Rev. John Mollet has decided to resume the 10 and 10 readings that relate to the week's sermon. As before, the scripture readings will relate to the sermon that was preached the previous Sunday. So this week's readings deal with forgiveness.
Please update your bookmarks: the 10 and 10 blog is now housed on our website (instead of the previously-used Blogger page). The URL is www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/10and10.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Season of Transition
We've been using that phrase a lot lately... "a season of transition." It seems appropriate. We know it's a season. Time will go by. Ministry will continue. Lives will be lived. Hope and happiness and joy will be renewed. The word "season" by it's very nature indicates that it will only last for a time. For each of us, this season will be different. Some seasons may last longer than others. But somehow we are okay with the thought of a season coming to an end.
Sometimes what we're not okay with is the "transition" part. Very often we dig in our heels and resist change with all our might. The transition we are having at FUMC Grapevine is not at all what we had planned. Nonetheless, we look forward with hope to what God has for us in the future.
As this season of Lent comes to an end, we come to the end of the 10 & 10 lessons that Ken had planned for us. With much prayer and thought, we have decided to let this blog end with the resurrection message of Easter. As Rick said yesterday, "The resurrection is what fuels our witness to the world that God loves us so much...." Let us live as Easter people!
When Rev. John Mollet comes to be our pastor on June 15, he will have his own thoughts on how to share devotional messages with you. Until then, we encourage you to continue your daily scripture readings and prayer time. Be in prayer for John. Pray for the church as we look up and look forward.
I pray for you all... wisdom, peace, comfort, healing, blessings...
~ Melissia
Resources for devotional time:
The Upper Room Daily Devotion
Our Daily Bread Daily Devotion
The Bible Online
Grief Check
If you would like insight into the grief process, please join us for a "Grief Check" with Dr. John Schaub on Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 PM in Leach Hall. read more...
Sometimes what we're not okay with is the "transition" part. Very often we dig in our heels and resist change with all our might. The transition we are having at FUMC Grapevine is not at all what we had planned. Nonetheless, we look forward with hope to what God has for us in the future.
As this season of Lent comes to an end, we come to the end of the 10 & 10 lessons that Ken had planned for us. With much prayer and thought, we have decided to let this blog end with the resurrection message of Easter. As Rick said yesterday, "The resurrection is what fuels our witness to the world that God loves us so much...." Let us live as Easter people!
When Rev. John Mollet comes to be our pastor on June 15, he will have his own thoughts on how to share devotional messages with you. Until then, we encourage you to continue your daily scripture readings and prayer time. Be in prayer for John. Pray for the church as we look up and look forward.
I pray for you all... wisdom, peace, comfort, healing, blessings...
~ Melissia
Resources for devotional time:
The Upper Room Daily Devotion
Our Daily Bread Daily Devotion
The Bible Online
Grief Check
If you would like insight into the grief process, please join us for a "Grief Check" with Dr. John Schaub on Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 PM in Leach Hall. read more...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 24 by Rev. Rick Mang
Read Mark 16.
The resurrection is important for many good reasons. It teaches us that Jesus keeps his promises (to rise from the dead). It ensures that the ruler of God’s Kingdom is a living Christ, and not some hope or dream. It gives us the assurance that we will also be resurrected with Christ in the last days. It shows us that the power God used to raise Christ from the dead is the same power made available to us.
But in the end, the resurrection is what gives substance to, and fuels our witness to the world that God loves us so much, and desires an intimate relationship with each and every one of us.
Dear God, thank you for the resurrection, especially the power it gives us to do our part to further your Kingdom in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The resurrection is important for many good reasons. It teaches us that Jesus keeps his promises (to rise from the dead). It ensures that the ruler of God’s Kingdom is a living Christ, and not some hope or dream. It gives us the assurance that we will also be resurrected with Christ in the last days. It shows us that the power God used to raise Christ from the dead is the same power made available to us.
But in the end, the resurrection is what gives substance to, and fuels our witness to the world that God loves us so much, and desires an intimate relationship with each and every one of us.
Dear God, thank you for the resurrection, especially the power it gives us to do our part to further your Kingdom in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday, April 23 by Trudy Hughes
Read Mark 13.
As we read this chapter in Mark, we are warned of signs of the End of the Age. As I read them, I immediately thought of the Chilean earthquake that happened on February 11. This earthquake happened in the same location and a year to the month from the one that caused a tsunami in 2010. Scripture points to “nation will rise against nation” which brings to mind the turmoil in Egypt. Are these signs of the end?
For years many people have felt they could predict the end because of signs like these. But Scripture points out in verse 32, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” It is wise to prepare, to not be sleeping, to be on watch for the time will come and we want to be ready!
Heavenly Father, help us to be ready for your Son’s second coming. Help us to be on guard and guide us with your holy word. In Christ’s name, Amen.
As we read this chapter in Mark, we are warned of signs of the End of the Age. As I read them, I immediately thought of the Chilean earthquake that happened on February 11. This earthquake happened in the same location and a year to the month from the one that caused a tsunami in 2010. Scripture points to “nation will rise against nation” which brings to mind the turmoil in Egypt. Are these signs of the end?
For years many people have felt they could predict the end because of signs like these. But Scripture points out in verse 32, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” It is wise to prepare, to not be sleeping, to be on watch for the time will come and we want to be ready!
Heavenly Father, help us to be ready for your Son’s second coming. Help us to be on guard and guide us with your holy word. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, April 22 by Rev. Armando Alvarado
Read Mark 12.
“The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford – she gave her all.” Mark 12:44 (The Message)
“I’m looking for people to help bag food for Weekend Food. Do you know anyone that might be interested?” During the message in the Spanish Service one Sunday, I mentioned how Weekend Foods was changing lives. How First Methodist was involved in helping children and families have food over the weekend. Wow! What a surprise! People from the Spanish Service asked if they could help. Time is very important for people who have very little. Time spent working is critical to making money in order to support their family. One day or a whole week without work can put some of the families in the Grapevine Village in a hole from which they can’t recover without assistance. Yet they are willing to use their time to help prepare bags of food for children in the schools. And many volunteer for other ministries as well. When I think about the scripture passage above, it challenges me and causes me to wonder if I give extravagantly and give it my all? Have you surrendered it all to Jesus? I believe that Jesus tells his disciples what he observes about the poor widow is imperative and an example of what we believe. Trust the Lord.
God, creator of the universe and of life, we praise and bless your name. Teach us how to fully trust in you. Teach us how to be your faithful disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
“The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford – she gave her all.” Mark 12:44 (The Message)
“I’m looking for people to help bag food for Weekend Food. Do you know anyone that might be interested?” During the message in the Spanish Service one Sunday, I mentioned how Weekend Foods was changing lives. How First Methodist was involved in helping children and families have food over the weekend. Wow! What a surprise! People from the Spanish Service asked if they could help. Time is very important for people who have very little. Time spent working is critical to making money in order to support their family. One day or a whole week without work can put some of the families in the Grapevine Village in a hole from which they can’t recover without assistance. Yet they are willing to use their time to help prepare bags of food for children in the schools. And many volunteer for other ministries as well. When I think about the scripture passage above, it challenges me and causes me to wonder if I give extravagantly and give it my all? Have you surrendered it all to Jesus? I believe that Jesus tells his disciples what he observes about the poor widow is imperative and an example of what we believe. Trust the Lord.
God, creator of the universe and of life, we praise and bless your name. Teach us how to fully trust in you. Teach us how to be your faithful disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, April 21 by Rev. Nathan Firmin
Read Mark 11.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem begins with a flourish. Crowds greet him with hosannas and palm branches in his path. The week continues with quality time in conversation with his disciples, teaching, and prayer. But things take a turn toward confrontation when Jesus runs the money changers out of the Temple. Those in charge take note and begin to ask the question, “Who is this man, and who is he to be saying and doing these things?” They want to know their adversary before neutralizing him by whatever means necessary.
At first reading, Jesus appears to be a man bent on tearing down the institution of the Temple and the worship therein. But, in fact, he was reminding his people of the real, original reasons for worship, which was not dependent on a place, but is based instead on a relationship with God no matter where we find ourselves. His call was not to abandon the Temple or to denigrate it, but to remind people that God had no need of a Temple or its trappings to have a relationship with humanity. Jesus found a people with an inward focus and pointed them outside themselves. They refused to look outward and lost the Temple they held so dear.
Our church is learning to look outward and the blessings mount up almost daily. New friendships and connections are fighting hunger and bringing learning to those who need it most. People with emergency needs are finding help through the generosity of our members. An outward focus can change the world.
Gracious God, we thank you for the place and people you have gathered to worship you. Grant us the wisdom and courage to continue to see where you would send us from this place. Amen.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem begins with a flourish. Crowds greet him with hosannas and palm branches in his path. The week continues with quality time in conversation with his disciples, teaching, and prayer. But things take a turn toward confrontation when Jesus runs the money changers out of the Temple. Those in charge take note and begin to ask the question, “Who is this man, and who is he to be saying and doing these things?” They want to know their adversary before neutralizing him by whatever means necessary.
At first reading, Jesus appears to be a man bent on tearing down the institution of the Temple and the worship therein. But, in fact, he was reminding his people of the real, original reasons for worship, which was not dependent on a place, but is based instead on a relationship with God no matter where we find ourselves. His call was not to abandon the Temple or to denigrate it, but to remind people that God had no need of a Temple or its trappings to have a relationship with humanity. Jesus found a people with an inward focus and pointed them outside themselves. They refused to look outward and lost the Temple they held so dear.
Our church is learning to look outward and the blessings mount up almost daily. New friendships and connections are fighting hunger and bringing learning to those who need it most. People with emergency needs are finding help through the generosity of our members. An outward focus can change the world.
Gracious God, we thank you for the place and people you have gathered to worship you. Grant us the wisdom and courage to continue to see where you would send us from this place. Amen.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday, April 20 by Dr. Cindy Ryan
Read Mark 10:17-52.
Would you rather be rich, confused or loud? The rich young ruler asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. The young man walks away “with a heavy heart because he was holding tightly to a lot of things and not about to let go.” The Message
This story leads to a discussion among the disciples about who gets into heaven. Jesus tells them it is practically impossible-except with God’s help. The disciples are confused and stay confused and then something interesting happens.
A blind beggar hears that Jesus is coming by. He screams at the top of his lungs, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me.” He is so loud that many try to hush him. He yells louder. Scripture tells us this man is healed.
Would you rather be rich and so attached to things that you walk away from Jesus? Or like the disciples, confused and searching for a loophole into heaven? Or, the loud guy who just knows he needs Jesus?
God help us to be loud and unashamed in our need of you. Amen.
Would you rather be rich, confused or loud? The rich young ruler asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. The young man walks away “with a heavy heart because he was holding tightly to a lot of things and not about to let go.” The Message
This story leads to a discussion among the disciples about who gets into heaven. Jesus tells them it is practically impossible-except with God’s help. The disciples are confused and stay confused and then something interesting happens.
A blind beggar hears that Jesus is coming by. He screams at the top of his lungs, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me.” He is so loud that many try to hush him. He yells louder. Scripture tells us this man is healed.
Would you rather be rich and so attached to things that you walk away from Jesus? Or like the disciples, confused and searching for a loophole into heaven? Or, the loud guy who just knows he needs Jesus?
God help us to be loud and unashamed in our need of you. Amen.
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