May 2, 2024 – The Dollar Spot Devotions: The Disciples of Jesus – Minions or Ministers?

“One day as he was walking along the beach beside the Lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—out in a boat fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen.

 Jesus called out, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men!”  And they left their nets at once and went with him. A little farther up the beach he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets; and he called to them to come too.  At once they stopped their work and, leaving their father behind, went with him.” Matthew 4:18-22

One of the first items I spot in the dollar area of my local big box store is a bin of “Minion” Bandages. If you know anything about me, you know that I am a big fan of minions, the ones from the movie “Despicable Me”. In fact, my all-time favorite is “Stuart the Minion” because he has one eye – the one-eyed minions are the best. These bandages are obviously marketed toward the younger population of Americans, but it would not be beneath me to put on a minion bandage, if I needed one.

Some people may think that the disciples of Jesus are just his minions, doing the bidding of Jesus as his dimwitted followers. Now, it is obvious that the disciples often have a difficult time understanding Jesus including his teachings. But they are not dimwitted minions and will prove how capable they are after the Day of Pentecost. Many of them were businessmen, hardworking and devoted men who gave up a lot to follow Jesus.  And when it comes to spreading the message of Jesus, they prove to be capable ministers for Jesus.  And most of them will be martyred for their faith and devotion. 

The most important lesson we learn from the disciples is that, even when they did not completely understand, and even when they asked the wrong questions or denied their allegiance to Jesus, he, Jesus, loved them despite their humanity. In fact, it is their humanity that sustains and encourages us current disciples to keep on spreading the Gospel — even when we do not fully understand and even when we make poor decisions – Jesus stills calls us to greater ministry – and loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Dave

May 1, 2024 – The Dollar Spot Devotions Blessing Bags – Will You Share Your Blessings?

 ^“Then he (Jesus)  looked up at his disciples and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,  for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,  for you will laugh.

 “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.   Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Luke 6:20-23

I often find the need to bring back some devotions from the past – as such I am reissuing devotions I wrote in 2016. Enjoy. Walking through some stores, maybe a “big box” store that has a logo like an archery symbol, I often find as I am browsing a section that has a lot of inexpensive trinkets.  One of those stores calls this area the “Dollar Spot”.  And as I peruse this area I often find little items that I think would be great to give to someone in need.  And then I was reading a story from a woman who puts together something called a “Blessing Bag”.  Here is her description of these bags:

“…keep these “Blessing Bags” on hand or in your car for passing along to someone in need. We live in a suburb of Detroit. Quite frequently, we find ourselves at a traffic light downtown, next to a homeless man or two standing on the corner. Have you been in this situation before?

You may feel compelled to help, and wish there was something you can do. Maybe you’re not comfortable handing them money, but you feel guilty not doing something… I first saw the idea for these “Blessing Bags”… a while back. I just love the idea of being proactive and thinking ahead, so you are ready when you face a need!  I organized a…retreat this past weekend for our Church and our theme was on the book of Ruth. The curriculum called for our group to put together bean soup mixes for those in need, but I thought this project would make a great alternative.”

So, as you walk through the dollar area you might spot an item like a miniature pack of wipes, and also some tissues.  Often there are little tubes of toothpaste and little notebooks and pens and pencils.  If you find approximately 10 or 15 items you can place into a small “sandwich sized baggie”, make four or five “Blessing Bags” and keep them in your car.

When Jesus gave his sermon on the plain in Luke, he was addressing his disciples and the crowds who had gathered with them.  And Jesus shares with them the blessings they already have.  “Do you feel poor?” Jesus asks.  “If you do,” he says, “then you already have the Kingdom of G-d.”  “Do you feel persecuted, hated, hungry, or sorrowful?  Your reward will be great in heaven.”  The point Jesus was making was reminding the people that wealth and honor and possessions and happiness were not prerequisites for membership in the kingdom of G-d. You did not need to be part of the “In Crowd” to be in with G-d. Those who had those items were more likely to think they had them either because they deserved them, or they earned them. What need did they have for G-d, then?  But those who have nothing are blessed for G-d loves them, provides for them, and welcomes them without regard for what they can give G-d. They are welcome because they are children of G-d – period – and as such they are blessed.  And that is the kind of good news we all should be looking to pass along and share.

Pastor Dave