March 9, 2009
Day 11 : Leaving things behind
Scripture for reflection: Luke 19:1-10
Prayer: Liberating God, I pray that like Zacchaeus I would be able to leave behind those things that are not really mine. So often the possessions that I think I own turn out to own me. Free me from those things that bind me. Heal my soul that I might experience a lightness of spirit. May I learn to dance the liberated dance of the unburdened. Amen.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Prayer for Sunday, March 8
March 8, 2009
2nd Sunday : What does it mean to be a ‘Christian’?
Scripture for reflection: Mark 8:31-38
Reflection – Nero
(Nero was a Roman emperor who is rumoured to have played his fiddle as he watched
Rome burn)
All I need has been provided. In Jesus there is bread from heaven as well. Yet the
‘hedonic treadmill’ says more is needed. This is the trap of the developed world. More
is enough!! In truth, less is needed. More is obesity of the spirit, less is healthy. Do I
trust more in consumerism than I do in poverty of spirit?
Surely in today’s affluent first world, discipleship requires giving away and letting go. Too
often I hang onto treasures that rust away or are devoured by moths. Too often I want my
bank balance high and my stomach stretched. Am I not a Nero who plays while the less
fortunate suffer?
Prayer for Lent Event project : East Timor
Scripture for reflection: Mark 2:23-28
Prayer: Farmer God, you tend your creation, care for your people and invite us to be
pilgrims on your way. We can imagine our brother Jesus walking in fields, caring
for animals and working with wood, the sun on his neck, a splinter in his thumb
and, sometimes, in his throat a raw cough from blowing sand or scratchy seed.
We remember before you people among whom he lives still, people who each
day must submit themselves and their families to what weather gives. We stand
with him among people whose too common experience leads them to worry
whether there will be enough food. May farmers in East Timor and Australia
gain skills that make the most of their gifts, support when they need it, markets
for their produce and fair reward for their effort. We look for the day when the
systems that shape our lives embody your fairness, the day when all your
creation honours you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
2nd Sunday : What does it mean to be a ‘Christian’?
Scripture for reflection: Mark 8:31-38
Reflection – Nero
(Nero was a Roman emperor who is rumoured to have played his fiddle as he watched
Rome burn)
All I need has been provided. In Jesus there is bread from heaven as well. Yet the
‘hedonic treadmill’ says more is needed. This is the trap of the developed world. More
is enough!! In truth, less is needed. More is obesity of the spirit, less is healthy. Do I
trust more in consumerism than I do in poverty of spirit?
Surely in today’s affluent first world, discipleship requires giving away and letting go. Too
often I hang onto treasures that rust away or are devoured by moths. Too often I want my
bank balance high and my stomach stretched. Am I not a Nero who plays while the less
fortunate suffer?
Prayer for Lent Event project : East Timor
Scripture for reflection: Mark 2:23-28
Prayer: Farmer God, you tend your creation, care for your people and invite us to be
pilgrims on your way. We can imagine our brother Jesus walking in fields, caring
for animals and working with wood, the sun on his neck, a splinter in his thumb
and, sometimes, in his throat a raw cough from blowing sand or scratchy seed.
We remember before you people among whom he lives still, people who each
day must submit themselves and their families to what weather gives. We stand
with him among people whose too common experience leads them to worry
whether there will be enough food. May farmers in East Timor and Australia
gain skills that make the most of their gifts, support when they need it, markets
for their produce and fair reward for their effort. We look for the day when the
systems that shape our lives embody your fairness, the day when all your
creation honours you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Prayer for Saturday, March 7
March 7, 2009
Day 10 : Trusting the Spirit
Scripture for reflection: John 16:5-16
Prayer: Holy Creating Spirit, Help me to know what a responsible and faithful lifestyle is. The testing times in which we live demand a rethinking of the way that I relate to your world. I need
your wisdom and guidance. I need your courage and your conviction. I need to
be reminded that it’s not all about me. Thank you for showing me a new way.
Thank you for journeying with me, and for the assurance that I, along with all
humanity, am within your care. Amen.
Day 10 : Trusting the Spirit
Scripture for reflection: John 16:5-16
Prayer: Holy Creating Spirit, Help me to know what a responsible and faithful lifestyle is. The testing times in which we live demand a rethinking of the way that I relate to your world. I need
your wisdom and guidance. I need your courage and your conviction. I need to
be reminded that it’s not all about me. Thank you for showing me a new way.
Thank you for journeying with me, and for the assurance that I, along with all
humanity, am within your care. Amen.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Prayer for Friday, March 6
March 6, 2009
Day 9 : A tempted people
Scripture for reflection: Hebrews 4:14-16
Prayer: God of grace and love, I give you thanks that Jesus was tempted as I am tempted. Help me not to see temptation as a sign of weakness and defeat but as an opportunity for obedience. Gracious God, strengthen me in the times that temptation comes and grant me the assurance of your forgiveness for those times when I have failed you. May the image of Christ grow in me, that I might faithfully live out the life of discipleship. Amen.
Day 9 : A tempted people
Scripture for reflection: Hebrews 4:14-16
Prayer: God of grace and love, I give you thanks that Jesus was tempted as I am tempted. Help me not to see temptation as a sign of weakness and defeat but as an opportunity for obedience. Gracious God, strengthen me in the times that temptation comes and grant me the assurance of your forgiveness for those times when I have failed you. May the image of Christ grow in me, that I might faithfully live out the life of discipleship. Amen.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Week 2 of Lent: March 8
This is the second Sunday of Lent. We will continue our themes from Lent Event. This week, the theme is "What Does It Mean to Be Christian?". The Scripture is Mark 8.31-38. To get the full impact of the story, read also Mark 8.27-30.
[Quick Bible study tip: Mark 8.31 starts with the word "Then". Then? When? Read the immediately preceding verses to get the context and to understand why the Bible writer felt that one event connected to another. In this case, "then" tells us that Peter and the disciples had just confessed Jesus as the Christ. In this next section, Jesus foretells his death and Peter begins to rebuke him. Can you see how these two events would seem incongruous next to a confession of the deity of Jesus?]
The worship bulletin is here.
Keep up with your Lent Event resolutions!
[Quick Bible study tip: Mark 8.31 starts with the word "Then". Then? When? Read the immediately preceding verses to get the context and to understand why the Bible writer felt that one event connected to another. In this case, "then" tells us that Peter and the disciples had just confessed Jesus as the Christ. In this next section, Jesus foretells his death and Peter begins to rebuke him. Can you see how these two events would seem incongruous next to a confession of the deity of Jesus?]
The worship bulletin is here.
Keep up with your Lent Event resolutions!
Prayer for Thursday, March 5
March 5, 2009
Day 8: Prayer for the people of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Romans 12:3-15
Prayer: From many languages, centuries-old cultures and an enriching gospel, over
forty years ago you loved into being the United Church of Papua New Guinea.
On strung-out islands, coffee growing hills and among overcrowded settlements
there are people who serve you, love their neighbour and steward your creation.
Cast out powers that privilege some and impoverish others; that under-pay
growers, that extract resources without adequate payment; that limit access
to education, health and basic support; and that deepen conflict. We pray for
safe water and good sanitation for all people in Papua New Guinea and around
the world. Sustain those susceptible to nature’s blessing and cruelty amid the
effects of climate change. Open hearts to people whose land is disappearing
and who are forced to relocate. Convert us to live within the limits of creation,
honouring the earth and valuing the water. We thank you that in Christ you
shorten the distance between us and gather us to eat and drink at the same
Lord’s Table, justly and equitably, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Day 8: Prayer for the people of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Romans 12:3-15
Prayer: From many languages, centuries-old cultures and an enriching gospel, over
forty years ago you loved into being the United Church of Papua New Guinea.
On strung-out islands, coffee growing hills and among overcrowded settlements
there are people who serve you, love their neighbour and steward your creation.
Cast out powers that privilege some and impoverish others; that under-pay
growers, that extract resources without adequate payment; that limit access
to education, health and basic support; and that deepen conflict. We pray for
safe water and good sanitation for all people in Papua New Guinea and around
the world. Sustain those susceptible to nature’s blessing and cruelty amid the
effects of climate change. Open hearts to people whose land is disappearing
and who are forced to relocate. Convert us to live within the limits of creation,
honouring the earth and valuing the water. We thank you that in Christ you
shorten the distance between us and gather us to eat and drink at the same
Lord’s Table, justly and equitably, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Prayer for Wednesday, March 4
March 4, 2009
Day 7 : A Baptised people
Scripture for reflection: Romans 6:1-14
Prayer: God of new life, You have taken your people through the waters of baptism. The old has died and the new has come. I pray that in my life and in the lives of the baptised
around the world, the fruit of the new life would be seen. In the words of Bishop
Desmond Tutu, remind me every day that ‘Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than
death; victory is ours through him who loved us. May the church be constantly
renewed to live out the values of your kingdom’. Amen.
Day 7 : A Baptised people
Scripture for reflection: Romans 6:1-14
Prayer: God of new life, You have taken your people through the waters of baptism. The old has died and the new has come. I pray that in my life and in the lives of the baptised
around the world, the fruit of the new life would be seen. In the words of Bishop
Desmond Tutu, remind me every day that ‘Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than
death; victory is ours through him who loved us. May the church be constantly
renewed to live out the values of your kingdom’. Amen.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Prayer for Tuesday, March 3
March 3, 2009
Day 6 : Prayer for creation
Scripture for reflection: Romans 8:18-27
Prayer: Saviour Jesus, You came into this world to save all creation. I pray for the strength to stand with you against the environmental abuse of this world. I look to join with others
who seek a more sustainable pattern of living. Encourage me as I seek ways to
walk more lightly on your earth. Holy Spirit, when I am lost for words, intercede
for me with groans that speak of the fragility of this beautiful world. Despite my
weaknesses, help me never to lose hope. Amen.
Day 6 : Prayer for creation
Scripture for reflection: Romans 8:18-27
Prayer: Saviour Jesus, You came into this world to save all creation. I pray for the strength to stand with you against the environmental abuse of this world. I look to join with others
who seek a more sustainable pattern of living. Encourage me as I seek ways to
walk more lightly on your earth. Holy Spirit, when I am lost for words, intercede
for me with groans that speak of the fragility of this beautiful world. Despite my
weaknesses, help me never to lose hope. Amen.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Monday March 2, 2009
Day 5 : Prayer for the downtrodden
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 22:1-14
The issue is not what we will give to the poor. It is when will we stop taking
from the poor? Jim Wallis
Prayer: God of mercy,
Many people in this world are trodden down under the weight of our
materialism. I pray today for those who stand on the fringes of the world
economy. I pray that those on the streets will find shelter, that those who
hunger will find room at your banqueting table. Holy Spirit of God, challenge
me to confront and overcome demons of greed. Spirit of God, challenge me
about the areas of my life where I contribute to social injustice. Don’t let me
forget those who are forced to live at the edges, for forgetting is a luxury your
kingdom cannot afford. Amen.
Day 5 : Prayer for the downtrodden
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 22:1-14
The issue is not what we will give to the poor. It is when will we stop taking
from the poor? Jim Wallis
Prayer: God of mercy,
Many people in this world are trodden down under the weight of our
materialism. I pray today for those who stand on the fringes of the world
economy. I pray that those on the streets will find shelter, that those who
hunger will find room at your banqueting table. Holy Spirit of God, challenge
me to confront and overcome demons of greed. Spirit of God, challenge me
about the areas of my life where I contribute to social injustice. Don’t let me
forget those who are forced to live at the edges, for forgetting is a luxury your
kingdom cannot afford. Amen.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Sunday March 1, 2009 1st Sunday : With whom do we stand? Scripture for reflection: Genesis 9:8-17 Reflection – Covenant The drenching rain lessens− then drizzles to a halt. The sun peeps through the broken clouds and a shot of light bathes the landscape in gold. A rainbow arches across the sky and speaks of the wonder of God. Cockatoos screech into flight while cicadas start their drumming. Frogs are croaking – wallabies go back to their grazing. If you listen carefully you can hear the footsteps of God in this place. If you listen carefully you can hear a whisper on the breeze – ‘Behold, it is very good.’
Prayer for Lent Event project - Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Revelation 21: 1-6
Prayer: Pure loving God, as we turn a tap, drink from a glass or are massaged by freeflowing shower water, we thank you for the gift of pipes bringing water to homes, the skill of plumbers, infrastructure built up over years and money to pay for it. We remember before you women and children in Papua New Guinea who trudge for hours to fetch poor grade water and whose arms and heads ache from the containers they carry. We celebrate what our connections, a little money and a few basic supplies help achieve: children who can now go to school, mothers who have time to offer community leadership, infants safe from water-borne bugs, and an ecology further protected, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Lent Event project - Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Revelation 21: 1-6
Prayer: Pure loving God, as we turn a tap, drink from a glass or are massaged by freeflowing shower water, we thank you for the gift of pipes bringing water to homes, the skill of plumbers, infrastructure built up over years and money to pay for it. We remember before you women and children in Papua New Guinea who trudge for hours to fetch poor grade water and whose arms and heads ache from the containers they carry. We celebrate what our connections, a little money and a few basic supplies help achieve: children who can now go to school, mothers who have time to offer community leadership, infants safe from water-borne bugs, and an ecology further protected, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Saturday February 28, 2009 Day 4 : Thankfulness for organisers Scripture for reflection: Ephesians 4:1-16 Prayer: Holy Spirit of God, I give you thanks for the ways in which you bless us as your people and call each of us to be a part of what you are doing in this world. We, across your worldwide church, praise you for imagining a world without extreme poverty. Thank you for the vision of Lent Event and the connections it makes between congregations and communities of the Uniting Church and with our partners around the world. Thank you for the organisational gifts of those who have made Lent Event possible in my community. I pray that all those involved in developing Lent Event are blessed by the knowledge that the lives of many have been touched by their efforts. Amen.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
February 27, 2009
Day 3 : Letting go
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 6:19-24
Prayer: Creator God, All that I have belongs to you. You call me to be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me. But I confess that sometimes I want to hold it for myself. So easily it becomes precious to me. I think of myself as having ‘earned’ it by my own hard work, or ‘deserved’ it due to my own good nature. Then your good news can sound like bad news to my ears. Spirit of grace, continue in me your transforming work this Lenten season. Grant me the strength to let go of the things of the world, that I may gain abundant life. Amen.
Day 3 : Letting go
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 6:19-24
Prayer: Creator God, All that I have belongs to you. You call me to be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me. But I confess that sometimes I want to hold it for myself. So easily it becomes precious to me. I think of myself as having ‘earned’ it by my own hard work, or ‘deserved’ it due to my own good nature. Then your good news can sound like bad news to my ears. Spirit of grace, continue in me your transforming work this Lenten season. Grant me the strength to let go of the things of the world, that I may gain abundant life. Amen.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Thursday, February 26
February 26, 2009
Day 2 : Thankfulness for traveling companions
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 4:18-22
Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for all who are joining together as part of Lent Event. May walking
together show us what it means to participate in the community of faith. May
we all hear Jesus’ words ‘Follow me’ and remember that we are his disciples.
May we reach out to others with the love you have so freely offered us. Loving
God, grant us the generosity of spirit to be an encouragement to others and
the grace to allow others to encourage me. Amen.
Day 2 : Thankfulness for traveling companions
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 4:18-22
Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for all who are joining together as part of Lent Event. May walking
together show us what it means to participate in the community of faith. May
we all hear Jesus’ words ‘Follow me’ and remember that we are his disciples.
May we reach out to others with the love you have so freely offered us. Loving
God, grant us the generosity of spirit to be an encouragement to others and
the grace to allow others to encourage me. Amen.
Sunday March 1, 2009
This is the first Sunday in Lent! I will be doing a program with the youth group, so Seth Ginter will be preaching. His title is "Garbage In/Garbage Out" and his Scriptures are:
Psalm 19
Matthew 15.17-20
This week's worship bulletin
Psalm 19
Matthew 15.17-20
This week's worship bulletin
Lent Has Begun!
The season of Lent officially got underway yesterday with Ash Wednesday. I was in the Ott Y working out early in the morning, and one guy already had his ashes on. I saw VP Joe Biden on the news yesterday, and he was talking to a group of people, and he had his ashes on. Last night, I got my ashes, along with a just about capacity crowd in the chapel at Catalina.
[A brief diversion an explanation] LENT? Huh?
What is Lent? The season of Lent has been observed from the earliest of times in the Christian Church as a period of serious reflection and prayer. In particular, it was traditionally a season of intense preparation for new Christians approaching their baptism at Easter. For Christians it was a time to renew and deepen their faith. It mirrors Jesus’ forty days of testing in the wilderness prior to commencing his public ministry. As such, the Lenten tradition of depriving ourselves of something is not a self-imposed form of penance, but rather is to bring a focus and intentionality to our spiritual life. In his period of testing in the harsh wilderness, being without any earthly comfort, Jesus found
sustenance in his identity as the beloved Son of God, and meaning in his purpose as the servant Messiah. In the Lenten practices of prayer and abstinence, we too are invited to find our identity and purpose. Setting aside material comforts and pursuits, we are invited to focus on our relationship with God, and our participation in God’s mission of
mercy and grace within the world.
[and now, back to our regularly scheduled program...] AND I socked away the first $2 in my Lent Event envelope. See, I normally drive (instead of bike) on Wednesdays, which means I normally go to Ike's for coffee. So, I did not go to Ike's, and I did put the money I would have spent in my Lent Event envelope. I am so excited about Lent Event! It is a way to DO something positive and world-changing while exercises some spiritual discipline. It takes the old "give up something for Lent" and makes it mean something. By the way, I'll be putting $2 more in today. And $2 for Saturday (I usually treat myself to coffee before Casa Maria) and $2 more on Sunday. Oooooo...that's $8 this week going toward important projects in needy parts of the world!
In case you have somehow missed it, here is some info on Lent Event:
Why Lent Event?
God has a dream – to save what is lost, to restore what is broken and to establish justice. God is speaking of this dream through the global movement to overcome extreme poverty. God is calling us to respond to this tragedy of our times. Lent Event is a movement to eradicate world poverty by challenging those of us who live in the first world to re-evaluate our priorities, our use of God’s resources and the systems that drive our economy. Lent Event is about inviting God to shape our lives more fully with Christ’s love and compassion. Through Lent Event we express God’s solidarity with people who are poor, entering with them into a future of hope. At the same time, we experience the blessings of a life lived more faithfully with God, and a world order more reflective of God’s dream.
How Does Lent Event Work?
During Lent, individuals and communities:
• reflect on the place of Christ within their lives and society as part of the continual reordering of priorities and values that is the journey of discipleship.
• forgo something of their choice during the 40-day period of Lent as an entryway to the broader spiritual disciplines of Lent.
• learn about international development projects that have a transformational impact on impoverished communities
• immerse themselves in Christian education to nourish their spiritual journey through Lent.
When is Lent in 2009?
Lent is the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Easter Saturday. Sundays are not counted in the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday is on 25 FEBRUARY 2009 and Easter Saturday is on 11 APRIL 2009.
If you don't have a Lent Event envelope yet, just hold on to the cash and pick up an envelope on Sunday on the back table in the hall.
Also on the back table will be a handout called "Finding Faith in Testing Times" and this is the prayer and Bible study booklet for Lent. There will be a new installment each week with a prayer and Scripture for each day and then an in-depth Bible study that you can do all at once, or a little of each day.
[A brief diversion an explanation] LENT? Huh?
What is Lent? The season of Lent has been observed from the earliest of times in the Christian Church as a period of serious reflection and prayer. In particular, it was traditionally a season of intense preparation for new Christians approaching their baptism at Easter. For Christians it was a time to renew and deepen their faith. It mirrors Jesus’ forty days of testing in the wilderness prior to commencing his public ministry. As such, the Lenten tradition of depriving ourselves of something is not a self-imposed form of penance, but rather is to bring a focus and intentionality to our spiritual life. In his period of testing in the harsh wilderness, being without any earthly comfort, Jesus found
sustenance in his identity as the beloved Son of God, and meaning in his purpose as the servant Messiah. In the Lenten practices of prayer and abstinence, we too are invited to find our identity and purpose. Setting aside material comforts and pursuits, we are invited to focus on our relationship with God, and our participation in God’s mission of
mercy and grace within the world.
[and now, back to our regularly scheduled program...] AND I socked away the first $2 in my Lent Event envelope. See, I normally drive (instead of bike) on Wednesdays, which means I normally go to Ike's for coffee. So, I did not go to Ike's, and I did put the money I would have spent in my Lent Event envelope. I am so excited about Lent Event! It is a way to DO something positive and world-changing while exercises some spiritual discipline. It takes the old "give up something for Lent" and makes it mean something. By the way, I'll be putting $2 more in today. And $2 for Saturday (I usually treat myself to coffee before Casa Maria) and $2 more on Sunday. Oooooo...that's $8 this week going toward important projects in needy parts of the world!
In case you have somehow missed it, here is some info on Lent Event:
Why Lent Event?
God has a dream – to save what is lost, to restore what is broken and to establish justice. God is speaking of this dream through the global movement to overcome extreme poverty. God is calling us to respond to this tragedy of our times. Lent Event is a movement to eradicate world poverty by challenging those of us who live in the first world to re-evaluate our priorities, our use of God’s resources and the systems that drive our economy. Lent Event is about inviting God to shape our lives more fully with Christ’s love and compassion. Through Lent Event we express God’s solidarity with people who are poor, entering with them into a future of hope. At the same time, we experience the blessings of a life lived more faithfully with God, and a world order more reflective of God’s dream.
How Does Lent Event Work?
During Lent, individuals and communities:
• reflect on the place of Christ within their lives and society as part of the continual reordering of priorities and values that is the journey of discipleship.
• forgo something of their choice during the 40-day period of Lent as an entryway to the broader spiritual disciplines of Lent.
• learn about international development projects that have a transformational impact on impoverished communities
• immerse themselves in Christian education to nourish their spiritual journey through Lent.
When is Lent in 2009?
Lent is the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Easter Saturday. Sundays are not counted in the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday is on 25 FEBRUARY 2009 and Easter Saturday is on 11 APRIL 2009.
If you don't have a Lent Event envelope yet, just hold on to the cash and pick up an envelope on Sunday on the back table in the hall.
Also on the back table will be a handout called "Finding Faith in Testing Times" and this is the prayer and Bible study booklet for Lent. There will be a new installment each week with a prayer and Scripture for each day and then an in-depth Bible study that you can do all at once, or a little of each day.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday Review: Stay in Love with God
Well, if you were at The Refuge yesterday, you heard my rant about how the Reuben Job's phrasing of rule 3 ("attend unto the means of grace" --Wesley) is less than impressive to me. I think "stay in love with God" sounds very ambiguous and a little too sentimental for me. I would say "stay connected to God".
Here are some thoughts to ponder in review:
How connected do you feel to God? Why is that?
When I connect with our good, loving, life-giving God, I will be drawn even closer to God.
I can only live out rules 1 and 2 (do no harm, do good) when I have the guidance, motivation, inspiration, compassion, and strength that comes from a connection with God.
It's a cycle (or maybe a spiral): as I live out rules 1 and 2, I am drawn closer to God. We encounter Christ when we serve others. (Matthew 25.37-40)
It is a good suggestion to devise a rule of life. How am I going to be intentional about doing no harm, doing good, and staying connected to God?
Manskar's article Opening Ourselves to Grace, is a good introduction to the concept of a rule of life that incorporates the three simple rules.
Here are some thoughts to ponder in review:
How connected do you feel to God? Why is that?
When I connect with our good, loving, life-giving God, I will be drawn even closer to God.
I can only live out rules 1 and 2 (do no harm, do good) when I have the guidance, motivation, inspiration, compassion, and strength that comes from a connection with God.
It's a cycle (or maybe a spiral): as I live out rules 1 and 2, I am drawn closer to God. We encounter Christ when we serve others. (Matthew 25.37-40)
It is a good suggestion to devise a rule of life. How am I going to be intentional about doing no harm, doing good, and staying connected to God?
Manskar's article Opening Ourselves to Grace, is a good introduction to the concept of a rule of life that incorporates the three simple rules.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday Preview for February 15: Stay in Love with God
This is the final part of our study on Reuben Job's Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, which is a modern adaptation of John Wesley's General Rules. Let me say this: Job's book is very readable, and his tone is one of much grace and encouragement. I would encourage EVERYONE to read this book! The last section is a guide to daily prayer that is truly helpful and practical.
This last segment of Job's work is phrased "stay in love with God". Wesley phrased this rule "Attend unto the means of grace". Wesley was telling us to stay connected to God. I personally like this phrasing much better than "Stay in love with God". "Stay in love with God" may sound sappy and unattainable. How do we love God? Is it a feeling? How do we stay in love with God if we are not sure if we have loved God in the first place?
Lets go back to the Scripture we began the whole study with: Matthew 22.36-40. This Scripture tells us that the first commandment (most important--first in priority) is to love God. This cannot refer to the feeling we would routinely call love. How can you command a feeling? The second part of this Scripture tells us to love our neighbor. Again, this may be--at the same time--easier to comprehend and harder to do. We can comprehend loving another person whom we can see and with whom we can interact. However, seeing that person and interacting with them may make loving them (in the routine sense of the word) more difficult! It is obvious to me that Jesus is saying "act toward them in a loving way--regardless of your feelings." That can be commanded, and it can be obeyed. So, how does this relate to the first part of the Scripture: love God? We must interpret this to be comprehended also. What does it mean to love God? It means to give God your total allegiance; to make your first allegiance be to God above all else and all others. This is not something we are going to do once and be done with it. It is not something we are ever going to do perfectly. But it is the target--the goal--for which we strive. It is what we continually bring ourselves back to when we find ourselves being led around by other allegiances. It is a decision. It is a matter of the will, not the feelings, and it can be commanded.
But, I can make this easier. Here's how: I believe that God is infinitely good, infinitely kind, infinitely lovable. The more I know about God (in Jesus) and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will love God, the more I will see that giving God my first allegiance is the best and only sensible thing to do. The more I know about God and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will want to give my first allegiance to God. Yes, it is counter-productive to command feelings. But as I know God, feelings may come. Of course, feelings may go, too. That is why the main issue here is obeying God's command to give God my first loyalty, my first allegiance in all things.
If my first allegiance is to God, I must stay connected with God. How can you be loyal if you do not know the wishes of your Lord? So, I make it a priority in my life to stay connected with God. Wesley encourages this by telling us to attend unto the means of grace. What mediates God's grace into your life? Well, do those things! Included in the means of grace are the sacraments: baptism and communion. Also included are spiritual practices.
Here is why attending to the means of grace is such a big deal: (in fact there are several reasons)
>I will grow in my love for and allegiance to God the more I know God.
>The only way to follow God (do no harm, do good) is to listen for God's leading. Life is complex. How can we know the way? God directs us. God can direct us best when we pay attention to God.
>As I receive inspiration and encouragement and grace and love from God, I am able to share the same with those around me.
And this only scratches the surface. What are other reasons for attending to the means of grace/practicing spiritual disciplines can you think of?
Three Books and Three Websites about Spiritual Practices:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster--the BEST book on spiritual practices
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson
The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life by Tony Jones
rejesus.com
SpiritHome
Spiritual Disciplines Introduction [and follow the links on the left for the rest of the chapters]
Worship bulletin for February 15, 2009 is here.
This last segment of Job's work is phrased "stay in love with God". Wesley phrased this rule "Attend unto the means of grace". Wesley was telling us to stay connected to God. I personally like this phrasing much better than "Stay in love with God". "Stay in love with God" may sound sappy and unattainable. How do we love God? Is it a feeling? How do we stay in love with God if we are not sure if we have loved God in the first place?
Lets go back to the Scripture we began the whole study with: Matthew 22.36-40. This Scripture tells us that the first commandment (most important--first in priority) is to love God. This cannot refer to the feeling we would routinely call love. How can you command a feeling? The second part of this Scripture tells us to love our neighbor. Again, this may be--at the same time--easier to comprehend and harder to do. We can comprehend loving another person whom we can see and with whom we can interact. However, seeing that person and interacting with them may make loving them (in the routine sense of the word) more difficult! It is obvious to me that Jesus is saying "act toward them in a loving way--regardless of your feelings." That can be commanded, and it can be obeyed. So, how does this relate to the first part of the Scripture: love God? We must interpret this to be comprehended also. What does it mean to love God? It means to give God your total allegiance; to make your first allegiance be to God above all else and all others. This is not something we are going to do once and be done with it. It is not something we are ever going to do perfectly. But it is the target--the goal--for which we strive. It is what we continually bring ourselves back to when we find ourselves being led around by other allegiances. It is a decision. It is a matter of the will, not the feelings, and it can be commanded.
But, I can make this easier. Here's how: I believe that God is infinitely good, infinitely kind, infinitely lovable. The more I know about God (in Jesus) and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will love God, the more I will see that giving God my first allegiance is the best and only sensible thing to do. The more I know about God and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will want to give my first allegiance to God. Yes, it is counter-productive to command feelings. But as I know God, feelings may come. Of course, feelings may go, too. That is why the main issue here is obeying God's command to give God my first loyalty, my first allegiance in all things.
If my first allegiance is to God, I must stay connected with God. How can you be loyal if you do not know the wishes of your Lord? So, I make it a priority in my life to stay connected with God. Wesley encourages this by telling us to attend unto the means of grace. What mediates God's grace into your life? Well, do those things! Included in the means of grace are the sacraments: baptism and communion. Also included are spiritual practices.
Here is why attending to the means of grace is such a big deal: (in fact there are several reasons)
>I will grow in my love for and allegiance to God the more I know God.
>The only way to follow God (do no harm, do good) is to listen for God's leading. Life is complex. How can we know the way? God directs us. God can direct us best when we pay attention to God.
>As I receive inspiration and encouragement and grace and love from God, I am able to share the same with those around me.
And this only scratches the surface. What are other reasons for attending to the means of grace/practicing spiritual disciplines can you think of?
Three Books and Three Websites about Spiritual Practices:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster--the BEST book on spiritual practices
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson
The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life by Tony Jones
rejesus.com
SpiritHome
Spiritual Disciplines Introduction [and follow the links on the left for the rest of the chapters]
Worship bulletin for February 15, 2009 is here.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Monday Review: DO GOOD
Re-read the Scriptures from Sunday.
3 John 11 What do you think are the implications of this verse? What are all of the ideas/truths that we can take away from it?
Luke 6.27-28 What truths do we see from these verses about doing good? Is Jesus asking too much of us?
Acts 10.38 Peter was one of the people who followed Jesus. He literally lived with Jesus night and day for almost 3 years. He heard Jesus teach and saw the miracles Jesus did. What did Peter take away from that experience? One thing was this: Jesus went about doing good.
Matthew 16.24-26 Doing good may be simple, but it is not easy. Who are some of the people to whom you will find it difficult to do good? What are some situations in which you will find it difficult to do good?
I displayed the chart based on the General Rules of Wesley with the Jerusalem Cross. I found this chart in the works of Steven Manskar. The sheet I handed out is here. I took some of my ideas from Manskar's Opening Ourselves to Grace, which is worth reading.
3 John 11 What do you think are the implications of this verse? What are all of the ideas/truths that we can take away from it?
Luke 6.27-28 What truths do we see from these verses about doing good? Is Jesus asking too much of us?
Acts 10.38 Peter was one of the people who followed Jesus. He literally lived with Jesus night and day for almost 3 years. He heard Jesus teach and saw the miracles Jesus did. What did Peter take away from that experience? One thing was this: Jesus went about doing good.
Matthew 16.24-26 Doing good may be simple, but it is not easy. Who are some of the people to whom you will find it difficult to do good? What are some situations in which you will find it difficult to do good?
I displayed the chart based on the General Rules of Wesley with the Jerusalem Cross. I found this chart in the works of Steven Manskar. The sheet I handed out is here. I took some of my ideas from Manskar's Opening Ourselves to Grace, which is worth reading.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Do Good: Preview for Sunday, February 8
This Sunday, we will consider the second of Wesley's General Rules: do good. This is part of a study based on Reuben Job's contemporary adaptation of Wesley's Rules called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. It seems that it would be a no-brainer that Christians are to be doing good, but it seems that there are a lot of other things competing for our time and attention these days. It seems that doing good is overshadowed by doing what is right sometimes. What I mean is that some Christians are so consumed by being on the "right" side of an issue, that any thought of doing good is drowned out. We readily respond to people in a harsh or mean way and think that is showing how serious we are about defending God's way. Sometimes doing good is characterized as liberal or humanistic as opposed to spiritual. But it is following the way of Jesus.
In his journal, Wesley said: "There is scarce any possible way of doing good, for which there is not daily occasion...Here are poor families to be relieved: Here are children to be educated: Here are workhouses, wherein both young and old gladly receive the word of exhortation: Here are the prisons, and therein a complication of all human wants."
In other words, there are abundant opportunities everywhere we look, at all times. The issues are how do we choose what to do, and will we take the opportunities available to us.
In Acts 10.38, Peter is preaching about Jesus and characterizes Jesus this way: "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good...". This Scripture makes it clear that it is godly and spiritual to do good, and it is following Jesus, since doing good characterized his life.
3 John 11 tells us "...Whoever does good is from God..." Think about the implications of that for a minute. [Pause here and think.] If you do good, you are from God. If you don't do good, it doesn't matter how much you SAY you are from God, you are not. It seems to me that, in the Scriptures, we see a lot more emphasis on right action than we do on right belief or right doctrine. I think that is because the point is to LIVE what we say we believe (that sounds like a definition of doing good), and not just TALK about it. Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The point is for people to act and live and treat each other the way God wills for them to do.
Reuben Job tells us that this rule is even more radical than "do no harm", because I am called now not to just not hurt those with whom I disagree, or who are my enemies, but I am called to positively and actively to do good to them. This reminds me of the words of Jesus in Luke 6.27-28: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. That is the kicker: we don't get to choose to whom we do good. It is for everyone. I don't get to judge who is worthy of receiving the good I do. This rule is universal. It is also universal in that all people are called to participate in it.
Also, when I decide to do good, it means I do not wait to be asked. I am actively--proactively--seeking to do good for the people I encounter and in the situations I find myself.
In his journal, Wesley said: "There is scarce any possible way of doing good, for which there is not daily occasion...Here are poor families to be relieved: Here are children to be educated: Here are workhouses, wherein both young and old gladly receive the word of exhortation: Here are the prisons, and therein a complication of all human wants."
In other words, there are abundant opportunities everywhere we look, at all times. The issues are how do we choose what to do, and will we take the opportunities available to us.
In Acts 10.38, Peter is preaching about Jesus and characterizes Jesus this way: "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good...". This Scripture makes it clear that it is godly and spiritual to do good, and it is following Jesus, since doing good characterized his life.
3 John 11 tells us "...Whoever does good is from God..." Think about the implications of that for a minute. [Pause here and think.] If you do good, you are from God. If you don't do good, it doesn't matter how much you SAY you are from God, you are not. It seems to me that, in the Scriptures, we see a lot more emphasis on right action than we do on right belief or right doctrine. I think that is because the point is to LIVE what we say we believe (that sounds like a definition of doing good), and not just TALK about it. Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The point is for people to act and live and treat each other the way God wills for them to do.
Reuben Job tells us that this rule is even more radical than "do no harm", because I am called now not to just not hurt those with whom I disagree, or who are my enemies, but I am called to positively and actively to do good to them. This reminds me of the words of Jesus in Luke 6.27-28: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. That is the kicker: we don't get to choose to whom we do good. It is for everyone. I don't get to judge who is worthy of receiving the good I do. This rule is universal. It is also universal in that all people are called to participate in it.
Also, when I decide to do good, it means I do not wait to be asked. I am actively--proactively--seeking to do good for the people I encounter and in the situations I find myself.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Rule One Summary: Do No Harm
The first of Wesley's general rules is DO NO HARM. Look at Wednesday's preview blog for more info.
Lets look at Genesis to see our situation. We are broken/fallen/alienated from God, from each other, from the creation, and from ourselves. And these are all the areas in which we need God's redemption; God's salvation. We must consider each of these areas and strive to do nor harm in each of them.
Consider these Scriptures and what they say about how we should live; how we should do no harm.
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
How does this work? How can it work? This rule is very broad. How can you do know harm? In fact it is so broad and wide-ranging that we can be overwhelmed by it. We can be discouraged by the enormity, and the difficulty, and the ambiguous nature of the task.
Where do we start?
A-You must start with a decision, a commitment: I am going to follow the way of Jesus. I am going to surrender my life to God.
B-You must practice regular times of examination.
C-You must listen to the Spirit.
D-You must sensitize yourself to the Spirit through reading the Word.
E-You must make room for the Spirit with silence and reflection.
F-You must ask forgiveness for harm you have done, and make amends where you can.
G-But you must start now to stop digging yourself into a deeper hole.
The issue is finding a way to listen to the Spirit's guidance in how to do no harm. Regular times of reflection and self-examination will facilitate hearing God's guidance.
Here are some tools that can help you: http://catumc.org/files/Examination.pdf
A-Ignatian Examen
B-Journaling
C-Spending time in reflection and silence [link to contemplatio program]
D-Regular reading of Scripture
Pray slowly through the phrases of the Scriptures and documents below. Allow time for the Spirit to bring thoughts to your mind as you pray. The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Beattitudes or on the Examination handout above.
E-The Lord's Prayer
F-The Ten Commandments
G-The Beattitudes
H-Baptismal covenant
I-covenant prayer
Spend time this week in reflection. Make an appointment and use one of the methods above for self-examination. What is God leading you to change? How is God impressing you to do no harm?
Lets look at Genesis to see our situation. We are broken/fallen/alienated from God, from each other, from the creation, and from ourselves. And these are all the areas in which we need God's redemption; God's salvation. We must consider each of these areas and strive to do nor harm in each of them.
Consider these Scriptures and what they say about how we should live; how we should do no harm.
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
How does this work? How can it work? This rule is very broad. How can you do know harm? In fact it is so broad and wide-ranging that we can be overwhelmed by it. We can be discouraged by the enormity, and the difficulty, and the ambiguous nature of the task.
Where do we start?
A-You must start with a decision, a commitment: I am going to follow the way of Jesus. I am going to surrender my life to God.
B-You must practice regular times of examination.
C-You must listen to the Spirit.
D-You must sensitize yourself to the Spirit through reading the Word.
E-You must make room for the Spirit with silence and reflection.
F-You must ask forgiveness for harm you have done, and make amends where you can.
G-But you must start now to stop digging yourself into a deeper hole.
The issue is finding a way to listen to the Spirit's guidance in how to do no harm. Regular times of reflection and self-examination will facilitate hearing God's guidance.
Here are some tools that can help you: http://catumc.org/files/Examination.pdf
A-Ignatian Examen
B-Journaling
C-Spending time in reflection and silence [link to contemplatio program]
D-Regular reading of Scripture
Pray slowly through the phrases of the Scriptures and documents below. Allow time for the Spirit to bring thoughts to your mind as you pray. The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Beattitudes or on the Examination handout above.
E-The Lord's Prayer
F-The Ten Commandments
G-The Beattitudes
H-Baptismal covenant
I-covenant prayer
Spend time this week in reflection. Make an appointment and use one of the methods above for self-examination. What is God leading you to change? How is God impressing you to do no harm?
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