This morning's Gospel reading included the section of Matthew 6 which contains "The Lord's Prayer." In Matthew, the prayer is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It is not (as recorded elsewhere) in response to a request from the disciples that he would teach them to pray. The prayer is among Jesus' instructions; the prayer is intertwined with his sermon.
He does introduce the prayer by telling us that some pray for mixed reasons. There are some (he calls them "Gentiles") who "heap up empty phrases", thinking "that they will be heard for their many words."
He begins, "Our Father....:"
When we are together, we often pray this prayer. I realized some time back, that too often this prayer was becoming a method for signaling that our time together was at an end. We finish our Bible study, we repeat together the Lord's Prayer. The business of the Council is over, we close with the Lord's Prayer. It is always appropriate to pray this prayer, so long as it is "prayed," and not "said together" as a way of dismissing folks to their other activities. When used in this way, it concerns me that even this wonderful prayer has become "empty phrases."
God forbid that we would ever allow the phrases of this prayer to become "empty."
I imagine most of us know this prayer by heart. Knowing it by heart, it is easy to repeat it from memorization. Memorizing something differs significantly from knowing something by heart. In the case of the latter, we have taken the thing into us and have made it part of the life-blood that courses through us and all that we do. It isn't recalling a collection of words and phrases; it is exposing what is at the very core of our being.
We will continue to pray together the Lord's Prayer. In so doing, we are reminded of the petitions which should go into every prayer. Let us promise each other than when we repeat these often repeated words, we will reflect (and perhaps share) how this ancient prayer is taking new roots in our life with this recitation.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, February 24
I am often invited to offer letters of recommendation for students applying for jobs or graduate studies. I am honored with each invitation and pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on the student, on our time together, and to celebrate the many gifts God has poured into their lives. The letter (or these days the on-line form) is not the "recommendation." The recommendation is the affirmation of my heart that here is a person whom God has enabled to do so many things.
II Corinthians 3 begins with Paul asking the reader, "Do we need letters of recommendation to you?" He then goes on to say, "you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
I am also in a position to bear testimony to these letters - to the recommendations which are inscribed on your hearts, written by the Spirit of God. I not only get to observe your aptitude for excellence in the classroom, but more importantly how it is that your faith shines forth in your life. These are the letters of recommendation most precious to us and so essential to our lives.
Think of your own letter - for yourself or for others around you. What do the paragraphs contain? Identify the strengths; acknowledge the weaknesses. And remember that no one is selected to be a lone ranger, we all become members of a team. What are the traits, needed by your team members, in order for you to be prepared for whatever may come?
"You are a letter from Christ.... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
II Corinthians 3 begins with Paul asking the reader, "Do we need letters of recommendation to you?" He then goes on to say, "you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
I am also in a position to bear testimony to these letters - to the recommendations which are inscribed on your hearts, written by the Spirit of God. I not only get to observe your aptitude for excellence in the classroom, but more importantly how it is that your faith shines forth in your life. These are the letters of recommendation most precious to us and so essential to our lives.
Think of your own letter - for yourself or for others around you. What do the paragraphs contain? Identify the strengths; acknowledge the weaknesses. And remember that no one is selected to be a lone ranger, we all become members of a team. What are the traits, needed by your team members, in order for you to be prepared for whatever may come?
"You are a letter from Christ.... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, February 23
Sometimes, faithfully living out the Gospel, means speaking a harsh word.
This morning I was reading from II Corinthians. Midway into the first chapter, Paul says, "I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit." Details of an earlier "painful visit" are not given, but we can assume that Paul had come to Corinth to "remind" them of the message and to encourage them to "stand firm" in the faith.
The harsh word need not be a word spoken in anger. Much of what follows in this chapter is Paul's attempt to make it clear that he was not angry with them, he has forgiven them, and asks their forgiveness. He is not angry; he is being true to the message of Christ.
Perhaps this is where we have missed the mark and begun to associate harsh words with inappropriate words. It can be difficult to speak a harsh word which is not angry. Maybe we put off speaking the word until the anger has taken root. We avoid until we can't avoid any longer and we simply explode.
There may have been an explosion in Corinth. Paul felt the need to speak of forgiveness. But what we do know is that speaking this word made it possible for the community to go on. Remembering the Word of God brought them back to the place they needed to be. Remaining silent may have prevented painful interactions, but it would not have enabled them to be in the place where God would have them be. Speaking the harsh word restored them to the community which appropriately bears the name of Christ.
Sometimes, faithfully living out the Gospel, means speaking a harsh word.
This morning I was reading from II Corinthians. Midway into the first chapter, Paul says, "I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit." Details of an earlier "painful visit" are not given, but we can assume that Paul had come to Corinth to "remind" them of the message and to encourage them to "stand firm" in the faith.
The harsh word need not be a word spoken in anger. Much of what follows in this chapter is Paul's attempt to make it clear that he was not angry with them, he has forgiven them, and asks their forgiveness. He is not angry; he is being true to the message of Christ.
Perhaps this is where we have missed the mark and begun to associate harsh words with inappropriate words. It can be difficult to speak a harsh word which is not angry. Maybe we put off speaking the word until the anger has taken root. We avoid until we can't avoid any longer and we simply explode.
There may have been an explosion in Corinth. Paul felt the need to speak of forgiveness. But what we do know is that speaking this word made it possible for the community to go on. Remembering the Word of God brought them back to the place they needed to be. Remaining silent may have prevented painful interactions, but it would not have enabled them to be in the place where God would have them be. Speaking the harsh word restored them to the community which appropriately bears the name of Christ.
Sometimes, faithfully living out the Gospel, means speaking a harsh word.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, February 22
I was in a conversation yesterday with a person from a differing theological background. I made sure that the conversation included my standard, "I am a Lutheran (in part) because the Lutheran tradition does not have a doctrine of church - we do not consider ourselves The Church, but a theological movement within the Church." Thus, we can articulate this theological position without ever needing to determine whether our input is the "correct" one, or if the position taken by another might be right. We are committed to helping the whole church understand God's Word and live our God's will. We refuse to say that one group is doing this right and the other wrong.
The conversation arose around a topic of great import. "What is the purpose of a Christian life?" My conversation partner held the understanding of "being saved and gaining access to heaven." Gently (gentleness is always a matter of perception) I tried to suggest another way of looking at the question. Sure, salvation's last enemy is death. We need not fear the grave. Eternity is ours. But making access to heaven our reason for following Jesus seems to be a bit narcissistic.
I returned to yesterday's conversation when I turned in my devotional guide to today's readings. Contained there is the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. It words are often repeated, appropriately so. I remind you of them today and I encourage you to look for opportunities to live them. They are a wonderful reminder that God calls us into discipleship for the sake of the world. Our eternal, heavenly home is a bonus at the end of a well-lived life.
Here is the prayer. Take time to meditate on each line. Make time to bring each line into your day.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
The conversation arose around a topic of great import. "What is the purpose of a Christian life?" My conversation partner held the understanding of "being saved and gaining access to heaven." Gently (gentleness is always a matter of perception) I tried to suggest another way of looking at the question. Sure, salvation's last enemy is death. We need not fear the grave. Eternity is ours. But making access to heaven our reason for following Jesus seems to be a bit narcissistic.
I returned to yesterday's conversation when I turned in my devotional guide to today's readings. Contained there is the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. It words are often repeated, appropriately so. I remind you of them today and I encourage you to look for opportunities to live them. They are a wonderful reminder that God calls us into discipleship for the sake of the world. Our eternal, heavenly home is a bonus at the end of a well-lived life.
Here is the prayer. Take time to meditate on each line. Make time to bring each line into your day.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Monday, February 21, 2011
Devotion - Monday, February 21
We finished up I Corinthians yesterday morning, during our LCM Sunday Church School class. It on one of the closing comments that I wish to reflect this morning. I was brought back to that thought, when I opened my devotional guide and realized that it would be directing me to II Corinthians over the next couple of weeks. II Corinthians will be our text for LCM SCS starting this Sunday.
It will be helpful to me to read II Corinthians in the mornings, as a devotional, before delving into it later in the week in preparation for study. It will be the same words and the same information, but looked at in differing ways. My morning read is intended to guide me in my prayer; my study time is to help me understand.
The ending of I Corinthians, the comment on which I reflected this morning, includes a comment from Paul that he hopes to come to Corinth soon. But, he says, he will not drop by for a short visit. In fact, he won't come unless he can stay for a while. He says that he even hopes he might be able to winter with them.
Paul knows that it takes time for faith (and an understanding of faith) to be passed from one to another.
Too often we treat Christian faith as if it were a tidbit of information - a secret told to another. Rather, it is a relationship and a way of life. Faith comes to us by hearing, and we hear the words of those who proclaim it in our lives. This is a process, and it takes time.
If I am lucky, by the end of the school year, I will have made my way through II Corinthians. I am looking forward to Paul spending the winter with me, in devotion and in study, so that I might be strengthened in my discipleship; so that I might more fully understand the wisdom of God's Word. If it does take me months to compete this one book, that is okay. I need time - time to not only learn the words but to integrate into my life what the words are intended to communicate.
Open your bibles to II Corinthians. Read along. And share what it is that you are learning by a slow and intentional walk with Paul.
It will be helpful to me to read II Corinthians in the mornings, as a devotional, before delving into it later in the week in preparation for study. It will be the same words and the same information, but looked at in differing ways. My morning read is intended to guide me in my prayer; my study time is to help me understand.
The ending of I Corinthians, the comment on which I reflected this morning, includes a comment from Paul that he hopes to come to Corinth soon. But, he says, he will not drop by for a short visit. In fact, he won't come unless he can stay for a while. He says that he even hopes he might be able to winter with them.
Paul knows that it takes time for faith (and an understanding of faith) to be passed from one to another.
Too often we treat Christian faith as if it were a tidbit of information - a secret told to another. Rather, it is a relationship and a way of life. Faith comes to us by hearing, and we hear the words of those who proclaim it in our lives. This is a process, and it takes time.
If I am lucky, by the end of the school year, I will have made my way through II Corinthians. I am looking forward to Paul spending the winter with me, in devotion and in study, so that I might be strengthened in my discipleship; so that I might more fully understand the wisdom of God's Word. If it does take me months to compete this one book, that is okay. I need time - time to not only learn the words but to integrate into my life what the words are intended to communicate.
Open your bibles to II Corinthians. Read along. And share what it is that you are learning by a slow and intentional walk with Paul.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sermon - February 20, 2011
7th Sunday after the Epiphany
Matthew 5:38-48
Being Perfect
”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfection has never been my strong suit. It is a characteristic not often displayed in the daily occurrences of my life. In fact, there are some who would claim it is an attribute totally lacking in the makeup of my personality. Jesus says,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and I ask myself, “What am I to do with such a challenge?"
I know - look for parallel verses! As often as not, one of the other three gospels contains the same saying, with a few words changed. Maybe "Be perfect" has a parallel omitting the call to perfection. Sure enough, Luke, Chapter 6, contains a saying very similar to Matthew 5:48, but with one big difference. Again Jesus is speaking of loving those we might otherwise choose not to love, and then, in the 36th verse he says, "Be merciful, even as (God) is merciful." No perfection, just mercy. I can live with being merciful. This is a characteristic some have said I do posses. I may not be perfect, being merciful I can handle.
Why didn't Matthew just say "merciful" and leave out all that stuff about "perfection"? Jesus can expect his followers to be merciful, but perfection is out of reach for most of us. Especially if perfection is to meet the high standards Jesus has set.
In reading the lessons from the back of the bulletin rather than from your bible you often fail to realize the significance of just were a particular verse occurs. For five Sundays now, we have been making our way through Matthew's 4th and 5th chapters. Each Sunday, the Gospel reading has picked up exactly where it left off the week before. It was four weeks ago, just after Jesus had called his disciples, that we began reading from the section of Matthew which is most often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins by announcing God’s blessings. In those verses often referred to as “The Beatitudes,” he addresses his hears and reminds them of how blessed they truly are. From there, he begins to instruct us as to how those who have received God's blessings ought to show forth their privileged status.
I haven’t been here myself for the past two weeks, so I am not real sure how Danielle handled the part which included a reminder that we are “the salt of the earth” and ”the light of the world.” The admonition was to ”let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to (God) who is in heaven.”
Last week, when it was Larry’s turn, we heard Jesus' reminders that to hate and to harbor anger brings on the same judgment as murder. To look "lustfully" at someone amounts to adultery. To enter into a marriage out of self-centeredness is worse than adultery. And to swear is to misuse God's name. Through these four paragraphs, Jesus tells his listeners that a right relationship with God is shown forth in a right relationship with one's neighbors.
Jesus is setting up a new standard. He is telling us that being one of his disciples means we live our lives differently. And he doesn't stop with what has gone before. In today's reading he continues. Two more admonitions are given, both focusing on the anger invoked by another's wrong doings. ”You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus acknowledges that the Hebraic law set a limit on revenge: the punishment could not exceed the injury. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." But, Jesus tells those who are his followers that to retaliate in any form is wrong. The wounded party responds by offering even more than is required.
Again, Jesus doesn't stop. He continues: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” It isn't enough, Jesus says, to do good to those who have done good to us, even the sinners do this. More is expected of those who stand in the light of God's blessings.
"Love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you." "Give to the one who begs from you and do not refuse any one who would borrow from you." "Do not swear, but let what you say be simply "Yes" or "No"". "Do not look at another lustfully, to do so is to commit adultery." "Do not be angry with your brother/sister." These are the things Jesus is talking about as he reaches the crescendo and instructs his listeners that they,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Perfection is never easy. But when it is required immediately upon hearing how Jesus expects his followers to live, it truly is impossible. I may be able to refrain from putting out the eye of the one who has wronged me, but how can I begin to love and to pray on behalf of my assailant? What is Jesus expecting?
Remember that Luke, in his parallel verse, uses the word "mercy"? I wondered, given the placement of Jesus' instruction, how Luke could make such a substitution. We being to get a clue when we look up Matthew's word, translated for us as "perfect." The Greek word is teleioi. Its meaning isn't perfection in a moral sense; rather it calls upon us to pattern our lives after God's undivided and totally impartial love. We are to be "perfect", as God is perfect, in always being merciful.
What Jesus expects of us is within reach. We may not be able to avoid the lustful glance; we may find it impossible not to harbor revenge in our hearts, �But we can still behave mercifully. We can choose to love rather than to retaliate. The perfection, ¬ which Jesus says we must possess, shines forth each time we exhibit the mercy God has shown toward us.
Maybe an example of choosing to act in a particular way can be seen in the marital covenant. How awe inspiring is that part of the liturgy in which we look each other in the eye and mutually promise to live and act toward one another out of love no matter how circumstances (for better, for worse) or feelings may change. In an age where feelings are exalted, it is liberating to remember that often we love because we choose to do so. We "fall in love", hopefully many times during our married life, but "being in love" doesn't keep us together. We stay married because, in spite of it all, we choose to act mercifully toward the other.
Jesus sets before his disciples a difficult standard. He tells us that we must exceed the requirements of the ancient laws. He tells us,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” You must pattern your life after God, allowing mercy to shine forth in all you do. Living the Christian lifestyle doesn't come naturally; it is an act of the will. God acts mercifully toward us, we choose to pattern our responses after God's.
AMEN
Matthew 5:38-48
Being Perfect
”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfection has never been my strong suit. It is a characteristic not often displayed in the daily occurrences of my life. In fact, there are some who would claim it is an attribute totally lacking in the makeup of my personality. Jesus says,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and I ask myself, “What am I to do with such a challenge?"
I know - look for parallel verses! As often as not, one of the other three gospels contains the same saying, with a few words changed. Maybe "Be perfect" has a parallel omitting the call to perfection. Sure enough, Luke, Chapter 6, contains a saying very similar to Matthew 5:48, but with one big difference. Again Jesus is speaking of loving those we might otherwise choose not to love, and then, in the 36th verse he says, "Be merciful, even as (God) is merciful." No perfection, just mercy. I can live with being merciful. This is a characteristic some have said I do posses. I may not be perfect, being merciful I can handle.
Why didn't Matthew just say "merciful" and leave out all that stuff about "perfection"? Jesus can expect his followers to be merciful, but perfection is out of reach for most of us. Especially if perfection is to meet the high standards Jesus has set.
In reading the lessons from the back of the bulletin rather than from your bible you often fail to realize the significance of just were a particular verse occurs. For five Sundays now, we have been making our way through Matthew's 4th and 5th chapters. Each Sunday, the Gospel reading has picked up exactly where it left off the week before. It was four weeks ago, just after Jesus had called his disciples, that we began reading from the section of Matthew which is most often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins by announcing God’s blessings. In those verses often referred to as “The Beatitudes,” he addresses his hears and reminds them of how blessed they truly are. From there, he begins to instruct us as to how those who have received God's blessings ought to show forth their privileged status.
I haven’t been here myself for the past two weeks, so I am not real sure how Danielle handled the part which included a reminder that we are “the salt of the earth” and ”the light of the world.” The admonition was to ”let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to (God) who is in heaven.”
Last week, when it was Larry’s turn, we heard Jesus' reminders that to hate and to harbor anger brings on the same judgment as murder. To look "lustfully" at someone amounts to adultery. To enter into a marriage out of self-centeredness is worse than adultery. And to swear is to misuse God's name. Through these four paragraphs, Jesus tells his listeners that a right relationship with God is shown forth in a right relationship with one's neighbors.
Jesus is setting up a new standard. He is telling us that being one of his disciples means we live our lives differently. And he doesn't stop with what has gone before. In today's reading he continues. Two more admonitions are given, both focusing on the anger invoked by another's wrong doings. ”You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus acknowledges that the Hebraic law set a limit on revenge: the punishment could not exceed the injury. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." But, Jesus tells those who are his followers that to retaliate in any form is wrong. The wounded party responds by offering even more than is required.
Again, Jesus doesn't stop. He continues: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” It isn't enough, Jesus says, to do good to those who have done good to us, even the sinners do this. More is expected of those who stand in the light of God's blessings.
"Love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you." "Give to the one who begs from you and do not refuse any one who would borrow from you." "Do not swear, but let what you say be simply "Yes" or "No"". "Do not look at another lustfully, to do so is to commit adultery." "Do not be angry with your brother/sister." These are the things Jesus is talking about as he reaches the crescendo and instructs his listeners that they,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Perfection is never easy. But when it is required immediately upon hearing how Jesus expects his followers to live, it truly is impossible. I may be able to refrain from putting out the eye of the one who has wronged me, but how can I begin to love and to pray on behalf of my assailant? What is Jesus expecting?
Remember that Luke, in his parallel verse, uses the word "mercy"? I wondered, given the placement of Jesus' instruction, how Luke could make such a substitution. We being to get a clue when we look up Matthew's word, translated for us as "perfect." The Greek word is teleioi. Its meaning isn't perfection in a moral sense; rather it calls upon us to pattern our lives after God's undivided and totally impartial love. We are to be "perfect", as God is perfect, in always being merciful.
What Jesus expects of us is within reach. We may not be able to avoid the lustful glance; we may find it impossible not to harbor revenge in our hearts, �But we can still behave mercifully. We can choose to love rather than to retaliate. The perfection, ¬ which Jesus says we must possess, shines forth each time we exhibit the mercy God has shown toward us.
Maybe an example of choosing to act in a particular way can be seen in the marital covenant. How awe inspiring is that part of the liturgy in which we look each other in the eye and mutually promise to live and act toward one another out of love no matter how circumstances (for better, for worse) or feelings may change. In an age where feelings are exalted, it is liberating to remember that often we love because we choose to do so. We "fall in love", hopefully many times during our married life, but "being in love" doesn't keep us together. We stay married because, in spite of it all, we choose to act mercifully toward the other.
Jesus sets before his disciples a difficult standard. He tells us that we must exceed the requirements of the ancient laws. He tells us,”Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” You must pattern your life after God, allowing mercy to shine forth in all you do. Living the Christian lifestyle doesn't come naturally; it is an act of the will. God acts mercifully toward us, we choose to pattern our responses after God's.
AMEN
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, February 16
So often, too often, we go to God in order to ask for that we desire. Years ago I shared a model for prayer called A.C.T.S. It stands for "Acclamation, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication." The model is intended to prevent us from too quickly moving to our own requests, but rather to begin with an acknowledgment of God and what God has done for us.
Martin Luther, in his Small Catechism, points out that this is why "deliver us from evil" comes near the end. What more do we pray for, once we have secured God's protection?
This morning's opening prayer brought these thoughts to mind. It concludes with this line: "We do not so much ask for the strength which you have promised as for the grace to use what you have already supplied."
God has promised us much - and God will give it to us. There are so many other things which desires us to have.
But moving too quickly to those things, or desiring them too strongly, can interfere with that which God has already given us. It may blind us to the grace which is already in our lives.
In my prayers this morning, I asked God for His aid. But I also thanked God for the resources he has already given me - resources with which I can face the day's challenges.
We ask, not only for the strength which God has promised, but also for the grace to use what he has already supplied.
Martin Luther, in his Small Catechism, points out that this is why "deliver us from evil" comes near the end. What more do we pray for, once we have secured God's protection?
This morning's opening prayer brought these thoughts to mind. It concludes with this line: "We do not so much ask for the strength which you have promised as for the grace to use what you have already supplied."
God has promised us much - and God will give it to us. There are so many other things which desires us to have.
But moving too quickly to those things, or desiring them too strongly, can interfere with that which God has already given us. It may blind us to the grace which is already in our lives.
In my prayers this morning, I asked God for His aid. But I also thanked God for the resources he has already given me - resources with which I can face the day's challenges.
We ask, not only for the strength which God has promised, but also for the grace to use what he has already supplied.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, February 15
In Mark 11 we see Jesus' temper. Frankly, I am surprised we don't see more of it. Surely Jesus had to be frustrated (often) with the lack of faith and trust he observed in the people.
Chapter 11 is the location in Mark of Jesus running the money changers out of the temple. His complaint is that they have made his Father's house into a house of trade. He condemns their failure to use God's house as it was intended to be used.
What is this intended use? Is our use in line with what Jesus would find acceptable.
We come to God's house to pray - surely this is okay with him. We come to God's house to sing - the praises of the faithful are said to rise all the way into the heavens. We come to God's house to make our offerings - to commit to God our hearts and our time and our treasurers. We come to God's house in order to learn - to integrate into our lives the wisdom which sustains the whole of creation.
We come to God's house.....
It is true that God is everywhere and we can be found by God by a mountain stream or in a study cubicle. But God has built a house in order that we might have a place to pray, to sing, to return our thanks and learn with others what it means to follow Christ. Jesus' complaint with us might have less to do with how we use God's house, but the place God's house has in our weekly routine. Yes, it is tough, when you are away in college, to feel at home in a strange "house." But those houses are made to feel like home by the One who meets us there and welcomes us in.
When I read Mark 11 I do not feel judged by Jesus' anger; I see in his anger his disappointment. He is disappointed when we fail to receive that which has been so freely offered to us. We have been invited into God's house!
Chapter 11 is the location in Mark of Jesus running the money changers out of the temple. His complaint is that they have made his Father's house into a house of trade. He condemns their failure to use God's house as it was intended to be used.
What is this intended use? Is our use in line with what Jesus would find acceptable.
We come to God's house to pray - surely this is okay with him. We come to God's house to sing - the praises of the faithful are said to rise all the way into the heavens. We come to God's house to make our offerings - to commit to God our hearts and our time and our treasurers. We come to God's house in order to learn - to integrate into our lives the wisdom which sustains the whole of creation.
We come to God's house.....
It is true that God is everywhere and we can be found by God by a mountain stream or in a study cubicle. But God has built a house in order that we might have a place to pray, to sing, to return our thanks and learn with others what it means to follow Christ. Jesus' complaint with us might have less to do with how we use God's house, but the place God's house has in our weekly routine. Yes, it is tough, when you are away in college, to feel at home in a strange "house." But those houses are made to feel like home by the One who meets us there and welcomes us in.
When I read Mark 11 I do not feel judged by Jesus' anger; I see in his anger his disappointment. He is disappointed when we fail to receive that which has been so freely offered to us. We have been invited into God's house!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, February 10
I continue to read from II Timothy. This morning section is chapter 2, verses 14-26. Paul continues to give pastoral (fatherly) advise to his youthful co-worker. He encourages him to be the kind of person who will build up the community of Christ.
He tells him, "Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels."
I am sure that Timothy nodded his head in agreement to these words. In reading them, most of us would likewise agree to their insight. "Stupid, senseless controversies" are precisely that - stupid and senseless. They produce quarrels because their content is in the end of no real importance to anyone.
We nod in agreement, thinking that Paul's words apply to "stupid, senseless controversies," but not the kind which gnaw at us. Our controversies are important, and essential. "So what if they breed quarrels," we tell ourselves. "This is important."
One of the best ways to gauge the stupidity level of a controversy is to discuss it with another person. Not someone inclined to take our side from the get-go, but someone who can be objective. They may help us determine whether that which we believe to be so important is really all that important at all.
Paul writes to Timothy from prison. He is facing execution. In that position, things which matter rise to the surface. If Timothy remembered this surely he would have understood that so many of the things he saw as important were more appropriately relegated to the stupid and senseless.
I pray that none of you face imprisonment or execution. It is my prayer, however, that each of us be able to more accurately evaluate between that which matters and that which is only likely to breed quarrels among us.
He tells him, "Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels."
I am sure that Timothy nodded his head in agreement to these words. In reading them, most of us would likewise agree to their insight. "Stupid, senseless controversies" are precisely that - stupid and senseless. They produce quarrels because their content is in the end of no real importance to anyone.
We nod in agreement, thinking that Paul's words apply to "stupid, senseless controversies," but not the kind which gnaw at us. Our controversies are important, and essential. "So what if they breed quarrels," we tell ourselves. "This is important."
One of the best ways to gauge the stupidity level of a controversy is to discuss it with another person. Not someone inclined to take our side from the get-go, but someone who can be objective. They may help us determine whether that which we believe to be so important is really all that important at all.
Paul writes to Timothy from prison. He is facing execution. In that position, things which matter rise to the surface. If Timothy remembered this surely he would have understood that so many of the things he saw as important were more appropriately relegated to the stupid and senseless.
I pray that none of you face imprisonment or execution. It is my prayer, however, that each of us be able to more accurately evaluate between that which matters and that which is only likely to breed quarrels among us.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, February 9
Our weekend retreat focused on "Grace." Bishop Yoos was our keynote speaker, leading the students to an understanding of grace as a lived experience with God. One of the exercises, from the Bible study lead by Citadel students, was to come up with an acronym for G.R.A.C.E. The one that came to my mind was God's Relationship Always Causes Excitement. As a result of my trust in God, life is full and rich and meaningful.
I was reading this morning from 2 Timothy 1:17. Paul tells this young adult, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
We often look for strength in our muscles. In a couple of hours, I will be heading to Fike. I play racquetball, but I walk by the free weights were dozens will be assembled to build strength in their arms, legs, and core muscles.
We hear talk of "strength of character," and we are continually encouraged to display these traits.
There is talk (though it somewhat confuses me) of being strong in our faith. The confusion enters with questions as to whether faith has degrees. But I do understand the intention behind the comment - we are to be strong in our devotion and dedication to Christ.
Paul tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. I remember other words from Paul, words in which he says that his foundation is in Christ Jesus, and in Christ Jesus crucified. That he would boast in Christ, not in his own strength. Paul consistently reminds us to be strong in our openness to what God is doing in Jesus. To find our strength in the strength of Christ.
My trip to the gym this morning is to strengthen my body. My hope is that those who observe me in the world would say I am of good character. I rise early each morning to pray so that I might strengthen my relationship with Jesus. But the strength which sustains me is the grace which God has poured out upon me. That grace excites me and invites me into a life which is full and rich and meaningful. I will find my strength in God's grace.
I was reading this morning from 2 Timothy 1:17. Paul tells this young adult, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
We often look for strength in our muscles. In a couple of hours, I will be heading to Fike. I play racquetball, but I walk by the free weights were dozens will be assembled to build strength in their arms, legs, and core muscles.
We hear talk of "strength of character," and we are continually encouraged to display these traits.
There is talk (though it somewhat confuses me) of being strong in our faith. The confusion enters with questions as to whether faith has degrees. But I do understand the intention behind the comment - we are to be strong in our devotion and dedication to Christ.
Paul tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. I remember other words from Paul, words in which he says that his foundation is in Christ Jesus, and in Christ Jesus crucified. That he would boast in Christ, not in his own strength. Paul consistently reminds us to be strong in our openness to what God is doing in Jesus. To find our strength in the strength of Christ.
My trip to the gym this morning is to strengthen my body. My hope is that those who observe me in the world would say I am of good character. I rise early each morning to pray so that I might strengthen my relationship with Jesus. But the strength which sustains me is the grace which God has poured out upon me. That grace excites me and invites me into a life which is full and rich and meaningful. I will find my strength in God's grace.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, February 8
Mark 9:42ff is one of the passages which terrified me during my childhood. Contained within this section is Jesus' instructions, "If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out." While aware that sin came into my life by many differing paths, I was pretty sure that my eyes were one of them.
Jesus says the same thing about feet and hands. "If they cause you to sin, cut them off."
I remember a sermon in which the preacher marveled that there weren't whole communities of one-eye, one-handed folks, hoping around on one foot.
It frightened me to think that God might be so severe as to insist that I pluck out one of my eyes. It frightened me more to realize that I was unwilling to remove sins entry point into my life. Was I more interested in living with two eyes, than "entering the kingdom" with one?
There is a great reluctance to making change in our lives, even when we know that the part which needs changing is leading us away from God and away form God's kingdom.
How is sin invited into your life? Is through particular friends? Is it associated with behavioral patterns? How prepared are you to "pluck out" those parts of your lifestyle which move you away from God and God's hope for you?
I don't believe that Jesus wants us to hop around on one foot, having only one hand to keep our balance, and only one eye to see and avoid the pitfalls. But I do understand his hope that we would change our lives and our lifestyles in order to avoid that would lead us, and those who believe in him, away from the Kingdom.
Jesus says the same thing about feet and hands. "If they cause you to sin, cut them off."
I remember a sermon in which the preacher marveled that there weren't whole communities of one-eye, one-handed folks, hoping around on one foot.
It frightened me to think that God might be so severe as to insist that I pluck out one of my eyes. It frightened me more to realize that I was unwilling to remove sins entry point into my life. Was I more interested in living with two eyes, than "entering the kingdom" with one?
There is a great reluctance to making change in our lives, even when we know that the part which needs changing is leading us away from God and away form God's kingdom.
How is sin invited into your life? Is through particular friends? Is it associated with behavioral patterns? How prepared are you to "pluck out" those parts of your lifestyle which move you away from God and God's hope for you?
I don't believe that Jesus wants us to hop around on one foot, having only one hand to keep our balance, and only one eye to see and avoid the pitfalls. But I do understand his hope that we would change our lives and our lifestyles in order to avoid that would lead us, and those who believe in him, away from the Kingdom.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Devotion - Monday, February 7
"There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked." Isaiah 57:21
I read these words this morning in the comfort of my living room, a cup of coffee giving off its aroma. I am still a bit tired this morning; it has been a marathon week of retreats and conferences and travel. But I turned to my Bible and my prayers with the confidence that this has been a great week for campus ministry in the southeast. There is in my life a peace; a peace which passes all understanding.
It is not my place to speak of the wicked - I will leave that to God. But as I read Isaiah's words I wondered about those who choose the path of evil. My perception is that they must constantly be looking over their shoulder, wondering if past acts will catch up to them. My concern for them is that they never have the leisure of trusting that someone else (God) will provide what they cannot accumulate. I do not intend to heap burning coals on their heads as I contemplate where, if ever, there is peace in their lives.
The student retreat was all about Grace. It was about God's grace toward us and about experiencing grace in our lives. It was a reminder that the thing we most need comes to us as a gift from God. It is the gift which makes it possible for us to be a peace - with ourselves, with one another, with the world, and with God. That which we need the most is a gift; it is given to us.
I cannot speak for the wicked - I will hear their response. But the peace in my life is there as a result of the One to whom I turn in prayer and in appreciation. The peace of God which fills my heart is the marvelous peace of God.
I read these words this morning in the comfort of my living room, a cup of coffee giving off its aroma. I am still a bit tired this morning; it has been a marathon week of retreats and conferences and travel. But I turned to my Bible and my prayers with the confidence that this has been a great week for campus ministry in the southeast. There is in my life a peace; a peace which passes all understanding.
It is not my place to speak of the wicked - I will leave that to God. But as I read Isaiah's words I wondered about those who choose the path of evil. My perception is that they must constantly be looking over their shoulder, wondering if past acts will catch up to them. My concern for them is that they never have the leisure of trusting that someone else (God) will provide what they cannot accumulate. I do not intend to heap burning coals on their heads as I contemplate where, if ever, there is peace in their lives.
The student retreat was all about Grace. It was about God's grace toward us and about experiencing grace in our lives. It was a reminder that the thing we most need comes to us as a gift from God. It is the gift which makes it possible for us to be a peace - with ourselves, with one another, with the world, and with God. That which we need the most is a gift; it is given to us.
I cannot speak for the wicked - I will hear their response. But the peace in my life is there as a result of the One to whom I turn in prayer and in appreciation. The peace of God which fills my heart is the marvelous peace of God.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, February 3
First, let me say what a wonderful job our Faith Formation Team did with last night's LCM Program. The discussions were insightful and helpful. Good job folks!
Maybe it is the close proximity of the Lutheran Student Movement Retreat, which has "Grace" as its theme, but it struck me last night how grace kept being spoken of, even though it was not in the readings on which we were to reflect.
Clearly, this did not displease me. I am always thrilled to hear students speak of grace, and its centrality to their faith. And, with regard to the questions set before us, "grace" was the perfect response.
The emergence of the word exposed something that I often talk about and attempt to elicit. It is to realize that each of us, as a result of our previous experiences with God and God's people, approach scripture with a set of prior assumptions. We remain open to having those assumptions challenged, but it isn't possible to read or reflect without those prior experiences impacting what is before us.
Call it the tradition of our elders; call it the accumulated wisdom of the saints who have gone before; call it the whisper of the Holy Spirit into our ear; it is the faith which already resides within us, informing this new encounter with God's Word.
Sometimes we are aware of this prior conviction; sometimes we are not. And while God's Word and the Holy Spirit are consistent, none of us have reflected on scripture with the same persons, thus our experiences differ. As a result we sometimes come to different conclusions as to what these verses are saying to me, now.
Prior to last evening's program David spoke with me about Christian denominations residing under a "large tent." That tent is large enough for all of creation. It is so large that the folks at one edge can't always hear what is being said by folks at the opposite edge. As a result, they don't always reflect the same experience.
But God's grace is sufficient for them all. And in God's grace, we are united as one.
Maybe it is the close proximity of the Lutheran Student Movement Retreat, which has "Grace" as its theme, but it struck me last night how grace kept being spoken of, even though it was not in the readings on which we were to reflect.
Clearly, this did not displease me. I am always thrilled to hear students speak of grace, and its centrality to their faith. And, with regard to the questions set before us, "grace" was the perfect response.
The emergence of the word exposed something that I often talk about and attempt to elicit. It is to realize that each of us, as a result of our previous experiences with God and God's people, approach scripture with a set of prior assumptions. We remain open to having those assumptions challenged, but it isn't possible to read or reflect without those prior experiences impacting what is before us.
Call it the tradition of our elders; call it the accumulated wisdom of the saints who have gone before; call it the whisper of the Holy Spirit into our ear; it is the faith which already resides within us, informing this new encounter with God's Word.
Sometimes we are aware of this prior conviction; sometimes we are not. And while God's Word and the Holy Spirit are consistent, none of us have reflected on scripture with the same persons, thus our experiences differ. As a result we sometimes come to different conclusions as to what these verses are saying to me, now.
Prior to last evening's program David spoke with me about Christian denominations residing under a "large tent." That tent is large enough for all of creation. It is so large that the folks at one edge can't always hear what is being said by folks at the opposite edge. As a result, they don't always reflect the same experience.
But God's grace is sufficient for them all. And in God's grace, we are united as one.
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