10/4/07

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

Psalm 24:

1 The earth is the LORD’S and all that is in it,

the world, and those who live in it;

2 for he has founded it on the seas,

and established it on the rivers.

Dear Friends,

As I write this Ponderings, the temperature is topping 80's and the air conditioning is back on. All this in October. But life is like that. It is full of surprises, some pleasant, some not so pleasant. Isn't it nice to know that whatever comes along God is with us and that sometimes, as on a day like today, you can get outside and enjoy an unusually long summer season.

10/11/07

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

I Thess. 5: 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy week here at Reformation with a number of people working through health issues. A lot of time has been spent in area hospitals. Through this, I was reminded of the power of prayer. I increasingly think one of the most important parts of a hospital visit is joining in prayer. Often, family members circle the patient, we all join hands and pray. You can really feel the presence of God in these circumstances and invariably, some sort of burden is lifted. What a blessing from the hand of the Almighty.

10/16/07

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

Colossians 4:

2Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.

Dear Friends,

I took a few moments today to bask in the soft autumn sun and give thanks to God for all His blessings to me. Frankly, I do not thank God enough. I suppose it is part of the human condition to always be more concerned with what we lack than what we have received. All the more reason to have the discipline to stop on occasion and realize just how many wonderful gifts God has given to all of us.

10/25/07

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

Dear Friends,

The big news here is that Monmouth Park Racetrack, that is about 1/2 from the church, is hosting the Breeders' Cup. This is like the World Series of horse racing. Prices are incredible with a seat on the outer perimeter of the track where you can only see the race on a large screen TV going for $50 and I am told, some restaurant seats going for $750. A Sheik has apparently rented an entire hotel down in Long Branch for his party. The idea of course is that this is for important people, i.e., people who have significant wealth.

Which got me to pondering about our true worth. Thank God it does not come from our financial assets, but rather from the love of God shown in Christ Jesus on the cross. He died for our sins and so made us beloved children of God and His brothers and sisters. Can we have any greater importance.

10/31/07

PASTORAL PONDERINGS

1 Cor. 15

23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death

Dear Friends,

On the Reformation Day, the eve of All Saints, I happened to have a few moments to stop at the Mt. Mitchill Monument. This is at a high point near Sandy Hook that overlooks the New York skyline. At the center of this small park is a memorial to the victims of 9/11 from Monmouth County. There are about 50, most in their 30's and 40's. As I touched a twisted steel beam from the World Trade Center, I recalled those who lost their lives on that tragic day. I also remembered that tomorrow we remember the One who is able to conquer death itself, Christ Jesus and commended them again to His eternal care.