Luke 6:20-31
One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Gremlin. The young man in the movie is holding a Mogwai, a gremlin before it becomes a gremlin. He is sitting with a wise old man when the Mogwai begins "mewing and purring" in conversation with him. The young man doesn't understand a thing which the Mogwai is saying, so the wise old man translates. The young man looks puzzled and in a voice filled with frustration he asks the wise old man, "How do you know what he's saying?" The wise man says, "All one needs to understand is to listen." (It's been a while since I've seen the movie so forgive any discrepancies in setting the scene, but the line is correct.)
In today's passage Jesus gives us a litany of what are called the beatitudes. They are called beatitudes because the Latin translation of the Greek word for happy is beatitudo. Each verse literally begins with the words, "Happy are...". If the verses look different it's because this version is from Luke's retelling of the Sermon on the Plain, not Matthew's version of the Sermon on the Mount.
Also included as a part of today's passage are what are called the "woes". This word comes from the Greek ouai which is pronounced very similar to woe. The definition as used in these passages, however, is "alas"; an expression of concern, pity, or grief.
A brief example of each beatitude or woe could be: "Those of you who are poor are happy because God lives with you, however those of you who are rich need to be careful because you've already lost everything." (Paraphrase and connection of 6:20b and 6:24.)
Towards the end of the reading we hear Jesus make this statement: "But I say to you that listen." What follows are words with which to live our lives, said in such a way to emulate how Jesus lived his life as exampled by the rest of the story as told in Luke. Love your enemy, be good to the people who hate you, pray for those who abuse you, and more. All of which is summarized in what has come to be called the Golden Rule.
It has become my current belief that the world has stopped listening. We can recite, we can repeat, we can remember; but we cannot and do not listen. Listening is an active verb. In order to listen you must engage that which you are listening to with your senses. You have to watch for expressions and hear the tempo and tenor of the words. With your mind you need to find understanding and with your heart you need to feel how that which you are listening to feels.
In the movie Gremlins, the Mogwai never becomes a Gremlin, as did his counterpart. If you're aware of the movie you will know that the gremlins multiply at a very fast rate and create havoc on the town. Somehow, the fate of the town depends on the young man being able to understand what it is the Mogwai is trying to say. In order to save the town this young man must figure out a way to understand what the Mogwai is saying.
All one needs to understand is to listen.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Our Inheritance
Ephesians 1:11-23
I had only met my paternal grandfather once or twice before he passed away. I honestly didn't know that much about him except that he worked hard at ensuring his family was able to succeed in America. He was a Mexican national who moved to California in the 1950's to work in the fruit fields. From my father's example I can say he instilled in his children the importance of hard work as well as getting a good education.
He and my paternal grandmother divorced before I was born, I don't know the reasons why. Because he never became naturalized, my grandfather moved back to Mexico after the split up and eventually started another family. He also realized a long-standing dream he had and opened up a small chain of Mexican restaurants along the coastal boarder between Mexico and California. When my grandfather passed away he wasn't exactly one of the richest men in the world, but he was successful and was able to leave a small part of his fortune to his family.
I honestly don't remember anything about my grandpa Hilario, except from what I've seen on old 8mm reels of film. He seemed to be a fun man, filled with life and a love for his family. When he passed away I remember my dad saying that there was a will, and that some money would be coming into the family. I still remember that day my brother and I both got a check for $250 from his estate. I honestly hadn't expected anything, thinking we weren't really family, but there it was - a small piece of grandpa Hilario to do with as I wished.
That particular story took place so many years ago, I think I was either still in high school or just graduated, but what I do remember is that the money meant nothing to me. That my grandpa had remembered us in his will, and still included us as a part of his life, meant so much more to me than anything else.
Paul's message here brings the same feelings to me. It isn't about the material things Jesus, Paul, the early Apostles, or any one of their many disciples left behind for us to enjoy. It's the knowledge that because of the love Jesus shared, and the teachings of that love passed down through the millennia by those early followers, that I know without a doubt I am unconditionally accepted by a God who's love never ends.
As we strive to find that which we can pass on to our children, and their children, let's try to remember that it's not about the house, or the car, or the business, or the vault full of cash. Future generations will remember us for one thing: how they were loved by us and how we taught them to love everyone else.
I had only met my paternal grandfather once or twice before he passed away. I honestly didn't know that much about him except that he worked hard at ensuring his family was able to succeed in America. He was a Mexican national who moved to California in the 1950's to work in the fruit fields. From my father's example I can say he instilled in his children the importance of hard work as well as getting a good education.
He and my paternal grandmother divorced before I was born, I don't know the reasons why. Because he never became naturalized, my grandfather moved back to Mexico after the split up and eventually started another family. He also realized a long-standing dream he had and opened up a small chain of Mexican restaurants along the coastal boarder between Mexico and California. When my grandfather passed away he wasn't exactly one of the richest men in the world, but he was successful and was able to leave a small part of his fortune to his family.
I honestly don't remember anything about my grandpa Hilario, except from what I've seen on old 8mm reels of film. He seemed to be a fun man, filled with life and a love for his family. When he passed away I remember my dad saying that there was a will, and that some money would be coming into the family. I still remember that day my brother and I both got a check for $250 from his estate. I honestly hadn't expected anything, thinking we weren't really family, but there it was - a small piece of grandpa Hilario to do with as I wished.
That particular story took place so many years ago, I think I was either still in high school or just graduated, but what I do remember is that the money meant nothing to me. That my grandpa had remembered us in his will, and still included us as a part of his life, meant so much more to me than anything else.
Paul's message here brings the same feelings to me. It isn't about the material things Jesus, Paul, the early Apostles, or any one of their many disciples left behind for us to enjoy. It's the knowledge that because of the love Jesus shared, and the teachings of that love passed down through the millennia by those early followers, that I know without a doubt I am unconditionally accepted by a God who's love never ends.
As we strive to find that which we can pass on to our children, and their children, let's try to remember that it's not about the house, or the car, or the business, or the vault full of cash. Future generations will remember us for one thing: how they were loved by us and how we taught them to love everyone else.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Beasts Within
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
There's an adage which goes:
There are two beasts who live inside you, one is good and one is evil. The good beast is responsible for all the life-sharing love around you, and feeds on that love. The evil, in same manner, lives on and breeds all that is evil. Only one of those beasts will live through you; the one you let live is the one you feed.
Daniel's vision tell's of four beasts who rise from the sea. These four beasts all represent one of the kingdoms in and around Israel, all of whom either did, was, or will be influential in some way in the lives of the Israelites.
Each of the beasts represents how Daniel characterizes these kingdoms as animals, albeit composites of animals. Winged lions represent strong courage with quick-rising power, the bear represents strict and unemotional cruelty. There are many places you can go to see what each animal represents, so I won't list them here, nor will I cause you to tear your hair out by reading a long commentary. All I want to say is that Daniel 7 is a retelling of Daniel 2 with the difference being that instead of talking about the politics of the 4 kingdoms, Daniel 7 talks about their moralities.
As we read through Daniel 7 and have the vision interpreted for us we see that the one beast who is fed the most does indeed become the one that lives in the end. I don't want to spoil the read for you, so I won't give away the ending here. Suffice it to say it might not be the animal you're expecting.
The focus for today is what beasts you have living within you. What are you feeding and how much are you feeding it? Unfortunately only you truly know if your words and actions are a true representation of what lives within you.
If you say you care about the poor, sick, and hungry and help out at your local shelter with all the great groups you belong to, only to bypass that elderly man hunched over on the sidewalk because he's dirty and stink when you're by yourself, well...
If you say you believe in equality for all and attend rallies that promote those beliefs, only to vote for government officials who make laws that go against those beliefs, well....
If you say you are a Christian and go to church every Sunday and join every church group that exists, only to never share your faith with those who disagree with you because you don't want to upset them, well...
The beast you let live is the one you feed the most, not the one you take for a walk around the neighborhood.
There's an adage which goes:
There are two beasts who live inside you, one is good and one is evil. The good beast is responsible for all the life-sharing love around you, and feeds on that love. The evil, in same manner, lives on and breeds all that is evil. Only one of those beasts will live through you; the one you let live is the one you feed.
Daniel's vision tell's of four beasts who rise from the sea. These four beasts all represent one of the kingdoms in and around Israel, all of whom either did, was, or will be influential in some way in the lives of the Israelites.
Each of the beasts represents how Daniel characterizes these kingdoms as animals, albeit composites of animals. Winged lions represent strong courage with quick-rising power, the bear represents strict and unemotional cruelty. There are many places you can go to see what each animal represents, so I won't list them here, nor will I cause you to tear your hair out by reading a long commentary. All I want to say is that Daniel 7 is a retelling of Daniel 2 with the difference being that instead of talking about the politics of the 4 kingdoms, Daniel 7 talks about their moralities.
As we read through Daniel 7 and have the vision interpreted for us we see that the one beast who is fed the most does indeed become the one that lives in the end. I don't want to spoil the read for you, so I won't give away the ending here. Suffice it to say it might not be the animal you're expecting.
The focus for today is what beasts you have living within you. What are you feeding and how much are you feeding it? Unfortunately only you truly know if your words and actions are a true representation of what lives within you.
If you say you care about the poor, sick, and hungry and help out at your local shelter with all the great groups you belong to, only to bypass that elderly man hunched over on the sidewalk because he's dirty and stink when you're by yourself, well...
If you say you believe in equality for all and attend rallies that promote those beliefs, only to vote for government officials who make laws that go against those beliefs, well....
If you say you are a Christian and go to church every Sunday and join every church group that exists, only to never share your faith with those who disagree with you because you don't want to upset them, well...
The beast you let live is the one you feed the most, not the one you take for a walk around the neighborhood.
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Double-Edged Sword
Psalm 149
Talk about a tale of two cities. This Psalm had me thinking about all the wonderful things God does for us, then, right about the middle of it, I wasd invited to also "let the high praises of God be in [my throat] and two-edged swords in [my hand]." What follows this declaration is the hope that through God we can bind, execute, and punish our enemies.
What!? It's no wonder I get confused sometimes about what God is asking us to do. Are we to love our enemies, or defeat our enemies?
As I read commentaries on today's Psalm I found one which made mention that the request for vengeance with a double-edged sword is a hope for the future. This commentary said that it was most likely swords did not have two-edges in the days this Psalm was written, so the mention of a double-edged sword was a "dream", if you will, of a future weapon that will not only allow the people of Israel to protect themselves, but to also defeat any enemies which threaten their way of life.
The commentary goes on to say that the Psalmist's design was "not to proceed under the influence of private resentment, [but] to throw a rein over passion." What this commentator is saying is although the Psalm is calling for violence, it isn't the way of God's people to be violent, rather to live for justice.
The Psalm is saying that the people of God are not a violent people, but neither should we allow injustice to go unchecked. The sword is not a literal sword, but an instrument which allows for God's people to fight against the powers of government and a corrupt religion to ensure all people live in a land filled with songs and dance. Wielding this sword allows us to say, "Come into God's loving arms" to invite people into God's love, while at the same time saying, "God's arms hold you at length" in order to protect those who need protection.
One might say that this kind of talk is similar to talking out of both sides of your mouth. To which I would simply say that such is the way of a double-edged sword.
Talk about a tale of two cities. This Psalm had me thinking about all the wonderful things God does for us, then, right about the middle of it, I wasd invited to also "let the high praises of God be in [my throat] and two-edged swords in [my hand]." What follows this declaration is the hope that through God we can bind, execute, and punish our enemies.
What!? It's no wonder I get confused sometimes about what God is asking us to do. Are we to love our enemies, or defeat our enemies?
As I read commentaries on today's Psalm I found one which made mention that the request for vengeance with a double-edged sword is a hope for the future. This commentary said that it was most likely swords did not have two-edges in the days this Psalm was written, so the mention of a double-edged sword was a "dream", if you will, of a future weapon that will not only allow the people of Israel to protect themselves, but to also defeat any enemies which threaten their way of life.
The commentary goes on to say that the Psalmist's design was "not to proceed under the influence of private resentment, [but] to throw a rein over passion." What this commentator is saying is although the Psalm is calling for violence, it isn't the way of God's people to be violent, rather to live for justice.
The Psalm is saying that the people of God are not a violent people, but neither should we allow injustice to go unchecked. The sword is not a literal sword, but an instrument which allows for God's people to fight against the powers of government and a corrupt religion to ensure all people live in a land filled with songs and dance. Wielding this sword allows us to say, "Come into God's loving arms" to invite people into God's love, while at the same time saying, "God's arms hold you at length" in order to protect those who need protection.
One might say that this kind of talk is similar to talking out of both sides of your mouth. To which I would simply say that such is the way of a double-edged sword.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday Finding
A couple of quotes to say thank you.
Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your
appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.
Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you.
Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it. – Ralph Marston
The laughs mean more to me than the adoration. If two girls
walk up to me and one says 'you're cute', I'll say thank you, but I appreciate
it much more when the other one says 'you make me laugh so much'. – Michael J.
Fox
None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance
we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part
of understanding the importance of saying thank you.
– Harvey Mackay
I've gotten books published. I've met famous people that are
very nice. I look back and I say, 'Wow. Thank you, God, for giving me this
gift. And thank you for helping me to keep going.'– Mattie Stepanek
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Regarding
Luke 18:9-14
Once again a passage that is fairly well-known to me is read anew. I've heard this parable many times and each time I've heard it it's been as a lesson in humility. In just about every sermon, bible discussion group, or passing conversation on this parable it's been generally accepted that one should not shout at the top of one's lungs in order to bring attention to one's self. Instead, we are to simply admit we are sinners and pray that God forgives us.
It wasn't until the past few years I've been directed to note that the Pharisee is pointing fingers at people who are "not like" him. Sinners such as thieves and adulterers are lumped together as people who the Pharisee is thankful to not be like. The Pharisee even says he's happy to not be like the tax collector with which he is being compared.
The tax-collector, on the other hand, simply admits to his sins and asks for forgiveness. I don't know about you, but I like the example of the tax collector better.
The first sentence in this passage spoke out to me today. Jesus tells this parable to "some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt." I practically stopped reading the passage once those words settled in as I asked myself what I think of myself and others.
There was a time in my life when my faith taught me that we need to be better than those who sin. Boys who go to the movies with girls were sinners. Girls who danced with boys were sinners. Only sinners questioned the authoritativeness of God's word as it pertained to exactly who sinners were. And, believe it or not, it was possible to not be a sinner as long as you rebuked every idea outside of the ones the "official" church of Jesus taught.
We were taught to not be like "them" and instead we should stand on the mountain top and thank God we are not sinners - as long as we were humble about it.
In the years that followed, I discovered I was indeed a sinner and no matter how hard I tried I would always be one. However, I also discovered that being a sinner isn't the end all I was taught it was. In fact, knowing I am, and will always be, a sinner was just the beginning. That realization gave me permission to let go of the hate I had for myself and my sinning-ness, Instead I found that I now had permission to let God work in and through me as a sinner to let others know God is at our side, walking with us on our path, no matter what.
There is no race to win, there is no love to be earned, there is no reason to doubt myself because God has always been and will always be with me. It is in this realization I have grown past looking at others with contempt. It is in this understanding of God's love, as taught to me through my relationship with Christ, that I am now able to accept God's love for me.
This passage asks us to take an honest look at how we regard others as much as how we regard our self. As Christians we are being taught that we are all sinners, and through God's love we will be justified, or set as equals, to those around us.
Once again a passage that is fairly well-known to me is read anew. I've heard this parable many times and each time I've heard it it's been as a lesson in humility. In just about every sermon, bible discussion group, or passing conversation on this parable it's been generally accepted that one should not shout at the top of one's lungs in order to bring attention to one's self. Instead, we are to simply admit we are sinners and pray that God forgives us.
It wasn't until the past few years I've been directed to note that the Pharisee is pointing fingers at people who are "not like" him. Sinners such as thieves and adulterers are lumped together as people who the Pharisee is thankful to not be like. The Pharisee even says he's happy to not be like the tax collector with which he is being compared.
The tax-collector, on the other hand, simply admits to his sins and asks for forgiveness. I don't know about you, but I like the example of the tax collector better.
The first sentence in this passage spoke out to me today. Jesus tells this parable to "some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt." I practically stopped reading the passage once those words settled in as I asked myself what I think of myself and others.
There was a time in my life when my faith taught me that we need to be better than those who sin. Boys who go to the movies with girls were sinners. Girls who danced with boys were sinners. Only sinners questioned the authoritativeness of God's word as it pertained to exactly who sinners were. And, believe it or not, it was possible to not be a sinner as long as you rebuked every idea outside of the ones the "official" church of Jesus taught.
We were taught to not be like "them" and instead we should stand on the mountain top and thank God we are not sinners - as long as we were humble about it.
In the years that followed, I discovered I was indeed a sinner and no matter how hard I tried I would always be one. However, I also discovered that being a sinner isn't the end all I was taught it was. In fact, knowing I am, and will always be, a sinner was just the beginning. That realization gave me permission to let go of the hate I had for myself and my sinning-ness, Instead I found that I now had permission to let God work in and through me as a sinner to let others know God is at our side, walking with us on our path, no matter what.
There is no race to win, there is no love to be earned, there is no reason to doubt myself because God has always been and will always be with me. It is in this realization I have grown past looking at others with contempt. It is in this understanding of God's love, as taught to me through my relationship with Christ, that I am now able to accept God's love for me.
This passage asks us to take an honest look at how we regard others as much as how we regard our self. As Christians we are being taught that we are all sinners, and through God's love we will be justified, or set as equals, to those around us.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Libating In My Youth
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
I will be the first to admit that I made very bad decisions in my youth. I will also be the first to say that I wouldn't change a thing about those decisions I made, mostly because they've made me who I am today. Also, changing any of those decisions would have altered the path I was on enough so that it might be possible I would be in a different place in my life. I am very happy with who I am and where I am and can't imagine being anywhere or anyone else.
After reading today's passage a great memory about the rituals of my past came to mind; a ritual I had almost forgotten. If you'll allow it I want to tell you a story which best symbolizes this ritual.
As a senior in high school, not too far away from graduating, a group of my friends and I went to the library. Mind you, "going to the library" meant more than going to a building filled with books to study. It meant we were going to see if we could acquire alcohol and drink a little, not too much as it was a school night.
We were a respectable group of young men and didn't like lying to our parents, so when we told them we were going to the library, we actually did. I would usually drive and after a trip to the liquor store, where we were usually successful in buying a bottle of cheap wine, we would all ride together to the local community college's library parking lot.
The first thing we would always do after opening the bottle was to pour a little out and say the words, "For our brothers and sisters not with us tonight." This simple act, done with sincere reverence, somehow brought all of our friends together with us in that time and space. It was as though while only 2 or 3 of us were gathered, our entire community was with us.
This ritual continued throughout my youth and into adulthood. As I was finally able to quit the addictions which held me prisoner, I somehow still found a way to continue the ritual of libating; the ritual of pouring out a part of that which I was involved so as to include all of the people who were not there. The major difference between now and then is that what I pour out does not come from a bottle, but from my heart. I now choose to share my love with everyone.
Today's passage is found at the end of 2 Timothy. In this reading we are invited to hear Paul's voice remind us that as his life ends, he can rest in the knowledge that he did his best in being a vassal for Christ. The author of this letter shows Paul as someone who has had his heart, soul, and mind - that which is the vassal he has become - emptied in the hope that through his teachings, Paul's followers will do their best to do the same.
As Christians we are called to give everything we have in order to bring God's vision of a world filled with unconditional acceptance while ensuring that all people are taken care of. We should find as many ways as possible to guarantee that those who have been pushed to the outsides of society are once again brought in. My friends, we are asked to pour out just a little of what you have to include those who are not there.
As you pour it out, remember that all of your brothers and sisters are right there with you.
I will be the first to admit that I made very bad decisions in my youth. I will also be the first to say that I wouldn't change a thing about those decisions I made, mostly because they've made me who I am today. Also, changing any of those decisions would have altered the path I was on enough so that it might be possible I would be in a different place in my life. I am very happy with who I am and where I am and can't imagine being anywhere or anyone else.
After reading today's passage a great memory about the rituals of my past came to mind; a ritual I had almost forgotten. If you'll allow it I want to tell you a story which best symbolizes this ritual.
As a senior in high school, not too far away from graduating, a group of my friends and I went to the library. Mind you, "going to the library" meant more than going to a building filled with books to study. It meant we were going to see if we could acquire alcohol and drink a little, not too much as it was a school night.
We were a respectable group of young men and didn't like lying to our parents, so when we told them we were going to the library, we actually did. I would usually drive and after a trip to the liquor store, where we were usually successful in buying a bottle of cheap wine, we would all ride together to the local community college's library parking lot.
The first thing we would always do after opening the bottle was to pour a little out and say the words, "For our brothers and sisters not with us tonight." This simple act, done with sincere reverence, somehow brought all of our friends together with us in that time and space. It was as though while only 2 or 3 of us were gathered, our entire community was with us.
This ritual continued throughout my youth and into adulthood. As I was finally able to quit the addictions which held me prisoner, I somehow still found a way to continue the ritual of libating; the ritual of pouring out a part of that which I was involved so as to include all of the people who were not there. The major difference between now and then is that what I pour out does not come from a bottle, but from my heart. I now choose to share my love with everyone.
Today's passage is found at the end of 2 Timothy. In this reading we are invited to hear Paul's voice remind us that as his life ends, he can rest in the knowledge that he did his best in being a vassal for Christ. The author of this letter shows Paul as someone who has had his heart, soul, and mind - that which is the vassal he has become - emptied in the hope that through his teachings, Paul's followers will do their best to do the same.
As Christians we are called to give everything we have in order to bring God's vision of a world filled with unconditional acceptance while ensuring that all people are taken care of. We should find as many ways as possible to guarantee that those who have been pushed to the outsides of society are once again brought in. My friends, we are asked to pour out just a little of what you have to include those who are not there.
As you pour it out, remember that all of your brothers and sisters are right there with you.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Prophesies Of Old
Joel 2:23-32
I'm currently reading an interesting and challenging book. "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by Felten and Procter-Murphy is interesting in that it tells stories which hold my attention. It's a challenging book because it does exactly that; it challenges me. So far it has challenged my belief on many biblical understandings, especially as they pertain to Christianity.
Is the birth narrative necessary in order for me to believe Jesus is a divine presence? Why do the writings of Paul have glaringly varied voices? Is the resurrection of Christ a physical one and does it matter?
Yes, very challenging, and very interesting.
Yesterday I began the chapter on social justice. It not only mentioned how Jesus was an absolute champion of social justice, but that he also followed in the footsteps of other great prophets. Hosea, Habakkuk, Amos, Micah, Jeremiah, and the others all spoke out against the social injustices of their day, something Jesus did very well himself.
The prophets made it known that those who are in charge and using the laws of religion to divide and separate people are making things really bad for themselves and the people of God. The prophets point out that the message of God is not to live in a rules and reward system, but to provide for those who have less than they need to survive.
The widows, orphans, sick, imprisoned, and others who have been outcast by a hierarchical society are being lifted up and pointed out by these prophets in order for the church and government leaders to see them for who they are - children of God who are in need of unconditional acceptance.
By now you should know I'm a word guy. I like to know the meaning of words. If we look up the meaning of prophesy in today's dictionaries we will see it defined as foretelling the future. However, when we look at the Hebrew meaning as used in the Hebrew Bible we will see that it means to be under the influence of a divine spirit while speaking out against false prophets.
What happened to the meaning of that word between its original use and today is only a mystery. Somehow we've taken the prophets as someone who spoke out against false teachings of God's vision to someone who can tell the future. Somehow we've taken the words of the prophets in saying, "If you keep going the way you're going, things are going to be bad, really bad" to, "I predict that in the future things will get bad."
Maybe it's time we begin to listen to the prophets of today in the same way the Israelites were supposed to listen to the prophets of old. There are a lot of people telling us that if we don't change our ways things are going to get bad. Climate change, sexual orientation equality, care for the poor, the ability to afford a home, the ability to afford basic health care, and so much more are being lifted up and pointed out by so many prophets. It's a sad statement to have to say that those voices are being drowned out by the voices who say none of those things, none of them, are a part of God's plan according to God's word.
God's word is one of love, real, true, non-judgmental, all-accepting, take care of those who need taking care of, reach out to those who are suffering, love. Anything less is exactly what the prophets are warning us against.
I'm currently reading an interesting and challenging book. "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by Felten and Procter-Murphy is interesting in that it tells stories which hold my attention. It's a challenging book because it does exactly that; it challenges me. So far it has challenged my belief on many biblical understandings, especially as they pertain to Christianity.
Is the birth narrative necessary in order for me to believe Jesus is a divine presence? Why do the writings of Paul have glaringly varied voices? Is the resurrection of Christ a physical one and does it matter?
Yes, very challenging, and very interesting.
Yesterday I began the chapter on social justice. It not only mentioned how Jesus was an absolute champion of social justice, but that he also followed in the footsteps of other great prophets. Hosea, Habakkuk, Amos, Micah, Jeremiah, and the others all spoke out against the social injustices of their day, something Jesus did very well himself.
The prophets made it known that those who are in charge and using the laws of religion to divide and separate people are making things really bad for themselves and the people of God. The prophets point out that the message of God is not to live in a rules and reward system, but to provide for those who have less than they need to survive.
The widows, orphans, sick, imprisoned, and others who have been outcast by a hierarchical society are being lifted up and pointed out by these prophets in order for the church and government leaders to see them for who they are - children of God who are in need of unconditional acceptance.
By now you should know I'm a word guy. I like to know the meaning of words. If we look up the meaning of prophesy in today's dictionaries we will see it defined as foretelling the future. However, when we look at the Hebrew meaning as used in the Hebrew Bible we will see that it means to be under the influence of a divine spirit while speaking out against false prophets.
What happened to the meaning of that word between its original use and today is only a mystery. Somehow we've taken the prophets as someone who spoke out against false teachings of God's vision to someone who can tell the future. Somehow we've taken the words of the prophets in saying, "If you keep going the way you're going, things are going to be bad, really bad" to, "I predict that in the future things will get bad."
Maybe it's time we begin to listen to the prophets of today in the same way the Israelites were supposed to listen to the prophets of old. There are a lot of people telling us that if we don't change our ways things are going to get bad. Climate change, sexual orientation equality, care for the poor, the ability to afford a home, the ability to afford basic health care, and so much more are being lifted up and pointed out by so many prophets. It's a sad statement to have to say that those voices are being drowned out by the voices who say none of those things, none of them, are a part of God's plan according to God's word.
God's word is one of love, real, true, non-judgmental, all-accepting, take care of those who need taking care of, reach out to those who are suffering, love. Anything less is exactly what the prophets are warning us against.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Doing Thanks
Psalm 65
The other day, while looking for a card to congratulate a soon-to-be mom, I was appalled to see that Christmas cards were already for sale. I couldn't believe my eyes, but right there, next to the cards in celebration of birthdays and printed words of condolences, were cards welcoming the Holiday Season.
My initial reaction was one of exasperation. I said to my wife, "It's bad enough we begin seeing Christmas trees in the big-box stores and commercials on TV advertising lay away deals for the holidays, but now the greeting card companies are getting a 3-month start."
She quietly replied, "Well, at least they're letting us thank God for God's gift earlier and earlier each year." I'm so glad she's my wife.
Thanking God is something I think we don't do enough of. Sure, we say thank you every time we pray. We say thank you whenever something goes very well for us or for our loved ones. But, in all honesty, we don't give thanks to God as often as we should.
The first part of verse 5 jumped out at me from today's reading. "By awesome deeds you answer us" says to me that God is a God that does for us, not just says to us; God is a God who acts, not just talks. Why then, do we think God deserves anything less from us.
The challenge as a Christian is to do more than say thank you when gratitude is to be given. As a follower of Christ I think we would want to do things for others, whether or not they ask for it. As for me, I don't think that I really do thanks as much as I could, and I certainly don't do thanks as much as I say it.
You see, in a way my wife was absolutely correct. God gave us the ultimate gift of Jesus and it's time now, more than ever, to start showing our thanks. Today is a good day as any to start living thankfulness.
The other day, while looking for a card to congratulate a soon-to-be mom, I was appalled to see that Christmas cards were already for sale. I couldn't believe my eyes, but right there, next to the cards in celebration of birthdays and printed words of condolences, were cards welcoming the Holiday Season.
My initial reaction was one of exasperation. I said to my wife, "It's bad enough we begin seeing Christmas trees in the big-box stores and commercials on TV advertising lay away deals for the holidays, but now the greeting card companies are getting a 3-month start."
She quietly replied, "Well, at least they're letting us thank God for God's gift earlier and earlier each year." I'm so glad she's my wife.
Thanking God is something I think we don't do enough of. Sure, we say thank you every time we pray. We say thank you whenever something goes very well for us or for our loved ones. But, in all honesty, we don't give thanks to God as often as we should.
The first part of verse 5 jumped out at me from today's reading. "By awesome deeds you answer us" says to me that God is a God that does for us, not just says to us; God is a God who acts, not just talks. Why then, do we think God deserves anything less from us.
The challenge as a Christian is to do more than say thank you when gratitude is to be given. As a follower of Christ I think we would want to do things for others, whether or not they ask for it. As for me, I don't think that I really do thanks as much as I could, and I certainly don't do thanks as much as I say it.
You see, in a way my wife was absolutely correct. God gave us the ultimate gift of Jesus and it's time now, more than ever, to start showing our thanks. Today is a good day as any to start living thankfulness.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday Findings
If we do discover a complete theory, it should be in time
understandable in broad principle by everyone. Then we shall all, philosophers,
scientists, and just ordinary people be able to take part in the discussion of
why we and the universe exist. – Stephen Hawking
I think that in the discussion of natural problems we ought
to begin not with the Scriptures, but with experiments, and demonstrations. – Galileo
Galilei
In the Bhagavad Gita, there is no long discussion, nothing
elaborate. The main reason for this is that everything stated in the Gita is
meant to be tested in the life of every man; it is intended to be verified in
practice. – Vinoba Bhave
There are two things which cannot be attacked in front:
ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple
development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion. – Lord
Acton
Without Discussion – by Samuel Amadon
What people said, what left the table dark.
None stayed inside the house, nor close around.
Each direction its direction bound.
Like when you leave the arcing thing to arc.
Like papers gather papers in the park.
We note the wind is what can't hold the ground.
While hearing transfer stations fill with sound.
And let the city alter a remark
a little further from explaining what
was meant. A creak again or just a creak
right then. Like leaning forward on the cart.
A structure falls to stay its every strut.
I'd like to speak. I said I'd like to speak.
And someone sighs, they broke the silent part.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Where's The Faith
Luke 18:1-8
Last night I attended a forum on Marriage Equality. The forum was led by a state legislator who has said, without doubt, he does not support same-sex marriage. I went to this forum expecting him to bad-mouth gays and use examples from the bible to do so. What I got was a great lesson on civics and the law.
The governor of our state is calling a special session to pass a marriage equality amendment to our state's constitution. I don't have a problem with that, or at least I didn't. Now I'm beginning to wonder if this amendment is being pushed through. I guess a little more research on the issue is needed.
What I want to say is that I greatly appreciated the representative's decision not to make this a religious forum, even though the forum was held at a church. I thanked him afterwards for his straight-forwardness in helping us understand his passion in respecting the process of government.
Of course, and because, I like to understand things or not let things be said without challenges, I interrupted his presentation more than a few times to ask for clarification or to state what I know to be additional truths to what he was presenting. The conversations were not bitter in any sense of the word. Both sides were presented with respect.
I can honestly say I enjoyed the forum because it was done in a way as to accept all points of view and people were allowed to come to their own conclusions after being able to participate fully at a level they were comfortable. The walk down the stairs after the forum wasn't as pleasant.
I was approached by one of the attendees of the forum who introduced himself and immediately asked whether or not I thought homosexuality was a sin. I smiled and first explained my definition of sin as anything which separates us from God, each other, or our self. With that definition in mind I told him that I do not believe homosexuality was a sin, as I don't see how two people sharing one love could be a separation of relationships.
I immediately followed that statement with this, "It's how we react to homosexuality where I believe the sin is." I say that because as we react to what others say about homosexuality we will always, always, find ourselves in a position of defending our belief. The defense soon becomes division, and the division will almost always become separation. Sure enough, the more we spoke about our different points-of view on this subject, the more we became separated in our newly-formed relationship.
Today's passage is a reminder by Jesus that sooner or later God will grant justice to all that ask. It's up to us to not give up the fight. It's up to us to not relinquish the conversation. As did the widow in the story, we are to continue to be in conversation with others so that in time justice and equality will be the norm of society.
We are to have the faith that in continually asking for and being in conversation about justice, it will be given. Yet, we are reminded by Jesus that even when he is present, we can sometimes lose faith.
Last night I began to react to my stairwell conversation in a negative way. I felt myself digging in and trying to make the point that I was right, and my opponent was wrong. I had lost faith that Jesus is on the side of equality and justice for everyone. I felt as though I had to change the mind of my new friend.
In our story the widow doesn't fight or argue. She simply asks. She is denied and decides to return and ask again. She doesn't fight or argue and again she is denied. The cycle continues until eventually the widow finds justice through the actions of the judge. This is the action of a faithful person who chooses not to get what she wants by jeopardizing any of her relationships.
This is what we are called to do as Christians: to find a way to bring about justice to all people through the love of God as exampled by the unconditional acceptance of Jesus. My hope is that the next time I can have a conversation with my stairwell friend I will have the ability to listen as much as I'm expected to be heard.
Last night I attended a forum on Marriage Equality. The forum was led by a state legislator who has said, without doubt, he does not support same-sex marriage. I went to this forum expecting him to bad-mouth gays and use examples from the bible to do so. What I got was a great lesson on civics and the law.
The governor of our state is calling a special session to pass a marriage equality amendment to our state's constitution. I don't have a problem with that, or at least I didn't. Now I'm beginning to wonder if this amendment is being pushed through. I guess a little more research on the issue is needed.
What I want to say is that I greatly appreciated the representative's decision not to make this a religious forum, even though the forum was held at a church. I thanked him afterwards for his straight-forwardness in helping us understand his passion in respecting the process of government.
Of course, and because, I like to understand things or not let things be said without challenges, I interrupted his presentation more than a few times to ask for clarification or to state what I know to be additional truths to what he was presenting. The conversations were not bitter in any sense of the word. Both sides were presented with respect.
I can honestly say I enjoyed the forum because it was done in a way as to accept all points of view and people were allowed to come to their own conclusions after being able to participate fully at a level they were comfortable. The walk down the stairs after the forum wasn't as pleasant.
I was approached by one of the attendees of the forum who introduced himself and immediately asked whether or not I thought homosexuality was a sin. I smiled and first explained my definition of sin as anything which separates us from God, each other, or our self. With that definition in mind I told him that I do not believe homosexuality was a sin, as I don't see how two people sharing one love could be a separation of relationships.
I immediately followed that statement with this, "It's how we react to homosexuality where I believe the sin is." I say that because as we react to what others say about homosexuality we will always, always, find ourselves in a position of defending our belief. The defense soon becomes division, and the division will almost always become separation. Sure enough, the more we spoke about our different points-of view on this subject, the more we became separated in our newly-formed relationship.
Today's passage is a reminder by Jesus that sooner or later God will grant justice to all that ask. It's up to us to not give up the fight. It's up to us to not relinquish the conversation. As did the widow in the story, we are to continue to be in conversation with others so that in time justice and equality will be the norm of society.
We are to have the faith that in continually asking for and being in conversation about justice, it will be given. Yet, we are reminded by Jesus that even when he is present, we can sometimes lose faith.
Last night I began to react to my stairwell conversation in a negative way. I felt myself digging in and trying to make the point that I was right, and my opponent was wrong. I had lost faith that Jesus is on the side of equality and justice for everyone. I felt as though I had to change the mind of my new friend.
In our story the widow doesn't fight or argue. She simply asks. She is denied and decides to return and ask again. She doesn't fight or argue and again she is denied. The cycle continues until eventually the widow finds justice through the actions of the judge. This is the action of a faithful person who chooses not to get what she wants by jeopardizing any of her relationships.
This is what we are called to do as Christians: to find a way to bring about justice to all people through the love of God as exampled by the unconditional acceptance of Jesus. My hope is that the next time I can have a conversation with my stairwell friend I will have the ability to listen as much as I'm expected to be heard.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
What Do Words Mean, Anyway
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
While researching this morning's passage I came across a website authored by Peter Kirby. Earlychristianwritings.com is an interesting resource that lays out a straight-forward historically academic view on the writings of early Christianity. If you have the time I invite you to read some of his stuff.
Because I didn't know who Peter Kirby is I did a little research and found out that he grew up with a Christian background. He met and came to know many people in his life who both shared and showed a passion for their views on Christianity. However, Kirby found himself disillusioned by the Christ he learned about, and the Christ he witnessed. This disillusionment led him to become a devout Atheist.
He then set out to debunk every piece of scripture and early Christian writing by plowing head-first into the historical academia of those writings. What he found along this journey is that the answers to his questions about just who or what Christ is didn't come from those teachers and sages, rather the answers came from his being allowed to ask the questions as presented to him through those same writings he was trying to debunk.
In his being able to ask the questions and understand the truths as they relate to his life and his journey, Kirby has now found a path towards God's love through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He now devotes his life to helping others understand that the truth about God is indeed in the writings of scripture and the early writings of Christianity. He also points out that the answers will be different to each one of us as we allow ourselves to ask the questions and live the journey.
It is the journey, not the answer, which is most important.
On Kirby's website he has a page devoted to 2 Timothy. On it he notes some literary differences between what we know about the writings of Paul and the writings of 2nd century Christianity. He even points out that the writings of the Pastoral Epistles vary differently from the rest of the New Testament. It's interesting read, and not very long. It helped bring me a better understanding of, and a deeper commitment to, the Pastorals.
2 Timothy has many great messages, one of which we find in today's passage about being true to what we are taught and to remain faithful to whom we learn from. Of course, the latter part of that sentence is meant to mean Paul. The first part of that statement is meant to remind us we have scripture that is inspired by God.
Whether that scripture was written by Paul or not, whether that scripture was written in 60 CE or 160 CE doesn't matter. What does matter is that the scripture we read is inspired by God and placed in the Bible for a reason. What that reason is remains to be discovered by you as a part of your living relationship with God through Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Don't let others tell you what to think. Don't let others tell you how to react. Don't let others tell you what to say. As it says in today's passage, those people may have their own agenda and will teach others in such a way as to suit their personal needs.
Instead, search your heart and ask yourself if what is being said reflects God's ultimate vision of one people living under one love. This is, after all, Paul's teaching of God's vision through his understanding of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Then, after seeking the answers through scripture, conversation, other's writings and thoughts, ask yourself if what you are being confronted with is truly, honestly, deeply the will of God.
2 Timothy also reminds us that the truth will not be easy for us. People will oppose us and oppose us strongly. It's in these times we need to remain faithful to God's vision of unity through love and not the vision of division through hate that we might be asked to accept.
The choice is yours, it's always been so. Those who tell you differently aren't telling you the truth. The hope is that your choice will be love, equality, justice, unity, and a deep care for this earth and all that's created.
While researching this morning's passage I came across a website authored by Peter Kirby. Earlychristianwritings.com is an interesting resource that lays out a straight-forward historically academic view on the writings of early Christianity. If you have the time I invite you to read some of his stuff.
Because I didn't know who Peter Kirby is I did a little research and found out that he grew up with a Christian background. He met and came to know many people in his life who both shared and showed a passion for their views on Christianity. However, Kirby found himself disillusioned by the Christ he learned about, and the Christ he witnessed. This disillusionment led him to become a devout Atheist.
He then set out to debunk every piece of scripture and early Christian writing by plowing head-first into the historical academia of those writings. What he found along this journey is that the answers to his questions about just who or what Christ is didn't come from those teachers and sages, rather the answers came from his being allowed to ask the questions as presented to him through those same writings he was trying to debunk.
In his being able to ask the questions and understand the truths as they relate to his life and his journey, Kirby has now found a path towards God's love through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He now devotes his life to helping others understand that the truth about God is indeed in the writings of scripture and the early writings of Christianity. He also points out that the answers will be different to each one of us as we allow ourselves to ask the questions and live the journey.
It is the journey, not the answer, which is most important.
On Kirby's website he has a page devoted to 2 Timothy. On it he notes some literary differences between what we know about the writings of Paul and the writings of 2nd century Christianity. He even points out that the writings of the Pastoral Epistles vary differently from the rest of the New Testament. It's interesting read, and not very long. It helped bring me a better understanding of, and a deeper commitment to, the Pastorals.
2 Timothy has many great messages, one of which we find in today's passage about being true to what we are taught and to remain faithful to whom we learn from. Of course, the latter part of that sentence is meant to mean Paul. The first part of that statement is meant to remind us we have scripture that is inspired by God.
Whether that scripture was written by Paul or not, whether that scripture was written in 60 CE or 160 CE doesn't matter. What does matter is that the scripture we read is inspired by God and placed in the Bible for a reason. What that reason is remains to be discovered by you as a part of your living relationship with God through Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Don't let others tell you what to think. Don't let others tell you how to react. Don't let others tell you what to say. As it says in today's passage, those people may have their own agenda and will teach others in such a way as to suit their personal needs.
Instead, search your heart and ask yourself if what is being said reflects God's ultimate vision of one people living under one love. This is, after all, Paul's teaching of God's vision through his understanding of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Then, after seeking the answers through scripture, conversation, other's writings and thoughts, ask yourself if what you are being confronted with is truly, honestly, deeply the will of God.
2 Timothy also reminds us that the truth will not be easy for us. People will oppose us and oppose us strongly. It's in these times we need to remain faithful to God's vision of unity through love and not the vision of division through hate that we might be asked to accept.
The choice is yours, it's always been so. Those who tell you differently aren't telling you the truth. The hope is that your choice will be love, equality, justice, unity, and a deep care for this earth and all that's created.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
It's Inside
Jeremiah 31:27-34
For those unfamiliar with the lectionary it's a weekly grouping of passages some churches or pastors use in planning their services and sermons, bible studies, or Sunday schools. There is almost always a passage from the Psalms and the Epistles as well as verses from both the Old and New Testament. These passages are normally read together to formulate a theme, if you will, which the church can focus on to guide their lives for the week.
For the purpose of this writing (and the others) I read them one day at a time in order to not be influenced in my personal reflections for the day. For that reason I am always surprised when I find a connection as obvious as the one I found today.
Yesterday I talked about the Psalm being one of praise and thanksgiving for the Mosaic laws passed down from generation to generation among the Hebrew people. I also mentioned that there was no mention of a written law, therefore implying to me that the Psalm's author was talking about the relationship between God and God's people that the law brings.
Today's passage has Jeremiah making the promise on God's behalf that one day all people will live together. Jeremiah is speaking to a divided people, in a divided land, banished from all they know and having all they own taken away. Yet, God makes the promise that Judah and Israel will once again be united and all of its people and animals will be returned - all things will once again have God's people living in peace and prosperity.
Then Jeremiah sends this message from God: I will bring a new covenant to the people of Israel and Judah. A new covenant, a new law, a new witness, a new promise, a new precept.
God says the new covenant will be this: "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." The promise isn't that God will write a new law in a book for all people to follow for all time. The precept is that all people will know who God is because they will know God's law in their hearts.
To put it another way - we will know what is God's way because it will feel right. God understood that the law was getting in the way of God's intention for creation. God saw that some people were using the law in such a way as to separate relationships between God, each other, themselves, and creation. God saw all this and, in the story as told by the Hebrew people, allowed God's people to become physically divided from God and each other in the hopes they will understand we all need one another.
But, not to worry, because one day we will be united. Such is the promise given to us from God.
This new covenant is a precept from God to know God in your hearts, and not to know God from laws which force others to live on the outside. Instead, God wants to bring everyone inside the unconditional acceptance which God intends for all people to live. Let God in, and live with God inside you.
For those unfamiliar with the lectionary it's a weekly grouping of passages some churches or pastors use in planning their services and sermons, bible studies, or Sunday schools. There is almost always a passage from the Psalms and the Epistles as well as verses from both the Old and New Testament. These passages are normally read together to formulate a theme, if you will, which the church can focus on to guide their lives for the week.
For the purpose of this writing (and the others) I read them one day at a time in order to not be influenced in my personal reflections for the day. For that reason I am always surprised when I find a connection as obvious as the one I found today.
Yesterday I talked about the Psalm being one of praise and thanksgiving for the Mosaic laws passed down from generation to generation among the Hebrew people. I also mentioned that there was no mention of a written law, therefore implying to me that the Psalm's author was talking about the relationship between God and God's people that the law brings.
Today's passage has Jeremiah making the promise on God's behalf that one day all people will live together. Jeremiah is speaking to a divided people, in a divided land, banished from all they know and having all they own taken away. Yet, God makes the promise that Judah and Israel will once again be united and all of its people and animals will be returned - all things will once again have God's people living in peace and prosperity.
Then Jeremiah sends this message from God: I will bring a new covenant to the people of Israel and Judah. A new covenant, a new law, a new witness, a new promise, a new precept.
God says the new covenant will be this: "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." The promise isn't that God will write a new law in a book for all people to follow for all time. The precept is that all people will know who God is because they will know God's law in their hearts.
To put it another way - we will know what is God's way because it will feel right. God understood that the law was getting in the way of God's intention for creation. God saw that some people were using the law in such a way as to separate relationships between God, each other, themselves, and creation. God saw all this and, in the story as told by the Hebrew people, allowed God's people to become physically divided from God and each other in the hopes they will understand we all need one another.
But, not to worry, because one day we will be united. Such is the promise given to us from God.
This new covenant is a precept from God to know God in your hearts, and not to know God from laws which force others to live on the outside. Instead, God wants to bring everyone inside the unconditional acceptance which God intends for all people to live. Let God in, and live with God inside you.
Monday, October 14, 2013
What's A Precept Anyway?
Psalm 119:97-104
First, a little background. Psalm 119 is one of many Psalms written in an acrostic style. Its 176 verses are evenly divided into 22 stanzas of 8. Each line within each stanza begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each stanza goes through the entire Hebrew alphabet in order. Also included in each stanza is at least one reference to the law, or torah, with synonyms such as commandment, statute, and testimony.
This Psalm is well thought out, well written, and meant to be a praise to the Mosaic laws which the Hebrew people lived by. With that new understanding I re-read the portion of the Psalm assigned to this week's lectionary. These particular stanzas represent the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and uses as its main synonym the word precept.
So, I began to think, what's a precept?
Dictionary.com defines a precept as a "commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct." It also lists as its second-most related meaning as "an injunction as to moral conduct." The definition does go on to say that in the eyes of the law a precept is a "written order."
Because I was curios about the written law I read the entire psalm, and nowhere in the Psalm is there a reference to a written law. All of the synonyms used are in reference to a spoken law, or the passing of the understanding of the law throughout the generations. This began me down the path of wondering if this Psalm is meant to praise God's presence with us through the existence and adherence of the laws, and not the laws themselves.
Because I enjoy slippery paths sometimes, I began wondering how the law would be understood today had we not put so much emphasis on a written word of God. How would the law have been interpreted in the 700's, or the 1400's, or the 1900's? What if we had to listen to the laws of God as it was passed to us from generations which came before us without the benefit (or non-benefit) of a written source? What would be our understanding of the laws of God today had we not put all the emphasis on the written source of the law?
I read somewhere that if we believe the words of God to be the "Living Word" we have to also believe they are alive. When something is alive it is understood that it changes and grows. The same author also stated that if we take a good look at the bible in reference to the laws, or "Words of God", we will see that whenever changes were made to the laws they were made to be more inclusive and accepting of current society. The laws which were changed were done so in order that justice and equality for all people were achieved.
My question for today, then, is how much are we willing to stick to the absolute, unchanging laws as written versus how much are we willing to allow God's instructions about how to best be in relationship with one another and with God grow and be alive?
First, a little background. Psalm 119 is one of many Psalms written in an acrostic style. Its 176 verses are evenly divided into 22 stanzas of 8. Each line within each stanza begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each stanza goes through the entire Hebrew alphabet in order. Also included in each stanza is at least one reference to the law, or torah, with synonyms such as commandment, statute, and testimony.
This Psalm is well thought out, well written, and meant to be a praise to the Mosaic laws which the Hebrew people lived by. With that new understanding I re-read the portion of the Psalm assigned to this week's lectionary. These particular stanzas represent the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and uses as its main synonym the word precept.
So, I began to think, what's a precept?
Dictionary.com defines a precept as a "commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct." It also lists as its second-most related meaning as "an injunction as to moral conduct." The definition does go on to say that in the eyes of the law a precept is a "written order."
Because I was curios about the written law I read the entire psalm, and nowhere in the Psalm is there a reference to a written law. All of the synonyms used are in reference to a spoken law, or the passing of the understanding of the law throughout the generations. This began me down the path of wondering if this Psalm is meant to praise God's presence with us through the existence and adherence of the laws, and not the laws themselves.
Because I enjoy slippery paths sometimes, I began wondering how the law would be understood today had we not put so much emphasis on a written word of God. How would the law have been interpreted in the 700's, or the 1400's, or the 1900's? What if we had to listen to the laws of God as it was passed to us from generations which came before us without the benefit (or non-benefit) of a written source? What would be our understanding of the laws of God today had we not put all the emphasis on the written source of the law?
I read somewhere that if we believe the words of God to be the "Living Word" we have to also believe they are alive. When something is alive it is understood that it changes and grows. The same author also stated that if we take a good look at the bible in reference to the laws, or "Words of God", we will see that whenever changes were made to the laws they were made to be more inclusive and accepting of current society. The laws which were changed were done so in order that justice and equality for all people were achieved.
My question for today, then, is how much are we willing to stick to the absolute, unchanging laws as written versus how much are we willing to allow God's instructions about how to best be in relationship with one another and with God grow and be alive?
Friday, October 11, 2013
Just Talk
Matthew 18.10-20
I've been doing a lot of listening to the events surrounding the political situation within our national government for the last 2 weeks. I have to admit I've been wanting to voice an opinion earlier than today, but I really am the type of person to listen to as many sides as I can before coming to any conclusions. I have my personal thoughts, but those thoughts are mine and mine only - it would not be fair to impose my thoughts or beliefs on anyone before listening to as many differing ideas and thoughts as possible.
It would seem that at the root of what is happening in our nation's capital is that there are similar executions of separate ideas. Let me try to explain.
On one hand we have a group of people who honestly believe our nation is going down the wrong path as far as spending money is concerned. At least I want to hope they believe that, because if these people are only putting on a show that show is doing a lot of damage. This group of people, for reasons only they fully understand, are attaching all of their anger at how the government spends money to the Affordable Care Act (ACA - and yes, I'm calling it by its legal name).
This group of people also believe that it is how our entitlement programs are funded, or how much they are funded, which is at the base of our government's spending problems. Their ideology is that smaller government intrusion/assistance is the answer to a well-run and perfectly-budgeted United States.
On the other hand are a group of people who believe that we honestly live in a society in which people cannot take care of themselves, no matter how hard they try. The jobs available to these people are minimum-wage and part-time at best. This group's understanding of government's role is to assist those for whom it has become impossible to provide for one's self, let alone a family, with the limited resources available to them.
For this group of people the answer is to raise more funds from those in our society who can afford it, close any loopholes which allow corporations in the United States to bypass paying a little higher taxes, and continue to help those who need the help. For this group of people the ACA is an example of exactly what is needed in our country.
This may seem like a cop-out, but I think they're both right. I also don't think how things are currently being handled is the answer. I listened to a group of very smart economists yesterday as they gave statements to the Senate Banking Committee. One of the people testifying said that by the year 2040 the United States will be borrowing 108% of GDP in order to pay it's bills. In other words, the only way to keep our government running is to borrow more than twice of the monies we produce as a country.
Spending needs to be brought under control. However, as anyone who runs a company or a household can tell you, lowering costs is only half the answer to being debt-free. There must also be a way to raise the amount of money we bring in. I know of many families who get stuck in the cycle of debt, who eventually owe more than they have. These families end up taking out loans, getting part-time jobs, or doing what they can to bring in more money. It seems to me that our government needs to do the same.
Instead of focusing on what is a deeply-divided issue, instead of putting all their energies into funding or defunding one single program, which honestly is a good thing for Americans who need it, our elected officials should sit down in a room, be willing to let go of their steadfast ideologies, and do what is best for all. To use a simple scientific explanation, two magnets can only attach if the opposite sides come together.
As of today it would seem that the beginnings of a conversation are taking place. I see this as a positive move in the right direction. Personally, I'm not as interested in the outcome of this conversation as much as I'm encouraged by the fact that this conversation is taking place. It's only through the conversations that the necessary relationships can be made in order to move our country along its path towards greater equality and justice for all.
As it says in the Gospel according to Matthew, "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." (18:19-20 NRSV) The point being made in this story is that there will always be differences in how people think and act, what is more important is that we do things and make decisions in such a way as to not hurt others.If the decisions made, the words spoken, or the actions done do hurt people, then we need to find a way to resolve those issues.
Our country, and to an extent our world, is hurting. The societies within our world need healing. What this country, and the world in general, needs is more conversation and a willingness to accept other's ideologies as their truth and to find a way to work together in those truths to find a place all people can live with in the peace God intends for us. What we need is more listening, more compromise, more acceptance, and more love of others.
I've been doing a lot of listening to the events surrounding the political situation within our national government for the last 2 weeks. I have to admit I've been wanting to voice an opinion earlier than today, but I really am the type of person to listen to as many sides as I can before coming to any conclusions. I have my personal thoughts, but those thoughts are mine and mine only - it would not be fair to impose my thoughts or beliefs on anyone before listening to as many differing ideas and thoughts as possible.
It would seem that at the root of what is happening in our nation's capital is that there are similar executions of separate ideas. Let me try to explain.
On one hand we have a group of people who honestly believe our nation is going down the wrong path as far as spending money is concerned. At least I want to hope they believe that, because if these people are only putting on a show that show is doing a lot of damage. This group of people, for reasons only they fully understand, are attaching all of their anger at how the government spends money to the Affordable Care Act (ACA - and yes, I'm calling it by its legal name).
This group of people also believe that it is how our entitlement programs are funded, or how much they are funded, which is at the base of our government's spending problems. Their ideology is that smaller government intrusion/assistance is the answer to a well-run and perfectly-budgeted United States.
On the other hand are a group of people who believe that we honestly live in a society in which people cannot take care of themselves, no matter how hard they try. The jobs available to these people are minimum-wage and part-time at best. This group's understanding of government's role is to assist those for whom it has become impossible to provide for one's self, let alone a family, with the limited resources available to them.
For this group of people the answer is to raise more funds from those in our society who can afford it, close any loopholes which allow corporations in the United States to bypass paying a little higher taxes, and continue to help those who need the help. For this group of people the ACA is an example of exactly what is needed in our country.
This may seem like a cop-out, but I think they're both right. I also don't think how things are currently being handled is the answer. I listened to a group of very smart economists yesterday as they gave statements to the Senate Banking Committee. One of the people testifying said that by the year 2040 the United States will be borrowing 108% of GDP in order to pay it's bills. In other words, the only way to keep our government running is to borrow more than twice of the monies we produce as a country.
Spending needs to be brought under control. However, as anyone who runs a company or a household can tell you, lowering costs is only half the answer to being debt-free. There must also be a way to raise the amount of money we bring in. I know of many families who get stuck in the cycle of debt, who eventually owe more than they have. These families end up taking out loans, getting part-time jobs, or doing what they can to bring in more money. It seems to me that our government needs to do the same.
Instead of focusing on what is a deeply-divided issue, instead of putting all their energies into funding or defunding one single program, which honestly is a good thing for Americans who need it, our elected officials should sit down in a room, be willing to let go of their steadfast ideologies, and do what is best for all. To use a simple scientific explanation, two magnets can only attach if the opposite sides come together.
As of today it would seem that the beginnings of a conversation are taking place. I see this as a positive move in the right direction. Personally, I'm not as interested in the outcome of this conversation as much as I'm encouraged by the fact that this conversation is taking place. It's only through the conversations that the necessary relationships can be made in order to move our country along its path towards greater equality and justice for all.
As it says in the Gospel according to Matthew, "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." (18:19-20 NRSV) The point being made in this story is that there will always be differences in how people think and act, what is more important is that we do things and make decisions in such a way as to not hurt others.If the decisions made, the words spoken, or the actions done do hurt people, then we need to find a way to resolve those issues.
Our country, and to an extent our world, is hurting. The societies within our world need healing. What this country, and the world in general, needs is more conversation and a willingness to accept other's ideologies as their truth and to find a way to work together in those truths to find a place all people can live with in the peace God intends for us. What we need is more listening, more compromise, more acceptance, and more love of others.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Differently Grateful
Luke 17:11-19
I know I'm not supposed to, but there are students who I would call favorites. I want to treat everyone equally, but every year there seems to be one or two students I treat just a little better than the others. It usually happens that these are the students who are on the extreme fringes of high school society.
A couple of years ago I was privileged to work with a young man who was labeled as having a learning disability. He had no friends, shied away from any eye contact, and seemed extremely uncomfortable in groups. Nonetheless, he never gave up trying to do his academic best. He would come after school for extra help and would always ask questions if he didn't understand something. Unfortunately I was asked to move grade levels after two months of working with him and never really got to build a relationship with him.
Imagine my smile, then, when I saw his name on our roster for this year. This young man had graduated into his junior year with more than the required minimum credits. His grades hovered around a B average, and he was just as polite and respectful as I remember.
The first quarter of the school year ended last week Friday, and this young man is doing as well as he can. The workload is more than he was used to in his Freshman and Sophomore years, and the academics of doing the work is higher. Nevertheless, he still comes after school everyday to ensure he understands the work and that he doesn't fall behind.
I work with anywhere between 2 and 12 students on a daily basis, either in the classroom or in after school tutoring. I can honestly say that none of them say thank you for the help they receive on a daily basis except for this young man.
Let me be clear, I don't do what I do for the recognition. I do what I do because it helps our youth get through the toughest times of their lives. Because of that I don't feel bad if I'm never thanked and usually take any gratitude said as just that, words of gratitude. However, when this young man says thank you it's somehow a little different. His words of gratitude are honest and sincere. He really is thankful for the assistance he gets. When he says thank you I can feel it, not just hear it. His words have a way of reminding me how someone considered an outcast on the fringes of society can be honestly grateful for being included as a fully-accepted member of that society.
A great lesson from a wonderful angel; be honestly grateful no matter how different you might be, especially if your life has been improved by the one you are thanking. Not only will you show how much you appreciate that person, you'll also help remind them why they do the things they do.
I know I'm not supposed to, but there are students who I would call favorites. I want to treat everyone equally, but every year there seems to be one or two students I treat just a little better than the others. It usually happens that these are the students who are on the extreme fringes of high school society.
A couple of years ago I was privileged to work with a young man who was labeled as having a learning disability. He had no friends, shied away from any eye contact, and seemed extremely uncomfortable in groups. Nonetheless, he never gave up trying to do his academic best. He would come after school for extra help and would always ask questions if he didn't understand something. Unfortunately I was asked to move grade levels after two months of working with him and never really got to build a relationship with him.
Imagine my smile, then, when I saw his name on our roster for this year. This young man had graduated into his junior year with more than the required minimum credits. His grades hovered around a B average, and he was just as polite and respectful as I remember.
The first quarter of the school year ended last week Friday, and this young man is doing as well as he can. The workload is more than he was used to in his Freshman and Sophomore years, and the academics of doing the work is higher. Nevertheless, he still comes after school everyday to ensure he understands the work and that he doesn't fall behind.
I work with anywhere between 2 and 12 students on a daily basis, either in the classroom or in after school tutoring. I can honestly say that none of them say thank you for the help they receive on a daily basis except for this young man.
Let me be clear, I don't do what I do for the recognition. I do what I do because it helps our youth get through the toughest times of their lives. Because of that I don't feel bad if I'm never thanked and usually take any gratitude said as just that, words of gratitude. However, when this young man says thank you it's somehow a little different. His words of gratitude are honest and sincere. He really is thankful for the assistance he gets. When he says thank you I can feel it, not just hear it. His words have a way of reminding me how someone considered an outcast on the fringes of society can be honestly grateful for being included as a fully-accepted member of that society.
A great lesson from a wonderful angel; be honestly grateful no matter how different you might be, especially if your life has been improved by the one you are thanking. Not only will you show how much you appreciate that person, you'll also help remind them why they do the things they do.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Once It's Out...
2 Timothy 2:8-15
There's a saying that goes, "You can't put the toothpaste back into the tube." I first heard this saying in my early 20's while training for a management position for a local restaurant. We were doing mock interviews and I had said something to the effect of, "You would be hired as just a counter person" and the feedback I got was, "What do you mean, 'just'?"
Once the words are said, they are said. It is impossible to take something and make it unheard. For that matter, it's impossible to unsee, unsmell, unfeel, or untaste something as well. Once it's been experienced, it's been experienced. Some of you might point to traumatic events which our brain decides to hide, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the everyday things we go through which our senses take in and never let go of.
Through this knowledge I have learned that the things we do and say will leave a lasting impact on others. This knowledge is multiplied even further now that I am a Christian and working my way towards becoming an ordained minister. More so now than ever, the words I say and the actions I perform are looked at and scrutinized as being the "truth".
Funny word, truth. In the Western culture, truth is measured by and through fact. How much of what one says is only believed by the amount of people and books from which they can recite. In more traditional cultures, like say the early Judeo-Christians, truth was what one came to understand through their own discoveries. In order for something to be true, it had to be experienced.
It's through experiencing God's truth that Timothy is being told to keep up the fight. Hence, the short list of verbs in today's passage. Have died, will also live, endure, reign, deny, are faithless, remains, and cannot are all words of action. And they are action words which remind us to never stop believing in God's love and guidance.
What this second letter to Timothy is meant to do is let us know that the words of God cannot be held back because the words of truth, of true experience, live on no matter what. Therefore, if we proclaim ourselves as Christians we need to do all we can to live out what that word means so that through Jesus Christ those around us will come to experience, and therefore understand, God's unconditional acceptance.
Our words have consequences. Our actions have consequences. Let our words and actions show how God's love is still alive in our world today.
There's a saying that goes, "You can't put the toothpaste back into the tube." I first heard this saying in my early 20's while training for a management position for a local restaurant. We were doing mock interviews and I had said something to the effect of, "You would be hired as just a counter person" and the feedback I got was, "What do you mean, 'just'?"
Once the words are said, they are said. It is impossible to take something and make it unheard. For that matter, it's impossible to unsee, unsmell, unfeel, or untaste something as well. Once it's been experienced, it's been experienced. Some of you might point to traumatic events which our brain decides to hide, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the everyday things we go through which our senses take in and never let go of.
Through this knowledge I have learned that the things we do and say will leave a lasting impact on others. This knowledge is multiplied even further now that I am a Christian and working my way towards becoming an ordained minister. More so now than ever, the words I say and the actions I perform are looked at and scrutinized as being the "truth".
Funny word, truth. In the Western culture, truth is measured by and through fact. How much of what one says is only believed by the amount of people and books from which they can recite. In more traditional cultures, like say the early Judeo-Christians, truth was what one came to understand through their own discoveries. In order for something to be true, it had to be experienced.
It's through experiencing God's truth that Timothy is being told to keep up the fight. Hence, the short list of verbs in today's passage. Have died, will also live, endure, reign, deny, are faithless, remains, and cannot are all words of action. And they are action words which remind us to never stop believing in God's love and guidance.
What this second letter to Timothy is meant to do is let us know that the words of God cannot be held back because the words of truth, of true experience, live on no matter what. Therefore, if we proclaim ourselves as Christians we need to do all we can to live out what that word means so that through Jesus Christ those around us will come to experience, and therefore understand, God's unconditional acceptance.
Our words have consequences. Our actions have consequences. Let our words and actions show how God's love is still alive in our world today.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Out, But In
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
One of the favorite memories from my teen years is the weekend sleepover. I can't tell you how many jokes were shared, much of which were only funny among friends at 3 am. I don't know where to begin to tell how many parts of life we shared as well. Not all of these life stories were great, some of them involved pain. Those nights, and early mornings, will be held in my heart for as long as they can be.
At first, these sleepovers happened just because; no reason, no planning. For some reason, as the sleepovers continued we felt a need to justify them so we came up with poker night. We would meet at the appointed house with our pennies, nickles, and dimes and play poker for as long as we could stay awake. It was always clean fun, and many times very loud, but somehow our parents didn't seem to mind that we were disruptive into the wee hours of the morning.
The poker game would begin and nobody was allowed not to play. If for some reason one of us lost all our pennies, the others would throw, literally, a few at him. We weren't there to be the big winner of 3 or 4 dollars, we were there to share one another's life.
Of course, there were times when we had to excuse ourselves from the table, and for these times we came up with a saying: I'm out, but I'm in. What that meant was I need to get a soda, or use the restroom, or for whatever reason be away from the table for a short while, but deal me in anyway. We soon expanded the saying to also include "I'm in but I'm out" which meant that I would be away for longer than it takes to play a few hands, but I'm still playing the game.
What these words really meant was that I am now, and forever will be, a part of this familial bond.
This is what I think God's message is to the exiled people of Israel. God is saying through Jeremiah that although the Israelites are living in a different land and apart from their God, the Israelites should live as fruitful lives as possible. In other words, although the Israelites are out, God is helping them find comfort in the knowledge they are still in. God has not abandoned them, God is still a part of their lives, and God wants nothing more than for them to live life to its fullest.
It's been almost 35 years since my friends and I have had a poker night. I can honestly tell you, though, that the familial bonds we made in those nights continue to this day. I still call these friends my brothers. In the same way God is always with us, even when it feels like God isn't.
So, pass the chips, and the ante is anything you're willing to share.
One of the favorite memories from my teen years is the weekend sleepover. I can't tell you how many jokes were shared, much of which were only funny among friends at 3 am. I don't know where to begin to tell how many parts of life we shared as well. Not all of these life stories were great, some of them involved pain. Those nights, and early mornings, will be held in my heart for as long as they can be.
At first, these sleepovers happened just because; no reason, no planning. For some reason, as the sleepovers continued we felt a need to justify them so we came up with poker night. We would meet at the appointed house with our pennies, nickles, and dimes and play poker for as long as we could stay awake. It was always clean fun, and many times very loud, but somehow our parents didn't seem to mind that we were disruptive into the wee hours of the morning.
The poker game would begin and nobody was allowed not to play. If for some reason one of us lost all our pennies, the others would throw, literally, a few at him. We weren't there to be the big winner of 3 or 4 dollars, we were there to share one another's life.
Of course, there were times when we had to excuse ourselves from the table, and for these times we came up with a saying: I'm out, but I'm in. What that meant was I need to get a soda, or use the restroom, or for whatever reason be away from the table for a short while, but deal me in anyway. We soon expanded the saying to also include "I'm in but I'm out" which meant that I would be away for longer than it takes to play a few hands, but I'm still playing the game.
What these words really meant was that I am now, and forever will be, a part of this familial bond.
This is what I think God's message is to the exiled people of Israel. God is saying through Jeremiah that although the Israelites are living in a different land and apart from their God, the Israelites should live as fruitful lives as possible. In other words, although the Israelites are out, God is helping them find comfort in the knowledge they are still in. God has not abandoned them, God is still a part of their lives, and God wants nothing more than for them to live life to its fullest.
It's been almost 35 years since my friends and I have had a poker night. I can honestly tell you, though, that the familial bonds we made in those nights continue to this day. I still call these friends my brothers. In the same way God is always with us, even when it feels like God isn't.
So, pass the chips, and the ante is anything you're willing to share.
Monday, October 7, 2013
And Through It All
Psalm 66
This past weekend we attended a funeral for the brother-in-law of a good friend of ours. It was a wonderful celebration of his life filled with words of remembrance that made us laugh and tearful farewells which made us cry.
Those words were spoken by his sister, his best friend, his children, and his grandson. If you've been to funerals you may be used to or have knowledge of how these things work. If you go to funerals you also know the spouse usually sits through the service, doing their best to keep a strong composure.
Imagine our surprise, then, when the wife got up, moved to the front of the gathered friends and family, and said the closing words of thank you. Not only did she say the words, she said them with a tone of sincere gratitude and sense of relief.
When we passed through the family line after the funeral to convey our condolences I thanked her for her strength and courage. She replied with, "It isn't difficult to be strong when I'm surrounded by people who love me so much."
Today's Psalm brings with it that same kind of feel. Through the Psalm we are invited to love God and be in awe of all that God has done and is doing. We are reminded to continuously praise God with our songs and dances - sort of an extravagant praise of an even more extravagant love.
The Psalm doesn't hide the fact that no matter how good our lives are there will be times when our trust and faith in a loving God will be tested. But, as today's passage from this Psalm reminds us in the end, after the dust settles from those rough patches along our journey we will be brought out into a "spacious place."
Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in on us. Sometimes we feel as though we've reached the end of the road and into an immovable brick wall. Sometimes it feels like we really have nowhere to go and no way out of the darkness we find ourselves in. It's in those times that we find that through the love of others we begin to see a light come through the cracks in the wall and the bricks of that wall begin to be dismantled one by one.
God will never stop loving us. God brings into our lives the people we need to get through the most difficult times in our lives. All we need to do is let them into our lives so that we can break through the wall, and continue along our journey towards God's love.
This past weekend we attended a funeral for the brother-in-law of a good friend of ours. It was a wonderful celebration of his life filled with words of remembrance that made us laugh and tearful farewells which made us cry.
Those words were spoken by his sister, his best friend, his children, and his grandson. If you've been to funerals you may be used to or have knowledge of how these things work. If you go to funerals you also know the spouse usually sits through the service, doing their best to keep a strong composure.
Imagine our surprise, then, when the wife got up, moved to the front of the gathered friends and family, and said the closing words of thank you. Not only did she say the words, she said them with a tone of sincere gratitude and sense of relief.
When we passed through the family line after the funeral to convey our condolences I thanked her for her strength and courage. She replied with, "It isn't difficult to be strong when I'm surrounded by people who love me so much."
Today's Psalm brings with it that same kind of feel. Through the Psalm we are invited to love God and be in awe of all that God has done and is doing. We are reminded to continuously praise God with our songs and dances - sort of an extravagant praise of an even more extravagant love.
The Psalm doesn't hide the fact that no matter how good our lives are there will be times when our trust and faith in a loving God will be tested. But, as today's passage from this Psalm reminds us in the end, after the dust settles from those rough patches along our journey we will be brought out into a "spacious place."
Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in on us. Sometimes we feel as though we've reached the end of the road and into an immovable brick wall. Sometimes it feels like we really have nowhere to go and no way out of the darkness we find ourselves in. It's in those times that we find that through the love of others we begin to see a light come through the cracks in the wall and the bricks of that wall begin to be dismantled one by one.
God will never stop loving us. God brings into our lives the people we need to get through the most difficult times in our lives. All we need to do is let them into our lives so that we can break through the wall, and continue along our journey towards God's love.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday Findings
Remember by Kyndra Lowery
Remember
me through tears and sorrow,
Remember
me through your cries of help,
Remember
the laughter, Remember the joy,
Remember
me till you can't remember anymore,
Remember
I’ll be there through your deepest fears,
Remember
I’ll be here when you’re weak or strong,
Remember
my memory will haunt you till you're back here,
Remember
these words: if you decide to leave remember my tears.
Remember
Remember.
Trust is
to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning
place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can
flourish. – Barbara Smith
In The Solitude Of Prayer by James T. Adair
In the
solitude of prayer
deep
Lost in
moments in between weep
and
sleep
In the
solitude of prayer
Lonliness
finds a rest
Survived
another test
Brings
out our best
In the
solitude of prayer
With
nobody there
Except
those far away
Reminded
of their distant care
In the
solitude of prayer
You pray
for their smile
For
their personal trial
Silently,
all the while
In the
solitude of prayer
Dreams
seem more near
More
hope than fear
Thoughts
of those past those dear
In the
solitude of prayer
Pray for
their souls kind
Whose
memory is still in your mind
And in
your heart
In the
solitude of prayer
Pray for
your dear friends
Whose
heart's you defend
As your
own heart they mend
In the
solitude of prayer
As for
God's wisdom
And his
love
As all
love comes from above
In the
solitude of prayer
Find
grace to forgive
And to
truely give
And to
live
In the
solitude of prayer
Recall
how to dream
Of warm
embraces of affection
And of
love returned in your direction
In the
solitude of prayer
Pray
with conviction
Pray for
the impossible
Without
fear or restriction
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Whew, Just Made It
Luke 17:5-10
Tomorrow is the last day of the first quarter of public school in Hawaii. All of the kids know exactly what grade they will be getting. Either the students have spoken to the teachers individually, checked their grades online, or they were given an exact copy of what their report card would look like in a particular subject. There are no surprises as to why a student would be failing, passing, or somewhere in-between.
The other day, as copies of their report cards were being passed out, I stood next to a student as he received his copy. He took a look at the paper in his hand and gleefully exclaimed, "Yes! I made it!" I looked at his grade and he was getting a 62% in the class; barely a passing D.
The teacher told the students that the progress report they were just given had to be signed and returned, and would count as points for this quarter. The young man's shoulders slumped, his head went down, and a deep sigh escaped his down-turned mouth. He spoke out loud to nobody in particular, "There goes my D."
He told those of us at his table that his parents are never home, and when they are they don't pay any attention to him. Because of that he doesn't even try to ask them to sign anything that comes from the school. Everyone at the table encouraged him to try anyway and just ask. It's his grade and he needs to do whatever he can to keep it.
Being his real friend, I told him he wouldn't be in this predicament if he came to class everyday and did his work to the best of his ability. I looked at his progress report and saw a lot of missing grades due to him not being in class. The work he was missing cannot be made up because they literally are grades for being in class on time and doing the work assigned for the first 15 minutes of the class.
I followed that speech with one that told him to go home, get his progress report signed, and bring it in the next day. I also told him that next quarter he needs to just come to class. I pointed out that whenever he did turn in work he got a grade no less than a B. Imagine, I told him, if he turned in all his work. He might have an A.
The passage from Luke reminds me that sometimes we're like this young man. We go through life doing just enough to get by. Sometimes we get caught up in the comforts of doing things the same way and we forget that if we try just a little harder we would find rewards which surpass any image we have of our self.
The young man brought in a signed progress report yesterday and kept his passing grade. I smiled at him, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and told him he did good. He smiled at me and said, "Thanks, Mister. Next quarter I'll do better."
Tomorrow is the last day of the first quarter of public school in Hawaii. All of the kids know exactly what grade they will be getting. Either the students have spoken to the teachers individually, checked their grades online, or they were given an exact copy of what their report card would look like in a particular subject. There are no surprises as to why a student would be failing, passing, or somewhere in-between.
The other day, as copies of their report cards were being passed out, I stood next to a student as he received his copy. He took a look at the paper in his hand and gleefully exclaimed, "Yes! I made it!" I looked at his grade and he was getting a 62% in the class; barely a passing D.
The teacher told the students that the progress report they were just given had to be signed and returned, and would count as points for this quarter. The young man's shoulders slumped, his head went down, and a deep sigh escaped his down-turned mouth. He spoke out loud to nobody in particular, "There goes my D."
He told those of us at his table that his parents are never home, and when they are they don't pay any attention to him. Because of that he doesn't even try to ask them to sign anything that comes from the school. Everyone at the table encouraged him to try anyway and just ask. It's his grade and he needs to do whatever he can to keep it.
Being his real friend, I told him he wouldn't be in this predicament if he came to class everyday and did his work to the best of his ability. I looked at his progress report and saw a lot of missing grades due to him not being in class. The work he was missing cannot be made up because they literally are grades for being in class on time and doing the work assigned for the first 15 minutes of the class.
I followed that speech with one that told him to go home, get his progress report signed, and bring it in the next day. I also told him that next quarter he needs to just come to class. I pointed out that whenever he did turn in work he got a grade no less than a B. Imagine, I told him, if he turned in all his work. He might have an A.
The passage from Luke reminds me that sometimes we're like this young man. We go through life doing just enough to get by. Sometimes we get caught up in the comforts of doing things the same way and we forget that if we try just a little harder we would find rewards which surpass any image we have of our self.
The young man brought in a signed progress report yesterday and kept his passing grade. I smiled at him, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and told him he did good. He smiled at me and said, "Thanks, Mister. Next quarter I'll do better."
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
In Whom Do You Trust?
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Yesterday goes down as one of the better days in my life. Was it an easy day for me? Not necessarily. Was it a day without stress? No, not at all. Did I happen across the answers to all of life's problems? No. Despite some of the things I hope for on a daily basis not happening, yesterday was a good day.
Yesterday was a good day because I got to share in my faith several times.
I'm one of those Christians who thoroughly enjoy sharing the stories of how, through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, God's love has brought me through the tough times in my life and into a better place. However, I don't usually have an opportunity to share these stories as often as I would like to.
As some of you know, I work at a local public high school. Public high schools have an unwritten and well-understood rule which says religion may be taught, but proselytization is not allowed. The unwritten rule also goes so far as to only allow the teaching/speaking of one's faith in an unbiased, completely subjective way. So, anytime I get to talk about my personal faith journey and beliefs with students or staff, I am a happy person.
These situations, however far between and few they may be, raise in me a thought of just how many people, especially young people, in our schools are searching for more of a spiritual guidance to their problems than a psychological answer. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a psychological approach to helping teens and others deal with their issues, I'm just saying sometimes people are honestly looking for more - an explanation which invites them into the mystery of God.
In my 4 years at the high school I've made friends of both teens and adults. I've had opportunities to listen as they tell me about recent passings of loved ones, confessions of sexual orientation, ex-boyfriends who are bullying them on Facebook, and so much more. A lot of times they don't want a reason as to why it's all happening, they just want to know it's not their fault, and for someone to honestly, actively listen to them. Sometimes they just want someone to be there.
Paul saw in Timothy this type of a person. Timothy was someone who would put all his trust in a loving God, and by doing so be the one others can put their trust in. Timothy was someone who did his best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down to him by Paul. Timothy was someone who, just by being a presence and a leader, was able to allow others to experience God's unconditional acceptance. Timothy was what Paul called sincerely faithful, with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
I hope more days like yesterday make themselves available to me. I thoroughly find enjoyment in sharing my God with people. Don't you?
Yesterday goes down as one of the better days in my life. Was it an easy day for me? Not necessarily. Was it a day without stress? No, not at all. Did I happen across the answers to all of life's problems? No. Despite some of the things I hope for on a daily basis not happening, yesterday was a good day.
Yesterday was a good day because I got to share in my faith several times.
I'm one of those Christians who thoroughly enjoy sharing the stories of how, through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, God's love has brought me through the tough times in my life and into a better place. However, I don't usually have an opportunity to share these stories as often as I would like to.
As some of you know, I work at a local public high school. Public high schools have an unwritten and well-understood rule which says religion may be taught, but proselytization is not allowed. The unwritten rule also goes so far as to only allow the teaching/speaking of one's faith in an unbiased, completely subjective way. So, anytime I get to talk about my personal faith journey and beliefs with students or staff, I am a happy person.
These situations, however far between and few they may be, raise in me a thought of just how many people, especially young people, in our schools are searching for more of a spiritual guidance to their problems than a psychological answer. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a psychological approach to helping teens and others deal with their issues, I'm just saying sometimes people are honestly looking for more - an explanation which invites them into the mystery of God.
In my 4 years at the high school I've made friends of both teens and adults. I've had opportunities to listen as they tell me about recent passings of loved ones, confessions of sexual orientation, ex-boyfriends who are bullying them on Facebook, and so much more. A lot of times they don't want a reason as to why it's all happening, they just want to know it's not their fault, and for someone to honestly, actively listen to them. Sometimes they just want someone to be there.
Paul saw in Timothy this type of a person. Timothy was someone who would put all his trust in a loving God, and by doing so be the one others can put their trust in. Timothy was someone who did his best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down to him by Paul. Timothy was someone who, just by being a presence and a leader, was able to allow others to experience God's unconditional acceptance. Timothy was what Paul called sincerely faithful, with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
I hope more days like yesterday make themselves available to me. I thoroughly find enjoyment in sharing my God with people. Don't you?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Count Sheep
Lamentations 3:19-26
While I'm making my morning cup of coffee, my wife asks me, "Are there any actresses who you are hooked on?" I'm instantly confused by the question, a fact she must have seen on my face because she further explained what she meant.
Last night she had trouble falling asleep and began thinking of the different actors she's known throughout the years. She began running through a list of male actors and trying to rank them on looks, wondering if any of those actors would be worthy of her being their mega-fan. She said she kept coming up with a no, and fell asleep before coming up with the image of an actor she would follow. It was her version of counting sheep.
She asked me again if there were any actresses for whom I would be a mega-fan based solely on looks. I though of some of the actresses I consider pretty, even stunning, and came up with no name myself. There were actresses I thought had great talent, and would want to see a movie if they made one, but based solely on looks there wasn't a single name I could come up with.
Sometimes our minds drift. Occasionally our minds drift to places that may seem distant. Yet somehow our thoughts return to what is important to us. In trying to fall asleep by counting good-looking actors, my wife realized that there really is no need to have anything more than what is already in her life, found peace in that, and fell asleep.
This morning's lament feels to me like one of those drifting moments. Today's passage is told in the midst of images about pain, taunts, and oppression. A voice which presents us with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain suddenly gives way to a moment when we are brought into a view of hope. And, to be completely honest, sometimes a moment of hope is all we need to keep moving along our life's path.
A lot of things are happening around us which bring with it the same level of pain we hear of in Lamentations. The passing of a brother, a mother diagnosed with terminal illness, and not being able to meet financial obligations for yet another month all bring with it deep pain and personal doubt. Our minds, hearts, and souls become obsessed with the thoughts of theses things; sometimes to the point where we can no longer function within what has become our normal routines.
But, if we let our minds drift for just a moment, if we can find a quiet place in the world of ever-increasing noise which surrounds us, then, and sometimes only then, can we go to that place where hope lives. It's in that place we will find that the strength of God's hands are still holding on to us, holding us up so that we can keep moving toward God and the love God has for us.
So, the next time you find your mind filled with the ugliness life can bring us, find a place to re-connect with the peace our God has for us. I don't think you have to count sheep, or even actors and actresses, to get there.
While I'm making my morning cup of coffee, my wife asks me, "Are there any actresses who you are hooked on?" I'm instantly confused by the question, a fact she must have seen on my face because she further explained what she meant.
Last night she had trouble falling asleep and began thinking of the different actors she's known throughout the years. She began running through a list of male actors and trying to rank them on looks, wondering if any of those actors would be worthy of her being their mega-fan. She said she kept coming up with a no, and fell asleep before coming up with the image of an actor she would follow. It was her version of counting sheep.
She asked me again if there were any actresses for whom I would be a mega-fan based solely on looks. I though of some of the actresses I consider pretty, even stunning, and came up with no name myself. There were actresses I thought had great talent, and would want to see a movie if they made one, but based solely on looks there wasn't a single name I could come up with.
Sometimes our minds drift. Occasionally our minds drift to places that may seem distant. Yet somehow our thoughts return to what is important to us. In trying to fall asleep by counting good-looking actors, my wife realized that there really is no need to have anything more than what is already in her life, found peace in that, and fell asleep.
This morning's lament feels to me like one of those drifting moments. Today's passage is told in the midst of images about pain, taunts, and oppression. A voice which presents us with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain suddenly gives way to a moment when we are brought into a view of hope. And, to be completely honest, sometimes a moment of hope is all we need to keep moving along our life's path.
A lot of things are happening around us which bring with it the same level of pain we hear of in Lamentations. The passing of a brother, a mother diagnosed with terminal illness, and not being able to meet financial obligations for yet another month all bring with it deep pain and personal doubt. Our minds, hearts, and souls become obsessed with the thoughts of theses things; sometimes to the point where we can no longer function within what has become our normal routines.
But, if we let our minds drift for just a moment, if we can find a quiet place in the world of ever-increasing noise which surrounds us, then, and sometimes only then, can we go to that place where hope lives. It's in that place we will find that the strength of God's hands are still holding on to us, holding us up so that we can keep moving toward God and the love God has for us.
So, the next time you find your mind filled with the ugliness life can bring us, find a place to re-connect with the peace our God has for us. I don't think you have to count sheep, or even actors and actresses, to get there.
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