Tag Archives: Oneness

In the Wilderness

Advent
December 4, 2017

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Comfort, O comfort my people,
   says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
   and cry to her
that she has served her term,
   that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
   double for all her sins. 

A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
   and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
   and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
   and all people shall see it together,
   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ –Isaiah 40:1-5

I probably listen to too much news resulting in my occasionally reacting by wanting to run away and hide hoping all the craziness in our world will just go away. The irony is that the only thing I have to run away from is me. We are responsible for our current state of being. As Isaiah is saying in the scripture quoted above, like the Israelites of his day, we are paying the price for our sins, but thanks be to God forgiveness and redemption are available.

We are indeed wandering in a wilderness where we like to identify the sins of others defined by us but are not too interested in seeing our wrongdoings as set forth by God. Greed and lust for power are traits of successful people in our vernacular, the antithesis of loving God and loving one another. We have a few voices crying in this wilderness to whom we need to listen. The Reverend Doctor William Barber is one (See https://www.breachrepairers.org/). Jim Wallis is another (see https://sojo.net/about-us). These prophets, a progressive and an evangelical, share the same call and the same love. Oneness comes from God.

Advent is a good time to examine ourselves, let God cleanse us of anything that is holding us back from loving as Jesus loves, and to do the justice we are called to do.

Prayer: Lord, search us and cleanse us of anything that is separating us from you. Amen

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

Fresh Figs

Advent
December 2, 2017

Scripture Reading: Mark 13:24-37

‘But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
   and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
   and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. –Mark 13:24-31

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of traveling throughout Turkey seeing many of the sights one reads about in Paul’s writings. Small though it may seem, one of the highlights of my trip was eating a fresh fig shortly after plucking it from its tree. The tour bus on which I traveled stopped at a roadside fruit and vegetable stand where our guide bought enough fresh figs for all passengers who wanted one. Figs are not harvested in the USA in abundance at least not near my home so fresh figs are hard to come by here. The fruit was delicious. While I also love dried figs, they do not compare to the fresh ones.

In the USA I experience the same taste of freshness with corn freshly harvested and served. Tomatoes also taste best immediately after plucking them from their plant, dusting any dirt off on your clothing, and eating them immediately in the garden. I grew up on a farm, and anyone in my family will readily tell you I was work aversive to gardening, but I am an expert at eating prime food.

Our scripture today is eschatological as it talks about the ultimate end times. I, however, think this scripture encourages us to look at the world freshly through the seasons of life as we wait and prepare for the great coming of Christ. I tend to think he would be pleasantly pleased to arrive and find the harvest done so he can immediately join us for his great love feast.

Prayer: Lord, enable our work toward the fruition of your love ruling 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.

God is Faithful

Advent
December 1, 2017

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Merriam-Webster dictionary list four slightly differing definitions of the word faithful*.

1. true and constant in affection or allegiance
2. firm in adherence to promises, oaths, or undertakings
3. given with strong or solemn assurances
4. conforming to the facts or to an original

The second meaning most closely matches the meaning of the Greek word used by Paul in the scripture above. Strong’s indicates the meaning as God, abiding by his promises, ** I think all the definitions are accurate in defining the Faithfulness of God.

In a world that seems to be turned upside-down, we must cling closely to God’s forever promises and the examples of faithfulness he sets for each of us to follow. The problem lies in our being clearheaded enough to understand God’s faithful actions as compared to our responses. We seem to live in a world that grasps God’s words when they support the graspers purpose but sweeps God’s ways away when they do not. Our failure to love all of God’s children is an excellent example of that. I was appalled when I heard recently that our government is rescinding the protections offered to some 60,000 Haitians a few years ago when that island was hit by a huge earthquake. These people are not a burden to the USA. Indeed, many are hardworking taxpayers. Haiti has certainly not recovered enough to absorb this group for their good as well as the good of its current residents.

We show our love for God best to God when we live as God wills for us to love. The picture above taken this year shows Doctors without Borders staff treating a Haitian child whose illness resulted from unclean water.

Prayer: God, forgive us when we fail to be faithful to your love for us as we reflect it in our care for all your children. Amen.

*http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/Faithful
**As used in 1 Corinthians 1:9 the Greek pistos from Strong’s Concordance see at http://biblehub.com/greek/4103.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.

Revelation

Living in the Spirit
November 23, 2017

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. –Ephesians 1:15-19

Revelation

  1. a (1): an act of revealing or communicating divine truth  (2):  God’s disclosure or manifestation of himself or of his will to humans
  2. a: an act of revealing or opening to view:  the disclosing or discovering to others of what was before unknown to them*

What has God revealed to us? How open are we to revelation? Have we had an Aha! Experience lately? Ever? Communion with God is two ways. We must take the time to understand God’s responses.

I must confess I am stubborn. I usually wait until I am at my wit’s end before I seek the insight I need to deal with a complex issue. The most complex issues usually involve people. God created an interdependent world and expected us to develop it in such a way that we maximize the contributions of each of its citizens. A large variety of people with a diversity of skills are necessary to attain that purpose. Getting a large variety of people with a diversity of skills to work together productively is rather like herding cats. I have developed a great appreciation for really good coaches. They possess a keen sense of not only each individual on their team but how they can meld them together to win games. They are open to the revealing of each person’s talents, ways of communication,  etc.

Investing our energies in getting angry at another because they do not do things the way we do them never helps. Using that same energy to seek revelations about others with whom we work to identify ways to work with them can result in the more productive use of our time.

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to revelations that will enhance our ability to work as one with all your children. Amen.

* http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/revelation

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.

Walking with God

Living in the Spirit
November 15, 2017

Scripture Reading: Psalm 123
To you I lift up my eyes,
   O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
As the eyes of servants
   look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
   to the hand of her mistress,
   until he has mercy upon us.

 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud.

Have we as people who identify as God followers lost the ability to walk humbly with our Lord? Have we relegated God to just another strategy to apply as needed to win a political campaign?

I was stunned when I heard someone defending a politician accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl by saying his actions were no different than the actions of Mary and Joseph. The assumption is that God approves the alleged action of the politician. Apparently, the speaker is not well acquainted with the story of the birth of Jesus recorded in Matthew. To the contrary, Joseph went beyond the call of duty by standing by Mary when he had had no sexual relations with Mary saving her from being stoned for becoming pregnant outside of marriage.

It is time for all the people of God to let God be God and for all of us to become the people God created us to be. For most of us that will require repentance and return to God’s leadership.

Prayer: Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud.

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.

Ready to Play

Living in the Spirit
November 12, 2017

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
–Matthew 25:8-13

First, I would like to point out that the foolish bridesmaid reportedly had the resources necessary to buy more oil. They either did not choose to use it for purchasing the oil, or they were procrastinators. They sound a lot like most of us. Funny how I can ignore something which seriously needs my attention like the slow leak in my shower head. When my hard drive crashed recently, I took it to the Geek Squad, like taking someone who is ill to the emergency room.

Whether we like it or not, God expects us to be purpose driven and intentional in our work related to the coming of the Kingdom of God and everything we do relates to the coming of the Kingdom of God. Being a follower of Christ is not a spectator sport. Players in a basketball game who are taking a rest on the bench during the game never disengage from the game itself. They have to remain diligent to the process for when reinserted they must blend in seamlessly with the rest of the team. The same is true of our service to Christ.

Called as partners in Christ’s service,
    Called to ministries of grace,
    We respond with deep commitment
    Fresh new lines of faith to trace.
    May we learn the art of sharing,
    Side by side and friend with friend,
    Equal partners in our caring
    To fulfill God’s chosen end.*

Prayer:  God, give us the courage to prepare for whatever we face in our service to you, help us stay in good spiritual, physical, and mental health, so our entrance I flawless when sent to do your work. Amen.

*First verse of Called as Partners in Christ’s service, by Jane Parker Huber see at http://worship-organizer.awtrey.com/hymnal/?number=343

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.

Wise or Foolish

Living in the Spirit
November  11, 2017

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.
–Matthew 25:1-7

In the parable of the lamps, Jesus clearly delineates the difference between what is wise and what is foolish. Not being prepared for whatever is coming is foolish. In Oklahoma, most people have a storm plan with a designated place to go for safety and a kit of necessities. My kit includes two sources of lighting one battery operated and one that can be power by cranking it. I, like the bridesmaids who came prepared with more fuel for their lamps, value the ability to see in the dark.

Today we tend to complicate what is wise and what is foolish. Our government at this writing is debating a revision of our tax system with widely divergent opinions on what is wise and what is foolish, most tied to who are financial winners and losers. Some see no problem in massively increasing the national debt. Others identify such a move as a deal breaker. What gets lost in the chaos are the values that drive our efforts.

What can we glean from this parable to help us simplify our decisions regarding what is wise and what is foolish? What drives the Common Good? Do we want all our citizens to earn living wages? How can that best be accomplished? Is affordable, accessible, and available health care a right or a privilege? What is the most productive way to protect our populace from harm whether caused by internal threats or external ones? When we take the time to discuss our values, the answers to our tax situation will become clearer.

The parable of the lamps tells us to be ready to serve the Bridegroom who represents Christ. Such service includes our having a good sense of Christ’s values, so we are prepared to respond when called.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for all our elected leaders as they make decisions that will impact the lives of every citizen and ask that you grant them clarity of insight. Guide each of us as citizens to participate as responsible citizens of our nation. Guide us also in our work as citizens of your Kingdom. 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.

 

Who Do We Serve?

Living in the Spirit
November 6, 2017

Scripture Reading: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

‘Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’

 Then the people answered, ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.’ –Joshua 24:14-18

We, of course, are far too sophisticated to worship idols, graven images; or are we?  Cities are passing laws to make it illegal to cross a street while texting or otherwise accessing an electronic device. An opioid epidemic is killing people of all ages across our land. Greed is rampant as we want more and more and seem never to be satisfied. Gaining power over others entices many to sell their souls to the highest bidder.

We are called to Choose this day whom [we] will serve and get our priorities in order as individuals, as communities of faith, as the whole Body of Christ.

As frustrated as I become with the functioning of our government both at the state and federal level, I sincerely believe our government reflects well the desires of our population. We have turned away from our most basic values of assuring the Common Good and are pursuing self-serving gain at the expense of our neighbors. We seem to have grown collectively out of touch with reality apparently similarly to what was happening in Joshua’s day and time.

Joshua’s recommitment to the values that got him and his people to the Promised Land is a good place for us to start rebuilding our states and nation.

Prayer: Create in us clean hearts and right spirits so that we can truly declare but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord, for he is God. 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.

Do Unto Others

Living in the Spirit
November 3, 2017

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.
–1 Thessalonians 2:13

I fear we put a lot of words in God’s mouth. Thank God for the prophets sent to set us straight! It is also comforting to know that not everything depends on us getting it right when we share our faith. The spirit works to support us and more importantly to provide for those whose lives we touch a still small voice to help them ferret out what is of God.

Recently I read where Christians are creating atheist because our attitudes and interpretations of our beliefs are not something many find inviting. We sometimes say one thing and demonstrate through our lives another. It is hard to sell a God of love when we set ourselves apart as being better than others.

An experiment might help. Spend a week writing down the ways you have treated other people. Just simple honest notes. “Held the door for a woman carrying a baby.” “Avoided check out with the store clerk with purple hair and many piercings.” “Locked my car door when stopping at a light where youth of another race were waiting to cross the street.”

The second week observe how others treat you and how it made you feel. “Car cut me off in traffic, scared me.” “Woman in Bible study group spoke with great authority about something with which I disagreed, but I just sat their wish I had said something.” “ I was seated at an empty table when someone asked if they could join me. Made me feel good.”

The third week practice what you learned from the experience. Be intentional about how you treat others.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in our work of serving you more nearly through our interrelationships with 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.

Filter Cleaning

Living in the Spirit
November 2, 2017

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was towards you believers. As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
–1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Why do you suppose Paul felt the need to establish credentials with the Thessalonians by reminding them of things they already observed? Did he think they might lose sight of his work after an absence? Perhaps he knows what he is about to say needs to be tethered to whom they know he is? I must confess reading this brief remark makes me anticipate a follow-up sermon on what I am doing wrong, after all, Paul’s previous hard work. While some of Paul’s letters do go in that direction, his letters to the Thessalonians underline what they are doing right during difficulties.

What we say and what we write matters as we strive to be the Body of Christ in the world today. We all have filters built into our brains by our life experiences and cultures that interpret words and actions. Our filters may be like those of the writer or speaker, but at times they may be different. We see this played out every day regarding white privilege. Our white filters say our norms are the norms and we cannot understand why others have a problem with that. Honestly, most people think their norms are the right ones so for one set of norms to overshadow another’s norms requires adding a dose of power to the equation. At one time in the USA part of that power was sheer population numbers. As a left-handed person, I experience the right-handed norms of our society every day and am forced to accommodate them. Some are easier to adjust to than others. I have never been able to work one of those can openers that is clipped onto a can while twisting a gizmo on top.

Our population has grown more diverse, and we are now developing new sets of norms based on that diversity. Finding a new normal always takes time, energy, and a commitment to make it work. We base our commitment on the charge from Jesus Christ that we all be one. (John 17:21)

The Oklahoma City Thunder is showing us the way by melding together some outstanding players who have never played together before. They seem to be enjoying finding the rhythm needed to be a winning team. They have committed to making it work.

Prayer: Lord, help us review our filters and clean out any that no longer apply, add new ones we can adapt from others, and make us one. 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.