NOTE: Your input and suggestions are deeply appreciated. I am always open to directions and ideas that God will suggest through you as you are on your own spiritual journey.
Once again we are reminded that God is our shepherd. As a city boy, growing up in Miami, I can appreciate this image while not fully understanding it. I would guess that most of us are in the same boat. Oh, we have heard/read farmers talk about the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep … that we understand, but that is about as far as it goes. I remember hearing Dr. Clovis Chappell share the story of preaching in the Midwest to a group of farmers who raised sheep who didn’t appreciate being referred to as sheep … dumb sheep. Well, maybe that is why we need a shepherd because we continue to make dumb decisions.
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-8
A woe and a promise are made. Woe to the bad shepherds who have scattered his sheep and a promise that God is sending a good shepherd, “The Lord Our Righteousness,” who will gather the sheep back into the fold and onto their own land.
Reflection: Personally, this is a very interesting passage at this particular time for I am being asked to once again take on the role of shepherd to one of God’s flocks. Somewhere along the way this congregation has gotten lost. Somewhere along the way this growing and dynamic church was misled by a shepherd or two and are now at a point that they cannot afford a full time pastor. Somewhere along the way they have lost their focus and a sense of why God brought them together. Somewhere along the way … but, now may God take center stage and may I not get in the way as I seek to lead them back to the promise land.
Prayer: Faithful and caring shepherd, gather once again your scattered sheep. Bring us to good grazing fields. May I be worthy of the role and spiritually rooted for the task placed before me. Prepare their hearts for the future that you and you alone is laying out before them. Give us eyes to see it and a heart to desire it. In the name of our shepherd, Jesus Christ himself. Amen.
Further reflection from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie
“To-day, O Lord – let me put right before interest: let me put others before self: let me put the things of the spirit before the things of the body: let me put the attainment of noble ends above the enjoyment of present pleasures: let me put principle above reputation: let me put Thee before all else.
“O Thou the reflection of whose transcendent glory did once appear unbroken in the face of Jesus Christ, give me to-day a heart like His – a brave heart, a true heart, a tender heart, a heart with great room in it, a heart fixed on Thyself; for His name’s sake. Amen.”
The Struggle: The feelings that are confronting me this morning are multi-layered. On the one hand I am excited to be given an opportunity to serve another church. Any retired pastor worth their salt will admit that they miss that sense of personal relationship that a pastor has with a congregation – like a shepherd has with his/her sheep. But on the other hand, I am painfully aware that though the position is part-time I know myself well enough that nothing I have ever done is part-time. So, it is with some reluctance that I step back into the role of pastor because of the demands on time and energy … and more than one sleepless night. My struggle is to keep ever before me that I am only the under-shepherd. God is the shepherd. I need to remember that … God is in charge!
Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us, Attr. to Dorothy A. Thrupp:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need thy tender care;
In thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou has bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou has bought us, thine we are.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day 6 in the spiritual journey to place aside vanity and seek God's purpose
NOTE: I am playing around with a different approach to my daily blog and would love for your input concerning this approach. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to read what this old preacher might be thinking. Please email with your comments at jmartin450@tampabay.rr.com.
Noise surrounds us. It has a tendency to drown out the still small voice of God. The noise adds only confusion to our journey. Each of the noisemakers demands our attention and robs us of the opportunities to be in God’s presence. Finding time and a place wherein we can be quiet and experience the stillness of heart is the 21st Century challenge for anyone who is serious of developing a stronger relationship with God, as well as a clear understanding of the direction God desires for us to take in our spiritual journey.
Scripture: Acts 4:23-37
Two stories make up this passage. First is the one about Peter and John’s release and how their people came together to pray and so powerful was their unity in prayer that the place in which they were meeting was shaken, filling them with holy boldness. The second story supports the unity – being of one mind and one heart - concept in that no one considered their possessions as theirs, but something to be shared with others.
Reflection: Wouldn’t it be great if God’s people had this sense of unity instead of trying to out do the neighbors or trying to impress their neighbors with their “stuff”. I saw “The Devil’s Advocate” last evening staring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. Pacino was the embodiment of the Devil. It was the last line in the movie that sticks with you, “Vanity, definitely my favorite sin.” Vanity creeps into our lives and trips us all up at one point or another. Vanity keeps us from being bolder with our faith. Vanity keeps our priorities out of balance with God’s purpose for our life. Vanity keeps us from being united in prayer, separated into our little cells, divided over direction. The people of Peter and John’s circle were focused resulting in their strong unity so much so that when they prayed the earth shook. Satan is frightened when vanity is placed aside and God’s people pray.
Prayer: Eternal Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer help me to place aside my ego, my desires, my wishes, my reputation, my opinions, my arrogance, my pride, my self-centeredness and focus on your will for my life and ministry. Amen.
Further reflection from Earth and Altar by Eugene H. Peterson
“We do not begin life on our own. We do not finish it on our own. Life, especially when we experience by faith the complex interplay of creation and salvation, is not fashioned out of our own genetic lumber and cultural warehouses. It is not hammered together with the planks and nails of our thoughts and dreams, our feelings and fancies. We are not self-sufficient. We enter a world that is created by God, that already has a rich history and is crowded with committed participants – a world of animals and mountains, of politics and religion; a world where people build houses and raise children, where volcanos erupt lava and river flow to the sea; a world in which, however carefully we observe and watch and study it, surprising things keep on taking place (like rocks turning into pools of water). We keep on being surprised because we are in on something beyond our management, something over our heads.”
The Struggle: Soon, once again, I will be stepping before a congregation to serve them as their pastor. My heart and head are divided. It means leaving the leisure of retirement and picking up the disciplines of study and preparation. It means that my agenda and time will belong to others. It will mean some sleepless nights. The threat of allowing my vanity to get in the way will be just over the horizon and just around the next corner. It means stepping back into the arena of noise of a congregation where everyone’s voice wants to be heard and everyone’s desires wants to be met and everyone’s direction for the church wants to be fulfilled. My struggle is to keep the focus on God and be his instrument to bring about the unity that Peter and John experienced among their people.
I Want a Principle Within by Charles Wesley:
I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear,
a sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire,
to catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.
Noise surrounds us. It has a tendency to drown out the still small voice of God. The noise adds only confusion to our journey. Each of the noisemakers demands our attention and robs us of the opportunities to be in God’s presence. Finding time and a place wherein we can be quiet and experience the stillness of heart is the 21st Century challenge for anyone who is serious of developing a stronger relationship with God, as well as a clear understanding of the direction God desires for us to take in our spiritual journey.
Scripture: Acts 4:23-37
Two stories make up this passage. First is the one about Peter and John’s release and how their people came together to pray and so powerful was their unity in prayer that the place in which they were meeting was shaken, filling them with holy boldness. The second story supports the unity – being of one mind and one heart - concept in that no one considered their possessions as theirs, but something to be shared with others.
Reflection: Wouldn’t it be great if God’s people had this sense of unity instead of trying to out do the neighbors or trying to impress their neighbors with their “stuff”. I saw “The Devil’s Advocate” last evening staring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. Pacino was the embodiment of the Devil. It was the last line in the movie that sticks with you, “Vanity, definitely my favorite sin.” Vanity creeps into our lives and trips us all up at one point or another. Vanity keeps us from being bolder with our faith. Vanity keeps our priorities out of balance with God’s purpose for our life. Vanity keeps us from being united in prayer, separated into our little cells, divided over direction. The people of Peter and John’s circle were focused resulting in their strong unity so much so that when they prayed the earth shook. Satan is frightened when vanity is placed aside and God’s people pray.
Prayer: Eternal Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer help me to place aside my ego, my desires, my wishes, my reputation, my opinions, my arrogance, my pride, my self-centeredness and focus on your will for my life and ministry. Amen.
Further reflection from Earth and Altar by Eugene H. Peterson
“We do not begin life on our own. We do not finish it on our own. Life, especially when we experience by faith the complex interplay of creation and salvation, is not fashioned out of our own genetic lumber and cultural warehouses. It is not hammered together with the planks and nails of our thoughts and dreams, our feelings and fancies. We are not self-sufficient. We enter a world that is created by God, that already has a rich history and is crowded with committed participants – a world of animals and mountains, of politics and religion; a world where people build houses and raise children, where volcanos erupt lava and river flow to the sea; a world in which, however carefully we observe and watch and study it, surprising things keep on taking place (like rocks turning into pools of water). We keep on being surprised because we are in on something beyond our management, something over our heads.”
The Struggle: Soon, once again, I will be stepping before a congregation to serve them as their pastor. My heart and head are divided. It means leaving the leisure of retirement and picking up the disciplines of study and preparation. It means that my agenda and time will belong to others. It will mean some sleepless nights. The threat of allowing my vanity to get in the way will be just over the horizon and just around the next corner. It means stepping back into the arena of noise of a congregation where everyone’s voice wants to be heard and everyone’s desires wants to be met and everyone’s direction for the church wants to be fulfilled. My struggle is to keep the focus on God and be his instrument to bring about the unity that Peter and John experienced among their people.
I Want a Principle Within by Charles Wesley:
I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear,
a sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire,
to catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 5 - of a spiritual journey learning to trust God to be the one who watches over me
NOTE: I am playing around with a different approach to my daily blog and would love for your input concerning this approach. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to read what this old preacher might be thinking. Please email with your comments at jmartin450@tampabay.rr.com.
Do we really need someone to watch over us? As a toddler most of us want to remain very close to our protective parents. We cling to their legs, hid behind their skirts, and run to their arms the minute something doesn’t seem right. When we become teenagers … not so much. We cannot wait until the day arrives that we are out on our own, making our own decisions … until something bad happens then we want our mommies or we need something fixed or solved then we want our daddies. Parents become a safety net. Not a bad role for us parents. But watch over us? Really? And yet that is one of the promises from God … that he will watch over us in all of our comings and goings … for now and forevermore. This knowledge can and does give to us a quiet peace … like the little toddler who knows that mommy and daddy are not too far away.
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15
While still in a state of sinfulness Jesus came and made us alive. Our spirits have been circumcised; cutting us off from the worldly powers and authority that seeks to destroy us. Christ has made a laughing stock out of their foolishness by nailing them to the cross. And … we are alive!
Reflection: We like rules … most of the time. They have a way of defining our boundaries … you can go this far, but no farther. And, we like to play the role of “societies policemen” by watching over our neighbors to make sure that they don’t step over the line and break the rules. We buy into the worldly powers and authority. There is a sense of works righteousness at play to make sure that we are good enough, that we do enough, that we play by the rules, making sure that everything is fair and above board. Thus, in the process, we compromise our spiritual nature. Christ has freed us from this foolishness. In fact, he has ridiculed this kind of thinking and living. We are free to love our enemies and those who would seek to do all sorts of harm against us. That is, if we will but allow ourselves to be “buried with him in baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God.”
Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, we state so quickly that we are believers in you, that our faith is from you and that we identify ourselves as being one of yours by taking on the title of Christian. And, yet we desire revenge. We plot retaliation. We want to even the score. We celebrate the death of our enemy. Help us, O Lord, to learn what it means to live in you, to be rooted and built up in you. Yes, Lord, help us now more than ever. Amen.
Further reflection from Why, O Lord? By Carlo Carretto
“How can you live in the same house with someone (forever) without the same likes and dislikes? How can you sit at table together with different plans – or worse, opposing ones?
‘I died on the cross for you and you don’t move a finger for me,’ Jesus would have the right to say to me. And: ‘I’m faithful, I’ve never betrayed you. And you? Betray me is all you do. … I love poverty. What about you? What do you love? I consented to be humiliated, ridiculed, defeated, while you are afraid of what others will think of you. You tremble if someone criticizes you in the paper?’
Isn’t this so? … The journey is long and its name is exodus. The exodus is the journey made by human beings to learn God’s tastes by experience. It is God’s school, the apprenticeship of the kingdom, the child’s growing up to become like the parent.”
The Struggle: This has been a difficult week for me spiritually. As an American I was relieved that Osama Bin Laden was finally found and taken off our “most wanted” list and yet, as a Christian I was sad that a life was taken. I was sad as my fellow Christians, even one that I had baptized as an infant, rejoiced and celebrated the death. I have struggled with these issues most of my adult journey and they won’t be going away anytime soon. I am thankful for the country in which I live. I am grateful for those who are willing to serve in the military. My eyes well up with tears when I think of what these brave men and women do on a daily basis, but then there is my faith. How do I reconcile my faith and live as a Kingdom person? The answers are not easy nor do they quickly come … and the struggle continues. It is like playing a game of “who do you trust” – do I trust God to be my protector, the one who has promised to watch over me … forever … or to I compromise my faith and trust in the powers and authority of worldly governments … buying into their agenda?
The Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish, senior pastor of the historical Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, FL has written in his weekly FAITH MATTERS article something that I have found to be very helpful in my struggle entitled, "Was Jesus Cheering".
Only Trust Him by John H. Stockton:
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way that leads you into rest;
believe in him without delay, and you are fully blest.
Only trust him, only trust him, only trust him now.
He will save you, he will save you, he will save you now.
Do we really need someone to watch over us? As a toddler most of us want to remain very close to our protective parents. We cling to their legs, hid behind their skirts, and run to their arms the minute something doesn’t seem right. When we become teenagers … not so much. We cannot wait until the day arrives that we are out on our own, making our own decisions … until something bad happens then we want our mommies or we need something fixed or solved then we want our daddies. Parents become a safety net. Not a bad role for us parents. But watch over us? Really? And yet that is one of the promises from God … that he will watch over us in all of our comings and goings … for now and forevermore. This knowledge can and does give to us a quiet peace … like the little toddler who knows that mommy and daddy are not too far away.
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15
While still in a state of sinfulness Jesus came and made us alive. Our spirits have been circumcised; cutting us off from the worldly powers and authority that seeks to destroy us. Christ has made a laughing stock out of their foolishness by nailing them to the cross. And … we are alive!
Reflection: We like rules … most of the time. They have a way of defining our boundaries … you can go this far, but no farther. And, we like to play the role of “societies policemen” by watching over our neighbors to make sure that they don’t step over the line and break the rules. We buy into the worldly powers and authority. There is a sense of works righteousness at play to make sure that we are good enough, that we do enough, that we play by the rules, making sure that everything is fair and above board. Thus, in the process, we compromise our spiritual nature. Christ has freed us from this foolishness. In fact, he has ridiculed this kind of thinking and living. We are free to love our enemies and those who would seek to do all sorts of harm against us. That is, if we will but allow ourselves to be “buried with him in baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God.”
Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, we state so quickly that we are believers in you, that our faith is from you and that we identify ourselves as being one of yours by taking on the title of Christian. And, yet we desire revenge. We plot retaliation. We want to even the score. We celebrate the death of our enemy. Help us, O Lord, to learn what it means to live in you, to be rooted and built up in you. Yes, Lord, help us now more than ever. Amen.
Further reflection from Why, O Lord? By Carlo Carretto
“How can you live in the same house with someone (forever) without the same likes and dislikes? How can you sit at table together with different plans – or worse, opposing ones?
‘I died on the cross for you and you don’t move a finger for me,’ Jesus would have the right to say to me. And: ‘I’m faithful, I’ve never betrayed you. And you? Betray me is all you do. … I love poverty. What about you? What do you love? I consented to be humiliated, ridiculed, defeated, while you are afraid of what others will think of you. You tremble if someone criticizes you in the paper?’
Isn’t this so? … The journey is long and its name is exodus. The exodus is the journey made by human beings to learn God’s tastes by experience. It is God’s school, the apprenticeship of the kingdom, the child’s growing up to become like the parent.”
The Struggle: This has been a difficult week for me spiritually. As an American I was relieved that Osama Bin Laden was finally found and taken off our “most wanted” list and yet, as a Christian I was sad that a life was taken. I was sad as my fellow Christians, even one that I had baptized as an infant, rejoiced and celebrated the death. I have struggled with these issues most of my adult journey and they won’t be going away anytime soon. I am thankful for the country in which I live. I am grateful for those who are willing to serve in the military. My eyes well up with tears when I think of what these brave men and women do on a daily basis, but then there is my faith. How do I reconcile my faith and live as a Kingdom person? The answers are not easy nor do they quickly come … and the struggle continues. It is like playing a game of “who do you trust” – do I trust God to be my protector, the one who has promised to watch over me … forever … or to I compromise my faith and trust in the powers and authority of worldly governments … buying into their agenda?
The Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish, senior pastor of the historical Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, FL has written in his weekly FAITH MATTERS article something that I have found to be very helpful in my struggle entitled, "Was Jesus Cheering".
Only Trust Him by John H. Stockton:
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way that leads you into rest;
believe in him without delay, and you are fully blest.
Only trust him, only trust him, only trust him now.
He will save you, he will save you, he will save you now.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Day 4 in my struggle to keep the Living Lord as my constant companion
NOTE: I am playing around with a different approach to my daily blog and would love for your input concerning this approach. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to read what this old preacher might be thinking. Please email with your comments at jmartin450@tampabay.rr.com.
We haven’t learned the lesson. We still rely on our political alliances and military might. Israel sought to do things their way and ended up in exile. We are following their example and are presently in an emotional and psychological exile. Psalm 121 clearly states that “my help comes from the Lord” and we say that, but pick up our guns and drive our tanks all the while wondering why we do not have peace. Peace comes only from being in God’s presence as the one who “watches over us” and is “our shade at our right hand; the sun will not harm us by day nor the moon by night.” God is our constant companion if we will but follow his directions and his way.
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
Paul writes the church gently reminding them that they should stand firm in the Lord and seek unity and harmony among everyone. “Rejoice in the Lord always” is his instructions. Thus, we are not to be anxious about anything, but bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. And, then trust God to bring an answer.
Reflection: We have a tendency, especially in America, to think that we have to accomplish it by our own power and authority – GIT-R-DONE, to quote Larry the Cable Guy. Also, what seems to be driving us is the might-makes-right philosophy. This all results in a non-sequitor faith. We start with a good statement, “Jesus is our Savior and Lord,” but everything that follows that appears a little disjointed. One thing doesn’t logically follow the others and we end up with a Civil-Religion that is more about us and our country than it is about God and his Kingdom. Oh, we ask God … constantly … but when we get up from our knees we pick back up the problems that we just layed on the altar. Paul instructs us to think only about pure, true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things. That is to be our focus … and we are put it into practice … therein lies the rub … putting it into practice!
Prayer: Gracious God, I live in a country and among people who have lost their way. And, I am right there in the middle of all the madness, a major contributor to the foolishness. Please forgive me and bring me back to rejoicing, bring me back to being a Kingdom person, bring me back to putting into practice what I already know to be right. Amen.
Further reflection from Together in Solitude by Douglas Steere
“Yet, for all of this lukewarmness, we hunger. And we know well enough that there is a response. There is an answering back to the Grace of God on your part and on mine that is all-important. We know, too, that the redeeming of our time calls for nothing less than the blazing up out of our prostrate bodies of an authentic, original, passionate, interior life in answer to the Living Flame that confronts us.”
The Struggle: Don’t we all speak a better game than we play? At least I do. Do we/I rejoice in all things? Do we/I seek the welfare of everyone, especially the less fortunate? Do we/I desire to live in harmony with all people – regardless of who and what they are? Do we/I quickly forgive the wrongs done by others? Is harmony our/my first priority? Is the Kingdom of God the place of residence for my soul? Is God’s righteousness my constant goal? When I speak is it God’s words that come forth from my lips? Is it God’s emotions that emerge from my soul? Is it God’s purpose driving me? Oh, the questions! Oh, the struggle. And it isn’t something that I simply can get to another day.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
I ask no higher state;
Indulge me but in this,
And soon or later then translate
To thine eternal bliss.
We haven’t learned the lesson. We still rely on our political alliances and military might. Israel sought to do things their way and ended up in exile. We are following their example and are presently in an emotional and psychological exile. Psalm 121 clearly states that “my help comes from the Lord” and we say that, but pick up our guns and drive our tanks all the while wondering why we do not have peace. Peace comes only from being in God’s presence as the one who “watches over us” and is “our shade at our right hand; the sun will not harm us by day nor the moon by night.” God is our constant companion if we will but follow his directions and his way.
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
Paul writes the church gently reminding them that they should stand firm in the Lord and seek unity and harmony among everyone. “Rejoice in the Lord always” is his instructions. Thus, we are not to be anxious about anything, but bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. And, then trust God to bring an answer.
Reflection: We have a tendency, especially in America, to think that we have to accomplish it by our own power and authority – GIT-R-DONE, to quote Larry the Cable Guy. Also, what seems to be driving us is the might-makes-right philosophy. This all results in a non-sequitor faith. We start with a good statement, “Jesus is our Savior and Lord,” but everything that follows that appears a little disjointed. One thing doesn’t logically follow the others and we end up with a Civil-Religion that is more about us and our country than it is about God and his Kingdom. Oh, we ask God … constantly … but when we get up from our knees we pick back up the problems that we just layed on the altar. Paul instructs us to think only about pure, true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things. That is to be our focus … and we are put it into practice … therein lies the rub … putting it into practice!
Prayer: Gracious God, I live in a country and among people who have lost their way. And, I am right there in the middle of all the madness, a major contributor to the foolishness. Please forgive me and bring me back to rejoicing, bring me back to being a Kingdom person, bring me back to putting into practice what I already know to be right. Amen.
Further reflection from Together in Solitude by Douglas Steere
“Yet, for all of this lukewarmness, we hunger. And we know well enough that there is a response. There is an answering back to the Grace of God on your part and on mine that is all-important. We know, too, that the redeeming of our time calls for nothing less than the blazing up out of our prostrate bodies of an authentic, original, passionate, interior life in answer to the Living Flame that confronts us.”
The Struggle: Don’t we all speak a better game than we play? At least I do. Do we/I rejoice in all things? Do we/I seek the welfare of everyone, especially the less fortunate? Do we/I desire to live in harmony with all people – regardless of who and what they are? Do we/I quickly forgive the wrongs done by others? Is harmony our/my first priority? Is the Kingdom of God the place of residence for my soul? Is God’s righteousness my constant goal? When I speak is it God’s words that come forth from my lips? Is it God’s emotions that emerge from my soul? Is it God’s purpose driving me? Oh, the questions! Oh, the struggle. And it isn’t something that I simply can get to another day.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
I ask no higher state;
Indulge me but in this,
And soon or later then translate
To thine eternal bliss.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Keeping the Watchman of our soul as our constant companion ...even while in our personal prison
NOTE: I am playing around with a different approach to my daily blog and would love for your input concerning this approach. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to read what this old preacher might be thinking.
Who is the watchman at the gate of the soul? Who is it that stands ready to protect us? Who is the one who watches our backs? We are always looking, seeking, hoping that someone … anyone … stands ready to defend us against all odds and all foes. We place our trust in others – friends and family mostly – only to have them disappoint us when we need them the most. The only watchman at the gate of the soul that really counts is God. He has shared that he will never forsake us. The Cross-stands as a testimony to that reality.
Scripture: Genesis 39:19-23
Joseph was thrown into prison. The Lord was his constant companion. God opened the heart of the prison warden to show kindness towards Joseph. Joseph was given great responsibilities while in prison. The warden trusted Joseph. Joseph experienced great success.
Reflection: A simple story. An encouraging story, especially for anyone who feels that those in authority disregards his or her efforts. We all have our “prisons”. Most of us would quickly testify to the fact that we don’t deserve being in our “prison” and yet, there we sit. In the midst of the muck of life (another way of looking at the concept of prison) the question comes as to who is our companion. Friends? Family? Many times they simply heap more “muck” upon us. It’s all your fault? You made your own bed? You have no one to blame but yourself? This results in the prison being darker and more confining. Within this context we come to realize that our only real companion is God. God doesn’t throw stones or pass judgmental statements. He stands fast. It will be God who changes the hearts of those around us. It will be God who changes the possibilities that lie before us. It will be God who brings any hope, any possibilities, any success. And we will be trusted once again to serve … even while we are still in prison.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes I can only see the four walls of my prison. Do I deserve to be locked up? … probably more than I am willing to admit, but here I am. Dear Heavenly Companion come and be with me. No one else can change the hearts of those who serve as my “warden”. No one else can bring back the level of trust once shared. No one else, but you. Amen
Further reflection from “Mutual Ministry” by James C. Fenhagen
Spiritual guidance is not therapy, nor is it the giving of advice. Its aim is to provide assistance in both clarification and discernment. It involves sitting down on a regular basis with someone you trust in order to examine, adjust, and recommit yourself to the disciplines that give substance to your journey. It might be that your spiritual guide is someone you do not normally see, but from whom you feel you will gain wisdom. Or it might be that you find a person who is a spiritual companion to you at the same time that you are a spiritual companion to him. It is incidental whether the relationship lasts a year or a lifetime. The important thing is that the relationship be one in which you are able to talk comfortably and reflectively about the unfolding process of your spiritual journey, knowing that Christ is made known through you to others.
The Struggle: My struggle is not getting depressed because of the prison. I find myself too often crying out with a “how long, O Lord, how long?” It is far to easy to allow the walls of the “prison” to close in upon us … at least in my case … getting to the point that all we (I) see are the four walls. Oh, I pray … and I trust God for an answer, but often – too often – my own spirit generates the answers that come and the results are not pretty. If we would look back over all of the stupid decisions we have made we will see a constant companion guiding us out of the prisons that we have made for ourselves. The struggle is keeping the focus on the Companion … the watchman at the gate of our soul.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
I want the witness, Lord,
That all I do is right,
According to thy mind and word,
Well-pleasing in thy sight.
Who is the watchman at the gate of the soul? Who is it that stands ready to protect us? Who is the one who watches our backs? We are always looking, seeking, hoping that someone … anyone … stands ready to defend us against all odds and all foes. We place our trust in others – friends and family mostly – only to have them disappoint us when we need them the most. The only watchman at the gate of the soul that really counts is God. He has shared that he will never forsake us. The Cross-stands as a testimony to that reality.
Scripture: Genesis 39:19-23
Joseph was thrown into prison. The Lord was his constant companion. God opened the heart of the prison warden to show kindness towards Joseph. Joseph was given great responsibilities while in prison. The warden trusted Joseph. Joseph experienced great success.
Reflection: A simple story. An encouraging story, especially for anyone who feels that those in authority disregards his or her efforts. We all have our “prisons”. Most of us would quickly testify to the fact that we don’t deserve being in our “prison” and yet, there we sit. In the midst of the muck of life (another way of looking at the concept of prison) the question comes as to who is our companion. Friends? Family? Many times they simply heap more “muck” upon us. It’s all your fault? You made your own bed? You have no one to blame but yourself? This results in the prison being darker and more confining. Within this context we come to realize that our only real companion is God. God doesn’t throw stones or pass judgmental statements. He stands fast. It will be God who changes the hearts of those around us. It will be God who changes the possibilities that lie before us. It will be God who brings any hope, any possibilities, any success. And we will be trusted once again to serve … even while we are still in prison.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes I can only see the four walls of my prison. Do I deserve to be locked up? … probably more than I am willing to admit, but here I am. Dear Heavenly Companion come and be with me. No one else can change the hearts of those who serve as my “warden”. No one else can bring back the level of trust once shared. No one else, but you. Amen
Further reflection from “Mutual Ministry” by James C. Fenhagen
Spiritual guidance is not therapy, nor is it the giving of advice. Its aim is to provide assistance in both clarification and discernment. It involves sitting down on a regular basis with someone you trust in order to examine, adjust, and recommit yourself to the disciplines that give substance to your journey. It might be that your spiritual guide is someone you do not normally see, but from whom you feel you will gain wisdom. Or it might be that you find a person who is a spiritual companion to you at the same time that you are a spiritual companion to him. It is incidental whether the relationship lasts a year or a lifetime. The important thing is that the relationship be one in which you are able to talk comfortably and reflectively about the unfolding process of your spiritual journey, knowing that Christ is made known through you to others.
The Struggle: My struggle is not getting depressed because of the prison. I find myself too often crying out with a “how long, O Lord, how long?” It is far to easy to allow the walls of the “prison” to close in upon us … at least in my case … getting to the point that all we (I) see are the four walls. Oh, I pray … and I trust God for an answer, but often – too often – my own spirit generates the answers that come and the results are not pretty. If we would look back over all of the stupid decisions we have made we will see a constant companion guiding us out of the prisons that we have made for ourselves. The struggle is keeping the focus on the Companion … the watchman at the gate of our soul.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
I want the witness, Lord,
That all I do is right,
According to thy mind and word,
Well-pleasing in thy sight.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Being reminded, through the life of Abram, that God uses all people regardless of age
NOTE: I am playing around with a different approach to my daily blog and would love for your input concerning this approach. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to read what this old preacher might be thinking.
Among the many things I need … desire … wish for … long for … hunger and thirst after is relief from the ongoing stress and confusion of living and the wait peace of God’s presence. The Psalmist (121) reassures me that God watches over me. There is nothing that I presently face that will threaten me beyond God’s ability to handle it for me and gives me the strength to face it with confidence. Therein lies my hope.
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-8
Here is the telling of the covenant making between God and Abram. Abram was 99 years old when God made a promise that he was going to be the father of many nations. Because of this chosen position before God Abram’s name is changed to Abraham indicating that something extremely important has taken place.
Reflection: The first thing that jumps off the page is the age of Abram when God made covenant with him … 99 years old! At that age most individuals are looking for a rocking chair, a retirement center, a life of leisure and comfort, opportunities to do a lot of fishing or many rounds of golf. To hear that God is going to start to do something new in and through you when there is already one foot in the grave is truly staggering. At that point in life most of us are pretty much stuck in our ways. We like our daily routines. We want life to be predictable. We are not necessarily open to surprises, discovering new ideas, changing our ways. Abram had to start getting use to a new relationship with God and a different future. To top it off he had to get use to a new name. Normally, it takes me a least a month or more just to remember to place the New Year’s date on my checks. The older I get the longer it takes. 99 years old, new name, and a promise from God!
Prayer: Eternal God, you always know best. You know me inside out. You are more familiar with me than I am with myself. You know when I go out and when I come in. You have and continue to mark my days. You, better than anyone else, know my weaknesses and failings … of the things that go “bump in the night”. Continue to place your call (covenant) upon my soul. Use me Lord … use even me. Amen.
Further reflection from Charles de Foucauld, “Meditations of a Hermit”
“When you are sad, tired, lonely and full of suffering, take refuge in the sanctuary of your soul and there you will find your Brother, your friend, Jesus, who will console you, support you and strengthen you.”
The Struggle: By all appearances this is a young person’s world. There are a number of churches soon to receive a new pastor. In nearly every situation the church asked for a “younger pastor”. I am sure that the Bishop and Cabinet had difficulty finding places for the “old” preachers to serve. The world is hungering for the energy and excitement that comes with being young. So here I sit as a 68 year old. My knees hurt most days. My stamina isn’t what it was to be … my “get-up-and-go-has-gotten-up-and-gone”. There are two many days that I would prefer to simply sit and read a good book, watch a sporting event and/or a movie … and I am only 68! Abram was 99 when God made a covenant with him! And so, I struggle with my relationship with God, i.e. would God chose me for a special covenant relationship? I struggle with the whole idea of accomplishing something new in God’s Kingdom. Can, or should I say, will God use the likes of me to produce “many descendents” … not as in physical heirs, but spiritual heirs? And, is there still a place for me in ministry … hands on, leadership, breaking the bread of life, caring and sharing, walking beside, pointing in the direction that we should go … kinds of ministry?
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
Hasten the joyful day
Which shall my sins consume,
When old things shall be done away,
And all things new become.
Among the many things I need … desire … wish for … long for … hunger and thirst after is relief from the ongoing stress and confusion of living and the wait peace of God’s presence. The Psalmist (121) reassures me that God watches over me. There is nothing that I presently face that will threaten me beyond God’s ability to handle it for me and gives me the strength to face it with confidence. Therein lies my hope.
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-8
Here is the telling of the covenant making between God and Abram. Abram was 99 years old when God made a promise that he was going to be the father of many nations. Because of this chosen position before God Abram’s name is changed to Abraham indicating that something extremely important has taken place.
Reflection: The first thing that jumps off the page is the age of Abram when God made covenant with him … 99 years old! At that age most individuals are looking for a rocking chair, a retirement center, a life of leisure and comfort, opportunities to do a lot of fishing or many rounds of golf. To hear that God is going to start to do something new in and through you when there is already one foot in the grave is truly staggering. At that point in life most of us are pretty much stuck in our ways. We like our daily routines. We want life to be predictable. We are not necessarily open to surprises, discovering new ideas, changing our ways. Abram had to start getting use to a new relationship with God and a different future. To top it off he had to get use to a new name. Normally, it takes me a least a month or more just to remember to place the New Year’s date on my checks. The older I get the longer it takes. 99 years old, new name, and a promise from God!
Prayer: Eternal God, you always know best. You know me inside out. You are more familiar with me than I am with myself. You know when I go out and when I come in. You have and continue to mark my days. You, better than anyone else, know my weaknesses and failings … of the things that go “bump in the night”. Continue to place your call (covenant) upon my soul. Use me Lord … use even me. Amen.
Further reflection from Charles de Foucauld, “Meditations of a Hermit”
“When you are sad, tired, lonely and full of suffering, take refuge in the sanctuary of your soul and there you will find your Brother, your friend, Jesus, who will console you, support you and strengthen you.”
The Struggle: By all appearances this is a young person’s world. There are a number of churches soon to receive a new pastor. In nearly every situation the church asked for a “younger pastor”. I am sure that the Bishop and Cabinet had difficulty finding places for the “old” preachers to serve. The world is hungering for the energy and excitement that comes with being young. So here I sit as a 68 year old. My knees hurt most days. My stamina isn’t what it was to be … my “get-up-and-go-has-gotten-up-and-gone”. There are two many days that I would prefer to simply sit and read a good book, watch a sporting event and/or a movie … and I am only 68! Abram was 99 when God made a covenant with him! And so, I struggle with my relationship with God, i.e. would God chose me for a special covenant relationship? I struggle with the whole idea of accomplishing something new in God’s Kingdom. Can, or should I say, will God use the likes of me to produce “many descendents” … not as in physical heirs, but spiritual heirs? And, is there still a place for me in ministry … hands on, leadership, breaking the bread of life, caring and sharing, walking beside, pointing in the direction that we should go … kinds of ministry?
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
Hasten the joyful day
Which shall my sins consume,
When old things shall be done away,
And all things new become.
Monday, May 2, 2011
God as my companion - constant and loving - a reflection on Ezekiel 36:22-36
In today's blog I am changing my style and will be interested in your comments concerning the change. Thanks, Jim
God is my provider and protector. God is my constant companion. Anything that is good, filled with hope and promise that happens in my life is by God’s design. I acknowledge that and accept it with open and willing arms with a heart of gratitude.
Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-36
God is promising to Israel that God will restore their land, their cities, their standing among the nations. God will bring back from ruin that which was destroyed and desolate. God is the doer. These things will happen not because the people are faithful or devoted nor (and this is the interesting point) for their sake, but so that the people of other nations will know that God is powerful and mighty worthy to be praised.
Reflection:
So much of our (my) thinking is about God blessing our (my) lives. Do this, O Lord, because we are (I am) (fill in the blank). The old nemesis of Works Righteousness is just below the surface. We get to the point of thinking that somehow we deserve the goodness of God. When not-so-good things happen we are quick to cry out, “Why me? Why us? Why now?” We want (and think we deserve) justice … justice as defined by: bless us, damn others … justice as in “we are faithful and deserving” and “thank God we are not like those other people” … justice as in this is our country and we have earned the material blessings that surround us … justice as in God bless the USA … justice!
And yet, vs. 36 stands as a reminder it isn’t about us nor about our faithfulness nor about who we are or what we have done/accomplished … it is about God. It is by his actions and decisions that blessings and restoration comes. It is God acting as the gracious and forgiving God. It is God fulfilling the very nature of his being. “I will do it.” End of story!
Prayer:
Eternal God, keep me focus on your kingdom. Help me to live beyond myself. Give direction to the path that you have laid before me. And, may all the glory be yours! Amen.
Further reflection from William Law’s book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life”:
(One) who dares not say an ill-natured word or do an unreasonable thing because he (or she) considers God as everywhere present performs a better devotion than (one) who dares not miss the church. To live in the world as a stranger and a pilgrim, using all its enjoyments as if we used them not, making all our actions as so many steps toward a better life, is offering a better sacrifice to God than any forms of holy and heavenly prayers.
The Struggle: I am in the midst of trying to determine the direction that my ministry is (will be) taking. Opportunities are just over the horizon. My desire is to be God’s servant. It will mean less freedom in my retirement years. Am I willing to forgo the relaxation and freedom that have come with the retirement? Just what does God wish to accomplish in and through me for his church? In the middle of all this is a constant reminder than it isn’t about me nor my abilities nor the restoration of my ministry … It is by God’s design and for the further purpose of God’s kingdom.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
O come and dwell in me,
Spirit of power within.
And bring the glorious liberty
From sorrow, fear, and sin.
God is my provider and protector. God is my constant companion. Anything that is good, filled with hope and promise that happens in my life is by God’s design. I acknowledge that and accept it with open and willing arms with a heart of gratitude.
Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-36
God is promising to Israel that God will restore their land, their cities, their standing among the nations. God will bring back from ruin that which was destroyed and desolate. God is the doer. These things will happen not because the people are faithful or devoted nor (and this is the interesting point) for their sake, but so that the people of other nations will know that God is powerful and mighty worthy to be praised.
Reflection:
So much of our (my) thinking is about God blessing our (my) lives. Do this, O Lord, because we are (I am) (fill in the blank). The old nemesis of Works Righteousness is just below the surface. We get to the point of thinking that somehow we deserve the goodness of God. When not-so-good things happen we are quick to cry out, “Why me? Why us? Why now?” We want (and think we deserve) justice … justice as defined by: bless us, damn others … justice as in “we are faithful and deserving” and “thank God we are not like those other people” … justice as in this is our country and we have earned the material blessings that surround us … justice as in God bless the USA … justice!
And yet, vs. 36 stands as a reminder it isn’t about us nor about our faithfulness nor about who we are or what we have done/accomplished … it is about God. It is by his actions and decisions that blessings and restoration comes. It is God acting as the gracious and forgiving God. It is God fulfilling the very nature of his being. “I will do it.” End of story!
Prayer:
Eternal God, keep me focus on your kingdom. Help me to live beyond myself. Give direction to the path that you have laid before me. And, may all the glory be yours! Amen.
Further reflection from William Law’s book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life”:
(One) who dares not say an ill-natured word or do an unreasonable thing because he (or she) considers God as everywhere present performs a better devotion than (one) who dares not miss the church. To live in the world as a stranger and a pilgrim, using all its enjoyments as if we used them not, making all our actions as so many steps toward a better life, is offering a better sacrifice to God than any forms of holy and heavenly prayers.
The Struggle: I am in the midst of trying to determine the direction that my ministry is (will be) taking. Opportunities are just over the horizon. My desire is to be God’s servant. It will mean less freedom in my retirement years. Am I willing to forgo the relaxation and freedom that have come with the retirement? Just what does God wish to accomplish in and through me for his church? In the middle of all this is a constant reminder than it isn’t about me nor my abilities nor the restoration of my ministry … It is by God’s design and for the further purpose of God’s kingdom.
O Come and Dwell in Me by Charles Wesley:
O come and dwell in me,
Spirit of power within.
And bring the glorious liberty
From sorrow, fear, and sin.
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