New Blogger Address

For reasons that I cannot fully understand, Blogger does not like this ancient account.  I think it has to do with the fact that I set it up before Blogger was taken over by Google, and now Google does not like the fact that I log in (or attempt to log in) using a non-gmail address.

So, after a number of attempts to get around the problem, I have given up.

There is a new Blogger address where I will begin posting my e-devotions and sermons.  That address is
www.PastorChrisHeavner.blogspot.com

This site will still be viewable, I just can't post anything new here.  So the new stuff is at
www.PastorChrisHeavner.blogspot.com

Thank you,
Pastor Chris

Devotion - Thursday, September 3

I must say how impressed I was with the "Wisdom" passed on from our senior students at last night's LCM Dinner.  Define yourself by who your are - not merely what you do; take some leisure skills classes, it is okay to get a B; remember why you chose this major; you are here to get an education and a job; don't over commit; carry a stapler in your book-bag. All good advice for incoming and returning students.

Anna gave us great advice for everyone.  She spoke of being considerate toward your professors.  She spoke of remembering that they, like you, have a life outside of class and that that life may be experiencing a few bumps and bruises.  

A few years back, I was sent a placard which read:  "Remember that everyone you meet is facing demons of which you are totally unaware."  Too seldom do we stop to think about what the person we are interacting with may be facing.  The anger coming forth may be misplaced aggression.  The tears may be pent up emotions brought forth by the smallest of pin pricks.

Surely God hopes His servants would be cognizant of the larger context of the lives of others.  Surely, God's servants can remember to be kind and gentle and understanding.  Since God has been so gracious and understanding of us, ought we not show the same toward the rest of His children?

Good advice, Anna.

Devotion - Wednesday, September 2

It is in Mark 12 that Jesus is challenged by a group in the hopes of entrapping him.  The exchange gives rise to a trap into which many continue to be lured.

They ask him if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  He asks for a coin. "Whose image is on this coin?"  Caesar's.  Then he says, "Return to Caesar that which is Caesar's and return to God that which is God's."

Too often, this exchange is used to pretend that there is an divide between "church and state" which is never, ever to be crossed.  Too often, this exchange is used to insist that talk of religion and talk of politics are to remain in two completely separate realms.

Read Mark 12 for yourself.  Be reminded that Jesus isn't giving an opinion, he is thwarting the attempts of those who would entrap him.  This does not mean that he speaks words which he does not intend, but it should give us pause when interpreting those words.

"Politics" are not evil.  We must pay attention to how we live together.  And, how we live together is a matter of great concern to God.  We have lost the skill of talking politics, in large part because we so quickly become entrapped in partisan talk.  

Jesus' words we not received well.  Those who asked him were of the mindset that God's people ought never participate in the realm of Rome's empire. Many (myself included) hear Jesus telling them to acknowledge those parts of their lives where the state does have a role.  

There will always be politics.  And the people of God must become active in the political debates.  We must avoid partisanship.  Every vote, every candidate, every letter written to a Representative must be informed by what it is that God has laid on our hearts about this issue.  

We are to return to Caesar an accurate depiction of how God has told us to live among others.  Caesar may not listen, but that does not mean we will become silent or withdrawn.

Devotion - Tuesday, September 1

The parable Jesus tells in Mark 12 is shocking.  A man plants a vineyard and let it out to tenants.  When the crop is harvested, he sends servants to collect his share.  The servants are beaten and sent back empty handed.  

Other servants are sent. Some are beaten, others are murdered.  Finally, the man sends his son.  The tenants kill him also.

The story is told, initially, to make the chief priests and scribes and elders reflect on the way they have responded to God's servants.  Every story in the bible had a life when it was told, but takes on new life when it is retold among us.  What is this story saying to you?  To me?

Certainly, we continue to benefit from a vineyard which we did not create.  Clearly, we have harvested much good and desirable fruit.  What of that are we returning to the one who placed us in this vineyard?

When asked if  we will join others on Sunday afternoons to  tie fleece blankets for needy neighbors, will we respond?

Could we sacrifice our Sunday afternoon (Oct 4)  to walk in the CROP Walk for Hunger?

Are we prepared to make a few phone calls to students who have left their childhood homes,come to this new and strange place, and remain in need of a caring community of support?

Are God's servants going away empty handed, when they come to us to ask for a share of our energy and our time?

Read Mark 12.  Hear this parable - as a message to you.  Do not allow it to merely justify thoughts of condemnation for others.  How is God calling you to apply this story in your own life?