Tag Archives: Wholeness

Answering our Call

January 3, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 42:1-9

Thus says God, the Lord,
   who created the heavens and stretched them out,
   who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
   and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
   I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
   a light to the nations,
   to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
   from the prison those who sit in darkness
I am the Lord, that is my name;
   my glory I give to no other,
   nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
   and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
   I tell you of them. –Isaiah 42:5-9

I can envision Christ standing before God while God gives him his marching orders for his sojourn on earth. Of course, God intends for us to do the same things God lists here. Do what is right in God’s ways, not in the world’s ways. We are to be a light to the nations. We lose sight of this requirement as we stumble around in the darkness of the world around us. Opening the eyes of the blind is not limited to restoring physical vision but also seeing what needs to be done and doing it. The same is true of releasing prisoners. There are those who have committed crimes sitting in cells right now who need to be restored to living justly as they reenter society. Yet, we must not forget that we often see ourselves through a mirror dimly* and thus do not recognize that we, too, need to be restored to living justly.

As we start a new year, let us dedicate ourselves to following God’s instructions toward building a better world.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see the glimpses of truth meant for us. Amen.

*1 Corinthians 13:12: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

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

Loving the World’s Outcasts

Christmastide

December 31, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 25:31-46
‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

This is probably one of the most ignored scriptures in the Bible, but it is Jesus’s final word to us in Matthew and may be the most important. I got very tired of people running for office who often begin and end their ad identifying as a Christian, but their ad was full of making fun of others and winning votes for their antics. Can you find one instance in the scriptures where Jesus ever made fun of anyone? He spent much of his time with the outcasts of his day, letting them know that God loves all the people God created.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we turn our back on your example to follow the world’s wisdom. Turn us around, recharge our 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Using Free Will Wisely

Christmastide

December 29, 2022

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-6a
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.’

And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

God is with us right now; the real question is: are we with God? Free will is perhaps the greatest gift God gave us. It opens the door to being whatever we want to be and doing whatever we choose. We forget that free will endows us with the responsibility to choose wisely. Maintaining a close relationship with our Creator is the best way to enhance our use of our free will for us and all of God’s creation.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of free will. We open our hearts and minds to you and ask for your guidance in using it wisely.  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.

Knowing the Majestic God of Love

Christmastide

December 28, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
O Lord, our Sovereign,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
   Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
   to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
   the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
   mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
   and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
   you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
   and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
   whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Sovereign,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

I am what is called a cradle Christian. I probably sang Jesus, Loves Me in the womb. I really cannot imagine what a Godless world would be. I have taken God for granted forever. Does that belittle God? Indeed not. I think God wants us to take God for granted, but with the understanding that once we know God, we have a responsibility to live God’s love so that everyone can take God for granted, and thus our world would be ruled by God’s love.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for writing the words of the above psalm on the heart of one of your children who willingly shared the truth of your being present with us even in your majesty.  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.

A Time to Read

Christmastide

December 26, 2022

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace. –Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I cannot read this scripture without my brain switching it to the song Turn! Turn! Turn! sung by the Birds. Because I learned it first from hearing that song, I did not realize until I read it just now that the line a time to tear, and a time to sew is referring to sewing cloth, not sowing seeds which are covered in the third line that starts with a time to plant. This realization made me think of my mother because those two activities, gardening, and sewing, all sorts of other things, were probably my mother’s favorite activities.

The list could go on. I do not see a time to write or record history anywhere on this list. Solomon is credited as the author. It seems odd that he would leave out the very thing he was doing. I wonder if he had included writing what the opposite action would have been, a time to read, perhaps. Spending time reading scripture every day grounds us in the Word of God. Reading selections that we can quote by heart and suddenly be struck by words that have always been there and seeing them from a different perspective is important.

As we begin a new year, let us dedicate daily time to read the Bible. I like following a lectionary because it forces me to read parts unfamiliar to me and some that make me uncomfortable. That reaction often makes me dive deeper into what is being said. I pull out my Interpreter Bible to see what others think or check out Strong’s Concordance to see insights from the original language.

Prayer: Lord, help us all be students of the Word both written and through our communion with 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.

Fully Divine Fully Human

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2022

Scripture: John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

While I do think it is important to acknowledge that Jesus was fully human, I an glad that the book of John was written and including in the Bible following the birth stories because it brings us fully back the understanding that the one who came to dwell among us as God with Us was also truly divine. Using more abstract words like the Word and light, John confronts the mystery of One who supersedes anything we can even imagine while sharing the experiences of those who interacted with this Word, this light as we would any other human. God is not only with us, God knows how it feels to be human.

The book of Genesis tells us that God created each of us in God’s image. I think that means we are all fully capable of loving like God as was modeled by Jesus in his sojourn on earth. Throughout the Bible we see testimony of God’s desire for justice and mercy among all God’s creation. Just like all children, as children of God we sometimes stumble and miss the mark, but God’s love sustains us and will guide us into God’s light when we seek to restore our relationship with God striving to become fully the individuals and the people God created us to be.

Prayer: That you Lord, for dwelling among us and showing by your actions the way to fulfill our calling in building your beloved community. 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.

Building the Future

Advent

December 22, 2022

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. –Hebrews 1:1-4

I heard yesterday on the news that the Taliban had reinstated the rule that Afghan women could no longer attend university.  The move was expected. As I read the scripture above that thought crossed my mind because scholars have no idea who wrote the book of Hebrews. One speculation is that it might have been a woman because of their standing in that culture in the first century, women were not normally accredited with such work. Priscilla and Mary Magdalene have been named as possible authors. The King James Version of the Bible identifies Paul as the author, but the written form of Hebrews is very different from Paul’s writing.

Regardless of the author, the document seems to have been targeted at churches needing to examine their vision and purpose, perhaps as they shift from awaiting and imminent return of Christ toward making ready the Kingdom of God for Christ’s return. That idea plays out well in the scripture quoted above.  The scripture reminds us that prophets had predicted Christ’s coming many years ago and in these last days Christ, God with us, came to dwell among us, made purification of our sins, and returned to his work at the right hand of God. In so doing, he instructed us to continue his work here on earth. We might liken our call to work on building the Kingdom of God to Jesus’s instructions to the disciples in Luke 22:8: So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’

Prayer: Lord, guide us by your Spirit through your work to do our work to actualize the Kingdom of God here, now, and for the future. 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.

Prepare the Way for the Lord

Advent

December 22, 2022

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. –Hebrews 1:1-4

I heard yesterday on the news that the Taliban had reinstated the rule that Afghan women could no longer attend university.  The move was expected. As I read the scripture above that thought crossed my mind because scholars have no idea who wrote the book of Hebrews. One speculation is that it might have been a woman because of their standing in that culture in the first century, women were not normally accredited with such work. Priscilla and Mary Magdalene have been named as possible authors. The King James Version of the Bible identifies Paul as the author, but the written form of Hebrews is very different from Paul’s writing.

Regardless of the author, the document seems to have been targeted at churches needing to examine their vision and purpose, perhaps as they shift from awaiting an imminent return of Christ toward making ready the Kingdom of God for Christ’s return. That idea plays out well in the scripture quoted above.  The scripture reminds us that prophets had predicted Christ’s coming many years ago and in these last days Christ, God with us, came to dwell among us, and made purification of our sins, and returned to his work at the right hand of God. In so doing, he instructed us to continue his work here on earth. We might liken our call to work on building the Kingdom of God to Jesus’s instructions to the disciples in Luke 22:8: So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’

Prayer: Lord, guide us through your work in the Spirit to do our work to actualize the Kingdom of God here, now, and for the future. 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.

A New Song

Advent

December 21, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 98
O sing to the Lord a new song,
   for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
   have gained him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
   he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
   to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
   the victory of our God. –Psalm 98:1-3

Do you remember the first time you heard special songs that remained with you forevermore? The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music comes to mind for me. I think I loved Near to the Heart of God when I was born; just hearing it brings the peace and comfort of God’s presence to my heart. Silent Night has a similar impact.

All the challenges our world has faced over the past few years and still faces today call out for us to find a new song to address all the new ways of being with which we must deal. We have buried our heads in the sand too long on so many things like climate change, racism, and all the other isms that divide us even anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head again; mass shootings; and drug abuse. All are often the result of an overabundance of greed.

As we sing the songs of Christmas this week, let us own them as guidance for our living throughout the rest of the year. Celebrating the gift of the Christ child, let us intentionally make life changes modeled by Christ in his sojourn on earth.

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

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

Prayer:  Lord, write on our hearts the new song you wish us to hear and sing in 2023. Amen.

*First verse an refrain of the hymn Near to the Heart of God by Cleland Boyd McAfee see at https://hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_place_of_quiet_rest?extended=true#Author

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.

Doers of the Word

Advent

December 20, 2022

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
   together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
   the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
   you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
   before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
   the salvation of our God.

We believe in a God who is always with us. We believe that God was manifested to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Yet just as our ancient ancestors in faith, we continue to long for a Savior. In the scripture above Isaiah describes in the present tense God who is here, available to us now, if we would only seek the Holy One. The Lord has already provided us with the work we must do to address those realities in our world from which we need to be saved. We, however, are like the rich young ruler who followed all the rules but wanted to know if that was enough for him to gain eternal life. Jesus’s response in Mark 10:21-22: Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. The young man left grieving, but we are not told what he eventually did.  We are that young man wanting to be saved from troubled waters but not knowing whether we are willing to take the actions that will save us, save our neighbors, our nation, and our world.

As we move closer and closer once again to being astounded by the grace of God that can to us as a tiny baby, open our hearts and our minds to accepting God’s call to re-form the world in accordance with his great vision of love.

Prayer: Lord, makes us doers of the word not hearers only, (James 1:22) 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.