When I read this scripture this morning, it was almost like a slap in the face. My first thought was to sneer at the scoffers and then I realized that I have, on more than one occasion, allowed some little idiosyncrasy, some little flaw, some little minute detail distract me. The most recent occasion was in viewing a ‘prophetic painting,’ and rather than looking at it with the eyes of Jesus, and seeing his presence there, I was finding some little flaw that distracted me from his message to me. We are spiritually connected to God/Jesus, but we are also human. And there are going to be times when that human side of us oversteps the spiritual. My prayer today, “Lord, I am a believer. Please let those streams of living water flow out of my heart that I might see you and worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen.”
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Monday, February 5, 2018
Out of a Believer’s heart
Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” ... When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? John 7:37-38, 40-41
Thursday, February 4, 2016
The Way
Normally I write my meditations on my scriptures, however, today I watched the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen. I had seen a comment about it from Facebook and decided to check it out. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it - especially for Cursillistas since it centers around the pilgrimage to Santiago do Compostella.
The story is about Thomas Avery. When his son, Daniel, dies when he is just beginning the journey. Tom goes to France to identify the body and while there decides to complete the journey for Daniel and to carry his son's ashes to the end. He ends up joining with several companions during the pilgrimage.
Just after his son dies, Tom is asked by a priest, "Would you like to pray with me?" He answers, "What for?" The implication is "it won't change what has happened."
That brings up the question, "Why do we pray?" Through prayer, we cannot necessarily change what is - but we might be able to change the way we perceive it and how it affects us and how we respond to it..
The second thing that occurs to me is that sometimes on this journey we call life, God chooses our companions for us: not necessarily the ones we would choose for ourselves, but the ones we need. .
Life happens - and sometimes during it we are surprised to find out who we really are and what we really want. God's plan is always perfect, and always seeks to transform us into the person God wants us to be.
The story is about Thomas Avery. When his son, Daniel, dies when he is just beginning the journey. Tom goes to France to identify the body and while there decides to complete the journey for Daniel and to carry his son's ashes to the end. He ends up joining with several companions during the pilgrimage.
Just after his son dies, Tom is asked by a priest, "Would you like to pray with me?" He answers, "What for?" The implication is "it won't change what has happened."
That brings up the question, "Why do we pray?" Through prayer, we cannot necessarily change what is - but we might be able to change the way we perceive it and how it affects us and how we respond to it..
The second thing that occurs to me is that sometimes on this journey we call life, God chooses our companions for us: not necessarily the ones we would choose for ourselves, but the ones we need. .
Life happens - and sometimes during it we are surprised to find out who we really are and what we really want. God's plan is always perfect, and always seeks to transform us into the person God wants us to be.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Our churches reflect us, and hopefully, Christ
Jesus said, "How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34b-37
Jesus was talking to the scribes and pharisees who were looking for reasons to denounce him and had accused him of casting out demons by means of Beelzebul. Our churches today are sometimes faced with this same kind of vindictiveness. I remember the first vestry meeting I ever attended as an ordained person: I sat in wonder at how a person who had listened to the gospel that morning could utter the things that came out of her mouth - totally contrary to the message of our Saviour. What was she thinking? She was so into her own agenda that she totally forgot we were a church that claims to follow the teachings of Christ. Our churches should always reflect, not us, but the Christ we follow.
When problems arise in our churches today, are we part of the solution? Or do we contribute to the problem? Some day we will all stand before God and we will have to give an accounting of our actions. Are mine always good and right? No. I can get as incensed as any one else at the injustice I see. I often have to remind myself that Jesus is my model. I try to remember that he is my savior, and not I myself. And I try to remember that Jesus calls me to try to work with those whom I disagree with so that in the end, His glory will be seen by all. He calls us all to that kind of examination of conscience: that the things we do reflect His place in our lives.
Jesus was talking to the scribes and pharisees who were looking for reasons to denounce him and had accused him of casting out demons by means of Beelzebul. Our churches today are sometimes faced with this same kind of vindictiveness. I remember the first vestry meeting I ever attended as an ordained person: I sat in wonder at how a person who had listened to the gospel that morning could utter the things that came out of her mouth - totally contrary to the message of our Saviour. What was she thinking? She was so into her own agenda that she totally forgot we were a church that claims to follow the teachings of Christ. Our churches should always reflect, not us, but the Christ we follow.
When problems arise in our churches today, are we part of the solution? Or do we contribute to the problem? Some day we will all stand before God and we will have to give an accounting of our actions. Are mine always good and right? No. I can get as incensed as any one else at the injustice I see. I often have to remind myself that Jesus is my model. I try to remember that he is my savior, and not I myself. And I try to remember that Jesus calls me to try to work with those whom I disagree with so that in the end, His glory will be seen by all. He calls us all to that kind of examination of conscience: that the things we do reflect His place in our lives.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Jesus Calls Us
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.". Mark 1:14-15
Using the words of Jesus, Mark asked his readers to believe Four impossible things.
Number one - Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Mark claims that the divine creator of the universe came down from heaven, took human form, and dwelt among us – touching the world in a totally new and profound way. That Jesus Christ lived, not only 2000 years ago, but he also lives today.
Number two - He asks you to believe that the time has come – Not a particular day or minute or year – but God’s time – Kairos. The Kingdom of God is at hand – not in some far distant future – but here, now, on earth, all around us. And the kingdom of God is found manifest in every person who, for the sake of God, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, shelters the homeless, visits those who are sick or in prison and comforts those who mourn.
Number Three You have to believe is that Jesus is calling you to follow him – in whatever capacity is right for you. Yes, you have to believe that Jesus wants you – regardless of who you are or what you have done. He calls each and every one of us, both individually and collectively. He has chosen each of us:
Number Four - Mark calls you to believe is that if you follow Jesus, you can make a difference in this Kingdom of God on earth. He asks you to believe, that regardless of who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done… Regardless of how smart you are or what skills you do or don’t possess, God can and will use you to make a difference to and in the world.
Are you ready to take up this journey into the unique adventures that God has in store for you? I say, "Lord, bring it on!"
Using the words of Jesus, Mark asked his readers to believe Four impossible things.
Number one - Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Mark claims that the divine creator of the universe came down from heaven, took human form, and dwelt among us – touching the world in a totally new and profound way. That Jesus Christ lived, not only 2000 years ago, but he also lives today.
Number two - He asks you to believe that the time has come – Not a particular day or minute or year – but God’s time – Kairos. The Kingdom of God is at hand – not in some far distant future – but here, now, on earth, all around us. And the kingdom of God is found manifest in every person who, for the sake of God, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, shelters the homeless, visits those who are sick or in prison and comforts those who mourn.
Number Three You have to believe is that Jesus is calling you to follow him – in whatever capacity is right for you. Yes, you have to believe that Jesus wants you – regardless of who you are or what you have done. He calls each and every one of us, both individually and collectively. He has chosen each of us:
Number Four - Mark calls you to believe is that if you follow Jesus, you can make a difference in this Kingdom of God on earth. He asks you to believe, that regardless of who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done… Regardless of how smart you are or what skills you do or don’t possess, God can and will use you to make a difference to and in the world.
Are you ready to take up this journey into the unique adventures that God has in store for you? I say, "Lord, bring it on!"
Friday, October 24, 2014
Promises from God
Deut.34:1-12. The Lord showed Moses the whole land... And said, "'this is the land of which I swore to Abraham,,, I will give it to your descendants'... But you shall not cross over there."
At bible study the other night, one person commented, "that's not very nice, to show him the land but not to let him enter into it." I would like to argue that it was a very kind thing that the Lord did.
When Moses began this journey with "the children of Israel," he was 80 years old. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, he is now 120 years old. It has not been an easy task of leading this collection of vagabonds. He has argued with them, he has kept them in check, he has taught them to be a family and given them laws and rules to guide their behavior. He has judged between them when disputes had divided them. And he has mediated between them and their God.
As a parent with grown children, I can tell you that it is not easy raising a family and that is exactly what Moses did - for forty years. (These days we hope our kids are out of the house in 20 years.). Moses is tired and as they approach the promised land, he knows the journey is almost over. His job was to bring them here. It will be some else's job to help them become established in the new land.
As a parent, I can also tell you that more than anything, we want to know that our children are going to survive, that they are going to succeed in life. We pour our heart and soul into our children and we want to know that they are going to be okay when we are gone. That is the gift that God gives to Moses: "you have been a faithful shepherd, doing your best to shape and form these your children. This is the land they will inherit. Well done, good and faithful servant."
Moses died there and the children of Israel entered the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. As a parent, that is all we can do - give our kids the tools they need to live life to its fullest, and trust the Lord to be with them as they continue the journey. Shalom.
At bible study the other night, one person commented, "that's not very nice, to show him the land but not to let him enter into it." I would like to argue that it was a very kind thing that the Lord did.
When Moses began this journey with "the children of Israel," he was 80 years old. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, he is now 120 years old. It has not been an easy task of leading this collection of vagabonds. He has argued with them, he has kept them in check, he has taught them to be a family and given them laws and rules to guide their behavior. He has judged between them when disputes had divided them. And he has mediated between them and their God.
As a parent with grown children, I can tell you that it is not easy raising a family and that is exactly what Moses did - for forty years. (These days we hope our kids are out of the house in 20 years.). Moses is tired and as they approach the promised land, he knows the journey is almost over. His job was to bring them here. It will be some else's job to help them become established in the new land.
As a parent, I can also tell you that more than anything, we want to know that our children are going to survive, that they are going to succeed in life. We pour our heart and soul into our children and we want to know that they are going to be okay when we are gone. That is the gift that God gives to Moses: "you have been a faithful shepherd, doing your best to shape and form these your children. This is the land they will inherit. Well done, good and faithful servant."
Moses died there and the children of Israel entered the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. As a parent, that is all we can do - give our kids the tools they need to live life to its fullest, and trust the Lord to be with them as they continue the journey. Shalom.
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