tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78764655475049116362024-02-20T19:39:04.310-08:00ExegeativityWhere the exegesis of life meets the creativity of God.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-37309184310367458112016-02-29T09:38:00.000-08:002016-02-29T09:38:37.400-08:00Leap Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG_YPWTMxl_u_sSpOiQCKlizqbX96Q9jz1g4IoMjPGiyGs2wxBN29Sb7NS_UU3o5cpvfw6pe1yZIuS93ogKM6GpLu1n0Sh9Jezd6IP5hSrUWvqZOV5o7upOz3b9GGfvXzFMIKKa8Raxw/s1600/ask-history-why-do-we-have-a-leap-year_iStock_000020004359Large-E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG_YPWTMxl_u_sSpOiQCKlizqbX96Q9jz1g4IoMjPGiyGs2wxBN29Sb7NS_UU3o5cpvfw6pe1yZIuS93ogKM6GpLu1n0Sh9Jezd6IP5hSrUWvqZOV5o7upOz3b9GGfvXzFMIKKa8Raxw/s320/ask-history-why-do-we-have-a-leap-year_iStock_000020004359Large-E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leap Year!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an interesting concept. We’ve adopted a way of counting time that isn’t quite exact, so every four years we’ll just add an extra day to the calendar and that will let us get back on track. We’ll take a leap and be back in sync.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an interesting article on the history of Leap Year <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/160226-leap-year-science-time-world-cultures-february/" target="_blank">here</a>, but it has brought <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">two thoughts to my mind related to this concept and our lives with Christ.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">In some ways they seem contradictory, but nevertheless, I offer them here for the reader to ponder.</span></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First - It seems to me like there is an ongoing invitation from God for us to be so in sync with Him that we don’t really need to play catch up. He calls us to walk with him in a way that is present - right here and right now - in this moment with Him. No need to leap back into sync, just walk hand in hand with our Savior - today!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second - It also seems like the life of faith is all about leaping - like all the time - not just to catch up with a calendar. We are reminded that we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), which means there will most likely be regular leaps of faith we must take in order to stay in sync with the Lord. This life we live with Him will be full of moments of stretch and challenge - leaps we must take with Him.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And maybe those two ideas aren’t actually disconnected. Maybe as we walk hand in hand with our Lord each day, present in the moment, it will be much easier to recognize when God says, “Ok. Time to leap!”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Leap Life!!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-69508406262742609762016-01-30T12:00:00.003-08:002016-01-30T12:00:50.582-08:00The Breath of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPhfQx3AiOlMRY9oDNDk0ZxnY2lkjtZl4FvJGZyQ9ZLXgJH1Pw1kNT7CLzINmP021xjpURVXjfgyIXa0b2pWlHqHtzOUzJCQuMlgfZSQ3-OvwBYaGLXLJvW8a9MdPC4xAZ0NFZXIU6-g/s1600/breath-of-life-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPhfQx3AiOlMRY9oDNDk0ZxnY2lkjtZl4FvJGZyQ9ZLXgJH1Pw1kNT7CLzINmP021xjpURVXjfgyIXa0b2pWlHqHtzOUzJCQuMlgfZSQ3-OvwBYaGLXLJvW8a9MdPC4xAZ0NFZXIU6-g/s200/breath-of-life-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I was recently reading a book and came across an idea (at least the wording of an idea) I hadn't ever really thought about before.<br />
<br />
<i>The Spirit of God is closer even than our breath. </i>(my paraphrase)<br />
<br />
In order to understand this idea, we have to remember that in the Old Testament the word for Spirit is the same word that also gets translated wind and breath - ruach. And in the New Testament the word that gets translated Spirit is also the same word that gets translated into wind and breath - pneuma. <br />
<br />
Ruach = wind, breath, Spirit<br />
<br />
Pneuma = wind, breath, Spirit<br />
<br />
So it leads us to consider that even as we breath in and out, the Spirt is also constantly moving within us. <br />
<br />
And if you think about what happens physiologically when we breath - every inhale brings in oxygen which gets exchanged with carbon dioxide in our blood through our lungs - our breath doesn't just stay in our lungs, it gets transported to every single corner of our bodies! Most of the time I just think about my breath coming in and out of my lungs, but this idea of the Spirit of God being even closer than our breath made me realize it actually works its way into every nook and cranny of my whole being!<br />
<br />
Which leads me to also realize that this happens all the time without me even having to think about it! I don't ever have to think about breathing. It's not as if it's a conscious reality on my part. Even as I have been wring these ideas and thinking about breathing, I haven't been aware that I am just sitting here breathing (until right now while I am actually thinking about it, but I'm not saying, "breath...breath...breath...").<br />
<br />
I want to be a person who is allowing the very Breath of God to flow into every nook and cranny of my life without me ever having to think about it! It's as natural as breathing and it doesn't just go part of the way in - it permeates all the way to the very core of my being.<br />
<br />
May the Spirit of God be closer than my breath!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-57097162440934759302015-12-28T13:38:00.000-08:002015-12-28T13:38:07.871-08:00The Church Being the Church<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmY8Iig724PagCvBw1PQRzPb7QuGVk5xD2cyupQprLykBUA5LqLQWKEbwenv3fpXnVk8HxD7FO7VhPhkOWVSt-9tdea7YpZ3VlejUxGsYSL2u0WKS_hWTk4NDSEyKG-YSRYDF4wN-5-U/s1600/13931216-mmmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmY8Iig724PagCvBw1PQRzPb7QuGVk5xD2cyupQprLykBUA5LqLQWKEbwenv3fpXnVk8HxD7FO7VhPhkOWVSt-9tdea7YpZ3VlejUxGsYSL2u0WKS_hWTk4NDSEyKG-YSRYDF4wN-5-U/s400/13931216-mmmain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This morning I was sitting with a family from our church who had just experienced the loss of a loved one from a battle with cancer. As we were talking about the journey of wading through what I call the "swamp of grief," I heard a story that brought incredible joy to my heart. <br />
<br />
Last week after our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, a group of folks from our church went to this family's home to do some Christmas Caroling. They had been keeping tabs on them and knew it had been a tough few weeks in and out of hospitals, so they decided to give of their time and offer a little bit of Christmas cheer. As the story was being told to me, the family said, "That was Christmas for us!"<br />
<br />
A simple gesture of love and friendship that made more of an impact than any one of the carolers probably realized.<br />
<br />
What a great picture of the Church in action. Paying attention to one another. Being mindful of each other's burdens. Listening to the Spirit and taking action to share the love and light of God with one another. <br />
<br />
We didn't need a Christmas Caroling program. We didn't have to get approval from a committee. No one from the staff or leadership group needed to be in charge. God's people were simply being God's people - fully empowered to carry His love and light into the world around them.<br />
<br />
What an honor it is to be a part of the Church being the Church!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-55323102697199449192015-12-03T08:59:00.001-08:002015-12-03T08:59:57.958-08:00Come, Lord Jesus, Come!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dWqx7Zy3EM5AONUK5jZT376jriRgEfaxRsJHWh_BhjaJaiKQHDbTHAc_mOBc4q772pBC4NBI8n-sXa3guxaxWHbOlSJFh3cNpqlygms3zMlge8Jb1gd8xxF2VMmT9cn9Ir3RZhroh3g/s1600/mass-shooting-san-bernardino-california.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dWqx7Zy3EM5AONUK5jZT376jriRgEfaxRsJHWh_BhjaJaiKQHDbTHAc_mOBc4q772pBC4NBI8n-sXa3guxaxWHbOlSJFh3cNpqlygms3zMlge8Jb1gd8xxF2VMmT9cn9Ir3RZhroh3g/s320/mass-shooting-san-bernardino-california.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not again?! Yes, again.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
I almost couldn't believe what I was reading and seeing as the news outlets began to cover the insanity of another mass shooting. It almost feels like it has become so common place that the actual sting of the reality of what is happening has been lost. Somehow instead of allowing another event of horror and pain to drive us into action, we are lulled into inaction, tempted to think, <i>It's just a new reality we have to face.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
As I was reflecting on these ideas, I was struck with two thoughts related to this season of Advent. The faith community I am a part of is engaging in an Advent theme of Searching for Shalom. We are attempting to both recognize the deep longing that we have for true peace - the wholeness of God's Shalom, and to remember that as His people who are already experiencing that Shalom, we are called to be vessels of it in this world. We are both recipients of God's Shalom, called to experience and share it, at the same time we continue to long for it to come even more.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
Advent is a season that reminds us that even as we live into the reality of the beauty and love and grace of God, that our souls are still longing for it to come. We hold in tension the joy of knowing God's Shalom and yet still desiring to see it pour out in it's fullness. We are called to Search for Shalom in a way that allows us to experience and share it, but also to still long for it to break in more and more.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
One of the common prayers of this season is the simple phrase, <i>Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
That prayer feels especially poignant today.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<i>Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-80792187581135967432015-05-26T08:45:00.001-07:002015-05-26T08:45:46.178-07:00THIS Side of PentecostThis past Sunday was known as Pentecost Sunday - the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to our world in fullness. Which means that today I am living on THIS side of Pentecost.<div><br></div><div>When I woke up this morning and was getting ready to head back into the normal routines of life, I found myself overwhelmed with the massive list of things that needed to be done. I could feel my anxiety level rising just thinking about the task of making my To Do List! </div><div><br></div><div>However, I know myself well enough to know that these are the days when I need my disciplines the most - the days when I feel like I should skip them! So as I sat down to read and reflect, pray and meditate, God seemed to be asking me a question, "Stephen, are you living as if you are on THIS side of Pentecost, or the other side of Pentecost?" In other words, "Do you believe that I am here to help, to guide, to support, to carry you when necessary, or are you going to attempt to tackle all of this on your own?"</div><div><br></div><div>Which side of Pentecost are you going to live into today?</div><div><br></div><div><i>Lord, forgive me for living on the other side of Penntecost. Help me to remember with every breath of my lungs that you, the Living Breath, are within me. May I live every moment of today for what it is - a day on THIS side of Pentecost!</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-60063945487618728262015-02-18T08:51:00.002-08:002015-02-18T08:51:59.196-08:00Influencing God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql9lMnjRtKqpMyZIEBLCczhgXmsF-280vIlwN3L_Yt94wOYsxmyg9IcWg6_ARW1XqY3U6DrTaQuxN_Ck7jH_IArDokITuDw7Z1z9ndy3Q7tV2SMioqYUyyDMs59jUEPPAo-niLo24Th8/s1600/ash-wednesday_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql9lMnjRtKqpMyZIEBLCczhgXmsF-280vIlwN3L_Yt94wOYsxmyg9IcWg6_ARW1XqY3U6DrTaQuxN_Ck7jH_IArDokITuDw7Z1z9ndy3Q7tV2SMioqYUyyDMs59jUEPPAo-niLo24Th8/s1600/ash-wednesday_t.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today is Ash Wednesday. The first day of the Season of Lent. <br />
<br />
Over the past several years this season has gained a level of respect and importance in my life. I prayerfully listen for the direction of the Holy Spirit to guide me in my selection of various disciplines to engage. I attempt to allow this time to accomplish it's original task, to reshape and reform the places within me that have gotten out of alignment with God.<br />
<br />
As I was reading through the lectionary texts again this morning (Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-20 - this is one of the days of the Christian Calendar that the texts are always the same, which I find interesting and refreshing), I found myself struck by a new thought...<br />
<br />
<i>Do I influence God during Lent?</i><br />
<br />
This idea was first sparked by Joel 2:14a.<br />
<br />
<i>"Who knows whether he will have a change of heart...." (CEB)</i><br />
<br />
I've always thought about Lent from the perspective of my needing to change and have my mind, heart, and actions shifted by God. But we are talking about relationship here, right? As I used to say in my Intro to OT class:<br />
<br />
<i>The greatest desire of God's heart is for relationship with us.</i><br />
<br />
So if this is about relationship, then as I am engaging in these disciplines and allowing my heart to be moved and changed, am I also influencing God and His interactions with me, with His people, with His world?<br />
<br />
Please don't misunderstand, I'm not talking about some type of a cause and effect relationship here - If I fast, then God will act - and He better act the way I want! But if this is truly an authentic relationship, then the actions and choices of each participant will by their very nature influence the others.<br />
<br />
It reminds me of a family systems model within the realm of therapy - each member of the family system impacts all of the other members of the system by their actions and reactions. It's dynamic - because it's relationship!<br />
<br />
So this year for Lent rather than just focus on the ways in which I am being reshaped and reformed, I am also going to pay attention to the ways in which my movements impact the dynamic relationship I have with God. As I respond to Him I am going to watch for the ways in which He is responding to me - and we will be influenced together!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-15049357141888135192015-01-08T09:28:00.001-08:002015-01-08T09:28:50.854-08:00Watch - Listen - WorshipThis week we celebrate the holy day of Epiphany - a time when the Church remembers the coming of the Magi to visit the Christ child.<div><br></div><div>I have been thinking a lot about what those wise guys did, and I keep coming back to three simple words:</div><div><br></div><div><i>Watch - Listen - Worship</i></div><div><br></div><div><b>Watch</b></div><div><i>When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. (Matthew 2:10 CEB)</i></div><div><br></div><div>This verse has gotten lots of mileage over the years. What's interesting to me is that it actually comes after they had already seen the star earlier, so this isn't their first sighting. They have already "seen it in the East" and have talked with Herod about it to figure out where they might find Jesus. As they continue their trek, they once again see it and are filled with joy. They have been watching. They contiunued to watch. It was a part of the very make up of their lives. </div><div><br></div><div>What if I was that attentive to watching for God's sings and wonders? Am I watching for the harbingers He is sending my way to alert me of His work - His Kingdom coming and breaking in? Or am I watching another episode of reality TV?</div><div><br></div><div>I think we live in a culture that watches. The question is, what are we watching?</div><div><br></div><div><b>Listen</b></div><div><i>Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him." When they heard the king, they went.... (Matthew 2:7-9a CEB)</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>I find it fascinating that these wise people take the advice of an evil despot. But somehow they were in-tune enough with what God was doing that they recognized God's directions, even when it came from an unlikely source! Maybe since they were outside the normal flow and pattern of the ways in which God was supposed to speak and act it was easier for them to recognize it.</div><div><br></div><div>I think part of my problem, and part of the struggle in the life of the instituional curch today, is that we think a word from the Lord can only come from certain sources. People, places, circumstances, books, that are "authorized" or holy in some way. Maybe I need to think more like an outsider so I can hear what it is God is trying to communicate, through whatever avenues He may choose to use?</div><div><br></div><div>I think we live in a culture that listens to the "right" sources. The question is, are we listening to God's message no matter where it originates?</div><div><br></div><div><b>Worship</b></div><div><i>They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11 CEB)</i></div><div><br></div><div>Ahh the gifts. So much attention has been given to the gifts. After all, they are pretty extravagant, and there is a lot of meaning behind them. But has our attention to the tangible gifts overlooked the biggest gift? </div><div><br></div><div>These foreign star-watchers fell on their knees in worship!</div><div><br></div><div>The original word used here to describe this act is a hybrid of two words mashed together: <i>toward</i> and <i>to kiss</i>. Literally, to move toward and kiss the ground. A true gift of worship and reverence.</div><div><br></div><div>Again, so much of our lives tend to be focused on the tangible that I wonder if we actually miss the greatest gift of all - our ability to move toward and kiss the ground in front of our Lord? I have the ability everyday, regardless of what I may have in my hands, to live my life as an act of worship to my King! So why do I get so focused on that stuff in my hands?</div><div><br></div><div>We live in a culture that loves to focus on the tangible gifts. The question is, am I willing to shift my focus to the intangible gift?</div><div><br></div><div><i>Watch - Listen - Worship</i></div><div><br></div><div>I wonder what 2015 might bring if that was my three-fold focus this year?</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-5691905140074456392014-12-23T08:56:00.001-08:002014-12-23T08:56:46.896-08:00So That...<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have a good friend who recently tweeted out a question that I have been pondering in the back of my mind. "Would love to see a statistic revealing how much people spend at Christmas ON THEMSELVES. Wondering if it might be MORE than on others." @nathanoates </span></div><div><br></div><div>It so easy at Christmas (or perhaps more easy) to allow the influence of this world to cloud our Christian hearts and minds to think that all of these blessings are for us. We spend time being grateful and celebrating the beauty of gift giving, but we forget that Emmanuel was never intended to just be for us. God's plan has always been to create a people He could use to bless the whole world by bringing salvation to it.</div><div><br></div><div><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2 NIV)</i></div><div><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">These verses from this morning's Psalm reading</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">, and in particular that little phrase <i>so that</i>,</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> are a powerful reminder to us of this plan.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">May I recognize this Christmas that I am never intended to be the end recipient of everything God's pours out for me. I am simply designed to be a conduit of that grace. I receive, <i>so that</i> I may share.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-42965606203735486452014-12-22T09:28:00.001-08:002014-12-22T09:28:41.911-08:00Light DawnsYesterday I preached from Isaiah 9:1-7. One of the things I didn't take too much time to highlight was a phrase in verse 2. "For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." (NLT)<div><br></div><div>What I discovered when I looked into the original language of that phrase is that Isaiah uses the same word that David uses in Psalm 23 - the land of "the shadow of death."</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>For those who are living in the land of the shadow of death, light will dawn.</i></span></div><div><br></div><div>Allow me to simlpy use my strength of Connectedness (from Strengthsfinder) to go from dot to dot.</div><div><br></div><div>I led my 15th funeral in 2014 yesterday afternoon.</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>It has been raining almost non-stop here for weeks. (For which I am grateful!)</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>That means we haven't seen the sun in weeks.</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>The sun came out today!</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>Light is dawning. </div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>Hope is coming!</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>Death and despair don't get the final word!</div><div><br></div><div>Dot.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks be to God, for those who are living in the land of the shadow of death, light is dawning!</div><div><br></div><div>Come, Lord Jesus, Come!</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-70597383656557122602014-12-20T15:21:00.000-08:002014-12-20T15:21:28.169-08:00The God Who is HereFor today's Advent reflection, I offer this quote:<br />
<br />
<i>Father God,</i><br />
<i>Why is it that I think I must get somewhere, assume some position, be gathered together, or separated</i><br />
<i> apart in the quiet of my study to pray?</i><br />
<i>Why is it that I feel that I have to go somewhere or do some particular act to find you, reach you, and </i><br />
<i> talk with you?</i><br />
<i>You're presence is here</i><br />
<i> In the city - on the busy bus, in the factory, in the cockpit of an airplane; in the hospital - in the </i><br />
<i> patients' rooms, in the intensive care unit, in the waiting room; in the home - at dinner, in the </i><br />
<i> bedroom, in the family room, at my workbench; in the car - in the parking lot, at the stoplight.</i><br />
<i>Lord, reveal your presence to me everywhere, and help me become aware of your presence each </i><br />
<i> moment of the day.</i><br />
<i>May your presence fill the nonanswers, empty glances, and lonely times of my life. Amen.</i><br />
<i> </i>From <i>A Thirty-Day Experiment in Prayer </i>by Robert Wood<br />
<br />
Come, Lord Jesus, Come.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-75394705079836406702014-12-16T08:52:00.001-08:002014-12-16T08:52:58.702-08:00Waiting WithI spent a lot of alone time in the car yesterday (had some district meetings), which can often be fun because it means I can catch up on some of my favorite podcasts! (I know, total geek!) However, one of those podcasts yesterday reminded me of a nuance of Advent that is really powerful.<div><br></div><div>Because we live in the time of the "in-betweens" - in between the first coming of the Christ and His second coming - we have a very unique perspective. Theologians often refer to this time as the-already-but-not-yet. We already have the presence of Christ with us through the Holy Spirit, and yet, we know this world is still hurting and broken, longing for Christ to return and make everything new.</div><div><br></div><div>During Advent we are a people who are waiting, but because we are celebrating Advent during the in-betweens, we actually wait for God, with God! We already have God with us - He is Emmanuel. And yet, we are still waiting for Him to return in all of His fullness and glory.</div><div><br></div><div>This is the in-between Advent. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We wait with God, for God! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Come, Lord Jesus, Come!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(And thanks for waitng with us!)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-13886404383221820322014-12-14T08:16:00.001-08:002014-12-14T08:16:26.793-08:00Call WaitingYouu know the drill.<div><br></div><div>You're on the phone and that little noise chirps in your ear - another call coming in. On my phone, a menu pops up offering me choices of how to respond. End current & answer new? Ignore new? Hold current & answer new?</div><div><br></div><div>Most of the time the way I respond has to do with who the new caller is. Either boy or their schools in the middle of the day - hold & answer. Unrecognizable number - Ignore! The person who is watching vigil with someone in their final hours here on earth - End & Answer.</div><div><br></div><div>But what if there is always someone calling? What if they are just relentless? Where's the block option?</div><div><br></div><div>"The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 CEB)"</div><div><br></div><div>This verse got me thinking about this call waiting idea this morning. God is always faithfully calling us. Relentless. And He is determined to grant us the power to accomplish all that He is calling us to do.</div><div><br></div><div>His relentless pursuit of us isn't to bug or cajole us, but to meet us, to walk with us, to fill us so we can live into the fullness of who we are in Him!</div><div><br></div><div>Thankfully, Advent is a reminder that He's calling, and waiting, for me to answer.</div><div><br></div><div>Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-18819352865222345862014-12-12T08:33:00.001-08:002014-12-12T08:39:49.133-08:00We wait...with hope."All you who wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage." (Psalms 31:24 CEB)<div><br></div><div>We are people who wait with hope. In this world of pain and brokeness that is so very obvious, we are people who live hopefully in Advent. </div><div><br></div><div>Our Lord is coming.</div><div><br></div><div>The words of Charles Wesley help us express this hopeful waithing:</div><div><br></div><div><i>Come, thou long-expected Jesus,</i></div><div><i>Born to set thy people free;</i></div><div><i>From our fears and sins release us;</i></div><div><i>Let us find our rest in thee.</i></div><div><i>Israel's strength and consolation,</i></div><div><i>Hope of all the earth thou art;</i></div><div><i>Dear desire of every nation,</i></div><div><i>Joy of every longing heart.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Born thy people to deliver,</i></div><div><i>Born a child and yet a King,</i></div><div><i>Born to reign in us forever,</i></div><div><i>Now thy gracious kingdom bring.</i></div><div><i>By thine own eternal spirit</i></div><div><i>Rulle in all our hearts alone,</i></div><div><i>By thine all sufficient merit,</i></div><div><i>Raise us to thy glorious throne.</i></div><div><br></div><div>Come, Lord Jesus, Come.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-74122164999458375242014-12-11T08:33:00.001-08:002014-12-11T08:33:50.038-08:00Flowing GraceThis morning I was explaining the season of Advent to a young man, describing how it is a season of anticipation - that our King is coming. But we live in a fascinating time (the in-betweens) when we know He has already come, and yet, is still going to come again. As a result, if we are willing to have open eyes and hearts, we can actually see evidence of His coming already.<div><br></div><div>This year our church community has been full of grief. My wife said just the other day, "I feel like this has been a year of death!" As a result, there are a number of people who have been, and are walking through the "valley of the shadow of death." This morning I heard a story of Flowing Grace between some of these grieving people.</div><div><br></div><div>One member of our church family who has just recently entered the valley, shared with me that another member of our community who is a little futher into that valley (but not much!), brought over a meal! Grief reaching out and ministering God's grace to grief. I was blown away!</div><div><br></div><div>But I suppose I shouldn't be as surprised as I am, after all, this is the essence of Advent. In coming to our world, Christ changed everything, including the grieving process, and has blessed us with each other to be tangible instruments of His flowing grace between us!</div><div><br></div><div>Come, Lord Jesus, Come!</div><div><br></div><div>And help me not miss the evidence that you are already here!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-10977823013622503102014-12-10T08:36:00.001-08:002014-12-10T08:36:52.623-08:00An Advent Prayer<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>We are constantly praying for you for this: that our God will make you worthy of his calling and accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored by you, and you will be honored by him, consistent with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.</i> (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 CEB)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Today, this is my prayer for you.</font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-73095236980861175952014-12-08T09:13:00.001-08:002014-12-08T09:13:31.116-08:00Ironic Body ArmorAs I was reading today's scriptures from the Daily Office (Psalm 25, Isaiah 5:8-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Luke 21:20-28), a phrase from the Epistle (letter) stood out.<div><br></div><div>"Wear faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body...." (1 Thess. 5:8 CEB)</div><div><br></div><div>The verse goes on to also mention wearing salvation like a helmet, so my immediate reaction was to think about Paul's (the author) more extensive use of this metaphor in another letter he wrote (Ephesians). Paul wrote this letter (1 Thessalonians) several years before he wrote the other one (Ephesians), which means this description was an early version of his thinking on these ideas, and the Ephesians passage is a much more detailed, more fully developed thought. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But in that description he doesn't use the term love in his descripition of armor. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Put love on as armor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">That seems like an oxymoron to me (which may be why he didn't use it later). Wearing love doesn't seem like protection. In fact, it seems like just the opposite! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we love, we open ourselves up to risk, because real love requires vulnerability. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But the fact that love is described here forces us to think. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Which makes me think of a deep reservoir and my marriage. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After almost 25 years of loving Jo, I have developed a very deep reservoir of love for her. As a result, when bumps in the relationship road come along (which they do, because this is real life), there is a lot of depth and grace from which to draw. The depth of our love actually serves as a protector for us - almost like armor. It softens the blows of life. It deflects the hurts that get hurled. And it quickly serves as salve in the wounds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Maybe love can be a powerful protector. I just have to be willing to risk and love enough!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully, Advent is a reminder that Love has come and is coming!</span></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-77801663315921766932014-12-07T07:56:00.001-08:002014-12-07T07:56:37.695-08:00ComfortSo yesterday I didn't post an Advent blog because I ended up at the hospital with a dear friend. Her husband died rather unexpectedly early in the morning and we were starting the journey of grief together. As a result, I just didn't think about posting.<div><br></div><div>But this morning as I opened my Bible to today's lectionary texts, I was greeted by these words...</div><div><br></div><div>"'Comfort, comfort my people!' says your God." (Isaiah 40:1 CEB)</div><div><br></div><div>Having walked through this experience with countless families now, including my own, I am so thankful that one of the reminders of Advent is that Jesus is our greatest source of comfort!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-24728363492802945312014-12-05T09:25:00.001-08:002014-12-05T09:25:05.619-08:00Spare ChangeOne of the texts that is a part of today's Daily Office Advent readings (for more info on that, check out www.crivoice.org) is Luke 20:41-21:4. At the end of chapter 20, Jesus warns his disciples about the religious leaders who are making a show out of following God. As we turn the page to chapter 21, Luke provides an illustration centered around the offfering buckets.<div><br></div><div>The scene opens with Jesus observing the people coming and bringing their offerings and placing them in the coffers. Luke first describes those who are rich coming and casting their money in, followed by a poor widow who casts in her two leptas (the smallest coin that existed at the time - basically two pennies). In response Jesus says, "She has given more than everyone else because they gave out of their abundance, but she gave all she had."</div><div><br></div><div>In the CEB it reads, "All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she...has given everything...."</div><div><br></div><div>Ouch!</div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes when you read the scriptures, it's appropriate to say, "Amen!"</div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes the best response is, "Ouch!" <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And most of the time that is true with the words of Jesus.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's so easy to give to God out of our spare change - and I'm not talking just about money (but in our culture that can often be the focal point). The larger principle Jesus is pointing us to, calling us out on, is that we tend to give to God out of our leftovers, our srcaps, not from the best of who we are and what we have.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Advent is a reminder to us that God gave us His everything, and His desire is for us to give Him our everything in response. After all, is spare change the best response to everything?</font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-80173199197547138502014-12-04T22:09:00.001-08:002014-12-04T22:09:46.190-08:00Expanding HeartsOne of the texts from the daily lectionary for today is from 1 Thessalonians 3:<div><br></div><div>"May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone...." (v.12)</div><div><br></div><div>This past Sunday in our Faith Family we recognized that in coming to our world and becoming one of us (Jesus in the Inccarnation), God demonstrated as powerfully as possible that we truly matter to Him! As a result, we are called to allow His love for us to flow in us, and through us, to those who are in the world around us, so that by embracing them, we are an extension of His love.</div><div><br></div><div>When we think about that idea in light of this passage, it reminds us that we are called to do more than just love in a static way. What we are actually called to do is allow our love to grow and expand further than it already has. Our hearts shoulc continue to expand!</div><div><br></div><div>One of the most tangible moments I experienced this was when my second son, Seth, was born. Since his older brother had been around for a few years already, I had already experienced a depth of love in my heart I didn't even know existsed. Now that Seth was about to arrive, I was actually apprehensive because I thought there was no way I even had any more room in my heart with how much I already loved his mom and older brother.</div><div><br></div><div>But much to my surprise, when he arrived and I was able to hold him, it was like my heart actually expanded and my capacity for how much I could love grew. It had to have grown, because I actually loved Seth as much as his older brother, which I didn't think was going to be possible!</div><div><br></div><div>Now, it's easy to love your kids and to allow your heart to expand with love for them, but it's a whole other matter to allow your heart to expand for rest of the world around you! Oh I might be able to muster an expanded heart for someone I deeply care about all aready and I relate to very well. But what about the person who absolutely just bugs me?</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone...." (v.12)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">But what about the person I don't agree with?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone...." (v.12)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ok. How about the person I know is a total sinner and is clearly not even wanting to walk with God?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone...." (v.12)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And maybe that's why this blessing says, "May the Lord cause...." Yep. He's going to have to do it, because I know I certainly can't make that happen without some Divine intervention!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">"Come, Lord Jesus, Come!"</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-34333426908554882952014-12-03T08:47:00.001-08:002014-12-03T08:47:11.704-08:00Changed Hearts & Lives<div>Yesterday we saw John the Baptist born and his father's powerful reaction at the coming promise of God.</div><div><br></div>Today, that little boy is all grown up. <div><br></div><div>In Matthew 3:1-12 (CEB), John is on the scene "preparing the way for the LORD." He's quite a picture actually, in his ancient prophet clothes and strange diet. Despite his craziness, his message is consistent, "Change your hearts and lives." (v.2) </div><div><br></div><div>At first he is speaking to whoever will listen, but soon some of the "religious right" show up, apparently to see if he is just a nut or what. Most likely they want to make sure he isn't going to threaten the way of life they<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> belive to be right, namely theirs!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He doesn't waste much time jumping on them, and says the same thing to them he was saying to the masses, "Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives." (v.8)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">In anticipation of the Advent (literally "coming") of our LORD, this season is a great time to reflect on what needs changed in our hearts and lives. This materialistic, individualistic, consumer-driven world has a tendency to push it's way into our lives, so much so, that we can easily begin to think that it's "right." </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Thankfully, John's message during this Advent season is a powerful reminder that anything which doesn't line up with the Kingdom of Heaven is ready and waiting for change!</font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-43966902170496235412014-12-01T08:38:00.001-08:002014-12-02T07:39:32.561-08:00Bottled Up PraiseYesterday I reflected on the encounter Zechariah had with Gabriel in whch Zechariah was required to exercise his faith muscles. (Again, see Luke 1 for the full story.)<div><br></div><div>As that story unfolds, Zechariah is rendered speachless for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy. When the boy (John the Baptis) is finally born and welcomed into the Lord's covenant, Zechariah confirms his name is John. In that moment, we read, "Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God."</div><div><br></div><div>On the surface it might seem like Zechariah was just full of praise because he could speak again, and while that may have been his initial burst of praise, we see from what he says (Luke 1:67ff) that this is more than just relief he can talk. </div><div><br></div><div>Can you imagine everything that got bottled up during that nine months of waiting that isn't recorded?</div><div><br></div><div>"I can talk! Praise the LORD!"</div><div><br></div><div>"Elizabeth, you're a mom! I love you so much! Praise the LORD!"</div><div><br></div><div>"I have a son! His name is John! Praise the LORD!"</div><div><br></div><div>"God's promises are true! He fulfills His word! Praise the LORD!"</div><div><br></div><div>Nine months of bottled up praise come pouring out of Zechariah.</div><div><br></div><div>This nine months of anticipation is the essence of Advent. Expectant waiting, filled with hope, that will eventually result in an opportunity to let loose with praise - for our Promise has come!</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-10334927496637478442014-12-01T08:29:00.001-08:002014-12-01T08:29:36.166-08:00How can I be sure?One of the stories of Advent is the encounter between Zechariah the priest, and Gabriel, the Lord's angel. Zechariah is on duty in the temple burning incense for the people when he is visited by Gabriel. Of ccourse, Zechariah is a bit disturbed, but manages to listen to the Divine message being delivered that he and Elizabeth will conceive a son in their old age, who becomes John the Baptist. (See Luke 1 for the full story.)<div><br></div><div>In response to this shocking news, Zechariah's first words are, "How can I be sure this will happen?"</div><div><br></div><div>In many ways, that feels like the honest cry of Advent. We want to believe one is coming! We want to be filled with hope! We want to see deliverance! But how can we be sure?!?!</div><div><br></div><div>After all, look around. This world is broken, and we all know it. We may have already encountered the Divine and are doing our best to follow Him, but there are still times when our hearts (if we are honest), cry out, "How can I be sure?!"</div><div><br></div><div>And that's the thing about Advent, it requires our trust. Gabriel may have responded to Zechariah's question as if he couldn't believe he would have any doubts ("I've been sent here directly from God's presence!"), but we don't have that perspective. So we must exercise our faith muscles.</div><div><br></div><div>"Lord, this Advent season help me to trust You, even when I don't feel sure!"</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-63253507509796122902014-11-30T07:46:00.001-08:002014-11-30T07:46:43.474-08:00Advent Begins...<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On this first (Sun)day of Advent, I offer you the words to this simple hymn as a reminder that this is a season of anticipation and waiting, filled with hope!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates</span></div> Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;<div> Behold the King of glory waits;</div><div> The King of kings is drawing near;</div><div> The Savior of the world is here!</div><div><br></div><div> Fling wide the portals of your heart;</div><div> Make it a temple, set apart</div><div> From earthly use for heaven's employ,</div><div> Adorned with prayer and love and joy.</div><div><br></div><div> Redeemer, come, with us abide;</div><div> Our hearts to thee we open wide;</div><div> Let us thy inner presence feel;</div><div> Thy grace and love in us reveal. Amen.</div><div> ~ Georg Weissel</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-2615797499690031292014-09-03T08:38:00.001-07:002014-09-03T08:38:56.008-07:00Fight the Fight?!This morning I was sitting in a coffee shop (I know - shocking!), and had a Bible sitting on the table next to me. A very sweet woman of retirement age came over and picked it up and obviously wanted to talk about it. After removing my headphones (yes, she ignored the universal symbol of "please don't talk to me") she asked, "Are you studying this?" <div><br></div><div>After expaining to her that I was teaching a course on the First Testament at Simpson this fall, we made a connection to some people in my church that she knows. She then shared with me where she and her husband go to church and as she walked away her parting words were...</div><div><br></div><div>"We really love to study the Bible. Fight the fight."</div><div><br></div><div>What?! </div><div><br></div><div>What fight?</div><div><br></div><div>And there it was - another reminder to me of one of the ways we have unintentionally twisted the Gospel <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(I believe she was very well intentioned and sincere).</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Somehow we have embraced a version of the Good News (literal translation of the word Gospel from the Second Testament) that it must be protected or defended. That the Gospel needs us to stand up for it and to hold our ground against those who would try and weaken or dilute it. We must fight the good fight to hold onto the true Gospel!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">But this Good News that love wins and abundant life is available to all, right here, right now, was never meant to be put behind a wall or a fence. It was meant to be released, so it can release! This is a message that starts and ends with love - first and last and every other spot in between - and love never needs to be protected or defended, it just needs to be lived and given room to breathe.<br></font><div><br></div></div><div>I know there is an enemy of this Good News who is on the prowl looking to thwart and undermine it's power, but the way to "fight" that Adversary is to unleash the freedom and transformation of the Gospel of love. And I know that I may be reading something into what this lady actually meant, but I've heard a version of this so many times it struck a chord with me this morning.</div><div><br></div><div>Love never needs to be defended. </div><div><br></div><div>It needs to be lived.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876465547504911636.post-70790937024246284802014-04-19T08:57:00.001-07:002014-04-19T08:57:52.349-07:00Greatness vs Faithfulness<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One of the struggles I face on a regular basis is the desire to be great. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's bad to want to be great, but the question is, whose definition are you using?</span></div><div><br></div><div>Here's the problem - I believe we have adopted a definition of greatness in the modern, western church that still thinks about greatness from the perspective of the world around us. It's a definition molded by the mindset that bigger is always better, more is better than less, fame is better than anonymity. </div><div><br></div><div>(Insert AT&T commercial here.)</div><div><br></div><div>Case in point: when I meet people in the community who discover I am a pastor, the first question they typically ask me is, "Where is your church?" or "What kind of a church is that?" However, when I meet other pastors, the first question is always, "How big is your church?"</div><div><br></div><div>But that kind of thinking doesn't line up in any way with the definitions Jesus used for greatness (first shall be last and the last shall be first; whoever wants to become great must become the servant of all). His language was always about downward movement, not upward. In fact, today is a day (Holy Saturday) in which we celebrate the depths to which Christ was willing to descend in order to eventually be lifted up!</div><div><br></div><div>Maybe we need to throw the idea of greatness in the Kingdom completely out the window. Maybe what we need to embrace instead, is faithfulness.</div><div><br></div><div>I recently read an account written by Thomas Pettepiece in Visions of a World Hungry, that brought this contrast between greatness and faithfulness into sharp focus. Pettepiece was imprisoned with several thousand others as political prisoners and found himself in that place on an Easter Sunday. Being a Methodist minister, he decided he wanted to lead a communion service with the other Christian prisoners, but they didn't have any supplies at all, so he led them in "the communion of empty hands." He went through all the motions with the people - giving them each a "piece" of bread and passing around "the cup" - all with nothing in their actual hands. He wrote about how powerful and moving the experience was for everyone, even causing one participant to say he finally discovered real faith through the experience.</div><div><br></div><div>Every worldly definition of greatness was completely missing from that encounter, but Pettepiece certainly was faithful to the call of Christ to remember Him. And that's what I believe we must be willing to strive for as followers. The simplicity of remaining faithful to the call of God is what matters in the framework of the Kingdom. We are called to live faithfully, as spouses and parents, as friends and workers, as simple followers of Jesus, wherever and however He leads us.</div><div><br></div><div><i>Lord, on this day when we remember that your faithfulness took you all the way to the depths of hell, we will trust your Spirit and be faithful today with whatever we have, or don't have, in our hands!</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13395708081217786330noreply@blogger.com0