April 2009

GREATEST COMMANDMENT

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one" answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, 0 Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

As we remember His suffering and death and celebrate His resurrection ... how far are you from the Kingdom of God?

Deacon Ted Perfetti

February 2009

Our thoughts in February usually turn to love and the way we choose to express it: send flowers, give cards, & candy: all symbols of the sentimental holiday that Valentine's Day had come to represent.

But what about the Lord's love for us? John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." What a truly amazing gift to show us how much he loves us! Not a symbol, but a true gift. A love which in unconditional and without end. His love does not need to be proven one day a year; He proves it all year long - 365/24/7 - by forgiving our sins, listening to our prayers and guiding us through our daily lives.

Now the question comes, how can we show our love for God?

  1. OBEY:
    John 15:12: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
  2. TRUST:
    Psalm 9:10: "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
  3. FAITH:
    Proverbs 3:3: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."
  4. ACTIONS:
    I John 3:18: "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

So, as Valentine's Day approaches, let's not look for "symbols" of love, but let's trust the true gift of love and sacrifice, our Lord and Savior.

Deacon Ted Perfetti

January 2009

Have you made your New Year's resolution yet? As the New Year arrives, we search for a new beginning. Maybe we will try to lose weight -- we will vow to go to gym, eat better and take better care of ourselves; But what about our spiritual health? Do we need to revamp our spiritual workout as well?

Maybe we should take more time for personal reflection and prayer. Perhaps we should share The Word with others and discuss their fears and concerns. Maybe we could show compassion to those who need some uplifting in the Holy Spirit and remind them how much Jesus loves them.

The Lord says to be holy as I am holy. This is an invitation for you to kick up your spiritual workout. Indifference is out; understanding is in. Love of one's self is out; love of God's people is in. Selfishness is out, generosity is in. These are all changes that we can make within our hearts. So as the New Year begins, let’s make these changes to our spiritual, as well as our physical well being. What a great start to the New Year!!

Blessed and Healthy New Year,
Deacon Ted Perfetti

December 2008

As we begin our journey thru Advent and into Christmas, it is easy for us to think about what we may need to do with out this Holiday Season. Did we "adjust" our shopping and gift giving lists? Did we "tone down" our holiday entertaining or travel plans? Let us think of the less fortunate who already have adjusted to do more with less on an everyday basis. At this time of giving, let us not forget these people. It may be harder for us to dig deeper and perhaps give to those less fortunate than ourselves, but it doesn't have to be monetary. Perhaps there is someone who is alone for the holidays; could we open our home to this person? Perhaps there is someone who could use a new coat, hat, or gloves; could we offer one that we no longer use? Perhaps we could run an errand or sit and chat for a while.

For most of us, these difficult times will pass and, by the grace of God, we will be back on our feet again. But what about the people who live day-to-day hand-to-mouth? What can we do for them? Well, we can pray that the Lord eases their burdens and allows them happiness in this wonderful, holiest of seasons and in the New Year. In this season of giving, let us give of ourselves and from our hearts. Our best wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas season.

Ted & Rosemary Perfetti

November 2008

We are truly in uncertain times. We have many things to be anxious about. Perhaps it's the thought of losing our job, or seeing our families struggle to make ends meet, or maybe it's the stress of it all on our health. But in these uncertain times, we should be more drawn to our Lord for assurance and guidance.

In Philippians 4:4-8, we read: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you".

The Lord tells us to come to him with our fears and doubts and not to be anxious. The Lord will guide you and lead you through these most uncertain of times. We must keep strong in our faith and lean on the Lord when we are at our weakest. His love for us will sustain us and pull us through.

Blessings,
Ted Perfetti, Deacon