We have been looking in our summer worship services at reoccurring themes that flow through the Scriptures. This past Sunday we spoke about covenanting. A sermon on that very topic can be found here.
One of the things we touch on in the sermon is the idea that to covenant with God means agreeing that God knows best! How can we build that notion into our daily lives? (This may well be an exercise in ‘back to basics’ but it is good to remind our selves of simple things!)
Seek God through prayer. Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want, but getting ourselves to do what God wants. Spending some time each day with God in prayer is therefore an important part of keeping covenant with God.
Seek God through Scripture. We see throughout scripture people who both disagree and agree with Gods actions in their lives. It goes without saying that things usually turn out best for the ones who agree with God. Scripture informs our faith journey in so many ways!
Seek God through worship. Being part of a community of faith is important. Christianity has little room for lone rangers. God does not want us to go it alone. We can do so much more together than we can ever accomplish on our own.
Prayer. "Lord; help us to be people of new covenant faith, who know Your ways because of time spent in Your presence. Help us to live lives that show they agree that Your way is the best way! Amen."
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Creating
A reoccurring theme that flows through the 66 books of the Bible is that of ‘Creating’. Such was our meditation during Sunday worship this past weekend. The sermon can be found here.
One of the verses we reflected upon was 2 Corinthians 5:17 ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Note the following things.
Creating is in Christ. The biblical notion of creating involves the work of God. Sometimes people ‘take a break’ or try and ‘get away from it all’ in their quest for renewal. Christian renewal is not getting away from anything, but immersing our selves deeper into the love of Christ. Without the action of the Holy Spirit the creating process is incomplete.
Creating brings change. Paul simply says that ‘the old is gone’. So often we put up with the same old ways. The creating work Paul has in mind is of a different level altogether. It involves a break with our past. We can struggle with that because we resist change! We must bear in mind then that this a change that we are called to make ‘In Christ’. That Christ died to set us free from sin and bring about a change in us!
Creating is in the here and now. ‘The New has come’. The work of creating is happening. We don’t have to wait to for the program to start. Rather we are called to cooperate with the action of God in the now! In practice that means prayerfully seeking where the Holy Spirit is at work within us and around us.
Prayer: Lord God, You are the creator of all that it is good. In Christ You have created the way for us to be free from sin and live creative lives. Renew us through the work of Your Holy Spirit and help us to discover new ways of being faithful. Amen.
One of the verses we reflected upon was 2 Corinthians 5:17 ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Note the following things.
Creating is in Christ. The biblical notion of creating involves the work of God. Sometimes people ‘take a break’ or try and ‘get away from it all’ in their quest for renewal. Christian renewal is not getting away from anything, but immersing our selves deeper into the love of Christ. Without the action of the Holy Spirit the creating process is incomplete.
Creating brings change. Paul simply says that ‘the old is gone’. So often we put up with the same old ways. The creating work Paul has in mind is of a different level altogether. It involves a break with our past. We can struggle with that because we resist change! We must bear in mind then that this a change that we are called to make ‘In Christ’. That Christ died to set us free from sin and bring about a change in us!
Creating is in the here and now. ‘The New has come’. The work of creating is happening. We don’t have to wait to for the program to start. Rather we are called to cooperate with the action of God in the now! In practice that means prayerfully seeking where the Holy Spirit is at work within us and around us.
Prayer: Lord God, You are the creator of all that it is good. In Christ You have created the way for us to be free from sin and live creative lives. Renew us through the work of Your Holy Spirit and help us to discover new ways of being faithful. Amen.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Now… about the Bible
Our worship service this past Sunday focused on the central documents of the Christian faith contained within the Bible. The sermon can be found here.
Here are some helpful hints to guide our scripture reading.
Pray. If there is a God, and that God inspired the people who wrote down their experiences in the pages of scripture, then it is going to be helpful to tune into that God as we approach a time of reading and contemplating!
Be methodical. In order to get a view of the overall message of such a huge collection of writings then a little organization is required. There are things such as reading plans and ‘Through the Bible’ resources available all over the internet. There may even be one in the back of your bible.
Be random. The many books of the Bible make awesome material just to dive into and read whatever you find. And if you are involved in prayerful diving it may even be that the Holy Spirit will guide you to exactly what you need to be hearing right now!
Be serious. Seriously! Intentional application always brings awesome results.
Move on. If you are bogged down in a particular section… then don’t be. Move on. It’s O.K not to understand the relationship between Aaron’s priestly robes and some random verse from a book you find it hard to pronounce! If you make your bible reading a life long journey… you’ll get there one day.
Enjoy. Scripture is meant to give us life not a headache. Meditation should offer joy not frustration. It’s only when we admit we’re floundering that we start to float. And swimming is better than sinking.
Prayer “Lord, Thank You for the books of the Bible. Help me to discover each day truth that will guide me and words that inspire me. Amen”
Here are some helpful hints to guide our scripture reading.
Pray. If there is a God, and that God inspired the people who wrote down their experiences in the pages of scripture, then it is going to be helpful to tune into that God as we approach a time of reading and contemplating!
Be methodical. In order to get a view of the overall message of such a huge collection of writings then a little organization is required. There are things such as reading plans and ‘Through the Bible’ resources available all over the internet. There may even be one in the back of your bible.
Be random. The many books of the Bible make awesome material just to dive into and read whatever you find. And if you are involved in prayerful diving it may even be that the Holy Spirit will guide you to exactly what you need to be hearing right now!
Be serious. Seriously! Intentional application always brings awesome results.
Move on. If you are bogged down in a particular section… then don’t be. Move on. It’s O.K not to understand the relationship between Aaron’s priestly robes and some random verse from a book you find it hard to pronounce! If you make your bible reading a life long journey… you’ll get there one day.
Enjoy. Scripture is meant to give us life not a headache. Meditation should offer joy not frustration. It’s only when we admit we’re floundering that we start to float. And swimming is better than sinking.
Prayer “Lord, Thank You for the books of the Bible. Help me to discover each day truth that will guide me and words that inspire me. Amen”
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Real Thing
In John 6:55 we hear Jesus saying “For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” Last Sunday’s sermon focused on this verse and can be found here.
The sixth chapter of John is a meaty theological discourse. It begins with Jesus miraculously feeding the crowds with literal bread before walking on water, moves onto Him speaking of Himself as ‘Bread from heaven’ and concludes with words about who will betray Him. There are so many images and themes interwoven into the narrative that one could pursue an endless series of reflections. Hence the need to isolate a verse.
So I am sticking with the flesh as ‘true food’ and the blood as ‘true drink’. And whilst images of communion naturally spring to mind maybe there are other ways to consider this verse.
True Food
Good food is the sort of food that truly brings us nourishment and growth. There are endless amounts of folk who tell us what we should and shouldn’t be eating. Sometimes we take notice. Other times we go our own way.
Likewise in our spiritual journeys. There are practices that help us grow. There are many advisers offering us their insights, and some of it works for us and some of it leaves us cold.
By speaking of Himself as true food the implication is that to truly grow spiritually we must feast on the teachings that Jesus came (in the flesh) to offer us. Putting it ever so simply … Jesus offers good teaching that can make us whole.
True Drink
Connoisseurs of fine wine know the difference between a mature full-bodied vintage and a bottle of cheap plonk from the supermarket. That difference will be reflected in the price tag.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, the shedding of His blood on the Cross of Calvary that we may live free and forgiven! To truly drink in what God has done for us in Christ is a life-changing experience. As we come to appreciate the significance of what God has done, so we seek to be channels of God’s love to others.
Prayer: “Lord, help us to feast our lives upon the love You offer to us through the Holy Spirit. May we know Your teaching as the authentic pattern by which to order our lives. May we carry with us the awareness that Jesus died for us so as we can live for others. Amen.”
The sixth chapter of John is a meaty theological discourse. It begins with Jesus miraculously feeding the crowds with literal bread before walking on water, moves onto Him speaking of Himself as ‘Bread from heaven’ and concludes with words about who will betray Him. There are so many images and themes interwoven into the narrative that one could pursue an endless series of reflections. Hence the need to isolate a verse.
So I am sticking with the flesh as ‘true food’ and the blood as ‘true drink’. And whilst images of communion naturally spring to mind maybe there are other ways to consider this verse.
True Food
Good food is the sort of food that truly brings us nourishment and growth. There are endless amounts of folk who tell us what we should and shouldn’t be eating. Sometimes we take notice. Other times we go our own way.
Likewise in our spiritual journeys. There are practices that help us grow. There are many advisers offering us their insights, and some of it works for us and some of it leaves us cold.
By speaking of Himself as true food the implication is that to truly grow spiritually we must feast on the teachings that Jesus came (in the flesh) to offer us. Putting it ever so simply … Jesus offers good teaching that can make us whole.
True Drink
Connoisseurs of fine wine know the difference between a mature full-bodied vintage and a bottle of cheap plonk from the supermarket. That difference will be reflected in the price tag.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, the shedding of His blood on the Cross of Calvary that we may live free and forgiven! To truly drink in what God has done for us in Christ is a life-changing experience. As we come to appreciate the significance of what God has done, so we seek to be channels of God’s love to others.
Prayer: “Lord, help us to feast our lives upon the love You offer to us through the Holy Spirit. May we know Your teaching as the authentic pattern by which to order our lives. May we carry with us the awareness that Jesus died for us so as we can live for others. Amen.”
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Perils of Procrastination
In our sermon based on Luke 9:51-62 we identified three unwelcome characters who have a habit of hindering our spiritual progress, ‘Mr. Knowitall’, ‘Ms. Promise’ and ‘Uncle Hangon’. To discover more about them you’ll have to read the sermon found here.
To take things a little further I wanted to consider what Jesus says in verse 62 “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Why is ‘looking back’ such a hindrance to discipleship?
Looking back focuses us on what we may lose rather than what we may gain.
We hear something that sounds worth pursuing. But then we get back into our usual routine and we look around and start with the ’But what if?’ and the “But I’m not so sure” questions. And there are plenty of visionless souls around us to confirm all our fears for us! The vision fades and procrastination takes over.
Looking back binds us to responsibilities we may need to let go!
The image of ‘plowing’ is an image of hard graft. Jesus asks some hard things of us. ‘Take up your cross” isn’t exactly a party invitation. “Let the dead bury the dead” doesn’t roll easily off the tongue. We reach points in our spiritual journeys that are really tough! Do we take this course (which is hard) or do we take this one (which will be even harder)? But we cannot take on the responsibility of building God’s Kingdom till we let go of our own little empires.
Looking back causes us indecision rather than prompting us to action.
“‘Let me say my good-byes first” is one of the responses made to the invitation to follow Jesus. To put it another way… ‘Before I can follow you I need to put everything else in order so that there is no element of risk involved in my faith journey.’ If we are seeking order and clarity then we are not hearing what Jesus is asking of us. Faith is a risky business. It can be a messy business. The positive side is that through faith we discover that God is able to do greater things for us than we ever dared imagine!
Prayer: “Lord, I confess my indecision. You called. I said “Hold On”. Teach me not to look back to the comfortable places but look forward to the great adventures. Amen.”
To take things a little further I wanted to consider what Jesus says in verse 62 “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Why is ‘looking back’ such a hindrance to discipleship?
Looking back focuses us on what we may lose rather than what we may gain.
We hear something that sounds worth pursuing. But then we get back into our usual routine and we look around and start with the ’But what if?’ and the “But I’m not so sure” questions. And there are plenty of visionless souls around us to confirm all our fears for us! The vision fades and procrastination takes over.
Looking back binds us to responsibilities we may need to let go!
The image of ‘plowing’ is an image of hard graft. Jesus asks some hard things of us. ‘Take up your cross” isn’t exactly a party invitation. “Let the dead bury the dead” doesn’t roll easily off the tongue. We reach points in our spiritual journeys that are really tough! Do we take this course (which is hard) or do we take this one (which will be even harder)? But we cannot take on the responsibility of building God’s Kingdom till we let go of our own little empires.
Looking back causes us indecision rather than prompting us to action.
“‘Let me say my good-byes first” is one of the responses made to the invitation to follow Jesus. To put it another way… ‘Before I can follow you I need to put everything else in order so that there is no element of risk involved in my faith journey.’ If we are seeking order and clarity then we are not hearing what Jesus is asking of us. Faith is a risky business. It can be a messy business. The positive side is that through faith we discover that God is able to do greater things for us than we ever dared imagine!
Prayer: “Lord, I confess my indecision. You called. I said “Hold On”. Teach me not to look back to the comfortable places but look forward to the great adventures. Amen.”
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dealing with Demons
Luke 8:26-39 was the scripture for our service this past Sunday. It is a passage that deals with a confrontation between Jesus and a man known as ‘Legion’ because he was possessed by so many demons. A sermon on the passage can be found here.
Thankfully most of us have not become so overwhelmed by the evil in our world that we are in the situation of the unfortunate man whom Jesus delivered. But I suspect we all wrestle our own demons… though we may not call them by such a name. We may prefer terms like habits, compulsions or addictions. We may see them as illnesses of mind or body or simply human failings. Yet like the demons that possessed the unfortunate man in the graveyard, they haunt us and could destroy us unless we are delivered from them.
The Good News in the passage is that Jesus is the One who can deliver us. It is worth noticing the process by which deliverance takes place.
Confrontation. When the light of Christ’s presence falls upon the man his need is revealed. As through worship and prayer we open our lives to God, the dark places of our own lives can be revealed. We may not like what we see. We may feel like the man that such places are left well alone! But Christian growth involves dealing with those parts of life we’d rather forget about as well as functioning from our strong places.
Naming. Jesus is quite specific in seeking to identify the mans problem. “What is your name?” he asks the demons. So we need to be specific when dealing with things that threaten our spiritual growth. Name them and claim Christs victory over them. We try and work with God as we seek for the Holy Spirit to recreate what is currently in chaos! If our problem is ‘lust’, then we call it what it is. If its ‘avoidance’ then we acknowledge that when faced with our problems we try and run from them rather than deal with them! We name it so God can deal with it!
Sharing. The chances are that whatever we battle others are having the same battles. The existence and success of such groups as Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous testify that we oftentimes can best fight our demons in the company of others. The man Jesus delivers is invited to ‘tell others what God has done’. Christian life is meant to be communal. We are encouraged to bear one and others burdens!
Prayer: “Lord, we don’t like to consider ourselves as possessed of demons, yet we see in our lives habits and practices that seem to control us. We pray for Your deliverance from all that would hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us sharing Your love with others. Amen.”
Footnote – At F.P.C. Baldwin groups for both AA and GA are in operation. Further information can be found at the following web sites.
A.A.
Camblers Anonymous
Thankfully most of us have not become so overwhelmed by the evil in our world that we are in the situation of the unfortunate man whom Jesus delivered. But I suspect we all wrestle our own demons… though we may not call them by such a name. We may prefer terms like habits, compulsions or addictions. We may see them as illnesses of mind or body or simply human failings. Yet like the demons that possessed the unfortunate man in the graveyard, they haunt us and could destroy us unless we are delivered from them.
The Good News in the passage is that Jesus is the One who can deliver us. It is worth noticing the process by which deliverance takes place.
Confrontation. When the light of Christ’s presence falls upon the man his need is revealed. As through worship and prayer we open our lives to God, the dark places of our own lives can be revealed. We may not like what we see. We may feel like the man that such places are left well alone! But Christian growth involves dealing with those parts of life we’d rather forget about as well as functioning from our strong places.
Naming. Jesus is quite specific in seeking to identify the mans problem. “What is your name?” he asks the demons. So we need to be specific when dealing with things that threaten our spiritual growth. Name them and claim Christs victory over them. We try and work with God as we seek for the Holy Spirit to recreate what is currently in chaos! If our problem is ‘lust’, then we call it what it is. If its ‘avoidance’ then we acknowledge that when faced with our problems we try and run from them rather than deal with them! We name it so God can deal with it!
Sharing. The chances are that whatever we battle others are having the same battles. The existence and success of such groups as Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous testify that we oftentimes can best fight our demons in the company of others. The man Jesus delivers is invited to ‘tell others what God has done’. Christian life is meant to be communal. We are encouraged to bear one and others burdens!
Prayer: “Lord, we don’t like to consider ourselves as possessed of demons, yet we see in our lives habits and practices that seem to control us. We pray for Your deliverance from all that would hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us sharing Your love with others. Amen.”
Footnote – At F.P.C. Baldwin groups for both AA and GA are in operation. Further information can be found at the following web sites.
A.A.
Camblers Anonymous
Monday, June 7, 2010
Breaking Bread amidst the Storm
As we came to the communion table this past Sunday we looked at a passage in Acts 27:27-44 where Paul is threatened with shipwreck, but encourages his fellow travelers to break bread with him and be encouraged. The sermon for the day can be found here.
Here’s some further thoughts on how communion can encourage us amidst the storms of life.
Sharing communion during stormy days reminds we are not alone.
The whole thing about the word ‘communion’ is that involves more than one. It’s not just about us. At the very least it involves two parties… God and ourselves! As we break bread and drink wine we do so at the invitation of Jesus… an invitation that is offered with the words, “Do this in remembrance of me”. Whatever may come our way today let us try and remember we do not face it alone.
Breaking Bread reminds us that we are all broken.
We have this inbuilt tendency in the the midst of storms to look out only for ourselves. The person who falls overboard doesn’t cry out ‘Help us!’ but ‘Help Me!’. Scripture teaches that we are all sinners who fall short of God’s glory, or to put it another way, we are all drowning in our own false notion of self sufficiency. We all need God’s help and mercy, and that grace comes to us through Jesus Christ, who at the Cross totally identifies with our brokenness! As we face today's problems let us recall that we are all broken!
Sharing wine reminds us that God love is poured out for us all.
God’s love pours out of an empty tomb. Death is revealed to be a loser. The last word is not defeat but victory. We are saved by grace through faith. Paul broke bread amidst the storm and all were encouraged. Let us seek this week to allow the peace of Christ to carry us through!
Prayer: “Lord, it can be a mad mad world that brings many storms our way. In the midst of the confusion help us to find Your peace and so be an encouragement to our fellow travelers!” Amen.
Here’s some further thoughts on how communion can encourage us amidst the storms of life.
Sharing communion during stormy days reminds we are not alone.
The whole thing about the word ‘communion’ is that involves more than one. It’s not just about us. At the very least it involves two parties… God and ourselves! As we break bread and drink wine we do so at the invitation of Jesus… an invitation that is offered with the words, “Do this in remembrance of me”. Whatever may come our way today let us try and remember we do not face it alone.
Breaking Bread reminds us that we are all broken.
We have this inbuilt tendency in the the midst of storms to look out only for ourselves. The person who falls overboard doesn’t cry out ‘Help us!’ but ‘Help Me!’. Scripture teaches that we are all sinners who fall short of God’s glory, or to put it another way, we are all drowning in our own false notion of self sufficiency. We all need God’s help and mercy, and that grace comes to us through Jesus Christ, who at the Cross totally identifies with our brokenness! As we face today's problems let us recall that we are all broken!
Sharing wine reminds us that God love is poured out for us all.
God’s love pours out of an empty tomb. Death is revealed to be a loser. The last word is not defeat but victory. We are saved by grace through faith. Paul broke bread amidst the storm and all were encouraged. Let us seek this week to allow the peace of Christ to carry us through!
Prayer: “Lord, it can be a mad mad world that brings many storms our way. In the midst of the confusion help us to find Your peace and so be an encouragement to our fellow travelers!” Amen.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Trinity Sunday
I find the doctrine of the trinity one of the most baffling yet somehow ‘seemingly right’ aspects of Christian theology. ‘Baffling’ because no matter how we try and fathom it we never really get our heads around it. ‘Seemingly Right’ because it crystalizes the New Testament disciples experience of God into a simple formula.
They had understood God as Father yet come to see how in Jesus that God stood with them. They felt the presence of Christ within them and around them through the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke of His inter-relation both with the Father and the Spirit. There is a wonderful sense of community and understanding and relationship tied up with the whole thing that is at the same time mysterious and beautiful.
Understanding with our minds and actually living out our faith are of course two different things. My reflections for Trinity Sunday can be found in a sermon titled ‘Living the Trinity’ here.
A prayer: “Lord God, our Creator and Father, help us live in a way that reflects the wonder of Your creative genius! Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer, help us to seek always to live in the light of Your teaching; Holy Spirit, inspirer, comforter and guide, create within us both the will and the strength to be a part of Your work of transformation! Amen!”
They had understood God as Father yet come to see how in Jesus that God stood with them. They felt the presence of Christ within them and around them through the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke of His inter-relation both with the Father and the Spirit. There is a wonderful sense of community and understanding and relationship tied up with the whole thing that is at the same time mysterious and beautiful.
Understanding with our minds and actually living out our faith are of course two different things. My reflections for Trinity Sunday can be found in a sermon titled ‘Living the Trinity’ here.
A prayer: “Lord God, our Creator and Father, help us live in a way that reflects the wonder of Your creative genius! Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer, help us to seek always to live in the light of Your teaching; Holy Spirit, inspirer, comforter and guide, create within us both the will and the strength to be a part of Your work of transformation! Amen!”
Monday, May 3, 2010
Transformation
The breakout of Christianity from its Jewish roots was a momentous occurence. The earliest disciples were not convinced that embracing all the world was God’s plan. But the actions of the Holy Spirit convinced them otherwise. (See Acts 11:1-18). A sermon on just such a topic can be found here.
Consider the experience of Peter.
It was against everything Peter had been brought up to believe to go to the house of a Gentile and eat with him without going through all the rituals that were expected of a Jewish believer. But God had called Peter to embrace a more inclusive way of being, one that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Who are we excluding? Who are the ‘untouchables’ in our experience? Whom may God be calling us to reach out to who is not currently on our radar?
Consider the experience of Cornelieus.
He was not a Jew. He was not familiar with the ways of the Jews or the conceptions of a Messiah. He believed in his God in his own way. Yet God heard his prayer and pushed him beyond his comfort zone. There would be a steep learning curve ahead! Where are the unfamiliar areas in our own spiritual walk? What will the learning curve look like if we are to enter into a better understanding of our faith? And how do we attack that curve?
Consider the experience of the Council.
For a church body to accept such radical change… without a lengthy process of meetings and discussions… was truly a miracle. It meant a total refocus. But such was the change they allowed the Holy Spirit to work amongst them. And the results were… to say the least… spectacular. As we consider our own church structures there is certainly something to chew on right here!
Prayer: "Lord, we need Your Holy Spirit to change our focus. Like Peter You call us to embrace those we have dismissed. Like Cornelius You call us to be listeners and learners. Like the council in Jerusalem You call us to allow our structures to be transformed that we might embody the mission incentive of going into all the world with Your gospel. Transform us Lord! Amen"!
Consider the experience of Peter.
It was against everything Peter had been brought up to believe to go to the house of a Gentile and eat with him without going through all the rituals that were expected of a Jewish believer. But God had called Peter to embrace a more inclusive way of being, one that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Who are we excluding? Who are the ‘untouchables’ in our experience? Whom may God be calling us to reach out to who is not currently on our radar?
Consider the experience of Cornelieus.
He was not a Jew. He was not familiar with the ways of the Jews or the conceptions of a Messiah. He believed in his God in his own way. Yet God heard his prayer and pushed him beyond his comfort zone. There would be a steep learning curve ahead! Where are the unfamiliar areas in our own spiritual walk? What will the learning curve look like if we are to enter into a better understanding of our faith? And how do we attack that curve?
Consider the experience of the Council.
For a church body to accept such radical change… without a lengthy process of meetings and discussions… was truly a miracle. It meant a total refocus. But such was the change they allowed the Holy Spirit to work amongst them. And the results were… to say the least… spectacular. As we consider our own church structures there is certainly something to chew on right here!
Prayer: "Lord, we need Your Holy Spirit to change our focus. Like Peter You call us to embrace those we have dismissed. Like Cornelius You call us to be listeners and learners. Like the council in Jerusalem You call us to allow our structures to be transformed that we might embody the mission incentive of going into all the world with Your gospel. Transform us Lord! Amen"!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Peter’s Prayer
In Acts 9:36-43 Peter offers prayer for a disciple named Tabitha who has died. A miracle takes place and her life is restored. The miracle is a prelude to an even greater miracle… the church recasting her mission to include Gentiles as well as Jewish believers. A sermon including such musings (as well as some reflections on the prayer life of John Knox… as it was preached on Tartan Sunday) can be found here.
Some further reflections on prayer.
1. Prayer restores life. In the case of Tabitha that seems to have a literal application! But beyond that exceptional setting it remains true that active involvement in the discipline of prayer animates our spiritual life. Through prayer we tune our lives towards God’s will. The more in tune with God we become, the greater our ability to do the things to which God calls us.
2. The outcome of prayer can never be predicted. It is not my impression that Peter entered into the situation with the awareness that a life was going to be restored and the mission to the Gentiles was about to be launched. He just enters into the situation and places it into God’s hands. Prayer is never about getting God to do what we think we would do if we were gods. Rather it is allowing God to be God!
3. Prayer brings joy where there was previously only grief. The outward circumstances may often stay the same. That illness may continue. That death may still happen. But prayer changes the focus from being upon the situation towards the One who walks with us through the differing scenes of our life journey. Prayer brings confidence where there has previously been fear and hope where hopelessness has been the dominant theme.
Prayer: Lord, we ask as Your disciples of old asked… ‘Teach us to pray’. Encourage us to share our hearts deepest fears that they may be conquered by Your love. Instruct us in the ways of listening and understanding. Speak to us in our imagining, dreaming and serving that our whole selves may be energized by Your purposes. Amen.
Some further reflections on prayer.
1. Prayer restores life. In the case of Tabitha that seems to have a literal application! But beyond that exceptional setting it remains true that active involvement in the discipline of prayer animates our spiritual life. Through prayer we tune our lives towards God’s will. The more in tune with God we become, the greater our ability to do the things to which God calls us.
2. The outcome of prayer can never be predicted. It is not my impression that Peter entered into the situation with the awareness that a life was going to be restored and the mission to the Gentiles was about to be launched. He just enters into the situation and places it into God’s hands. Prayer is never about getting God to do what we think we would do if we were gods. Rather it is allowing God to be God!
3. Prayer brings joy where there was previously only grief. The outward circumstances may often stay the same. That illness may continue. That death may still happen. But prayer changes the focus from being upon the situation towards the One who walks with us through the differing scenes of our life journey. Prayer brings confidence where there has previously been fear and hope where hopelessness has been the dominant theme.
Prayer: Lord, we ask as Your disciples of old asked… ‘Teach us to pray’. Encourage us to share our hearts deepest fears that they may be conquered by Your love. Instruct us in the ways of listening and understanding. Speak to us in our imagining, dreaming and serving that our whole selves may be energized by Your purposes. Amen.
Monday, April 19, 2010
His Way
Acts 9:1-6 gives us the account of the conversion of Saul. He is changed from being a man intent on destroying the church into one of Christianity’s greatest advocates. A Sermon on this passage can be found here.
What can we learn about the process of change from this account?
Firstly… Changing from doing things our way to doing them God’s way takes time. Whilst the flashing light and voice from the sky were things that happened in a moment, the time leading up to the decision was one that took many twists and turns. It was the influence of many of those he persecuted that helped change Saul. Scripture mentions the martyrdom of Steven as being one of the events that Saul witnessed.
A similar story holds true for many if us. We can’t all point to dramatic moments of decision but many of us are aware that the call of God had been consistently pursuing us over the years… as much through our mistakes as through our triumphs.
Secondly… Notice how personal the call is. Jesus calls his name. “Saul, Saul!” In a similar way the call of God is one that demands our personal response. Belonging to a church, attending services of worship, going through the religious motions… all these are important aspects of belonging to a religious community. But we can do all those things without realizing that there is also an intensely personal dimension to being a disciple. We are called to a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the marks of that relationship will be the realization that God knows who we are… and calls us by name.
Thirdly… To follow God’s way means turning from doing everything our own way! This may be stating the obvious. But we cannot go on doing the things the way we’ve always done them and claim that we are following the new way of Christ. If change is to come to our world, it has to begin with us! The spiritual journey is one of putting away the old and embracing the new.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pursue the new life of Your Spirit. Teach me this week to find Your way amidst the many ways that will seek my attention!
What can we learn about the process of change from this account?
Firstly… Changing from doing things our way to doing them God’s way takes time. Whilst the flashing light and voice from the sky were things that happened in a moment, the time leading up to the decision was one that took many twists and turns. It was the influence of many of those he persecuted that helped change Saul. Scripture mentions the martyrdom of Steven as being one of the events that Saul witnessed.
A similar story holds true for many if us. We can’t all point to dramatic moments of decision but many of us are aware that the call of God had been consistently pursuing us over the years… as much through our mistakes as through our triumphs.
Secondly… Notice how personal the call is. Jesus calls his name. “Saul, Saul!” In a similar way the call of God is one that demands our personal response. Belonging to a church, attending services of worship, going through the religious motions… all these are important aspects of belonging to a religious community. But we can do all those things without realizing that there is also an intensely personal dimension to being a disciple. We are called to a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the marks of that relationship will be the realization that God knows who we are… and calls us by name.
Thirdly… To follow God’s way means turning from doing everything our own way! This may be stating the obvious. But we cannot go on doing the things the way we’ve always done them and claim that we are following the new way of Christ. If change is to come to our world, it has to begin with us! The spiritual journey is one of putting away the old and embracing the new.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pursue the new life of Your Spirit. Teach me this week to find Your way amidst the many ways that will seek my attention!
Monday, April 12, 2010
OBEDIENCE
Obedience is not a word we always use in relation to spirituality. It comes into play when we have to make a choice, between what we perceive is God’s way and what we suspect is against God. That was the kind of choice that Peter had to make when the Sanhedrin forbade him to carry on ministering in Jesus name. A sermon based on that passage from Acts 5:27-32 can be found here.
Some additional thoughts on OBEDIENCE.
1. People are quick to notice when they perceive disobedience in the life of Christian leaders. Abuse scandals, money scandals and dramatic falls from grace easily attract the headlines. The kind of thing that never gets reported is the everyday faithful lives of so many Christian folk. Ask them why they pursue certain standards and they may not be able to put it into words. It’s part of who they are. It’s just being obedient to God.
2. Obedience to God is not so much a duty as it is a joy. The desire to do things God’s way grows out of our love for God. Our love for God grows out of the notion that it is a love we are returning, not a love we are earning. In that sense obedience is neither tedious or burdensome but a faithful act of devotion.
3. Obedience is not easy… because we are all rebels at heart. If we encounter something that looks O.K. to us… but somebody says “Stay Away”… we question their advice. As we read scripture we may discover insights that we question. It is at those times that obedience becomes a challenge.
Prayer: “Teach me Lord to do Your will. When my desire is lacking, send Your Holy Spirit to inspire. Help me to live in a way that brings glory to my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen”
Some additional thoughts on OBEDIENCE.
1. People are quick to notice when they perceive disobedience in the life of Christian leaders. Abuse scandals, money scandals and dramatic falls from grace easily attract the headlines. The kind of thing that never gets reported is the everyday faithful lives of so many Christian folk. Ask them why they pursue certain standards and they may not be able to put it into words. It’s part of who they are. It’s just being obedient to God.
2. Obedience to God is not so much a duty as it is a joy. The desire to do things God’s way grows out of our love for God. Our love for God grows out of the notion that it is a love we are returning, not a love we are earning. In that sense obedience is neither tedious or burdensome but a faithful act of devotion.
3. Obedience is not easy… because we are all rebels at heart. If we encounter something that looks O.K. to us… but somebody says “Stay Away”… we question their advice. As we read scripture we may discover insights that we question. It is at those times that obedience becomes a challenge.
Prayer: “Teach me Lord to do Your will. When my desire is lacking, send Your Holy Spirit to inspire. Help me to live in a way that brings glory to my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen”
Monday, March 29, 2010
Three Crosses
Luke’s gospel gives us the account of three men who die on crosses. (Luke 23: 33-43). A sermon for Passion Sunday can be found here.
The first man dies hurling insults at Jesus. He sees nothing redemptive in the acts that are taking place. He is embittered and hardened to the fact that the Savior of the world was right at His side. “Save others? He can’t even save Himself!” It is a fact that the message of Holy Week will be lost on so many who have no appreciation of who Jesus is and what He can do for them.
The second man has an understanding of the significance of Jesus. He realizes that Jesus had done nothing deserving crucifixion. He senses that something significant is taking place. He asks “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!” Such faith is rewarded by a promise “Today you will be with me in paradise”. This Holy Week is an opportunity to reconsider the significance of the life and death of Jesus and figure out how the events all those years ago apply to our lives today.
The third man is the Savior Himself. He offers prayer for those who persecute Him. “Forgive them Father for they do not know what they are doing”. As we go through our “Not knowing what we are doing” lives we should rejoice that our failures and sins meet their match in the love of God. The grace of God is sufficient to meet our deepest needs.
Prayer: “Lord, during this week leading towards Easter help us to be those who receive Your Spirit and are made new. Help us to hear Your rich promises and grant to us a deeper understanding of the death of our Savior” Amen.
The first man dies hurling insults at Jesus. He sees nothing redemptive in the acts that are taking place. He is embittered and hardened to the fact that the Savior of the world was right at His side. “Save others? He can’t even save Himself!” It is a fact that the message of Holy Week will be lost on so many who have no appreciation of who Jesus is and what He can do for them.
The second man has an understanding of the significance of Jesus. He realizes that Jesus had done nothing deserving crucifixion. He senses that something significant is taking place. He asks “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!” Such faith is rewarded by a promise “Today you will be with me in paradise”. This Holy Week is an opportunity to reconsider the significance of the life and death of Jesus and figure out how the events all those years ago apply to our lives today.
The third man is the Savior Himself. He offers prayer for those who persecute Him. “Forgive them Father for they do not know what they are doing”. As we go through our “Not knowing what we are doing” lives we should rejoice that our failures and sins meet their match in the love of God. The grace of God is sufficient to meet our deepest needs.
Prayer: “Lord, during this week leading towards Easter help us to be those who receive Your Spirit and are made new. Help us to hear Your rich promises and grant to us a deeper understanding of the death of our Savior” Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Lotion Devotion
In John 12:1-8 the actions of Judas and Mary are in stark contrast. Mary overflows with devotion. Judas is revealed to be less than graceful. A sermon on just such a theme can be found here.
For myself the passage challenges me to consider the nature of our relationship with God. For Judas, it appears he is possessed by an attitude that afflicts so many of us… “What’s in it for me?”.
When Judas observes Mary unashamedly anointing the feet of Jesus and kissing His feet, he is offended. Such outward shows of devotion were uncalled for! And what a waste of good perfume. That money could be put to better use. It could, for example, be given to the poor. However John comments that Judas was not in the least concerned about the poor, but rather consumed with self interest.
For Mary the question is one of love. Her life has been touched by the grace of God and she gives thanks in the best way she knows how. She does not care an iota what others may think, either of her actions or the way she chooses to spend her limited income. She loves Jesus and expresses that love in a personal and powerful way. Jesus approves of Mary actions.
What of our love for God? Are we like Judas who is constantly on his guard, wondering how much discipleship may cost? Or are we like Mary? Giving of our best because we know our lives are blessed beyond measure by God’s overflowing grace?
Prayer: “Lord, help us to turn aside from selfish concern as we consider the way Jesus gave Himself, heart and soul, to the world. As we reflect on the price He paid for our salvation, may our response become one of overflowing love. Amen.”
For myself the passage challenges me to consider the nature of our relationship with God. For Judas, it appears he is possessed by an attitude that afflicts so many of us… “What’s in it for me?”.
When Judas observes Mary unashamedly anointing the feet of Jesus and kissing His feet, he is offended. Such outward shows of devotion were uncalled for! And what a waste of good perfume. That money could be put to better use. It could, for example, be given to the poor. However John comments that Judas was not in the least concerned about the poor, but rather consumed with self interest.
For Mary the question is one of love. Her life has been touched by the grace of God and she gives thanks in the best way she knows how. She does not care an iota what others may think, either of her actions or the way she chooses to spend her limited income. She loves Jesus and expresses that love in a personal and powerful way. Jesus approves of Mary actions.
What of our love for God? Are we like Judas who is constantly on his guard, wondering how much discipleship may cost? Or are we like Mary? Giving of our best because we know our lives are blessed beyond measure by God’s overflowing grace?
Prayer: “Lord, help us to turn aside from selfish concern as we consider the way Jesus gave Himself, heart and soul, to the world. As we reflect on the price He paid for our salvation, may our response become one of overflowing love. Amen.”
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Beware of the Trees
I was out walking in the woods when the wind stated to blow. As I made my way home the weather grew worse. Suddenly, with a loud crash, a tree fell to the ground, narrowly missing me. I was a little shaken! Pondering the experience later in the day I reflected on those times when the unexpected happens. A sermonizing of such thoughts can be found here.
In Luke 13:1-9 the disciples are asking Jesus the ‘Why?’ question. A group of Galileans have been slaughtered by Pilate. A tower in Siloam has collapsed and killed a number of people. Why did these things happen? Were the people worse sinners than the rest of us? Was it a case of ‘What goes around, comes around?”
Jesus uses the event as a teaching moment. Life is very fragile. Any moment we could be transported to eternity where we will stand before God. His words seem harsh; “I tell you; unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did” (Luke 13:3).
I am reminded that our salvation is by the grace of God alone. Every day we enjoy life on this earth is a gift. Every time we wake up to greet a new day is a miracle. Not because we are good (or because we are bad) but because life is a great mystery and none of us truly know why we are here or when our time may come to depart. There may well be a tree in the forest with our name on it. Or not.
Make the most of the moment! There is great wisdom in the quote “‘Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.’ We never know what tomorrow brings so we best live a faithful life today.
Prayer: “Lord, Your words call us to remember that nothing in life is certain except the depth of Your love for us. When we are full of questions that find no answer help us to cast all our cares on You and then… get on with living each day to the fullest! Amen.”
In Luke 13:1-9 the disciples are asking Jesus the ‘Why?’ question. A group of Galileans have been slaughtered by Pilate. A tower in Siloam has collapsed and killed a number of people. Why did these things happen? Were the people worse sinners than the rest of us? Was it a case of ‘What goes around, comes around?”
Jesus uses the event as a teaching moment. Life is very fragile. Any moment we could be transported to eternity where we will stand before God. His words seem harsh; “I tell you; unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did” (Luke 13:3).
I am reminded that our salvation is by the grace of God alone. Every day we enjoy life on this earth is a gift. Every time we wake up to greet a new day is a miracle. Not because we are good (or because we are bad) but because life is a great mystery and none of us truly know why we are here or when our time may come to depart. There may well be a tree in the forest with our name on it. Or not.
Make the most of the moment! There is great wisdom in the quote “‘Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.’ We never know what tomorrow brings so we best live a faithful life today.
Prayer: “Lord, Your words call us to remember that nothing in life is certain except the depth of Your love for us. When we are full of questions that find no answer help us to cast all our cares on You and then… get on with living each day to the fullest! Amen.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Foxes, Hens and Chickens.
In Luke 13:31-35 Jesus proclaims “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under wings, and you would not have it !” He also describes Herod as a fox. A sermon reflecting on Foxes, Hens and Chickens can be found here.
Foxes
Foxes are not favorably inclined towards chickens other than as a food source. Scripture warns us that Satan is not a fox, but a ‘roaring lion’ out to frustrate all those who seek the path of discipleship. However we view such images the lesson remains the same… the spiritual road is fraught with dangers. There are things that can destroy our faith and sap our desire to follow. We need to take care that our pride doesn’t blind us to our fragility.
Hens
The imagery of God as the mother hen who wishes to gather up her flock in her wings is one of the most tender in all of scripture. Though there are dangers on the road, God desires to shield us and protect us. To hold us close and reassure us. When life gets crazy it can be a healing thing to take in a deep breath and imagine God wrapping warm wings of protection around our lives.
Chickens
Chickens are the brood that the hen seeks to protect. Unfortunately the chickens are headed away from the hen and towards the dangers that can destroy them. We have that same tendency in our selves. Sure we know what Scripture teaches… but we’ll try things our way instead! And then we complain that things haven’t turned out as we expected. The good news is that God still desires our ingathering!
Prayer. “Lord we confess that we have stupid chicken days. We know we should turn to You but we carry on as if there were no dangers to disrupt our calm or destroy our faith. Help us to see that Your desire is to bless us and protect us. Restore to us a rightful mind! Amen.”
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