Restoration Equals Healing

Today is the official first day of my summer break. Summer school ended yesterday and let me say here and now it ended on a high note. The last few days were more than pleasant, they were actually enjoyable. I spent quality time with the Youth in the class, laughed, was silly, and just did what I do in being the person I am.

Through the process of those final days I now feel restored. In the last 4 weeks I honestly felt my inner person changing into someone I didn't like. I was becoming negative, was too serious about minor things, and became somewhat of a grouchy old man. Those who know me will tell you I am none of those things.

But I had to go through this recent journey to get to the realization that sometimes situations will arise which have the possibility of creating in me this alternate person. This is what the last 4 weeks have taught me; recognize when I am becoming someone I'm not and do what needs to be done to not let it happen. And in the process continue to build relationships with God, others, and myself.

Sounds difficult, and it can be, but with Jesus at my side I'm sure this is something I can do.

When All Else Fails

Today's passage from Mark is one of those we've (well, I've) read many times. The story of Jesus' unintentional healing of the hemorrhaging woman while on his way to heal a synagogue leader's daughter. Once again I find myself amazed in finding a verse I've obviously glossed over in the past.

Mark 5:26 says, "She endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse." Raise your hand if you've never noticed this verse before so I know I'm not alone.


You know, this verse given in the context of the story says so much without really saying anything. Obviously this woman was in great sickness and had most likely become an outcast as she was bleeding for 12 years. I have always viewed her as just that too; something similar to a beggar woman. The truth of it, though, and judging by this one verse, is this woman had to be well off at some time in her life. I'm thinking she had access to money and was a woman of some importance. How else would she be able to go through "many physicians"?


And in trying to find the cure to her ailment she lost everything; something we all know about. How many times do we try to "fix" something wrong with us only to lose friends, or bring shame to our family, or lose our home or savings. We keep searching and searching for the cure until everything we have, all that defines us is gone.

Except we forget to try Jesus and, like the woman in our story, in a desperate move we finally reach out for him only to find out the cure really was as simple as all that. But one question remains - where or who is Jesus? Just look around, my friends, because Jesus is everywhere. He is in those closest to us and those we only meet once. Jesus lives in the moments of life and the people we come into contact with. We just need to break through the crowded-ness we call life to get to him. Once we do, the healing will begin.

Knowing Is Good, But...

While reflecting on today's passage I'm reminded about a bookmark I made in high school. This bookmark had motivational sayings I would sometimes refer to in order to get myself on track for a project, or feel better about myself in a given situation. It was something I never shared with anyone because I thought people would think I wasn't cool for carrying around weird stuff.

It's really funny, but the only saying I can recall from that bookmark is "Knowing is good, but doing is better." Those were words I would actually model myself after. It wasn't enough to just learn something, I had to apply it as well. Whether it was with school, work, or at home I would catch myself saying "I know that" and start doing something about whatever it was I knew. I'm not sure where I came up with the words for my bookmark, nor do I know why I made such a thing in the first place, but I kept that bookmark for a long time until one day I couldn't find it anymore. Even though I no longer had the bookmark that one phrase stuck with me and every so often I'm reminded about it. Today is one of those times. 


If you remember the breakthrough I wrote about yesterday about my being true to myself you will be happy to know it's been 2 days of exactly that; and these last 2 days have been the least stressful for me in the last 4 weeks. In fact, they have been the least stressful for everyone. There hasn't been any arguments, raising of voices, accusations, or any other negative behaviors. In fact, the students had the majority of their finals today and everyone passed with a B or better. 


Am I saying this all happened because I changed how I approach each day; absolutely not. What I am saying is there was actually no tension in the classroom today. And maybe that's the point Paul is making in 2 Corinthians 8:7-15. It looks to me that Paul is trying to make the argument that there are some of us who know better, have known for about a year now, so it's time for them to step it up and take the lead in their community to break through the division occurring in Corinth. Sounds like good advice to me.


Maybe it's something we could all start doing. If you see something you know is wrong, do something about it. If you know doing something would make a situation better, do it. If you know someone who needs help, help them. If you know, do.


I wish I could find that bookmark.

A Breakthrough!

As I sat and reflected on today's Psalm my heart landed on a single verse. Psalm 30:2 says, "O, Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me." Perfect words for the inspiration I had yesterday with  the Youth I've shared my life with every weekday for the past 4 weeks. This inspiration came as emotions from everyone came to a feverish pitch, causing a few of us to "lose it". In that moment I took a step back and prayed to God to please show me a way.

Then the heavens opened and a beam of the brightest light broke through the dark clouds as a winged angel appeared at my side and said, "maybe it's you." And you know what, she was right; it is me. In order to get along better with my co-worker I've been changing my approach, and in the process changing who I am. I don't like this version of me, and neither do those around me. So, in changing to make one person happy, I made everyone else around me miserable, including me.

And there it is. I have forgotten the words of advice I often give to others - above all else be true to yourself. So, beginning today I will be true to myself. No more penalizing people for minor infractions (like talking), or demanding respect, or threatening people with negative connotations. I will be who I am, and as far as I can tell that person is a really good guy.

I will live the words of Psalm 30:11-12 - "You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever."

Through It All

We're doing something a little different this week and beginning with something other than the Psalm. While the Psalm for this week is uplifting and filled with wonderful images of a God who restores our lives (more on that tomorrow), our reading today from Lamentations 3:22-33 is not. With verses like "to put one's mouth to the dust", and "be filled with insults" one might be hard-pressed to find the message of hope and God's love the passage is really trying to give us. 


I'm on the first of the final 3 days of summer school. Those who follow this blog will know how challenging this experience has been for me. It's been 4 weeks of frustration that in the last week has been filled with dread more than anything else. To be honest I spent most of last night contemplating ways of not going in at all these last few days. But God has other plans, and so my thoughts were cast aside and my heart reminded me why I do what I do on a daily basis; for the youth I see and interact with daily.


So, today's lamentation, which asks us to endure through all types of hardships until the love of our God brings our soul to a safe place, is a good place to start; at least for me. I don't know what these last few days of summer school will bring, nor do I know how I or others around me will react. What I do know is that my God is with me through it all and when the time is right I'll be with my God again in a time of peace.


The second to last verse in our passage says, "[God] will have compassion according to the abundance of [God's] steadfast love." I believe this with all my being. So, yes, this might be the most challenging time in my recent history, but with God's guiding Spirit I will get through it all.

In The Same Boat

Today's passage from Mark 4:35-41 kind of brings my week to a perfect end. It reminds me that in some way or another we all go through bad things in life with those around us. And it's by our faith in God we help each other get through these times.

Our summer school class had a very trying day yesterday. The students can sense the end with only 3 days to go and are getting restless. The teacher is trying her best to maintain some sort of order in the class, but is being resisted at almost every try and is feeling the frustration. And I'm stuck in the middle of keeping the class calm and the teacher from losing it.

It's been this way for almost the entire summer school, and it hasn't been easy, and to be perfectly honest it's through my daily devotions and ability to "escape" to a home and church where love is all that lives which has helped me through these times. After reading today's passage, though, I realize I'm not the only one going through these tough times. We're all in one boat, so to speak, and the storm around us is building; winds billowing, waves pounding at the boat's sides, and the boat is beginning to take on water.

One of the girls in the class told me yesterday, "Mr., you need to find a way to help Miss relax, you're the only calm person in here." My reply was that we all need to help her by just doing the things she asks, without attitude, and get through the next 3 days the best we can. She just smiled and nodded.

Now I wonder what other things in our lives need not only the voice of calm, but also the knowledge that we're all in it together. We don't go through our troubling times alone, not ever. We have family, friends, caring adults or teenagers or children. We also have our God. We're all in one boat, going through the same storms, and now more than ever we need each other.

Sometimes We Get In Our Own Way

Today's reading is extremely timely for me. I'm having a difficult time at my summer job and feel as though I'm ready to explode as my stress level is tested its extreme boundaries. The days are becoming more of a battle between "do what I say and do it now" and "I understand we each have our own way of learning, and you need to be allowed to express yourself".

One thing I remember from a Civics class I took is that one person's rights end where another's begins. This usually helps me in finding fair boundaries for everyone to live in. Except that these past few days has honestly been filled with those around me pushing against those boundaries and as an educator I need to consider those in the class who want to learn but cannot with all the "noise", So it's important to enforce those boundaries.

And there it is - enforce. A comment was made yesterday by one of the students in regards to my enforcing classroom rules. He said, "Mr., don't you notice that the more you enforce the rules the more disruptive the class gets." I took a step back and realized he was right; which told me there was now a line drawn in the sand between the students and the teachers and the battle was about to get worse.

By the end of the day I was using negative reinforcement by subtracting points for not following directions. It came down to one student versus me; and it was the student who made the comment about them getting worse. Finally, after having almost all the points he had earned in the day he said, "Mr., why you gotta be like that?"

My response was simple and quiet, "I'm not the one at fault, you're the one continuing to be disruptive, even after you knew there was going to be a penalty. And, in case you haven't noticed, you're the only one continuing to be that way." He looked around and saw that everyone else was in their seat, working in their groups on their in-class assignments.

Paul's message is almost the same in today's passage from 2 Corinthians 6:1-13. Paul is telling the church at Corinth that he and his followers are trying everything they can and giving everything they have to help them be a unified people. It's because of the continued actions from those who oppose Paul the disruptions are happening. I especially like verse 12 when it says, "there is no restrictions in our affection, but only in yours."

If people are being disruptive in and around you just to test your limits you need to be firm in your love and acceptance of them anyway. Sooner or later those involved will see the truth in the love you have for them. It may not be easy, it will test your limits and tolerance levels, but with God's encouraging love you will find a way to get through.

So, Who’s On My Side Again?

Wow! When the Old Testament wants to make a statement it makes a statement and today’s statement is no exception.

1 Samuel 17:57-18:5 and 18:10-16 talks about Saul and David’s first meeting. This meeting takes place after David, still a boy, has just defeated the Philistine giant we know as Goliath. Saul’s commander-in-chief, Abner, brings David before the king where Saul has a little talk with him.

This passage tells us that by the end of that talk Saul’s son, Jonathan, develops a deep connection with the boy. This connection was so deep that Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, and his bow in a covenental pact. As the story continues, everyone in Israel and Judah eventually fall in love with David; including Saul, which he begins to see as a threat to his own leadership.

As I reflect on how the story unfolds I begin to think of our world leaders, both those who stand at our side and don’t. I see how keeping or obtaining power is more important than actually governing those who they are entrusted to take care of. My thoughts continue to go down the road of the countries in recent history that have had their leaders overthrown in the name of “democracy”. The only difference between all the leaders in my thoughts and the story of David is how God’s plan is being shown through the life of David.

God wants nothing more than for humanity to be united with each other, God, and all of creation. In the Old Testament this message of unity is woven into the history of the Hebrew people. So, when the Old Testament makes a statement that says if God is with you then eventually all things will be with you, it really makes that statement; even if a king has to lose everything and everyone around him to make it.

Oil And Water Can Mix

Today's post will be brief; almost as brief as the Psalm we read today. Psalm 133 has 3 verses and in it's own way, and in my reflection of the Psalm this morning, is a call for unity.

Let's look at the 3 verses one at a time. Verse one simply says how good life is when people live together in unity. Simple enough, right. Verse 2 then compares it to the oil used to anoint Aaron, the high priest appointed by Moses. As we may or may not know the anointing with oil in those days was a big thing as it solidified the union between God and whomever was being anointed.

Verse 3 now paints a picture of unity being like the dew. Dew is moisture that is usually seen in the mornings as it covers the grass and other plants. The ground covered by the dew in this verse would be where the Hebrew people were living at that time (Heron) and the place where God lived in their land (Zion).

In these 3 simple verses the Psalmist has found a way to unite God, humanity, a nation, and creation; and the Psalmist uses the images of oil and water to do so.

Unity among people, creation, nations, and God. What a good life that would be indeed.

Hey Rocky, Watch Me Pull A Rabbit Out Of My Hat

One of my favorite Saturday morning routines when growing up was eating breakfast with the family then sitting in front of the TV to watch Saturday morning cartoons. In the mid-60's we were honestly blessed as children to have 2 hours of Bugs Bunny followed by an hour of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. My brother and I would sit in our pajamas and just watch what we thought was the kid's turn for TV. The adults got it every other day and time, Saturday morning belonged to us.

To this day I remember sitting with anticipation as The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show started, waiting for that moment when Bullwinkle, dressed in a tuxedo and holding a top hat, says to Rocky, "Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat." I knew it was never going to be a rabbit, never has been, but I watched with hope as this time it wouldn't be a lion, or a rhinoceros, or Rocky and it would be a rabbit. I kept cheering for Bullwinkle because I wanted him to succeed.

This was the beginning of how I am today with similar situations; I always cheer for the underdog who is challenging all odds for an outcome that seems out of her/his reach. Little did I know a seed was sown in me at the age of 6 which would grow into a magnificent bush in which birds could make their nests.

Today's passage is from Mark 4: 26-34. In it Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God being like a little seed that only needs to be planted in order to grow. In verse 28 Jesus reminds us that sometimes the earth takes care of itself and things which are planted somehow find a way to reach fruition.

Just like my sharing a Saturday morning with my family and Bullwinkle helped to nourish my passion for justice, we really never know what the "seeds" planted can produce. So, get out in the world, my friends, and simply be a presence which best represents the Christ in you. Let God do the rest.

What Drives Your Passion?

Seems today's passage comes at an opportune time. I'm looking at 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 and 8 words of the many in that passage keep ringing out to me. Verse 14 begins, "For the love of Christ urges us on" and I cannot get that thought out of my mind.

Maybe it's because of what I'm currently going through with my summer school duties. As some of you may or may not know I'm an assistant for a math class in a high school summer course. Very intense, emotionally and mentally draining, and yet very rewarding. I say rewarding because I see how the youth in my class are blossoming, learning, gaining self-esteem, and passing math. As I walk around I hear little "eurekas" - "wow, I get it now", "summer school makes me feel good about myself", "I think I can do this in regular school now."

In 2 Corinthians Paul is trying to unite the church he helped start. It would seem that there has been a major division along religious beliefs and Paul really wants that church to understand it isn't about the rules, rather it's about the love. In the passage for today Paul is beginning an argument that through our belief in Christ and the life he gave to us we should look at things in a new way and not hold on to the things which divide us. In his argument he mentions, with only a passion Paul can, that it's precisely because of the love he has for Jesus that he is able to live this new life.

So, what passions do you let drive you in your life? Mine, at least for now, are the teenagers I touch everyday in school. My hope is that through my actions and words, along with the knowledge I am Christian, they will see the Christ in me and understand it's the love that matters most.

That's what drives me.

Divine Humanity

Sometimes I forget how many times we're reminded just how "human" God is. Why I forget, I don't know, because we (humans) are created in God's image; right. It only follows, then, that how we react in given situations is how God might react - except for the reactions of hate and division.

Last week we read about God walking in the garden, looking for Adam and Eve to spend a lovely afternoon with them. Then we read a story about a God who tried to warn his friends and family that if they get what they're asking for it won't be good. These are things I would do as I'm sure these are things you would do.

In today's passage from 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 we immediately read about a God who is sorry. If you remember last week's reading God had asked Samuel to appoint Saul as king over Israel, but that didn't turn out so good. In fact, things are going really bad, just as God had warned the Israelites it would. So bad that God has decided to find another king, a better one. Such is the beginning of the story of King David who would go down in Israel's history as the best king they've ever had.

What I like about this passage is that God saw how a decision he had made wasn't going right and decided to do something about it and make things better. I want to ask for a vote here...Raise your hand if you've made a bad decision, saw that it was bad and not working, admitted to the wrong, then did something about it to make it better. Now, raise your hand if you know of others who do the same.

It would seem people today aren't willing to admit their mistakes and even less willing to correct them. I may not know a lot, but I do know humans are a forgiving people. Sure we get upset when wrong is done to us, but when those who have wronged us are sincere in their apology and actually do something to fix that which is wrong we eventually forgive and move on. Dare I say we most times grow closer to the one who wronged us and a new, better relationship is formed.

Now that all sounds like something God would like. I mean, that's what God's doing, isn't it?

Thank You

Today is a local holiday in Hawaii known as King Kamehameha Day. It's the day we commemorate the first King of Hawaii and be thankful for his unifying of the different islands of our state. Before we were unified there was constant war between the islands with warriors leaving their loved ones and traveling by canoe to fight in a battle for whatever the battle needed to be fought. Mostly because of land issues and acquiring of resources; including labor (yes, taking of humans to work in the land).

The story of Kamehameha is a unique one, as are the stories of many leaders throughout history. I invite you to look it up to see how he was the "chosen one" to be this great king who would one day bring the people of Hawaii together as one. His battles are known as some of the best ever planned and executed and his victories are celebrated by many who follow Polynesian history.

Kamehameha, though, thanked his gods and his people for the battles he led, fought, and won. A close look at his upbringing will show how his belief in a universal being who guides all things plays a large part in his life. Not much different than the Psalmist we look at today.

Psalm 20 is known as a Psalm which intercedes with God on behalf of a leader just before going into battle. It's thought to be a Psalm which is read responsively by those fighting as well as the leader to give thanks to God before (yes before) going into battle. Imagine that; saying thanks before actually getting what you want.

Which brings me to today's thought; who do you thank before facing the battles you live in your life? The Israelites strongly believed that their God was constantly on their side and that with God's help there would only be victory. They also understood that if they were not victorious it was because they didn't have enough faith that God was on their side. This Psalm was a way of unifying them in one cause under one God.

I want you to take a few moments to think about what this life would be like if we were one people united in the one single cause of sharing unconditional love and acceptance. To that thought I just want to say Thank You, God, for giving us the strength and courage to fight the battles which lead to this one victory.

Circle Of Ohana

My first reading of Mark 3:20-35 showed a Jesus who seems angry with all his talk about houses divided and Satan and denying his own family. As I sat and reflected on my first reading I had a difficult time imagining a Jesus who talks about the division and denial of loved ones. I let those thoughts swirl through my mind, thinking that maybe there was a message God was trying to get to me. I waited and waited until finally I wasn't thinking anymore and caught myself watching morning TV.

So I refocused and read the passage again, this time with a more loving, accepting, and unifying mind. After the second reading I just sat and chuckled at myself as I understood better what Jesus is trying to tell us. If we stand together in the acceptance of all people regardless of who they are we will be able to live as one  family united in the love of God.

In Hawaii we have a word which is defined as family; ohana. That word has a much deeper meaning, though, as it is meant to include all people within a community. In Hawaii, as in other places around the globe, family does not begin or end with your parents and siblings. There are aunts, uncles, and cousins which have to be included as well. Add to this our best friends who we call brother and sister as well as their parents who we call aunty and uncle. Then there's the friends from neighboring towns who we call cousin and their parents who we call aunty and uncle. Let's not forget our parent's aunts, uncles, and cousins, and, and, and. I think you get the idea.

We are all family, and when we stand together in times of crisis to build a shield of love in support of those within our ohana there is nothing - nothing - that can negatively penetrate the circle. Nothing. Jesus wasn't denying anyone, nor was he talking about being divided; he's talking about forming that same circle around those we love to help keep those within our circle safe in times of need.

Treat everyone you meet as though they were family and place them in your circle of love. And thank Jesus for talking in parables which force us to open our minds and hearts enough to understand his words better.

It's For You To Give

The Apostle Paul's message of unity through the life of Jesus Christ is one that rings true and ageless.

Yesterday, after summer school, one of the students asked me if she could talk with me about a personal situation. Of course I said yes, and so we sat and talked. She told me of being with her current boyfriend for just over a year and how in the relationship God is becoming a barrier. I didn't understand how God could become a barrier so I asked her what she meant.

"Well," she said, "my boyfriend says if I don't start understanding God the same way he and his family do he was going to have to break up with me." I continued to listen, hoping to understand how God, and not the boyfriend and his family, was the barrier in their relationship.

At the boyfriend's prompting she had started attending his church. She admits to not being comfortable at that church, so much so that she feels unwelcome. What bothers her more is how she feels the judgment the church, and especially its youth, have for her. So she's already made the decision not to go back to that church.

But she dearly loves her boyfriend so she's willing to attend "mini church" at his family's home. She's attended a few, and says the feelings she had at the "mega church" are the same as the mini one. Except this one feels worse because it's from her boyfriend's family. She wants things to work out between her and her boyfriend, though, so she's willing to give it more of a try.

She did have a few positive things to say. Since their relationship has begun shes stopped partying and feels more compassionate towards others. She sees how God can be a positive influence in her life and she likes the possibilities of being more positive about herself and others. The fact she attributes this change in her life to God shows that perhaps God has plans for her she doesn't yet understand but is willing to try and understand.

Today's reading is from 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 and talks about how Paul hopes unity can be found and shared with all people through the love of God shown to us in the life of Jesus. In verse 15 Paul says, "Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God."

The young woman I speak about has found a way to forge a path to Christ, even if that journey is a rough one for her. Maybe through her love, openness, and acceptance of herself and those who share the journey with her she will be able to show those who she feels judge her what Christianity is.

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme...Oops!

There's an adage that goes "Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it." It's meant as a warning for those who want what they want for themselves and are willing to get it at all costs. Many times, after receiving what they had pursued, the people (or person) eventually wish they didn't get it - but often than naught it's too late.

Today's passage is from 1 Samuel 8:4-20 and 11:14-15. It tells the great story of how the people of Israel, who at that time was being led by God through the prophet Samuel, wanted a king to rule over them. Samuel tried to tell them that they already had a king; in fact the king they had was the best king they could ever ask for. Nevertheless, the people of Israel wanted a real, live, tangible king. They wanted a King they could talk to directly. They wanted a king who could hear their problems and give them solutions in a voice they could hear. They wanted a king who could stand before them and lead them into victorious battles.

Samuel tells them, on behalf of God, "Okay, but I need to tell you this king you're asking for will be bad. He's going to take whatever he wants from you, use you and your children to build all kinds of things for himself, and you will not be happy."

"We don't care, just give us a king." Was their response; so a king they got. King Saul became their ruler and, true to what Samuel warned, he became known in Hebrew history as the worst king ever to rule over Israel.

What do we want in our lives and how badly do we want it? God knows what is best for us and provides us with everything we need. So the question really becomes are we looking for more than what we need?

Do we really need that big house with 5 bedrooms when we only have 1 or 2 kids? Do we really need that large, fully equipped SUV when gas prices are where they are? Do we need the big screen TV's or the latest fashions. Are we willing to keep removing the precious resources of our earth to get these things? Are we willing to keep ourselves in debt to pursue these things?

Maybe what we should be wishing for are ways to build our relationship with God, with each other, and with ourselves. Now that's something I don't mind getting too much of.

It's Always Someone Else's Fault

I've taken on a new and exciting adventure for this summer. I'm assisting a high school summer class in math. It's intense, packed from opening bell to closing bell with work. Although a large majority of the students in the class have already taken the course, there is still a large amount of instruction, practice, review, and application of what is being taught that they need to go through.

As is most of today's summer school courses those who are in the class are there because they need to recoup a credit in order to pass onto the next grade. Not all the students are in this situation, some are there to get ahead or take a required requisite to advance to a higher level. For the most part, though, the students in this math class are there because they need the credit.This is not always the ideal situation for them, but they do what is necessary to get through the day and, eventually, the course. 

Today marks the end of the first week for summer school; which actually equates to an entire quarter of "regular" school. Yes, it's that intense. There are three segments of two hours each in summer school which is the same as two weeks in regular school. All things being the same our students have done more work in 5 days then they would have done in an entire quarter.

So, I asked myself why someone would put themselves through that kind of a math boot camp. I couldn't think of a reason so I did what any curious person would  and asked them. In a class of 18 students 2 were there to get ahead and the rest needed the credit. Of the 16 who needed the credit I asked why they just didn't do the what was necessary during regular school. Of the 16, 10 admitted to being lazy, uncaring, or either unwilling or unable to ask for help when they needed it. The other 6 flat out blamed the teacher's inability to teach.

It was someone else's fault. 

Today's passage from Genesis 3:8-15 has Adam and Eve kind of doing the same thing. When God asks Adam if he ate from that tree Adam says, "Yeah, but that woman made me." And just as quick Eve replies, "Yeah, but the snake made me." Nobody took responsibility for their own action. 

It seems to me that some people are still like this. It's always easier to blame someone else for your wrong doings and hope that you escape from any penalties. Our reading ends with the serpent being punished for being the instigator and if we read on we also see that both of the humans also receive a punishment. God didn't take sides, everyone who had a part in the wrong-doing also took part in the penalties. 

Which brings me to my final thought for the day - Why do the things you're not supposed to in the first place? Or, as is the case with the summer school students, why not just do what you're supposed to from the beginning? Wouldn't that make life a little easier?

My All-Time Favorite Psalm

Psalm 130 is my all-time favorite Psalm. Every time I read it I cry. The words of this Psalm always bring me a sense of freedom from all things that bring pain and suffering in any form or at any level.

Strong words, yes; strong belief as well.

I honestly don't have anything to post about this Psalm as it speaks for itself.

Every word between "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord" and "It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities" hold a special meaning in my life. Those words have saved me (as in kept me safe and sound - in case you forgot about last Friday) from my moments of self-doubt and carried me through times of sorrow. Those words have given me courage and helped me humble myself. Those words are engraved in my heart and is foremost in my thoughts. Only God can bring this kind of freedom from suffering, and it's in the words of this particular Psalm I hear God the most.

Okay, enough about me. Find a quiet place, open your bible to Psalm 130, and plug in some headphones. When you've done all this follow this link.

John Rutter: Requiem - Out of The Deep

It is God who will free us from all things that divide and separate us from one another, ourselves, and God.

How To Save Without Condemning

Okay, so I took my day off from posting yesterday instead of Monday. It was just one of those days, again. Anyway, as I've become accustomed to reading and reflecting on the bible passages for the week I've noticed a change in how I face each day. When I find the time in the mornings to be with God my days are much more bearable than when I don't.

Unfortunately it was my partner at work who felt the "wrath" of Randy the Grouch. We were discussing the strategies for the day when she said something I didn't completely agree with; actually I didn't even partially agree with it. Instead of taking my usual stance of "help me understand why" I took a "I'm not going to do it that way" tone. I could see from her reaction that my response really caused a division between us, even if for a moment. I actually thought that what she wanted to try for that day was demeaning and below me and she needed me to stop her from making a mistake that would affect her for the rest of the summer. I had to save her.

Today's passage from John 3:1-17 reminds me just how badly we can become divided when we forget that we can't "save" anyone. The passage does a great job at explaining how we need to be reborn in order to enter the kingdom of God, but how most of Christianity have interpreted this passage is that the only way to be saved is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Yikes.

Verse 17 clearly states that Jesus was not given to us to condemn others, but that people can find safety through him. I found it interesting that the first definition the Greek lexicon gives for the phrase "might be saved" is to keep safe and sound. The lectionary also notes that the negative (it actually says negative) definition of the same phrase is to deliver from judgment. I don't know about your Christ, but I like to think that mine helps to keep me from harm and rescues me from danger.

We, as the body of Christ, cannot deliver anyone from judgment; that's God's job. But we can help people in their time of need. Be Christ-like, my friends, and save people, don't condemn them.