When we think of love we don’t usually think of it as something that can be commanded.  We think of feeling all warm and gooey inside.  We think of our heart racing and our palms getting moist with nervousness when we see the one we love.  We think of feeling like we are walking on air.  We think of the words of the Bonnie Raitt song, I can't make you love me if you don’t.  We think those things because we often confuse love and infatuation.  We often focus on romantic love instead of the kind of love Jesus is talking about.
 

First, the work of the church continues full speed ahead.  Many exciting things are in the planning stage, others are being implemented.  Christ the King is continuing to do God’s work in the world. 

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

What happened to my Palm Sunday?  It used to be a happy day.  It used to be a celebration – a day to wave palms, shout Hosanna and remember a triumphant parade.  But now it has become Palm/Passion Sunday.  We wave palms.  We give a nod to the celebration and parade and then we hear that whole, long passion history of Jesus’ suffering and death.  Why?  Why can’t I have Palm Sunday? 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16
 

 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

                                                                                                                                                                            Mark 1: 40-45 

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1: 16-18

Time is a precious commodity.  Everyone is so busy rushing around.  Even retired people say they are so busy that they can’t imagine how they ever had time to go to work.  Maybe dialing back the busyness would be a helpful Lenten discipline. 

I hope you will read this book and participate in a Christian Life Group as we invite the whole congregation to discuss it.  It is well written and challenges us to grow in faith.  Growing in faith is something we all want to do.

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’

I Samuel 3: 10

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart

When the New Year rolls around many people make resolutions.  They resolve to lose weight or get in better physical condition or spend more time with their family.  Oftentimes, our resolve to make those changes diminishes quickly.  Change is hard, but it is not impossible.  If we invite Christ to be a part of our resolution, he can give us the strength we need to stay the course and make the change. 

But the angel said to them (the shepherds), ‘Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2: 10-14

There are lots of stresses and strains at Christmas time.  Even though everyone expects us to be happy and jolly this time of year, for some this is a sad time. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
 

And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Matthew 25:40

Jesus says, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:12-13 

The Prayer of the Day for All Saints Sunday reads: Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you…

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t worry about anything.  Yeah, right.