Tag Archives: Oneness

Common Ground

noamnesty1-750x400Living in the Spirit
July 16, 2015

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. –Ephesians 2:13-16 

Paul is described in our scripture today as trying to bridge the gap between two very different cultures to make them one in Christ putting to death hostility. The gentiles and the Jews had very different cultures, traditions, and faith systems. Making them one was like mixing oil and water, both very important nutrients needed by all.

Actually bringing two or more vastly different cultures together was not a whole lot more challenging then holding the Israelites together, as we see when we follow their journeys through the Hebrew Bible. The sad thing is we have not learned from either experiences of our ancestors in faith. The words of the prophets spoken to the Israelites 3000 years ago still apply to us today as do the teachings of the apostles. It seems human nature longs for the things that divide us.

I spent an entire career in human services picking up the trash left over from the abortion wars. While we people of faith invest countless hours of time, energy, and money in fighting each other over who was right or who was wrong, there were few who really cared about the collateral damage to the woman and children involved. They could have benefitted from reinvestment of those resources in providing services to prevent unwanted pregnancies, giving hope to young women who had none, and teaching all our children to love and respect one another.  These are tangible services that has been proven to reduce abortion.

We are now doing the same thing in regard to immigration. While there is very little in the Bible regarding abortion or homosexuality, welcoming the stranger appears over and over again from the beginning to the end. Jesus includes it in his laundry list of activities included in judgment. Will we ever learn?

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts and minds to being one within your love. Help us find the common ground to forge a brighter tomorrow for all your children. 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.

Communing with God

reflecting_the_character_of_god_op_607x455Living in the Spirit
July 15, 2015

Scripture Reading: Psalm 89:20-37

I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;
my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.
I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.
I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
He shall cry to me, “You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!” –Psalm 89:20-26

Our poet today, perhaps David himself, is describing his experience of the very character of God. God is steadfast, enabler, protector, always faithful, always loving, and always present.

It is almost impossible to describe God without our viewpoint being filtered through our own perceptions, but the traits listed here are common among the descriptions shared by all of God’s children. These collective histories provide credence for our understandings of God and lend validity to the importance of living as God’s children in community. We are called to hold each other accountable within the bounds of love.

One of the ways we attempt to bring objectivity to our discussions, important to us scientific era people, is to turn to the Bible in search of inspiration, which is a good thing for this practice includes that wonderful cloud of witnesses, spoken of in the book of Hebrews, to our deliberations. This practice, however, has its pratfalls. The Bible was written in a time when the search for truth were treated differently than the fact bases scientific methods used today.

Such dialogue is difficult. Even in community, we humans are capable of growing synergy for evil as well as for good and God. I love the quote from Abraham Lincoln when challenged to deal with the belief that God was taking sides in the War Between the States, his response was: Sir my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.

Our challenge today is seeking individual and collective communion with God letting our shared experience and knowledge base feed our love for God and for one another as we strive together to be on God’s side.

Prayer: God, and Rock of my salvation, lead me guide me individually enabling me to make whatever contribution I can to your community of faith. 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.

 

Discerning God’s Way

Desires of your heartLiving in the Spirit
July 13, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.’ But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? –2 Samuel 7:1-5 

We bandy about discussions on the will of God and following the will of God as if it were a tangible reality, if we could just figure it out we would be like God or, I fear, we might feel we are God. In many instances today dedicated Christians end up disagreeing, mightily sometimes, on exactly what the will of God is.

The phrase is not used specifically in the Hebrew Bible, appears only twice in the gospels, and 15 more times in the remainder of the New Testament. The word “will” is derived from the Greek thélēma (from 2309 /thélō, “to desire, wish”) – properly, a desire (wish), often referring to God’s “preferred-will,” i.e. His “best-offer” to people which can be accepted or rejected.*

Rather than being a fixed reality as if carved in stone never to be changed, the relationship Nathan displays in our scripture today is more one of pondered dialogue with God, dynamic in nature, and understanding of the need for humans to seek and act on God’s good counsel to shape and target our own wills into productive outcomes.

I have been described as a strong willed persons and believe me that can be considered both a good thing and a bad thing. David was a strong willed persons. His tenacity led the Israelites into many years of prosperity and peace; his lust led him into adultery and murder.

As followers of Christ we are not only called to discern the way of God for ourselves but working together to be the Body of Christ in the world today discerning God’s desire for all God’s children and working diligently to make it a reality. We must find ways to bridge the gaps among us and work toward productive outcomes.

Prayer: God we thank you for sharing your desires with us. Help us to learn you love enabling us to live in your ways. Amen.

*http://biblehub.com/greek/2307.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 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.

 

Breaking Bread Together

breakingbreadLiving in the Spirit
July 7, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt-offerings and offerings of well-being before the Lord. When David had finished offering the burnt-offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes. –2 Samuel 6:17-19

There is just something healing about eating a meal together. My dad was born into one of those yours, mine, and ours families. There were 15 children who lived to adulthood. As you can imagine our family reunions were rather large. When I was a small child those reunions also included my dad’s cousins and their families. We rented a building at the fairgrounds. I have fond memories of those dinners to this day. Lots of food, lots of laughter, sometimes some solemn moments to remember someone missing who had died, and in my family, lots of tall tales of earlier times. These memories are what came to mind as I imagined the Israelites setting down to eat the meal David provided.

Our government serves state dinners to dignitaries visiting. No matter how continuous relationships might be, taking time to break bread together allows people the opportunity to be reminded that we are all God’s children who must eat. We must have our bodies, minds, and spirits nurtured routinely to be and do the tasks of living in community.

Jesus knew this. He instituted what we call the Lord’s Supper, Communion, The Eucharist to help us remember whose we are and to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits for our work as a part of the Body of Christ.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of breaking bread together. Refresh our spirits and heal our souls as we share in your meal of remembrance. Make us whole, 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Loving the Other

jesus-sending-out-disciples-2-by-2Living in the Spirit
July 5, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:1-13

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.  –Mark 6b-13

I heard a news report regarding the results of a survey trying to determine what caused the shift in the United States among its citizens from being against gay marriage to supporting it. What they found was for most people their hearts and minds were changed not from protests or TV shows but from actually knowing someone who is homosexual and understanding his or her life situation better. Isn’t that what Jesus is addressing in our scripture today that we need to go into the world and actually get to know our neighbors. Learn the problems that they face, live with them through their unique issues.

Jesus was all about the way we live. He called us to a life of loving God and loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. These are two basic principles from his Hebrew background, ancient in origin, nothing new at all, yet woefully missing from our practice. Any regular readers of my devotions probably think I quote them ad nauseam and I can promise you that is not going to change until I get it right and our society gets it right. I believe this is the repentance to which he instructed his disciples to introduce others.  He did not list a lot of “thou shalt nots” but these two “thou shalts” for when we get these “thou shalts” right the “thou shalt nots” are no longer needed.

Jesus calls us to get to know the people whose paths we most likely would never cross unless we make the effort to seek them and meet them and love them just as they are.

Prayer: Love that will not let us go, free us from the fear of opening our hearts and minds to others. Help us accept each other and let love be the ointment that brings us to wholeness, oneness, and justice.

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.

Love One Another

love-one-anotherLiving in the Spirit
June 23, 2015

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

How the mighty have fallen
   in the midst of the battle!  

Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
   I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
   your love to me was wonderful,
   passing the love of women. –2 Samuel 25-26

It has happened again, another mass murder. This time in a beloved church. This time at a Bible study. Nine people were killed all precious in the sight of God and certainly to their loved ones. The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, the Senior Minister at the church, was one of the victims. He was also a state senator and a valued leader for such a time as this.

Jonathan was a valued person to David. Jonathan was the natural person to follow his father Saul to become king, but unlike his father, Jonathan apparently saw and supported the potential in David as king. Caught between two beloved people, he protected David and served his father to his death,  too. He indeed was a much loved brother by choice not by chance and son.

What have we done to our children that they feel the need to kill senselessly? And yes I do think society needs to own this problem, not just the family, not just the community. We say one thing and live another. We ignore burgeoning mental health issues, rationing services. I do not know about South Carolina where this mass murder took place, but in Oklahoma only 25% of the needed mental health professionals are available and most people could not afford the services, if they existed. And we worship at the foot of exceptionalism while proclaiming all people were created in God’s image.

We serve a risen Savior who is in the world today and who 2000 years ago gave us the solution to our society’s shortcomings today. He called us to love one another.

Prayer: God forgive us for our separation from you that causes us to live outside your love. Make us whole. 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 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 from Mistakes

Temper tantrumLiving in the Spirit
June 8, 2015

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. –1 Samuel 15:34-35

The relationship between prophet/priest and King had been severed. Saul was moving through the motions of kingship without a rudder and Samuel withdrew to grieve. Why do you suppose the Lord was sorry he had made Saul king? I don’t question that Samuel was sorry he had caved to the people’s demands that a monarchy be established. He was mad about it in the first place.  Why was God sorry?

The Hebrew word translated sorry is nacham, a root word that essentially means comfort,* here used in the form of consoling oneself. The Lord is acting in the role of a parent as God nurtured the people toward an expanding civilization requiring a different type of governance to survive and prosper within God’s realm. Not unlike a parent takes a preschooler to start Sunday school to prepare for this new ventures in the child’s life, God guided Samuel to anoint the first king and it did not work. Every stand outside the preschool classroom with a child having a temper tantrum refusing to enter? God was not necessarily sorry civilization was expanding; God was perhaps sorry that the people had wanted the king for the wrong reasons. God was also sorry that the people, Saul included, did not adapt to the change as readily as God had hoped.

Growth and maturity whether on a large scale or a small scale takes much adapting, time, and energy. It requires all those gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 and all of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5. It often means we take two steps forward and one step back in our journey toward the Kingdom of God. And while the scene in front of the preschool class may flash through our minds as we watch the same child receive his or her college diploma, the final outcome is worth the effort. It is OK to learn from our mistakes, even to regret them for a time, but they must never stop us from continuing our journey with the guidance of the Spirit.

Prayer: God of Grace and God of Glory, help us be malleable to the Spirits shaping. Amen.

*http://biblehub.com/hebrew/5162.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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Family

family of GodLiving in the Spirit
June 7, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 2:20-35

 Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ –Mark 2:31-35

“He is like a brother to me.” “She is the same as a sister.” “She may not have borne me but she has been my mother.” Some take umbrage with Jesus over the scripture above. They think it might have hurt his family’s feelings, I guess. I think Mary would have understood exactly from where he was coming. She had known his purpose from the first. I have always wondered about his brother James. I think he was not so clear about this elder brother who was always away wandering around the country as an itinerate preacher leaving him at home to hold things together. We do not know when Joseph died. He was at the temple when Jesus was 12, but never mentioned again. Family is complicated.

Jesus is reminding his Disciples that they and his other followers are part of the family of God. While family is complicated the relationship is not severable. I have the copy of a will of one of my great great grandfathers who apparently had had a falling out with my great grandfather for the last paragraph of the will states ice-clearly “Daniel is to get nothing.” Daniel is even left out of the pages related to this family in the county history of prominent settlers. None of that made him any less my great great grandfather’s son.

As a social worker I encountered many dysfunctional families. As a Christian I have observed more discord than one would ever think possible among a people who identify with a God of love and his son who gave his very life out of love for each of us. God’s love is often the only cure for dysfunctional families. It is the only cure for discord among Christians. We need to reaffirm the wondrous love of God and work toward loving one another as we strive together to be his Body in the world today.

Prayer: Lord forgive us when we do not love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Gift us with your Spirit to guide us as we stumble our way toward the realization of your Kingdom here on 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 American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.