 109 the writer cries out to God for help with enemies. He is experiencing pain and suffering from enemies who are speaking wicked and deceitful things about him.
"But, you, O Lord, my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!"
The psalm writers knows that he can depend on God's love. God's love is sure and faithful!
My hope and prayer is that God's love in Christ will provide you all the assurance and confidence you will ever need. Whether you are facing conflict and enemies or other challenges in life, God's steadfast love always remains active on your behalf.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Beginnings....
Friends in Christ,
God's grace be with you!
I am excited to start sharing some thoughts and reflections on scriptures, books, articles, movies, and church life. In addition, I will share portions of recent sermons.
Please e-mail me with suggestions and comments you might have about this blog. It is my hope and prayer that what is shared will be helpful and stimulating to you.
May God guide and direct your days,
-Pr. Durk
God's grace be with you!
I am excited to start sharing some thoughts and reflections on scriptures, books, articles, movies, and church life. In addition, I will share portions of recent sermons.
Please e-mail me with suggestions and comments you might have about this blog. It is my hope and prayer that what is shared will be helpful and stimulating to you.
May God guide and direct your days,
-Pr. Durk
Monday, March 5, 2007
Psalm 105 Reflections
In Psalm 105 the writer begins by saying the should give thanks to the Lord, calling on his name and make his deeds known among people. In this opening verse he captures our call to worship and witness. When is the last time you found yourself calling out to the Lord? When is the last time you made his deeds know or talked about the workings of our God with others?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Welcome to Pastor Durk's Blog
Friends in Christ,
I'm finally getting around to trying this blogging thing out. I hope to share thoughts on scriptures, church life, readings, and other observations in this space. Members of Maple Grove Lutheran and others are invited to read these and let me know what you think about God and our journey as disciples of Christ.
Peace!
Pr. Durk
I'm finally getting around to trying this blogging thing out. I hope to share thoughts on scriptures, church life, readings, and other observations in this space. Members of Maple Grove Lutheran and others are invited to read these and let me know what you think about God and our journey as disciples of Christ.
Peace!
Pr. Durk
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