Leaving your garbage at the Cross

By: Joseph Murdy

This past Sunday our scripture reading was from Matthew, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” What a wonderful and liberating opportunity Jesus offers us, to give him all our burdens. Our burdens, sins, and guilt can build up like garbage. Sometimes it can get so overwhelming; we get lost and can’t find our way through the clutter. We hold on to our garbage, and become like “spiritual hoarders of sin and shame.” I sense a new TV series.

There is a story about a pastor who was counseling a couple. For weeks, they came into his office, an office which also had a door leading to the furnace room. For weeks, they pointed fingers; they blamed each other and brought up decade’s worth of accusations. Until one day, the pastor had enough, and had them write all of their complaints on long sheets of paper. After writing and writing he then brought in a trash can. “Now, put your garbage in here,” he said, “I’m going to put it in the furnace room, if you ever want your garbage back again, you know where to find it. But today, youre walking out of here and leaving your garbage behind.”

When Jesus carried his cross to Calvary and took upon himself the sins of the world what he essentially did was take all our garbage with him. Jesus tells us that if we are tired of carrying our heavy burdens, if we are tired of carrying the shame and guilt of always messing up, then he will take it ALL from us. Why carry your sins around with you today. Ask God for forgiveness, and it will be yours. If it helps, write down what’s been weighing on your heart. Write down all of the garbage you have been holding on to and carrying all by yourself. Crinkle it up, and put it where it belongs…in the trash. With God, forgiveness is not only possible…it’s a promise we have every day when we turn to God. If you are tired, turn to Jesus, and find “rest for your souls.”

Need a hand?

By: Joseph Murdy

Have you ever tried to do everything yourself? When you do everything on your own how does it work out in the end? Are you satisfied with the results? How do you feel when you do something all on your own? When I try to do things on my own the results are usually the same, I get tired, cranky, overwhelmed and in the end eventually lose interest. When you work with someone, talk it out, or even take advice the results are always so much better. This kind of thinking is vital in relationships. I use the word “vital,” because without partnership the relationship suffers; it lacks life. This is just as true for all human relationships, as it is in our relationship with God.

Just the other day I was talking with someone who is about to get married. Just weeks away from the big day, you can imagine the stress and small details that still need done. My advice was not to forget that she is not alone in all of this. Planning a wedding takes team work. I told her, “Remember to ask for help.” Has anyone ever said that to you? Maybe in school when you were struggling with a difficult math problem or facing a challenging obstacle? How about when it comes to your faith?

If you find yourself struggling with prayer, struggling with self-worth, faith, discipleship, relationships with others, and even your relationship with God…Ask for help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! No one ever said that faith and prayer were things we had to do all by ourselves. Prayer and faith require partnership. Remember you are not alone. If you are struggling, look to your fellow disciples, ask for help. Don’t forget, we have a God who has promised to always be with us. Look to God when you need help, and remember…you are not alone.

Holy Living Made Simple

Joseph Murdy, Intern



“As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:16

What does it mean to live a Holy Life? I would think that for every person you ask, you are most likely to get a different answer. We cannot ignore the fact that the Bible does put forth guidelines for living holy lives. There are always some kind of boundaries, lines drawn, or demands made. The truth is the guidelines for holy living are gifts, ways in which God can keep us spiritually safe and in his constant care. The first of such guidelines are the Ten Commandments. These commandments are not meant to be a burden, but an opportunity to live according to God’s word. If you think about all the commandments, are they for God or for us? If you cheat on your spouse, who gets in trouble? If you lie, steal, covet, murder, who suffers the consequences? Consider the commandments to be God’s way of keeping His children safe. I give thanks that even though there are boundaries, when we step over them God always comes to get us.



Living a Holy life is about making the right choices and responding to God’s love. Jesus once summarized the entire meaning of the law, the Old Testament and pretty much everything else. If you want to live Holy lives, “love one another as I have loved you.” If you think about it, it’s really that simple. Consider all the areas of your life with wrapped with yellow caution tape reading “unholy.” What might you do to tear down those unholy walls, clean the unholy mess, and start living holy lives? If you are reading this and you want to begin living a holy life, start with Christ. 1 Peter says, “as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves.” Holiness starts at the cross. It starts by admitting we need Christ. The second step has to do with conformity. When we conform ourselves to the desires of this world, we begin to look like this world. When we decide to conform ourselves to Christ, we begin to look like Christ. It is in Christ that we are all made holy before God. Christ has done most of the work; all it takes now is a little response. The meaning of the commandments: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Just love, it’s that simple!

What’s there to stop him?

By: Joseph Murdy
When I started college every freshman was given an obnoxious key chain to hang from around our necks. We were told over and over not to lose our key, and to take it everywhere…even to the shower. Year after year, and speech after speech it made no difference. Dozens of us still found a way to lock ourselves out of our dorms. I was there no more than a week, and found myself stunningly surprised that I had forgotten my key as I was trying to get back into the dorm after a shower. There I was in my towel, holding my shower caddy, flip-flops and wet hair…with no key!


When I read John 20, this is the first thing that came into my mind. Instead of being locked out and unable to get in, the disciples locked everyone else out and secured themselves inside. Twice in this story about Jesus’ first appearance the doors were said to be locked and yet Jesus stood among them saying, “peace be with you.” When we are afraid, embarrassed, vulnerable, guilty, lonely, or terrified we tend to lock the door of our heart. We expect that no one will be able to hurt us there, in our safe place, or should I say…in our hiding place. When we feel ashamed for our sins, afraid of what the world will say, or afraid of what’s on the other side of the door we can rest in the comfort of knowing that Christ is always with us. In our pain, doubt, and disappointments, Christ is there. Sometimes we try to hide ourselves away from the world and even God, but the truth is God will never abandon us…no matter what. Even if we’ve been locked up for longer than we can remember, no door can stop God’s love. If Christ can conquer death and the grave, what’s there to stop him?

Who is this?

By: Joseph Murdy


“When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘this is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’”

“Who is this?” Is a question we still face today? We might get wrapped up in impossible questions over scripture, or we might get overwhelmed with theological debates. When the people of Jerusalem asked, “who is this.” They knew Jesus was from Nazareth, and they knew he was a prophet. What they wanted to know was “Who is this, and what are we to do about it.” Do we follow him? Or crucify him? The question of Jesus’ identity does not demand an answer, it calls for a response.

What do your actions say about who Jesus is? What does your life style, attitude, and relationship with friends, family and strangers…say about who you believe Jesus is? This week is considered the most sacred time of remembrance for the Christian church. In Holy week we encounter the answer to this age old question, “who is this?” As we journey through Holy week, be mindful of the question, “who is this?” Don’t take the story of Christ’s life, death, and promised resurrection for granted. Not only will you discover who Christ is, you will discover who you are because of who Christ is. Let us be mindful of the question, “who is this?” Because as the story of Christ’s passion unfolds we shall see how deep the love of God really goes. When you discover who Jesus is, how will you respond?

Set Free

By: Joseph Murdy


There in the guilty seat, I sat facing my accusers. All of my sins, doubts, and failures pointing at me with their long crooked finger of guilt and shame. I had done so much wrong. All the evidence was there, one picture after another came flashing through my mind. There was no need for questions, interrogation, or investigation I was guilty as sin…pardon the pun. As I sat deep into the chair I was terrified and trembling waiting for the verdict which would decide my fate. I was guilty and I knew it! I deserved the worst punishment! I should be locked up and forgotten. My mind racing with possibilities, what’s going to happen to me? Just when I could stand it no longer, the judge returned to give his decision. “I find you innocent, blameless and irreproachable. You are free to go.” (Col. 1:22)

Do you ever feel so guilty, so utterly ashamed, and all alone? This is how we find ourselves most days, especially when we forget what Jesus has done for us. Paul’s letter to the people of Colossae is full of reminders, “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13-14) The feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness are the greatest obstacles in our relationship with God. They make us hid from God, our loved ones, and in some ways from ourselves. Today, remember that you are a child of God and God forgives you, abides with you, and loves you! “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col. 2:6-7)

Holding on to God's love

Lent is without a doubt, one of the darkest and most penitential seasons in the church. We switch our colors to purple and black. We hear stories of Christ’s suffering. We come face to face with the reality of our sinfulness. Needless to say, Lent is a depressing time of year. With Lent also comes the opportunity to reconcile for the wrong we’ve done, turn our lives around, choose life with God, and embrace the forgiveness of Christ that comes ultimately with his resurrection. At some point during Lent, maybe before or even after lent, you may come to realize that God really does forgive us…and God really does love you. The problem is that as quickly as we see how much God loves us, we eventually lose sight of God’s grace. Then it’s back to feeling sorry, guilty, and full of shame…unable to bring ourselves to approach God for forgiveness once again. How do we hold on to the love of God? How do we live our daily lives immersed in God’s love and mercy? The answer is as easy as it is challenging, keep your eyes on Jesus. When we look to Christ, we will see the love of God given to us immeasurably and unconditionally. Henri Nouwen once said, “God’s love for us is everlasting. That means that God’s love for us existed before we were born and will exist after we have died.” This is how we hold on, we look to Christ. When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you will never lose sight of God’s love.

Oz Syndrome

By: Joseph Murdy

Have you ever felt like a tornado came spinning through your life, picked you up and dropped you somewhere? There can be times in our lives, spiritual or otherwise, when we feel as though our lives have changed so dramatically we find ourselves wondering through what seems like Oz. This is what I like to call, Oz Syndrome. Oz Syndrome is the progressive or instantaneous feeling of utter loss, confusion, and bewilderment. The inspiration for this diagnosis, is of course inspired by Dorothy and Todo’s experience in Oz. Although fictional, if we are honest with ourselves we can all relate to Dorothy and her time in Oz.

Have you ever felt like you were in Oz? Maybe you are now, or maybe you know someone who is. Oz can be a scary, especially if you feel alone. When we find ourselves in situations where we seem to be following a path leading to an unknown place those are the times we can no longer rely on our own sense of direction. The only way out of Oz is by trusting in God to guide you. We can click our heels; walk to the emerald city, and back to the beginning. The truth is, when we are lost, the only one who knows the way is God. We are not all lucky to have ruby slippers, but fortunately we have a God who we can pray to at all times. We have a God who is always with us, even when we find ourselves in Oz. As I was thinking about Oz, I was reminded of the parable of the lost sheep. How incredible is it, that we have a God comes to us and rescues us when we find ourselves lost and afraid. “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.” Luke 15:1-7

Stewards of God’s Mysteries

By Joseph Murdy

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 4:1

“Where is heaven?” A young child asks you as they are leaving the church. “Why did my husband die in that horrible accident?” A grieving wife asks you as you comfort the family. “When is Jesus coming back?” Asks the curious confirmation student. “How does that bread and that wine become the body and blood of Jesus?” Questions without answers is part of the package when you become a child of God.

We live in a society that demands answers, we sit in pews waiting for all to be revealed, and we lose sleep at night thinking about the grand mysteries of the universe. At least I do. We can sometimes allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the lack of answers, rather than finding comfort in the questions themselves. What if you knew exactly where heaven was? What if you knew exactly when Jesus was coming back? What if you knew how the cosmos ran, or what God looks like?

This past Sunday we read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, which says that we are “Servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” The words, “Stewards of God’s mysteries” continues to comfort me as I seek to embrace the mystery that is God. Being a steward of God’s mysteries means trusting in God unconditionally. As servants of Christ and children of God we are given the mysteries of God not to be answered but to be comforted in knowing that God’s ways our not our own. Jesus tells us, “Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known.” We can rest with assurance in God’s abundant grace knowing that, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

In God’s Hands

“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

From the time I was a small child I can remember my grandmothers reaction to a sudden surprise. Whether sitting at the table, or walking through the room if something was about to spill or break gram would unleash her famous and heart pulsing “Gasp!” As grandkids it never failed to scare us more than the break or spill. It was almost as if gram was able to gasp while the glass was in midair before it hit the ground, suspending the crash in slow motion, making the final explosion the less frightening part of the fall. I learned from a young age that sometimes, things break.

The other day my wife and I were standing in the kitchen getting water. As she pulled a glass from the cupboard it slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. Sometimes, things break. What is your first response when something breaks? Is it “Oh, crap…now we only have ten glasses!” Or is it, “Are you ok?” When something immaterial breaks (the stuff we can do without) we show deep concern and do what we can to assure ourselves that everyone is ok. My grandmother’s heart pulsing gasp was not because she would have one less glass. It was because a falling glass meant her grandchildren would be in danger of broken glass.

We have a different reaction when things more important break doesn’t we? When we fight with our siblings, hang up after fighting with our best friend, get divorced, break up, slam the car door, or any other form of brokenness. When we experience the brokenness of relationships we often respond first with anger, followed by blame, and then a long silent period of stubborn regret. Relationships are not always easy, and sometimes fixing them seems impossible. Especially our relationship with God.

This past Sunday I preached a sermon on the brokenness of our world and our inability to fix what is broken in our lives. Being a part of a broken relationship can feel like where trapped behind impenetrable prison walls. When we are angry with God, disappointed in the result of a desperate prayer, or ashamed and too vulnerable to seek the face of God it can seem impossible to raise ourselves back up. Have you ever found yourself feeling trapped, feeling all alone, feeling the weight of heart break, feeling the burden of failure, feeling the pain of separation and loss, feeling the hurt of a broken relationship? Maybe you feel that way today?

If you remember from the book of Genesis (2:7) God molded clay from the earth and breathed life into it, the result is you and me. We are fragile beings and are not unbreakable. The good news is that no matter what the condition of the break, no matter the pieces, or whose fault it may be…every piece of us rests in the hands of God. If God is able to shape us in his mighty hands and breathe life into dust. Then God is certainly able to pick up the pieces and make us whole again.

“Shine like stars in the world”

Philippians 2:15b
Many years ago I did a children’s sermon at my home church which helped the young kinds to visually see what it means to be the light of the world. I had each child take a candle while I lit it and immediately they place them all together. What they saw was how all the lights shined brighter when they were together. Visuals are great for kids, because they help create a picture when the concept might be difficult to remember. When was the last time you thought of yourself as a light in the world?

As I was reading scripture this morning this verse from Philippians blinded me for a moment. We often think of Jesus’ phrase, “you are the light of the world.” Essentially this is saying the same thing. But as I read it a different visual came to mind. That of Abraham standing on a desert plan baffled and humbled by the promise of God which said the stars which were before him symbolized all of his descendents. The problem was however Abraham had no children. If you don’t know the story unfolds, see Genesis 15-22. If you do know the story then you know that you are one of those stars which Abraham stood memorized by.

The truth is that if you light a candle it lights up a room. One tiny flicker can give relief to darkness; can you imagine what millions would do? As Christians called by Christ to be disciples in our world we are lights whose purpose is to bring light where there is darkness. We are called to shine like stars in the world. It’s incredible to think how brightly the stars shine considering how far away they are. My friends, today you are called to be like stars in the world. There are so many dark corners desperately in need of light. We can bring them hope, comfort and loving warmth. You might be struggling with faith, you might be wrestling with God, or you might think you can’t shine very bright. The goodness is, we reflect the light of Christ. Child of Abraham, be a light for the world and shine like the stars!

Need a break? Rest in God

When my wife and I traveled to Assisi to visit the Basilica of Saint Francis our tour guide taught us a local song. The words are associated with Saint Francis and his way of life. “If you want to live life free, take your time go slowly, do few things but do them well, little joys are holy.” Sometimes when I get so overwhelmed with the business of life I think of this song and it slows me down.

If you could but a stopwatch to your life, how long would you say you have been going? At a rate of one to ten, how fast would you say you are going? Need a break? A breather? Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This morning when I woke up, I was thinking about the song above. Lately I have been going a sonic speed. What do I gain from going so fast every day? What do I accomplish? Do I add any joy to my life if I am always stressed about what needs done and attempting to get it all done in one day? At the end of the day, there is always more to do.

Today as you read this, I want you to take a deep breath, SLOW down, and rest in God. I am not saying that working is bad, but if we find no joy in our daily work then what’s the point. God gave us life to find joy, not to wake up out of obligation for our “to do lists.” Take some deep breaths and think of things which bring you joy. Often when our lives are going at supersonic speed there are things which get left behind. One of them is our spiritual wellbeing. God is always with us, no matter how fast our lives are going. But, wouldn’t it be great if we could slow down, just for a moment, and dwell in the presence of the Holy?

“If you want to live life free, take your time go slowly, do few things but do them well, little joys are holy.” The Peace of God be with you always!

Baptism

By Joseph Murdy
This past Sunday was the Baptism of our Lord (Matthew 3:13-17). We heard the story of how Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus came to John (his cousin) to be baptized. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, and even though Jesus was without sin, he asked John to baptize him in order to fulfill all righteousness. This righteousness which Jesus talks about refers to the prophecy made in Isaiah. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-19).” Jesus’ baptism was not to cleanse him from sin, rather, it was to affirm to John and to the world (i.e. us), “This is my Son, whom I love, and with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

As Christians we follow the instruction of Jesus who tells us “to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” What is Baptism? In baptism we are sprinkled/dunked/splashed with water. The water is a symbol of cleansing. However, we believe that in baptism, we are given to the Kingdom of God. In baptism we become children of God. Martin Luther thought his was so powerful that he once said, “When we wash our face, we should remember our baptism.” Many of us cannot remember our actual baptism (unless it was recorded); instead we remember the meaning of baptism and what it means for our everyday lives.

Baptism washes away our sins and makes us acceptable to God. In baptism we believe that we die with Christ and are born again to his resurrection. Because if we share in his death than we also share in his resurrection. One of my favorite images for baptism is that when God sees us, he sees the face of his Son. In baptism there is reconciliation and forgiveness. The incredible thing about baptism is that this opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness and the chance to change our lives and renew our relationship with God is not limited to a one time deal at our baptism. Our baptism which makes us children of God, allows us an unlimited supply of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Deep down within each of us, we want to be accepted by God for who we are. Today, splash your face with water, dance in the rain, jump in the pool, and melt snow in your hands because you have been forgiven. You are a child of God, and you are loved. Don’t believe me, just ask Jesus.