Last evening's devotion included the reading of a children's book "The Three Questions." A young boy goes in search of answers to the questions which will give direction to life - 1) Where is the most important place to be? 2) Who is the most important person? 3) What is the right thing to do?
Again, one of the curious ways in which life intersects with the appointed lessons for the day. This morning's reading from the Old Testament is Job 28. These verses also speak of answers to questions. The answer given in Job is to celebrate the things humans have learned and accomplished while understanding the things which are known only to God.
This is not a call to stick our heads in the sand and stop learning. Rather it is an acknowledgment that there are limits to what we humans will be able to do. Accepting this, and turning to the one who has no such limits, moves us closer to the answers we seek.
Job 28 concludes: "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Note - "Fear" does not mean being afraid of God. Rather it encourages us to respect God, acknowledging God's might and power.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, Sept 29
It is said more than once, "He who loves his life will loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." How is it that we are to "hate" our life? The life which God has given us?
In John 12, Jesus speaks these words as he announces to his listeners, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." Jesus knows that striving for personal gain does nothing to extend life. The life which God has given us is intended to be lived in a particular way.
Some will be called upon to die. There are places, there are situations in which God's servants are silenced. We should never forget (and continually pray) for those who are persecuted for the faith.
All of us will find ourselves in situations where we know a correcting word needs to be spoken. But out of fear of critique or insult, we will remain silent. "It is their business," we tell ourselves. Sometimes, our failure to speak up will cost them the life God has given them.
I read the Greenville News article about restrictions on Greek activities for the remainder of the semester because of repeated incidents involving alcohol. Punitive measures will have little effect. Any change will come only as we change culture. I think we (those associated with Lutheran Campus Ministry) might be in an ideal spot to bring that change. We are not among the expressions of Christianity which see all alcohol consumption as wrong. We enjoy our beer, our wine. But, we know the wrong associated with abuse. We can speak of balance and label abuse for what it is - abuse.
Speaking up against prevailing culture will bring insults. But, the little that we lose now will do much to save us (and our peers) into the future.
Don't be shy about condemning binge drinking, getting drunk, or the peer pressure to place oneself in danger.
In John 12, Jesus speaks these words as he announces to his listeners, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." Jesus knows that striving for personal gain does nothing to extend life. The life which God has given us is intended to be lived in a particular way.
Some will be called upon to die. There are places, there are situations in which God's servants are silenced. We should never forget (and continually pray) for those who are persecuted for the faith.
All of us will find ourselves in situations where we know a correcting word needs to be spoken. But out of fear of critique or insult, we will remain silent. "It is their business," we tell ourselves. Sometimes, our failure to speak up will cost them the life God has given them.
I read the Greenville News article about restrictions on Greek activities for the remainder of the semester because of repeated incidents involving alcohol. Punitive measures will have little effect. Any change will come only as we change culture. I think we (those associated with Lutheran Campus Ministry) might be in an ideal spot to bring that change. We are not among the expressions of Christianity which see all alcohol consumption as wrong. We enjoy our beer, our wine. But, we know the wrong associated with abuse. We can speak of balance and label abuse for what it is - abuse.
Speaking up against prevailing culture will bring insults. But, the little that we lose now will do much to save us (and our peers) into the future.
Don't be shy about condemning binge drinking, getting drunk, or the peer pressure to place oneself in danger.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, September 28
John 12 contains the story of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem. He departs for Jerusalem from the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. A crowd had started to grow at this home; many were coming to see the man (Lazarus) whom Jesus had raised from the dead. When those who opposed Jesus heard of this, they made plans to kill Lazarus.
The effect of a resurrected life is a force too powerful to be ignored.
Within Christian literature, there is discussion of the “already-not-yet” aspects of our journey. There is more to come; there will be a time when all things are united in Christ. This is the part of the story that had not yet been fully realized. However, much (some might say most) of what we anticipate has already occurred. We are already saved; we are already united with God. Resurrection, while in part something that is not yet complete, has already come into our lives.
Living with an “already” mindset alters the way we live in the world. I don’t have to be worried about what others will think of me – I am resurrected! I don’t need to worry about sickness or death – I am resurrected!
The effect of a resurrected life is a force too powerful to be ignored.
We are set free to be concerned about our neighbor – God has provided us all we need! We are set free to proclaim the Good News – inviting others to live life more abundantly!
Living a resurrected life is a powerful thing; it is a powerful experience.
The effect of a resurrected life is a force too powerful to be ignored.
Within Christian literature, there is discussion of the “already-not-yet” aspects of our journey. There is more to come; there will be a time when all things are united in Christ. This is the part of the story that had not yet been fully realized. However, much (some might say most) of what we anticipate has already occurred. We are already saved; we are already united with God. Resurrection, while in part something that is not yet complete, has already come into our lives.
Living with an “already” mindset alters the way we live in the world. I don’t have to be worried about what others will think of me – I am resurrected! I don’t need to worry about sickness or death – I am resurrected!
The effect of a resurrected life is a force too powerful to be ignored.
We are set free to be concerned about our neighbor – God has provided us all we need! We are set free to proclaim the Good News – inviting others to live life more abundantly!
Living a resurrected life is a powerful thing; it is a powerful experience.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Devotion - Monday, September 27
For many, the rain falling in sheets is a wonderful thing. Those who farm as well as those who beautify the earth with flowers have been reminding us how desperately we needed rain.
For those who will be on Bowman Field today, working on the Habitat house or starting the Homecoming displays, the rain is a great hindrance.
It isn’t always the case, but situations like this remind us of the limited scope of our vision. We tend to look at events and situations as they affect us, and as they affect us only. I remember the preacher who declared that God had saved the coast of South Carolina by making the hurricane veer further to the north – ignoring that this meant homes along the North Carolina coast were destroyed.
More than once today, after getting wet and cold, I will contemplate packing up my tools and returning to the dry warmth of my recliner. Forgetting those who have no such option, those whose livelihood and life depend upon remaining on the job and in the rain.
God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good. And I refuse to think that God chooses which of His children will get what they want and which will have to suffer as a result. I will dismiss such thoughts and argue against such reasoning. I also hope that when I complain about the misfortune that has come my way, I might step back a bit and wonder if I am being too self-centered. Might there be in a blessing in what I too quickly label as a curse?
Perhaps such thoughts will run through my mind today, rather than ill thoughts of being wet and cold and watching the Habitat house fall behind schedule. Pray with me (and for me) that this will be the case.
For those who will be on Bowman Field today, working on the Habitat house or starting the Homecoming displays, the rain is a great hindrance.
It isn’t always the case, but situations like this remind us of the limited scope of our vision. We tend to look at events and situations as they affect us, and as they affect us only. I remember the preacher who declared that God had saved the coast of South Carolina by making the hurricane veer further to the north – ignoring that this meant homes along the North Carolina coast were destroyed.
More than once today, after getting wet and cold, I will contemplate packing up my tools and returning to the dry warmth of my recliner. Forgetting those who have no such option, those whose livelihood and life depend upon remaining on the job and in the rain.
God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good. And I refuse to think that God chooses which of His children will get what they want and which will have to suffer as a result. I will dismiss such thoughts and argue against such reasoning. I also hope that when I complain about the misfortune that has come my way, I might step back a bit and wonder if I am being too self-centered. Might there be in a blessing in what I too quickly label as a curse?
Perhaps such thoughts will run through my mind today, rather than ill thoughts of being wet and cold and watching the Habitat house fall behind schedule. Pray with me (and for me) that this will be the case.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Devotion - Thursday, September 23
We too quickly get caught up in methodology, i.e. how will we accomplish what it is that we desire to do? Yes, there is great debate as to this social program or that, to welfare type programs and subsidies for impoverished schools. I certainly hope that the debate is not merely our way of putting off the sacrifices needed in order to care for God’s children. I hope this isn’t the case.
Most of you are aware that we have started the 2010 Habitat for Humanity house. We were fortunate yesterday to have the homeowner with us for the morning. Taking time off from her full time job as the director of a local day care center, she was there when the first nails were driven and the outline of the house began to take shape. Seeing this project through her eyes, had a profound impact. “It is fun,” some will say. “Look at the nails I drove,” others will add. Her reaction, “I can’t believe I am going to own my own home.”
We must get around the paralysis of analysis which keeps forever debating what the best method of addressing poverty is. We cannot be stymied by the complexity of the problem. We must take action.
I invite you to join in the following prayer. To pray it, and then to live it.
“O God of the hungry and of the full, God of the poor and of the rich, you have spoken a strong word, a beautiful and terrible word of liberation and salvation, of freedom and unity, to all you children, through Jesus, in the Spirit’s power. May your Spirit move us to stop resisting, so that we may really will to live ad exercise the freedom you have given us: freedom from our idols and property and plenty, freedom from our worship of a social order in which others starve while we have our fill. Teach us to take our lives and our institutions in hand, making them serve you through serving our neighbors, reshaping them for worldwide sharing. We pray clearly and surely in Jesus’ name." Amen.
Most of you are aware that we have started the 2010 Habitat for Humanity house. We were fortunate yesterday to have the homeowner with us for the morning. Taking time off from her full time job as the director of a local day care center, she was there when the first nails were driven and the outline of the house began to take shape. Seeing this project through her eyes, had a profound impact. “It is fun,” some will say. “Look at the nails I drove,” others will add. Her reaction, “I can’t believe I am going to own my own home.”
We must get around the paralysis of analysis which keeps forever debating what the best method of addressing poverty is. We cannot be stymied by the complexity of the problem. We must take action.
I invite you to join in the following prayer. To pray it, and then to live it.
“O God of the hungry and of the full, God of the poor and of the rich, you have spoken a strong word, a beautiful and terrible word of liberation and salvation, of freedom and unity, to all you children, through Jesus, in the Spirit’s power. May your Spirit move us to stop resisting, so that we may really will to live ad exercise the freedom you have given us: freedom from our idols and property and plenty, freedom from our worship of a social order in which others starve while we have our fill. Teach us to take our lives and our institutions in hand, making them serve you through serving our neighbors, reshaping them for worldwide sharing. We pray clearly and surely in Jesus’ name." Amen.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, September 22
The sisters Mary and Martha are mentioned in John and in Luke. Both stories have a high degree of familiarity, but they do differ.
In Luke 10 we get the visit of Jesus to the home of these two sisters. This is the story that my sister says causes her great discomfort – she sees herself as a “Martha.” In the story, Martha is the one who is busy preparing the meal. Martha also allows her frustration to seep out. She is working her fingers to the bone, while her sister sits and listens to Jesus talk. Jesus tells her, “Martha, you are worried about many things. Only one thing is needful. Your sister has chosen the better part.” My sister, who responds to every death in the community with a hot dish, says he wants to choose the better part – but it seems that God has just wired her to be the one who gets everything organized so others can sit and listen. “Do you think God understands?” she asks me.
In John 11, we read of these two sisters and their brother. Lazarus is the third sibling in the household. Lazarus is ill. The sisters ask Jesus to come to him. Jesus delays. Lazarus dies. After he has died, Jesus decides to go.
In this John story, there is a verse which I wanted to make sure my sister (and all the Martha’s in the world) hear. There is an acknowledgement that this is a special family to Jesus. He is clearly upset about the death of Lazarus. Within this story is the favorite bible verse of those looking for an easy one to memorize? You know it, right? The shortest verse in the bible? “Jesus wept.” This family (like all families) is dear to Jesus.
In expressing this love and devotion, John writes, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” “Jesus loved Martha and her sister…” Martha is the one who is named; Mary is the other sister.
We cannot draw profound theological conviction from a simple listing of one name over another. But it is a comfort to all those whose call to service is a call to be busy about the task at hand. “Jesus loved Martha.” He loves her sister, too. But he loves the one who is busy with many things; the one who fixes the meals and sets out the tables and makes sure that everyone is assured that there is plenty enough for each to be filled.
In Luke 10 we get the visit of Jesus to the home of these two sisters. This is the story that my sister says causes her great discomfort – she sees herself as a “Martha.” In the story, Martha is the one who is busy preparing the meal. Martha also allows her frustration to seep out. She is working her fingers to the bone, while her sister sits and listens to Jesus talk. Jesus tells her, “Martha, you are worried about many things. Only one thing is needful. Your sister has chosen the better part.” My sister, who responds to every death in the community with a hot dish, says he wants to choose the better part – but it seems that God has just wired her to be the one who gets everything organized so others can sit and listen. “Do you think God understands?” she asks me.
In John 11, we read of these two sisters and their brother. Lazarus is the third sibling in the household. Lazarus is ill. The sisters ask Jesus to come to him. Jesus delays. Lazarus dies. After he has died, Jesus decides to go.
In this John story, there is a verse which I wanted to make sure my sister (and all the Martha’s in the world) hear. There is an acknowledgement that this is a special family to Jesus. He is clearly upset about the death of Lazarus. Within this story is the favorite bible verse of those looking for an easy one to memorize? You know it, right? The shortest verse in the bible? “Jesus wept.” This family (like all families) is dear to Jesus.
In expressing this love and devotion, John writes, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” “Jesus loved Martha and her sister…” Martha is the one who is named; Mary is the other sister.
We cannot draw profound theological conviction from a simple listing of one name over another. But it is a comfort to all those whose call to service is a call to be busy about the task at hand. “Jesus loved Martha.” He loves her sister, too. But he loves the one who is busy with many things; the one who fixes the meals and sets out the tables and makes sure that everyone is assured that there is plenty enough for each to be filled.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, Sept 21
The lessons in the Daily Lectionary are not intentionally linked. They run progressively through the various parts of scripture. Today, there was an interesting interplay between the Epistle reading and the Gospel text.
In Acts 14:1-18, Paul and Barnabus are thought to be gods. The people of the city assign to them the names of Zeus and Hermes. Priests from the temples of these gods come, prepared to sacrifice oxen. Paul insists they cease. “We also are me, of like nature with you.”
In John 10:31-42 there is an attempt to stone Jesus. The charge – “blasphemy, because you (Jesus), being a man, make yourself God.”
Now, there is the quick and easy difference: in Lystra the gods being spoken of are the gods of another religious tradition. In Jesus’ case, we are talking about the God of Israel. But there is something different which struck me.
We often wish to elevate those whom we choose, making “gods” of them; while the one who is set aside by God we often despise and reject.
I enjoy college football. But during these months of the fall, it sometimes seems as if our adoration of those who stand out on the field goes a bit too far. It was even more of a temptation last year, with CJ Spiller doing such amazing things.
But how have we responded to the messengers who designed this day as an International Day of Prayer for Peace? Have you signed the Million Minutes for Peace pledge? Have you to a turn among those who will devote thirty minutes to prayer?
We make gods of those who say and do what it is that pleases the crowds and wows the audience. Those who bring the Words of God are all too often treated differently. The next time you are in a conversation in which admiration is being expressed for someone, be prepared to alter the conversation by mentioning a person whom you admire. The assumption being that this person would stand out because of their devotion to Christ.
In Acts 14:1-18, Paul and Barnabus are thought to be gods. The people of the city assign to them the names of Zeus and Hermes. Priests from the temples of these gods come, prepared to sacrifice oxen. Paul insists they cease. “We also are me, of like nature with you.”
In John 10:31-42 there is an attempt to stone Jesus. The charge – “blasphemy, because you (Jesus), being a man, make yourself God.”
Now, there is the quick and easy difference: in Lystra the gods being spoken of are the gods of another religious tradition. In Jesus’ case, we are talking about the God of Israel. But there is something different which struck me.
We often wish to elevate those whom we choose, making “gods” of them; while the one who is set aside by God we often despise and reject.
I enjoy college football. But during these months of the fall, it sometimes seems as if our adoration of those who stand out on the field goes a bit too far. It was even more of a temptation last year, with CJ Spiller doing such amazing things.
But how have we responded to the messengers who designed this day as an International Day of Prayer for Peace? Have you signed the Million Minutes for Peace pledge? Have you to a turn among those who will devote thirty minutes to prayer?
We make gods of those who say and do what it is that pleases the crowds and wows the audience. Those who bring the Words of God are all too often treated differently. The next time you are in a conversation in which admiration is being expressed for someone, be prepared to alter the conversation by mentioning a person whom you admire. The assumption being that this person would stand out because of their devotion to Christ.
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