Isaiah 12:2-6
This week is "Finals Week" for many of our high schools, colleges, and universities. It's a time filled with lots of stress due to getting projects and papers completed, all-night studies, improper eating habits, and general nervousness about taking exams.
Yesterday one of the students I work with came back from a one week break due to surgery. He came back to school just in time to take his finals. I asked him if he was worried about taking the tests, especially after taking a whole week off and not benefiting from the class reviews we had in his absence. I smiled and chuckled a little when he said, "No worry, I got this" I asked how he could be so calm, to which his reply was "I just have to trust I know what I need to know."
Trust. It's a tricky word, but one that is necessary to bring peace. I want all of you in a committed relationship to ponder this: Would you be able to sleep at night if you didn't have complete trust in your partner as he/she lay next to you in the dark?
A complete trust in people removes a lot of the fear that is associated with mistrust. As in the case of that student, he was completely at peace while taking the tests because he trusted not only in himself, but also that the teachers would not put anything on the test that was meant to "trick" him. What would happen if we put that same kind of trust in our God?
God wants us to know that we can put our trust in God, and to help make this point God sent us Jesus who lived a life in complete trust of what God's plans for him were. In fact, Jesus trusted God so much that when the time came for Jesus to give his life he knew God would be there on the other side.
I guess the question for us to ponder today is just how much trust do we have in ourselves, in each other, and in God?
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Joy
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Today's passage approaches the definition of joy by describing it as the absence of fear. I did have to think about it for a moment as the stubborn in me kept insisting that a life without fear would be a life lived in peace. However, as I thought about it longer it came to me that a peaceful life can still have moments of being afraid of something, but to truly be emptied of fear, well that's rather joyous.
In our youth group yesterday we spoke about one of my biggest heroes, Nick Vujicic. Nick is my hero for many reasons, but mainly it's because of his joy-filled life I have to say I look to his life as an example for how to live mine.
Nick was born with no limbs; no arms and no legs. At the age of 8, after seriously contemplating suicide, he came to the realization that he was what he was, and that is who he is. He made the decision that day to never let his disability get in the way of his abilities. If you took a look at his life today you would see a man with no limbs do everything from brush his own teeth to play soccer. If you get the chance look him up.
In one of his interviews they show him standing on a diving board which stood maybe 3 or 4 feet above the water. While at the edge of the board he makes jokes like, "I'm the one going out on a limb here." He then get's ready to jump, saying to the camera that to do what he is about to do either means he has no fear of what was coming, or is completely an idiot. Nick jumps, doing a back flip into the water. He raises his body above the waterline, shakes the water from his hair, and with a deeply heartfelt voice lets out the most joyous "WHOOO!" one has ever heard.
Indeed, a life without fear can be a life filled with joy.
Today's passage approaches the definition of joy by describing it as the absence of fear. I did have to think about it for a moment as the stubborn in me kept insisting that a life without fear would be a life lived in peace. However, as I thought about it longer it came to me that a peaceful life can still have moments of being afraid of something, but to truly be emptied of fear, well that's rather joyous.
In our youth group yesterday we spoke about one of my biggest heroes, Nick Vujicic. Nick is my hero for many reasons, but mainly it's because of his joy-filled life I have to say I look to his life as an example for how to live mine.
Nick was born with no limbs; no arms and no legs. At the age of 8, after seriously contemplating suicide, he came to the realization that he was what he was, and that is who he is. He made the decision that day to never let his disability get in the way of his abilities. If you took a look at his life today you would see a man with no limbs do everything from brush his own teeth to play soccer. If you get the chance look him up.
In one of his interviews they show him standing on a diving board which stood maybe 3 or 4 feet above the water. While at the edge of the board he makes jokes like, "I'm the one going out on a limb here." He then get's ready to jump, saying to the camera that to do what he is about to do either means he has no fear of what was coming, or is completely an idiot. Nick jumps, doing a back flip into the water. He raises his body above the waterline, shakes the water from his hair, and with a deeply heartfelt voice lets out the most joyous "WHOOO!" one has ever heard.
Indeed, a life without fear can be a life filled with joy.
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Conclusion)
Luke 3:1-6
Here we are at the end of week two of our four-week series and I don't know about you but time sure seems to be going along at a quick pace. With all the busy-ness we're involved in we barely find time for ourselves, let alone time for and with our God. I always find it refreshing to sit at my computer on most mornings to connect with people on social media, read the lectionary passage for the day, and let my fingertips touch the letters on this keyboard to write what I am thinking.
Believe it or not I do all those things to prepare my day, not anyone else's. I would be less than honest to say I am always surprised when others comment on my social media outlets that they like my posts or enjoyed reading them, so for the dozen or so of you who do so I want to say thank you for taking fifteen minutes out of your day to spend with me and my thoughts.
I write this today because it seems to me that John, the son of Zechariah whom we mentioned the other day, now seems ready to fulfill what would be his purpose in life; to prepare the people for what was coming. Not much is told to us about the life of John "the Baptizer", but my guess is he must have felt a certain peace in knowing that he was doing exactly what he was born to do, regardless of what others thought or said about him.
I wish more of us could feel that way. How much better would your life be if you could honestly say that you were doing what your life's work was meant to be? How much more peaceful would you feel if you lived a life according to what you feel led to live, regardless of what others said or thought about it?
John prepared the way for the coming of Christ by living in a way he thought to be right for him to live; to prepare others for the coming of Jesus. Let's try our best to do the same.
Here we are at the end of week two of our four-week series and I don't know about you but time sure seems to be going along at a quick pace. With all the busy-ness we're involved in we barely find time for ourselves, let alone time for and with our God. I always find it refreshing to sit at my computer on most mornings to connect with people on social media, read the lectionary passage for the day, and let my fingertips touch the letters on this keyboard to write what I am thinking.
Believe it or not I do all those things to prepare my day, not anyone else's. I would be less than honest to say I am always surprised when others comment on my social media outlets that they like my posts or enjoyed reading them, so for the dozen or so of you who do so I want to say thank you for taking fifteen minutes out of your day to spend with me and my thoughts.
I write this today because it seems to me that John, the son of Zechariah whom we mentioned the other day, now seems ready to fulfill what would be his purpose in life; to prepare the people for what was coming. Not much is told to us about the life of John "the Baptizer", but my guess is he must have felt a certain peace in knowing that he was doing exactly what he was born to do, regardless of what others thought or said about him.
I wish more of us could feel that way. How much better would your life be if you could honestly say that you were doing what your life's work was meant to be? How much more peaceful would you feel if you lived a life according to what you feel led to live, regardless of what others said or thought about it?
John prepared the way for the coming of Christ by living in a way he thought to be right for him to live; to prepare others for the coming of Jesus. Let's try our best to do the same.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Philippians 1:3-11
Last night I had somewhat of an unplanned, albeit a needed break; somewhat. We usually have two bible studies back to back for our Youth and Young Adults between 7 and 10 pm. With the ending of the semester upon us, however, they decided their time would be better spent studying for finals and finishing projects and papers. Good decision on their part.
As a result I found myself with an extra hour or so to do other things and I used that time to read. It's honestly been a while since I read just because I wanted to. And with all the things I had in my office at work to read - magazines, books on teenage spirituality, news articles, and even our newly revised church by-laws - I chose to read my bible.
It was honestly nice to be able to read the bible without having to dissect it for any particular reason. As I read the beginning of the story of Jesus' life as told by Luke I found myself becoming enveloped by the words put on this paper. The most difficult part was pretending to not know the story as I read it; not easy.
As I read I began to see that from the beginning Luke is telling a story filled with contrasts between knowledge and action. As I read on, and as I tried harder to pretend I didn't know the story, I found myself realizing the love God showed through the life of Christ Jesus. As Paul put it, my love flourished in the "knowledge and full insight" of God's love.
I can say that in the hour or so I read, my relationship with God through Christ grew stronger, and with that growth came a certain peace I haven't felt in a long time. I was alone, I was at rest, and I was doing something for me. In the process I was able to sit with God and enjoy God's company.
That's what I call peace.
Last night I had somewhat of an unplanned, albeit a needed break; somewhat. We usually have two bible studies back to back for our Youth and Young Adults between 7 and 10 pm. With the ending of the semester upon us, however, they decided their time would be better spent studying for finals and finishing projects and papers. Good decision on their part.
As a result I found myself with an extra hour or so to do other things and I used that time to read. It's honestly been a while since I read just because I wanted to. And with all the things I had in my office at work to read - magazines, books on teenage spirituality, news articles, and even our newly revised church by-laws - I chose to read my bible.
It was honestly nice to be able to read the bible without having to dissect it for any particular reason. As I read the beginning of the story of Jesus' life as told by Luke I found myself becoming enveloped by the words put on this paper. The most difficult part was pretending to not know the story as I read it; not easy.
As I read I began to see that from the beginning Luke is telling a story filled with contrasts between knowledge and action. As I read on, and as I tried harder to pretend I didn't know the story, I found myself realizing the love God showed through the life of Christ Jesus. As Paul put it, my love flourished in the "knowledge and full insight" of God's love.
I can say that in the hour or so I read, my relationship with God through Christ grew stronger, and with that growth came a certain peace I haven't felt in a long time. I was alone, I was at rest, and I was doing something for me. In the process I was able to sit with God and enjoy God's company.
That's what I call peace.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Luke 1:68-79
This is another one of my favorite stories. I can't help but imagine Zechariah's words and actions as he spoke these words. Keep in mind that he had been stricken mute for almost a year and how frustrating that must have been for him, being a priest of his hometown temple. The circumstances of his being stricken mute, his disbelief of the word of God's messenger, would have most certainly added to his frustrations as he waited as patiently as he could for the day when he would be able to speak again arrived.
That day arrives in today's passage. I can always imagine Zechariah's voice as he begins to speak. If you've ever been quiet for a long period of time you would notice your voice takes a while to warm up and I have no doubt that being silent for as long as he was would have had Zechariah speaking softly at first, doing the best he can to form words through a cracked voice, then finally being able to speak loudly as he proclaimed his new son, John, to be the newest prophet of God.
I want to take a step back, however, and think about what that first moment was like when Zechariah regained his speech.
I sat with a dear friend recently as he told me about things that have been on his mind and in his heart for a few years. I don't want to say more except that this friend felt an extremely heavy burden lift as he opened himself enough to begin emptying his soul of the darkness he was carrying around. He had muted some things which needed a voice. When he was able to talk about these things he began to speak in a soft, cracked voice. Before too long his voice began to strengthen, as did he.
Later in the conversation I asked him how difficult it was for him to open up about those things and he said it was very hard. He added that once it started to come out, though, he felt a peace he hasn't felt in a long time.
What is it that you are carrying in you that needs to be said? Our voice needs to be heard. Your God waits for you to open up and Christ lives in this world so you have someone to talk to. Zechariah found his peace after finding his voice as did my friend. Perhaps you will find the same.
This is another one of my favorite stories. I can't help but imagine Zechariah's words and actions as he spoke these words. Keep in mind that he had been stricken mute for almost a year and how frustrating that must have been for him, being a priest of his hometown temple. The circumstances of his being stricken mute, his disbelief of the word of God's messenger, would have most certainly added to his frustrations as he waited as patiently as he could for the day when he would be able to speak again arrived.
That day arrives in today's passage. I can always imagine Zechariah's voice as he begins to speak. If you've ever been quiet for a long period of time you would notice your voice takes a while to warm up and I have no doubt that being silent for as long as he was would have had Zechariah speaking softly at first, doing the best he can to form words through a cracked voice, then finally being able to speak loudly as he proclaimed his new son, John, to be the newest prophet of God.
I want to take a step back, however, and think about what that first moment was like when Zechariah regained his speech.
I sat with a dear friend recently as he told me about things that have been on his mind and in his heart for a few years. I don't want to say more except that this friend felt an extremely heavy burden lift as he opened himself enough to begin emptying his soul of the darkness he was carrying around. He had muted some things which needed a voice. When he was able to talk about these things he began to speak in a soft, cracked voice. Before too long his voice began to strengthen, as did he.
Later in the conversation I asked him how difficult it was for him to open up about those things and he said it was very hard. He added that once it started to come out, though, he felt a peace he hasn't felt in a long time.
What is it that you are carrying in you that needs to be said? Our voice needs to be heard. Your God waits for you to open up and Christ lives in this world so you have someone to talk to. Zechariah found his peace after finding his voice as did my friend. Perhaps you will find the same.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace (Continued)
Malachi 3:1-4
Do you remember the good old days? What do those memories bring?
For me the "good old days" bring back memories of families sitting together and enjoying a holiday meal. The holiday may be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, a birthday, anniversary, or even a celebration of being in the school's winter play (even if I was only the narrator).
These memories bring back times of being with friends, playing outdoors, running around and laughing. The good old days didn't include worrisome responsibilities beyond getting my homework done, nor did it involve much of anything beyond respecting my elders.
Then I grew up. I still had fun, I still played, but there seemed to be heavier consequences for my decisions. Adulthood took over, followed by family person. Life is now filled with a daily routine from which I get home too tired to enjoy that which I've worked so hard to accomplish.
And yet, if I take the time to look around me I'll see a new generation enjoying their "good old days" and that thought, for some reason, brings me peace. The things I enjoyed as a child were possible because of what those who came before me had done. What I am doing now is paving the way for those who are yet to come. The only question now is if I'm doing enough.
Malachi reminds us that when the "promised one" comes he will bring with him a purifying force. Jesus came and began a new age, showing us that the way to peace is unconditional acceptance. Maybe my thoughts went to the days of my childhood because it is there that I felt the most accepted by everyone around me.
The promise of peace can only be fulfilled when we begin making all our days "the good old days".
Do you remember the good old days? What do those memories bring?
For me the "good old days" bring back memories of families sitting together and enjoying a holiday meal. The holiday may be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, a birthday, anniversary, or even a celebration of being in the school's winter play (even if I was only the narrator).
These memories bring back times of being with friends, playing outdoors, running around and laughing. The good old days didn't include worrisome responsibilities beyond getting my homework done, nor did it involve much of anything beyond respecting my elders.
Then I grew up. I still had fun, I still played, but there seemed to be heavier consequences for my decisions. Adulthood took over, followed by family person. Life is now filled with a daily routine from which I get home too tired to enjoy that which I've worked so hard to accomplish.
And yet, if I take the time to look around me I'll see a new generation enjoying their "good old days" and that thought, for some reason, brings me peace. The things I enjoyed as a child were possible because of what those who came before me had done. What I am doing now is paving the way for those who are yet to come. The only question now is if I'm doing enough.
Malachi reminds us that when the "promised one" comes he will bring with him a purifying force. Jesus came and began a new age, showing us that the way to peace is unconditional acceptance. Maybe my thoughts went to the days of my childhood because it is there that I felt the most accepted by everyone around me.
The promise of peace can only be fulfilled when we begin making all our days "the good old days".
Monday, December 3, 2012
The Weeks of Advent - Peace
Baruch 5:1-9
Today's passage comes from the Apocryphal Deuterocanonical books of the bible (ho, I sound smart yeah...lol) and I'm not sure if you all have it, so I made a link you can follow in order to be able to read the passage.
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221552729 (you may have to cut and paste this into your address bar)
I have to say that on my first reading of these verses I found myself feeling proud to be one of God's people. Not proud as in, "hey, look at me", but proud as in a child who's parent just won the Parent of The Year Award. I saw myself standing tall, my shoulders back and chin up, wearing my best clothes, holding the hand of my parent and saying, "yup I belong to this family".
I then went back in time to a place where our family used to always be together; Christmas. No matter how busy my father was, or how many jobs my mom had we somehow always found a way to be together on Christmas day. I'm not naive enough to believe this is the way it is for all people, but as for me this is a memory I can carry as long as I have a memory.
I reread the passage and on taking a closer look at it I noticed there was not a mention of war, battle, or conflict of any kind. The reading simply says that one day we will all be able to stand together as one people, as one family, in the beauty of the world which God has given us. According to our reading that day will be called the day of Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.
Oh for that day to come.
Today's passage comes from the Apocryphal Deuterocanonical books of the bible (ho, I sound smart yeah...lol) and I'm not sure if you all have it, so I made a link you can follow in order to be able to read the passage.
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=221552729 (you may have to cut and paste this into your address bar)
I have to say that on my first reading of these verses I found myself feeling proud to be one of God's people. Not proud as in, "hey, look at me", but proud as in a child who's parent just won the Parent of The Year Award. I saw myself standing tall, my shoulders back and chin up, wearing my best clothes, holding the hand of my parent and saying, "yup I belong to this family".
I then went back in time to a place where our family used to always be together; Christmas. No matter how busy my father was, or how many jobs my mom had we somehow always found a way to be together on Christmas day. I'm not naive enough to believe this is the way it is for all people, but as for me this is a memory I can carry as long as I have a memory.
I reread the passage and on taking a closer look at it I noticed there was not a mention of war, battle, or conflict of any kind. The reading simply says that one day we will all be able to stand together as one people, as one family, in the beauty of the world which God has given us. According to our reading that day will be called the day of Righteous Peace, Godly Glory.
Oh for that day to come.
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