What a promise! Quelle promesse!

Genesis 9.8-17

Genèse 9:8-17

"What a promise! An eternal alliance between God, mankind, the creation... A symbol, the rainbow, the fusion of water (source of punishment for the wicked men of Noah's time) and light, the first thing God created on the first day of His creation. The purity and power of the Lord. Also a symbol of transcendance: God is always there for us but we can't physically touch Him! A symbol of beauty and perfection that men and women cannot reach, despite all their efforts.
Like when we were kids, let us not be afraid to be thrilled by the wonderful beauty of a rainbow. Let us not be afraid to sign up to the amazing proposition to enter into a covenant with the God of the universe!"

"Quelle promesse! La promesse d'une alliance éternelle entre Dieu, l'humanité, et la création...Un symbole, l'arc-en-ciel, fusion de l'eau (source de chute pour les hommes mauvais de l'époque de Noé) et de la lumière, la première chose créée par Dieu, le premier jour de Sa création. La purété et la puissance de Dieu. Aussi un symbole de transcendance: Dieu est toujours parmi nous mais nous ne pouvons le toucher physiquement! Un symbole de beauté et de perfection que les hommes et les femmes ne pourront jamais atteindre, malgré tous leurs efforts. Comme quand nous étions enfants, n'ayons pas peur d'être enthousiasmés par la magnifique beauté d'un arc-en-ciel. N'ayons pas peur d'accepter l'incroyable proposition qui consiste à entrer en alliance avec le Dieu de l'univers!"

Didier Millerot

Saturday, April 11 (Holy Saturday)

Job 19:21-27a
Psalms 27, 95, 88
Hebrews 4:1-16
Romans 8:1-11

Collect for Holy Saturday

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Romans 8:1-11

6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

This passage from Romans is not so easy to live by on a daily basis. When it is accomplished, it truly brings great peace and joy. God’s love is so powerful. In all situations, go with love. There are only two reactions to every situation, Love and fear. Stay away from fear and always go with Love. Fill up each day with Gods Love and you will have peace in your life. Today’s chaotic world brings no peace, you must find it within. The Holy Spirit is with us always, to help guide and comfort – a precious gift from God. Center yourself and listen, for you may find the peace that passes all understanding.

Natalie Zeitlin

Meditations for the days between Lent and Advent are usually available on http://thoughts-sian.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 10 (Good Friday)

Genesis 22:1-14
Psalms 22, 40, 54,
1 Peter 1:10-20
John 13:36-38

Collect for Good Friday
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
“Simon Peter said to him ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.’” JOHN 13: 36-38

Peter always wants to do the right thing. His desire is to be a disciple who excels, who masters all necessary skills and has a faith only a little less than Jesus. This is not pride or grandiosity but a true and earnest hope. It is the striving in his life as a disciple that defines him and therefore he can only fail. To strive is to determine, to will one’s way into something, and while it may work well in a job, athletics or the arts, it will always fail in matters of faith. God asks that we be led, that we seek humbly His will and that in patience we wait for His way to open before us. Jesus’ response to Peter is clear, “Will you lay down your life for me? No, you will actually betray me three times before day break.” Our calling is to do our utmost but with the truth leading us so that we accomplish nothing except what He wills. It is always when our perfectionist, overly controlling wills get in the way that we experience what Peter did as written in MATTHEW 16: 74-75, “ Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’ At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: ‘Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.”

David Puckett

Thursday, April 9 (Maundy Thursday)

Jeremiah 20:7-11

Psalms 102, 142, 143,

1 Corinthians 10:14-17&11:27-32

John 17:1-26

 

Collect for Maundy Thursday

 

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 1 Corinthians 10:14-17&11:27-32

As a parent of teenagers, it is easy to see the power that “peer pressure” can have on them. We see the bad choices made as a result of those pressures.  We are outside looking in and it all seems so clear.  But how many times do we miss our own peer pressure – the myriad temptations we face every day.  In 1 Corinthians 10: 14-17, Paul encourages us to “flee from the worship of idols”.  The first step is recognizing them.  Can you identify the idols in your life – money, power, popularity, possessions?  Pray that God will open your eyes to the situations that draw you into evil.  And then pray for the courage to run from those situations.  “Friends” that worship idols instead of God may not be the friends we think they are.  Seek those who love God and can encourage you to make the right decisions.

 

We have to identify the problem before we can solve it.  Look for the temptations in your life and find the strength to walk away.   Then you can begin to avoid those situations to begin with.  Pray for enlightenment and strength.

 

Claire Martin

Wednesday, April 8 (Wednesday in Holy Week)

Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17

Psalms 55, 74

Philippians 4:1-13

John 12: 27-36

 

Collect for Wednesday in Holy Week

 

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen

Philippians 4:1-13

 

Please remember we don't need to be anxious about anything.  This is an especially difficult time in our economy and if we can remember to be content in all situations.  When everything is going well, give thanks to God.  When things are more difficult we should still give thanks to God.  We can do anything with him.  God is the one that can give us strength not worldly things.  Our strength comes from him. 

 

Christy Lock 

Tuesday, April 7 (Tuesday in Holy Week)

Jeremiah 15:10-21

Psalms 6, 12, 94

Philippians 3:15-21

John 12:20-26

 

Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week

 

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior

Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Psalm 94     

                          

Psalm 94:19 (KJV)

 

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

 

On October 9 I had an accident when I fell hard on my kitchen floor and badly fractured my left leg and left wrist.  I didn't spend much time worrying about why it happened to me.  I focused on being thankful for the comforts that God was sending me.  I am thankful for the skill of the surgeon who put my leg together with a metal rod and screws from the top of my femur to my knee, and my wrist with a plate and screws. I am thankful for the skill of therapists six days in the hospital and two and one-half months in a therapy hospital.  I am thankful for all the prayers that have been offered up on my behalf.  And I am thankful for the outpatient therapists who are helping me to become full weight bearing.

 

As we go through Holy Week I am again thankful that God sent his Son to be our Savior and give us comfort through all eternity.

 

In Jesus' Name

 

Nita Garver

Monday, April 6 (Monday in Holy Week)

Jeremiah 12:1-16

Psalms 51, 69:1-23

Philippians 3:1-14

John 12:9-19

 

Collect for Monday in Holy Week

 

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 John 12:9-19

I wonder what Jesus was thinking as he rode on the donkey into Jerusalem. He heard the shouts of  “Hosanna, rescue us. Do not worry our king is here.” Did they see the end of bondage, a king who had inherited David’s warlike talents and would overthrow the Roman oppressors? They were going to be disappointed. He was not the answer to all their requests for material comforts.

.

The disciples saw Jesus the preacher and miracle worker. To them he was not a warrior king. They enjoyed being with him every day and long may it continue.

 

There was the crowd who had seen Lazarus brought back from the dead after three days in the tomb. They had been there and now they could not keep their mouths closed. They were telling the tale of what they had seen and experienced.

 

And there were the religious leaders. They were at their wits end. Here was a heretic, a blasphemer and he had the popular vote. They did not share in the jubilation of the crowd. God was to be honored, worshipped and obeyed and this man was not. He was leading the crowds astray, touching the dead and working on the Sabbath.

 

I cannot see me. Where was I standing?

 

Jane Brown

Sunday, April 5 (Palm Sunday)

Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalms 24, 29, 103
1 Timothy 6:12-16
Matthew 21:12-17

Matthew 21:12-17

Palm Sunday serves as a reminder to all that Jesus, the reason we call ourselves Christians, was not your guy next door. He was a radical in a world of rules and rulers, riding on donkeys and mixing with the lowly.

In Matthew 21 we read the well known story of Jesus at the temple, another example of his radical behavior. When Jesus enters the temple, he does not simply speak to those there; he overturns the tables and benches and even drove people out. This was the way Jesus chose to reach out to his people and make his point, and it certainly seemed to be the only method that would work. In our world today, his are the methods we should try to imitate. God wants us to take after His son and use radical behavior to continue His work. Simple radical acts, equivalent to riding on a donkey perhaps, bring glory to the Lord: such as talking about your faith to others. Even simple behaviors like that won’t be easy, but then if we are trying to have a life like Jesus’, we are not looking for an easy one.

Naomi Brown

Saturday, April 4

Jeremiah 31:27-34

Psalms 42&43, 137, 144

Romans 11:25-36

John 11:28-44 

 

 

 

John 11:28-44

 

 

 

 

 

This is the part of John’s gospel where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.  It is very significant that right before this passage, Martha has declared her absolute conviction that Jesus is the Christ. 

As many of you are aware, a little over a year ago, my mom was critically ill to the point she was not given much chance of surviving by the doctors.  However we prayed - you all prayed, our family and friends prayed and thanks to all of those prayers, I wholeheartedly believe Jesus chose to “raise” her from the certain death to which she seemed inevitably headed.  Today my mom is still fighting the good fight and we are all working to convince her she will get to go home.  And while we all know she will not live forever, anymore than Lazarus did, we are grateful for this past year to celebrate another Mother’s Day, and her 75^th birthday, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas and my birthday.

This Lent, let us be reminded that we just need to ask, and believe, for Jesus to come into whatever challenges we face in our own lives.   

 

Danny Guy

Friday, April 3

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13
Psalms 22, 95, 141, 143
Romans 11:13-24
John 11:1-27

John 11:1-27 

“I am the resurrection, and

the life”. John 11:25

Jesus made a statement and proposed a question to Martha;, a question asked of all of us who would be true believers. This statement and question is the essence of our faith; the crux of our belief system. The heart of love will always answer “Yes, Lord”.
When it became known to us that my husband was so drastically and devastatingly ill, we prayerfully continued steadfast in believing God for the answer to our petitions. Bill suffered from 6 or 7 major illness attacking simultaneously. We believed for total and miraculous healing for every illness that beset him. Jesus said regarding Lazarus, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 During this long journey, we continued in prayer, believing. We prayed until the end. He passed on October 17, 2007.
We continue heartbroken, but we know that God is the healer of the broken hearted. Even though he was not healed the way my daughter and I expected and wanted, God did what was best for Bill. He did receive the extreme healing – no more illness, tears or any more pain – forever with Jesus.
Jesus asked us the question that He has or will ask you. 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Yes Lord, we believe. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He is risen in our hearts by faith and lives forever with us and in us. Thanks be to God.
Joyce Westlake

Thursday, April 2

Jeremiah 26:1-16

Psalms 131, 132, 140, 142

Romans 11:1-12

John 10:19-42

 

John 10:19-42

 

Have you ever done something for someone only to be accused of ulterior motives?  Many people have become so jaded in this world that they cannot believe a kindness was done for no reason other than kindness itself.  Jesus’ acts were questioned, condemned, discounted and denied. But, he continued.  He knew that, no matter, what he did, or said, there were people who would not believe the message. But, he also knew there were many who would embrace it.

 

We must be like Jesus, performing acts of kindness, without worrying about how it may be received. If it is the right thing to do, than the act speaks for itself. And, perhaps, someone who was initially skeptical, might begin to believe.

 

 

Lyn Morris

Wednesday, April 1

Jeremiah 25:30-38

Psalms 119:145-176, 128,129,130

Romans 10:14-21

John 10:1-18

 

John 10:1-18

 

Picture by Zereshk.

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep…. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

 John 10: 7, 11

Each morning during this Legislative Session, my alarm goes off at 6:00 am and I am out walking the University of Texas campus by 6:15 am.  As I walk, I am amazed at the beauty of the 40 Acres.  I am amazed at the number of buildings which have been built since I was a student…a few years ago!!  As I walk by a building, I remember a class, a teacher, a friend.  I remember a 17 year old very green student coming from a small private school in Dallas to The University with 25,000 students.  In that rush of people, I looked for mentors – I looked for someone who would guide me – I looked for a shepherd. 

My sister, who had just graduated, told me the cool guys did not wear socks with their Bass loafers.  What she didn’t tell me was that I should break those shoes in before walking those 10 blocks each way between class and my apartment.  By the second week, I may have been cool but I could barely walk?  She also told me that cool guys did not carry an umbrella.  I think I was the only “cool guy” at registration who stood out in a tropical storm waiting for Gregory Gym to open!

A graduate student who was my grader in History class showed me the ropes.  He taught me how to take an exam.  He taught me how to study.   He taught me how to make it through that first year with “passable” grades.  I remember him each day as I pass by Garrison Hall. 

A priest at the Catholic Student Center was there for me as I struggled with who I was as a Christian.  That private school in Dallas was an all-boy school.  That was definitely not the case at The University.  That priest answered my questions and did not laugh at them.  The Sunday Mass was a true celebration.  The words I heard from that priest each time I was with him helped form me into a Christian.  I remember that priest as I pass each day in front of the Catholic Student Center. 

As we walk through the journey of our lives, think back on the shepherds who have held that gate for you.  Think back on those who helped mold and shape you to be who you are today.  And, remember:  Jesus holds the gate for each of us.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 

 John Pitts

Tuesday, March 31

Jeremiah 25:8-17
Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127
Romans 10:1-13
John 9:18-41
Romans 10:1-13

Paul quotes Moses describing righteousness as it applies to the Law: “The man who does these things will live by them…But the righteousness that is by faith says…the Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” Paul goes on to say that if you believe and confess (key for me here is confess…suggesting that we actually say it out loud) that Jesus is Lord, that we will be saved. Period.
Our theme this Lenten season is ‘a time to remember.’ Do you remember your Confirmation, your adult confession of faith? Some come to this stage as adolescents, perhaps not completely understanding the ramifications of the exercise. For them, the Church has created a wonderful thing called a Reaffirmation. Others, like me, however, were adults. Boy do I remember my Confirmation! I was 21, coming from a very different upbringing, and it was an amazingly exciting time of discovery and belonging. Perhaps not completely surprisingly, I enjoyed my Confirmation classes with my priest because I challenged him (at least he made me think I was) on the difference between the Gifts of the Spirit and the Fruits of the Spirit.
The memory of this “coming of age” has gotten me through some rough bumps in the road throughout the years. Getting back to basics; remembering what is truly important; keeping everything going on in the world (and in the Church) in perspective; being grateful for the incredible blessings in our lives – the list goes on. This Lent, may we all take time to reflect upon and relive those spiritual and perhaps life-changing milestones that have made us stronger, empowered, and make us feel equipped to seek and do the work of the Saints of God.

Vicki Cravens

Monday, March 30

Jeremiah 24:1-10
Psalms 31, 35
Romans 9:19-33
John 9:1-17




Romans 9:19-33


In this passage, the apostle Paul has a lot to say about God’s promises in history. He goes back to the birth of the patriarchs Isaac and Jacob, and tells of the leadership of Moses. He speaks of God’s chosen people Israel, and the Gentiles who are blessed by adoption to share in their inheritance.

The Jewish people were the first to know God and to proclaim the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ. Gentiles continue to spread His word and try (with the Father’s grace) to live by His example.

There is a sobering thought in all of this. None of us, the Jew with the law or the Gentile in faith is worthy to come to God on our own. It is only through God’s mercy and the sacrifice of Jesus that we are accepted “and it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; then shall they be called the children of the Living God.” (Rom. 9:26, KJV).

We all need to take time in this season of lent to reflect on what the Lord has done for us.

Susannah Westlake

Sunday, March 29

Jeremiah 23:16-23
Psalms 118, 145
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Mark 8:31- 9:1





Jeremiah 23:16-23


Jeremiah, a Jewish prophet of the sixth century BC, believed that his people would have difficult times in the years to come, for ungodliness had spread across the land.

He said that only a prophet who stood in the presence of God was able to lead people from their evil ways. It was he who was the true prophet, not the kind of false prophet who didn't stand in God's presence and gave people only vain hopes.

From that time, Jeremiah became known through history for his long, lugubrious preachments, giving rise to the word "jeremiad."

Joyce Harlow

Saturday, March 28

Jeremiah 23:9-15
Psalms 33,107:33-43,108
Romans 9:1-18
John 6:60-71


Psalm 33

This is probably redundant, but it’s pretty much impossible not to be at least a little concerned about the current economic crisis. The falling DOW, failing banks, foreclosures, store closings, lay-offs, pay-cuts, rapidly dwindling retirement and college funds are all areas of grave concern for most of us, and there doesn’t seem to be any obvious and simple solution. Perhaps this is just all part of a cycle, but that’s not much comfort if you’ve lost your home or job.
Psalm 33 is a comforting reminder about who really is in charge.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:10-11

The next time I’m gripped in fear about the future, which would be just about every time I listen to a newscast these days, I plan to read Psalm 33. And perhaps I will share it with a colleague as we debate how we would solve this problem.

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:18-19

Bernadette Ellis

Friday, March 27

Jeremiah 23:1-8

Psalms 102, 107:1-32

Romans 8:28-39

John 6:52-59

 

 

Romans 8:28-39

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28 NIV) 

 

Turn on any cable news network and you will see hundreds of images of war, famine, injustice and global warming.  The news is not much better at home; rising grocery prices, falling 401K profits and paychecks stretched as far as possible.  Is it any wonder so many people feel depressed, isolated and lonely?  In our “it will get better if I just work harder” society we realize we cannot fix everything and life might get much harder before it gets better. 

 

At a time when HOPE appears to be in short supply, Paul reminds us that “absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”  (Romans 8:39 The Message)  

 

Nothing!  Not war or famine

Nothing!  Not job loss or rising prices

Nothing!  Not loneliness or helplessness

Nothing!  Not obsession or addiction

Nothing!

 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 NIV)

 

Juli Browning

Thursday, March 26

Jeremiah 22:13-23

Psalms 69, 73

Romans 8:12-27

John 6:41-51

Romans 8:12-27

Romans 8: 26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Back in the 80's I was thankfully introduced to and enlightened by the Holy Spirit and was able to embrace it as a real presence for my life.  For me it was something new to acknowledge, feel, appreciate and on occasion yearn for.  When my family and I first moved here in 1989 we were "church shopping".  We were settling in west Houston and enrolled our girls in Spring Forest Middle School.  At that time Tallowood had a large sign on Memorial, and just below it, although smaller, was a sign for Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.  I had remembered spotting the sign and then missing it time after time as I would drive back and forth on Memorial.  Finally I just looked in the yellow pages and made a call to learn the service hours.  It was a Saturday and a friendly voice answered and was happy to tell me that the following day was Rally Day and a perfect time to learn all that was going on.  The name brought me in but before that first Sunday morning was over our girls had signed up to be acolytes, and we had put a deposit down for the ski trip; we were hooked. 

I will always consider the decision to be part of this church family a most powerful fulfillment of responding to The Holy Spirit.   Here I am continually inspired and blessed by others who acknowledge, feel and also yearn for God's will.

 

Jennie Perry

Wednesday, March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation)

Jeremiah 18:1-11

Psalms 101, 109, 119:121-144

Romans 8:1-11

John 6:27-40

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremiah 18:1-11

 

 

At a worship conference, a few years ago, I was privileged to watch as a potter formed a jar as part of our worship experience.

 

Soft music played.  The audience watched in awe, as potter formed, from a lump of clay, a beautiful pot; slender at the bottom, curving out and in again. She lovingly pressed in with her thumbs, as the wheel spun faster and faster.  Suddenly, her thumb nicked the side of the pot, causing the entire pot to cave in.

 

The potter stopped the wheel.  She began to beat down the clay into a ball again.  She took the ball and made a tall cylinder - splitting the top and bottom to form a man, arms spread wide in praise.  She bent the clay man's knees in a prayerful stance, arms prostrate before him. And then she began again to form the ball - but this time even more gently. The wheel began to turn again and in the end a beautiful vessel was formed. 

 

Many times I have felt "marred in the potter's hand"... How good it is to know that He is not finished with me yet! 

 

KariAnn Lesner

Tuesday, March 24

Jeremiah 17:19-27

Psalms 94, 95, 97, 99, 100

Romans 7:13-25

John 6:16-27

 

 

 

 

John 6:16-27

 

 

 

Fear!  Even the word itself is somewhat scary as it brings up memories of times we would rather forget.  We don’t like to admit it when we’re afraid, and even sometimes try to laugh it off.  But I take comfort in reading that even the disciples became afraid on the lake as strong winds blew and the water was rough.  Surely, as fishermen, they had experienced rough waters before.   Even so, they were still afraid and when they saw Jesus approaching they were more than afraid; they were terrified.  But he said to them “It is I; don’t be afraid” and only then took him into the boat and immediately reached shore.

 

As with the disciples, we will all “reach the shore” when we put our trust that the Lord Jesus is with us, guiding us, and strengthening us when we, too, are fearful as we go through the rough waters of life.

 

Virginia McGarvey