Someone once said that 'one's perception is their reality.' Think about it, ponder it, and question it. Is that statement true? Is my perception the true reality or just the reality of what I see?
Much of life's arguments and troubles come from the debate about whose perception of reality is better, or true. It is the root of many of the wars between countries, faiths and even within our own faith as we increasingly distance ourselves from Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17 that "they may be one."
We see selective readings and preaching of scriptures to validate our views. In biblical interpretation, the quest for the reading and interpreter is to choose between two ways to viewing the text-
1. The first marked by having a view already created and then heading into the scriptures to validate that view. This is called Eisegesis. In essence, we use the bible to validate our predetermined ideas and ideals. The danger is that we become blind to what the scriptures actually say and help shape them into what we want them to say- normally to validate a viewpoint.
2. The other way to view the text is to allow the bible to speak into our lives and shape our ideas and ideals. This is called Exegesis. The goal is to allow the sacred scriptures to inform how we live, what we believe and how we care for others.
I'm sure you have seen both of these practices enacted. Yesterday, we looked at Mary Magdalene and her impact in the story of Jesus. She has been coined "The Apostle to the Apostles' for she is the first witness to the resurrection and given the command of the apostles to 'go and tell.' For most of us, we have not seen her in this light. In fact, we have not seen the vital role of women in the scriptures for some have grown up in traditions of Christianity that have painted women as subservient to men. By selecting some passages over others, this view has been validated. Yet when we study them role of women in the New Testament, the scales that have blinded us quickly fall as we realize their involvement in Jesus' ministry and the foundational role in Paul's missionary journeys.
Sometimes we need God to peel the scales away that blind us to what has always been in scripture. We need clear eyes that allow scripture to shape our our ideas and ideals. Too often we selectively read the scriptures to the detriment of our own spiritual formation.
Perhaps today we can pray that God peels the scales that blind us to His call to follow. It is a dangerous prayer for it may invite us to extend grace to some that we have withheld grace; forgiveness to those who have hurt us; and an extravagant welcome to the least, the last, and the lost rather than fortifying our safe shelter.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
What's Your Language of Love?
One day as I listened to NPR, I heard a story that I couldn't believe. The story was talking about people who fall in love from different countries with vastly different cultures. I was intrigued, but what really caught my ear was a statement one man said- "When we married, neither of us were very good at speaking each other's language."
He went on to describe that now after 40 years of marriage, they have learned to speak each other's language. Their love, beginning some 40 years before, was marked by attraction. Yet it had taken them a lifetime of marriage to speak in a language that both could understand.
I spent many hours thinking about what that man said and reflected on the countless weddings I have attended or officiated. When a couple gets married, most often they have fallen in love in a romantic, life-changing way. They adore each other and can't imagine life without the other...and this is very important!
Yet, most often couples are just learning how to speak the language of love. They are still finding out who they are while learning about their spouse. They are not yet fluent in the language of love. These love languages- Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts and Physical Touch- are keys to unlocking how we understand, or hear, that another loves us. Yet equally powerful to knowing your language is knowing the language of another.
In the weeks ahead, we'll discover the beauty of unlocking the love languages. As I shared yesterday, it changed the relationship of a father and son! The son only wanted his dad to spend quality time with him whereas the dad believed that by giving his son gifts, his son would know how much his dad loved him. It wasn't until a trip away that the son got the clear message "I Love You!"
Perhaps that is why these love languages are really God's Love Language. Each of us is unique and experience love differently. Yet God has provided conduits to communicate his love to us. May you hear afresh that you are loved by God and through understanding your love language, be able to receive that love!
He went on to describe that now after 40 years of marriage, they have learned to speak each other's language. Their love, beginning some 40 years before, was marked by attraction. Yet it had taken them a lifetime of marriage to speak in a language that both could understand.
I spent many hours thinking about what that man said and reflected on the countless weddings I have attended or officiated. When a couple gets married, most often they have fallen in love in a romantic, life-changing way. They adore each other and can't imagine life without the other...and this is very important!
Yet, most often couples are just learning how to speak the language of love. They are still finding out who they are while learning about their spouse. They are not yet fluent in the language of love. These love languages- Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts and Physical Touch- are keys to unlocking how we understand, or hear, that another loves us. Yet equally powerful to knowing your language is knowing the language of another.
In the weeks ahead, we'll discover the beauty of unlocking the love languages. As I shared yesterday, it changed the relationship of a father and son! The son only wanted his dad to spend quality time with him whereas the dad believed that by giving his son gifts, his son would know how much his dad loved him. It wasn't until a trip away that the son got the clear message "I Love You!"
Perhaps that is why these love languages are really God's Love Language. Each of us is unique and experience love differently. Yet God has provided conduits to communicate his love to us. May you hear afresh that you are loved by God and through understanding your love language, be able to receive that love!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Meandering Down Memory Lane
Do you ever take a stroll down memory lane?
This morning, with the power of the internet, I took a stroll down memory lane of my last 17 years. Marked mostly by the churches I have served in one capacity or another, I rejoiced to see that each of these are growing communities of faith in which people's lives are touched, changed, and being innovative to create space for others to be encountered by the Resurrected One.
Some are most notable for their worship attendance and styles. One is marked by their impact in the community through clinics, giving away over $1 million to the local needs.
Yet what stats and websites don't show are the relationships of each place. I have these fond memories of growing in faith, asking questions, my wedding and a host of other memories flooding in. What has amazed me this morning is the reality of tangible love that each community expressed to me and my family. In the midst of their large sizes, there are specific names that resound in my memory- Brian, the one who taught me integrity; Marty, the one who shared a compassionate Jesus; Artie, the one who taught me the value of a friend; Jason, the one who taught me perseverance; Mark, the one who taught me authentic love.
These are just a few for there are many on this list. And I would imagine that there would be many on yours. For the church is the Body of Christ in which we find mutual care and connection. Just as I have these names implanted on my life, I hope that in serving and caring for others my name is implanted on theirs. And this isn't for notoriety or pride, it is the culmination of doing life together. We touch each others lives- sometimes purposely but most often unknowingly.
If you had to take a stroll down your memory lane, which names would be listed in the memory bank? Which faces pop into your mind as you think of doing life together, of learning from others, and of mutual care? Perhaps today is a day to grab a piece of paper and begin remembering- remembering the names of those that have shaped you but also those to whom you have helped shape.
This morning, with the power of the internet, I took a stroll down memory lane of my last 17 years. Marked mostly by the churches I have served in one capacity or another, I rejoiced to see that each of these are growing communities of faith in which people's lives are touched, changed, and being innovative to create space for others to be encountered by the Resurrected One.
Some are most notable for their worship attendance and styles. One is marked by their impact in the community through clinics, giving away over $1 million to the local needs.
Yet what stats and websites don't show are the relationships of each place. I have these fond memories of growing in faith, asking questions, my wedding and a host of other memories flooding in. What has amazed me this morning is the reality of tangible love that each community expressed to me and my family. In the midst of their large sizes, there are specific names that resound in my memory- Brian, the one who taught me integrity; Marty, the one who shared a compassionate Jesus; Artie, the one who taught me the value of a friend; Jason, the one who taught me perseverance; Mark, the one who taught me authentic love.
These are just a few for there are many on this list. And I would imagine that there would be many on yours. For the church is the Body of Christ in which we find mutual care and connection. Just as I have these names implanted on my life, I hope that in serving and caring for others my name is implanted on theirs. And this isn't for notoriety or pride, it is the culmination of doing life together. We touch each others lives- sometimes purposely but most often unknowingly.
If you had to take a stroll down your memory lane, which names would be listed in the memory bank? Which faces pop into your mind as you think of doing life together, of learning from others, and of mutual care? Perhaps today is a day to grab a piece of paper and begin remembering- remembering the names of those that have shaped you but also those to whom you have helped shape.
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Sign Says...
I wonder if we all wore a sign that hung around our necks that said "In need of Grace" if it would change the way we look at others. Quite often I have found that we realize our individual need of grace but are quick to forget that everyone else is equally needing that same grace.
Jesus repeatedly invites us to remember the important message of grace. This grace is often realized through the granting of forgiveness. To be sure, this isn't easy. Forgiveness is the giving up the power of a grudge, of the anger, of the right to be right. Forgiveness is the very act of bestowing onto someone else the grace that we want, and need, in our own lives.
Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. Somewhere along the journey we learned that if conflict is present, we react in one of four ways:
1. We RUN from it;
2. We HIDE from it;
3. We DANCE around it;
4. We DEAL with it.
The first three responses are the ones that at times seem valiant or right, but the conflict is never really resolved. They are the responses that we have learned to protect ourselves and/or protect others. Throughout life, we have learned that if we respond in one of these ways, then the conflict will seemingly go away. Yet what really goes away are the relationships. That is the collateral damage of the first three responses.
The final response, that we DEAL with it, is one that takes courage and grace. For we often fret over another's response and what the outcome will be. Yet if we deal with the conflicts in our lives, the end goal of healthy relationships can finally be realized.
Yet the key for all conflict is that both people come to the table with a humility to admit when one is wrong, when one needs to ask for or grant forgiveness and to live into the future with grace toward the other.
So, what if you began looking at others, and the conflicts that present themselves, as an opportunity to practice grace. What if each of us is really trying to live whole lives but too often we get sidetracked by the encounter with conflict? Perhaps if we learned to deal with conflict then we would become a people marked by our willingness to forgive and grant grace!
Jesus repeatedly invites us to remember the important message of grace. This grace is often realized through the granting of forgiveness. To be sure, this isn't easy. Forgiveness is the giving up the power of a grudge, of the anger, of the right to be right. Forgiveness is the very act of bestowing onto someone else the grace that we want, and need, in our own lives.
Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. Somewhere along the journey we learned that if conflict is present, we react in one of four ways:
1. We RUN from it;
2. We HIDE from it;
3. We DANCE around it;
4. We DEAL with it.
The first three responses are the ones that at times seem valiant or right, but the conflict is never really resolved. They are the responses that we have learned to protect ourselves and/or protect others. Throughout life, we have learned that if we respond in one of these ways, then the conflict will seemingly go away. Yet what really goes away are the relationships. That is the collateral damage of the first three responses.
The final response, that we DEAL with it, is one that takes courage and grace. For we often fret over another's response and what the outcome will be. Yet if we deal with the conflicts in our lives, the end goal of healthy relationships can finally be realized.
Yet the key for all conflict is that both people come to the table with a humility to admit when one is wrong, when one needs to ask for or grant forgiveness and to live into the future with grace toward the other.
So, what if you began looking at others, and the conflicts that present themselves, as an opportunity to practice grace. What if each of us is really trying to live whole lives but too often we get sidetracked by the encounter with conflict? Perhaps if we learned to deal with conflict then we would become a people marked by our willingness to forgive and grant grace!
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Art of 'Hanging Out'
A few weeks ago I was watching a group of teens hanging out. I was close enough to hear their conversation as they were quite boisterous in sharing. A couple of the jokes were more about flirting than laughter but suddenly the conversation changed when asked about what they were doing over the holidays. One commented that they 'had to hang out with their family!'(implant sarcasm here!) The others all nodded in agreement that they too were being sentenced to life with family.
It got me to thinking about those days long gone by. Do you remember them? When being with family was a sentence one must survive until the reunion of friends happened? Or thinking that your parents were not cool or smart? Or thinking that the most important thing in the world was hanging out?
I remember them. I remember waiting until 3 pm so I could hang out after school. I remember Friday and Saturday nights being vital to my existence. And I remember sharing life together which included major topics like what our parents did, the hope we had for the future, whether God really existed, wondering who we were going to date, etc.
Perhaps the teenage population still has something on us adults. Perhaps teens have this innate ability to be drawn into community just as the first church was. Truth be told, teens do need and listen to their parents. Yet the community is where they learn to trust others, develop communication skills, be a part of something larger than themselves and find social norms.
The early church was marked in their desire to dwell together. It shapes much of Acts and the letters. These first Christians found strength, hope, love and purpose together. They learned that in their being a community they could withstand any storm that brewed as they encouraged each other in the ways of Christ.
What if that marked our community today? What would it be like if our community was a place where each person had no need for anything? What if our community was marked by hanging out and doing life together? Perhaps that was the vital role of the Church in some of the hardest of days and should be even today!
It got me to thinking about those days long gone by. Do you remember them? When being with family was a sentence one must survive until the reunion of friends happened? Or thinking that your parents were not cool or smart? Or thinking that the most important thing in the world was hanging out?
I remember them. I remember waiting until 3 pm so I could hang out after school. I remember Friday and Saturday nights being vital to my existence. And I remember sharing life together which included major topics like what our parents did, the hope we had for the future, whether God really existed, wondering who we were going to date, etc.
Perhaps the teenage population still has something on us adults. Perhaps teens have this innate ability to be drawn into community just as the first church was. Truth be told, teens do need and listen to their parents. Yet the community is where they learn to trust others, develop communication skills, be a part of something larger than themselves and find social norms.
The early church was marked in their desire to dwell together. It shapes much of Acts and the letters. These first Christians found strength, hope, love and purpose together. They learned that in their being a community they could withstand any storm that brewed as they encouraged each other in the ways of Christ.
What if that marked our community today? What would it be like if our community was a place where each person had no need for anything? What if our community was marked by hanging out and doing life together? Perhaps that was the vital role of the Church in some of the hardest of days and should be even today!
Monday, December 23, 2013
The Longest Day of the Year
We have finally passed the milestone- that day each year marked as the shortest daylight day. Each year, I find this an interesting phenomena. Most go about the day without noticing it or even realizing that the following day a few more minutes of daylight was added. It is not a stark change but rather a slow, gradual change. Sure, 3 months from now the difference will be clear, but not so today.
Perhaps that is why we place the birth of Jesus right at this same time of the year. Perhaps the birth of Jesus is this reminder that light is shining now more than ever before. In the darkest of nights, in the longest of days, that is exactly where God shows up.
And isn't it the way of God to gradually, but incrementally, change our world? Surely God could have taken some other approach to show our world the depth of his love for all, but instead it was a slow and steady spreading. It is much like yeast, a common element in baking that Jesus uses in one of his parables. In Matthew 13:33 Jesus compares God's kingdom to yeast... "He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through all the dough.”
Just as each day adds a few minutes, each century has seen Christianity spread- the yeast of the Good News working. The yeast doesn't happen instantly but works its way through the dough. Perhaps this longest day of the year is also a great reminder that when night seems to be engulfing the light, God shows up and shines brighter. Yes, God isn't quite finished; instead, God is still working in this world until all have heard the most amazing news- "You are inherently loved by God and are lovable! Go, and love others in the same way!"
May we celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, in this season of Christmas!
Perhaps that is why we place the birth of Jesus right at this same time of the year. Perhaps the birth of Jesus is this reminder that light is shining now more than ever before. In the darkest of nights, in the longest of days, that is exactly where God shows up.
And isn't it the way of God to gradually, but incrementally, change our world? Surely God could have taken some other approach to show our world the depth of his love for all, but instead it was a slow and steady spreading. It is much like yeast, a common element in baking that Jesus uses in one of his parables. In Matthew 13:33 Jesus compares God's kingdom to yeast... "He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in a bushel of wheat flour until the yeast had worked its way through all the dough.”
Just as each day adds a few minutes, each century has seen Christianity spread- the yeast of the Good News working. The yeast doesn't happen instantly but works its way through the dough. Perhaps this longest day of the year is also a great reminder that when night seems to be engulfing the light, God shows up and shines brighter. Yes, God isn't quite finished; instead, God is still working in this world until all have heard the most amazing news- "You are inherently loved by God and are lovable! Go, and love others in the same way!"
May we celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, in this season of Christmas!
Monday, December 16, 2013
In the Shadows
I often wonder the details that are left out of the Christmas story.
Certainly we have the basics and see it in every pageant- things like angels,
Mary, Joseph, a manger, a baby, Magi, and shepherds. Yet over the years,
I have become a bit curious about that which isn't mentioned.
Let me explain...
We have heard the Christmas tale as something that all happens in a night. Yet if we read the only two Gospels with Jesus' birth story, we find that they tell two different narratives. In one, Joseph's experience in Matthew is marked by his wrestling with what to do and an angelic intervention that culminates with the simple 25th verse- "He had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Between that verse and 2:11, it appears that some time has passed- most believe two years (2:16). What happened between Jesus' birth and the visit of the Magi?
Or if you prefer the Lukan text, we have Mary as the primary person in which the angel Gabriel appears to her and by the end, she is at peace with being pregnant. While 'with child,' she visits a relative who is also pregnant with a child (John the Baptist) who leaps in her womb and Elizabeth declares how blessed Mary is. Upon this interchange, the beautiful words of Mary are followed. Soon after Jesus' birth is shared in Luke 2, angels and shepherds have an interaction and they head to see this child. Upon their return, they can’t help but worship!
When the narratives are combined, they make for a majestic story! Angels appearing to both Mary and Joseph, to Zechariah and to shepherds as well! Another child leaping in a womb! Two songs of praise by Mary and Zechariah! A birth in a barn! Magi following a star, interceding on Jesus’ behalf. It is a lot to take in!
Yet, in the shadows, are untold stories. In the shadows are the details of the parents delight over a son. In the shadows are the first coo’s, the first flip by the baby, the first crawling around the house, the first word spoken by Jesus. In the shadows are Mary and Joseph’s response to Magi appearing at their home.
In the shadows remain the fullness of the mystery of our Christmas story. And I suppose that is what has always been, and will be, for us- the great mystery! The shadowy details invite us to dig deeper, to imagine, to paint pictures in our mind and on canvas, of what it must have been like.
Or perhaps it is as simple as pondering such a phrase from the mouth of an angel… “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28) Yes, Emmanuel- God with us…He is really with us and that is just what we need to hear once again this Christmas.
Let me explain...
We have heard the Christmas tale as something that all happens in a night. Yet if we read the only two Gospels with Jesus' birth story, we find that they tell two different narratives. In one, Joseph's experience in Matthew is marked by his wrestling with what to do and an angelic intervention that culminates with the simple 25th verse- "He had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Between that verse and 2:11, it appears that some time has passed- most believe two years (2:16). What happened between Jesus' birth and the visit of the Magi?
Or if you prefer the Lukan text, we have Mary as the primary person in which the angel Gabriel appears to her and by the end, she is at peace with being pregnant. While 'with child,' she visits a relative who is also pregnant with a child (John the Baptist) who leaps in her womb and Elizabeth declares how blessed Mary is. Upon this interchange, the beautiful words of Mary are followed. Soon after Jesus' birth is shared in Luke 2, angels and shepherds have an interaction and they head to see this child. Upon their return, they can’t help but worship!
When the narratives are combined, they make for a majestic story! Angels appearing to both Mary and Joseph, to Zechariah and to shepherds as well! Another child leaping in a womb! Two songs of praise by Mary and Zechariah! A birth in a barn! Magi following a star, interceding on Jesus’ behalf. It is a lot to take in!
Yet, in the shadows, are untold stories. In the shadows are the details of the parents delight over a son. In the shadows are the first coo’s, the first flip by the baby, the first crawling around the house, the first word spoken by Jesus. In the shadows are Mary and Joseph’s response to Magi appearing at their home.
In the shadows remain the fullness of the mystery of our Christmas story. And I suppose that is what has always been, and will be, for us- the great mystery! The shadowy details invite us to dig deeper, to imagine, to paint pictures in our mind and on canvas, of what it must have been like.
Or perhaps it is as simple as pondering such a phrase from the mouth of an angel… “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28) Yes, Emmanuel- God with us…He is really with us and that is just what we need to hear once again this Christmas.
Monday, December 9, 2013
A World of Slogans
We live in world marked by its desire to market catchy, memorable slogans. Certainly some will stand the test of time like Nike's "Just Do It" or the Marine's "The Few, The Proud, The Marines." When one asks you to name these marketing schemes, it isn't often that you meet someone that doesn't know them.
This idea of marketability has transcended into much of our lives- 'If it isn't memorable then it is forgettable' I was once told. We see it in acronyms like KISS (Keep it simple stupid), in prayers (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference), and in quotable statements like "A child will be born to us..."
In this season of Advent, we are invited to pause, to wait, to ponder the interaction of God and humanity. We are invited to the ancient testimony of the simplicity of the story of a young family's journey and birth of their firstborn. We are invited to enter the peace of a silent night as the Incarnate One lays in the manger, fast asleep.
And we don't just observe, we receive an invitation...invited to be a part of the story, to be intimately involved in the story! This baby isn't just a joy to his parents, but to the entire cosmos! And much later, this child tells a parable about a Great Banquet in which all are invited and there is enough for each one! "For God's ways are not our ways" Isaiah reminds us.
This season, we are invited to feast at this banquet once more. Yet a part of the story that we may miss is that it isn't just our banquet, it is the banquet of all. Are you making space for the 'others' at the table? Are you passing the goodness of this table to those on your right and on your left?
Are you willing to spend less this year on gifts and decorations and all that stuff that is marketed to us deemed the 'important' part of the season and instead give what you didn't spend away? Are you willing to help provide the most basic thing- water- to another that they may have life?
Perhaps the marketing slogan we need to have echoing in our minds this season is this-
"Less is More!"
For certainly this is the very essence of our Christmas story, isn't it?
This idea of marketability has transcended into much of our lives- 'If it isn't memorable then it is forgettable' I was once told. We see it in acronyms like KISS (Keep it simple stupid), in prayers (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference), and in quotable statements like "A child will be born to us..."
In this season of Advent, we are invited to pause, to wait, to ponder the interaction of God and humanity. We are invited to the ancient testimony of the simplicity of the story of a young family's journey and birth of their firstborn. We are invited to enter the peace of a silent night as the Incarnate One lays in the manger, fast asleep.
And we don't just observe, we receive an invitation...invited to be a part of the story, to be intimately involved in the story! This baby isn't just a joy to his parents, but to the entire cosmos! And much later, this child tells a parable about a Great Banquet in which all are invited and there is enough for each one! "For God's ways are not our ways" Isaiah reminds us.
This season, we are invited to feast at this banquet once more. Yet a part of the story that we may miss is that it isn't just our banquet, it is the banquet of all. Are you making space for the 'others' at the table? Are you passing the goodness of this table to those on your right and on your left?
Are you willing to spend less this year on gifts and decorations and all that stuff that is marketed to us deemed the 'important' part of the season and instead give what you didn't spend away? Are you willing to help provide the most basic thing- water- to another that they may have life?
Perhaps the marketing slogan we need to have echoing in our minds this season is this-
"Less is More!"
For certainly this is the very essence of our Christmas story, isn't it?
Monday, December 2, 2013
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!!
Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? Yesterday was only December 1st! Yet in the Christian Tradition, the first Sunday of Advent marks the start of a new year. It is a time where we start from the beginning and retell the story of our ancestors waiting for the coming of the Messiah, longing for deliverance, hoping that they would be set free.
For 4 weeks, we gather to wait, to prepare and to anticipate the coming of the Christ-child. We gather weekly to be reminded that in the midst of our isolation, in the overwhelming reality of daily life marked by a soul-crying prayer, "God, where are you?", we remember that God is not far off but is actively at work.
Yesterday, we explored Psalm 66. Known for its beauty, it calls the whole earth to worship, the people of God to worship and the individual to worship. In essence, it is a Psalm that leads us to worship fully!
As the Christian New Year kicks off, perhaps this season is one that could marked by our decisions:
What if this year we decided to worship fully through Advent and rejoice on Christmas?
What if this year we decided to make a priority the inner spiritual life?
What if this year we believed that we are stronger when we are working together?
What if this year, we looked at our resources and asked through prayer and meditation, "How may I use these to bless others?"
My hope for the New Year are a people that continue to awaken to the presence of God in our lives. I hope that we become a people marked by a joy that is unwavering, a hope that unfailing, a love that is contagious and lives which are marked by the touch of the Spirit. May this New Year be the best one yet!
Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? Yesterday was only December 1st! Yet in the Christian Tradition, the first Sunday of Advent marks the start of a new year. It is a time where we start from the beginning and retell the story of our ancestors waiting for the coming of the Messiah, longing for deliverance, hoping that they would be set free.
For 4 weeks, we gather to wait, to prepare and to anticipate the coming of the Christ-child. We gather weekly to be reminded that in the midst of our isolation, in the overwhelming reality of daily life marked by a soul-crying prayer, "God, where are you?", we remember that God is not far off but is actively at work.
Yesterday, we explored Psalm 66. Known for its beauty, it calls the whole earth to worship, the people of God to worship and the individual to worship. In essence, it is a Psalm that leads us to worship fully!
As the Christian New Year kicks off, perhaps this season is one that could marked by our decisions:
What if this year we decided to worship fully through Advent and rejoice on Christmas?
What if this year we decided to make a priority the inner spiritual life?
What if this year we believed that we are stronger when we are working together?
What if this year, we looked at our resources and asked through prayer and meditation, "How may I use these to bless others?"
My hope for the New Year are a people that continue to awaken to the presence of God in our lives. I hope that we become a people marked by a joy that is unwavering, a hope that unfailing, a love that is contagious and lives which are marked by the touch of the Spirit. May this New Year be the best one yet!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Thankfulness
"It is finally here!"
I heard someone say this just a few days ago. I was certain that what was here was this amazing day that we set aside the normalcy of our daily lives in order to gather with family and friends to give thanks to God and celebrate life together. I was certain they were talking about the day that we spend hours in the kitchen and extended time at the table talking, laughing and relaxing.
And then the surprising words came out...
"Black Friday shopping! I've waited all year!!"
In a world bombarded with commercials about the deals of Black Friday and the necessity to go out on Thursday to get those deals, I felt saddened. Saddened that we have lost the ability to be present with our families, to stop the grind of consumerism for one day, to pause and acknowledge all that we have to be thankful for, especially God.
And then it hit me...
I'm saddened about Thanksgiving's loss of importance, but disturbed by our neglect of grasping the following season of Advent which culminates on Christmas. We spend hours and hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars buying stuff but such little time waiting, preparing, longing, expecting, and crying as ancient Israel did- "How long, O Lord?"
Instead, we've traded the richness of Christmas for a lesser vision of buying and gifting things, stuff, trinkets to others. As we slide out of Thanksgiving, perhaps the appropriate response for Advent is that same spirit...a spirit of Thanks! Thanks to the God who hears our cry in the wilderness of life and runs to save us. Thanks to the God who puts flesh on so we can finally grasp the depth of God's character and love. Thanks that Christmas isn't about stuff but is about us- relationships between God and humanity AND humanity with humanity.
Perhaps this year, we turn Christmas upside down. Perhaps we pause for a moment to ask the deeper questions of life like: Why do I celebrate Christmas? What is the appropriate response to God's gift in Jesus Christ? How do I participate in the Great Story of God's salvation by helping to be an agent of change in the lives of others?
Yet first, perhaps we need to pause and say "Thank You" to God, to our family, and to our friends. Let's be a people of Thankfulness first and foremost!
I heard someone say this just a few days ago. I was certain that what was here was this amazing day that we set aside the normalcy of our daily lives in order to gather with family and friends to give thanks to God and celebrate life together. I was certain they were talking about the day that we spend hours in the kitchen and extended time at the table talking, laughing and relaxing.
And then the surprising words came out...
"Black Friday shopping! I've waited all year!!"
In a world bombarded with commercials about the deals of Black Friday and the necessity to go out on Thursday to get those deals, I felt saddened. Saddened that we have lost the ability to be present with our families, to stop the grind of consumerism for one day, to pause and acknowledge all that we have to be thankful for, especially God.
And then it hit me...
I'm saddened about Thanksgiving's loss of importance, but disturbed by our neglect of grasping the following season of Advent which culminates on Christmas. We spend hours and hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars buying stuff but such little time waiting, preparing, longing, expecting, and crying as ancient Israel did- "How long, O Lord?"
Instead, we've traded the richness of Christmas for a lesser vision of buying and gifting things, stuff, trinkets to others. As we slide out of Thanksgiving, perhaps the appropriate response for Advent is that same spirit...a spirit of Thanks! Thanks to the God who hears our cry in the wilderness of life and runs to save us. Thanks to the God who puts flesh on so we can finally grasp the depth of God's character and love. Thanks that Christmas isn't about stuff but is about us- relationships between God and humanity AND humanity with humanity.
Perhaps this year, we turn Christmas upside down. Perhaps we pause for a moment to ask the deeper questions of life like: Why do I celebrate Christmas? What is the appropriate response to God's gift in Jesus Christ? How do I participate in the Great Story of God's salvation by helping to be an agent of change in the lives of others?
Yet first, perhaps we need to pause and say "Thank You" to God, to our family, and to our friends. Let's be a people of Thankfulness first and foremost!
Monday, November 18, 2013
What is your ladder?
Much of our lives are spent outside of our homes. We awaken to head to school for a time; or head to work; get involved in our communities; have families (which leads to a LOT of activities); get into a social gatherings; etc. These are great things! In fact, this is a part of the reason that any community is so vibrant and wonderful! When people engage in their community, beautiful experiences abound and the impact we make is long lasting.
Yet there are times where our core focus gets a bit blurred. We spend so much energy 'doing' that we forget to 'be.' We forget to 'be' with God and allow God to 'be' with us. We spend countless hours searching for importance in all the wrong places while neglecting our opportunity to rest in the reality that God is working at all times, including the times we relax, pause, rest and enjoy that very moment.
Instead, many have adopted the mindset of a sprinter. We think we have to get it all done now and more is better. Yet Paul reminds us that life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Sure, we can run as fast as we possibly can but we gas out far faster than when we pace our lives. Instead, we keep striving for God and the things of God while keeping a pace that is manageable, one that is sane!
I shared this great quote from Father Thomas Merton yesterday...
Yet there are times where our core focus gets a bit blurred. We spend so much energy 'doing' that we forget to 'be.' We forget to 'be' with God and allow God to 'be' with us. We spend countless hours searching for importance in all the wrong places while neglecting our opportunity to rest in the reality that God is working at all times, including the times we relax, pause, rest and enjoy that very moment.
Instead, many have adopted the mindset of a sprinter. We think we have to get it all done now and more is better. Yet Paul reminds us that life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Sure, we can run as fast as we possibly can but we gas out far faster than when we pace our lives. Instead, we keep striving for God and the things of God while keeping a pace that is manageable, one that is sane!
I shared this great quote from Father Thomas Merton yesterday...
“People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of
success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning
against the wrong wall.”
As you continue on with life this week, perhaps today is a great day to pause and ask some important questions...
- What ladder am I climbing?
- Is my life in rhythm with God or out of rhythm?
- Am I looking at life like Paul- a marathon where we are reaching toward God?
- Am I willing to abandon the ladder of achievement, pride, power, etc for the ladder of being 'In Christ'?
- What ladder am I climbing?
- Is my life in rhythm with God or out of rhythm?
- Am I looking at life like Paul- a marathon where we are reaching toward God?
- Am I willing to abandon the ladder of achievement, pride, power, etc for the ladder of being 'In Christ'?
May God be with you as you think through your journey of life and faith and may your ladder always lead you to a closer relationship to God!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Is Unity Possible?
I have often wondered: "How long was the church of the first century gathering in the spirit of unity before divisiveness entered the scene?" For certainly our ancestry of faith has found the idea of unity something to reach for yet falls short in attainment. For example, Acts 2 paints the picture that there was something amazingly unique about these early followers. It states that "all the believers were united and shared everything (2:45)." There was a tangible unity there, something that marked them as different, or maybe unique. Yet something changed...for it isn't long before we see issues arising. And in many ways, we have been chasing this elusive image ever since.
It reminds me of our beginning narrative...a Garden marked by beauty and freedom where God wandered through and conversed with Adam and Eve. In this place was all they knew and needed yet there was just that one thing that they couldn't have...
Power.
The power to know...and when they chose to grasp for that power, the Garden becomes closed to them. Ever since, we have been desiring that initial freedom and connection with God.
Now fast-forward to the Pentecost moment- the Spirit of God descending on each person and the beauty of this God-moment is marked by the unity among them. The typical struggles of flesh seem to dissipate for a time...no more struggle over power but instead a mutual care to the point that not one needed anything! They found a unity around the story of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There it was- for a moment, each person unique yet unified.
Yet something happened. Just as the dismissal from the Garden, these early followers began dealing with the realness of a people that may have alternative motives, selfish ambitions, or a taste for power (see Acts 5!). And with that taste, we have watched close to 2,000 years of divisions, arguments, and debates but certainly not unity.
Is unity even possible? With well over 10,000 denominations, with our long held traditions and new innovations, with our own desire to be right, to be better than others, can we find a place around the table where our ways can yield to the way of Jesus? Paul is pushing this in his letter to the Philippians- quit chasing after what you want! Quit looking out for just what you get! Quit fighting and take on that same character as the one whose name we bear...
Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil 2:6-8)
Are we willing to live like that? If we seek to find unity in this body of Christ, we must take on the humble nature of a God-man who gives up all power in order to help us find release from our taste for power. I think unity is possible...only when we stop the power struggles- having to be right, or better, or the deciding factor of 'truth'. Instead, let's begin reflecting the heart and soul of the one named Jesus who chooses humility as the way to life and unity!
It reminds me of our beginning narrative...a Garden marked by beauty and freedom where God wandered through and conversed with Adam and Eve. In this place was all they knew and needed yet there was just that one thing that they couldn't have...
Power.
The power to know...and when they chose to grasp for that power, the Garden becomes closed to them. Ever since, we have been desiring that initial freedom and connection with God.
Now fast-forward to the Pentecost moment- the Spirit of God descending on each person and the beauty of this God-moment is marked by the unity among them. The typical struggles of flesh seem to dissipate for a time...no more struggle over power but instead a mutual care to the point that not one needed anything! They found a unity around the story of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. There it was- for a moment, each person unique yet unified.
Yet something happened. Just as the dismissal from the Garden, these early followers began dealing with the realness of a people that may have alternative motives, selfish ambitions, or a taste for power (see Acts 5!). And with that taste, we have watched close to 2,000 years of divisions, arguments, and debates but certainly not unity.
Is unity even possible? With well over 10,000 denominations, with our long held traditions and new innovations, with our own desire to be right, to be better than others, can we find a place around the table where our ways can yield to the way of Jesus? Paul is pushing this in his letter to the Philippians- quit chasing after what you want! Quit looking out for just what you get! Quit fighting and take on that same character as the one whose name we bear...
Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil 2:6-8)
Are we willing to live like that? If we seek to find unity in this body of Christ, we must take on the humble nature of a God-man who gives up all power in order to help us find release from our taste for power. I think unity is possible...only when we stop the power struggles- having to be right, or better, or the deciding factor of 'truth'. Instead, let's begin reflecting the heart and soul of the one named Jesus who chooses humility as the way to life and unity!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Endings that Create Beginnings
Life is a series of endings that always mark new beginnings.
Truth be told, we don't always like endings! Perhaps we think of vacation and the ensuing reality of having to head home; maybe the reality that someone we love is living in their final days; perhaps that the beauty of fall is quickly dissipating to the northern winds of winter.
For many, endings are a time of mourning, of grief, of change. It is hard to get ready for something new when we aren't ready for the old to end. Yet not all endings are sad, nor mournful. Some endings are welcomed! An end to a job that one has dreaded; an end to a growing season of life. In the interchange of endings and beginnings is often the place where God works wonders. Yes, at times we must mourn the ending, celebrate what was, and swallow the hard reality of a chapter closing. But we must never stay there!
I would imagine that the days after Jesus' death, they were facing the struggle of an ending that they did not want nor expect. I can hear them gathering around a table and asking deep questions like: "What do we do now that Jesus is dead? Where do I go after I just walked away from our families fishing business? Will dad welcome us home? What happened to Jesus- was he not who he thought he was?"
Yet in the hope of resurrection, we have a new beginning. The reality of a new era, or a new experience of life, erupts on the scene. Resurrected living is like that...God takes endings and creates new beginnings. They may not all turn out as we expect, or even desire, but the newness of these beginnings are founded upon hope- hope of what can be, of what God will do, of a new journey that lies ahead.
The 4 Gospels all have endings that are really new beginnings. In each, there is a transference of leadership. There is a call, an invitation, an imperative command to Go and witness, Go and make disciples, Go and make known all that Jesus has done. Our new beginning is found in our partnership with God! We are ambassadors, as Paul says. We are the very ones that God has equipped and called to share his Good News with all people.
And so, in the endings of your life, where is God's resurrection power starting new beginnings? In those moments of despair, worry, or mournfulness, where is God opening the way to something fresh and new?
Truth be told, we don't always like endings! Perhaps we think of vacation and the ensuing reality of having to head home; maybe the reality that someone we love is living in their final days; perhaps that the beauty of fall is quickly dissipating to the northern winds of winter.
For many, endings are a time of mourning, of grief, of change. It is hard to get ready for something new when we aren't ready for the old to end. Yet not all endings are sad, nor mournful. Some endings are welcomed! An end to a job that one has dreaded; an end to a growing season of life. In the interchange of endings and beginnings is often the place where God works wonders. Yes, at times we must mourn the ending, celebrate what was, and swallow the hard reality of a chapter closing. But we must never stay there!
I would imagine that the days after Jesus' death, they were facing the struggle of an ending that they did not want nor expect. I can hear them gathering around a table and asking deep questions like: "What do we do now that Jesus is dead? Where do I go after I just walked away from our families fishing business? Will dad welcome us home? What happened to Jesus- was he not who he thought he was?"
Yet in the hope of resurrection, we have a new beginning. The reality of a new era, or a new experience of life, erupts on the scene. Resurrected living is like that...God takes endings and creates new beginnings. They may not all turn out as we expect, or even desire, but the newness of these beginnings are founded upon hope- hope of what can be, of what God will do, of a new journey that lies ahead.
The 4 Gospels all have endings that are really new beginnings. In each, there is a transference of leadership. There is a call, an invitation, an imperative command to Go and witness, Go and make disciples, Go and make known all that Jesus has done. Our new beginning is found in our partnership with God! We are ambassadors, as Paul says. We are the very ones that God has equipped and called to share his Good News with all people.
And so, in the endings of your life, where is God's resurrection power starting new beginnings? In those moments of despair, worry, or mournfulness, where is God opening the way to something fresh and new?
Monday, October 21, 2013
Step 10
"Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it."
Step 10 ushers us into a new mode of recovery...maintaining, nurturing and sharing. Step 10 functions as a daily reminder that we are a work in progress, not a perfected work. In this step, we see the combination of steps 4 through 9 put into our daily practice of living in wholeness.
The word in our Christian vernacular that describes Step 10 is 'holiness.' I often hear this word holiness and wonder what people think of this term. Is it that they are from the Holiness tradition, or perhaps a Pietistic faith tradition? Do they have in mind perfection in which we never sin again? Do they line up more with the way of the Pharisees with their Laws which one can keep without ever really changing the insides of who they are? Or do they follow Jesus' example in which he breaks the purity, or holiness, laws of his day by working on Sabbath, touching lepers, eating with 'sinners' including prostitutes, thieves, a betrayer, among others?
If Jesus is our chief example of holiness, then what does his life via the Gospels teach us? Jesus most often fights for those who have been excluded from, rather than welcomed into, the groups that seemingly have it all together. Jesus dwells with both those striving to please God in his tradition as well as those considered outside the covenant tradition. He tells parables, teaches and lives in such a way that leaves us with a clearer picture of holiness.
Holiness is bringing wholeness into our broken world. It is a choice to not use that which has divided humanity in the past- things like ethnicity, socio-economic classes, religious persuasions and gender. Instead, holiness is the invitation to bring the wholeness of God into each area that we tread. Whether that is at a church, in school, at work, shopping, drinking a beer with a friend, hanging in the yard with a neighbor, sitting around the table with family, we are invited to choose to live a life marked by wholeness, by holiness.
Therefore, do we live into this way of Jesus, his way of holiness? Mark Galli once wrote that "The difference between Jesus' holiness ethic and that of the Pharisees is this:
The Pharisees refuse to touch any unclean thing.
Jesus aims to make the unclean holy."
Are you living as Jesus would live? Are you aiming to make that which is unclean holy? Or, in light of this sermon series, are you willing to bring wholeness to our world?
Monday, October 14, 2013
Step 9
"Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the spiritual life. I shared with the congregation that...
If there is a hinge on the gate to the second half of life (the place of depth of soul and peace), that hinge would be forgiveness.
This word, forgiveness, is directly tied to the word "amend" in this Ninth Step. To amend means to change. To amend a relationship is the possibility of bringing wholeness to that which is broken. In order to do that, we must change.
What do you think one must change?
Is it that we must change our right to be right?
Or our perception of what has been?
Or own the ways in which we have hurt another?
This step invites us to delve into restorative justice which has the primary goal of bringing wholeness out of brokenness. It is our invitation to stand before God, before ourselves, and others and say "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
If our faith is built upon this goal of living whole lives, why do you think forgiveness is so important?
Secondly, why is it that so many struggle to forgive others?
What are your thoughts?
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the spiritual life. I shared with the congregation that...
If there is a hinge on the gate to the second half of life (the place of depth of soul and peace), that hinge would be forgiveness.
This word, forgiveness, is directly tied to the word "amend" in this Ninth Step. To amend means to change. To amend a relationship is the possibility of bringing wholeness to that which is broken. In order to do that, we must change.
What do you think one must change?
Is it that we must change our right to be right?
Or our perception of what has been?
Or own the ways in which we have hurt another?
This step invites us to delve into restorative justice which has the primary goal of bringing wholeness out of brokenness. It is our invitation to stand before God, before ourselves, and others and say "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
If our faith is built upon this goal of living whole lives, why do you think forgiveness is so important?
Secondly, why is it that so many struggle to forgive others?
What are your thoughts?
Monday, October 7, 2013
Step 8
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all."
Who have we harmed in our lives? Where should I look to create such a list? How do I know if I really harmed others?
These, among many other questions, begin to form within our minds as we take a look at this step. The invitation of Step 8 is to acknowledge not just to God, to myself and to another the exact nature of our wrongs, Step 8 now invites us to begin the necessary journey toward wholeness. In order to find wholeness, one must first go looking into the closets of our past and reconciling (making right) those things that are wrong, the moments that we harmed others, and free the skeletons that still appear to you- often at weird times!
And so we go about making a list. Our list is really an extension of the list that began in Step 4. Yet now we have grown past justifying our behavior and what others have done to us and we are ready for God's Spirit to do the deep working of changing us.
Grab a pen and some paper...
In the next 10 minutes, write down every personal relationship you have; i.e.- mother, father, wife, husband, child(ren), friends from high school, etc.
After each name, try to think through your relationship and ask yourself- "What part have I played in any of the problems with this person?" Write your thoughts down next to their name.
Then, when the list is compiled, begin to pray for willingness to go to that person to apologize and ask for forgiveness. There may be one or two people who you have a strong resistance against and you are thinking- "No Way!" Pray...pray today and all the days ahead. God will give a willing spirit.
Remember this quote yesterday-
"God will show you the best way, the best place, the best time and the best words. Wait and pray for them all." Breathing Under Water
And to drum up a bit of conversation...why is it hard to acknowledge our mistakes, hurts, disappointments that we cause in relationships? In essence, why is it hard to ask for forgiveness from another for your actions?
Who have we harmed in our lives? Where should I look to create such a list? How do I know if I really harmed others?
These, among many other questions, begin to form within our minds as we take a look at this step. The invitation of Step 8 is to acknowledge not just to God, to myself and to another the exact nature of our wrongs, Step 8 now invites us to begin the necessary journey toward wholeness. In order to find wholeness, one must first go looking into the closets of our past and reconciling (making right) those things that are wrong, the moments that we harmed others, and free the skeletons that still appear to you- often at weird times!
And so we go about making a list. Our list is really an extension of the list that began in Step 4. Yet now we have grown past justifying our behavior and what others have done to us and we are ready for God's Spirit to do the deep working of changing us.
Grab a pen and some paper...
In the next 10 minutes, write down every personal relationship you have; i.e.- mother, father, wife, husband, child(ren), friends from high school, etc.
After each name, try to think through your relationship and ask yourself- "What part have I played in any of the problems with this person?" Write your thoughts down next to their name.
Then, when the list is compiled, begin to pray for willingness to go to that person to apologize and ask for forgiveness. There may be one or two people who you have a strong resistance against and you are thinking- "No Way!" Pray...pray today and all the days ahead. God will give a willing spirit.
Remember this quote yesterday-
"God will show you the best way, the best place, the best time and the best words. Wait and pray for them all." Breathing Under Water
And to drum up a bit of conversation...why is it hard to acknowledge our mistakes, hurts, disappointments that we cause in relationships? In essence, why is it hard to ask for forgiveness from another for your actions?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Step 7
"Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
"Lord, have mercy on me" is a cry throughout our scriptures. It is a humble cry of our realization of our finiteness as we gaze upon God's infiniteness. Our humble cry is taking what we are, that which we have done- our good moments of life as well as those moments we regret- and lay them to the side and simple say...
Lord, have mercy.
I have seen too many people use this phrase as a whip to beat themselves up. Through their remorse or sense of guilt, they believe they are unworthy. Yet, in light of our scriptures, this phrase drips with the humility that reminds us that we exist in the midst of One who is merciful, who abounds with grace because His very nature is Love! This prayer is one of acknowledgement that we exist solely by God's mercy.
As we rest in the realization that you and I cannot coerce or manipulate God to answer prayers or be what we want God to be for us, we turn to a new freedom of saying "Lord, have mercy on me." This humble prayer is one that has writing in the parentheses
(I'm willing to become what You would have me be).
What would happen if we lived in an economy of grace in which our humble prayer is to allow God to do in us what we have yet been able to do- to provide peace, joy and freedom? If we lived as God has called us to be, would we find that we are more grace-filled? More guided by trust and hope rather than fear? Willing to see that serving others is our high calling rather than serving ourselves?
During the services, we anointed people with oil in the ancient tradition of consecrating (setting apart) a people to God. We said "You have been set apart by God and for God! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Now that we accept this as our call, how do we live into the new life that Jesus promised us? How does it impact you as a person that God has set you apart for His larger purpose?
Perhaps this week, our time spent with God should be focused on the prayer- Lord, have mercy. Allow it to simmer...allow the Spirit to guide...allow yourself to let go of your life and find true life!
"Lord, have mercy on me" is a cry throughout our scriptures. It is a humble cry of our realization of our finiteness as we gaze upon God's infiniteness. Our humble cry is taking what we are, that which we have done- our good moments of life as well as those moments we regret- and lay them to the side and simple say...
Lord, have mercy.
I have seen too many people use this phrase as a whip to beat themselves up. Through their remorse or sense of guilt, they believe they are unworthy. Yet, in light of our scriptures, this phrase drips with the humility that reminds us that we exist in the midst of One who is merciful, who abounds with grace because His very nature is Love! This prayer is one of acknowledgement that we exist solely by God's mercy.
As we rest in the realization that you and I cannot coerce or manipulate God to answer prayers or be what we want God to be for us, we turn to a new freedom of saying "Lord, have mercy on me." This humble prayer is one that has writing in the parentheses
(I'm willing to become what You would have me be).
What would happen if we lived in an economy of grace in which our humble prayer is to allow God to do in us what we have yet been able to do- to provide peace, joy and freedom? If we lived as God has called us to be, would we find that we are more grace-filled? More guided by trust and hope rather than fear? Willing to see that serving others is our high calling rather than serving ourselves?
During the services, we anointed people with oil in the ancient tradition of consecrating (setting apart) a people to God. We said "You have been set apart by God and for God! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Now that we accept this as our call, how do we live into the new life that Jesus promised us? How does it impact you as a person that God has set you apart for His larger purpose?
Perhaps this week, our time spent with God should be focused on the prayer- Lord, have mercy. Allow it to simmer...allow the Spirit to guide...allow yourself to let go of your life and find true life!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Step 6
"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."
This week is a week in which we pause...
We pause to ask ourselves the tough questions of:
~Am I ready to give up my coping mechanisms of the past?
~Am I ready to live into a new future with new ways of living?
~Am I willing to let God do what I have not been able to?
And so we pause, we ponder and we prepare.
This step is a reminder to me...giving up, or having God remove these defects of character, is incredibly freeing and scary at the same moment. It is freeing for I am for the first time ready to stop the pain, the hurt, the cycles of my life that don't bring life. I am ready for God to do His great work in me rather than me trying to do a great work. It is freeing to not be in control!
Yet it is scary for many of the same reasons. I am not in control! I am not able to fix me. I am aware of my shortfalls and the problems they have created in me and around me. And so I am ready, but not ready.
Perhaps you are at that same place...I'm ready but I'm not. I'm ready until life happens and then I want more control of it. Today, our pausing is powerful for in pausing we ponder. In pondering, the Spirit works within us cutting the cords to the junk of our lives so God can remove them. And we prepare for the steps, and new life, that lie ahead.
What does it mean for you to pause, ponder and prepare?
This week is a week in which we pause...
We pause to ask ourselves the tough questions of:
~Am I ready to give up my coping mechanisms of the past?
~Am I ready to live into a new future with new ways of living?
~Am I willing to let God do what I have not been able to?
And so we pause, we ponder and we prepare.
This step is a reminder to me...giving up, or having God remove these defects of character, is incredibly freeing and scary at the same moment. It is freeing for I am for the first time ready to stop the pain, the hurt, the cycles of my life that don't bring life. I am ready for God to do His great work in me rather than me trying to do a great work. It is freeing to not be in control!
Yet it is scary for many of the same reasons. I am not in control! I am not able to fix me. I am aware of my shortfalls and the problems they have created in me and around me. And so I am ready, but not ready.
Perhaps you are at that same place...I'm ready but I'm not. I'm ready until life happens and then I want more control of it. Today, our pausing is powerful for in pausing we ponder. In pondering, the Spirit works within us cutting the cords to the junk of our lives so God can remove them. And we prepare for the steps, and new life, that lie ahead.
What does it mean for you to pause, ponder and prepare?
Monday, September 16, 2013
Step 5
“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another
human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
In our sermon yesterday, we dove into the concept of admitting our wrongs...or in the Christian tradition- confession. Confession has been a vital component of growing closer to God and others for as we confess, we release the toxins of our soul and open ourselves to healing.
Healing is multifaceted...healing has to do with restoration. The goal of healing is to bring restoration to our lives and relationships. Too often, it seems that many miss this and build walls towards others rather than bridges.
Yet in this step we are encouraged and charged with releasing those parts of us that we may have hidden for years or have thought we could hide for ever. We are invited to bring to light that which has been done in the dark.
And the best news is that we are enabled to do this because of God within us. We contemplated on this quote yesterday...
"God does not love us if we change, God loves us so that we can change." Richard Rohr
How does the above quote help your perception of God?
Secondly, why do we try to avoid confession? If you have practiced this act of the soul, what was your experience?
In our sermon yesterday, we dove into the concept of admitting our wrongs...or in the Christian tradition- confession. Confession has been a vital component of growing closer to God and others for as we confess, we release the toxins of our soul and open ourselves to healing.
Healing is multifaceted...healing has to do with restoration. The goal of healing is to bring restoration to our lives and relationships. Too often, it seems that many miss this and build walls towards others rather than bridges.
Yet in this step we are encouraged and charged with releasing those parts of us that we may have hidden for years or have thought we could hide for ever. We are invited to bring to light that which has been done in the dark.
And the best news is that we are enabled to do this because of God within us. We contemplated on this quote yesterday...
"God does not love us if we change, God loves us so that we can change." Richard Rohr
How does the above quote help your perception of God?
Secondly, why do we try to avoid confession? If you have practiced this act of the soul, what was your experience?
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Step 4
"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves"
In the sermon, I talked about the reality that our lives are much like an iceberg. We spend most of our time working on the part that is seen while neglecting the deeper parts that drive us as people, shape our reality of the world, and holds the deep rooted hurts and scars of our past. Here is the image I shared below:
HONESTY:
UNSELFISHNESS:
PURITY:
LOVE:
In the sermon, I talked about the reality that our lives are much like an iceberg. We spend most of our time working on the part that is seen while neglecting the deeper parts that drive us as people, shape our reality of the world, and holds the deep rooted hurts and scars of our past. Here is the image I shared below:
So here is a question for your pondering:
Why do you think most people spend most of their energy focused on issues rather than on the deeper things?
If we take this step seriously, we will begin to uncover some hurt, some regrets, some unknown things about who we are...our real self. Yet until we uncover and prepare to remove these 'defects of character,' as AA calls them (we say 'sin'), our true self that God has created us to be can never be fully unmasked and invited into the Light of God's Presence.
If you are wanting to start this inventory, here is a copy of a great tool:
By Fr Bill W.
In 1934, when
Bill Wilson joined the Oxford Group and found his sobriety, there were no 4th
Step guides until 1938 there were no 12 Steps! What did exist was “a word of
mouth program” based largely on the Four Absolutes or the Four Moral Standards
the Oxford Group had adopted. These Standards were: Honesty, Unselfishness,
Purity, and Love. Group members measured their thoughts, lives and actions
against these four moral standards and from these and from other related Group
practices emerged the 12 Steps.
HONESTY:
(Is it true or is it false?)
§ How have I been dishonest with others and with myself?
§ Have I lied, manipulated, cheated and stolen from
others? List the big ones.
§ Who was hurt by my dishonesty?
§ How did this hurt my relationship with God, remembering
that God is Truth?
UNSELFISHNESS:
(How will it affect others?)
§ How has self-centeredness shown itself in my life and
who has been hurt by it?
§ Are there people, institutions or principles that
still anger me? If so, is there a role I played – either bringing it about or
holding on to my resentment?
§ How have I put my own self-interest ahead of God’s
plan for me to be of service to others?
PURITY:
(Is it right or is it wrong?)
§ What past or present behaviors, thoughts or feelings
make me feel guilty, isolated, or ashamed?
§ What are the areas of my life that I don’t want others
to see?
§ Remembering that my sex powers are God given and good,
where has my sex life strayed from what I believe God’s will is for me?
LOVE:
(Is it ugly or is it beautiful?)
§ How has fear dominated my life?
§ Has my life been isolated – a lonely life of “taking”
rather than “giving”?
Now,
with God’s help, am I ready make “love and service” my code?
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