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Commune with Me, O, Lord

Living in the Spirit

October 27, 2023

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully maltreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

We speak not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. I copied this phrase from the above scripture, and I copied the above scripture from my online NRSV source, which follows British grammar. As I write this, I see there are four words underlined in red, denoting they are grammatically incorrect, according to my grammar checker. Most of my mistakes relate to commas. I was taught very different grammar rules in grade school than are used now. I am slowly adapting. There are three segments underlined in blue, telling me there are better ways to say the same thing. I choose which ones I change and which ones I leave alone. Who decides what is a better way to say something?

When you see the published document, you do not receive the corrections or suggestions, and thus, it appears to the reader that everything is right.  I think we communicate this way regarding how we understand the Bible. We mingle together what we think is right within the framework of what we take from the worldview of our time and claim it as our view, taking for granted it is God’s view. I think that is what Paul is saying in the above scripture. How do we discern God’s view, particularly when our worldview is far more comfortable for most of us? The hardest challenge is understanding how our ancestors, in faith, mixed their worldviews with God’s view just like we do. So, how do we differentiate their worldviews from God’s view?

I have found it helpful when trying to respond to issues I must deal with in the world to apply the test of God’s greatest commandments. Is my response in sync with loving God and loving my neighbor as I love myself? My actions must always reflect my love for God and his commandment to love others.

Prayer: Lord, commune with me so that I can respond to the challenges of our world through your way of being. 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.

Encompassed and Equiped

Living in the Spirit

October 18, 2023

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 45:1-7
Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
   whose right hand I have grasped
to subdue nations before him
   and strip kings of their robes,
to open doors before him—
   and the gates shall not be closed:
I will go before you
   and level the mountains,
I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
   and cut through the bars of iron,
I will give you the treasures of darkness
   and riches hidden in secret places,
so that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
   the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
For the sake of my servant Jacob,
   and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name,
   I surname you, though you do not know me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other;
   besides me there is no god.
   I arm you, though you do not know me,
so that they may know, from the rising of the sun
   and from the west, that there is no one besides me;
   I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form light and create darkness,
   I make weal and create woe;
   I the Lord do all these things.

I was taken aback when I read the phrase: I arm you, though you do not know me, the word “arm” in my mind describes a military weapon, only to be used by well-trained professionals. So, I went to Strong’s Concordance to see what the Hebrew word that was translated as “arm” was all about.  The word is azar, meaning to gird, encompass, equip.*  To me, that sounds more like wearing a helmet or a protective vest, but I am not a trained translator. I do think the word azar moves beyond external protection gear to intestinal fortitude. God does endow us with the strength to carry on our mission in God’s service and even provides us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, whose very presence encompasses anything that we may encounter in our lives when we welcome the Holy Spirit to join us in all our challenges.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the protection of your love and for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/hebrew/247.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.

Be a Blessing

August 13, 2023

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ –Matthew 14:28-33

Making a commitment and crossing the line is one of our most frightening and rewarding actions in life. What are the strong winds holding us back? Peter was an act-first and think-later kind of person. Jesus worked to help him marshal his talents to become the Great Fisherman for Christ. Others overthink what we should do to address an injustice, for instance, and end up doing nothing. We were all created in God’s image, gifted with talents and skills designed to make the Kingdom of God a reality. We need to find in ourselves those attributes and seek ways to contribute toward building God’s Beloved Community.

 Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live. [Refrain]

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Prayer: Make me a blessing to someone today. Amen.

Hymn Make Me a Blessing by Ira B. Wilson see at https://hymnary.org/text/out_in_the_highways_and_byways_of_life

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.

Choose Hope

Living in the Spirit

June 16, 2023

Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-8

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. –Romans 5:1-5

I experience endurance in the reality of arthritis that I have had since I was 22 when I contracted Strep A. I have had a long relationship with Capsaicin and Osteo-By Flex. In 2008, I had my first knee replacement surgery. Character is defined as a distinctive differentiating mark*. We are all unique, so I must think that character does not change us but allows our uniqueness to be shaped in a special way where we take in the world about us differently. We have a choice of developing that special way as a positive part of our life or negative. Choosing positivity is where hope is grown. God must be a very hopeful being as God looks out over us, watching us grow in spirit and truth.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for providing the Holy Spirit to be with us when we struggle to choose hope instead of despair. Amen.

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

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.

Sharing the Love of God

Eastertide

May 23, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Numbers 11:24-30

So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.

Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, ‘My lord Moses, stop them!’ But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!’ And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

I fear evangelism has gained a divisive reputation in our society. I cringe when I hear the news talking about evangelical churches as a separate entity from other Christian churches. All Christians are called to be evangelists, which simply means the proclamation of the gospel, especially: the presentation of the gospel to individuals and groups by such methods as preaching, teaching, and personal or family visitation programs*. Much of the differentiation lies in the definitions of the subject matter of what is preached or taught. We are all, indeed, challenged to Do [our] best to present [ourselves] to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) We all can get caught up in our culture wars today and need to make more effort to consider them in the light of Jesus’s teachings and example.

 I was struck when reading the above scripture that the idea of sharing the story of God and God’s interactions with people dates back to the earliest experiences of the Israelites up to and including the presence of the spirit God makes available to all people who seek a relationship with God and God expects each of us to share God’s love with others.

The scripture describes a well-attended meeting of 70 elders who prophesied to each other but not outside their chosen circle. Two guys who missed the meeting, however, felt compelled to share God’s truths with others. Would that all the Lord’s people were spokespersons spreading the love of God throughout the world.

Prayer: Lord, let your spirit guide our scripture study so we might gain the insights you wish us to share with others. Amen.

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

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.

Right or Wrong

Eastertide

May 11, 2023

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

Keep your conscience clear. The Greek word for conscience [4893] syneídēsis (from 4862 /sýn, “together with” and 1492 /eídō “to know, see”) – properly, joint-knowing, i.e. conscience which joins moral and spiritual consciousness as part of being created in the divine image. Accordingly, all people have this God-given capacity to know right from wrong because each is a free moral agent. (emphasis added)

As one who has dealt with osteoarthritis since I was 23, I laughed when I read the exact meaning of conscience used in the above scripture as joint-knowing. I am extremely well acquainted with my joints. Conscience is defined as the joining of moral and spiritual awareness combined. It was planted in each human in the process of being created in the image of God. We can try to run away from knowing the difference between right from wrong, but we cannot escape it. I have found that experiencing one’s conscience at work can be more painful than arthritic joints when one’s natural inclination is not in sync with what is right. It requires humility, and I do not know about you, but practicing humility is challenging. We, however, have a great role model.

[Jesus] humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. –Philippians 2.8:

Jesus said, take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. –Matthew 11.29:

What we particularly need to watch is our applying what we perceive to be right in judging others. Jesus is the judge of all, including each of us. We, indeed, need to take the log out of our eyes before taking a speck out of another’s. —Matthew 7:5

 Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we practice self-righteousness rather than righteousness. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/4893.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.

God’s Abundant Life

Eastertide

April 23, 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.

I enjoy the various health-related ads encouraging people to drink water instead of beverages full of sugar and caffeine. Usually, in a fresh and sometimes fanciful way, the ads explain that pure, simple water is healthier than drinks loaded with ingredients that have little if any, nutritional value. While they may perk us upright when we drink them, we will find they make us sluggish later.

I think in the above scripture, Jesus told us that the ways of the world may seem enticing, but are not necessarily, good for us. We need to seek for ourselves and for all others an abundant life full of love and justice. Our challenge is to see through the distractions of the world and find the true worth of God’s abundant life and with God’s guidance live such a life and work toward a world where everyone can live such a life.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your gift of an abundant life help us savor it and share it to the ends of the earth. 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.

Seeing from a Higher Rock

Eastertide

April 16, 2023

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. –John 20:24-31

We live in a world of distrust. Most of us can identify with Thomas in this regard. One of my relatives advises anyone who listens never to believe anything they see on social media. I certainly consider the source and otherwise try to find a more reliable source to verify what I read. With Rome ruling the world and the religious leaders of the day being more concerned about their power than God’s, would you not be a little skeptical? Do we not face the same challenges today?

In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One;
This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! *

Prayer: Lord, lead us to the Rock that is higher than I so we may see your truth.  Amen.

First verse and chorus of In Times Like These by Ruth Caye Jones, see at https://www.songlyrics.com/george-beverly-shea/in-times-like-these-lyrics/

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.

Sacrifice

Good Friday

April 7, 2023

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

More than a thousand Nashville, Tennessee students marched on the state’s Capitol this week to protest the lack of action to prevent school shootings. The Legislature’s response was to strip three of its own members who were supporting the students from their committee assignments and now they are attempting to expel those same legislators from office. I could not help but think that response was similar to the actions of the religious leaders who were so threatened by Jesus they would do anything to stop him. Their power and their greed were being threatened.

Jesus Christ came to show us a better way of living lives driven by love putting to shame the idols of lust for power and greed.  He suffered the ultimate sacrifice of death on the cross. Good Friday is a time to reflect on the meaning of that sacrifice but do not give up hope and faith, today is not dubbed “Good” Friday for no reason. God is not finished yet.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for the innocents who suffer from the actions of those who are greedy and lust for power. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to show us the way of a world ruled by love. Enable us to continue his quest.  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.

Enabling “Yes” and “No”

Ordinary Time

February 12, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 5:21-37

‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. –Matthew 5:33-37

I have been called to jury duty twice. The first time I was never selected to serve and spent most of my time reading books or visiting with other people who had been summoned by not called. That was a long time ago; the process has been streamlined. In my second experience, shortly after checking in, I was assigned to a civil trial. I do not remember the details, but I wondered why it even came to court. The issues of concern seemed very clear. We, twelve jurors, listened to both sides present their cases, got the instructions on how we were to proceed, and withdrew to the jury room. The first order of busy was to poll the jury to see where we stood on the contested issue. All twelve jurors agreed on how the case should be handled. I do not know how often that happens, but the required paperwork was completed, and we returned to the courtroom. The verdict was read, and the judge thanked us for our service, ending my second jury duty involvement. It took me more time to drive back and forth to the courthouse than to serve on the jury.

The truth is rarely the cause of conflict; agreeing on what is true gets complicated. I love that God gave us a plumbline on which to discern what is true, what is of God, and what is not.

‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ’(Matthew 22:36-40)

If something is not of love, it is not of God, no matter how hard we try to twist and turn events to fit our definition of what is right.

Jesus, quite intentionally, I think, gives us examples of how we try so hard to get around those commandments. The Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:25-37), for example, and the experience with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27). We must consider issues by clearing away the cultural and worldly cobwebs that dim our understanding and apply God’s plumbline of love to discern God’s righteousness enabling us to say with a clean heart “yes” or “no.”

Prayer: Lord, help us remember that the truth will set us free from the controls of the world when we seek it with all our hearts. 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.