Second Sunday after the Epiphany

God calls on people of all levels to work for Him. Moses was a murderer that fled Egypt to avoid persecution. God made him a leader. The Bible is filled with similar stories of how God uses sinners to do great things. In the First Reading today Samuel, who did not know the Lord heard a voice calling to him and he said, "I am here." Eli told Samuel to answer the voice that called to him by saying, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." What about you? Have you heard the voice of God calling out to you? If you have, did you answer like Samuel? Or, did you just ignore it as a figment of your imagination and continue with your daily business? Last week we heard what was ultimately a call from God to the entire congregation. One of our brothers, Pete, who has health problems, needs assistance with taking care of his wife who is also very ill. There were several people that volunteered to take food, clean their home, and assist with providing transportation and support for doctor office visits. God calls each one of us. God doesn't always call us with a loud thundering request. God calls us in the silence. If you listen you will hear the call of our Lord. He provides all things so that we can live and influence the lives of those around us in ways that compel them to praise His name. In the Gospel today Jesus found Philip in a fig tree and said to him, "Follow me." When you help another in need you are literally following Jesus. Scripture even tells us to help when we are taken advantage of. Keeping that thought in mind helping others should have nothing to do with making ourselves look better in front of people, but they should be done for God's glory. In the Second Reading today we are told, "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." St. Paul is reaching out be sure to get involved. If you ever feel left out speak up, it isn't intentional. God is calling us to great things. God is not done speaking. As a church body we are not only internally assisting our members we are likewise involved in Ecumenical work with Boyd's Creek Baptist and Rocky Springs Presbyterian to help the greater Boyd's Creek community. If the body of Christ is to be what we are called to be we will loose all sense of self and only say, "call on me Lord, I'll answer." May we all leave behind any discourse and only look forward. Grant that we may keep our eyes on Christ by seeking to serve our Lord in others. Jesus didn't die for the few chosen, but for all people. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling..... can you hear him?

Collect:

ALMIGHTY GOD, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illuminated by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

***Pray especially for healing for: Betty Stenger, Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Jerilyn Swann, Nathan McConnell, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, Susan Beeler, and Starla Grilley.

(1st Reading I Samuel 3:1-10 {11-20}, Psalm 139: 1-5, 12-17, 2nd Reading I Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51)