Eastertide

May 1, 2023

Scripture Reading: Acts 7:55-60
But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.

The stoning of Stephen is an interesting scripture to include in the lectionary well before Pentecost. It projects what is to come after the death of Jesus and his resurrection. The time before Pentecost for the Disciples surely mirrored our stages of grief, the shock of the women finding the empty tomb, and the denial of Thomas demanding proof that Jesus had been resurrected. Each person experiences the stages of grief in their own way, order, and time—sadness, depression, guilt, anger, and, hopefully, acceptance. Pentecost may describe Jesus’s followers’ acceptance. All these experiences were preparation for events like the stoning of Stephen. And all these stories are provided to prepare us for the challenges we may face in fulfilling our calling to continue Christ’s mission of creating the Beloved Community, the Kingdom of God, for all his people.

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to do our part in building your Beloved Community. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Living In the Spirit

April 30, 2023

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:37-46

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

The Lord wants us to care for one another to the extent that it is our way of being when we can freely wonder, because it is our normal behavior, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?  

Any nation that claims to be a democracy should reflect in its laws and policies the ways of its people. We have much work to do to clean up our actions and ensure that our concern for all our people is reflected in our national and state laws and policies.

Prayer: Lord, grant us the courage to elect people who care about all our people and to demand nothing less than that from all our government entities.  Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United

Living in the Spirit

April 29, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 25:31-46

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”—Matthew 25:31-36

I am going off lectionary for today. I spend much of my time as an advocate tracking state and federal legislation. There are many ways to advocate for others. I worked for 35 years for the State of Oklahoma and determined that experience prepared me best for this type of advocacy. For those of us who identify as Christ-followers, Jesus made it very clear in the above scripture by what criteria he judges the nations. Of course, nations are made up of individuals working together to achieve righteousness and bring justice to all. Our nation is looking more and more like the idols described in the Hebrew Bible. Our idols are not images carved in stone but greed, lust for power, and the resulting self-righteousness. Jesus specifically called on us to

• Feed the hungry
• Provide water for the thirsty
• Welcome the stranger
• Cloth the naked
• care for the sick
• Reform the prisoner

Where are we today?

• Targeting cutting food stamps to reduce our national debt.
• Trying to figure out how to provide water for the western states impacted by climate change we have too long ignored.
• Building fences that do not work to keep out refugees while eagerly working their children in hard daily labor.
• Allowing corporations to pay minimum wages below the poverty level while workers live on the streets wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather.
• Pricing people out of necessary health care because of the layers of profit applied at every level of care.
• Exchanging desperately needed restorative justice to increase the bottom lines of for-profit prisons.  

Prayer: Father, forgive us for not knowing what we do. Open our hearts and minds to turn around and follow the pattern of being you have set forth for us. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

April 28, 2023

Eastertide

1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
‘He committed no sin,
   and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Jesus set an example for all of us. When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He also did not shy away from standing up for the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, strangers, and prisoners. Neither should we.

Prayer: Our world suffers from greed, lust for power, and fear. Heal our souls and make us whole to be good conduits of your love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Eastertide

April 27, 2023

Scripture Reading:

1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
‘He committed no sin,
   and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Routinely a news story reports that someone is being freed from prison, some from death row because their innocence has been proven. In some instances, they are not freed because the court ruled that the case had been handled correctly based on the proof presented. Therefore, the sentence cannot be changed when new data proves the person’s innocence. That is just wrong, in my opinion. I thought of these folks, particularly when I read the above scripture. I have noticed that most of those, at least the ones I have seen on the news, are at peace. But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. I think we forget that God’s approval is the only important approval. When we are in sync with God, we can interact with all situations from the position of God’s love, even being incorrectly imprisoned. I must say I have been so impressed with people who have gone through this and were able to remain self-confident and self-assured.

Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our focus on doing right by you, which results in doing what is right for others. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Eastertide

April 26, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
   he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   my whole life long.

Finding the right paths in life is one of our greatest challenges. Of course, we must decide the big thing, like what we would do with our lives. Sometimes though, the small things we do complicate our lives the most. Several years ago, a good friend and co-worker suddenly started avoiding me and seemed offended about something. I asked if something was wrong. She said no and walked away. A few months later, she came into my office almost in tears. Someone had told her a lie about me, I never knew what it was, that hurt her to her core. She had learned from a reliable source that what she was told was untrue. She came to apologize for believing what she was told in the first place. We reconciled our relationship, but it was never the same.

I have found this particularly in interpersonal relationships, but also in how we understand ourselves; having a close relationship with God where we share our troubles, and plan our actions, and reactions, makes us better able to find the right path before we step out in faith to do the right thing.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your wise counsel in finding the right path in all we do and say. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Eastertide

April 25, 2023

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

This scripture reminds me of the family reunions we once had each year on my father’s side of the family. My dad came from a yours-mine-and-ours family. My grandfather and his first wife had nine children. Seven lived to adulthood. My grandmother and her first husband had six children. Five of them lived to adulthood. After both of my grandparents’ first spouses died, they met, married, and had three children, including my father. We had to rent one of the buildings at the fairground for our annual reunion. All of that generation is now gone. I still have fond memories of those gatherings. Everyone brought food, and we ate and laughed and played. At the end of the day, all returned to their life that involved work and school and practicing their faith.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is holding its General Assembly this summer, much like a family reunion. It is a time of renewal. We conduct some business, spend more time in seminars, and have opportunities for growth and discernment. Most of all, we eat and visit and reconnect. Like the first century’s disciples, we will join in word and deed to prepare ourselves to return to a world in desperate need of being filled with the Spirit of love and grace God provides as we strive to create a world ruled by love.

Prayer:

Consecrate [us] now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine*. Amen.

*Second verse of the hymn I Am Thine O Lord, by Fanny Crosby, see at https://hymnary.org/text/i_am_thine_o_lord_i_have_heard_thy_voice

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Eastertide

April 24, 2023

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Several reports have been issued recently about the reduction of people participating in religious practices. According to the Pew Research Center* those who identify as Christian dropped from 78% in 2007 to 65% in 2019. There are more people who identify as spiritual but not religious. I fear our combining our faith with our worldview has turned people away in some instances and strengthen some peoples’ hold on being the definers of Christianity in other cases. We are indeed seeing the results of a house divided cannot stand. (Matthew 25:12)

The example of the birth of the Christian faith described in the above scripture is one we need to take to heart. The informality of the awakening did eventually require some organization, but it might be a great example for us to follow today as we strive for the building of the Beloved Community Christ envisioned. Pentecost awaits. It is time we get our act together and become the Body of Christ in the world today.

The refrain of the song Day by Day follows a prayer ascribed to the 13th-century English bishop Saint Richard of Chichester:

May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly.**

Prayer: Lord, strengthen us in serving your vision more nearly.  Amen.

*See at https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/

**Philip H. Pfatteicher (2008). New Book of Festivals and Commemorations: A Proposed Common Calendar of Saints. Fortress Press. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-8006-2128-5.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Eastertide

April 22, 2023

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10

‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

This scripture is somewhat confusing. Is Jesus the shepherd or the gate or both? Animals do know their leader by voice, but humans are more complex than animals. The gift of free will makes us responsible for where we obtain our guidance. God understands us completely if we choose to commit ourselves to commune with God. I love Romans 8:26-27: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Communication problems with God occur when we are drawn away from God by the world’s messages specifically designed to distract us from God’s leadership. Oklahoma was struck by multiple tornados and a hailstorm of huge hailstones, damaging many homes.  A warning on TV started immediately after the storm telling people not to be taken in by people knocking on their doors offering them too-good-to-be-true deals to fix their homes. They will take your money and run.

In the scripture above, Jesus warns of the folly of falling into such traps regarding temptations that pull us away from following God. Jesus set the example when we are told by scripture the many times he withdrew to pray. We would do well to follow his example.

Prayer: Lord, protect us from the distractions of the world that lead us away from you. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.