If you have followed my blog for awhile, you know that I used to share my sermon notes after church every Sunday. I still take sermon notes every Sunday, but not always in poetry now, and not always shared. I just got outta the habit. But, today’s sermon begs to be shared. It’s Palm Sunday… the start of Holy Week for us Christians. It’s a time to share our faith. That’s one of Jesus’ commandments! So here’s what I heard our interim minister, Brian Conklin, say today:
Jesus rode a donkey on a path of pain, Not a magnificent steed’s ride of triumph. The crowd expected a powerful leader – Not a man who would die a horrific death!
Was Jesus alone in His heartbreak? Was He alone asking, “Take this cup?” Was He alone saying, “Not My will… But Your Will be done?”
Jesus died a “flop” in the eyes Of His followers. They misunderstood. They didn’t believe the message: “I’ll die, but in three days I will live again.”
Obedience, care, compassion, humility – These were the Lordship of Jesus. Peace… and a willingness to suffer… These were His expressions of Power.
The Way of Jesus wasn’t domination. Not then – not now – So tell me, Which parade are you following? Which path do you choose?
Complacency, complicity, cruelty, pride? Love, humility, obedience, compassion? I choose the latter path – but the road is painful! Really? The Via Dolorosa… the way of suffering?
What path do you choose?
Back at home, I decided to do a little research. That path of suffering is sometimes known as Via Crucis (Latin for “Way of the Cross”). It is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem. It represents the path Jesus took, forced by Roman soldiers On His way to His crucifixion. It’s the winding route from the former Antonia Fortress to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is a celebrated place of Christian pilgrimage. The current route has been established since the 18th century. It is marked today by 14 Stations of the Cross. Nine of them are outside, in the streets, with the remaining five being currently inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
AI generated this image of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. My “Path of suffering” doesn’t look like that. It’s not paved. It is much more like that first one: dark, barren, windey, foreboding. Jesus didn’t promise us a bed of roses. During this Holy Week, We are asked to travel with Him as He is arrested, tried, scorned, rejected by His very followers, denied by Peter three times, and Ultimately put to death. That’s the path. It’s not a pretty one. But, don’t stop there! If Jesus had done so, He’d be a forgotten martyr!
Walk on with confidence! Remember where your chosen path leads! Amen?
Sermon notes from Brian Conklin‘s message at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church today.
Isaiah painted a picture of people on their way. They arrive atop a mountain Where everyone has their say.
Nations shall not rise up Against other nations anymore. Isaiah promises our future Will hold that peace from shore to shore.
We’re all moving toward God’s judgement. Our hope is rooted to God’s future. Romans 13:11-14 says, “Live like people Who are headed for the dawn.”
God is asking us to wake up And be a people on the move… Moving toward God’s promised peace. Pick God’s goals as The Way you choose.
Don’t stop, my friends. The hike is worth it. The view is stunning from the top. You’re on a journey to the new Kingdom. So, be reminded: keep engaged; don’t stop.
Live in a way that causes you to see There is a beautiful Kingdom to come. Love, pursue peace, and resist darkness. Walk in the light of the Lord. Don’t be dumb!
No, Brian’s sermon didn’t include “Don’t be dumb!” I had to add that cuz it caught my mood – – – And besides, I needed something that rhymed with kingdom!
Happy first day of Advent! Did you go to church today? If so, what message did you take away? What does this Advent season mean to you?
What does it mean to have a date in the church called King Sunday?
When I googled it, I learned, “Though the date is variable, Christ the King always occurs in late November. This is especially providential in America, where elections happen in early November. After the long drama of election season, both winners and losers are reminded that Christ is the true King, and that his rules will ultimately judge all human authorities.”
It went on to say, “In the Presbyterian Churches, such as the Presbyterian Church (USA), at the Feast of Christ the King (Feast of the Reign of Christ) “the church gives thanks and praise for sovereignty of Christ, who is Lord of all creation and is coming again in glory to reign (see Revelation 1:4-8)…”
With that in mind, our sermon today at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church explored the life of Christ and how we interpret the Kingship of Jesus in today’s world. Here are my sermon notes:
This is the beginning Of Advent season. We get caught up In the season’s reason.
Yet as we move Into the humble life Of Jesus, we see A family facing strife.
Luke tells us of Jesus’ Arrival at Golgotha Hill And he asks us to look At the Truth – and be still.
Jesus (King of the Jews) was handed over To face death on the cross. Some people want to pass by That time of pain and loss.
We want to skip the crucifixion And go from Virgin Birth To Christ’s ministry and then His ascension from this earth.
But during this time of year, We need to embrace the season Of Christ the King’s ministry And see Jesus’ life’s reason.
Why was Jesus condemned When His was a life of love? He extended grace to all Who believe He was God above.
He was superior to all creation And He lived a life of peace. We need to align ourselves with Jesus’ teachings. He’s in our reach!
As people of faith, we must Reflect Christ’s justice and grace. Christ died to redeem us – Us believers who will see His face.
Endure – because Christ the King promised We will be with Him in Paradise. Pray for justice for all – Turn from evil, Accept His enduring Faith – and be nice!!
Amen?
I hope your Christ the King Sunday was a blessed one! Love ya, JanBeek
The inspired, hopeful scripture and another inspirational Sunday sermon from our dear Interim Pastor, Brian Conklin, yesterday at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
The Glorious New Creation
17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating, for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy and its people as a delight. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it or the cry of distress. 20 No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days or an old person who does not live out a lifetime, for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat, for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity,[a] for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. 24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.
The world seems very fragile Seems everything’s falling apart Between despair and hope we are Wondering how to take heart
Promises and warnings go hand in hand Isaiah speaks of a new world beginning He promises the Kingdom has arrived But Luke reports Jesus’ warnings of sinning
Luke 21:5-19 NRSV Updated Edition
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
Signs and Persecutions
7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’[a] and, ‘The time is near!’[b] Do not go after them.
9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words[c] and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Jesus tells of a world that trembles He encourages us to stand and endure “By your endurance you will save your soul” Dig deep into your heart and persevere
We’re caught between joy and sorrow We’re asked to trust God even when we Can’t see evidence of His promises The Kingdom of God is now and not yet to see
Where you see the church planted, you see Signposts that point to the kingdom to come God’s love wins out over human nature So keep speaking peace over poverty and slum
God’s love holds us together when we feel The world is falling apart at the seams May we see even now glimpses of this New Heaven and New Earth – and know what it means.
Ps. 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
The smiling face below belongs to our interim pastor, Brian Conklin, who delivered a beautiful sermon Sunday inspired by the prayer of David found in Psalm 17. I posted my sermon notes here and then (while messing around on WordPress on my phone), I accidentally erased the post. Some of my friends saw it before the mishap, I hope. Anyway… heeeeeere’s Brian…
And heeeere’s “A prayer of David”
1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips. 2 Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. 4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. 5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Heaven knows, I need to be one of those protected chicks under “the shadow of your wings!”
Can’t redo what I lost… Need to get to bed. Oh well…
Run the race with grace So you know you’re finishing well Goal: the finish line!
Today’s sermon at church was titled, “Running the Race” But the main topic of interest was “Finishing Well.” So my sermon notes today reflect that focus. Come and read the highlights as I heard and recorded them:
2nd Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 “6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing… 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Why do people run? Pain, elation, Personal challenge, delirium… Concentrate on how far you’ve come Rather than on where you’ve been.
Feeling stiff and in pain, but knowing I have the ability to endure hard things Gives me the ability to show up for myself So I can therefore show up for others.
Let’s end our journey with peace in our hearts Knowing we have run the race well. The Lord stood by us, gave us strength And gave us perseverance as we served with trust.
Serving in faith, fighting the good fight For mercy, for love… We often stand alone. Feeling lonely and isolated in life’s race, We reach out in ministry to others.
Christ calls us to run the race in faith. Faith transforms us in our disappointments Into opportunities of grace and hope. So finish the race with faithfulness.
See through the things we’ve started With integrity, keeping the faith through change. The glory of your finish will last forever. Run the race… and finish well.
Amen?
Love to you – and best wishes for a race well done! JanBeek
My sermon notes try to capture the essence of what I hear each Sunday. Our pastor, Brian Conklin, delivered this inspiring message last Sunday:
Issues of faith, leprosy, and other skin troubles Are the topics we are looking at today. God is whispering to us to pay attention, Live with humility, and show our gratitude.
Naaman, the man in 2Kings 5, was a man of great wealth Whose skin disease stripped away his power. A small, captured servant girl told Naaman There was a man in Israel, Elisha, who could heal him.
Naaman went to Elisha’s house and was greeted By a servant who told him to go to the Jordan river And dip himself seven time for healing, He does go, after anger and reluctance, and was healed.
It was his listening and obeying God in humility That was his true source of healing. Then, (in Luke 17) there were ten lepers who were healed And only one turned back in gratitude, and was made whole.
Ten were healed, but only one was transformed. Faith is about trusting in the next step, Even in transition, fatigue, illness, and reluctance. Healing is about the restoration of relationship.
God meets us in our obedience, humility, and gratitude. Trust enough to step forward – then healing begins. When you are blessed, do you turn back? Do you stop, remember, and reflect in an Attitude of Gratitude?
Give thanks always, knowing our faithful God Will make you whole in your transformation. Sometimes the solution seems too simple – But if it takes seven dips in the river, do it!
And then, don’t forget to turn back to God And express your heartfelt gratitude For the ways He is faithful and always Answers your prayers with His mercy and compassion.
Amen? Amen!
What answered prayer are you especially grateful for today?
Inspired by today’s sermon by Brian Conklin at our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church in Ennis, Montana
Come and have a drink with me The water’s fresh and the drink is free. No, huh? Water from a broken cistern Doesn’t quite look like something you yearn?
Well, Jeremiah recognized the problem, too. He spoke to the children of Israel and to you About the broken cistern and polluted water. He told ’em about a better source – come and listen, daughter.
Drink from this pure, flowing, everlasting spring. Let go of the water that’s full of things to which you cling. You think refreshment comes from money or possessions. You trade pure water for power and other obsessions.
Come and have a drink with me The water’s fresh and the drink is free. If you hope to satisfy your heart’s desires, Tune in to the Living Waters, not the liars!
God is the source of all Living Water for us. He wants to refresh us purely without much fuss. He says “Drink with me; fulfill your needs. Grow in love and faith; let’s remove the weeds.”
Isaiah speaks in Jeremiah 2:1-13 clearly About God’s grief as people turn away and nearly Break His heart as they rely on themselves with greed, Trying to go through life alone satisfying every need.
It’s not possible… we fool ourselves when we take control. Accept God’s invitation, refresh in Him. Make that your goal! Carve out time each day to drink deeply; refresh with Him From His Living Water – fill your cup to the brim!
As usual, I took notes during the sermon at church this morning. Brian Conklin’s message about faith spoke to me. I hope you find encouragement here, too.
Faith is assurance and conviction
Faith is a settled confidence
Faith is conviction – a deep certainty
Faith is grounded in reality
Faith is evidence of things not seen
Change is hard – Uncertainty is difficult
What will come next? We wonder.
We trust the Lord who knows the future.
Living in the present as if God’s future
Is already here… we can trust Him
Step into the light of God’s promises
Faith gives us the courage to obey when the road ahead is unclear
The prompt for today asked me to identify my favorite pastime… I am doing it: writing. Especially writing on my blog, but also writing text or e-mail messages to family and friends and sending greeting cards for all kinds of occasions ie: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Get Well, Thinking of you…
Writing poetry is another favorite activity. If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you know I like to take sermon notes in church on Sundays. Sometimes they rhyme… but more often lately they are free verse. It’s my way of capturing the main message as I hear and understand it.
Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds used Matthew Chapter 5:13-16 as her springboard for today’s message. Here’s what the sermon said to me today:
Be Salt and Light
Salt preserves. As Christians, We, too, must preserve What is right in the world.
We must become Salt and Light. Salt that exists For a specific purpose.
Light that shines As a witness to Jesus. Salt that creates A thirst for what is Good.
Fight for each human’s Right to live in The light of Torchbearers – Lighting the way for others.
Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the peacemakers. Think first to help someone else. Be a light who blesses others.
Don’t lose your saltiness. Don’t cover your light. Create pathways to Wholeness in this world.
Amen? Amen!
Are you Salt for a specific purpose? Does that influence your choice of Favorite Pastime? Does your purpose shed Light on your pathway? Is it peaceful?
What is your favorite pastime? Don’t tell me you don’t have one!
