Lenten Thoughts - What's Wrong With Being Last?

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Mark 9:33-37.

 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’

This is yet another take on the disciples thinking it's about power and being "top dog" within Jesus' circle. I learned something interesting the other day I would like to share with you. It is a long-held Jewish belief that everyone will get to heaven, or God's kingdom, and what mattered was the order they were placed after they entered. This knowledge brings a much clearer meaning to Jesus always saying the first will be last and the last will be first.

It was pointed out to me that Jesus never says the Pharisees, Scribes, High Priests, or even the rich man will never get to see God's kingdom. He just says that either it will be difficult or he makes references to them taking a lesser place in that kingdom. In this reading Jesus uses children to help us understand that message.

Children in the time of Jesus were loved, cared for, raised to continue the lineage of their father's father's father's father. To the sons would go the property and business, to the daughters would go the knowledge of how to run a household. Together they would ensure the survival and continuity of the village. But none of this would happen until the passage of rites at the appropriate time. Until then they have nothing, they are last.

Jesus says we need to be like those children.

Lenten Thoughts - Humility vs. Comfort Zone

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading comes from Matthew 8:5-13.

 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.’ And the servant was healed in that hour.

I want you to try and place yourself in the boots of the Roman centurion. Jesus is not one of those people he's supposed to be talking to, after all the centurion is a Gentile and they knew exactly where they stood in the eyes of the Jews. Not only was the centurion a Gentile but he was also a Roman; that's like being a double-Gentile.

What I find interesting is where this story is placed in the Gospel of Matthew. It's the second example of Jesus healing someone after the beginning of his ministry. Until this point we only have stories of Jesus' birth, return from Egypt, baptism, temptation and his Sermon on the Mount. It's also interesting that the first two instances of Jesus healing in Matthew have it being done to a leper (considered "unclean") and this centurion's servant (a Gentile).

Anyway, back to my original thoughts...

The centurion must have been nervous and yet courageous enough to approach Jesus and ask for that healing. In my opinion he had to have stepped way outside of his comfort zone to humble himself (remember biblical humility) enough to do just that. In fact, in his act of humility the centurion both lowers himself,  being a Roman centurion, and he raises himself, being a Gentile, as he recognizes Jesus' gifts. Matthew, in one swift stroke of the quill, shows us what it means to be humble and how we are to treat each other as equals.

Today's challenge is for us to do the same. Are you up for it?

Lenten Thoughts - Is This Seat Taken?

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 14:7-11

 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

 In case you've missed it the theme this week is about humility. Also, in case you missed it, a few days ago we talked about biblical humility not being about lowering yourself but about not making yourself greater or less than those around you. With this in mind let's see what Jesus is trying to say here. Actually let me tell you a story that might help illustrate this.

My wife, who was my girlfriend when this happened, invited me to a family Christmas gathering. There must have been 50 people there, all related, none of which I knew. We entered the home, walked to all the aunts and uncles to pay our respect. Then we said hi to all the cousins and various other guests. Not too long after we said our hellos we got our food and looked for someplace to eat. As you may imagine finding a seat wasn't easy, but we found a corner to crowd into and began talking with whoever we were around.

As we ate and talked another couple walked in who I was told was a distant cousin and her boyfriend/guest. I watched as the young man made his rounds, just as we did. As I watched them my focus turned to how the boyfriend/guest was behaving. He was making jokes, putting his arm around people, and talking louder than the others around him. I just thought he was already well known by the family, but was a little concerned with how the one who invited him was beginning to behave.

They grabbed their food and, just as my wife and I did, looked around for a place to sit and eat. The TV in the living room was showing a football game and there just so happened to be an open recliner directly in front of the TV. This is where the young man decided to sit, and as he sat all eyes watched him with surprise. Before he could get his first fork-full of food shoveled into his mouth the homeowner and eldest of the family, the patriarch of the family, approached him and gently asked the young man to get of his seat.

I asked my wife who that was and she didn't know so she asked the cousins we were sitting with and they said they didn't know either. I continued to watch, as was everyone in that room, as the young man made a few jokes about not knowing the seats were reserved, took a few bites of his food, then stood up. It was at this point the young girl who had invited him decided to rip into him with sharp comments of being rude and embarrassing, after which she got up and walked out of the room. The young man followed and fifteen minutes later they returned at which time he apologized to the entire family for how he acted.

The family forgave him and the gathering continued and we all got to know the "new and improved" young man. He wasn't such a bad guy after all.

"For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Lenten Thoughts - You've Been Served

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 20:24-28.

 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

This is the second half of an interesting short story in which Jesus is being asked to show favorites amongst his disciples by the mother of two of them. It would seem that even amongst Jesus' inner circle there are those who would dare make a "power play", even after everything Jesus has tried to teach them. To make the situation a little more, ummm, unusual the request comes after Jesus tells them, for the third time, he's about to die. Wha??!

It's often said by those who study these things that the disciples never understand, well, anything. And, in my opinion at least, this passage shows how true that is. I mean, really. Jesus has just spent close to three years with these folk talking about how the leaders in their society have it all wrong and how sharing the love of God and treating those who are considered outsiders are what gives one the key to God's Kingdom. He berates the leaders of the church time after time after time and here we see two disciples and their mom making a play to be the "leaders" alongside Jesus.

Jesus handles it well, though. He tells the mother and her sons that a) it's not going to happen and b) it's not up to him anyway. Well, as it is with all power plays the others hear about what just happened and get upset. Jesus handles that even better. He says to them that a) they do not want to be like those who are detested most and b) just relax.

Again we read about Jesus' reminder to be humble. Hopefully you read yesterday's post on what biblical humility is, if not I'm sorry. Jesus' hope is that all people can be find a way to treat those around them as equals to and with themselves. In God's view there is no such thing as one person or a group of people being greater than the other. We are all loved the same regardless of who we are or what we've done.

Live a life of humility, live a life of freedom from always having to be first.

Lenten Thoughts - Humble Yourself

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 18:9-14

 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

 I've always enjoyed the imagery in this passage. The vision I have of someone with authority, standing on a soapbox in a corner, praising himself for not being like the "others" and the vision of the tax-collector kneeling, pounding his chest and pleading with God for forgiveness is almost enough to get a chuckle. Of course the passage doesn't describe it exactly that way, but I did say it's how I vision it.

Today, however, I'm drawn to the opening verse of this parable; "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt". There really are some people, maybe even more than some, who think that they have everything they need and all is perfect in their world. So perfect, in fact, that they place themselves above everyone else and look to those whom they consider "less" than them with disregard, or worse yet disrespect.

It's to these people Jesus speaks a reminder to be humble. Biblical humility is not what we expect. Today's most accepted definition of that word is to lower yourself to be less than others. In the bible humility is to not make yourself better or worse than another. The message of humility Jesus is hoping we understand is that of equality and how we should live a life in the belief that we are all equal in the eyes of God; therefore we should all be equal in the eyes, and hearts, of one another.

This type of humility is not as difficult as we think. Jesus says it all in this parable; in the kingdom of God the exalted will be humbled and the humbled exalted. In other words we'll all be, and are equal. The thought for today is this: do you see yourself as an equal to, less than, or better than those around you?

Be humble. Not as we're asked to be in today's culture but as we're asked to be by God.

Lenten Thoughts - Sacrifice Has Rewards

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Mark 10:28-31.

 Peter began to say to him, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.’

Today's passage is the end portion of what we read on Tuesday about the rich young man unwilling to give everything to follow Jesus. If you need a recap some rich guy asks Jesus how to get to heaven and the reply is give up everything. If you're perplexed it's okay because Tuesday's passage was from Matthew 19 and today's is from Mark 10. It's the same story told a little differently, but with basically the same message.

Continuing the thought found in both stories the disciples are perplexed, or astounded as Mark puts it, at Jesus' comment on the rich having a difficult time getting into the kingdom of God. So Peter, supposedly needing clarification about where the disciples stand in this, rebuts Jesus by saying, "Hey, look here, we've given up everything." It's in what Jesus does not say I find today's message.

Jesus never agrees with Peter nor validates Peter's claim that they have given up everything. Instead he simply states that if indeed you have given up everything then your rewards will be great. This is a Jesus who, in my point of view, shows great discipline in not being judgmental. He neither argues the point further, nor does he agree or disagree. Jesus tells Peter and the other disciples that if in fact one has given up everything dear and close to them in the name of spreading the Gospel then they will receive even more of that which they've given up in a life eternal.

But, wait, Jesus isn't done. He gets in one last comment before the story moves on; the first will be last and the last will be first. In the context of this story as I read it today, and in looking forward to what happens next in verses 35-45 I see that Jesus knows the disciples still don't get it. Jesus somehow sees that the concern Peter is voicing is that which we voice today, "What's in it for me?" We've become a society bent on acquiring things which build our personal wealth. We live in the culture of people crying out, "Hey, what about me? Look, I've done everything I'm supposed to, so what do I get?"

As I sigh heavily in the writing of those words my heart suddenly grows weary in the knowledge that we have forgotten to do more for those around us than for our self. We are too focused on becoming first and finding ways to achieve that no matter the cost. We would rather sacrifice the well being of others than sacrifice our own. Jesus helps us to put things in priority, if we only pay attention. What we accumulate in this world has no meaning unless we use it to better the lives of those who need it. Reach out to the poor, feed the hungry, house the orphan and the widow, visit people in the prisons, clothe the naked, and do not judge.

All that is asked is you do these things to the best of your abilities with the gifts God has given you.

Simple? We'll see.

Lenten Thoughts - No Make TanTaDa

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 6:16-20.

"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

Today's thought will be short and to the point. While growing up in Hawaii we had a saying - "Eh, no make tantada!" Simply translated it means to stop showing off (as in the sound a fanfare makes, tantada). Being humble was a value we grew up with here. We did the things we did out of a sense of duty or from a place of compassion. Doing something just to bring attention to yourself was greatly frowned on.

Reading today's passage brought back the memories of how, as children, we used to apply what today is called "positive peer pressure" to any of our friends who started to show off. Something must have worked because my friends and I are all successful and happy in whatever we are doing. None of us go around trying to be more than we are, nor do we attract unwanted, unneeded attention to ourselves or our actions. We simply did what we had to do because it was the right thing.

So, next time you're about to do something for someone else, or for yourself, listen carefully. If you hear the "tantada" stop, regroup, examine yourself, and move forward with what you were going to do in the right spirit and for the right reasons.

Lenten Thoughts - You Get What You Give

What2Say2Say? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 6:37-38.

 ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’

This passage is a good reminder that what we give we will receive. I especially enjoy how it's attached to Jesus teaching on passing judgment. A good lesson for anyone today; don't judge, don't condemn. Just forgive. I think this message can be used in every other thing we do in life.

Let me ask this question: If you received actions and words in the same way you dish them out what would your day be like? 

Would your day be full of complaints, arguments, name calling, heavy sighs of disapproval, put-downs, being teased, abandonment, and loneliness? Or would your day be full of smiles, thank you's, laughter, kindness, gentleness, community, love, peace, and joy.

We receive in the same way we give. In fact today's passage reminds us that if we give good things we'll find that good things happen to us in abundance. No, wait, let's look at that passage again - I'm sorry. We won't have to "find" anything. It seems the abundance of goodness will be placed in our lap.

Now that's how I want to go through my day.

Lenten Thoughts - Give Everything And Then Some

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 19:16-26.

 Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
 Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’

I can't say this enough; no matter how many times you read a particular passage or how well you think you know a bible story there are times when you re-open your mind and re-read something only to re-discover a new message. In today's case it's the disciples reaction to Jesus saying it will be difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. I honestly got a chuckle imagining the disciples collective look of astonishment as they stood there, mouths gaped open, eyes enlarged, eyebrows raised with looks of confusion as they ask, almost in harmony, "Huh? If not the rich, then who?!?"

In the days of Jesus, it would seem, there was a fixed idea that the only way to enter the "kingdom" was by following all the rules (aka torah) and being one of the accepted people in high society. Sounds too familiar doesn't it. How many in today's culture understand that to be true today? Albeit the "kingdom" they wish to inherit is similar to that the people in Jesus' time thought they would inherit; one full of riches and blessings.

Jesus is asked how one gets to heaven even if one is already doing everything according to the rules. His answer is simple - give more. In fact, give everything you have. Unfortunately the young man in this story is either unable or unwilling to do just that, so he just leaves in a grieving mess.

Following the way of Jesus requires many sacrifices. Sometimes we'll be asked to sacrifice more than we're willing. It's in those times we need to examine our commitment to being a Christian and decide for ourselves if the sacrifice is worth it, or if we should walk away. Jesus lets us know that one way allows us to live in a world of peace, filled with joy and love. Jesus also lets us know one of those choices may make life more difficult.

Which way will you choose?

Lenten Thoughts - It Comes At A Cost

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading cones from Luke 14:25-28.

Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?

 Imagine having to make the choice Jesus is suggesting in this passage; family or faith. Which would you pick?

There's absolutely no doubt that the word used here is "hate". I looked in three different sources and each one gave the same meaning for the Greek - hate. So why is Jesus asking us to hate our own family in order to be his disciple? Isn't Jesus' message supposed to be about love and acceptance and living together in one world filled with peace and joy?

Well, Jesus isn't actually telling us we have to hate those close to us in order to follow him. What he is trying to tell us is that if we decide to be his disciple we need to be prepared to do those things.We see this in how he follows up the statement about family with examples about being prepared. In fact this would be very sound advice indeed, especially in Jesus days.

The message Jesus preached was a very radical one in his asking of people to forget the laws and remember to love one another (a very, very short summary). This message was beginning to get Jesus and his followers noticed, and not in a good way. Jesus knew the laws of his time and knew that this kind of teaching could get him arrested, if not killed. Jesus could also see that his message of living in accordance to the laws of love God, love each other and love yourself was beginning to create large crowds of people who wanted to be his "followers".

Jesus, in my opinion, chose this moment in his ministry to send a stern warning; know what you're getting into. In this message the people are being told that they must be ready, willing, and able to give up everything, including your family. So, the question to us today is if this  is something we're prepared to do.

Being a disciple of anything requires sacrifice. Those who completely understand this know that there are things we give up to follow what we believe in. What are you willing to lose to live the life Jesus is asking of you? Do what Jesus suggests and "sit down and estimate the cost" before you answer that question.

Lenten Thoughts - Pray We May All Be One

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten passage is from John 17:19-26

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
 ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
 ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’

This is the final section of the prayer Jesus tells in John at the end of the supper he had with his disciples on the night before his arrest, trial, and death. To recap what we've had so far in this particular prayer series we've seen a very human Jesus asking God not to think less of him as he goes through this next phase of his life. Next we saw how Jesus loved those closest to him and asked that God guide them through whatever obstacles they will now face. Today we see a Jesus who prays that somehow peace and love through unity can be achieved.

As I said when we began focusing on this prayer from Jesus as told in the Gospel of John it really is one of my favorites.  Mostly it's because of the poetry used in the prayer. It also has a lot to do with the things Jesus prays for and how it truly relates to my personal relationship with God. In my conversations with God I always thank God for being accepting of me no matter what I've done or acted or said during the day. I know God doesn't judge and somehow that reality makes me always feel better if for any reason sadness or self-doubt has crept into me.

In my conversations with God I also ask that he watch over those whom I love in the same way God loves me. I always think of my family, friends, people I work with, the youth I come into contact with everyday and every week. Asking God to be with them as they face their own issues in life gives me comfort in the knowledge that they are being watched over and guided by someone whose main purpose is to love and protect.

And today's passage is always my favorite part of prayer; asking that the people in this world can find a way to love each other just as God loves them. Wouldn't that just make all the problems go away. Everyday I'm bombarded by people and their negativity. Not personally, but seeing it played out in our media; music, radio, TV, etc. And sometimes I really have to wonder how it is God's love has been forgotten. Then I remember that it hasn't been forgotten because just as often as I see or hear a negative remark I see examples of unconditional acceptance happening.

And that really is what it's all about, isn't it. Sometimes we need the reminders that God is at work in the world, helping lives change one at a time. For me that reminder comes through prayer and trying my best to be the Christ for others. How does God remind you?

Lenten Thoughts - Pray for Those Closest To You

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from John 17:6-18.

 ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

I have always loved the poetry in this prayer. I can almost sense Jesus' love for his disciples and every time I read it I feel Jesus' love more and more. This is the second half of the prayer we began yesterday where Jesus was asking God to continue having a good opinion about him as Jesus goes through this very difficult time of his life. Here we see Jesus asking for protection for those who are closest to him; his disciples.

And what does Jesus think they need protection from? The world, rather from those who live in the world.

When Jesus speaks of "the world" in the Gospel of John he is speaking of the things which separate people and God. Worldly things such as power, greed, and worshiping Caesar as God or the son of God were prevalent in the mind of John as he wrote his Gospel. In this passage we see a a loving, caring, human Jesus asking his God for guidance to fight against, if you will, the forces of society which take us away from the love of God.

This prayer is not for himself, he's already accepted that what's going to happen to him is going to happen. What Jesus prays for is that his disciples, those whom he loves most dearly, are given the guidance they need to continue the work he's begun, regardless of what those who persecute them try to do.

Last night at our weekly youth gathering we talked about whether or not prayers come true just because you keep asking for the same thing. The general feeling was no, but what we also talked about was how sometimes we pray for something and miss the opportunities God gives us to help make the prayers come true. I think praying for someone else builds this kind of opportunity. In my experiences I've noticed that the more I pray for someone the closer I become in a relationship with them; even if that relationship is from a distance and only spiritual.

Jesus was at death's front door and yet he had the presence of mind to pray for those closest to him. Don't wait until you're in the same situation to begin praying for those you love. Do it now, do it often, do it with a pure heart; just do it.

Lenten Thoughts - Pray For God's Glory

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from John 17:1-5.

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

To understand this reading we may have to first understand the word "glorify". The Greek root of the word used here is doxa which translates to the English understanding of having an opinion. Normally when this word is used in the New Testament it means to have a favored or high opinion. The actual Greek word for "glorify" is doxazo which also translates to having a favored opinion. There are secondary translations which equate to honoring, praising and make renown but these words all relate to having a type of opinion about that which is being glorified.

Now, with that in mind let's take a closer look at what Jesus may be asking for in this passage taken from his prayer to God on behalf of his disciples. Replacing the word "glory" with the phrase "have a good opinion" we can read this passage to reflect Jesus' want for God to not think less of him as he goes through this phase in his life, just as Jesus has never thought less of God in anything. Jesus is just asking that whatever happens from this point forward, no matter what, that the love he and God have for one another never diminish.

I have to admit, just as yesterday, that this new found meaning brings me into a deeper relationship with Jesus as I see him in a strictly human way. Jesus knows the time has come to give of his life for the things he believe in. Jesus knows too that he is human and needs to not face this time alone. His prayer, as is ours many times in our life, is that God not give up on him. Jesus' hope, as again is ours, is that we can count on someone to love us unconditionally, no matter what may happen.

So, pray for God's glory, but not that God is made famous, but rather that God's name only brings the opinion from others that God is a love that will never leave you. Now that's something we can all have a good feeling about.

Lenten Thoughts - Pray for Guidance

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 22:39-46.

 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [[ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’

I have a thing for parenthetical statements. I believe if you have something to say, just say it (no really, I do). So imagine my curiosity when noticing the parenthesis in this passage. Actually, what we have here is more than a parenthesis, it's a double bracket. [[Gasp]]

I just had to see why this phrase was bracketed and what I discovered is one of those discrepancies the bible has within it. Apparently the phrase about the angels from heaven appearing and drops of sweat like blood were either added to some ancient texts or removed from others. After pondering this fact I am suddenly relieved to know that in his toughest hour, in the time that Jesus was going to be arrested, questioned in a trial, and put to death, that when the bracketed phrase is removed Jesus is actually shown to be fully human.

Isn't it when we're in our toughest times, when it seems like there's nothing we can do to get us out of the predicament we're in, when it looks like our lives will be forever changed, and if we don't make the right decision that we feel the most isolated? This is how I now see Jesus as he kneels on the Mount of Olives and prays to his God to get him through whatever is coming; a man suffering alone and reaching out for some kind of help.

We've all been there, and we all understand that nothing except facing our fears head on will get us through that time. If we remove the bracketed phrase we can still understand that it's through prayer and our unique relationship with God that our spirits are strengthened in order that we may face even our biggest trials.

Remove the brackets in your life and pray; albeit in the way you feel most comfortable. Pray for guidance when we need it most. Pray for guidance when we need it least. Pray for guidance in the hearts of everyone around you. It'll help us, them, and you get through tough times.

Lenten Thoughts - Don't Stop Praying

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 18:1-8.

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” ’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

I'm not too sure this parable works in today's culture. The reason I say that is because the point of this parable is that if we keep asking for something even the most cold-hearted person will eventually give in. Too often I see children and teenagers who "bug" their parents to a breaking point where they get what they want; and that's not always a good thing.

Maybe a better lesson we can take from this parable is that the widow was actually asking for something of importance beyond material things. She wanted justice to be done in her favor. She wasn't asking for new clothes, a bigger house, or more money; she just wanted things to be made right. Maybe this should be how we relay the message of this parable for today's society. It's not about what we can get, it's about how we can bring righteousness into the world.

If the message becomes how we can do the things that bring about justice then maybe this parable will have more meaning. It's ok to ask for things to make your life happier, but think about what real happiness is. I have come to understand that real happiness comes from good relationships and this is what the widow in our story really is seeking; an inner peace free from the anguish of being in a bad relationship with her accuser.

Pray constantly, ask for the things that will make your life better, be at peace with yourself and those around you. That's what I hope the message of this parable will be.

Lenten Thoughts - Love Unconditionally

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Luke 15:11-20.

Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.

This is one of my favorite stories in the New Testament. When I get to the end I always vision the Father running down the road, arms wide open, robe flapping behind him as he recognizes his son coming home after a journey of finding himself. The father's love never stopped, even though his son.

There's a video I'd like you too see from the skit guys that tell what the connection between this passage and unconditional love is. Please follow the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxWTEApjRfQ

Lenten Thoughts - Love Them Anyway

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 5:38-40.

 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;

Last night at our Youth Bible Study we dove into some of this past week's readings on Loving Others. What I gathered from the youth who were there is a thirst for understanding what the Bible says. I know that feeling, I can remember the Bible not making any sense to me when I was younger, so I just tuned out.

The Sermon on the Mount is something that can be confusing if we only understand the surface meanings. Take this morning's reading for example. On the surface it looks like Christians are supposed to be passive people who just give you everything we have and we do it because we don't want to be retaliated against by God.

Noooooo!

A deeper look in to the ancient (and no longer followed) law of "an eye for an eye" in Leviticus (24:20) helps us understand that that law was meant to ensure everyone is treated the same. A better understanding of another law in the days of Jesus about the acceptable way a person of higher standing in society may hit his slave or a person less than him also helps. That law only allows for the master to strike on the right cheek with the open palm of the left hand. So turning one's cheek both sends the message that you will not fight back, but you're also not going to make it any easier to be struck again.

The giving of your cloak and coat takes a little more understanding of personal connections within a society. Imagine how you would feel if it was a cold night and you demanded someone give you their shirt and they not only gave it to you but also their jacket.

Put this all together and in this tiny little passage Jesus is saying that everyone must be treated equally. Even if there is inequality, though, we should not add to it. Instead we should point out the injustices in a way that does not further feelings of hate or division. In other words, love them anyway, even if they don't love you.

Lenten Thoughts - Reconciliation

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 5:21-24.

 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

Let me start by saying I was having a bad morning today. I try very hard to get my thoughts written here before I need to get ready for work but today, as is evident by the time of this posting, that was just not going to be possible. Let me also say that that was a good thing.

Yesterday my thoughts were on loving your enemy and how a simple act of kindness shown to someone you don't like can lead to a better relationship. Today I saw the perfect example on how that act of kindness was used to repair a friendship.

It just so happened that the boy I had "forced" to give help and the girl whom he helped and seriously disliked were at one time best of friends; albeit not boyfriend/girlfriend. Two years ago a situation came up where the girl had said something that wasn't true about the boy which resulted in him getting into a lot of trouble at home. That trouble at home worsened because the girl stuck to her story and refused to take responsibility for her actions, choosing instead to let her friend take the fall. They had actually stopped talking to each other for over a year, until the other day when he helped her with the simple act of logging her on to a computer so she could finish her project.

our reading for today once again finds us in the Beatitudes where Jesus is teaching the old ways are not valid anymore and that what needs to be understood is that there is a new way; a way God has always intended for us. In the above teaching Jesus compares anger between two people to murder. At first reading I was a little shocked at this comparison, but the more familiar I became with it the more I understood this has nothing to do with being treated like a murderer for being angry, but rather to fix the things that cause division between ourselves and those around us.

In the story about the two friends who had been divided and now reconciled we see a perfect example of what Jesus is talking about. A simple act of kindness, a whispered "I'm sorry", and a willingness to let go of the anger and hate that separates you from someone else is all you need to begin rebuilding a lost relationship.

Lenten Thoughts - Love Your Enemies

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 5:43-48.

 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Today's reading takes us back to The Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is going over a few of the laws which have been around for quite some time. It would seem he's saying to those who are gathered, "yeah, well, that's how you've always done it, but here's how you should do it now."

Take the above passage for example. Jesus is saying it used to be love your neighbor but hate your enemies, but now you need to love your enemies. In fact, pray for those who hate you. And do this because God does it. These are words we can use in today's society as well.

Too often I'm seeing a culture being developed where what's important is what one can do for themselves. maybe, just maybe if another person is close enough to them they'll do something for them. But rarely will someone in today's society do things for people they either don't know or people they don't like.

Yesterday there was this young girl in one of the classes I watch who needed desperately to get onto the school's computers to finish a project she was working on. Unfortunately she either couldn't remember or didn't have her log-in code for the school's network. She frantically asked the other students in the class if they would log on for her and one by one she was turned down. It hurt me to watch as she got rejected by her classmates simply because they don't like her.

Oh, they were polite in saying no and tried not to hurt her feelings but she knew that she wasn't getting any help because she is not very much liked. Finally she came and asked me for help. It was obvious she was holding back the pain from being rejected; her eyes were watering, her face showing defeat. I walked outside, spoke to one of the kids who I know really well (who had already turned her down) and asked him to log in for her. He refused at first, but I asked him to please help; for me.

He reluctantly gave in. After he logged her in she looked at him, tears welling in her eyes, she simply said thank you, turned away and began to cry. The boy could see how hurt she was, reached out to touch her shoulder and simply said, "I'm sorry."

She smiled at him, he smiled at her, and they hugged. Those of you who know me know I'm a crybaby, so yes, I cried. It was a beautiful thing to watch two lives begin the healing process that can happen when we put aside the hate and let the love flow unconditionally.

God loves us despite all of our shortcomings. God loves us despite, well, everything. Jesus reminds us we should love the same. So, to yesterday's list of love God, others, and yourself let's add love your enemies.

Lenten Thought - Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall 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, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbour as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any

One of the first things we did when I began my ministry at UCC Judd is come up with a theme for our group. We discussed for weeks what it was the Youth wanted to learn about most and what they wanted to be "identified" as (identified is NOT the same as labeled). They told us learning more about what Jesus' message is was the most important. So we discussed further what they thought it should be and how we could best live the message once we figured out what it was.

In our discussions we soon discovered that what Jesus taught could be broken down into three main ideas; love God, love others, and love ourselves. We came to understand that unless we could accomplish all three at some level we couldn't be a complete person. That didn't mean we had to have a complete understanding of what all three types of love meant, rather we agreed that we only had to understand that we need all three loves to know what Jesus' message is.

The class I help with at the high school is reading "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. As we read the book we see how Morrie's nearness to death brings about the realization that life is more than the accumulation of riches. Life is, according to Morrie, about making those around you rich in things like self-respect, self acceptance, and self reliance. Morrie helps us understand that in bringing these types of riches to others we find a freedom from the things that keep us stuck in the rut we falsely call a life.

Jesus has the same message for us. In the making of other people's life better we find our own life to be richer and somehow this brings us closer to God. Of course for some of us it's the growing closer to God that helps us realize our purpose of making other lives better and therefore enriching our own. And sometimes we need to love ourselves first, which lead us to a better relationship with others and God. Either way we need all three. Where we start and the reason we start there really doesn't matter.

Start somewhere and soon you'll be living a life feeling a little, or a lot, more complete.

Lenten Thoughts - Your Reward for Suffering

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten Passage is from Matthew 5:10-12.

 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

This passage comes from The Sermon on the Mount. It's the beginning section of the sermon better known as The Beatitudes. I've always liked The Beatitudes because they remind me that not all rewards go to the rich and famous. In fact Jesus reminds us that in most, if not all cases the best rewards go to those who suffer.

This passage is especially meaningful to me because it also reminds me that I'm not the first to have gone through the pains of life. Loneliness, loss of loved ones, divorce, abandonment by those I thought would love me forever, false friends, and everything else that brings the thoughts of "why bother" have been a part of my life as much as it's been a part of yours and others. We are not the first to go through these trials, nor will we be the last.

What may be different is how people get to the other side of the pain, if they get to the other side. Many life events don't let us keep moving forward, such as the death of someone so close you feel as though a part of your heart went with them. And there's no words or actions or theories that can help you get through it any easier. All we can do is remember that Jesus reminds us we are not alone, nor will we ever be alone. In fact, those whom we consider to be the greatest influences in our life have also felt the same pain we do. And do we not admire them for the strength in the face of diversity they taught us?

That's today's thought; remember that no matter how much it hurts we will eventually come through the pain. Remember too that you are not alone; never have been, never will be. And when you do finally get through the suffering remember too that God is waiting there to hold you with a hug filled with the most intense joy-filled love you'll ever experience.

Lenten Thoughts - Overcoming Sorrow

What2Say2Day? Today's lenten passage is from John 16:29-33.

 His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’

This passage follows yesterday's and is basically the end of the Last Supper according to John. A short reminder that John's version of the Lord's Supper is more like a dinner at which there is a guest speaker. Jesus takes this last chance to help his disciples understand what is going on. Apparently it worked because we begin with the disciples saying they get it and have no more questions; they believe.

Jesus, on the other hand, questions and challenges their belief. He tells them that in fact they will do the exact thing Jesus has been teaching them not to do. They will choose to not be in community and not show love and live in fear - for a while anyway. Jesus tells them they will leave him when he needs them most.

But Jesus isn't worried because he knows he's never alone as long as there is a God. I agree with Jesus that there is a God who never leaves us, always loves us, and accepts us for who we are, where we are. I heard a story the other day about a teen who talked about how her mom has decided to verbally mistreat her because of a decision to be honest. This teen told her mom and dad that she had sex, and was sorry it happened. What this young woman was looking for was an understanding that she made a mistake and help from them in not making this mistake again. What she got instead were days upon days of name calling and put-downs.

She began to believe those words so deeply that in a moment she felt completely alone and abandoned by the people she had sought love from the most. She confided that she actually considered ending her life but decided not to because of how it would affect the people who love her and went to sleep. When she awoke she no longer hurt as deeply as she did and was happy she didn't do anything to hurt others around her.

She had found her peace in the realization that she wasn't alone after all. I want to tell you that neither are you. There will always be someone who loves you - always. That knowledge is all you need to help you overcome any sorrow you may have.