Pastor Mary’s Ponderings . . .

During Lent we will be studying the 7 last words of Christ during our Lenten Services. The materials haven’t arrived yet, so I don’t know the direction they will be taking us in. But I thought it would be a good idea to ponder them on our own first. See where they take us. Since we all have different things going on in our lives and somewhat different backgrounds, where they take one person might not be where they take another.

So, here they are for you to ponder.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)

"I thirst!" (John 19:28)

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

"It is finished!" (John 19:30)

"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

As you prepare your hearts for the journey, what do these seven last words from Christ, before His resurrection, say to you? While I was reading over them, the thought came to me that they might be words of transition – words uttered in the midst of change. Jesus was in the midst of doing a new thing – changing our perception of God and making us available to God’s love and grace through the forgiveness of sins. In fact, Jesus transformed our physical death from something that was final into a new beginning.

So here is where my pondering took me.

Forgiveness – one can’t move forward until they forgive those who have hurt them or even themselves for past mistakes.

Seeking God – when we struggle, when we are in anguish, when we feel alone, we feel separated from God, we seek Him – cry out to Him in the midst of our desperation.

Putting things in order – we do everything we can humanly do - making sure the things that are important to you are taken care of – when you are planning to do a new thing you want to preserve what is important.

Seeking: thirsting – not for physical needs, but for spiritual needs, for guidance, wisdom, for direction from God; developing a driving passion to accomplish what lies ahead.

Visioning – being able to see what God has given you to do. Developing a concept, a plan and sharing that with others.

Goal Accomplished – all your hard work has been completed. You have done everything you can humanly do to bring forth the vision.

Trusting – now it is time to let go and let God – to trust the Holy Spirit to bring this new vision into being; to allow the Holy Spirit to bring it all together.

Well, now you have my pondering, what is yours? Where to these words of Christ take you?

From Zwingli’s Branch . . .

Brrr, it’s been cold out there, but not like some years, so I won’t complain too much. Besides, I have a great home here with all of you and it sure is warmer than a nest in a tree!! Plus there hasn’t been that much snow, so I can find the nuts I have stored for the winter month. How Blessed am I!!!

It is winter and some days it is just not fit to go outside. I thought this winter, I would use those times to do some faith remembering and building. Maybe you could do some too!

First, I am taking time to write my faith journey. First you sit and pray – Pastor Mary says that is always a good way to start!! Ask God to collect your thoughts and bring you back to that very first remembrance of Him. That is where you start. What was your view of God back then and how has it progress since then? Who influenced you in your faith journey? Who influences you now? Pray and ask God to continue to help you grow in your faith and understanding of His word.

Second, I am going to take the Apostle’s Creed and write my own version. Sort out what I believe. You can also try the 23^rd’s Psalm – write your own version of how you see God in your life.

Third, I am going to read the book of James. It outlines clearly much about who a Christian is.

Chapter 1: What a Christian has.

Chapter 2: What a Christian does.

Chapter 3: What a Christian says.

Chapter 4: What a Christian feels.

Chapter 5: What a Christian gives.

And Fourthly, I am going to see how I measure up. Make a list of what I do and don’t do as a Christian and what I need to work on.

Well, that certainly should take me through this winter, perhaps even spill over to next winter!! How about you?

Well, nice talking with you. Keep warm, stop by for some hot walnut and pecan tea sometime!! I am always here, up on the pulpit!! If not, see you Sundays!!