Author Archives: WOJ@deborahsdescendants.com

What Does It Mean to be Woke

Living in the Spirit

September 2, 2022

Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:1-21

So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. –Philemon 1:17-21

Paul did not hold back from pressuring people to do the right thing. I felt discomfort when I read in the above scripture how Paul was trying to manipulate Philemon to do the right thing regarding Onesimus. I do not have the same reaction to the word “just” or “justice,” however, the Greek and Hebrew languages treat them equally. What is just is right; what is righteous is justice. I am not a linguist, but I do think we need to be attentive to our cultural interpretation of the words we use or misuse for an ulterior purpose. I do not know when I started hearing the word “woke” as an adjective describing a type of person. The word “woke” to me is the past tense of wake which means the process of transferring from sleep to not being asleep. It also means the water in the ocean when a ship maneuvers through it. Wake is also known as a viewing, visitation, or gathering related to the death of an individual.  None of which explains the woke as a personality type which seems to be the way it is used today.  Apparently, at some point, the word began to be used in slang to mean having or marked by an active awareness of systemic injustices and prejudices, especially those related to civil and human rights* which sounds like a good thing to me. However, it is being used in political ads describing such awareness as negative. Carried to its extreme, this kind of thinking is censuring what we teach in our public schools regarding our history of injustice as being a dangerous thing to teach to children.

Paul expected both Onesimus and Philemon to learn from their mistakes and live in righteousness intentionally. I think God expects that of us today.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in following you more nearly in a world that works hard at confusing us for its negative purposes. Amen.

*https://www.dictionary.com/browse/woke

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.

Restorative Justice

Living in the Spirit

This Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 photo shows the gurney in the the execution chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

September 1, 2022

Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:1-21

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith towards the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. –Philemon 1:1-16

Oklahoma did not execute anyone between January 16, 2015, when executions were stopped because of concerns about the method used. In 2021, a new Governor and Attorney General returned to executions, in their minds correcting a miscarriage of justice. Yes, we are still using the same method. Since October 28, 2021, four men have been executed, and 25 additional people are scheduled for execution by January 12, 2023.

The story in the above scripture addresses the return of a runaway slave who had stolen from his master. In his journey, he encountered the Apostle Paul, who introduced him to Jesus Christ.  Apparently, Onesimus converted to following in the ways of Jesus, and Paul convinced him he needed to return to his owner and make amends for his crimes, which he did. The word “Onesimus” is Greek for the English word “useful.” Not only did Onesimus return, but Philemon was instructed to welcome him as a beloved brother rather than a slave as he returned more useful than when he left.

I recently heard the story of one of the men on death row in Oklahoma who was guilty of killing a man and has served 18 years on death row since his conviction.  Apparently, this man also had a conversion experience and now dedicates his life to welcoming and caring for new prisoners as they arrive, being useful to their wellbeing. His love and concern for them may be the balm they need to return to society as a useful citizen.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for not practicing restorative justice as modeled by a prisoner himself. 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.

Loving God

Living in the Spirit

August 29, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Jeremiah 2:4-13

Therefore once more I accuse you,
says the Lord,
   and I accuse your children’s children.
Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
   send to Kedar and examine with care;
   see if there has ever been such a thing.
Has a nation changed its gods,
   even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
   for something that does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this,
   be shocked, be utterly desolate,

says the Lord,
for my people have committed two evils:
   they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living water,
   and dug out cisterns for themselves,
cracked cisterns
   that can hold no water. –Jeremiah 2:9-13

The Creator God does not force God’s ways on us. We must choose to follow God. That decision is made most often because we seek the relationship of pure love that God gives freely. God always has our best interest at heart and following God opens more doors to more choices we can make as we strive to be the person God created us to be. God does expect us to love God and love one another. Most of the problems we encounter when we chose other gods, is that we turn our backs on God’s love resulting in failure to love others. Most of the problems in our world today are the result of actions that hurt other people, like greed and lust for power, the idols of our times. The Ukrainian War is an excellent example of greed and power running amok destroying innocent people like cracked cisterns that can hold no water. Life cannot survive without water or without love. As Christ-followers we are called to love until love rules the world.

Prayer: God, so fill us with your love that we learn to love one another. 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.

Controlling Self-righteousness

Living in the Spirit

August 28, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ –Luke 14:1, 12-14

This must be the season of fundraising for non-profits. Many were canceled over the past two years because of COVID. I think we may have decided that we just must live with the virus. Non-profits have their own personalities. Some hold lavish dinners with cocktails before and special treatment for the big givers. Others offer more modest refreshments often in touch with the service they provide.

The purpose of this scripture perhaps lives in the first verse. Jesus was going to the house of the leaders of the Pharisees. I do not think Jesus is saying we should not enjoy meals with our relatives and friends and enjoy meals when invited to their homes. No, he was addressing a group who at times got a little too caught up in self-righteousness. Eating with the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind might have touched the hearts of some of them to see the needs of others and not just invest their time in strictly following rules targeted at ultimately receiving the rewards they expect from their behavior. I think we can assume Jesus saw none of the groups he named represented at this dinner.

We, too, need to keep our self-righteousness in check. The challenge is to take our blinders off to see ourselves for how we treat others.

Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize that all people were made in your image and that we must see that image in each person not categorizing them by the opinions of 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.

Looks May be Deceiving

Living in the Spirit

August 27, 2022

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ –Luke 14:1, 7-11

I recently attended a meeting of a not-for-profit group planning a fundraising banquet. People contacted to support the organization had inquired about the appropriate dress for the occasion. For some reason, that seemed incongruent to me. I flashed back to a memory of my aunt, a librarian, and her husband, a farmer. Recall the American Gothic painting, and you will get an idea of this couple’s appearance. My aunt wore homemade house dresses, probably saving her newest one for church. Her husband did not wear overalls, but I do not remember ever seeing him in anything other than khakis and a plaid or other patterned shirt. He might have had a white shirt for Sundays. They determined it was time to buy a new car, and my uncle had seen and liked the latest Cadillac. At the Cadillac dealership, they were greeted politely, and the salesperson answered their questions, but there was no great sales pitch. Eventually, my uncle said he would take one, and the salesman invited the couple to his office to do the paperwork. When he asked where they were getting a loan, they replied they plan to pay cash for it. He quietly stared at them for a moment and told them the final price. My aunt got out the checkbook and wrote the check for the full amount. The salesman took the check to the next office. My aunt heard him call the bank to ask if the account held that much money. The banker assured them it did. He came back to his office a different person, all smiles and with a “what can we get for you now” attitude. My aunt loved telling that story.

But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’—1 Samuel 16:7

Something to keep in mind this election season.

Prayer: Lord, help us make good judgments as we exercise our civic responsibilities. 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.

Realignment

Living in the Spirit

August 26, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to, do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. –Hebrews 13:7-8, 15-16

I just caught the difference in the above scripture between considering the outcomes of our leaders’ ways of life and imitating their faith. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of the lord (See ROMANS 3:23), including our faith leaders. We hear clergy being castigated about everything from egregious sexual abuse clergy to failure to return a telephone call. Indeed, the clergy is always being viewed closely for their behavior. They are caught in a special web of being observed and judged. All Christ-followers need to live their lives as closely as we can in step with Christ’s ways. Even Jesus did not meet the test of the religious leaders at times. He healed on the sabbath, picked grain on the sabbath, and ate with sinners, among other actions. We are all called to examine ourselves regularly and consider the outcomes of our way of life so we can realign our ways with Jesus’s ways. Jesus’s beneficial characteristic is that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We just need to recalibrate to that source of unchanging eternal love.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we fall short of our commitment to your service. Please lead us to follow the better way. 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.

Actions Speak Loudly

Living in the Spirit

August 25, 2022

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper;
   I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’  –Hebrews 13:1-8

We could classify this as good advice to live by. We could also recognize the unknown author of Hebrews as a student of both Hebrew and New Testament scriptures. It contains a little Ten Commandments, some Sermon on the Mount, and parts of Matthew 25. It is good that we read through such scriptures routinely to reinforce their importance. It is just as important that we live what we believe. I like the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Usually attributed to St. Francis, which is now open to debate. These words speak a valuable lesson. How we treat others is often how we will be judged. When we act and speak in Christ’s name, we set the stage for how others understand him. In times like these, I shudder when I hear some of the things done in Christ’s name. Thus, besides being acquainted with the scriptures, we must maintain a close connection with God, who is indeed our helper.

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God*.

Prayer:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God*. Amen.

First verse and refrain of the hymn Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee, see at https://hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_place_of_quiet_rest

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.

Modeling our Lives After Christ’s

Living in the Spirit

August 24, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 112

Praise the Lord!
   Happy are those who fear the Lord,
   who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
   the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
   and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
   they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
   who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
   they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
   their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
   their righteousness endures forever;
   their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
   they gnash their teeth and melt away;
   the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

I wonder how the actions of adults in our world today are going to impact our children. I see grown men and women in responsible positions acting like toddlers experiencing the terrible twos of having temper tantrums, not listening to anyone, and demanding their way as the only way.  I recently watched a US Senator harass and harangue a woman being considered for a judicial appointment asking her the same questions repeatedly which she answered the same way each time. What do the children think if they see that kind of behavior on TV? Do they emulate them? I generally think that people who act like that have no genuine ground on which to stand so they put on a show to distract from their lack of skill or ulterior motives. Yet others line up to support them.

How we behave matters. If we identify as a follower of Christ and do not treat others with respect, we reflect poorly not only on ourselves but also on the One we serve.

Prayer: Lord, guard our tongues and guide our actions as we interact with others so that our actions and behavior might glorify you. Amen.

Brittle Pride

Living in the Spirit

August 23, 2022

Scripture Reading: Sirach 10:12-18

The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord;
   the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.
For the beginning of pride is sin,
   and the one who clings to it pours out abominations.
Therefore the Lord brings upon them unheard-of calamities,
   and destroys them completely.
The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers,
   and enthrones the lowly in their place.
The Lord plucks up the roots of the nations,
   and plants the humble in their place.
The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations,
   and destroys them to the foundations of the earth.
He removes some of them and destroys them,
   and erases the memory of them from the earth.
Pride was not created for human beings,
   or violent anger for those born of women.

Pride is defined as haughtiness*

Pride is inordinate self-esteem**

Pride is the first of the seven deadly sins. We today use the word more loosely. How many times have you heard someone say, I take pride in introducing our next speaker? I do not think they are being haughty. They are implying that they gain self-esteem by the mere opportunity to introduce someone whom they hold in high esteem.  In reading this scripture we must not substitute wholesome self-esteem for the pride used in the above scripture.

King Solomon is credited with saying Pride comes before the fall.  (See Book of Proverbs, 16:18) I think he is talking about pride that one has when one thinks both that they can never make a mistake or admit it or that they are better than everyone else because of their accomplishments. Brittle pride will get us into trouble every time.

One of my current pet peeves is getting an email taking a poll on whether I approve of a certain candidate. I have no right to approve or disapprove of any person God created and God created all people. What they could ask is whether I approve of the candidate’s position on certain issues. I think the subtle difference in the two questions is one of the major problems in our political systems today. We vote for people for the wrong reasons.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when our self-esteem rises to a state of brittle pride. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1346.htm

**https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/Pride

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.

Cracked Cisterns

Living in the Spirit

August 22, 2022

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 2:4-13

Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord:
What wrong did your ancestors find in me
   that they went far from me,
and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?
They did not say, ‘Where is the Lord
   who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us in the wilderness,
   in a land of deserts and pits,
in a land of drought and deep darkness,
   in a land that no one passes through,
   where no one lives?’
I brought you into a plentiful land
   to eat its fruits and its good things.
But when you entered you defiled my land,
   and made my heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’
   Those who handle the law did not know me;
the rulers transgressed against me;
   the prophets prophesied by Baal,
   and went after things that do not profit.

Therefore once more I accuse you,
says the Lord,
   and I accuse your children’s children.
Cross to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
   send to Kedar and examine with care;
   see if there has ever been such a thing.
Has a nation changed its gods,
   even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
   for something that does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this,
   be shocked, be utterly desolate,
says the Lord,
for my people have committed two evils:
   they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living water,
 and dug out cisterns for themselves,

cracked cisterns
   that can hold no water.

While this scripture was written sometime between 626 and 586 B.C, it could have been written yesterday as it describes well the turning away of God’s people today.

But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.  . . . and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.

I invite you to join me in reading it, and considering how the world’s ways distract us from what is really important. Some people are profiting from our getting caught in the chaos they create, not just to our detriment but to the realization of the Beloved Community we are called to be.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we get caught in the world’s distractions. Surround us with your love so we might be examples of your love 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.