In John 15 Jesus uses the image of a grape vine to express the relationship he seeks with us. He says, "I am the true vine." There are many places one might turn, to find a source of life and meaning, but Jesus invites us to find that source in him and in his words.
Not merely in him, but in the one who sent him. He may be the vine, but he reminds us, "My father is the vine dresser."
He then outlines his relationship with us. He says, "I am the the vine, you are the branches."
Apart from the vine, the branches wither and die. The branches depend upon the vine for their nutrients. Only the vine is rooted in the soil.
At our LCM Leadership Team meeting on Tuesday, I was trying to share an idea with the Team members. I wanted to explore with them ways in which LCM-C might support the "branches" which have become known to us. Not all branches will be connected to the vine in the same way. Too often we (me and the LCM Leadership Team) act as if there is only one way to be connected - we want those branches to become involved in our activities and ministries. We need to remember that there are other ways to be connected; and we need to find a way to support all those options.
Some will find their connection through service. They will discover that in serving others, they are strengthened in their connection to the vine which gives them life and sustenance.
Others will be connected through personal prayer and devotion. There is not always a direct correlation between the number of hours spent in "church" and the amount of time spent in private study and prayer.
In whatever way you (as one of the branches) is connected to the vine, strengthen that connection. Be affirmed in your own way of interacting with God, depending upon God, and striving to do God's will. But stay connected. Apart from the vine, we can do nothing.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Devotion - Wednesday, January 11
My devotional guide has specific readings for the days immediately following Epiphany (January 6). As a result, two passages from John fall even more closely together. They are verses I speak of often, in theological discussions about differing faith traditions.
In John 14 we read a verse that is often quoted by those seeking to understand that which is particular about being a Christian. Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me." This verse was part of this morning's appointed text.
Yesterday morning I was directed to John 10. There, in the 16th verse, Jesus says "I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd." This verse is helpful to those seeking to understand how we are to approach those of differing spiritual traditions.
Harvey Cox calls this the tension between the particular and the universal.
I want to share with the whole world the Good News of Jesus. In Jesus I find the pathway to shalom. I believe that Jesus is the answer to the questions and fears which plague us and seek to distract us. I have come to this conviction because of the gentle way in which Jesus (and his followers) have shepherded me (remember yesterday's devotion.) This type of care is offered, by Jesus, to all the world's inhabitants.
I can look back and speculate on how the sheep got divided into various folds. I can lament the divisions which make it the way it is. The important thing, it seems, is to follow Jesus in understanding that the end is not reached until we are one flock. The one who shepherds us wanted it that way. And so will I.
In John 14 we read a verse that is often quoted by those seeking to understand that which is particular about being a Christian. Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me." This verse was part of this morning's appointed text.
Yesterday morning I was directed to John 10. There, in the 16th verse, Jesus says "I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd." This verse is helpful to those seeking to understand how we are to approach those of differing spiritual traditions.
Harvey Cox calls this the tension between the particular and the universal.
I want to share with the whole world the Good News of Jesus. In Jesus I find the pathway to shalom. I believe that Jesus is the answer to the questions and fears which plague us and seek to distract us. I have come to this conviction because of the gentle way in which Jesus (and his followers) have shepherded me (remember yesterday's devotion.) This type of care is offered, by Jesus, to all the world's inhabitants.
I can look back and speculate on how the sheep got divided into various folds. I can lament the divisions which make it the way it is. The important thing, it seems, is to follow Jesus in understanding that the end is not reached until we are one flock. The one who shepherds us wanted it that way. And so will I.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Devotion - Tuesday, January 10
In Jeremiah 23, the prophet speaks of a time when God will send new shepherds to replace the shepherds who have not been attentive to the sheep. In John 10, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, as the one who will tend to the lost lambs. Seward Hiltner writes, "Shepherding occupies a quite unique place in Christianity... No other religion than that of Christ absorbs all ideas of ministration within the idea of Pastorship."
It is terribly important that those who follow Jesus understand the importance of shepherding.
In a flock, there are shepherds and there are sheep. Within the fold which belongs to Christ, the line isn't so permanently drawn. In one instance, we might be the sheep; in another we might be asked to take on the role of shepherd. It is best if we understand ourselves as sometimes occupying one role; sometimes occupying the other.
Start your day with the confidence that God has appointed shepherds for you. That God will provide good and faithful shepherds, who are looking out for your well-being and ensuring that you are cared for and protected. With such confidence, you need never feel alone.
Move through your day looking to identify the opportunities you have to serve as shepherd to another. It is only occasionally that the shepherd is called upon to fight off lions. Most shepherds will spend their whole life without such an encounter. Mostly, the shepherd remembers where there is water and leads the sheep in that direction. The primary task is to use your height (shepherds stand upright rather than all fours) to see where the grass is growing. Help the sheep move in that direction.
Sheep - shepherd. We are each a bit of both. Assuming both roles (at various times in our day) keeps the flock healthy and happy and well cared for.
"Shepherding occupies a quite unique place in Christianity."
It is terribly important that those who follow Jesus understand the importance of shepherding.
In a flock, there are shepherds and there are sheep. Within the fold which belongs to Christ, the line isn't so permanently drawn. In one instance, we might be the sheep; in another we might be asked to take on the role of shepherd. It is best if we understand ourselves as sometimes occupying one role; sometimes occupying the other.
Start your day with the confidence that God has appointed shepherds for you. That God will provide good and faithful shepherds, who are looking out for your well-being and ensuring that you are cared for and protected. With such confidence, you need never feel alone.
Move through your day looking to identify the opportunities you have to serve as shepherd to another. It is only occasionally that the shepherd is called upon to fight off lions. Most shepherds will spend their whole life without such an encounter. Mostly, the shepherd remembers where there is water and leads the sheep in that direction. The primary task is to use your height (shepherds stand upright rather than all fours) to see where the grass is growing. Help the sheep move in that direction.
Sheep - shepherd. We are each a bit of both. Assuming both roles (at various times in our day) keeps the flock healthy and happy and well cared for.
"Shepherding occupies a quite unique place in Christianity."
Monday, January 9, 2012
Devotion - Monday, January 9
The traffic flow started increasing last night. The emails in my In Box have changed in tone from, "Enjoy the break," to "this is what needs doing for the spring term." Classes resume on Wednesday, and I imagine that you will spend today traveling back to Clemson, buying books, straightening up your room, and/or catching up with friends and classmates.
I hope and pray that this will be a good semester. For you; for us as a community.
This morning's reading from Isaiah 45:14-19 spoke of the God of Israel as contrasted with the gods of Israel's neighbors. Isaiah writes: "All of them are put to shame and confounded, the makers of idols go in confusion together."
The term will be "good," if the experiences of these sixteen weeks help to clear away confusion. It will have been well spent when we can say that we have set aside any feelings of being shamed or confounded.
I hope and pray that amid all the academic work which is about to put on your planner, that you would intentionally set aside time to reflect on the intentions of God toward you. That you will seek out the opportunities to hear God's Word and to allow that Word to take root in your life. I hope and pray this for you, as result of knowing the clarity and calm which comes into the life of one who embarks upon this way. I bear witness to the power of God to set aside all that might seek to distract us. I speak of the clarity and confidence which comes from beginning each day in communion with Christ.
It is raining in Clemson. If you are still packing, make sure to get your raincoat or umbrella. Be prepared for what you will encounter when you get back to town. Thinking ahead, to what we will need, alters our behavior as we start out. This is true for road trips back to school; it is true for our life of faith.
I hope and pray that this will be a good semester. For you; for us as a community.
This morning's reading from Isaiah 45:14-19 spoke of the God of Israel as contrasted with the gods of Israel's neighbors. Isaiah writes: "All of them are put to shame and confounded, the makers of idols go in confusion together."
The term will be "good," if the experiences of these sixteen weeks help to clear away confusion. It will have been well spent when we can say that we have set aside any feelings of being shamed or confounded.
I hope and pray that amid all the academic work which is about to put on your planner, that you would intentionally set aside time to reflect on the intentions of God toward you. That you will seek out the opportunities to hear God's Word and to allow that Word to take root in your life. I hope and pray this for you, as result of knowing the clarity and calm which comes into the life of one who embarks upon this way. I bear witness to the power of God to set aside all that might seek to distract us. I speak of the clarity and confidence which comes from beginning each day in communion with Christ.
It is raining in Clemson. If you are still packing, make sure to get your raincoat or umbrella. Be prepared for what you will encounter when you get back to town. Thinking ahead, to what we will need, alters our behavior as we start out. This is true for road trips back to school; it is true for our life of faith.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, December 15
Throughout the season of Advent, we have been encouraged to be ready for the coming of our Lord. This morning's Gospel reading reminds us that it isn't just his coming for which we need to prepare, but also for his delay.
You know the story (Matthew 25:1-13) of the ten maidens who took their lamps and went to wait for the bridegroom. When the bridegroom is delayed, five had brought a supply of oil for their lamps; five had not. Those unprepared for the wait went to buy more oil, and while they were gone the bridegroom arrived.
There are times in our lives when Christ comes to us. There are also times when our request for His presence seems to go unanswered. In those instances, we are called upon not simply to be ready for his arrival, but ready for his delay.
When I speak of what I think to be one of the advantages of being a 54 year old campus pastor as opposed to a 30 year old campus pastor (yes - I have been at this for 24 years) I speak of the long-term view of life which I am able to share. Delays seem unending when we are in the midst of one. They seem much shorter when looked back upon with many years in between. The injuries and set-backs are real; and they are traumatic to us as we live through them. But they will pass and there will be opportunities for learning lessons.
We need not only be ready for the coming our Lord; we need to anticipate and brace ourselves for those times when He seems to be delayed. This is the message of Matthew 25.
Pastor Chris
PS. The semester ends tomorrow. This will be my last offering till classes resume on January 11. God bless your Christmas and may you have opportunity to share the gifts of God's precious Word and promise.
You know the story (Matthew 25:1-13) of the ten maidens who took their lamps and went to wait for the bridegroom. When the bridegroom is delayed, five had brought a supply of oil for their lamps; five had not. Those unprepared for the wait went to buy more oil, and while they were gone the bridegroom arrived.
There are times in our lives when Christ comes to us. There are also times when our request for His presence seems to go unanswered. In those instances, we are called upon not simply to be ready for his arrival, but ready for his delay.
When I speak of what I think to be one of the advantages of being a 54 year old campus pastor as opposed to a 30 year old campus pastor (yes - I have been at this for 24 years) I speak of the long-term view of life which I am able to share. Delays seem unending when we are in the midst of one. They seem much shorter when looked back upon with many years in between. The injuries and set-backs are real; and they are traumatic to us as we live through them. But they will pass and there will be opportunities for learning lessons.
We need not only be ready for the coming our Lord; we need to anticipate and brace ourselves for those times when He seems to be delayed. This is the message of Matthew 25.
Pastor Chris
PS. The semester ends tomorrow. This will be my last offering till classes resume on January 11. God bless your Christmas and may you have opportunity to share the gifts of God's precious Word and promise.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, December 14
Perhaps is it our Advent theme which is causing me to notice scriptural references to hunger, but I am finding them everywhere these days.
UniLu has adopted a theme of hunger for our Advent mid-week meals and worship services. Our spring LSM Retreat will also address issues of hunger.
This morning, I was reading from Matthew 24. As Jesus is giving his final instructions to the disciples he says: "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?"
Perhaps it is this week's busyness associated with exam meals which remind me of the comfort being fed brings. But I can see how much it changes lives and attitudes when the wise and faithful servants set the food before those in need of nourishment.
In our culture we have become so immune to hunger that we fail to notice those for whom hunger is a daily reality. Yes, this is true - not just in the far reaches of the world but also in our own backyards. One of the speakers on last year's Spring Break Trip reminded us that 26% of SC residents had a hunger related incident in 2009.
Jesus tells us to feed the hungry. The scriptures are full of references to do so. Why then are there still so many hungry people in the world?
UniLu has adopted a theme of hunger for our Advent mid-week meals and worship services. Our spring LSM Retreat will also address issues of hunger.
This morning, I was reading from Matthew 24. As Jesus is giving his final instructions to the disciples he says: "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?"
Perhaps it is this week's busyness associated with exam meals which remind me of the comfort being fed brings. But I can see how much it changes lives and attitudes when the wise and faithful servants set the food before those in need of nourishment.
In our culture we have become so immune to hunger that we fail to notice those for whom hunger is a daily reality. Yes, this is true - not just in the far reaches of the world but also in our own backyards. One of the speakers on last year's Spring Break Trip reminded us that 26% of SC residents had a hunger related incident in 2009.
Jesus tells us to feed the hungry. The scriptures are full of references to do so. Why then are there still so many hungry people in the world?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, December 13
I typically don't cut and paste these morning offerings, but I read this this morning, and it seemed to be a good reply to questions often asked me about prayer. Realizing how we struggle with prayer, I thought this piece worth sharing.
"To pray is nothing more involved than to let Jesus into our needs. To pray is to give Jesus permission to employ His powers in the alleviation of our distress. To pray is to let Jesus glorify His name in the midst of our needs.
"The results of prayer are, therefore, not dependent upon the powers of the one who prays. His intense will, her fervent emotions, or his clear comprehension of what he is praying for are not the reasons why his prayers will be heard and answered. Nay, God be praised, the results of prayer are not dependent upon these things!
"To pray is nothing more involved than to open the door, giving Jesus access to our needs and permitting Him to exercise His own power in dealing with them.
"He who gave us the privilege of prayer knows us very well. He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
"That is why He designed prayer in such a way that the most impotent can make use of it. For to pray is to open the door to Jesus. And that requires no strength. It is only a question of our wills. Will we give Jesus access to our needs? That is the one great and fundamental question in connection with prayer."
Ole Hallesby, Prayer
"To pray is nothing more involved than to let Jesus into our needs. To pray is to give Jesus permission to employ His powers in the alleviation of our distress. To pray is to let Jesus glorify His name in the midst of our needs.
"The results of prayer are, therefore, not dependent upon the powers of the one who prays. His intense will, her fervent emotions, or his clear comprehension of what he is praying for are not the reasons why his prayers will be heard and answered. Nay, God be praised, the results of prayer are not dependent upon these things!
"To pray is nothing more involved than to open the door, giving Jesus access to our needs and permitting Him to exercise His own power in dealing with them.
"He who gave us the privilege of prayer knows us very well. He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
"That is why He designed prayer in such a way that the most impotent can make use of it. For to pray is to open the door to Jesus. And that requires no strength. It is only a question of our wills. Will we give Jesus access to our needs? That is the one great and fundamental question in connection with prayer."
Ole Hallesby, Prayer
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