The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Nine years ago, Barbra was pregnant with a little boy. In the ultrasound, we'd seen his little fingers and toes and little boy parts. Barb would have made a perfect Mary in a Christmas pageant that year. I really wanted her to dress up as a nun that Halloween - of course, she would have been a pregnant nun, and she respectfully declined….
Mary makes a conscious choice to follow God's desire in this passage for her to have a little boy. Sure, she questions the angel at first, but then she accepts the Grace of God. " 'I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.' " The story is about choice. It is not about divine rape or about someone who offers us an example of mindless obedient servitude. As people, we have the freedom to choose. We are not robots, blindly doing what we are told.
Almost ten years ago, I chose to marry my wife and be a dad to her little baby girl (who is now 12!). It was a choice that I deeply reflected on since we'd both just come through painful divorces, but it was a good choice. Our second marriage came about with the belief that hope can overcome experience. I'm so glad we both still believed in hope.
Life goes by fast, and we make too many choices without first reflecting. We lose hope. As I remember Mary's reflective response, I pray that I will make good choices this day and for the years to come.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Hate What is Evil
Romans 12:9
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
I wrote this days after September 11, 2001. Images are seared into my mind of two huge towers toppling about 100 minutes after the initial attack with too many missing and too few found alive. How can I write about my faith, that aspect of who I am that is supposed to permeate every part of my living on this earth, and not address the horror and sadness I feel at this point?
This verse tells us to hate what is evil. Many of our national leaders are called this tragedy an evil act. We were told that these men who planned and carried out these attacks were/are evil. Should I hate these men or what they stand for? Should I live in fear that the next attack might target where I am? Were these attacks on America from people who are jealous about our standard of living? Were these attacks on our nation because we allow freedom of expression and do not condone an authoritarian government - at least one for the people of the United States? I certainly cannot think of a reason that would justify the slaughter of individuals.
I too often do not "hate" what is evil. I find that by simply drifting and not expressing concern for the evil acts I see around me I can live an easier, safer life. Why else would I not hate: "all-you-can-eat-restaurants" when so many people go to bed hungry at night; a tobacco industry that profits from people's addictions and slow deaths; those who destroy the ozone layer; those who abuse children. If I hated these issues that much, I am sure I would be actively involved in removing the establishments that allow these evil acts and working to make sure they are not repeated. Hating injustice helps create a better world....
A Faithful Response: Write a letter to your congressperson about a community issue you believe should be changed.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
I wrote this days after September 11, 2001. Images are seared into my mind of two huge towers toppling about 100 minutes after the initial attack with too many missing and too few found alive. How can I write about my faith, that aspect of who I am that is supposed to permeate every part of my living on this earth, and not address the horror and sadness I feel at this point?
This verse tells us to hate what is evil. Many of our national leaders are called this tragedy an evil act. We were told that these men who planned and carried out these attacks were/are evil. Should I hate these men or what they stand for? Should I live in fear that the next attack might target where I am? Were these attacks on America from people who are jealous about our standard of living? Were these attacks on our nation because we allow freedom of expression and do not condone an authoritarian government - at least one for the people of the United States? I certainly cannot think of a reason that would justify the slaughter of individuals.
I too often do not "hate" what is evil. I find that by simply drifting and not expressing concern for the evil acts I see around me I can live an easier, safer life. Why else would I not hate: "all-you-can-eat-restaurants" when so many people go to bed hungry at night; a tobacco industry that profits from people's addictions and slow deaths; those who destroy the ozone layer; those who abuse children. If I hated these issues that much, I am sure I would be actively involved in removing the establishments that allow these evil acts and working to make sure they are not repeated. Hating injustice helps create a better world....
A Faithful Response: Write a letter to your congressperson about a community issue you believe should be changed.
Monday, June 28, 2010
What Can I Control?
Genesis 1: 1
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
There are many things that I cannot control. I cannot control the path of hurricanes or zany drivers. Nor can I control the randomness of disease or heartbreak nor my genetically-tied balding head, but I can control some things.
I can control my weight. Living in the richest nation on earth does not exempt me from controlling what I eat. I know my eating less or more frugally will not send more to starving millions around the world. But I also know there is something innately profane about the words “All You Can Eat” when who knows how many people do not have enough to eat for one meal today. I can control my weight by how much I allow myself to eat and how much I exercise. Do you think Jesus was ever over-weight?
I can control my response to other people. When someone sounds off to me I often respond with a moment of silence,… I find that the absence of words can often diffuse a volatile situation. A soothing voice often subconsciously reminds the person that the person he or she is speaking with is not the enemy; more often the level of initial frustration arises out of a situation or miscommunication. While there are times when a passionate retort is needed, these outbursts are used far too often in our society. The toughest fight may be taking the initiative for peace in a relationship.
And while I cannot control my relationship with God, I can certainly strive to improve my christian faith by spending time listening and reflecting upon the living Word of God in my life. I believe my search for the Grace to distinguish between the things that I cannot control in my life and the things that I can control is foundational to anything that I seek to control in my life. For no matter how deep I think my relationship with God is: “In the beginning, God…” God is always my beginning.
A Faithful Response: Create a daily exercise plan if you do not already have one.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
There are many things that I cannot control. I cannot control the path of hurricanes or zany drivers. Nor can I control the randomness of disease or heartbreak nor my genetically-tied balding head, but I can control some things.
I can control my weight. Living in the richest nation on earth does not exempt me from controlling what I eat. I know my eating less or more frugally will not send more to starving millions around the world. But I also know there is something innately profane about the words “All You Can Eat” when who knows how many people do not have enough to eat for one meal today. I can control my weight by how much I allow myself to eat and how much I exercise. Do you think Jesus was ever over-weight?
I can control my response to other people. When someone sounds off to me I often respond with a moment of silence,… I find that the absence of words can often diffuse a volatile situation. A soothing voice often subconsciously reminds the person that the person he or she is speaking with is not the enemy; more often the level of initial frustration arises out of a situation or miscommunication. While there are times when a passionate retort is needed, these outbursts are used far too often in our society. The toughest fight may be taking the initiative for peace in a relationship.
And while I cannot control my relationship with God, I can certainly strive to improve my christian faith by spending time listening and reflecting upon the living Word of God in my life. I believe my search for the Grace to distinguish between the things that I cannot control in my life and the things that I can control is foundational to anything that I seek to control in my life. For no matter how deep I think my relationship with God is: “In the beginning, God…” God is always my beginning.
A Faithful Response: Create a daily exercise plan if you do not already have one.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Intentions
Matthew 21: 1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
“The whole city was stirred.” Jesus has that affect on people’s lives. He stirs up lives with ingredients of love and service. A dash of integrity, flavored with righteousness, blended with kindness and doused in grace. We all know that Jesus has stirred up our lives but do we hold the conviction to lay them right back down in front of his path?
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” These people are spreading man-made cloaks and God-created branches. All of creation bows before him. That is exactly what Jesus wants from us: our lives yielded to his will and purpose. These items that the crowd brings before him symbolize the very lives that he desires. But what happens to this crowd just a few days later?
My little boy completely depends on his mom and I. He reaches up his hand when we walk in the parking lot or cross the street. He wants me to watch his latest video with him. He wants me to play with him. One day I told him, “I asked my class yesterday what was their favorite thing in the whole world to do. And you know what I told them? ‘I like playing with my son and spending time with my family.’” He seemed pleased for a second and then got this pensive look on his face: “Then why don’t you play with me more often, Daddy?”
While my intentions may be good to spend quality time with my family, I probably do not do it as often as I should. This story can be a direct analogy of our relationship with God, our Father. Our intentions may be good, but we get so caught up in our lives that God may ask: Why don’t you spend more time with me?
A Faithful Response: Play with your child – or, if childless, volunteer to play with someone else’s child.
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
“The whole city was stirred.” Jesus has that affect on people’s lives. He stirs up lives with ingredients of love and service. A dash of integrity, flavored with righteousness, blended with kindness and doused in grace. We all know that Jesus has stirred up our lives but do we hold the conviction to lay them right back down in front of his path?
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” These people are spreading man-made cloaks and God-created branches. All of creation bows before him. That is exactly what Jesus wants from us: our lives yielded to his will and purpose. These items that the crowd brings before him symbolize the very lives that he desires. But what happens to this crowd just a few days later?
My little boy completely depends on his mom and I. He reaches up his hand when we walk in the parking lot or cross the street. He wants me to watch his latest video with him. He wants me to play with him. One day I told him, “I asked my class yesterday what was their favorite thing in the whole world to do. And you know what I told them? ‘I like playing with my son and spending time with my family.’” He seemed pleased for a second and then got this pensive look on his face: “Then why don’t you play with me more often, Daddy?”
While my intentions may be good to spend quality time with my family, I probably do not do it as often as I should. This story can be a direct analogy of our relationship with God, our Father. Our intentions may be good, but we get so caught up in our lives that God may ask: Why don’t you spend more time with me?
A Faithful Response: Play with your child – or, if childless, volunteer to play with someone else’s child.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Faith Examples
Isaiah 50: 4-9
4 The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. 5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Too often I am rebellious. Too often I do draw back. Too often I do hide my face from the presence of those who would mock your name in word or in deed. Too often I run from my accuser. There are some times when I realize I am more than what I have become. The son-ship is mine for the asking. Do I dare step out in faith and grasp it?
As I write this devotion, I remember some older saints of a church where I served as a professional minister whose faith was an example to my own: Fern Boswell, whose Christian commitment had her tottering in to a senior adult bible study with a walker less than a month before her passing; Bea Tanner, whose steadfast faith allowed her to teach for over 40 years; Marie Benton, whose tireless devotion to the poor always seemed to outlast her 90+ year-old body; Rex and Pearl Chambers, who live with integrity and share much love. To see them arrive week after week after week despite their physical ailments and to know that the reason the offering was so high on the first Sunday of each month was because the senior adults had just received their checks and were tithing their ten percent. I always felt like I had many parents and grandparents in that church. But more than that, I always had plenty of Christian examples who lived these verses of rising with the Lord day after day.
As I grow older I realize that other people see my example. I need to recommit my life to wake with the Lord “morning by morning.” I will not be rebellious. I must “not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” I steadfastly look to the future. I will remember, “He who vindicates me is near…. It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.”
A Faithful Response: Visit a home-bound member of your church community.
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4 The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. 5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Too often I am rebellious. Too often I do draw back. Too often I do hide my face from the presence of those who would mock your name in word or in deed. Too often I run from my accuser. There are some times when I realize I am more than what I have become. The son-ship is mine for the asking. Do I dare step out in faith and grasp it?
As I write this devotion, I remember some older saints of a church where I served as a professional minister whose faith was an example to my own: Fern Boswell, whose Christian commitment had her tottering in to a senior adult bible study with a walker less than a month before her passing; Bea Tanner, whose steadfast faith allowed her to teach for over 40 years; Marie Benton, whose tireless devotion to the poor always seemed to outlast her 90+ year-old body; Rex and Pearl Chambers, who live with integrity and share much love. To see them arrive week after week after week despite their physical ailments and to know that the reason the offering was so high on the first Sunday of each month was because the senior adults had just received their checks and were tithing their ten percent. I always felt like I had many parents and grandparents in that church. But more than that, I always had plenty of Christian examples who lived these verses of rising with the Lord day after day.
As I grow older I realize that other people see my example. I need to recommit my life to wake with the Lord “morning by morning.” I will not be rebellious. I must “not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” I steadfastly look to the future. I will remember, “He who vindicates me is near…. It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.”
A Faithful Response: Visit a home-bound member of your church community.
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Saturday, May 15, 2010
Education
Isaiah 44: 21-28:
21 "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. 22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." 23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. 24 "This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, 25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, 26 who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, 'They shall be built,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them,' 27 who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,' 28 who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid." '
I completed the work to earn my PhD in 1998. The process took five years to complete – the first three with class work, the last two with a dissertation. During this time, my older son grew up too fast, I did not have a second child with my first wife, I borrowed money to help with expenses, and I was not working full-time for the first four of those years. Was it worth it? Yes. No. I do not think I am smarter than many people who do not have a doctorate, but I passed the educational endurance test. I half-agree with those who say PhD stands for Piled Higher and Deeper.
While I work at a state-supported college, I appreciate a Christian liberal arts school that incorporates Christian beliefs with a liberal education. Christianity in higher education has often been relegated to campus clubs or irrelevancy. But on a Christian campus, Christianity is merged with education. Understanding all of life from a Christian perspective creates an interaction, rather than a disjunction, between faith and learning.
A liberal education (college instruction that provides broad, general knowledge) offers an excellent learning experience. With many graduated students not working in fields directly related to their majors, students must be able to think through solutions rather than simply regurgitate answers. Technology is increasing exponentially and students need to learn which questions to ask in a transforming job market. A liberal education teaches students how to think for themselves.
God is not against all education in this passage. In fact, we are told in another passage that we are to love the Lord our God with all of our mind. The writer of Isaiah is reminding us that God still needs to be number one in our lives. Idolatry occurs when the creature imagines himself or herself to be the creator:
A Faithful Response: Help your child with his/her homework (or someone else’s child if you have no children).
21 "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. 22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." 23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. 24 "This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, 25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, 26 who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, 'They shall be built,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them,' 27 who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,' 28 who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, "Let it be rebuilt," and of the temple, "Let its foundations be laid." '
I completed the work to earn my PhD in 1998. The process took five years to complete – the first three with class work, the last two with a dissertation. During this time, my older son grew up too fast, I did not have a second child with my first wife, I borrowed money to help with expenses, and I was not working full-time for the first four of those years. Was it worth it? Yes. No. I do not think I am smarter than many people who do not have a doctorate, but I passed the educational endurance test. I half-agree with those who say PhD stands for Piled Higher and Deeper.
While I work at a state-supported college, I appreciate a Christian liberal arts school that incorporates Christian beliefs with a liberal education. Christianity in higher education has often been relegated to campus clubs or irrelevancy. But on a Christian campus, Christianity is merged with education. Understanding all of life from a Christian perspective creates an interaction, rather than a disjunction, between faith and learning.
A liberal education (college instruction that provides broad, general knowledge) offers an excellent learning experience. With many graduated students not working in fields directly related to their majors, students must be able to think through solutions rather than simply regurgitate answers. Technology is increasing exponentially and students need to learn which questions to ask in a transforming job market. A liberal education teaches students how to think for themselves.
God is not against all education in this passage. In fact, we are told in another passage that we are to love the Lord our God with all of our mind. The writer of Isaiah is reminding us that God still needs to be number one in our lives. Idolatry occurs when the creature imagines himself or herself to be the creator:
A Faithful Response: Help your child with his/her homework (or someone else’s child if you have no children).
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Obedience
Hebrews 5: 7-10
7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Obedience. Boy, do I often fail here. Don’t worry, I’m not going to list my many sins to offer satisfaction for voyeurs of the souls. But I often fail to do the things I know that I should. Why is that? One reason is probably because, in the midst of my most important busy schedule, I do not sit and reflect on God’s word often enough. This passage tells me that Jesus “offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries…” If Jesus, God’s Son, spent time in prayer, then why don’t I?
A friend of mine’s wife recently had minor surgery. He called me the night before and asked, “Can you sit with me for the two hours?” I said “Sure” and was immediately humbled by his request. What could I offer him? I had never sat with another man in the hospital and did not know what to say. But then I began to realize that he was seeking my presence more than anything I could say. We sat and we shared and I began to realize the strength in having another present in the time of one’s need. I hope that I have the courage to ask a friend to come and sit with me in my time of need.
That Great Myth of Self-Sufficiency. We just can’t make it on our own resources. Jesus cried out to God his Father to sustain him through his time of trial. Would he have made it had he not cried out? I do not know. Can we make it if we do not cry out? I doubt it.
A Faithful Response: Visit someone in the hospital.
7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Obedience. Boy, do I often fail here. Don’t worry, I’m not going to list my many sins to offer satisfaction for voyeurs of the souls. But I often fail to do the things I know that I should. Why is that? One reason is probably because, in the midst of my most important busy schedule, I do not sit and reflect on God’s word often enough. This passage tells me that Jesus “offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries…” If Jesus, God’s Son, spent time in prayer, then why don’t I?
A friend of mine’s wife recently had minor surgery. He called me the night before and asked, “Can you sit with me for the two hours?” I said “Sure” and was immediately humbled by his request. What could I offer him? I had never sat with another man in the hospital and did not know what to say. But then I began to realize that he was seeking my presence more than anything I could say. We sat and we shared and I began to realize the strength in having another present in the time of one’s need. I hope that I have the courage to ask a friend to come and sit with me in my time of need.
That Great Myth of Self-Sufficiency. We just can’t make it on our own resources. Jesus cried out to God his Father to sustain him through his time of trial. Would he have made it had he not cried out? I do not know. Can we make it if we do not cry out? I doubt it.
A Faithful Response: Visit someone in the hospital.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Multiple Sclerosis
Psalm 31
1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. 6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. 9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. 19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. 21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
I have a mild cae of Multiple Sclerosis. Lesions show up on my MRI. I have trouble seeing, especially in bright sunlight; the backs of my legs are often tight, and I sometimes have tingling sensations down both my arms and legs, I do not sleep well at night I can relate to the psalmist who writes: “[M]y eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.”
This psalm reminds me that I need to place my tired body in God’s palm. “Since you are my rock and my fortress,… Into your hands I commit my spirit, But I trust you,… My times are in your hands,… How great is your goodness,…” At no place in the psalm does the writer blame God for causing afflictions. I could never love a God that directly caused all bad things to happen to me. I understand and appreciate the theological reflection that God’s Love overshadows his all-powerfulness. A loving God does all that He can to help his creatures. “In the shelter of your presence you hide them…”
Placing my life in God’s hands is often difficult for me. I want to control my destiny. Western society teaches me that I am best off when I help myself. This Psalm teaches me that I need to recognize my neediness and lay my life in God’s hands. Afflictions are not always physical. Some of our afflictions are more readily apparent, but we all have afflictions. Perhaps the greatest affliction is never acknowledging our afflictedness.
A Faithful Response: Write down your afflictions and then tear them up – ask your minister about having a service where everyone can place their torn up afflictions in an offering plate to God.
1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. 6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. 9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. 19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. 21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. 23 Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
I have a mild cae of Multiple Sclerosis. Lesions show up on my MRI. I have trouble seeing, especially in bright sunlight; the backs of my legs are often tight, and I sometimes have tingling sensations down both my arms and legs, I do not sleep well at night I can relate to the psalmist who writes: “[M]y eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.”
This psalm reminds me that I need to place my tired body in God’s palm. “Since you are my rock and my fortress,… Into your hands I commit my spirit, But I trust you,… My times are in your hands,… How great is your goodness,…” At no place in the psalm does the writer blame God for causing afflictions. I could never love a God that directly caused all bad things to happen to me. I understand and appreciate the theological reflection that God’s Love overshadows his all-powerfulness. A loving God does all that He can to help his creatures. “In the shelter of your presence you hide them…”
Placing my life in God’s hands is often difficult for me. I want to control my destiny. Western society teaches me that I am best off when I help myself. This Psalm teaches me that I need to recognize my neediness and lay my life in God’s hands. Afflictions are not always physical. Some of our afflictions are more readily apparent, but we all have afflictions. Perhaps the greatest affliction is never acknowledging our afflictedness.
A Faithful Response: Write down your afflictions and then tear them up – ask your minister about having a service where everyone can place their torn up afflictions in an offering plate to God.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Mustard Seed Faith...
Mark 4: 26-34
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
My now 18 year old son began praying the dinner blessing as a very little boy. He learned good praying habits but more than that, God probably smiled at the earnest child giving thanks to God his father more than any words I can dream up. Once a small friend corrected him for saying, ‘God is great, God is great.’ My little boy in turn corrected me for using the repeated words as I proudly mimicked him at one meal. However, when I assured him that God is always great, he happily went back to praying, ‘God is great, God is great.’
College Park Baptist Church has a wonderful tradition. Easter morning the worshippers are encouraged to bring fresh flowers to put into a wire mesh surrounding a six foot cross. The whole congregation participates in this colorful procession. Huge baskets are set on the altar to collect the flowers which then are placed in the wire mesh by several members of the church. Naethan went down with the children for the first time way back when he was three. With the press of the congregational crowd, I lost track of watching him. But as I came to the front of the church with my flower to place in the basket, I spied my little boy wandering with his flower. He saw me at the same time and immediately ran towards me, “Daddy, Daddy,” he cried excitedly, “look at my flower!” I proudly smiled and said very pointedly that he indeed had a beautiful flower. Then I took him by the hand and led him to where the rest of the flowers were being placed .... and I and my son together placed our offering on the altar of God. His mustard seed faith is growing....
What services are special in your memory?
26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
My now 18 year old son began praying the dinner blessing as a very little boy. He learned good praying habits but more than that, God probably smiled at the earnest child giving thanks to God his father more than any words I can dream up. Once a small friend corrected him for saying, ‘God is great, God is great.’ My little boy in turn corrected me for using the repeated words as I proudly mimicked him at one meal. However, when I assured him that God is always great, he happily went back to praying, ‘God is great, God is great.’
College Park Baptist Church has a wonderful tradition. Easter morning the worshippers are encouraged to bring fresh flowers to put into a wire mesh surrounding a six foot cross. The whole congregation participates in this colorful procession. Huge baskets are set on the altar to collect the flowers which then are placed in the wire mesh by several members of the church. Naethan went down with the children for the first time way back when he was three. With the press of the congregational crowd, I lost track of watching him. But as I came to the front of the church with my flower to place in the basket, I spied my little boy wandering with his flower. He saw me at the same time and immediately ran towards me, “Daddy, Daddy,” he cried excitedly, “look at my flower!” I proudly smiled and said very pointedly that he indeed had a beautiful flower. Then I took him by the hand and led him to where the rest of the flowers were being placed .... and I and my son together placed our offering on the altar of God. His mustard seed faith is growing....
What services are special in your memory?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A Long and Faithful Life
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
My father’s mother taught me by example what it means ‘to be still and know that I am God.’ She was raised Catholic but joined the Episcopalian church when she married my grandfather. For years, until she was in her 80’s, my grandmother would begin and end every day with an hour’s prayer. The Catholic Rosary’s words were ingrained in her: Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus, have mercy on me.... (This devotional is not about the theological rightness or wrongness of the Catholic prayers. I am sure most of us would agree that Mother Teresa will be seated closer to God than any of us.)
My grandmother had a heart attack when she was 89. We did not know whether she would survive as she lay in a coma. I decided to drive the six hours to Washington, DC, to spend a weekend with my father. We visited the hospital that Saturday. As we walked into the hospital room, my grandmother was mumbling. As I bent forward to kiss her cheek, I heard the words I had not heard from her mouth in several years: ‘Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus, have mercy on me....’ I smiled and immediately doubted words of prayer would be coming from my mouth if I was the one unconsciously murmuring words.
My grandmother died at the age of 91. I remember her preparing huge Sunday dinners, her taking me and my brother to the zoo, and the city sounds outside her apartment. But most of all I remember her devotion to her prayers. She was buried with her prayer book and rosary beads in her hands. She lived a long and faithful life.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day....
A Faithful Response: Visit/call/e-mail your grandmother if she is still alive.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
My father’s mother taught me by example what it means ‘to be still and know that I am God.’ She was raised Catholic but joined the Episcopalian church when she married my grandfather. For years, until she was in her 80’s, my grandmother would begin and end every day with an hour’s prayer. The Catholic Rosary’s words were ingrained in her: Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus, have mercy on me.... (This devotional is not about the theological rightness or wrongness of the Catholic prayers. I am sure most of us would agree that Mother Teresa will be seated closer to God than any of us.)
My grandmother had a heart attack when she was 89. We did not know whether she would survive as she lay in a coma. I decided to drive the six hours to Washington, DC, to spend a weekend with my father. We visited the hospital that Saturday. As we walked into the hospital room, my grandmother was mumbling. As I bent forward to kiss her cheek, I heard the words I had not heard from her mouth in several years: ‘Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus, have mercy on me....’ I smiled and immediately doubted words of prayer would be coming from my mouth if I was the one unconsciously murmuring words.
My grandmother died at the age of 91. I remember her preparing huge Sunday dinners, her taking me and my brother to the zoo, and the city sounds outside her apartment. But most of all I remember her devotion to her prayers. She was buried with her prayer book and rosary beads in her hands. She lived a long and faithful life.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day....
A Faithful Response: Visit/call/e-mail your grandmother if she is still alive.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Faith Sustains Us
Ezekial 17: 22-24
22 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. "'I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'"
This passage may be an early messianic reference. The messiah will be for people of every kind. Or perhaps Jesus had this passage in mind when he told the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4: 26ff). Faith only requires a tender sprig from the topmost shoots. God does the planting and nurturing and the tree produces the branches and fruit it was created to produce. The passage may also be a reference to Israel desiring to turn in upon itself and keep her faith rather than spreading Yahweh’s message. The Word of Christ is for everyone.
Just after Christmas, 1992, my family and I were traveling from Illinois to Maryland to spend a few days with my family. We were going to be a couple of hours late, so I stopped to call ahead. A baby-sitter for my sister’s three little children answered the phone and haltingly told me my brother-in-law had succumbed to the throat cancer he had been battling for two and one-half years. My sister became a widow at 28 with three children under the age of six. I remember sobbing, “It’s not supposed to happen that way!”
Today is my sister’s birthday (written for June 27, 1996). Since her husband’s death, my sister, who was a “C” student in High School, attended a two-year Nursing program and earned mostly “A”s on her journey toward the Associate’s degree. Her faith sustained her and continues to sustain her. I am proudly planning to drive up next month and watch her graduate.
Never claim your theology from one verse. Our relationship with God travels beyond the seemingly robotic image of verse 24. God does not sit up above us and push little “smite” buttons. If this is an early messianic reference, the vision offers shelter for all of us. Sometimes in the ,midst of life’s tragedies we might not feel Grace – the shadow of Grace shelters and sustains us.
A Faithful Response: Ask your brother/sister what are the top three experiences of his/her life.
22 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. "'I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'"
This passage may be an early messianic reference. The messiah will be for people of every kind. Or perhaps Jesus had this passage in mind when he told the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4: 26ff). Faith only requires a tender sprig from the topmost shoots. God does the planting and nurturing and the tree produces the branches and fruit it was created to produce. The passage may also be a reference to Israel desiring to turn in upon itself and keep her faith rather than spreading Yahweh’s message. The Word of Christ is for everyone.
Just after Christmas, 1992, my family and I were traveling from Illinois to Maryland to spend a few days with my family. We were going to be a couple of hours late, so I stopped to call ahead. A baby-sitter for my sister’s three little children answered the phone and haltingly told me my brother-in-law had succumbed to the throat cancer he had been battling for two and one-half years. My sister became a widow at 28 with three children under the age of six. I remember sobbing, “It’s not supposed to happen that way!”
Today is my sister’s birthday (written for June 27, 1996). Since her husband’s death, my sister, who was a “C” student in High School, attended a two-year Nursing program and earned mostly “A”s on her journey toward the Associate’s degree. Her faith sustained her and continues to sustain her. I am proudly planning to drive up next month and watch her graduate.
Never claim your theology from one verse. Our relationship with God travels beyond the seemingly robotic image of verse 24. God does not sit up above us and push little “smite” buttons. If this is an early messianic reference, the vision offers shelter for all of us. Sometimes in the ,midst of life’s tragedies we might not feel Grace – the shadow of Grace shelters and sustains us.
A Faithful Response: Ask your brother/sister what are the top three experiences of his/her life.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
God's Creation
Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Frank Tupper taught Theology at Southern Seminary for over twenty years (he currently teaches at Wake Forest). One of his grand illustrations when speaking about the awesomeness of God is to magnanimously take a pen and place a dot on the wall of the classroom. He then proclaims we are like the dot and the large lecture room is like the universe. Then Frank tries to find the dot on the wall which is so insignificant to the rest of the room... and yet, he states convincingly: God cares intimately for each person! God is SO BIG – yet he cares for you…
God’s creation is amazing. We, being part of that creation, are also amazing. God does care for each of us. He wants us to care for his creation, also: “You make him to rule over the works of your hands” (v. 6a). We should rule over the animals and the rest of his creation as though we were the Sustainer. “All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas” (v. 7-8). What else can this mean than that God also wants us to care for the fields where the beasts live and the heavens where the birds fly and the seas where the fish swim?
A Faithful Response: Share an instance in the coments area of when God’s love was very real for you.
1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Frank Tupper taught Theology at Southern Seminary for over twenty years (he currently teaches at Wake Forest). One of his grand illustrations when speaking about the awesomeness of God is to magnanimously take a pen and place a dot on the wall of the classroom. He then proclaims we are like the dot and the large lecture room is like the universe. Then Frank tries to find the dot on the wall which is so insignificant to the rest of the room... and yet, he states convincingly: God cares intimately for each person! God is SO BIG – yet he cares for you…
God’s creation is amazing. We, being part of that creation, are also amazing. God does care for each of us. He wants us to care for his creation, also: “You make him to rule over the works of your hands” (v. 6a). We should rule over the animals and the rest of his creation as though we were the Sustainer. “All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas” (v. 7-8). What else can this mean than that God also wants us to care for the fields where the beasts live and the heavens where the birds fly and the seas where the fish swim?
A Faithful Response: Share an instance in the coments area of when God’s love was very real for you.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
My Mom - Love Never Fails...
I Corinthians 13: 8-13
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
My mother passed away in July of 1992. The last few days of her life were spent in and out of a coma. Many medical professionals will tell you they are not sure what a coma patient is aware of so I occasionally read Bible passages to my mother.
I have always enjoyed I Corinthians 13 for its active articulation of love. But as I turned and began to read, suddenly my eyes filled with tears and my voice broke as I came to verse 11. “When I was a child”, I verbalized to this woman who had nurtured me since birth, “I spoke like a child, I thought like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” I haltingly continued to verse 12: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” I did not think I would see her face to face for many years and I sobbed all the more.
I believe in love that never fails. My mother’s life was her faith and her family. She did not attend college until later in life but she was a committed Christian who offered what talents she had to others in her life. She served in Vacation Bible School ten days before her death. What my mother possessed was left here but her love and memories will go on forever in our minds and with God.
“A special lady”, my father remarked as he knelt by her open casket for the last time. She was indeed. She loved me as only a mother could love a son and she introduced me to a Love greater than life itself. I will never forget my mother’s last words to me: “Love you,” she murmured softly as she drew my cheek to her lips. I replied, “You always have.”
A Faithful Response: Write a letter to your mom (if she is still alive) and tell her you love her.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
My mother passed away in July of 1992. The last few days of her life were spent in and out of a coma. Many medical professionals will tell you they are not sure what a coma patient is aware of so I occasionally read Bible passages to my mother.
I have always enjoyed I Corinthians 13 for its active articulation of love. But as I turned and began to read, suddenly my eyes filled with tears and my voice broke as I came to verse 11. “When I was a child”, I verbalized to this woman who had nurtured me since birth, “I spoke like a child, I thought like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” I haltingly continued to verse 12: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” I did not think I would see her face to face for many years and I sobbed all the more.
I believe in love that never fails. My mother’s life was her faith and her family. She did not attend college until later in life but she was a committed Christian who offered what talents she had to others in her life. She served in Vacation Bible School ten days before her death. What my mother possessed was left here but her love and memories will go on forever in our minds and with God.
“A special lady”, my father remarked as he knelt by her open casket for the last time. She was indeed. She loved me as only a mother could love a son and she introduced me to a Love greater than life itself. I will never forget my mother’s last words to me: “Love you,” she murmured softly as she drew my cheek to her lips. I replied, “You always have.”
A Faithful Response: Write a letter to your mom (if she is still alive) and tell her you love her.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Stepping Out In Faith
Hebrews 11: 1-3
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
The time had come for us to move on. I had been the Minister of Youth and Education at our church for three and one-half years. I had applied for both church and higher education positions. The church positions said they wanted more experience or more focus in either youth or education or wanted us to move to a geographical location we did not feel comfortable in. The higher educational institutions doubted my commitment to post-secondary schools. We prayed for one door to open.
I was accepted into a PhD program a year earlier but was unsure whether this was a viable option for someone with a family. Concerns about health insurance were relieved when I found I could continue my present insurance. Since this was the only option available, we decided to “step out in faith.”
I announced my resignation to our church family and we prayed to sell our house by ourselves. A week passed and we had no real offers. We began to get angry because we had specifically prayed for the house to sell within a week. That weekend: 1) a couple placed a very reasonable bid on our house; 2) we found a house for us to live in [after looking at SO MANY in a new metropolitan area]; and, 3) we were offered temporary positions at the university.
I wish this happens all the time but the truth is for us the same as it is for most of you: we struggle to know God’s will for our lives.....yet we cling to the historical memories of when we step out in faith.
A Faithful Response: Step out in faith believing you can do something – or, as someone also said, fake it till you make it.
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
The time had come for us to move on. I had been the Minister of Youth and Education at our church for three and one-half years. I had applied for both church and higher education positions. The church positions said they wanted more experience or more focus in either youth or education or wanted us to move to a geographical location we did not feel comfortable in. The higher educational institutions doubted my commitment to post-secondary schools. We prayed for one door to open.
I was accepted into a PhD program a year earlier but was unsure whether this was a viable option for someone with a family. Concerns about health insurance were relieved when I found I could continue my present insurance. Since this was the only option available, we decided to “step out in faith.”
I announced my resignation to our church family and we prayed to sell our house by ourselves. A week passed and we had no real offers. We began to get angry because we had specifically prayed for the house to sell within a week. That weekend: 1) a couple placed a very reasonable bid on our house; 2) we found a house for us to live in [after looking at SO MANY in a new metropolitan area]; and, 3) we were offered temporary positions at the university.
I wish this happens all the time but the truth is for us the same as it is for most of you: we struggle to know God’s will for our lives.....yet we cling to the historical memories of when we step out in faith.
A Faithful Response: Step out in faith believing you can do something – or, as someone also said, fake it till you make it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
RELATIONSHIP INTEGRITY - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Job 27: 5b
5b till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
In seminary, Joanna** sat between the professor and I. Mesmerized by her fingers sifting through her hair, I caught myself staring. Though no one noticed me staring, I blushed and looked away.
Her short, straight hair came only to the nape of her neck. A brilliant student, her eyes sparkled when she smiled. I often tried to get her to smile at me that semester.
As Finals approached, I asked her to study with me. We found a quiet spot in the library, studied some, and spoke of our dreams for our respective futures.
As I walked home that evening, I realized that was the last time I could ever be alone with her. I did not trust myself. I was married to someone else.
I avoided Joanna the next couple of weeks. She might wave, and I would wave also, but I would immediately pretend to be busy with some task. A puzzled, hurt look would cross her eyes and I would lower my own to avoid her expression. I began to feel embarrassed, confused, and hurt myself.
I really did like her. She had a pleasant personality. Pretty and quick-witted, I had to make a tremendous effort to avoid her. I enjoyed her company but I had to decide what was important in my life.
I tried to think of the positive characteristics of my wife. But I knew this decision had to transcend mere comparisons of who I liked the best. I was not dating both of them; I was married to one of them.
I have not seen Joanna in ten years and I wonder if she even remembers me. I think if I ever do see her again I will apologize to her. Joanna may not have known I struggled so much,... but she probably did. She tried to be a friend and I tried to make more out of the relationship than what was supposed to exist. When we slip in our integrity of who we are supposed to be, we hurt not only ourselves. We also hurt those around us.
** Joanna is not her real name
5b till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
In seminary, Joanna** sat between the professor and I. Mesmerized by her fingers sifting through her hair, I caught myself staring. Though no one noticed me staring, I blushed and looked away.
Her short, straight hair came only to the nape of her neck. A brilliant student, her eyes sparkled when she smiled. I often tried to get her to smile at me that semester.
As Finals approached, I asked her to study with me. We found a quiet spot in the library, studied some, and spoke of our dreams for our respective futures.
As I walked home that evening, I realized that was the last time I could ever be alone with her. I did not trust myself. I was married to someone else.
I avoided Joanna the next couple of weeks. She might wave, and I would wave also, but I would immediately pretend to be busy with some task. A puzzled, hurt look would cross her eyes and I would lower my own to avoid her expression. I began to feel embarrassed, confused, and hurt myself.
I really did like her. She had a pleasant personality. Pretty and quick-witted, I had to make a tremendous effort to avoid her. I enjoyed her company but I had to decide what was important in my life.
I tried to think of the positive characteristics of my wife. But I knew this decision had to transcend mere comparisons of who I liked the best. I was not dating both of them; I was married to one of them.
I have not seen Joanna in ten years and I wonder if she even remembers me. I think if I ever do see her again I will apologize to her. Joanna may not have known I struggled so much,... but she probably did. She tried to be a friend and I tried to make more out of the relationship than what was supposed to exist. When we slip in our integrity of who we are supposed to be, we hurt not only ourselves. We also hurt those around us.
** Joanna is not her real name
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Children are young only once
Ruth 4: 16
16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.
“Dad, will you play trains with me?”, my four year old son asked.
“Dad, will you help me build my trail?”, my five year old son asked.
“Dad, will you ride bikes with me?”, my six year old son asked.
“Dad, will you go swimming with me?”, my seven year old son asks.
How much longer will he ask me to play with him? I wonder when I say ‘no’, if this was the last time. He’s growing up too fast. My legs are cramping more from the MS, my eyesight is worse, my hair is almost all gone. I am already unable to keep up with him sometimes, but don’t tell him that…. In his eyes, I am still the greatest.
The more love I feel as a father the more I begin to glimpse the Love my Heavenly Father has for me. God wants me to spend time with him before it is too late. He wants me to type these devotional reflections before my hands and arms cramp too much from MS. How much time will I waste in front of the television? How much more can I create instead of watching someone else’s creation? I only have one life to live and I want to leave a legacy of faith for my son and his heirs. I want to do so much more for/with my Father, but will I?
I want to do so much with my son, and yet, there’s laundry to do, grass to be mowed, checks to write,… And then I remember: I’ll always have those things to do but my son will only be young once.
A Faithful Response: Play a game with your child/grandchild…..
16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.
“Dad, will you play trains with me?”, my four year old son asked.
“Dad, will you help me build my trail?”, my five year old son asked.
“Dad, will you ride bikes with me?”, my six year old son asked.
“Dad, will you go swimming with me?”, my seven year old son asks.
How much longer will he ask me to play with him? I wonder when I say ‘no’, if this was the last time. He’s growing up too fast. My legs are cramping more from the MS, my eyesight is worse, my hair is almost all gone. I am already unable to keep up with him sometimes, but don’t tell him that…. In his eyes, I am still the greatest.
The more love I feel as a father the more I begin to glimpse the Love my Heavenly Father has for me. God wants me to spend time with him before it is too late. He wants me to type these devotional reflections before my hands and arms cramp too much from MS. How much time will I waste in front of the television? How much more can I create instead of watching someone else’s creation? I only have one life to live and I want to leave a legacy of faith for my son and his heirs. I want to do so much more for/with my Father, but will I?
I want to do so much with my son, and yet, there’s laundry to do, grass to be mowed, checks to write,… And then I remember: I’ll always have those things to do but my son will only be young once.
A Faithful Response: Play a game with your child/grandchild…..
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Melissa
Luke 11: 1-13
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' "
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
My eighteen-year-old niece was diagnosed three weeks ago with ovarian cancer. She'd been feeling bad for only a couple of weeks but had lost about 15 pounds in the second week. Two days later the doctors removed part of her female anatomy and scheduled her for a follow-up visit. At that visit, they told her the cancer was in her lymph nodes. She began chemotherapy last week. When I spoke to her after the operation, I joked, "You know, Melissa, there are easier ways to lose weight." We both laughed. We had already cried our separate tears. I am persistently praying for her recovery.
Jesus tells us in this passage that "everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened" (v. 10, NIV). I am praying for Melissa's recovery as I have prayed for few things in my life. Does this mean that my prayer will be answered? I don't know. I hope so; I pray so. "…yet because of the man's persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs" (v. 8, NIV).
In the last few weeks, I've learned much about ovarian cancer. It's very aggressive. The vast majority of women who get ovarian cancer are older than Melissa. I'm praying for her recovery.
Please join me in my prayers.
--A few months after I wrote the above words, Melissa died on August 1, 2003.
A Faithful Response: Read a book on prayer – and put into practice one suggestion.
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.' "
5 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
My eighteen-year-old niece was diagnosed three weeks ago with ovarian cancer. She'd been feeling bad for only a couple of weeks but had lost about 15 pounds in the second week. Two days later the doctors removed part of her female anatomy and scheduled her for a follow-up visit. At that visit, they told her the cancer was in her lymph nodes. She began chemotherapy last week. When I spoke to her after the operation, I joked, "You know, Melissa, there are easier ways to lose weight." We both laughed. We had already cried our separate tears. I am persistently praying for her recovery.
Jesus tells us in this passage that "everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened" (v. 10, NIV). I am praying for Melissa's recovery as I have prayed for few things in my life. Does this mean that my prayer will be answered? I don't know. I hope so; I pray so. "…yet because of the man's persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs" (v. 8, NIV).
In the last few weeks, I've learned much about ovarian cancer. It's very aggressive. The vast majority of women who get ovarian cancer are older than Melissa. I'm praying for her recovery.
Please join me in my prayers.
--A few months after I wrote the above words, Melissa died on August 1, 2003.
A Faithful Response: Read a book on prayer – and put into practice one suggestion.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Victoria
Hosea 1: 2-10
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD." 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel's bow in the Valley of Jezreel." 6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God." 8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, for you are not my people, and I am not your God. 10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.'
Hosea 1: 9 Lo-Ammi means not my people.
Victoria is my step-daughter. She is not my biological child. She was about 19 months old when her mom and I started dating. You see, her father had moved out of state and she lived with her mom all of the time. She began calling me "Bad" because she missed some syllables - I think.
She is four now and says all of the great sayings one can expect from a four year old. She expresses her mom's love of coffee, "Let's go to Starbuck's and have a frappuccino!" She is eating almost all the time; we try to limit her junk food - "can I please have one more junk?" She loves to "hug" her one-year-old brother and pull him down. And she loves to touch her older step-brother. She thinks her teacher is all-wise and corrects us when we say something "bad": "Oh, Mrs. Wasserman won't like that."
And going to bed is always a chore. There are many excuses each night: "I need a drink of water/vitamin/my doll/my bear/mecidine." "I didn't kiss you good-night." "You didn't say 'Sweet dreams, too.'" After all that, she comes out squinting: "I can't go to sleep. You guys are being too loud." But the real clincher is when she says: "I love you, Daddy." You see, sometimes she calls me "Brad" and sometimes she calls me "Dad," but it really doesn't matter because she is learning from me how a dad loves his child. I imagine that is how Hosea felt…
A Faithful Response: Take your daughter/step-daughter out on a date.
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD." 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel's bow in the Valley of Jezreel." 6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God." 8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, for you are not my people, and I am not your God. 10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.'
Hosea 1: 9 Lo-Ammi means not my people.
Victoria is my step-daughter. She is not my biological child. She was about 19 months old when her mom and I started dating. You see, her father had moved out of state and she lived with her mom all of the time. She began calling me "Bad" because she missed some syllables - I think.
She is four now and says all of the great sayings one can expect from a four year old. She expresses her mom's love of coffee, "Let's go to Starbuck's and have a frappuccino!" She is eating almost all the time; we try to limit her junk food - "can I please have one more junk?" She loves to "hug" her one-year-old brother and pull him down. And she loves to touch her older step-brother. She thinks her teacher is all-wise and corrects us when we say something "bad": "Oh, Mrs. Wasserman won't like that."
And going to bed is always a chore. There are many excuses each night: "I need a drink of water/vitamin/my doll/my bear/mecidine." "I didn't kiss you good-night." "You didn't say 'Sweet dreams, too.'" After all that, she comes out squinting: "I can't go to sleep. You guys are being too loud." But the real clincher is when she says: "I love you, Daddy." You see, sometimes she calls me "Brad" and sometimes she calls me "Dad," but it really doesn't matter because she is learning from me how a dad loves his child. I imagine that is how Hosea felt…
A Faithful Response: Take your daughter/step-daughter out on a date.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Grace For The Journey....
This is an introduction for a blog featuring christian devotionals that I have already written and published. (Smyth & Helwys has given permission for me to re-publish these). This first blog will give you a little of my background.... I grew up in New Jersey attending an Episcopalian Church one a week. I was also in the choir - kids were allowed to join at age 10. Going away to college in Kentucky, I stopped going to church for several years. When I began again, I attended the local Methodist Church and Baptist and occasionally, the Episcopalian one. Formal church was not a big draw but I really enjoyed the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship my graduate year in school; I realized that church groups can mean community. I'd never felt that before. I flirted with the idea of going to seminary then but decided against it for a few years. I moved to Louisville, KY, and attended a Presbyterian church for a while, singing in their choir, and decided to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (it was cheaper by far). I graduated in 1986 and then worked at a university as a hall director, using counseling skills to help students through life's events (like a suicide and community fund raisers and blood drives). I then worked as a Youth and Education minister from 1989-1993. I began writing and publishing articles then. I knew I did not want to stay a professional minister but also knew I wanted to keep writing.
The phrase "Grace for the Journey" comes from a former theology professor who autographed a book for me with that phrase; it's what I think we all yearn for. Sometimes Grace delivers us from the bad thihgs we do in life or the horrible things that have happened to us; sometimes we hope for Grace in our future; and sometimes the pain is so bad all we can do is know the promise that Grace will come very soon....
This blog is about Grace in my life and Grace for all of us to experience....
Many are from the following and Used with Permission
Reflections, Volume 4, Number 2, January 23-29, 1995.
Reflections, Volume 6, Number 3, June 23-29, 1997.
Reflections, Volume 8, Number 2, March 22-28, 1999.
Reflections, Volume 11, Number 3, August 19-31, 2002.
Reflections, Volume 13, Number 3, July 13-26, 2004.
Reflections, Volume 16, Number 2, April 19-30, 2007.
Smyth & Helwys Publishing Inc.
6316 Peake Road
Macon, GA 31210
The phrase "Grace for the Journey" comes from a former theology professor who autographed a book for me with that phrase; it's what I think we all yearn for. Sometimes Grace delivers us from the bad thihgs we do in life or the horrible things that have happened to us; sometimes we hope for Grace in our future; and sometimes the pain is so bad all we can do is know the promise that Grace will come very soon....
This blog is about Grace in my life and Grace for all of us to experience....
Many are from the following and Used with Permission
Reflections, Volume 4, Number 2, January 23-29, 1995.
Reflections, Volume 6, Number 3, June 23-29, 1997.
Reflections, Volume 8, Number 2, March 22-28, 1999.
Reflections, Volume 11, Number 3, August 19-31, 2002.
Reflections, Volume 13, Number 3, July 13-26, 2004.
Reflections, Volume 16, Number 2, April 19-30, 2007.
Smyth & Helwys Publishing Inc.
6316 Peake Road
Macon, GA 31210
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