Readings for Sunday, January 14, 2018

Hello Everyone,

On Sunday (January 7) I asked the question "What did I commit to?" when I said "yes" to Jesus and was baptized. Prior to the act of saying "Yes" we need to hear what God is calling us to do (this week). Once we say yes, we need to learn to fish (January 21), we need to be cleansed of those things that hold us back (January 28), and we need to go out to proclaim the Good News, the message of God's reign of love (February 4). Finally, through all of this God's Spirit will bring transformation: of our lives, of our work, of our families, of our communities, and of our world, slowly but surely God's work will be done (February 11).

When you said "Yes" to God, where has God's Spirit taken you? Where will the Spirit drive you tomorrow, next week, next year?

The Lectionary Readings for this week are:

1 Samuel 3:1-20 – The boy Samuel is living with the priest Eli. God calls Samuel but Samuel mistakes it for Eli. Eli then tells Samuel how to respond. When he does, God tells the boy about what will happen to Eli and Eli’s sons, who have not followed in their father's path.

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 – A psalm about the inescapable God, who knows us, surrounds us, and is wherever we are. Are you open to that presence? Can you feel God's Spirit?

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – This can be a disturbing passage. First, “all things are lawful”, as Paul seems to be quoting the saying of the Corinthians. However, not all things are beneficial, he reminds them. Paul then writes about fornication (sexual intercourse outside of marriage) and tells the Corinthians to “stop it”. It seems that some in the Corinthian church were being sexually promiscuous because they thought all things were lawful. Paul says our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should glorify God with our bodies. 

John 1:43-51 – After Andrew and Simon follow Jesus (verses 35-42), Jesus calls Philip to follow. Philip in turn finds Nathanael and asks him to check out Jesus. Who have you found and asked to "check out Jesus"? Who have you invited to church with a simple "Come and see"?

Have a wonderful week serving and loving God by loving neighbors.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Gary