Author Archives: WOJ@deborahsdescendants.com

Loving Ourselves

Living in the Spirit

October 23, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Acting holier-than-thou or self-righteous is often the result of people not being comfortable in their own skin. The need to constantly prove that we are better than others tends to grow from not loving ourselves as a person of unique worth. The faith problem with that way of thinking is we cannot fully clasp the idea of loving our neighbors, all our neighbors if we do not love ourselves. Fully accepting ourselves as we are does not mean we do not need to dedicate ourselves to becoming fully the person God created us to be.

Many of the problems in our world today are based on our not loving ourselves enough to be who we can be. We may have received messages that we were inferior. I will never forget asking a judge to authorize our agency to remove children from their home because the children were being severely abused and neglected. The judge finally signed the order, handed it to me, and said, “That family has always been worthless, you are not going to change that but if you want to try go ahead.” I pondered as I left the office that they sure are not going to change if everyone thought as he did. I read in the paper several years later the story of a beloved policeman and all the wonderful things he had done for the community who had been killed in a car wreck. He was one of those children.

Prayer: Lord, help us look for the worth in ourselves and others so we all can model our lives after Christ’s. 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.

Redemption

Living in the Spirit

October 22, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Some Pharisees liked to play God so do some politicians. Supporting the death penalty gains them votes for being tough on crime. The state of Oklahoma, using our tax dollars, on October 20, 2022, killed another man with a mental illness for killing his nine-month-old baby, twenty years ago. Although he had been diagnosed as having schizophrenia, the courts denied the need to determine if he suffered from a mental illness.

 He was the sixth person executed in the last year in Oklahoma. There are twenty more scheduled for execution over the next two years. The death penalty serves no criminal justice purpose. Studies have determined that it does not serve as a deterrent to crime. Keeping someone on death row for 20 years costs a lot more money than serving their time in a regular prison setting. Why, you ask does it take 20 years before someone is executed?  Because it takes a long time to process all the appeals. People impacted by the crime that resulted in a death sentence get no closure during all those appeals. Why must we have all those appeals? Because since the death penalty was reinstated in 1973 at least 190 people have been exonerated before they were executed. We have no idea how many innocent people have been executed. People who are a danger to themselves or others may need to be sentenced to life in prison, where they have a chance at redemption. There is no redemption in execution. Jesus was innocent of any crime and his execution provided for the redemption of all people.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we insert ourselves into making decisions meant only for 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.

God’s Presence

Living in the Spirit

October 21, 2022

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. –2: Timothy 4:16-18

We find out who our real friends and supporters are when we see who turns up when our lives turn down. I must say I cannot remember a time when I did not have support in challenging situations. Jesus did know how it felt to be deserted in his time of need. Peter denied even knowing him. I appreciated the visits and calls when my father died. When the phone stopped ringing, and all the visitors had left, I sat quietly in my favorite rocking chair, closed my eyes, and felt the full, presence of the Lord. I had the deepest sense that dad had experienced some distress until he too entered the peace of God that passes understanding.

We do need to present for those we love and even those we meet along the way, but the greatest gift we might give them is to share the eternal presence of God with us when we seek God.

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ` (Matthew 6:33)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the constancy of your presence. 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.

Burnout

Living in the Spirit

October 20, 2022

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. –2 Timothy 4:6-8

A libation is a liquid like wine or water poured out to symbolize total surrender* often to God. I am sure Paul experienced the feeling of being totally poured out as he indicated he had run his race; he was near the finish line. When I was still in my 20s, I experienced what is now called burnout. The word is tossed around rather loosely, but it is a very real condition** that needs to be recognized and treated. Lack of control, unclear job expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, extremes of activity, lack of social support, and work-life imbalance** are causes of burnout in the workplace but they also relate to all of life. The more of these issues that one faces at once burnout deepens.  Our entire world is recovering from these life situations as we crawl out of the grasp of COVID. While it affected all our work lives and school, it also touched on every part of our lives and still is to some extent. I got my third booster shot yesterday along with my flu shot. Just as we seem to be returning to normal climate change rears up to remind us of another major challenge with which we must deal as some of the worst weather in recorded history causes death and destruction.

We need to check our habits: eat right, exercise, avoid alcohol or food overindulgence, get adequate sleep, and if indicated get professional help. More than anything, we must enrich our lives with God. Take time to meditate and pray. I love the story of Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:16-40). Listen to helpful music. I have a DVD of old favorite hymns that soothes my weary soul when I need it. Intentionally practice loving ourselves and loving others.

Prayer: Lord, life has been difficult for people since the beginning of time, surround us with your fortitude as we fight the good fight and continue to build a better world for all people. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/4689.htm

** For more information about burnout see https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642

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.

Being the House of God

Living in the Spirit

October 19, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 84:1-7

How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints
   for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
   my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
   ever singing your praise. –Psalm 84:1-4

On a trip that had taken me to Switzerland, I climbed up a hill early in the morning to investigate a tiny church I had spotted on my walk. As I arrived at its entrance, I met a local woman who did not speak English but greeted me with a wonderful smile as she welcomed me with a sweeping hand motioning me to enter. The trip was a choir tour, and we had sung in some very beautiful European sanctuaries, small and large, ornate, and simple. This little sanctuary which could only seat maybe eight people was designed for prayer and meditation. I slipped into one of the little pews and felt a wonderful closeness to God. I do like the influence of places dedicated to God to encourage my communion with God, but I also now understand that we are all houses of God. Jeremiah speaks to God writing God’s laws on our hearts:

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. –Jeremiah 31:33

It is humbling to think that our hearts are tiny chapels where God abides and enables our loving others as God loves us.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for planting the seeds of your love in our beings so that we may spread your love to the world. 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.

Strength to Change

Living in the Spirit

October 18, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

Have you completely rejected Judah?
   Does your heart loathe Zion?
Why have you struck us down
   so that there is no healing for us?
We look for peace, but find no good;
   for a time of healing, but there is terror instead.
We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord,
   the iniquity of our ancestors,
   for we have sinned against you.
Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake;
   do not dishonor your glorious throne;
   remember and do not break your covenant with us.
Can any idols of the nations bring rain?
   Or can the heavens give showers?
Is it not you, O Lord our God?
   We set our hope on you,
   for it is you who do all this. –Jeremiah 14:19-22

We look for peace but are we willing to give up the wickedness that steals our peace? What price is change and are we willing to invest it? Perhaps what we need from God is the consistent affirmation that we have the strength to change our behavior. God created us with that strength, but we must choose to use it. God promises us that the Spirit will be our backup when our strength seems to weaken.

One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:26:

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.

We can count on it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for interceding when we do not have the words to deal with our weaknesses. 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.

Pour Out Your Spirit on Us

Living in the Spirit

October 17, 2022

Scripture Reading: Joel 2:23-32

O children of Zion, be glad
   and rejoice in the Lord your God;
for he has given the early rain for your vindication,
   he has poured down for you abundant rain,
   the early and the later rain, as before.
The threshing-floors shall be full of grain,
   the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Then afterwards
   I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
   your old men shall dream dreams,
   and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female slaves,
   in those days, I will pour out my spirit. –Joel 2:23-24,28-29

Oklahoma is suffering a drought, causing catastrophic outcomes for the state. There is not enough grass to feed cattle. Even where grass might have been available, fires turned the trees and other plants into ash. While the rain that fell last night was accompanied by high winds and hail, it was a blessing.  

As we recover from the avalanche of COVID and are learning to live with its ongoing impacts, we, too are suffering its consequences. Businesses are trying to find a new normal, our supply systems are not as streamlined as we want them to be causing delays in finding what we need contributing to inflation, and a war in Europe is adding to our challenges. We somehow find ourselves in a divide-and-conquer world unable to find common ground for the Common Good. If ever we needed the Lord to pour his spirit on all of us and show us the way to a beloved community, we need it now.

Prayer: Lord, pour out your spirit on us and help us to build a more loving world. 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 our Faith

Living in the Spirit

October 16, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

I would much prefer recognizing people’s faith by their actions, not words. The woman in this parable was persistent in her quest for justice and everyone knew it. I think that is what the scripture above is suggesting when the Son of Man comes he desires to find people being actively involved in loving themselves and loving their neighbor as they love themselves*.

In reference to Christ, [faith] denotes “a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God” **.

The kingdom of God is the ideal beautiful community where love is the rule, not power, wealth, or wisdom. Many of us were raised with the concept that we have a final reward in a place called heaven if we believe in Jesus Christ and serve him. The problem is that our culture values power, wealth, and wisdom as transcendent characteristics and we tend to set them as the character traits of faith, not the love Christ modeled for us.

The parable above warns us that we must not be distracted by the ways of the world, but we are to champion justice and righteousness as we live the love of God now and forever.

Prayer: Lord, guide us away from that which distracts us and toward that which makes us whole. Amen.

*See Mark 12:30-31

**https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm

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.

What is Prayer

Living in the Spirit

October 15, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my opponent.” For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, “Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’

God hears our prayers, but what constitutes a prayer? I pray rather formally daily for my family, friends facing difficulties or health problems, and even myself. If I know something particular, I might mention it, but in most instances, I just ask God to bless them. I pray before my Sunday school class and the Bible study group I facilitate. I think these prayers are important even though I have no idea what God thinks about such prayers. My sense is God expects me to pray these prayers. I do not think God keeps a record of how many people prayed for something or someone and responds accordingly. I tend to think praying grows our love and sense of our interrelationship with God and all of God’s children.

The real guts of my prayers, however, come when I grapple with God about the right thing to do or why something is happening. These are not formal prayers. These are prayers of desperation where I see something amiss in my life or the world, and I do not know how to deal with it except to share my consternation with the One who created me and the world around me. Who is better to deal with life choices than the creator of life?

Prayer:
Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore*. Amen.

First verse of Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah by William Williams See at https://hymnary.org/text/guide_me_o_thou_great_jehovah

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.

Finding Ourselves in Service to God

Living in the Spirit

October 14, 2022

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. –2 Timothy 4:1-5

I was writing a piece on reducing poverty in the USA recently when I was struck by the fact that what needed to happen to reduce poverty was not some great mystery, but it did require a lot of hard work and dedication to implement. It particularly required working together with others to find common ground toward attaining the common good and right now our nation is caught up in stubborn diversity of thought and purpose.

I am not allergic to all kinds of hard work, but I do remember disliking work in the garden on our farm. My mother and sister actually thought it was fun. Instead of digging in and getting the job done, I was always finding distractions. My mom finally gave up on my becoming a gardener. By the time I was ten I was left at the house with a list of chores that I did not mind doing and cooking which I enjoyed. I learned from that experience that we are not called to do everything, but we are called to do something and endowed with skills and talents to complement our calling. It may, however, require us to venture into areas that were not originally on our radar.

That said, we can find ourselves looking in all the wrong places trying to find what is right for us. I chose to base these devotions on the lectionary scriptures because that forces me to read most of the Bible over a three-year period, even the parts I do not like. Thomas Jefferson solved this problem by cutting out the verses with which he disagreed.  Indeed, that is accumulating teachers to suit our own desires. We also tend to intermingle with people like us. Branching out into the whole beloved community may surprise us when we discover new ways of loving God which results in learning to love all our neighbors which might result in our learning to love ourselves better.

Prayer: Lord, as we grow in spirit and in truth help us to find and hone new skills and talents to serve you more nearly. 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.