Read: Luke 1:5-23, and 57-64
I can relate to Zechariah. Maybe you can, too. God sent an angel who told him the plan and Zech came back with a question. Now, I'm not sure if Gabe was having a rough day, but it really seems like he over-reacted. All Zech asked was how am I going to know that this is going to happen? Could you fill in a few of the particulars? I mean really, he was going to have to go home and tell this all to Elizabeth and as happy as she might have been with the news, it would help to be able to lay the whole plan out before her.
The more I got to thinking about this, the more I got to thinking that Zech's punishment seemed a bit unfair. Think about it. Gideon went through the whole fleece thing and God never lost patience with his requests. Sarah laughed, but never lost her voice. Moses came up with every excuse under the sun and even offered a backup plan: send my brother, but God didn't punish him.
I just didn't get this until I started to think about my own journey. On more than one occasion and in more than one way, God has opted to "shut me up" so that I wouldn't get in the way of his plan. I might have really made a mess of things if I had been allowed to proceed in my own wisdom. I never cared for feeling like I was being shelved and silenced, but maybe others were enabled to listen and hear God when I wasn't talking. Not always talking has also helped me to think more. I process and ponder and listen more. I have come to a deeper experience of trust and acceptance of what is and what is probably God's greater plan.
And when the time for silence was over, Zech spoke and people listened. Zech was like an ancient E. F. Hutton. When he finally spoke again people were ready to hear what he had to say. It reminds me of a woman in the very first church I pastored. Lois had sinus cancer and much of the sinus cavity had been removed. She was still able to speak, but it was very nasal and sometimes difficult to understand. Those of us who worshipped with her knew that if she opened her mouth to speak it was because she had something weighty and poignant to share and we made a point to listen.
I wonder. On the one hand we say so much, but do we say too much? We're constantly communicating, but are we connecting? Talk is cheap because we invest so little in our words. Do we need to pay greater attention to what we need to say, words of love, encouragement, hope, and forgiveness? In an effort to make our opinion known, have we forgotten how to speak the truth in love?
When God comes with a word, my prayer is that we won't offer up our own plan instead, but that we will be more like Solomon and respond: speak Lord, for your servant is listening. When he gets done telling us what we need to know, then we'll truly have something to say!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Advent ABC's: Yet
Over the years I've had lots of opportunities to lead the congregational singing during worship services. For the most part, it has been quite a blessing. Truth be told, there are however, several hymns I just hate to lead. One of the hardest hymn types for me to lead are the ones where the hymn writer struggled and stretched to make words rhyme. At times it took everything within me to maintain composure and not just burst out laughing. I find it difficult to lead the hymn "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing" for two reasons. First, a group of students set it up in the old campus chapel that during one student's senior conducting a sprinkler would come on and douse one side of the chapel. But beyond the joke, I have trouble with the greedy mentality of the song: mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead. Worse than that, is the hymn "He Never Has Failed Me Yet."
Please tell me what the writer of this hymn was thinking! Yet? In my mind that insinuates that He will. When I use "yet" in a sentence like the hymn I'm suggesting that I haven't done something but I will get to it. I suppose "He's not going to fail me ever" didn't fit well with the rhythm, but the theology just disturbs me.
I know that I have failed him--more times than I care to count. In spite of that He remains ever faithful and ever true to His word. I love the phrase "And God is faithful." It is used at least three times in scripture. The hymn writer knows it, too. He declares in the chorus of the song: I have proven Him true. What He says He will do." I wish he had just stopped there.
There are so many people walking around trying to live victorious lives of faith, but victory seems to be just beyond their reach. Their spirits never seem to be at peace because they're always waiting for the "yet", for the time when God is going to disappoint them, when He will let them down. Where does that thinking come from?
My husband, with the best intentions at heart, has created a situation in our home with our grandson. For well over a year now, he has given Asher a gift every day after work. Usually it was a matchbox car. At first we all delighted to see the pure joy Asher had pulling a car out of Pepa's pocket. Recently, there has been less joy and delight. Asher has developed a sense of entitlement. Nelson is barely in the door and Asher wants his toy and he is tenacious in his pursuit. If Nelson tries to substitute a different type of toy, there is typically an ungrateful response.
Beth talked to me, I talked to Nelson, and then we all talked together. It's going to probably be unpleasant for a while, but there will no longer be daily gifts. There may be weekly items, but they will have to be earned. For a while Asher may feel like Pepa is mean and cruel, and that he has failed him. But we all know better.
I'm wondering if a similar thing has transpired between us and our Heavenly Father. Why is it that we feel that God has let us down when life doesn't go the way we want or plan? Scripture tells us there is a way which seems right to us, but leads to destruction. Why can't we trust the God who created the universe, whose thinking and ways are not locked into a linear pattern? He knows the plans he has for us and they are plans to prosper us and to provide us with a future.
Go to the word. Check out some of the promises. Look at your life. As you consider your journey, can you see how his hand has provided? Can you see that he has proven true? There is no yet to add to that. He is who he says he is. He does what he says he will do. Quit looking for the yet and trust him. Now and forever more. And don't ask me to lead that hymn, okay?
Please tell me what the writer of this hymn was thinking! Yet? In my mind that insinuates that He will. When I use "yet" in a sentence like the hymn I'm suggesting that I haven't done something but I will get to it. I suppose "He's not going to fail me ever" didn't fit well with the rhythm, but the theology just disturbs me.
I know that I have failed him--more times than I care to count. In spite of that He remains ever faithful and ever true to His word. I love the phrase "And God is faithful." It is used at least three times in scripture. The hymn writer knows it, too. He declares in the chorus of the song: I have proven Him true. What He says He will do." I wish he had just stopped there.
There are so many people walking around trying to live victorious lives of faith, but victory seems to be just beyond their reach. Their spirits never seem to be at peace because they're always waiting for the "yet", for the time when God is going to disappoint them, when He will let them down. Where does that thinking come from?
My husband, with the best intentions at heart, has created a situation in our home with our grandson. For well over a year now, he has given Asher a gift every day after work. Usually it was a matchbox car. At first we all delighted to see the pure joy Asher had pulling a car out of Pepa's pocket. Recently, there has been less joy and delight. Asher has developed a sense of entitlement. Nelson is barely in the door and Asher wants his toy and he is tenacious in his pursuit. If Nelson tries to substitute a different type of toy, there is typically an ungrateful response.
Beth talked to me, I talked to Nelson, and then we all talked together. It's going to probably be unpleasant for a while, but there will no longer be daily gifts. There may be weekly items, but they will have to be earned. For a while Asher may feel like Pepa is mean and cruel, and that he has failed him. But we all know better.
I'm wondering if a similar thing has transpired between us and our Heavenly Father. Why is it that we feel that God has let us down when life doesn't go the way we want or plan? Scripture tells us there is a way which seems right to us, but leads to destruction. Why can't we trust the God who created the universe, whose thinking and ways are not locked into a linear pattern? He knows the plans he has for us and they are plans to prosper us and to provide us with a future.
Go to the word. Check out some of the promises. Look at your life. As you consider your journey, can you see how his hand has provided? Can you see that he has proven true? There is no yet to add to that. He is who he says he is. He does what he says he will do. Quit looking for the yet and trust him. Now and forever more. And don't ask me to lead that hymn, okay?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Advent ABC's: Xtravagant
Imagine going to a home where both the husband and wife are successful, recognized, and respected doctors. Do you have a mental image?
Recently I had the opportunity to do that with a friend from high school. She and I were traveling from Ohio to Michigan to have a little reunion with another classmate from high school. I tried to imagine what I was going to find. I was battling with feelings of intimidation all the way there.
Driving up to their home, I was surprised by its simplicity. Nothing on the outside screamed of money, or pride, or extravagance. When we were invited in and given the “tour” I felt so welcomed. It was a lovely home, inviting and warm. It was beautifully decorated in its simplicity. The only room my friend claims to have “decorated” is a small half bath. And it is precious. The only extravagance I saw, and
I’m sure my husband wouldn’t see it as such, was the amazing sixty inch stove in the kitchen.
We had a wonderful visit. And as all good visits do, it ended much too soon. On the way home I chatted with my friend, but I was also carrying on an inner conversation with God. The clearest thing I heard was that extravagance needs to be on the inside—in our spirit. Just as it is with Him.
I spoke at a banquet not long ago and I shared that my least favorite question of the season is: “So, are you ready for Christmas?” The question begs at what things are still on your to do list, things like shopping and baking. I think the question misses the whole point of Christmas, what Christmas really is. Christmas is about God so lavishly loving the world that he gave his one and only son so that you and I might have life. And he didn’t come with fancy wrapping or trays of cookies.
My husband has always been the kind of person to buy extravagantly. Let’s just tell it like it is: he goes overboard. But it’s the way he is. He has no moderation button. He loves all out. And I really love that about him.
When I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the story Jesus tells: Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."Mark 12:40-42
That’s what we have to be ready to do. You know what’s really cool about my friends the doctors in Michigan? I think they’ve really figured out how to love that way. I may not be able to give a lot of gifts, but I can give my all whenever and wherever I can. Are you ready to be that ready?
Recently I had the opportunity to do that with a friend from high school. She and I were traveling from Ohio to Michigan to have a little reunion with another classmate from high school. I tried to imagine what I was going to find. I was battling with feelings of intimidation all the way there.
Driving up to their home, I was surprised by its simplicity. Nothing on the outside screamed of money, or pride, or extravagance. When we were invited in and given the “tour” I felt so welcomed. It was a lovely home, inviting and warm. It was beautifully decorated in its simplicity. The only room my friend claims to have “decorated” is a small half bath. And it is precious. The only extravagance I saw, and
I’m sure my husband wouldn’t see it as such, was the amazing sixty inch stove in the kitchen.
We had a wonderful visit. And as all good visits do, it ended much too soon. On the way home I chatted with my friend, but I was also carrying on an inner conversation with God. The clearest thing I heard was that extravagance needs to be on the inside—in our spirit. Just as it is with Him.
I spoke at a banquet not long ago and I shared that my least favorite question of the season is: “So, are you ready for Christmas?” The question begs at what things are still on your to do list, things like shopping and baking. I think the question misses the whole point of Christmas, what Christmas really is. Christmas is about God so lavishly loving the world that he gave his one and only son so that you and I might have life. And he didn’t come with fancy wrapping or trays of cookies.
My husband has always been the kind of person to buy extravagantly. Let’s just tell it like it is: he goes overboard. But it’s the way he is. He has no moderation button. He loves all out. And I really love that about him.
When I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the story Jesus tells: Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."Mark 12:40-42
That’s what we have to be ready to do. You know what’s really cool about my friends the doctors in Michigan? I think they’ve really figured out how to love that way. I may not be able to give a lot of gifts, but I can give my all whenever and wherever I can. Are you ready to be that ready?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Advent ABC's: Wonder
1. I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
2. When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
Now I have to admit this truly made me “wonder” a bit. This is one of my favorite renditions of this song. I really enjoy listening to Barbara Streisand, but how does a very Jewish girl sing with such passion about the Messiah?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZM0F30vQI
Then I found this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nuv1YYVK6Q
Whenever I used to start a conversation with “I wonder…” I was always told to be careful, if I wondered too far I’d get lost. Maybe getting lost in a little wonder wouldn’t be such a bad thing. I live with two cats and my almost four year old grandson is with us nearly every day. I am surrounded by constant wonder, curiosity and amazement.
It makes me sad that there is so little wonder. Everything is “amazing” or “awesome” and therefore nothing really seems to be. What makes you go “WOW!” clear down to your toes? What takes your breath away? What causes you to shake your head when you try to make sense of it? The Christmas story does that for me.
After 400 years of silence, of wondering where God was, he burst onto the scene in the most amazing and unexpected way. A baby, a manger, a carpenter, a teenage girl in a small town. Go figure. Go wonder.
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
2. When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
Now I have to admit this truly made me “wonder” a bit. This is one of my favorite renditions of this song. I really enjoy listening to Barbara Streisand, but how does a very Jewish girl sing with such passion about the Messiah?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXZM0F30vQI
Then I found this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nuv1YYVK6Q
Whenever I used to start a conversation with “I wonder…” I was always told to be careful, if I wondered too far I’d get lost. Maybe getting lost in a little wonder wouldn’t be such a bad thing. I live with two cats and my almost four year old grandson is with us nearly every day. I am surrounded by constant wonder, curiosity and amazement.
It makes me sad that there is so little wonder. Everything is “amazing” or “awesome” and therefore nothing really seems to be. What makes you go “WOW!” clear down to your toes? What takes your breath away? What causes you to shake your head when you try to make sense of it? The Christmas story does that for me.
After 400 years of silence, of wondering where God was, he burst onto the scene in the most amazing and unexpected way. A baby, a manger, a carpenter, a teenage girl in a small town. Go figure. Go wonder.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Advent ABC's: Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish. Proverbs 29:18
Early in my first pastorate I was told a story about a church that died. As the last few faithful were cleaning out the building they came upon an old plaque that appeared to have been made during VBS. Someone had picked the proverb about vision from above and glued macaroni letters onto a board and spray painted them gold. The child’s art project was very telling, perhaps even foretelling. On this dusty plaque, ignored and hidden, the message read: here there is no vision, the people perish. The meaning for changed, but true, with the loss of one letter.
Recently my friend Heidi handed me a book and told me I had to read it. There was such passion and sincerity in her words I couldn’t not comply. I want to buy a case and hand it out to everyone. The book is by Donald Miller and is entitled: “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, What I Learned While Editing My Life.” I can’t afford to go buy a case so when you get your Barnes and Noble gift cards get your very own or check it out of the library. He’s a little rough around the edges, but I get what he’s saying. Here’s something I read today:
I was watching the movie “Star Wars” recently and wondered what made that movie so good. Of course, there are a thousand reasons. But I also noticed that if I paused the DVD on any frame, I could point toward any major character and say exactly what that person wanted. No character had a vague ambition. It made me wonder if the reasons our lives seem so muddled is because we keep walking into scenes in which we, along with the people around us, have no clear idea what we want. (p. 113)
As I was thinking on these things, the wondering that seemed to bubble up in me was this: have you allowed God to give you a vision? Do you know what you want? What he wants for you? What he wants to do in you and through you? Don’t be like the people at the church and perish for a lack of a “w”…for lack of vision.
Early in my first pastorate I was told a story about a church that died. As the last few faithful were cleaning out the building they came upon an old plaque that appeared to have been made during VBS. Someone had picked the proverb about vision from above and glued macaroni letters onto a board and spray painted them gold. The child’s art project was very telling, perhaps even foretelling. On this dusty plaque, ignored and hidden, the message read: here there is no vision, the people perish. The meaning for changed, but true, with the loss of one letter.
Recently my friend Heidi handed me a book and told me I had to read it. There was such passion and sincerity in her words I couldn’t not comply. I want to buy a case and hand it out to everyone. The book is by Donald Miller and is entitled: “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, What I Learned While Editing My Life.” I can’t afford to go buy a case so when you get your Barnes and Noble gift cards get your very own or check it out of the library. He’s a little rough around the edges, but I get what he’s saying. Here’s something I read today:
I was watching the movie “Star Wars” recently and wondered what made that movie so good. Of course, there are a thousand reasons. But I also noticed that if I paused the DVD on any frame, I could point toward any major character and say exactly what that person wanted. No character had a vague ambition. It made me wonder if the reasons our lives seem so muddled is because we keep walking into scenes in which we, along with the people around us, have no clear idea what we want. (p. 113)
As I was thinking on these things, the wondering that seemed to bubble up in me was this: have you allowed God to give you a vision? Do you know what you want? What he wants for you? What he wants to do in you and through you? Don’t be like the people at the church and perish for a lack of a “w”…for lack of vision.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Advent ABC's: Undoing
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. Proverbs 18:7
5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6
18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. 1 John 3:18-19
I think out loud. It’s not good. I mean it works okay, but it is not without its difficulties. I end up apologizing a lot because the things I say haven’t been processed or fine tuned. It reminds me of a saying I must have heard a bazillion times from my dad: Engage brain before opening mouth. It was great advice, but really hard for someone with my personality and tendencies.
The word from John’s epistle seems to be a partial antidote to the problem. If we depend on our mouths and words to convince people that they are loved and treasured, we’re going to be sadly disappointed and a big disappointment. We need to balance and back up our words with actions. It really is true that people can’t hear what we’re saying because of what we’re doing.
It is also true that when our actions negate our words we have a problem. People are watching us for consistency and integrity. These are the currency of love. Will we take the time to invest or spend thoughtlessly?
As we move more deeply into holiday times and family gatherings, my prayer is that we will be more conscious of the words we speak, the actions that we share, and the love we want to communicate. God could have just told us his plan, but instead: God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)
5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6
18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. 1 John 3:18-19
I think out loud. It’s not good. I mean it works okay, but it is not without its difficulties. I end up apologizing a lot because the things I say haven’t been processed or fine tuned. It reminds me of a saying I must have heard a bazillion times from my dad: Engage brain before opening mouth. It was great advice, but really hard for someone with my personality and tendencies.
The word from John’s epistle seems to be a partial antidote to the problem. If we depend on our mouths and words to convince people that they are loved and treasured, we’re going to be sadly disappointed and a big disappointment. We need to balance and back up our words with actions. It really is true that people can’t hear what we’re saying because of what we’re doing.
It is also true that when our actions negate our words we have a problem. People are watching us for consistency and integrity. These are the currency of love. Will we take the time to invest or spend thoughtlessly?
As we move more deeply into holiday times and family gatherings, my prayer is that we will be more conscious of the words we speak, the actions that we share, and the love we want to communicate. God could have just told us his plan, but instead: God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)
Friday, December 18, 2009
Advent ABC's: Treasured Possession
17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. 18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised. (Deuteronomy 26:17-19, NIV)
What is your treasured possession? I asked my husband that yesterday as I was preparing to write this. He took several minutes to think about his answer. It was a thoughtful answer. It was an object, lovingly created, and generously given. I’m still trying to decide.
When I was in High School Values Clarification was quite popular. I vividly remember being in a group and being asked what three items I would grab to take with me if I was escaping from my house that was burning to the ground. I’m pretty sure that one of my grabbed items was my guitar (a scratched up 6 string I bought from my friend Dave Crosby for $25), my Bible (given to me by one of the most influential people in the development of my faith, Carol Held) was another, and it’s toss up as to what the third may have been—after all, it was nearly 40 years ago!
Is it hard for you to imagine that you are God’s treasured possession? It’s true. It’s what makes this Christmas thing possible. It’s what gives it meaning.
Perhaps the whole, “God loves you” thing is easy for you to grasp. I have to admit I envy you a bit if that’s the case. It took landing in a most unlovable place and having my husband, children, and friends still love me to finally get through to me.
God so loved…he gave. If His house was on fire, he would be sure to grab you.
What is your treasured possession? I asked my husband that yesterday as I was preparing to write this. He took several minutes to think about his answer. It was a thoughtful answer. It was an object, lovingly created, and generously given. I’m still trying to decide.
When I was in High School Values Clarification was quite popular. I vividly remember being in a group and being asked what three items I would grab to take with me if I was escaping from my house that was burning to the ground. I’m pretty sure that one of my grabbed items was my guitar (a scratched up 6 string I bought from my friend Dave Crosby for $25), my Bible (given to me by one of the most influential people in the development of my faith, Carol Held) was another, and it’s toss up as to what the third may have been—after all, it was nearly 40 years ago!
Is it hard for you to imagine that you are God’s treasured possession? It’s true. It’s what makes this Christmas thing possible. It’s what gives it meaning.
Perhaps the whole, “God loves you” thing is easy for you to grasp. I have to admit I envy you a bit if that’s the case. It took landing in a most unlovable place and having my husband, children, and friends still love me to finally get through to me.
God so loved…he gave. If His house was on fire, he would be sure to grab you.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Advent ABC's: Sing
1 Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Psalm 96:1
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Luke 19:40
This fall I had the really neat opportunity to reconnect with some old friends and make some new friends. It really left me feeling quite blessed. I was especially touched to have the opportunity to be in a worship service where one of my new friends “sang.” And she was so good, she did it without even opening her mouth. She sang with her hands. She’s an interpreter for the deaf community. And to say that she sings with her hands is to so minimize the beauty she brings to a song with her entire being.
Near the end of the weekend retreat we shared, I was able to tell her how much I appreciate and was moved by the way she “sang.” Several people around her agreed that it was special and how much we treasured her “voice.” She shared that she was indeed not much of a vocalist, but loved to sign. And, as you can imagine, the whole thing got me thinking.
In historical Advent practice, the traditional carols are not sung until the third Sunday. The point of Advent is to prepare and to jump right into Caroling and singing Christmas songs can cause us to miss out on some of the symbolism, ritual, and meaning of the season. To start singing “Joy to the World” on the first Sunday of Advent is like opening the presents before your parents get up on Christmas morning. We can keep saying that Jesus is the reason for the season, but if we don’t take time to seek him and listen for the message from the Angels and Shepherds, we miss the point.
Just for the record, I’m not a Scrooge or Grinch. I think we need to sing. I think we just need to know why and what we are singing. Angel choirs sang to announce Jesus birth. Then the crowd sang and lauded him as he rode “triumphantly” into Jerusalem right before he died. When the Pharisees wanted Jesus to hush the crowd then, he told them that if the people were silenced the stones would cry out. There’s just something natural about singing and Jesus, and singing about Jesus our Lord and King.
Now you may not feel like much of a vocalist, but you do have a voice and you need to use it to sing praise to the Lord of all the earth. Don’t let the stones steal your solo. What song will you sing for the new born King?
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Luke 19:40
This fall I had the really neat opportunity to reconnect with some old friends and make some new friends. It really left me feeling quite blessed. I was especially touched to have the opportunity to be in a worship service where one of my new friends “sang.” And she was so good, she did it without even opening her mouth. She sang with her hands. She’s an interpreter for the deaf community. And to say that she sings with her hands is to so minimize the beauty she brings to a song with her entire being.
Near the end of the weekend retreat we shared, I was able to tell her how much I appreciate and was moved by the way she “sang.” Several people around her agreed that it was special and how much we treasured her “voice.” She shared that she was indeed not much of a vocalist, but loved to sign. And, as you can imagine, the whole thing got me thinking.
In historical Advent practice, the traditional carols are not sung until the third Sunday. The point of Advent is to prepare and to jump right into Caroling and singing Christmas songs can cause us to miss out on some of the symbolism, ritual, and meaning of the season. To start singing “Joy to the World” on the first Sunday of Advent is like opening the presents before your parents get up on Christmas morning. We can keep saying that Jesus is the reason for the season, but if we don’t take time to seek him and listen for the message from the Angels and Shepherds, we miss the point.
Just for the record, I’m not a Scrooge or Grinch. I think we need to sing. I think we just need to know why and what we are singing. Angel choirs sang to announce Jesus birth. Then the crowd sang and lauded him as he rode “triumphantly” into Jerusalem right before he died. When the Pharisees wanted Jesus to hush the crowd then, he told them that if the people were silenced the stones would cry out. There’s just something natural about singing and Jesus, and singing about Jesus our Lord and King.
Now you may not feel like much of a vocalist, but you do have a voice and you need to use it to sing praise to the Lord of all the earth. Don’t let the stones steal your solo. What song will you sing for the new born King?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Advent ABC's: React
I tend to react. It’s not necessarily a trait I’m proud of. Oh, I know how to put a positive spin on it by saying I’m always alert and ready, flexible and changeable. Truth be told, reacting is the less disciplined and less responsible way to handle life. I also rehearse. I go over conversations in my head. I practice responses. I think about how I want to say something. I try to be ready with the witty answer. Chances are, though, in the moment, I’ll just react.
I was thinking about this today while reading Donald Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. I’m only halfway through the book and I want to buy a case and hand them out. As he was writing about the story we write with our lives, I thought about something I wrote recently about my Myers-Briggs Type. I’m an ENFP. Today I was thinking about how I have lived in to the FP parts of my personality. By depending on my feelings to make my judgments, I avoid having to think deeply on anything. Being all out there and unplanned, I avoid having to develop discipline.
So what do I do with this self-awareness? At nearly 53 years into this journey, I don’t think I’m going to change these things about myself, I can move towards a more balanced and developed personality. I draw great hope and comfort from Paul’s words to the Philippians: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (1:6, NLT)
My story isn’t done. Neither is yours. His work in and us and through isn’t done either. How will you let him develop you? How will you let him write in you and through you into the lives of others? I wonder how you will react to this…
I was thinking about this today while reading Donald Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. I’m only halfway through the book and I want to buy a case and hand them out. As he was writing about the story we write with our lives, I thought about something I wrote recently about my Myers-Briggs Type. I’m an ENFP. Today I was thinking about how I have lived in to the FP parts of my personality. By depending on my feelings to make my judgments, I avoid having to think deeply on anything. Being all out there and unplanned, I avoid having to develop discipline.
So what do I do with this self-awareness? At nearly 53 years into this journey, I don’t think I’m going to change these things about myself, I can move towards a more balanced and developed personality. I draw great hope and comfort from Paul’s words to the Philippians: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (1:6, NLT)
My story isn’t done. Neither is yours. His work in and us and through isn’t done either. How will you let him develop you? How will you let him write in you and through you into the lives of others? I wonder how you will react to this…
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Advent ABC's: Quiet Life
I will probably never be accused of being quiet. It was one of the things that really bothered my dad. He was always telling me to turn down my volume. He made a point to remind me to be quieter whenever I went out or to someone’s home. I laugh loud. I talk loud. I am just loud. So it was really hard for me to grasp what Paul was saying to the Thessalonians: 11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life (4:11, NLT). In terms of Myers-Briggs, I’m an ENFJ. I have ADD. So I’m an extrovert, who thinks out loud, and acts impulsively. How am I supposed to live a quiet life?
Just as shalom, peace, is not merely the absence of conflict, quiet is more than just the absence of noise. In a small but insightful book, “Nurturing Silence in a Noisy Heart”, Dr. Wayne Oates points out that the noise of daily life can keep one from listening to, and attending to, the whispers which are truly important. Ken Gire picks up on the same theme in his book on the reflective life: “The reflective life is a life that is attentive, receptive, and responsive to what God is doing in us and around us (p. 11, The Reflective Life).”
Keeping those thoughts in mind, I can begin to believe that a quiet life is achievable for even me. It also reminds me of one of my favorite parts of the Christmas story. Having just delivered the baby Jesus, laying in a stable surrounded by shepherds, being serenaded by angels, Mary held it all as treasure and pondered them in her heart. Mary demonstrated the reflective and quiet life. Will we be attentive and reflective or busy and noisy? The quiet life awaits.
Just as shalom, peace, is not merely the absence of conflict, quiet is more than just the absence of noise. In a small but insightful book, “Nurturing Silence in a Noisy Heart”, Dr. Wayne Oates points out that the noise of daily life can keep one from listening to, and attending to, the whispers which are truly important. Ken Gire picks up on the same theme in his book on the reflective life: “The reflective life is a life that is attentive, receptive, and responsive to what God is doing in us and around us (p. 11, The Reflective Life).”
Keeping those thoughts in mind, I can begin to believe that a quiet life is achievable for even me. It also reminds me of one of my favorite parts of the Christmas story. Having just delivered the baby Jesus, laying in a stable surrounded by shepherds, being serenaded by angels, Mary held it all as treasure and pondered them in her heart. Mary demonstrated the reflective and quiet life. Will we be attentive and reflective or busy and noisy? The quiet life awaits.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Advent ABC's: Overcoming
Are you an over or under achiever? Are you an over or under comer? Okay, I know that you won’t find undercomer in the dictionary—there’s a red squiggly line under it right now as I type. But for the moment let’s pretend there is, because if we can OVERcome then there must be some who UNDERcome.
In John’s first epistle he writes: 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:3-5, TNIV)
Gravity is a good thing. It holds onto us and keeps our things in place. It is a little frustrating as I get older that it seems to be pulling things down and I will never understand how the throw rugs move all on their own—but I digress. It also seems that there is another force that pulls us further into this world and it is not good. This force seems able to detect the weakest points of our resolve and character, and draws us into all sorts of evil and destruction. It is this later force that seeks to make us undercomers.
In his final teachings and words to the disciples, Jesus tells them this: 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) It’s a good verse, but it only implies what I want Jesus to say, nay shout quite clearly: you can be an overcomer, too! But he doesn’t. And why not?
This overcoming business is pretty tricky. I’ve seen in others, and personally experienced in myself, that when I have times of victory they can often go to my head. Truth be told, those victories can sometimes create a Superme attitude. At those times I take on too much and I become “overzealous.” The down side is that I’ve also seen spiritual or moral failure result in “Poor me” syndrome which leads to undercoming.
So I looked again at Jesus’ words as recorded in John, it occurred to me that perhaps I can pack my super cape away. What I really need is to just face each situation, each trial or sorrow, all the good and bad, one by one with Jesus by my side. I will be an overcomer when I come over in faith to him and allow him to guide me each step of the way.
In John’s first epistle he writes: 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:3-5, TNIV)
Gravity is a good thing. It holds onto us and keeps our things in place. It is a little frustrating as I get older that it seems to be pulling things down and I will never understand how the throw rugs move all on their own—but I digress. It also seems that there is another force that pulls us further into this world and it is not good. This force seems able to detect the weakest points of our resolve and character, and draws us into all sorts of evil and destruction. It is this later force that seeks to make us undercomers.
In his final teachings and words to the disciples, Jesus tells them this: 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) It’s a good verse, but it only implies what I want Jesus to say, nay shout quite clearly: you can be an overcomer, too! But he doesn’t. And why not?
This overcoming business is pretty tricky. I’ve seen in others, and personally experienced in myself, that when I have times of victory they can often go to my head. Truth be told, those victories can sometimes create a Superme attitude. At those times I take on too much and I become “overzealous.” The down side is that I’ve also seen spiritual or moral failure result in “Poor me” syndrome which leads to undercoming.
So I looked again at Jesus’ words as recorded in John, it occurred to me that perhaps I can pack my super cape away. What I really need is to just face each situation, each trial or sorrow, all the good and bad, one by one with Jesus by my side. I will be an overcomer when I come over in faith to him and allow him to guide me each step of the way.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Advent ABC's: Neglect
I just dusted and cobwebbed my house. I had to do that or I wouldn’t have been able to write today’s thought. Today is N. And the word that jumped off the page of my concordance at me was neglect. Ugh. Right before I looked at the concordance I was sitting at my desk scanning my bookshelf. My eyes came upon my copy of the “One Year Devotional Bible.” (Insert defeated sigh and shoulder shrug.) More neglect.
At my suggestion, our Curves is going to be open on New Year’s Day. I wanted to start the year right! I want to help our members set real goals that they can keep through the year. I want them to get to the end of the year and be amazed at how they didn’t forget, how they were able to achieve, and how good they feel about it all. Now, I know what that means: Tina is going to be doing a lot of work. My N word for the year will probably be NAG. I know if I don’t stay on them, they will likely forget their goals.
As I was running the duster around my house, pulling down more cobwebs than I care to own up to, I was wondering why God doesn’t nag? Why doesn’t he “get on us” more? Shouldn’t that be the job of the Holy Spirit? But I quickly repented of that way of thinking: nobody likes a nag. So how do we avoid spiritual neglect?
I closed my eyes and envisioned all my friends coming to my house and the cobwebs hung as thick as moss on the trees in South Carolina. It was so heavy and I was so terribly embarrassed. Thankfully, I’ve done better at keeping my house clean, but somehow those webs just develop. I have to stay on top, stay ahead of them.
Spiritually, it’s not so different. As I pondered how I would do better in the battle against neglect, I was reminded of the writer of Hebrew encouraging words: 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). The antidote to neglect is perseverance.
I remember early on in my years of sermon prep that I came across the difference between perseverance and endurance. The key difference is one of position. When you endure, it’s like having your shoulder to the stone; like you’re always under something. To persevere, on the other hand, is to be ahead. A second component is attitude. Perseverance’s attitude is positive and empowered, while endurance is weighted and fearful.
Scripture has some pretty scary things to say in warning us about neglecting our salvation, neglecting the needs of others, neglecting our relationships. We need to work at look at these things, including our spiritual life, from a more perseverance mindset. We can’t be afraid or weighted down, we need to
be empowered and out ahead.
So what have you been neglecting? Who? My house is pretty much cobweb free and I even dusted off that devotion to get it ready for next year. How about you?
At my suggestion, our Curves is going to be open on New Year’s Day. I wanted to start the year right! I want to help our members set real goals that they can keep through the year. I want them to get to the end of the year and be amazed at how they didn’t forget, how they were able to achieve, and how good they feel about it all. Now, I know what that means: Tina is going to be doing a lot of work. My N word for the year will probably be NAG. I know if I don’t stay on them, they will likely forget their goals.
As I was running the duster around my house, pulling down more cobwebs than I care to own up to, I was wondering why God doesn’t nag? Why doesn’t he “get on us” more? Shouldn’t that be the job of the Holy Spirit? But I quickly repented of that way of thinking: nobody likes a nag. So how do we avoid spiritual neglect?
I closed my eyes and envisioned all my friends coming to my house and the cobwebs hung as thick as moss on the trees in South Carolina. It was so heavy and I was so terribly embarrassed. Thankfully, I’ve done better at keeping my house clean, but somehow those webs just develop. I have to stay on top, stay ahead of them.
Spiritually, it’s not so different. As I pondered how I would do better in the battle against neglect, I was reminded of the writer of Hebrew encouraging words: 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). The antidote to neglect is perseverance.
I remember early on in my years of sermon prep that I came across the difference between perseverance and endurance. The key difference is one of position. When you endure, it’s like having your shoulder to the stone; like you’re always under something. To persevere, on the other hand, is to be ahead. A second component is attitude. Perseverance’s attitude is positive and empowered, while endurance is weighted and fearful.
Scripture has some pretty scary things to say in warning us about neglecting our salvation, neglecting the needs of others, neglecting our relationships. We need to work at look at these things, including our spiritual life, from a more perseverance mindset. We can’t be afraid or weighted down, we need to
be empowered and out ahead.
So what have you been neglecting? Who? My house is pretty much cobweb free and I even dusted off that devotion to get it ready for next year. How about you?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Advent ABC's: Myrrh
I googled: What are the most popular baby shower gifts, and this is what one site suggested:
Bouncy Seat
Baby monitor
Bedding
Baby sling
Activity gym
Bath kit
Library of children books
Out-and-about Kit
Sleep Kit
Set up a group of meal providers
And here I thought it was disposable diapers.
Any way you look at it, myrrh would probably not be on anybody’s 10 ten list! Someone suggested that if the gifts had come from Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men, the gifts would have been way more practical! Gold and frankincense were less likely to be questioned, but myrrh? Why would you give a new mother the equivalent of embalming fluid as a baby gift?
There are those who suggest that Jesus lived his whole life with the end in mind. Imagine how he must have felt coming into the carpenter shop to work with his Dad Joe. Carpenters didn’t just fashion furniture, there was pretty good money to be had for making coffins and crosses. Imagine Jesus fashioning a cross.
What can we learn from Jesus in this matter of living with the end in mind? What difference would it make in our everyday decisions and how we set our goals? If we thought the words we said to someone were the last words we would say, would be the last words someone would remember, would we speak more kindly, more directly, more honestly?
Bouncy Seat
Baby monitor
Bedding
Baby sling
Activity gym
Bath kit
Library of children books
Out-and-about Kit
Sleep Kit
Set up a group of meal providers
And here I thought it was disposable diapers.
Any way you look at it, myrrh would probably not be on anybody’s 10 ten list! Someone suggested that if the gifts had come from Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men, the gifts would have been way more practical! Gold and frankincense were less likely to be questioned, but myrrh? Why would you give a new mother the equivalent of embalming fluid as a baby gift?
There are those who suggest that Jesus lived his whole life with the end in mind. Imagine how he must have felt coming into the carpenter shop to work with his Dad Joe. Carpenters didn’t just fashion furniture, there was pretty good money to be had for making coffins and crosses. Imagine Jesus fashioning a cross.
What can we learn from Jesus in this matter of living with the end in mind? What difference would it make in our everyday decisions and how we set our goals? If we thought the words we said to someone were the last words we would say, would be the last words someone would remember, would we speak more kindly, more directly, more honestly?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Advent ABC's: Luck
During my years of pastoral ministry, I had the privilege of working as assistant pastor to an extremely gifted man, Lester Clark. I learned so much from him. One of the things that shapes who I am and how I function can be directly attributed to Pastor Clark’s teaching. He didn’t believe in luck. He was so convinced on this matter that he didn’t call carry-in dinners Pot Lucks, he called them Pot Blessings.
Luck is defined as “a combination of circumstances, events, etc., operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person” (dictionary.com). Synonyms for luck include: happenstance, karma, and fortuitousness. For me the reason I don’t believe in luck is in the essence or definition: the idea of chance. Chance meeting. What are the chances of that happening?
If we believe in luck, then we would believe that it was fortuitous that Mary was betrothed to kind-hearted Joseph, a man who would go completely against the norm and go ahead and take her as his wife. We consider them quite fortunate for having shown up at the only inn with a stable still available and an inn keeper’s wife with a conscience when it came to sending a woman about to deliver out into the night. I don’t believe it was luck. I believe was God was working all things for good.
Another place where I don’t luck, but see God is in the ways our paths cross at just the right time with people who touch and change our lives. When I was teaching classes in my last job, I would share with the class at the outset that I didn’t know why we were together, but that I completely believe that God put us there on purpose and for a purpose. I would refer to 1 Corinthians 12:18b: God has put each part just where he wants it (NLT).
Are you feeling lucky, or blessed? How do you look at and consider the circumstances of your life? Have you missed any divine appointments lately? Have you snarled about an inconvenience or interruption recently instead of considering God was working for your good or the good of someone around you? Consider changing your perspective and don’t leave anything to chance.
Luck is defined as “a combination of circumstances, events, etc., operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person” (dictionary.com). Synonyms for luck include: happenstance, karma, and fortuitousness. For me the reason I don’t believe in luck is in the essence or definition: the idea of chance. Chance meeting. What are the chances of that happening?
If we believe in luck, then we would believe that it was fortuitous that Mary was betrothed to kind-hearted Joseph, a man who would go completely against the norm and go ahead and take her as his wife. We consider them quite fortunate for having shown up at the only inn with a stable still available and an inn keeper’s wife with a conscience when it came to sending a woman about to deliver out into the night. I don’t believe it was luck. I believe was God was working all things for good.
Another place where I don’t luck, but see God is in the ways our paths cross at just the right time with people who touch and change our lives. When I was teaching classes in my last job, I would share with the class at the outset that I didn’t know why we were together, but that I completely believe that God put us there on purpose and for a purpose. I would refer to 1 Corinthians 12:18b: God has put each part just where he wants it (NLT).
Are you feeling lucky, or blessed? How do you look at and consider the circumstances of your life? Have you missed any divine appointments lately? Have you snarled about an inconvenience or interruption recently instead of considering God was working for your good or the good of someone around you? Consider changing your perspective and don’t leave anything to chance.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Advent ABC's: Kick Against the Goad
He marched into the office where Pepa and I were working on our computers. Came right over to my chair and spun me around, and proceded to climb up into my lap. He didn't say a word. He didn't have to. It's Wednesday evening at 6:30. He needed a nap. It had been the same last week, but then we had loaded into the car to head for church. I finished buckling him in and was just getting into my seat when he asked, "Would it be all right if I slept on the way?" We hadn't gone two blocks before he was fall over the seat asleep.
So tonight, with his head nestled into my shoulder, I began to rock in my chair and sing the ABC Lullaby:
Apples for babies, cats, and dogs. Elephants, foxes, giraffes and hogs. Ice cream. Jelly beans. Kangaroos and llamas. Monkey's nose. Ostrich toes. Penguins quietly race on snow. Turkey umbrellas. Violin's wings. Xylophones. Yo-yos. Zebras.
I probably sang it about ten times and I stopped to listen to his deep, rest-full breaths. Down for the count.
The ABC Lullaby is something I came up with right after the birth of our granddaughter six years ago. I sang it to her every day of her first six months. Then she and her mommy moved and started a new life. They added a baby brother to their family and he heard the song, but not nearly as much. But it was the third grandchild who has owned the song as his.
A few weeks ago, he seemed so tired and out of sorts that I pulled him onto my lap and started to sing--hoping for both our sakes that he would fall asleep. He wanted no part of it. He put his hand over my mouth to keep me from singing. He looked up and tiredly explained, "I don't want to sleep."
Isn't that just like us? We know what we need, but hold up our hand, telling loved ones and maybe even God that we really don't want it. We don't want to change. We don't want to give or forgive. We don't want move on. We don't want to try. We just can't right now. We know in our heart of hearts we really do, so why not give in, give up, go on? What song have you been fighting against hearing? What message have you tried to avoid?
Today's Advent ABC letter is K. For some reason the phrase, "Kick agains the goads" came to mind. It's not a phrase we hear or use much these days. It refers to the poke or prod that is given to move or direct cattle or donkeys. It can be pretty sharp and painful for the animal being directed, and often they will rear up or kick up against the poke.
Sometimes the pokes or prods come gently as a word from a friend, but sometimes it's more like smack upside the head. What will it take to get your attention? And will you listen, move, obey? Aren't you tired of fighting, of kicking against the goads?
So tonight, with his head nestled into my shoulder, I began to rock in my chair and sing the ABC Lullaby:
Apples for babies, cats, and dogs. Elephants, foxes, giraffes and hogs. Ice cream. Jelly beans. Kangaroos and llamas. Monkey's nose. Ostrich toes. Penguins quietly race on snow. Turkey umbrellas. Violin's wings. Xylophones. Yo-yos. Zebras.
I probably sang it about ten times and I stopped to listen to his deep, rest-full breaths. Down for the count.
The ABC Lullaby is something I came up with right after the birth of our granddaughter six years ago. I sang it to her every day of her first six months. Then she and her mommy moved and started a new life. They added a baby brother to their family and he heard the song, but not nearly as much. But it was the third grandchild who has owned the song as his.
A few weeks ago, he seemed so tired and out of sorts that I pulled him onto my lap and started to sing--hoping for both our sakes that he would fall asleep. He wanted no part of it. He put his hand over my mouth to keep me from singing. He looked up and tiredly explained, "I don't want to sleep."
Isn't that just like us? We know what we need, but hold up our hand, telling loved ones and maybe even God that we really don't want it. We don't want to change. We don't want to give or forgive. We don't want move on. We don't want to try. We just can't right now. We know in our heart of hearts we really do, so why not give in, give up, go on? What song have you been fighting against hearing? What message have you tried to avoid?
Today's Advent ABC letter is K. For some reason the phrase, "Kick agains the goads" came to mind. It's not a phrase we hear or use much these days. It refers to the poke or prod that is given to move or direct cattle or donkeys. It can be pretty sharp and painful for the animal being directed, and often they will rear up or kick up against the poke.
Sometimes the pokes or prods come gently as a word from a friend, but sometimes it's more like smack upside the head. What will it take to get your attention? And will you listen, move, obey? Aren't you tired of fighting, of kicking against the goads?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Advent ABC's: Joseph
I’m thinking about Joseph today. He doesn’t get near the press that Mary does. I, for one, think that’s unfair.
I wonder if Joseph grew up being reminded of ancestral namesake. Joseph who endured ridicule, prison, and completely undeserved punishment. Joseph who had the opportunity to squash his cruel brothers like bugs when they came begging for food. Joseph who firmly lived and believed: what you intended for harm, God intended for good. Joseph the great model of forgiveness.
Joseph demonstrated an amazing spiritual maturity. How hard it must have been for him to go against the norm and not send Mary away. He was righteous, but kind. He was sensitive to Mary’s situation, but it wasn’t until the angel visited him that he began to see that he had a greater role in this plan of God’s. How would we have handled the news, the whispers, God’s plan, our part if we were in Joseph’s shoes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYF_qtSfDA
I wonder if Joseph grew up being reminded of ancestral namesake. Joseph who endured ridicule, prison, and completely undeserved punishment. Joseph who had the opportunity to squash his cruel brothers like bugs when they came begging for food. Joseph who firmly lived and believed: what you intended for harm, God intended for good. Joseph the great model of forgiveness.
Joseph demonstrated an amazing spiritual maturity. How hard it must have been for him to go against the norm and not send Mary away. He was righteous, but kind. He was sensitive to Mary’s situation, but it wasn’t until the angel visited him that he began to see that he had a greater role in this plan of God’s. How would we have handled the news, the whispers, God’s plan, our part if we were in Joseph’s shoes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYF_qtSfDA
Monday, December 7, 2009
Advent ABC's: Imitators
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)
Imitations. Does that bring a good or bad image to your mind? When I think of imitations one of the first things to come to mind are the cheap, poor copies of Barbie that I had as a child. I longed for the real thing, but the closest I ever got was a Woolworth’s imitation. Recently I shared a recipe for Seafood Lasagna with a friend and it called for “imitation crab.” She asked if she could use the real thing because neither she nor her husband liked the fake stuff. They were quite happy with the results when the opted use the real thing.
Thinking of today’s admonition to imitate God fills me with a little trepidation. Over the years I’ve seen some really bad imitations and imitators. My own example is not without moments of pitiful reflection. Thankfully, the period doesn’t come after the instruction. Have you ever considered what a difference it makes to know that you are a dearly loved child, that you are loved so much that Jesus gave himself up as a sacrifice for us out of love?
Some of the poorest examples are the result of playing at something folks “know” they are supposed to get and do, but don’t really understand. It reminds me of a guy in college who when the altar call was extended went and literally crawled upon the altar. He was trying to lay his all on the altar. He didn’t understand that God was asking for his life. Fortunately, he stuck around long enough to figure it out—both for him and the many hundreds of kids he worked with as a pastor.
So as we wade deeper into this time of preparation and readying, I wonder if it wouldn’t be good to spend some time at the spiritual mirror. When you think about seeing yourself as God sees you, what do you see? How’s your IQ, your imitation quotient? It will be seen in the way that you both receive and give love.
Imitations. Does that bring a good or bad image to your mind? When I think of imitations one of the first things to come to mind are the cheap, poor copies of Barbie that I had as a child. I longed for the real thing, but the closest I ever got was a Woolworth’s imitation. Recently I shared a recipe for Seafood Lasagna with a friend and it called for “imitation crab.” She asked if she could use the real thing because neither she nor her husband liked the fake stuff. They were quite happy with the results when the opted use the real thing.
Thinking of today’s admonition to imitate God fills me with a little trepidation. Over the years I’ve seen some really bad imitations and imitators. My own example is not without moments of pitiful reflection. Thankfully, the period doesn’t come after the instruction. Have you ever considered what a difference it makes to know that you are a dearly loved child, that you are loved so much that Jesus gave himself up as a sacrifice for us out of love?
Some of the poorest examples are the result of playing at something folks “know” they are supposed to get and do, but don’t really understand. It reminds me of a guy in college who when the altar call was extended went and literally crawled upon the altar. He was trying to lay his all on the altar. He didn’t understand that God was asking for his life. Fortunately, he stuck around long enough to figure it out—both for him and the many hundreds of kids he worked with as a pastor.
So as we wade deeper into this time of preparation and readying, I wonder if it wouldn’t be good to spend some time at the spiritual mirror. When you think about seeing yourself as God sees you, what do you see? How’s your IQ, your imitation quotient? It will be seen in the way that you both receive and give love.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Advent ABC's: Humble
Jesus invited the weary ones to come to him, to learn from him, for he was gentle and humble. Gentleness, as we discussed yesterday, is strength under control. Jesus exhibited that strength in his incarnation. He was very God and very Man. For me, that’s like trying to comprehend the national debt: it’s just too big to wrap my brain around.
So how shall we understand Jesus’ humility? It seems to be easier to identify what humbleness is by saying what it isn’t. For sure, it isn’t arrogant or proud. Innate to humility is the attitude of serving other. Paul speaks to this issue of humility in the same passage we read yesterday: 7but [he] made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:7-8)
In “Baker’s Dictionary of Theology,” the entry regarding humility uses such phrases as unselfconscious and selfless. I can’t imagine that this image did much to inspire the crowds. They were oppressed. They wanted a hero Messiah who would restore them to power and respect. Jesus wanted them to learn how to keep their strength reined in and put others first. He seems to expound on this in the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, especially when he tells them to go the other mile and turn the other cheek.
Yet somehow this must have resonated in the hearts of those who loved and followed him. In Peterson’s “The Message” he uses a phrase in his translation of the Matthew 11 passage, “Learn the unforced rhythm of grace.” Their souls craved that rhythm. They longed for what would set them aright. They needed to get back to original plan.
Did you know that the root for our word humble and humility is humus, dirt or ground? What was it that we were created from? In Genesis 2, it says that God formed the man from the dust of the ground. Humbleness is in our DNA, Jesus came to bring us back to who and how were created. He was born as a baby, in poverty. He lived a simple life, serving others, loving others, healing others. But his ultimate demonstration of humility and obedience was his acceptance of your sin and mine as he died upon that cross.
How will you learn of him this Advent? Where will you find and share gentleness and humility?
So how shall we understand Jesus’ humility? It seems to be easier to identify what humbleness is by saying what it isn’t. For sure, it isn’t arrogant or proud. Innate to humility is the attitude of serving other. Paul speaks to this issue of humility in the same passage we read yesterday: 7but [he] made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:7-8)
In “Baker’s Dictionary of Theology,” the entry regarding humility uses such phrases as unselfconscious and selfless. I can’t imagine that this image did much to inspire the crowds. They were oppressed. They wanted a hero Messiah who would restore them to power and respect. Jesus wanted them to learn how to keep their strength reined in and put others first. He seems to expound on this in the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, especially when he tells them to go the other mile and turn the other cheek.
Yet somehow this must have resonated in the hearts of those who loved and followed him. In Peterson’s “The Message” he uses a phrase in his translation of the Matthew 11 passage, “Learn the unforced rhythm of grace.” Their souls craved that rhythm. They longed for what would set them aright. They needed to get back to original plan.
Did you know that the root for our word humble and humility is humus, dirt or ground? What was it that we were created from? In Genesis 2, it says that God formed the man from the dust of the ground. Humbleness is in our DNA, Jesus came to bring us back to who and how were created. He was born as a baby, in poverty. He lived a simple life, serving others, loving others, healing others. But his ultimate demonstration of humility and obedience was his acceptance of your sin and mine as he died upon that cross.
How will you learn of him this Advent? Where will you find and share gentleness and humility?
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Advent ABC's: Gentle
Learn from me, for I am gentle. Jesus could have said, “Learn from me because I say so. Because I am almighty, omnipotent, omniscient, holy, wise, eternal, God. “ But he bi-passed all those for gentle.
When you think of gentle, what comes to mind? Is it a strong word or a weak one? I don’t consider it very power-full, or very masculine. I read somewhere, many years ago, that gentleness is not weakness, but in fact strength under control. The image that comes to mind for me is a man’s large strong hand. In a fit of anger it might punch a hole in the wall, but it can also tenderly hold a child.
Paul writes to the Philippians that: 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (Philippians 2:5-6) He set aside all the qualities and attributes of God and crawled into human flesh. We read of incidents during his ministry where he did not rely on his Godness. He had all the power, but he controlled it.
What could you learn from Jesus’ gentleness?
When you think of gentle, what comes to mind? Is it a strong word or a weak one? I don’t consider it very power-full, or very masculine. I read somewhere, many years ago, that gentleness is not weakness, but in fact strength under control. The image that comes to mind for me is a man’s large strong hand. In a fit of anger it might punch a hole in the wall, but it can also tenderly hold a child.
Paul writes to the Philippians that: 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (Philippians 2:5-6) He set aside all the qualities and attributes of God and crawled into human flesh. We read of incidents during his ministry where he did not rely on his Godness. He had all the power, but he controlled it.
What could you learn from Jesus’ gentleness?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Advent ABC's: Freedom
It’s an epic movie moment. Mel Gibson as William Wallace, in the movie “Braveheart”, raises his sword and calls them to unite: “They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”
When you think of freedom, what comes to mind? Are you more of the patriotic ilk and you immediately think and thank those who gave their lives to protect our American way of life? Does your mind go to younger days when freedom meant an afternoon of playing outside until the street lights came on? Or do you start singing the old hymn “Glorious Freedom”? We are told that the truth will set us free. What truth and free from what? Jesus in his first recorded “sermon” read from Isaiah that the Messiah would bring freedom to the captive.
Freedom was not a new concept to the children of God. The Old Testament scriptures contain numerous references to freedom. In Psalms there is a particularly interesting verse: I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. (119:45, NLT) Freedom does not imply lack of restraints. In part, we find freedom when we live within the limitations prescribed for us.
Paul writes to the Galatians: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (5:1, NIV) Freedom is a precious gift from God. Nothing in this life is worth giving it up for.
When you think of freedom, what comes to mind? Are you more of the patriotic ilk and you immediately think and thank those who gave their lives to protect our American way of life? Does your mind go to younger days when freedom meant an afternoon of playing outside until the street lights came on? Or do you start singing the old hymn “Glorious Freedom”? We are told that the truth will set us free. What truth and free from what? Jesus in his first recorded “sermon” read from Isaiah that the Messiah would bring freedom to the captive.
Freedom was not a new concept to the children of God. The Old Testament scriptures contain numerous references to freedom. In Psalms there is a particularly interesting verse: I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. (119:45, NLT) Freedom does not imply lack of restraints. In part, we find freedom when we live within the limitations prescribed for us.
Paul writes to the Galatians: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (5:1, NIV) Freedom is a precious gift from God. Nothing in this life is worth giving it up for.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Advent ABC's: Eat
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
When I was growing up, dinner was always at 6:00PM. We were expected to be there. We were expected to eat everything on our plates. I never expected to enjoy it. My mother would cook, but never ate with us. My father sat at the head of the table and after a quick reciting of GodisgreatGodisgood;letusthankhimforourfoodAmen, he would just as quickly announce: Sit up, shut up, and eat. Little was said and that was always for the better.
During high school, I loved the times when a bunch of us would go out to eat. I loved when we would go out to places like Farrells or Elby’s. It was a treat to just sit at McDonalds and have a cocoa and apple pie. College expanded the meal time experience. The cafeteria was small then and we would go in to eat late and just sit there and drink coffee and talk and laugh long after the kitchen closed.
While I was in college I also traveled with music and ministry groups. I was utterly amazed at how people opened there homes to us and oh how they fed us. So it’s not hard to see why this invitation to eat with Jesus drew me into such a special place with him.
It must have meant a lot to those who Jesus ate with while he was here on earth ministering, too. Think about Zacchaeus. He had to climb into a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but Jesus picked him out and invited himself to Zach’s house for dinner. It was life changing for Zach. Simon the Pharisee could have quite the same experience, but he didn’t seem to be open to really sharing that meal as Jesus’ friend. Makes me sad for what he missed.
As we move further into this Advent season and prepare to receive the real Gift of Christmas this verse presses two points on my heart and mind. First, will we be able to hear or sense Jesus knocking at our door, or will we be too busy or not even at home? We wouldn’t want to miss sharing a meal with this Friend. And will we be open to sharing table with others? On Thanksgiving morning last week I was chatting with a friend online. Casually I asked what her plans were, not even imagining that she wouldn’t have any. The thought of her spending the day alone was more than I could stomach. After a little cajoling she joined us for dinner. It was pure delight to have her with us. But it made me realize that there were probably others eating alone. I won’t ever assume again that they have plans—I will ask. Won’t you?
Not every meal can be like eating at Farrells, but there’s joy to be had in the sharing of little when it’s shared with friends.
When I was growing up, dinner was always at 6:00PM. We were expected to be there. We were expected to eat everything on our plates. I never expected to enjoy it. My mother would cook, but never ate with us. My father sat at the head of the table and after a quick reciting of GodisgreatGodisgood;letusthankhimforourfoodAmen, he would just as quickly announce: Sit up, shut up, and eat. Little was said and that was always for the better.
During high school, I loved the times when a bunch of us would go out to eat. I loved when we would go out to places like Farrells or Elby’s. It was a treat to just sit at McDonalds and have a cocoa and apple pie. College expanded the meal time experience. The cafeteria was small then and we would go in to eat late and just sit there and drink coffee and talk and laugh long after the kitchen closed.
While I was in college I also traveled with music and ministry groups. I was utterly amazed at how people opened there homes to us and oh how they fed us. So it’s not hard to see why this invitation to eat with Jesus drew me into such a special place with him.
It must have meant a lot to those who Jesus ate with while he was here on earth ministering, too. Think about Zacchaeus. He had to climb into a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but Jesus picked him out and invited himself to Zach’s house for dinner. It was life changing for Zach. Simon the Pharisee could have quite the same experience, but he didn’t seem to be open to really sharing that meal as Jesus’ friend. Makes me sad for what he missed.
As we move further into this Advent season and prepare to receive the real Gift of Christmas this verse presses two points on my heart and mind. First, will we be able to hear or sense Jesus knocking at our door, or will we be too busy or not even at home? We wouldn’t want to miss sharing a meal with this Friend. And will we be open to sharing table with others? On Thanksgiving morning last week I was chatting with a friend online. Casually I asked what her plans were, not even imagining that she wouldn’t have any. The thought of her spending the day alone was more than I could stomach. After a little cajoling she joined us for dinner. It was pure delight to have her with us. But it made me realize that there were probably others eating alone. I won’t ever assume again that they have plans—I will ask. Won’t you?
Not every meal can be like eating at Farrells, but there’s joy to be had in the sharing of little when it’s shared with friends.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Advent ABC's: Discouragement
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and 6 my God! Psalm 42:5
The words to the old gospel song ask: Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come? …When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he
watches me.
When I went to the online concordance to read what the scriptures had to say about discouragement, I was surprised by what I found. The majority of references to discourage were preceded by the phrase, “don’t be afraid.” Fear and discouragement are linked. Now I’m imagining that there are as many reasons to be discouraged as there are to be afraid. They will differ with the individual and their makeup. And I guess the connection makes sense when you consider that to be dis-couraged is to be without courage.
I also read Psalm 42 with a whole new perspective. Read verse 5 above. Read it quickly. Do not camp out at the end of the second question. That’s our tendency, isn’t it? We pitch our tent somewhere between Discouragement Village and Sadness City. But it seems to me that the writer of the Psalm wants to us to reconsider our pausing at that point. There’s no camping, no pity-me party, none of it! There is the resoluteness of the hymn writer: How can I be discouraged when Jesus is my portion? How can I be sad when my hope is in the God whose eye is ever on me? On you.
Perhaps this year has held changes that have felt way more than you could bear. Huge losses. Intense heartache. It may have seemed like you were swimming in a sea of why questions. The Psalmist doesn’t seem to wait for an answer for his why questions, he just automatically moves to hope and praise for his Savior and his God. Is it time to stop paddling in that same old pool? Is it time to surrender why to hope and praise?
Maybe you want to sing along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOm2mMusqUw
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and 6 my God! Psalm 42:5
The words to the old gospel song ask: Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come? …When Jesus is my portion, a constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he
watches me.
When I went to the online concordance to read what the scriptures had to say about discouragement, I was surprised by what I found. The majority of references to discourage were preceded by the phrase, “don’t be afraid.” Fear and discouragement are linked. Now I’m imagining that there are as many reasons to be discouraged as there are to be afraid. They will differ with the individual and their makeup. And I guess the connection makes sense when you consider that to be dis-couraged is to be without courage.
I also read Psalm 42 with a whole new perspective. Read verse 5 above. Read it quickly. Do not camp out at the end of the second question. That’s our tendency, isn’t it? We pitch our tent somewhere between Discouragement Village and Sadness City. But it seems to me that the writer of the Psalm wants to us to reconsider our pausing at that point. There’s no camping, no pity-me party, none of it! There is the resoluteness of the hymn writer: How can I be discouraged when Jesus is my portion? How can I be sad when my hope is in the God whose eye is ever on me? On you.
Perhaps this year has held changes that have felt way more than you could bear. Huge losses. Intense heartache. It may have seemed like you were swimming in a sea of why questions. The Psalmist doesn’t seem to wait for an answer for his why questions, he just automatically moves to hope and praise for his Savior and his God. Is it time to stop paddling in that same old pool? Is it time to surrender why to hope and praise?
Maybe you want to sing along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOm2mMusqUw
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Advent ABC's: Camels
Swallowed any camels lately? In Matthew 23, Jesus is really coming down pretty hard on the religious establishment, the Pharisees. He calls them blind guides and hypocrites more than once in the tirade. Jesus seems very concerned that they attempt to make a really good presentation, but lack the inner substance to back it up. They were majoring in the minors and leaving the camel in the middle of the room unattended…and what a mess that ended up making of things!
How many of our homes are decorated for Christmas, both inside and out, but our hearts are sorely unattended to? How many parties and functions will we go to, dressed in our holiday best, but not even considering our spiritual attire? How many gifts will be purchased to impress spouses, lovers, kids and grandkids, bosses, and friends while the greatest gift we can give to the One who deserves it most will be either ignored or stretched so thin that little would even remain to give?
I read a post online by someone recently who was going on about how much they love Advent. They love the songs, the parties, the shopping, the eats. It made my heart sad. The purpose of Advent is not to get the world around us ready for the biggest gift giving day of the year. The purpose of Advent is to reflect on the greatest gift ever given and to be sure that our hearts are ready to receive it.
The Wisemen rode camels to find Jesus. That seems a much wiser thing to do than to swallow one and miss the Master.
How many of our homes are decorated for Christmas, both inside and out, but our hearts are sorely unattended to? How many parties and functions will we go to, dressed in our holiday best, but not even considering our spiritual attire? How many gifts will be purchased to impress spouses, lovers, kids and grandkids, bosses, and friends while the greatest gift we can give to the One who deserves it most will be either ignored or stretched so thin that little would even remain to give?
I read a post online by someone recently who was going on about how much they love Advent. They love the songs, the parties, the shopping, the eats. It made my heart sad. The purpose of Advent is not to get the world around us ready for the biggest gift giving day of the year. The purpose of Advent is to reflect on the greatest gift ever given and to be sure that our hearts are ready to receive it.
The Wisemen rode camels to find Jesus. That seems a much wiser thing to do than to swallow one and miss the Master.
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