Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love you neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Besides this, you know what time it is , how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14
Some people are "spooked" by any talk that sounds like the "end" is near. Don't be! Rather than being afraid or anxious be ready. That is, trust that our God is abundantly for us and calls us to be God's beloved. That is why there is the admonition to "love your neighbor as yourself" and then..."to wake from sleep." Take advantage of the time that is here to be the beloved community. We pray that the love of God will be so trusted among us that it will shape our lives even as we are here today going about the business and events of our live. The fleshy side of us would keep us at odds with one another...acting as though it better for us to be separated than together as one. Don't let it keep you from missing life that comes to light when the blessed reality of our salvation sinks in and we trust that it is so.
Connection: You are the saving people of God in Christ, Jesus! Now is the perfect time to let that position we have been given by grace be the formative information that directs your day and your deeds.
Saving Lord, your unconditional love for us is an amazing gift that is the power to bring us into new life. Remind us to put on your love as we move through the routines and surprises of this day. Amen
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
Monday, April 29, 2002
Monday, 29 April, 2002
Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them - taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:3b-7
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love you neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
We take a break from these weekday devotions with a powerful text. I find that it is powerful in its simplicity. What a wonderful way to walk into the day and to greet and meet the people around us. When we start to keep track of the laws to obey, it is easy to also keep score. As though we will come to a point in time when we will unpack our bags and there will be points that need to be added up to see how well we have done. The rule is - love...all...everyone...without exception. Of course loving our neighbor includes all the words of the other commandments...but it includes much more. Built into this commandment is a sense of honor. We honor others. We keep them as precious to our lives. We find in them a completeness for life as we are with them in community...neighbors.
Connection: Love one another. Sometimes it is very necessary to ask ourselves what would it mean to be a loving neighbor in this situation...with these people.
Lord of Love, bless us with the eyes to see the significance of our neighbor and to find joy in our lives together. Turn us from the ways of violence and hate, envy and greed...so that we may turn with new eyes to those around us. Amen
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love you neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
We take a break from these weekday devotions with a powerful text. I find that it is powerful in its simplicity. What a wonderful way to walk into the day and to greet and meet the people around us. When we start to keep track of the laws to obey, it is easy to also keep score. As though we will come to a point in time when we will unpack our bags and there will be points that need to be added up to see how well we have done. The rule is - love...all...everyone...without exception. Of course loving our neighbor includes all the words of the other commandments...but it includes much more. Built into this commandment is a sense of honor. We honor others. We keep them as precious to our lives. We find in them a completeness for life as we are with them in community...neighbors.
Connection: Love one another. Sometimes it is very necessary to ask ourselves what would it mean to be a loving neighbor in this situation...with these people.
Lord of Love, bless us with the eyes to see the significance of our neighbor and to find joy in our lives together. Turn us from the ways of violence and hate, envy and greed...so that we may turn with new eyes to those around us. Amen
Friday, April 26, 2002
Friday, 26 April, 2002
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Text: Matthew 5:8
They will see God...everywhere. And so will the world that is all around them! To "keep in mind" the will of God - to love God and love neighbor - is to keep the will of God forthcoming from our hearts. For Matthew, heart is the source of outward speech, it is the source of our behavior, it is the source of our inner reflection. In other words, to have our heart "stuck on Jesus" is to have our lives all sticky with Jesus' life. Purity of heart is the notion that absent from our lives is the corruption that simply takes over the world. A pure heart still finds the Word of God to be a fresh spring from which our lives can spring anew each day. The word that most spells out the focus of this beatitude is "integrity." On behalf of others...in the name of the God of Grace...with forgiveness as our rule...with the vision of God's Reign in which Jesus is the merciful judge of all - we live our lives with a Good News integrity.
Connection: How will you keep your heart from growing dull to God's Word today? Remember, we put shape to God's word of love by sharpening our vision of that love as it comes into our lives. When race, sex, teams, finances, status are used to divide God's beloved family - in all the little ways from jokes to comment to outright attacks - what is the way we face those situations and do not take part in such corruption of God's vision of peace. Speaking up for the outsider and speaking against sterotypes and rumors is one such daily way to act with Good News integrity.
O God who paints the reality of you blessed Reign on our hearts, let that picture of life shine through to our eyes, our ears, our speech, our touch and our living together. Keep us open to the revelation of your gentle rule that opens our heart to new avenues of life. Amen
Thursday, April 25, 2002
Thursday, 25 April, 2002
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Text: Matthew 5:7
In the previous four beatitude, "blessed" were those who were at the short end of the stick. In many ways, they were not directed to typical middle class folk like us. But now, there is a turn in the direction of the blessing. Here we have the beginning of blessing as promises of rewards for people (just like us) who join God in alleviating the suffering of the folks listed in the first four beatitudes. What a job description! We are invited to be a people who put into our day deeds of loving kindness, acts of compassion and sprinkle the day with forgiveness. It may not sound like much and yet Mercy is always consider the weightier matter of the law throughout scripture. It is with mercy and kindness that Jesus eats with all people...all people. To be merciful and compassionate and kind and forgiving may just be the death of us. It was for Jesus. I think mercy scares most people. I even think we are anxious about the truth that God is all merciful. It is a radical way to be alive in this world. Mercy gives us the opportunity to be more present with those around us. It is the way doors are open and people are set free. The promise is that we will be set free even as we set our lives to be those who are instruments of liberation through our loving kindness.
Connection: Deeds. This is a proactive piece of the Reign of God. Acts of compassion, acts of loving kindness...within the next hour or two we will each have opportunities to display the Reign of God right within our own work and school day. In exercising God's gift of mercy, take note of the consequences of such actions.
Merciful God, give us the eyes to see your ways within our every step. Walk with us that we may come to understand how our hearts can be open to welcome and care and hold and forgive and be merciful to your beloved creatures who are our neighbors and those with whom we spend our days. Help us see the way of mercy and to face the consequences when mercy is the way among us. Amen
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Wednesday, 24 April, 2002
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
It doesn't take the brightest person in the world to see that our world, our society, our church is starved for justice. A friend mentioned yesterday that a billboard in Detroit has the words "We Sue Big" running across it. When there is a dollar to be made the dollar will be the meaning of the day. Those who are the ones addressed in this beatitude are those who need and want to have the order of things to be part of a just order. They cannot live anymore under the notion that the rich keep getting richer and the poor - poorer...because they are the ones on the down side of this phrase. In a society that wants to act as though there are no more reasons to consider race and ethnicity when we filled jobs or fill places in schools, we must remember that we are not a color-blind society. Some people are ruled "out of the norm" or even judged "dangerous" or "a risk" just by walking into a room. The longing for God to put things right...to put things in the way God intended them to be for "all" God's beloved may seem like a real fantasy dream to those whose everyday life is lived in a society that has a bias and is still very willing to live according to that bias. God's promise, they will be satisfied...filled...at a deficit no longer.
Connection: A friend once asked if I have many good friends of color. Or if I simply socialize with people who are other than white. Wow, I was shocked at my lack of an answer. Friends...yes. regular "buddies"...no. Why...? We can let our lives be ruled by what is comfortable for us and never let ourselves see the truth...inequality, those who are labeled less or not enough or disposable. Individuals change the day. Individuals can bring truth to light and wholeness within a community. What is the difference between how the poor or the disadvantaged hunger and thirst for justice and how the satifised and advantaged hunger & thirst for the same?
O Lord of all people, let your justice roll down upon us that we may be swept up by its power and refreshed by its fullness. Help us to see your gift of life in those around us and to be a part of the refreshing wind of your spirit in our world. Amen
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
One of the feelings that can happen to us is one that burns right down to the core of our person. Shame. No matter what the reason may be, when we experience shame it has the power to take away the wealth of our lives. Mark Allan Powell writes that this beatitude has to do with the dispossessed...the humilated and those deprived of their share of earth's resources. Shame is a personal way to have ourselve deprived of the resources we have as God's children. With shame, people may experience the utter negation of whose their are. Just think of a child being told "shame on you for..." It is biting. It can cause a child filled with joy to be emptied and withdrawn. Sometimes, there are those whose whole lives are wandering in a land shame-filled. Sometimes there are those whose lives will be deprived in other ways. We see these people - from a distance. They are the utterly poor in a society that is filled with Wall ST. successes and the myth that more is better and more is vital to who we are. The meek are those who have been stripped down to nothing - material things gone...emotional energy drained...self worth suck away. It is for these dispossesed that a promise comes that will not be removed. The meek...will inherit the earth. They will have enough and more. They will not have to stand on the bus anymore...they will not have to hang their head anymore...they will not have to watch the world play while they hid in the shadows of their lives. They shall inherit the earth -- the fullness of God's reign. They will be as they always are seen by God - SOMEBODY!
Connect: People around us may react to situations and statements in what appears to be strange ways. Sometimes people - even those closest to us feel as though they are emptied of their worth and the smallest confirmation of that loss - real or unreal - can send them into the depths of life. AS disciples of Jesus, we give room to those who have been dispossessed for whatever reason. Is it possible to enter today with the blessed reminder that we serve our God as we, in many and various ways, "share the wealth of God's creation" with others. A simple pat on the back may give someone a bit of room in which to stand when they are tumbling down in a simple situation in their lives.
O God of each day and all that is, lift up those whose lives have become empty. Be with us that we may be a gentle reminder to those around us that they are full of "worth" no matter what may the situation at hand. Make us people who share joy and hand over to others the many opportunities to be "somebody" even when their world will not let that happen for them. Amen
Monday, April 22, 2002
Monday, 22 April, 2002
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Text: Matthew 5:4
A society longing for sensitivity among its people may quickly want to turn this beatitude into an encouragement to let oneself cry...show emotion...weep for the less fortunate as though we will then, in our weeping, make some kind of connection to those less fortunate than us. And yet, those who mourn would be those who are trampled along the way by the simple passing of the day and not you and I by way of our expression of sadness and grief for others. The words of promise to those who experience the crunch and bruises of daily life is that comfort will not pass them by. Like the "poor in spirit" this is not a "condition" we seek to have become a part of our life...like a goal. It is more a dilemma - a painful and brutal reality and a reality most of us can simply enter by being silent and listening to those who "mourn" over the condition of their lives and that of the whole world. Maybe in our silence...in our listening to them we will learn something of what it means to go to the cross...for another one of God's broken people. Maybe in our silence, we will hear something of the whole story of life that we may never even consider as we walk along our own paths. Yes, there are times when our individual lives may be mournful...but for most of us...we are a privileged group within the scope of the whole of God's creation. With ears wide open and eyes that will not turn away, to those who mourn we may be "a touch" of the comfort within the Reign of God that will one day - for them - come to a full portion of comfort.
Consider: Are there people in this day - as you go along your way - who may be among those who mourn/weep? Are you able to tell the difference between the voice of those who "mourn" and those who may be throwing a "pity party" for themselves or simple groaning because life isn't going the way they want it to go? I can groan...I know I do...but it is not from the depth crunching place of those who "mourn"...yet again, for times - for moments - in times of crisis...I suspect we each may be in touch with the utter desperation of those who mourn. A simple prayer uttered in silence for those who mourn may be one way to expand our vision of the promises of God's Reign for all.
O Gentle and Comforting God, help us see - help us listen - teach us to open our hearts so that we may, with intention, become students of your comforting ways. Remind us that we are a people greatly gifted and a people set in motion by your Holy Spirit to give thanks to you for such bountiful lives that overflow for the welfare of all. Praise be to you O God. Amen
Friday, April 19, 2002
Friday, 19 April, 2002
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
Eleanor Rigby..."all the lonely people"...that's one thought that came into the flow of things as I consider this piece. The poor in spirt are those who have no hope in the world...no reason to hope. We all know people who are in this place and I would bet many of us have been there...for a time. For most of us, we have heard that it is not considered "right" to admit to such a visit to hopelessness. It is not considered "right" to admit to wanting the end of things when there appears to be nothing worth life's time anymore. We never let ourselves talk about suicide or assisted suicide because it means we must let in the notion of death...before our days. Yes, it can feel - at times & in many places - that God has given up on us and we are left being strung along on some adventure to no where! And yet, God has never given up on us nor will God ever give up on us. For all who are being entrapped by the sticky web of hopelessness, we can only announce the Reign of God is still the rest of the story. Maybe we can carry on in the middle of the darkest days knowing that we don't know the whole story just by what we are experiencing each day. There is more.
Consider: How can we be present with Eleanor Rigby...and if we are in her shoes...how can we let others in on the depths of our sorrow or hopelessness so that we will never reside there alone.? What does it take to stand with those who have given up...so that each may know that God has not & will not give up on them?
O God of new life and beginnings that never end, mark this day with your blessed presence. Hold us - touch our hearts - open our eyes that we may see through your eyes of grace and unbounded love. AMEN
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Wednesday, 17 April, 2002
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Romans 13:1-3a
Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them - taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:3b-7
When we do not consider the welfare of all everything begins to break down. For to uphold each and every person, we must consider how everyone puts to life his/her being. It is very observable that people exercise their individual power and "group" power differently. We need at all time to consider the role of the ruling powers in the midst of the full exercise of who we are alongside others. Therefore, in society we are called to act within lines of behavior. If we don't...be ready to suffer the consequences. Just like people in a household. Does anything go? No. Am I free to exercise my power of being fully? Yes & No. When it destroys others...When it takes place at the expense of others...there are line that must be drawn for the welfare of all. And yet, it is so much better when we act justly and mercifully toward others not because of what punishment there could be if we don't. Rather, what do we as followers of Jesus place in high regard as we engage our neighbor with lives that follow Jesus?
Connection: The next time you see orange barrels...don't dismay...praise God for the order within our lives that is carried out by those in authority who are given the task of seeing to the well being of all
Praise be to you our Lord of Life for you encourage us to honor our neighbors and abide by the rules of the day that seek to care for all you beloved. Grant us wisdom to respect the rules and to take note and even resist when the rules of the authorities do not call for justice and peace for all. Amen.
Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them - taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:3b-7
When we do not consider the welfare of all everything begins to break down. For to uphold each and every person, we must consider how everyone puts to life his/her being. It is very observable that people exercise their individual power and "group" power differently. We need at all time to consider the role of the ruling powers in the midst of the full exercise of who we are alongside others. Therefore, in society we are called to act within lines of behavior. If we don't...be ready to suffer the consequences. Just like people in a household. Does anything go? No. Am I free to exercise my power of being fully? Yes & No. When it destroys others...When it takes place at the expense of others...there are line that must be drawn for the welfare of all. And yet, it is so much better when we act justly and mercifully toward others not because of what punishment there could be if we don't. Rather, what do we as followers of Jesus place in high regard as we engage our neighbor with lives that follow Jesus?
Connection: The next time you see orange barrels...don't dismay...praise God for the order within our lives that is carried out by those in authority who are given the task of seeing to the well being of all
Praise be to you our Lord of Life for you encourage us to honor our neighbors and abide by the rules of the day that seek to care for all you beloved. Grant us wisdom to respect the rules and to take note and even resist when the rules of the authorities do not call for justice and peace for all. Amen.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Wednesday, 17 April 2002
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Romans 13:1-3a
Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them - taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:3b-7
When we do not consider the welfare of all everything begins to break down. For to uphold each and every person, we must consider how everyone puts to life his/her being. It is very observable that people exercise their individual power and "group" power differently. We need at all time to consider the role of the ruling powers in the midst of the full exercise of who we are alongside others. Therefore, in society we are called to act within lines of behavior. If we don't...be ready to suffer the consequences. Just like people in a household. Does anything go? No. Am I free to exercise my power of being fully? Yes & No. When it destroys others...When it takes place at the expense of others...there are line that must be drawn for the welfare of all. And yet, it is so much better when we act justly and mercifully toward others not because of what punishment there could be if we don't. Rather, what do we as followers of Jesus place in high regard as we engage our neighbor with lives that follow Jesus?
Connection: The next time you see orange barrels...don't dismay...praise God for the order within our lives that is carried out by those in authority who are given the task of seeing to the well being of all
Praise be to you our Lord of Life for you encourage us to honor our neighbors and abide by the rules of the day that seek to care for all you beloved. Grant us wisdom to respect the rules and to take note and even resist when the rules of the authorities do not call for justice and peace for all. Amen.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Romans 13:1-3a
Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them - taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:3b-7
When we do not consider the welfare of all everything begins to break down. For to uphold each and every person, we must consider how everyone puts to life his/her being. It is very observable that people exercise their individual power and "group" power differently. We need at all time to consider the role of the ruling powers in the midst of the full exercise of who we are alongside others. Therefore, in society we are called to act within lines of behavior. If we don't...be ready to suffer the consequences. Just like people in a household. Does anything go? No. Am I free to exercise my power of being fully? Yes & No. When it destroys others...When it takes place at the expense of others...there are line that must be drawn for the welfare of all. And yet, it is so much better when we act justly and mercifully toward others not because of what punishment there could be if we don't. Rather, what do we as followers of Jesus place in high regard as we engage our neighbor with lives that follow Jesus?
Connection: The next time you see orange barrels...don't dismay...praise God for the order within our lives that is carried out by those in authority who are given the task of seeing to the well being of all
Praise be to you our Lord of Life for you encourage us to honor our neighbors and abide by the rules of the day that seek to care for all you beloved. Grant us wisdom to respect the rules and to take note and even resist when the rules of the authorities do not call for justice and peace for all. Amen.
Tuesday, 16 April 2002
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Romans 13:1-3a
Luther writes about how the governing authorities are in a very similar position as parents...as in "honor your father and mother." They are a part of the "order" that is to serve as the guide for us. Just as parents are to look after the well being of their children and serve to bring children up so as to be faithful people, the ruling authorities are given that same task for the sake of the society. We are not to be living within the chaos of anarchy. Rather, there must be an order that enables people to live together with a sense of trust and justice and peace. What we must remember in this discussion is that when the governing authorities are leading in a way that contrary to the Reign of God we must speak up in order to change things. Think of the movement by Ghandi or Martin Luther King, Jr. For the welfare of all, they stood up against a governing authorities that was unjustly ruling. Though there was an order in both countries in which these men lived, the order was not a reflection of the vision of the Reign of God. In fact, the authorities persisted in bending the task of governing in a very self-centered manner.
Connection: Order is important. But in the context of this day we must be willing to make sure that voices of justice and peace and loving kindness are present when a "system" forgets that is it set up to instruct and assist and nurture the well being of all.
Lord of Creation, you bring all things into being and in the structures of the universe, we see your guiding hand. Raise up leaders who have vision of your peaceable reign and make us aware of the important task of leadership in all the avenues of our lives. Amen
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Romans 13:1-3a
Luther writes about how the governing authorities are in a very similar position as parents...as in "honor your father and mother." They are a part of the "order" that is to serve as the guide for us. Just as parents are to look after the well being of their children and serve to bring children up so as to be faithful people, the ruling authorities are given that same task for the sake of the society. We are not to be living within the chaos of anarchy. Rather, there must be an order that enables people to live together with a sense of trust and justice and peace. What we must remember in this discussion is that when the governing authorities are leading in a way that contrary to the Reign of God we must speak up in order to change things. Think of the movement by Ghandi or Martin Luther King, Jr. For the welfare of all, they stood up against a governing authorities that was unjustly ruling. Though there was an order in both countries in which these men lived, the order was not a reflection of the vision of the Reign of God. In fact, the authorities persisted in bending the task of governing in a very self-centered manner.
Connection: Order is important. But in the context of this day we must be willing to make sure that voices of justice and peace and loving kindness are present when a "system" forgets that is it set up to instruct and assist and nurture the well being of all.
Lord of Creation, you bring all things into being and in the structures of the universe, we see your guiding hand. Raise up leaders who have vision of your peaceable reign and make us aware of the important task of leadership in all the avenues of our lives. Amen
Monday, April 15, 2002
Monday, 15 April 2002
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
This is the same text as Friday. It is one of those very "full" texts that is hard to imagine. It is so full of the image of people who are blessed with the love of God and graciously embraced for all time - without condition. In other words, it is talking about all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Usually when that is said, there comes the litany of reasons when we need not include this in the vision. In fact, there are always reasons for not letting ourselves live as though the above vision suits us just fine. There are always exceptions. "But what if..." If you are like me, there can be an exception held up very quickly. In the final example in the text, it is often said that if we attempt to overcome evil with good, we will become the martyrs of the faith...is that what our God wants of us!?! But then when I think about that question, the answer is a yes. Our God does empower us and encourage us by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we will trust that God's love for us in Christ, Jesus is enough to shape and bring us a new life...and we will be a living witness to that new life. For anxious and fear filled people like me, it takes the blessedness of a community of faithful witnesses (martyrs) to nurture the resurrected life of our Lord within my day.
Connection: Keep giving yourself the time to consider - prayerfully consider - new ways to act. Even if those actions will be contrary to the prevailing winds of the day and filled with the gracious love that is known in the life of Jesus. Some part of our day will give us the opportunity to be such a witeness.
Blessed are you O God Most High for you invite us to trust in your unconditional love for us and then you bid us to walk as though that love does indeed shape who we are to those within our lives. Encourage us O Lord to live in your light. Amen
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
This is the same text as Friday. It is one of those very "full" texts that is hard to imagine. It is so full of the image of people who are blessed with the love of God and graciously embraced for all time - without condition. In other words, it is talking about all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Usually when that is said, there comes the litany of reasons when we need not include this in the vision. In fact, there are always reasons for not letting ourselves live as though the above vision suits us just fine. There are always exceptions. "But what if..." If you are like me, there can be an exception held up very quickly. In the final example in the text, it is often said that if we attempt to overcome evil with good, we will become the martyrs of the faith...is that what our God wants of us!?! But then when I think about that question, the answer is a yes. Our God does empower us and encourage us by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we will trust that God's love for us in Christ, Jesus is enough to shape and bring us a new life...and we will be a living witness to that new life. For anxious and fear filled people like me, it takes the blessedness of a community of faithful witnesses (martyrs) to nurture the resurrected life of our Lord within my day.
Connection: Keep giving yourself the time to consider - prayerfully consider - new ways to act. Even if those actions will be contrary to the prevailing winds of the day and filled with the gracious love that is known in the life of Jesus. Some part of our day will give us the opportunity to be such a witeness.
Blessed are you O God Most High for you invite us to trust in your unconditional love for us and then you bid us to walk as though that love does indeed shape who we are to those within our lives. Encourage us O Lord to live in your light. Amen
Sunday, April 14, 2002
Friday, 12 April, 2002
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12: 9-13
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doint this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Imagine a church that was more concerned with the life displayed in these two texts. I was at a conference with clergy this week and there was some attempt to listen and discuss the issue of homosexuality in the church. Over the years, I find that we will do almost anything to avoid being the chruch as it is described in these texts. Rather than talk about who or who is not allowed into the full ministry and mission of a congregation, what if we seriously held up to one another what Paul writes here. I think we would be a much more dynamic and alternative community in the midst of our world. I can honestly say, I am more prayerfully concerned about the absence and presence of this genuine loving life than I am about posting myself as a gatekeeper at the doors of the church to what out for any of "them." Above, we have a vision of what the Christ of God brings into our lives...and then invites us to live...and in that invitation there is a promise about a life that is eternal...beginning already. This text may take a revisit.
Connection: We can only imagine what life would be like in the middle of Paul's vision. It is alright and it is indeed blessed if we go ahead and live with imagination today.
Prince of Peace you breath upon us the Spirit of new life and you invite us to follow in the ways of your Son. Bless us this day that we will turn each corner renewed by your love for us and sent out to engage the world with lives shaped by your grace and love. Amen.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doint this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Imagine a church that was more concerned with the life displayed in these two texts. I was at a conference with clergy this week and there was some attempt to listen and discuss the issue of homosexuality in the church. Over the years, I find that we will do almost anything to avoid being the chruch as it is described in these texts. Rather than talk about who or who is not allowed into the full ministry and mission of a congregation, what if we seriously held up to one another what Paul writes here. I think we would be a much more dynamic and alternative community in the midst of our world. I can honestly say, I am more prayerfully concerned about the absence and presence of this genuine loving life than I am about posting myself as a gatekeeper at the doors of the church to what out for any of "them." Above, we have a vision of what the Christ of God brings into our lives...and then invites us to live...and in that invitation there is a promise about a life that is eternal...beginning already. This text may take a revisit.
Connection: We can only imagine what life would be like in the middle of Paul's vision. It is alright and it is indeed blessed if we go ahead and live with imagination today.
Prince of Peace you breath upon us the Spirit of new life and you invite us to follow in the ways of your Son. Bless us this day that we will turn each corner renewed by your love for us and sent out to engage the world with lives shaped by your grace and love. Amen.
Friday, April 12, 2002
Friday, 12 April, 2002
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12: 9-13
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doint this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Imagine a church that was more concerned with the life displayed in these two texts. I was at a conference with clergy this week and there was some attempt to listen and discuss the issue of homosexuality in the church. Over the years, I find that we will do almost anything to avoid being the chruch as it is described in these texts. Rather than talk about who or who is not allowed into the full ministry and mission of a congregation, what if we seriously held up to one another what Paul writes here. I think we would be a much more dynamic and alternative community in the midst of our world. I can honestly say, I am more prayerfully concerned about the absence and presence of this genuine loving life than I am about posting myself as a gatekeeper at the doors of the church to what out for any of "them." Above, we have a vision of what the Christ of God brings into our lives...and then invites us to live...and in that invitation there is a promise about a life that is eternal...beginning already. This text may take a revisit.
Connection: We can only imagine what life would be like in the middle of Paul's vision. It is alright and it is indeed blessed if we go ahead and live with imagination today.
Prince of Peace you breath upon us the Spirit of new life and you invite us to follow in the ways of your Son. Bless us this day that we will turn each corner renewed by your love for us and sent out to engage the world with lives shaped by your grace and love. Amen.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do no claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceabley with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I repay says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them soemthing to drink; for by doint this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Imagine a church that was more concerned with the life displayed in these two texts. I was at a conference with clergy this week and there was some attempt to listen and discuss the issue of homosexuality in the church. Over the years, I find that we will do almost anything to avoid being the chruch as it is described in these texts. Rather than talk about who or who is not allowed into the full ministry and mission of a congregation, what if we seriously held up to one another what Paul writes here. I think we would be a much more dynamic and alternative community in the midst of our world. I can honestly say, I am more prayerfully concerned about the absence and presence of this genuine loving life than I am about posting myself as a gatekeeper at the doors of the church to what out for any of "them." Above, we have a vision of what the Christ of God brings into our lives...and then invites us to live...and in that invitation there is a promise about a life that is eternal...beginning already. This text may take a revisit.
Connection: We can only imagine what life would be like in the middle of Paul's vision. It is alright and it is indeed blessed if we go ahead and live with imagination today.
Prince of Peace you breath upon us the Spirit of new life and you invite us to follow in the ways of your Son. Bless us this day that we will turn each corner renewed by your love for us and sent out to engage the world with lives shaped by your grace and love. Amen.
Thursday, April 11, 2002
Thursday, 11 April, 2002
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; iministry in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12: 9-13
We need not go beyond the first phrase: Let love be genuine. When love is as genuine as the love God has for us, it is a bright and brilliant as the shining sun because it reflects the glory of God. Within that love there is the basis of the community of Christ. Nothing is greater...nothing can tear down that foundation...nothing. We need not fear what the grace of God brings within our community. What we would do well to consider is how we can come to honor others and make sure that it shows. That doesn't mean that anything goes. It means that all are honored because they like me are beloved of the Lord and residents of the Reign of God....cause that is the way God calls it.
Connection: Listen to the many ways people - even "good Christian people" try to set up limits to where and how the love of God can and does make a people. And then, remember that there is no limit...God will and does welcome all. Unless of course you want to trust something other than the Good News as the ground of who we are and will be.
Praise be to you O Lord for you call us into the loving embrace of your reign and from there we emerge into this day as you "beloved" and with that comes a life of unconditional love that shatters the ways of this world. Alleluia. Amen.
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12: 9-13
We need not go beyond the first phrase: Let love be genuine. When love is as genuine as the love God has for us, it is a bright and brilliant as the shining sun because it reflects the glory of God. Within that love there is the basis of the community of Christ. Nothing is greater...nothing can tear down that foundation...nothing. We need not fear what the grace of God brings within our community. What we would do well to consider is how we can come to honor others and make sure that it shows. That doesn't mean that anything goes. It means that all are honored because they like me are beloved of the Lord and residents of the Reign of God....cause that is the way God calls it.
Connection: Listen to the many ways people - even "good Christian people" try to set up limits to where and how the love of God can and does make a people. And then, remember that there is no limit...God will and does welcome all. Unless of course you want to trust something other than the Good News as the ground of who we are and will be.
Praise be to you O Lord for you call us into the loving embrace of your reign and from there we emerge into this day as you "beloved" and with that comes a life of unconditional love that shatters the ways of this world. Alleluia. Amen.
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
Wednesday, 10 April, 2002
For by the grace given to me to say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with a sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; iministry in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8
The gathering of the whole brings us the gifts that can and do make a community work by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is even so with a small group of people. What we see listed above are specific gifts that help to build the body of Christ. There is also the need of others in our lives to encourage our faithfulness. At various times in our lives, we may need someone else to be our source of encouragement or to remind us that we are indeed forgiven and can enter into today resting on God's love for us that has the power to transform us. The "we" of our baptism is always meant to be a living "we". In that way, we are connected to others as people who look after the welfare of all...and we do that by using our various gifts. My gifts, are not "my" gifts. They are always the gifts I am called to bring to the community and offer for the well being of others and the group as a whole.
Connection: Today there may be people in the body of Christ who may need to hear from you a word of encouragement and hopefulness. On the other hand, you may be in need of just such a gift from another. Sometimes, we have to make sure there are people in our lives who will be gift sharers with us.
Benevolent Lord, you bring us into the richness of your glorious Reign and then you ask us to be a part of the glory through the gifts we bring to the table. Encourage us to offer our gifts freely to others as you freely offer your Son for the welfare of your whole creation. Amen.
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; iministry in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8
The gathering of the whole brings us the gifts that can and do make a community work by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is even so with a small group of people. What we see listed above are specific gifts that help to build the body of Christ. There is also the need of others in our lives to encourage our faithfulness. At various times in our lives, we may need someone else to be our source of encouragement or to remind us that we are indeed forgiven and can enter into today resting on God's love for us that has the power to transform us. The "we" of our baptism is always meant to be a living "we". In that way, we are connected to others as people who look after the welfare of all...and we do that by using our various gifts. My gifts, are not "my" gifts. They are always the gifts I am called to bring to the community and offer for the well being of others and the group as a whole.
Connection: Today there may be people in the body of Christ who may need to hear from you a word of encouragement and hopefulness. On the other hand, you may be in need of just such a gift from another. Sometimes, we have to make sure there are people in our lives who will be gift sharers with us.
Benevolent Lord, you bring us into the richness of your glorious Reign and then you ask us to be a part of the glory through the gifts we bring to the table. Encourage us to offer our gifts freely to others as you freely offer your Son for the welfare of your whole creation. Amen.
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Tuesday, 9 April, 2002
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
For by the grace given to me to say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with a sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3
But...make sure you think enough of yourself! Yes, it is quite easy for many folks to become inflated and infatuated with themselves, but too many people need to simply remember their Baptism. In the adult class dealing with Luther's Small Catechism the group is just now tackling Baptism. I want to quote a piece here:
To appreciate and use Baptism aright, we must draw strength and comfort from it when our sins or conscience oppress us, and we must retort. But I am baptized! And if I am baptized, I have the promise that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body.”
Our baptism is our point of identity. It is for us the full amount of who we are and that upon which we can stand and face any foe in any time. To think of ourselves as beloved of God and claimed in our baptism is the grand way we are to encounter our world. In that way, we will not be inflated fools who are so turned-in-on-ourselves that we cannot be concerned with the welfare of all. Our Baptism identifies us as one of God's saved and saving people. Wow. That's a position from whice we are called to great acts of justice, compassion, loving kindness and yes, humility.
Connection: I am baptized. Let that truth be the word that transforms your mind and life today. I will change how we see others and the way we look at ourselves. Theological and liturgical words and actions always have a practical life application - or else they are of no use to God's creation.
Lord you have chosen us and you send us into this day as though we are to simply be who you see us to be - your beloved. Too often we do not want to settle for that identity and in our search for other titles we walk away from your power for life. Let you Holy Spirit hold tightly onto our lives so that we may be shaped by your holy Word. Amen.
Monday, April 8, 2002
Monday, 8 April, 2002
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
I truly believe that we can be transformed without the our usual reliance on the law. The new life that is given to us through Christ Jesus is the power for life to be changed by a love for us that takes hold of our hearts and transforms us from the inside out. Right and just living can and does come into existence among us as we hang onto nothing less than the grace of God. For in that place in which we stand in Christ - unconditionally loved by our God - we are moved by the same power and Spirit that was whipping around at the time of creation. When we help one another contemplate that rich place we are given through Christ, there is a life that emerges. That life is one that reflects the love we hear is extened to us. Therefore, we are encouraged to live in ways that honor, respect, and cherish the life in others. With that kind of foundation, our lives and the lives of those around us will indeed be transformed...and the law will be unnecessary for we will already be concerned for the welfare of all.
Connection: Being beloved of God & knowing our place before God in Christ, will shape us today. In many cases, much more lovingly than any rule we can create to "make" us live right. What is that inner word of life that brings you direction in all the things you do today?
Lord God you give us the opportunity this day to trust in your love for us and the to trust that we can and will be shaped by your love. Empower us to hold firmly to your gracious word that forms the basis for how our day is constructed and our lives renewed. Amen.
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