Monthly Archives: February 2014
Really? Why God? Oh yeah…..
Devotional/Discussion Thought of the Day.
14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. 15 But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, 16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. 1 Peter 3:14-16 (TEV)
“No one can keep the treasure of the faith or the treasure of a vocation for himself alone!” (1)
I am sitting here – thousands of miles away from my family. My wife of nearly 25 years is resting at home, pregnant with our second child, being cared for by our 7 year old. She is a little older than most ladies who are pregnant – and at 49 there are few chances we would take. One was my coming here. One that has been more challenging than any moment I can remember in my faith.
Why?
Personally, I’ve been in a lot of pain – not only is my back pretty tweaked from the turbelence of the flight – but I had the blessing of passing a kidney stone yesterday.
My wife is struggling – there was some bleeding, and her hormones were low – and we are scared. More advice coming in has relieved that some…yet – the dark moments have come.
I’ve seen others on line – people I care about – struggling with life – and doing so quite openly, and possibly destructively.
So why I am sitting in Manilla, waiting for a ride to go preach at a church located at the university?
I’ve wondered. Somewhat bitterly in the last 48 hours. God what are you doing? Why the pain? Why the things that You know will cause massive anxiety? Why not just let this trip go smoothly, let the minsitry excel, or let someone healthier, a better speaker, a more gifted theologian come – rather than me. Why take me from my family in this moment?
The questioning becomes easier – as I look at the sermon – one posted later today. You should read it – for re-reading it put everything into perspective for me. If I have the perfect life – I don’t need Jesus. If everything works as it should – I don’t need to depend on Him, and if don’t depend on Him, my life is….lost.
I can’t explain it more than to say I know God is here – and as well with my wife. HIs promises are ours – and our son’s and the baby in my wife’s womb. That message – the reason we can expect (better word than hope) God to keep His promises go beyond human logic, they overwhelm the pain, they bring calm to the anxious. To know the God who has claimed us as His, marked us as His with the water of baptism, that is the God who is here… walking with us, never abandoning us – the God whom David describes in Psalm 139.
Such is our God.
Such is the God everyone needs to know – whether it is our children, or the college students of the Phillipines, or the pastor who is feeling homesick and overwhelmed.
We desperately need such a God in our lives – and because He loves us, we do.
So why am I here?
Last night on television, as I sat here trying not to take pain meds… I was watching the second version of Zorrow with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. At the end – as they are renewing their vows, the town church bells ring out for Zorro…His wife urges the Padre to move along the vows quickly – as she says, “this is who we are”.
Not sure what God will do here – or at home. Whether there will be joy or comfort, but I know this…. He opened these doors – He walks through them with us – and that is who we are.
So it’s time to preach…. may the people here in Manilla – and may you hear as well – that this faith in Jesus – this treasure of trusting in Him alone, that is too good not to share. And neither is the joy of sharing the Answer to why you have hope. Please share that with someone who needs it today!
God’s Peace…
(1) Urbano, Pilar (2011-05-10). The Man of Villa Tevere (Kindle Locations 5914-5915). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
O Son of Man… Can these Churches Live?
Devotional & Discussion Thought of the Day
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abr
aham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Romans 4:16-17 (NLT)
7 So I prophesied as I had been told. While I was speaking, I heard a rattling noise, and the bones began to join together. 8 While I watched, the bones were covered with sinews and muscles, and then with skin. But there was no breath in the bodies. 9 God said to me, “Mortal man, prophesy to the wind. Tell the wind that the Sovereign LORD commands it to come from every direction, to breathe into these dead bodies, and to bring them back to life.” 10 So I prophesied as I had been told. Breath entered the bodies, and they came to life and stood up. There were enough of them to form an army. Ezekiel 37:7-10 (TEV)
926 When I am told that there are people dedicated to God who are no longer striving with fervour for sanctity, I think that—if there is any truth in this—their lives are heading towards great failure. (1)
So, my wife and I are having this Sarah and Abraham moment… and in trying to live in a state of denial, I’ve been thinking about churches. Today, we had a pastor’s gathering of our circuit – some 22 churches in our area – and five pastors showed up beside me. After celebrating God’s gifts – we talked a little bit about our churches – and where we see God leading us shepherd them.
In all but one case – the chruches are in need of…. some call it revitalizaiton, some call it revival. We talked about being focused on Christ, about discipling, about outreach – and about beng the church together.
In trying to process all of this, I remember what the experts told me about my first church – that is couldn’t possibly be a vital congregation again. I had heard that about others congregations, that had on such advice folded, closed their doors, abandoned their communities, and their duty to be salt and light, usually in neighborhoods experiencing great darkness of sin. I’ve heard that since – as experts have told me that there is a growing need for church hospice pastors – the pastors that will assist churches as they mourn, as their lights fadee, as they die…..
But if God can create life in Sarah’s womb, in Hannah’s womb, in Elizabeth’s womb, if He can create this universe from nothingness, (and in my wife’s – who is much much younger than the others just mentioned) can He not create life in these churches?
Abraham believed God, the Son of Man in Ezekiel knew that even when there were bodies with flesh – God’s spirit was needed for those bodies to become alive, for them to be a “mighty army” (not going to war with the world – but going to war to save those in it). St Josemaria talks aof failure in not being a place where God’s holiness is sought, and even though his writings are sacred writ – there is that same point. Where is the Holy Spirit in our churches? Where is the evidence of repentance and reconciliation, of lives that are made whole in Christ, of a desire to see people freed from sin, and from its wicked accomplices of guilt and shame. Holiness being a characteristic – not thatit is intentionally developed – but it is the normal by-product of people in awe of God, and overwhelmed by His love for them.
Can these churches live? Yes Lord, you know.
I also wonder, if we see this in little churches, does it happen in big ones as well? Can the church do so many things that it forgets its first ministry is to know Christ and Him crucified? Can even mega churches be a valley of dried bones, or a valley of bones with flesh – but no Spirit? For there, when the Spirit enters our lives, we find our hope – we find God’s mercy, we find His love. We find that call to holiness that we should never deny,, for it is a very gift of our Baptism. You see Holiness isn’t about some goody two shoes, condescnding holier than thou attitude. Holiness is about realizing that we’ve been called into God’s glory – that He will share our lives, even as we share in His.
It is a million times the feeling a father has, when he holds the baby that has been in his wife’s womb for 9 months. For daily, daily, we encounter God’s presence, His glory, His mercy, His love in much the same way a mother shares life with her baby.while in the womb. Yet – then. on the day He returns, face to face…
Yeah – these churches can live – for that is why God has put His name there – to bring life from nothing, to erase darkness with the light of His glory.
We find our lives.
So let us, as His children, as His people, cry “Lord have mercy!” and “Come Holy Spirit” and know 1) the call is the same, and 2) It is always answered, Fear not, I AM with you!”
And then watch – as the Spirit breathes life into these congregations, and they live!
(1) Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 3264-3266). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Can God Re-Build a Church? Look at His Heart & His Track Record!
Devotional Thought of the Day:
1 In the first year that Cyrus of Persia was emperor, the LORD made what he had said through the prophet Jeremiah come true. He prompted Cyrus to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his empire: 2 “This is the command of Cyrus, Emperor of Persia. The LORD, the God of Heaven, has made me ruler over the whole world and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah. 3 May God be with all of you who are his people. You are to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is worshiped in Jerusalem. 4 If any of his people in exile need help to return, their neighbors are to give them this help. They are to provide them with silver and gold, supplies and pack animals, as well as offerings to present in the Temple of God in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:1-4 (TEV)
“Land of my fathers, how I long to return, to touch the thy earth, and find again they sacred paths, well walked with the Gospel of peace, veiled now in the shadow of mediocrity. What means these stones, which beset they coastline, who in tristed in agaony cry out in praise and supplication of Him, and the renewal of the faith that bled to secure them there….Yet we would walk again Thy sacred paths, repair Thy ancient ruins, restore Thy Broken Altars, raise of the foundations of many generations….” (1)
Since I watched a small church in Van Nuys close, the building sold away, the money given to more growing and “growing” churches, some might say I have an attitude problem.
Every time I hear of a church being written off, or the attitude that we can combine parishes, that we can leave churches in “maintenance mode”, until they whither and die I get a bit…. well pissed off is what I want to say, but know I should not. Experts give up on churches that are more than 25 years old, they say they are in a death cycle, and quote statistics about churches that are 5 years old or younger being the source of most abult baptisms and growth. We buy into these studies – and dismiss the lessons of scripture – we dismiss the times where God has taken things that have long been broken, or considered dead and/or impotent, and created life that is wondrous and beautiful and so outrageous we say with jaws dropped open….. WOW!
Think about..
Israel in captivity for 400 years plus – rebuilt into a powerful nation
Exra rebuilding the temple – at a unbeliever’s direction and underwriting
Ezekiel’s Valley of the Dry Bones, Jeremiah’s promises.
Hannah and Elizabeth and Sarah – wombs that were old and dried up (that’s what scripture says) Their men weren’t spring chickens either…
Though my wife and I aren’t in their age bracket – or in their physical deterioation – we are both within 366 days of being considered “senior citizens” by our community. And we just found out we are expecting. That kind of shock makes you think.
Or renders you incapable of thinking.
Gof has interesting plans in life… and life is what His plans are about. Restoring it, Rebuilidng it, Cleansing it, with all His craftsmanship rendering it into a masterpiece that makes you jaws drop – more than a 48 year, 364 day old man trying to get his mind to consider he will be a dad again.
My point is, if God can do this – why would he want to let a congregation die, or fade off? Why would he want where his name has been put, to be rendered impotent, the doors closed, the windows bordered up – the building sold and a starbucks or liqour store or antique store put in its place?
I don’t believe He does, it is not how He has worked. He has brought us, His people, to the place where we can cry out to Him, and like those who have gone before testify to us – He always answers…. Rebuilding our congregations is about trusting Him, hearing Him, knowing His love for us and our community.
So let’s cry out Lord have mercy – and knowing His heart – let us see how He will rebuild our churches, His Church, through us!
(1)from Celtic Daily Prayer – Aidan Reading 2/10
We Can Know the Wonderful Things!
We Can Know the Wonderful Things!
1 Cor. 2:1-12
† In Jesus Name †
As the grace of God enfolds you, as the mercy and peace comes through like a cleansing wave, may you realize the greatest blessing is simply… beyond your imagination!
A Pastor Parker Parable….
It is time for another of “pastor parker’s parables!”
Side note – it’s been a good year for parables already – this is the fourth one and we are only 6 weeks into the year! So this one seems clearly appropriate!
You see, the Parable is, “The Kingdom of God is revealed like…. (long pause) a Parable!
Told you it was somewhat appropriate!
Parables are simply word pictures that we enter into, stories with the purpose of teaching us, introducing us to deeper truths that we might be able to think through on your own.
They start our simple, like the parable of the sower, and the basic teaching that sometimes things grown, sometimes they do not. The reasons growth doesn’t happen is explained, as is the glory that when things do grow, oh my, do they grow!
That’s the simple story, basic truth, but with an application that takes it far further. In that case Jesus was talking about how people would receive His message – the news of the depth of God’s love, that was about to be revealed to them in a way that would be beyond belief.
Do you remember the old Jack Nicholson quote, “You can’t handle the truth!?” Parables are tools to help those who can’t handle the truth, and that is everyone, as to them is revealed the very glory of God, revealed to us in Jesus birth, death, resurrection and His glorious message that God is with us!
Such is what St. Paul is trying to explain to the church in Corinth – as He is going to spend the entire letter refocusing them on what is important in life, the very mystery of God.
A Time for simplicity
As Paul starts out the chapter, he talks about forgetting everything but one thing – Jesus Christ, and His crucifixion. Nothing else! That is enough to focus on, keeping it simple. Jesus is God, Born of Mary, was crucified for your sin, rose from the dead and is in Heaven with the Father – there to plead for us.
It is the basic story of our faith, the part that we need to focus on, as we talk to people about Jesus – about faith – about Christianity! Too often we get focused on other things, the things we want to save people from, the sins they have, or the bizarre ideas about Christianity or the universe, or just life.
St Peter says it this way, “15 Simply proclaim the Lord Christ holy in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NJB)
Paul talks of this being so critical of a message, that the responsibility of giving it clearly caused him anxiety, and to become an introvert it was so heavy. It caused him to use plain and simple language, this man who would be a professor in any university, in the religion department or philosophy department or languages.
Yet this message is too critical – like the parable it has to begin simply.
Why? Because if it was easily recognized, Paul wouldn’t be able to say what he says in verses 7 and 8, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.”
They may have understood the first part of the parable, the clearer lessons that were seen at the time of the Old Testament. They were able to see that, and waxed eloquently on those things. The Greeks were able to do this to, learning basic ideas like God is just, and that they tried to draw conclusions about God and the universe based on their limited knowledge. With all of their wisdom, with all of the wisdom of the world today, we might understand the basics of the parable, but can we see the plan that God had hidden in plain sight of all? Not at all! Indeed much of their work obscures anything of the cross. As does the work of some today, who think they are wise.
So instead of speaking eloquently, Paul realized what the Old Testament prophets said was right – that’s why he said,
9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”– 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
And let me tell you, God has conceived some pretty amazing things….anyone interested in knowing one? Nah…..
Paul said just to focus on Jesus, and the cross…
A Time for Wisdom
But there is a time, among mature believers, to discuss that which is revealed to us, the very mystery of God – hear verse 7 again…
No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.
Did you hear that?
God’s plan is for our ultimate glory – and that’s been His plan – all along
That is even more mind blowing than anything else you can hear. More mind blowing winning the lottery. Understand that God is going to bring us into His glory, is more mind-blowing than finding out your wife is pregnant. Way more mind blowing! Take my word for it – I’ve had to deal with both this week!
(did you get that – okay – back to the sermon)
God’s plan for us – since the beginning – to share in His glory – no wonder we can’t see it clearly – no wonder just the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of our relationship with Him.
No eye could have pictured this – when all around us we see sin.
Ears that have rejoiced when hearing the words, “I love you”, hear it from God, the creator of the universe, as He comes and abides with us, and makes our hearts come alive…
and everything, everything, working out for good for us, because we are loved by God, and He calls to us.
That is why Jesus was nailed to the cross, that’s why we are here, it is why we listen to sermons, to know of this love, a love for us. That is the wonderful thing He has freely given, this relationship that we’ve believed was impossible.
That’s the deep thing of the parable, that makes it like the kingdom of God. The deep meaning is all about Jesus Christ – the crucified one, who came to bring us home to God the Father.
Knowing the depth of this mystery – Christ in you – the hope of Glory the apostle told the Colossians – we find ourselves in peace… God’s peace.
Which has been His plan since the beginning.
AMEN?
Every time Ya Think You Got God Figured Out…
Devotional Thought of the Day:
1 While I was still in prison in the courtyard, the LORD’S message came to me again. 2 The LORD, who made the earth, who formed it and set it in place, spoke to me. He whose name is the LORD said, 3 “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about. 4 I, the LORD, the God of Israel, say that the houses of Jerusalem and the royal palace of Judah will be torn down as a result of the siege and the attack. 5 Some will fight against the Babylonians, who will fill the houses with the corpses of those whom I am going to strike down in my anger and fury. I have turned away from this city because of the evil things that its people have done. 6 But I will heal this city and its people and restore them to health. I will show them abundant peace and security. 7 I will make Judah and Israel prosperous, and I will rebuild them as they were before. 8 I will purify them from the sins that they have committed against me, and I will forgive their sins and their rebellion. 9 Jerusalem will be a source of joy, honor, and pride to me; and every nation in the world will fear and tremble when they hear about the good things that I do for the people of Jerusalem and about the prosperity that I bring to the city.” Jeremiah 33:1-9 (TEV)
924 You should try to have the holy shamelessness of a child who knows that his Father God always sends him what is best. That is why even when the apparently most necessary things are lacking he doesn’t worry; and with complete serenity he says: I still have the Holy Spirit and he remains with me. (1)
There are days where I wished that God told us of the wondering and marvelous things that I know nothing about.
And then there are times I am so struggling with what He’s revealed… that I am more than willing to let the rest simply come about – as I naively and trusting in God, walk through life.
Sme of these wonderful and marvelous things take us by shock, because we do not see the big picture. like in the verses that follow in verse 4. Hard to see the suffering and shock happen, as God strips the people of God of everything that separates them from Him. It seems cruel, vicious, even mad for God to use Babylon’s destructive power to bear on His own people. It can be easy to dwell on those times to be so overwhelmed that we don’t look to the promise, and trust in God’s faithfulness. Maybe its the pain of losing a favorite sin, or some long held resentment,
But the promise is there – God will purify, God will cleanse and heal. God will restore the joy of His people in such a way it will attract people from all over the place to come and witness the restoration, and join in the praises.
Trusting in this way leads to the child like faith that Josemaria Escriva talks about – a faith that looks beyond what is necessary, a trust in God that finds one living in serenity, in incomparable peace. for you realize you are living in Christ, and the Holy Spirit dwells in you – giving you a life that goes beyond what is necessary – giving you a life with God.
So when God throws you a curve ball…and you find youself playing basketball..on ice…in a scuba gear…before 250,000 people…
Relax… He got it all under control..
And it is wonderful and marvelous – for the Lord is with you!
(1) Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 3257-3260). Scepter PublisThhers. Kindle Edition.
A Most Overlooked Blessing…
Devotional Thought of the Day:
28 Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you today. 29 May you watch over this Temple night and day, this place where you have said, ‘My name will be there.’ May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place. 30 May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive. 1 Kings 8:28-30 (NLT)
20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”John 20:20-23 (NLT)
If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves, and truth has no place in us; 9 if we acknowledge our sins, he is trustworthy and upright, so that he will forgive our sins and will cleanse us from all evil.1 John 1:8-9 (NJB) 8
192 If ever you fall, my son, go quickly to Confession and seek spiritual guidance. Show your wound!, so that it gets properly healed and all possibility of infection is removed, even if doing this hurts you as much as having an operation. (1)
It is one of the major events in the history of Israel. it is right up there with the events at Mount Sinai, and the walk through the Red Sea.
As one of the wonders of the Ancient World was dedicated to God’s glory, the thing that the king prays for… is… forgiveness?
Really? Not to dominate the world? Not to have all his people become wealthy and successful, not for the kids to all be brilliant and well behaved… but blessed?
Forgiveness?
That’s the key to the Temple?
A Jesus appears before them in the upper room, after assuring them that there is peace – the very first thing He does there, is bestow on them the responsibility of fogiving (and retaining) sins. Even as He breaths His spirit on them, this incredible ministry becomes theirs…this ministry of reconciliation, this ministry of forgiveness.
Forgiveness again? Really – that’s the first thing Jesus wants them to know they have the power to do – as His apostles?
It’s still a amjor issue with John when he rights his first epistle – an epistle devoted to love. Because I tell you something – you can’t love others, if you don’t know the forgiveness of God in your own life. if you don’t know you are forgiven and cleansed, if you don’t get that God isn’t out to “get you” and “condemn you” for those sins, but would so much rather clanse you and bring healing into your life – you won’t get life. You will live defensively, your cynicism will rule over you, and anxiety will so cause you to defend yourself, that you won’t see the people you are called to love – much less be able to love them.
Forgiveness. God’s forgiveness. Complete, cleansing, healing, redeeming, reconciling, restoring…
Forgiveness.
I need it, you need it, we need to hear that we are forgiven, that God will make all things work for good, that everything is okay.
Years ago, there would be lines of people at Lutheran Churches, at Catholic Churches, waiting for private confession at mourning benches in Methodist and Holiness churches, people seeking the freedom of knowing their sin was forgiven, that they were purged of all unrighteousness, of all unholiness. That God kep His promises. That’s what happened at the dedication of the Temple, it’s what the Tabernacle celebrated, it’s the story of the upper room – both on the night before He was betrayed, and on the night He appeared, wounds in His hands and side.
it is a blessing we need….
So as Josemarie is quoted above – even if it hurts to confess your sin – rush to those who are set apart to help you with this – to proclaim on God’s behalf that you are forgiven. Don’t let it rot your soul, your heart, your mind…. Rush, confess your sins – as James says in his epistle – to another… and hear that you are forgiven.
And know the depth of the love of God, is greater even than your sin……
God’s peace… for you were meant to live in it.
Forgiveness?
(1) Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 866-868). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Is a Soul worth it?
Devotional Thought of the Day:
3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT)
881 Sacrifice yourself, give yourself, and work at souls one by one, as the jeweller works on precious stones: one by one. Indeed you should exercise even more care, because you are dealing with something of incomparable value. The purpose of that spiritual attention you give is to prepare good instruments for the service of God: and they, each one of them, have cost Christ all of his Blood.
In 2 Corinthians, indeed in several of Paul’s works (and the OT Prophets) we see passages like the one above, where spiritual warfare and pastoral care are challenged, and answered.
The reason that Paul and the prophets, and even Jesus was challenged is simple, someone who cares for a soul will challenge that which enters a life and obscures the work of Holy Spirit, that denies the presence of Christ and our unity in Him, that which would try to convince us that something other than being God’s beloved is what defines life. Simply put, if some sin, or some belief that would pull your focus away from God’s love for you exists, the word of God will challenge it, and those of us tasked with shepherding you will bring scripture to bear on life, their lives – and yours.
The reason is your soul is worth it. Your life, lived distracted from God by obstacles, needs to be encouraged back to Him, and the obstacle? Will you let us destroy it? Even as Gideon destroyed the Ba;alite altar and image in his dad’s back yard? Will you let the Holy Spirit perform surgery on your soul, skillfully using the word of God to remove that which holds you back from knowing you love? Will you trust God to do that, trusting Him to leave you, and eradicate that which isn’t you?
It’s a scary thought. Especially for those who know some of their weaknessness well. It might be pride, it might be resentment, it might be clinging to a sin that you think defines you, because it has been there so long.
Paul thought the souls of the people in Corinth were worth it, your soul is worth it. Christ died to heal you from the damage of those obstacles…that is how much your soul is worth to Him.
Maybe its time to confess that sin… and trust in God – knowing His promise to forgive you, and clease you from all unrighteousness….
Come – talk to a pastor who would love to point you to Christ, and do battle – by God’s strength – with the obstacles that would deny you knowing how much God loves you…
Godspeed!
Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 3110-3113). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Here’s what Jesus did – Let’s get at it!
Devotional thought of the day:
105 Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. 106 I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions. 107 My sufferings, LORD, are terrible indeed; keep me alive, as you have promised. 108 Accept my prayer of thanks, O LORD, and teach me your commands. 109 I am always ready to risk my life; I have not forgotten your law. 110 The wicked lay a trap for me, but I have not disobeyed your commands. 111 Your commandments are my eternal possession; they are the joy of my heart. 112 I have decided to obey your laws until the day I die. Psalm 119:105-112 (TEV)
881 Sacrifice yourself, give yourself, and work at souls one by one, as the jeweller works on precious stones: one by one. Indeed you should exercise even more care, because you are dealing with something of incomparable value. The purpose of that spiritual attention you give is to prepare good instruments for the service of God: and they, each one of them, have cost Christ all of his Blood. (1)
We should fear love and trust God in God above all things… and so…(2)
Over the past decade, people have taken polar sides on for little letters WWJD. Some use it as a strong reminder, an encouragement to strive against sin, especially sin of ommission. Some see it as a condemning law, a standard that can only beat people into the earth as they fail and fail again. The odd thing is that many in the latter group extol the liturgical use of confession and absolution, whereas the former group often dismisses the sacrament.
As usual, I find a third way to look at it, a different route to take.
For years churches have sung a song written with the first verse of the reading from Psalm 119 above. It is a good worship song, a prayer that is not unlike a modern Kyrie, asking Jesus our Lord to have mercy on our journey.
But how often do we look at the path described, the hardship the determination of the writer to be faithful during trial, to treasure the commandments? Are we ready and determined to risk our very lives in doing that which the Lord has willed – to assist those who need to come to repentance, to be trasnformed by the very love and mercy of God? How can we live following the path that God’s light, His glory illuminates for us?
So do we give up? Do we take the theologians escape route, and say that this passage is a prophetic look at Jesus, and is to much of a burden for us? THat it is only about Christ?
No, we cannot. This psalm is our cry as much as Christ’s, indeed it is ours the moment we are claimed by God, as the Holy Spirit quickens, brings to life our heart. (see Ezekiel 36:25ff and Ezekiel 37:1-12, Acts 2:37-39 and Titus 2:2-8) Realize that walking this path is what God has called us to, why he has recreated us and we are the fullness of His craftmanship – created for this very thing. To walk this path, with Christ, in Christ, To do What Jesus Would Do, for as we live in Him, He is doing this thing.
Living and working in His will that none would perish, Embracing hardships and suffering, learning from Him, being willing to risk it all – that someone else would know Jesus’ love (even those who know it already – but need the encouragement we are here to give each other). To take joy in GOd’s plan, in His providence. That is what it means to live in His presence, to have an incrantional theology, to know Christ and Him crucified…
That’s what Jesus did… and in Christ, absorbed by Him, we shall as well…..
Lord have mercy!
(1)Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 3110-3113). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
(2) Luther’s Small Catechism
Jesus Christ our Lord: A Look at what He Commits to!
Devotional Thought of the Day…
9 This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10 may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need. 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13 Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, now and forever! AMEN Matthew 6:9-13 (TEV)
31 “So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ 32 (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. Matthew 6:31-33 (TEV)
857 The Kingdom of Jesus Christ: that is our task! So, my child, be generous: don’t be anxious to know any of the many reasons he has to want to reign in you. If you look at him, it will be enough for you to consider how much he loves you… You will feel a hunger to correspond to his love, crying aloud that you really love him here and now; and you will understand that if you don’t leave him, he won’t leave you.
Back in the 1990’s there was a controversy over what it meant for Jesus to be our Lord. Interestingly, it focused not on God, but on our obligation to God, or more precisely the code of behavior laid down in scripture. On one side, there was a focus on complete obedience to Christ as the only way to be sure we were in God’s will. On the other side, there were pastors and theologians who took a position that since faith alone saves, our behavior had little to do with our salvation – but rather affected our peace and comfort in this life.
The battle seems to be raging anew – with different descriptions, – the latter group being called anti-nomians, the former pietists Old labels for sure, but being applied anew. I chose a different translation for the second passage – we usually hear it as “seek first the Kingdom” – but this to comes on the heals of realizing God’s promise to provide, so that we can focus on living in a relationship with Him. As we focus on what God requires os us, especially we hear His invitation for us to walk humbly with Him
The challenge is realizing that these views are arguing about Christ’s Lordship by looking at th wrong subject. They start by looking at responsibility in the relationship – but they set their priority in the wrong place. It all starts with the master’s responsibility, not ours. IF we are to understand the Lordship of Christ, if we are to understand what it means that He is our master, we must begin there…We must begin by seeing His commitment to us.
As He teaches us to pray, look at what is promised to us, look at the things God is taking responsibility for in our lives. Look at the burdens He would have us place in His hands
I love the point St Josemaria makes – we can think all day of why God would choose to call us, to walk with us. We can try to comprehend all of His logic, to analyze it, to create the theological systems But what if instead, we looked to God, we knew His love, we expored, as Paul urged the height and depth, the breadth and width of that love. What would happen if we looked at His commitment, HIs faithfulness, HIs desire – and our thoughts and our heart were focused there? The resulting response by us as we consider His love as we bask in it, as we realize he loves us, will cause be far more of a change than we could ever negotiate on our own.Looking to His love, knowing it, will see that love work and create a level of trust and bind us to Him.
That’s the point – Christ being our Lord and Master is a promise to us, a promise that He will care for us, be there for us, that He loves us.
And in the end, it becomes even closer, as we hear him say, “I know longer call you servants…but friends”
Be at peace – for you live in Christ Jesus.
Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 3035-3039). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.
