Tag Archives: Kingdom of God

Turning Ideals into Reality

pay-it-forward-2Living in the Spirit
November 1, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34

Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbor as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. –Mark 32-34

One of the hardest things, I think, in being a follower of Christ is to accept fully and completely that God loves us no matter what. Particularly for those of us who live in the United States where we thrive on competition, we think, if we just could figure out what to do and do it better than anybody else, we will be worthy of God’s love. In all honesty, it is true, but it is also true that if we did not set ourselves apart from others, God will still love us. And it is equally true that God loves all those people who we think we have excelled.

Apparently the scribe as told in Mark understood what Jesus was saying. Burnt-offerings and sacrifices were the center of the Jewish faith from its beginning. Confessing that loving one’s neighbor was more important even then this was saying a lot. Jesus’ follow-up said even more. He said that when we have all achieved this ideal of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves the kingdom of God will be the norm across all the earth.

Love is contagious and life changing. It spreads from one person to another and perhaps infects a few who realize its presence in that process. It can start when we begin to treat all people as equal. We declare it in our governmental documents, but even the earliest ones really did not mean equal to include the slaves or the indigenous peoples of this land. Today there remain outlier people in practice, even though the documents have largely been updated to mean everyone. The people of God are called to turn ideals into realization.

Prayer: Lord, make us lovers of all souls and the earth and all that is in it. Teach us what it means to love you in the process. 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 American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.

Out of Control

Chocolate-Might-Be-Good-For-Your-HeartLiving in the Spirit
August 30, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’… For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’ –Mark 7:14-15, 21-23

I have discovered after close analysis, if I think about eating chocolate as I snack, there is little to deter me from doing so. The decision has been made with just the first thought. Isn’t that sad? Does that potentiality apply to all of life? How do I control such urges? Do I just say like Fred Sanford, “The devil made me do it?” Does giving in once lead to me giving in over and over again? And in the final analysis do I waste precious time worrying about eating chocolate so much I do not do the things that are important?

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with eating chocolate. It is actually good for us in moderation. My response was to include it in my calorie count, which results in my having to deal with determining what I am willing to give up to have my chocolate treat.

This list of evil intentions is desire out of control, but they are all also opportunities for wasting the gifts we have received from God. They divert us from a path of love and righteousness living our lives fully invested in our commitment to the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12) 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Feed My Lambs

lambLiving in the Spirit
August 8, 2015

Scripture Reading: John 6:35, 41-51

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. –John 6:35 

I have never been much of a bread eater. In a constant battle to keep my weight in check, bread is one of the foods I have no trouble readily giving up. I do like the hard crusted bread available on most breakfast buffets in Europe and the Middle East. It is this bread I imagine Jesus thinking about when he spoke the words in our scripture today. We must eat to live and bread was a primary source of sustenance in first century Galilee and Judea.

The food we eat is a means to an end: life. Food is not an end unto itself. Actually when it becomes an end unto itself, it can become highly destructive causing heart disease, hardening of the arteries, and other illness/diseases limiting life. Religion is not an end unto itself.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)—the means to wholeness and oneness with God. Jesus was a living example of being faithful to God in his ministry on earth. As Christ crucified and resurrected, he opened the door for all to enter an eternal kingdom where God’s love is our spiritual sustenance.

We living into the fruition of that kingdom today as we are called to love God and to love one another making this place a haven where everyone has both enough food for their bodies and abundant food for their souls. It is our call to faithfulness from Jesus Christ.

Feed My lambs, tend My sheep, over all a vigil keep;
In My name, lead them forth gently as a shepherd. 
When they wander, when they stray, their protector be.
As ye do unto My flock, thus ye do to me. 
Feed My lambs, tend My sheep, over all a vigil keep;
In My name, lead them forth gently as a shepherd.
 Unto all who lose the way Hope and comfort be.
As ye do unto My flock, thus ye do to Me.
 Feed My lambs, tend My sheep, over all a vigil keep;
In My name, lead them forth gently, gently as a loving shepherd of the Lord.
As a loving shepherd of the Lord.*

Prayer: Shape me into a Shepherd like Jesus. Amen.

*Feed My Lambs anthem by Natalie Sleeth see at http://keepingtheseason.blogspot.com/2013/04/easter-3-feed-my-lambs-tend-my-sheep.html
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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Implementing the Plan

abundant-lifeLiving In the Spirit
July 9, 2015

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. –Ephesians 1:7-10

Paul grasped Jesus’ purpose not only on a theological level but Paul also had the skills to take Jesus Christ’s plan and implement it. We still strive for the purposes laid out in that plan today.

Paul describes the plan here in Ephesians as being for the fullness of time. Jesus talked about having an abundant life: I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b) While we might think of material wealth, he is talking about something far greater than financial riches. Abundant life is tied with loving God, being in full communion with God, being fully the person or people God created us to be in a world that is welcoming to all and where all are one. It is a utopian vision that can only be realized in relationship with God and through God with each other. It is a vision well worth the investment of our whole being. Jesus described it in parables likening it, for example, to a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46) to be cherished, not sold.

It has been around 2000 years since Paul traveled to Ephesus implementing the plan and we are still called to continue the process today. It is worth our life’s investment.

Prayer: God we do not know the depths of your mystery but we know the wonder of your love. Led us forward as we share that wonder with the whole 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Eager Finishers

finish-what-youve-started-titleLiving in the Spirit
June 25, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. –2 Corinthians 8:9-12

I am a good starter but once things are running well I am ready to move on to something else. I have learned to accept this as part of my personality. Thanks to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), I discovered that I am described as a builder. I need to always work with those wonderfully dedicated souls who like to maintain. Paul had apparently encountered some of my type in Corinth. They apparently had a great idea, initiated it, but did not finish. It appears related to providing care for the poor. It sounds like the Corinthians had experienced an economic downturn and had struck their great idea from the agenda. He is essentially telling them to rework their budget accordingly, but not to give up on that for which they were most eager.

Building the Kingdom of God is a major project where we often take one step forward and two steps back before we experience breakthroughs edging us a little closer to what Jesus envisions.  The events of recent days are proof only that we are still not finished. Whether it is refugees streaming from Syria or Africa, innocent people shot in a church, homes destroyed by nature, or intrinsic bigotry, we must gather the resources that we have continuing our journey toward the final rule of Love.

Prayer: Persistent Lover, foster your eagerness in all of us both builders and maintainers toward your vision of Shalom. 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Respect

david_griefLiving in the Spirit
June 22, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said:
Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
   How the mighty have fallen!
Tell it not in Gath,
   proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon;
or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
   the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. –2 Samuel 17-20

David never lost his respect for his nemesis Saul, who had once valued David for the skills in which he excelled, but turned violently against him when Saul felt threat to his own power and status, when the people seemed to prefer David to Saul. At Saul’s death on the battlefield, David mourned even as he assumed the role of King.

We live today in communities of faith that are divided within and among each other. We have differing interpretations of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ and in some instances it seems those differences are more important to us than Jesus Christ himself who called us to be one. There are no winner and losers in the Kingdom of God. We would do well to follow the example of David in his treatment of Saul.

Paul spent most of his ministry sorting out differences of opinions between Jewish Christians and gentile Christians, much of it related to cultural differences and much of it related to whether the gentiles were required to follow Jewish laws. Paul was able to move the development of the church forward by his total and absolute commitment to putting Christ crucified first. Everything else fell into place when he started with this perspective. This is a good role model for all of us to follow.

Prayer: Lord, help us to turn our eyes upon you, look full in your wonderful face, so that the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of your glory and grace.* Amen.

*Adapted from the chorus of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel. See at http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Turn_Your_Eyes_upon_Jesus/

 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Help Wanted

quote-costly-grace-is-the-treasure-hidden-in-the-field-for-the-sake-of-it-a-man-will-gladly-go-and-sell-dietrich-bonhoeffer-212186Living in the Spirit
June 19, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Help wanted: We are looking for a few select people who possess purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God which at all times manifests itself in righteousness.  Persons applying must possess great endurance as the job may entail afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger. All interested applicants please contact your local church.

I laugh sometimes when I hear the TV advertisements for drugs. They usually illustrate the ads with idyllic scenes of attractive, healthy people enjoying life at its fullness as the voice over disclosures sound out a horrifying list of side effects often ending in the possibility of death. Perhaps the pharmaceutical companies used Paul’s letter to the Corinthians as their template. If Paul is using his personal experience as encouragement to sign up for the life of Christ, it might give some reason for pause.

The real question in any task we undertake comes down to: Is the end result worth the investment of our time, energy, hardships, and even death? Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything and gave his life in pursuit of realizing the Kingdom.  So did Paul.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-45)

Prayer: Lord, we long for your kingdom of justice and love. Equip us for the journey as we work toward its fulfillment. 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Little Things

mustard seedLiving in the Spirit
June 14, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-34

He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ –Mark 4:30-32

Little things matter. I lived in Denver for two years back in the 1970’s where the preciousness of water was already understood and conservation practices, at least among some, were the norm. I learned to turn off the running water while I brushed my teeth. A simple act, when practiced by all, saves gallons of water every day.

The police in the USA are rethinking how they relate to the people they serve and protect in light of recent race related incidents. One response has been a return to the police walking through neighborhoods, meeting the people, forming positive relationships, particularly with children, so bonds of trust can be form.

Hardened criminals, some serving life terms, who for all intents and purposes are no longer considered of worth to the world, in their minds and ours, are making the world a better place by training working dogs. Once trained these dogs serve as companions to children who have seizures or to soldiers with PTSD or to others who can benefit from the special skills of these dogs. The prisoners doing the training learn they are people of worth and for a time with each dog receive unconditional love.

The Kingdom of Heaven does not arrive unannounced. It grows like a mustard seed until the whole world is full of its glory. We are all partners in the planting of its seeds and the tending of the plants that result.

Prayer: Lord, you have called us as partners in the unfolding of your Kingdom, help us each to find our job and tend us so that we may grow in sharing 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A New Me

A New MeLiving in the Spirit
June 12, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-17

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! –2 Corinthians 5:16-17

This scripture describes well the cliché, it is easier said than done. Just yesterday, I had to deal with flashes of distrust about a person who some time ago treated me unfairly. I no longer have any formal relationship with this person who is held in high esteem by many. I actually think I understand why he did the things he did from a psychological viewpoint and recognize that he is blind to the hurtful nature of his actions. I know I am not the only person who has been caught by his crossbow. Because of that, to a degree I can feel agape love for him, not unlike Jesus did looking down from the cross saying, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)

I have not yet enter the realm of being able to love him as a sibling, which I think would more adequately reflect the love within a community needed to foster the Kingdom of God among us. A big part of my reaction is the result of either not allowing God to heal the hurt still written on my soul from that relationship or not realizing/accepting it has already been healed.  I wonder if the day will ever come when I might run into him at a meeting and this history never cross my mind as I greet and chat with him. I have had that happen with others later, realizing what had happened thanked God for the return to wholeness in the relationship. Until we can reach this point we cannot be conduits of wholeness for the other who needs it also.

Prayer: Lord, let your transformation continue to flow through me. Make me whole so that I can more fully be a part of your oneness. 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Learning to Love like the Lord

Police BrutalityEastertide
April 28, 2015

Scripture Reading: Acts 8:26-40 The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized? –Acts 8:26-40 

There does not seem to be a lot of good news in our world today. As I write this, the world is responding to a terrible earthquake in Nepal with many dead and most without homes. A few days ago several refugees fleeing from Liberia were killed as the boat they were on capsized. And one more city in the United States has broken out in chaos this time following the funeral of a black man who died in police custody. There does not seem to be a more important time for the Body of Christ to follow Philips example and proclaim the Good News of Jesus.

We, of course, can do this and are doing this by responding in every way we possibly can to help the people of Nepal and to assure that our nation as a whole does what it can.  The same could be said about the Liberian situation although it is not a natural disaster but one brought on by humans. The racism that is ripe in our own country is something we must deal with directly.

I do not know the actual facts about any of the cases that have flared up regarding the police and racism within the police. I do know that these are just the public showing of the undertow of racism across our land. I have had the privilege of working with police officers and know that the vast majority of those with whom I had contact were dedicated people with integrity. The problem is that it only takes one or two to light a fire when people are at the edge of their tolerance. I also know that racism is endemic.  Our behaviors have been so deeply woven throughout our beings that we probably do not recognize our own racist’s actions or reactions.

We need to all join together in, first, seeking God’s forgiveness when we have been a part of furthering racism even when we did not know that was what we were doing. And then we need to take that road less traveled of exploring our own attitudes and actions and changing the ones that are detrimental to the flourishing of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Prayer: Lord, help us confront that which is uncomfortable and change our ways of being to more closely match your way of loving. 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.