God as journey. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]That cross is no place to be. It is the place of rejection and ridicule where scapegoats
are thrown when the world wants to be pleased with itself. God as journey is up
on the cross - every cross in every time alongside each and every person who is
able to be thrown away because other want to have life. Odd. When we want to live
- we feel free to throw other away - we feel threatened by the life others have
- we are willing to nail the other so that we will not get nailed. God as journey
is God for us without exception. It is the whirlwind of forgiveness that cannot
be controlled and therefore is often feared by those who want to remain in control
of life - all life. The cross is no place to be and yet it is the place that shapes
the life that comes through unending forgiveness and love. God as journey will take
us into something we have yet to make our own. This is a promise. This is how the
day is to open before us even when we have been stuffed into a tomb. Wait and see.
O God of love and new life, teach us to dance around the cross and to dance through
its power so that we will be life in the midst of the power of death. Amen.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 28, 2013
God as journey. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]The journey on Thursday of Holy Week is not one we all want to take. It is into
the place of utter service to other - it is the washing of feet - it is the forgiving
until there is nothing left - it is giving and sharing and shedding life. God as
journey takes us for a ride - the ride of our lives. When there must have been
so many expectations as to who Jesus would become as the days continued on, we hear
him speaking of bread and wine and being a servant of all. God as journey takes
us in the way of God's intention - not ours. We are invited to go all the way. On
Friday we will hear that the journey is one into the very center of the life of
God's Reign - forgiveness. The shape of the day to day life on this journey through
the cross and into life eternal is forgiveness. God as journey is forgiveness -
we do not know that way because it is not the way humanity has chosen to take itself
since the beginning of all things. And yet - rather than stay away at a distance
to that life God takes us by the hand and will pull us beyond our hesitancy and
present us with a new order for the rest of our days. This is a journey that will
be a daily adventure.
O God of love and new life, you are the ground beneath us as we move into your future
that make the whole world new. Never cease taking us by the hand and leading the
way - we will, by the power of your Spirit, follow you. Amen.
the place of utter service to other - it is the washing of feet - it is the forgiving
until there is nothing left - it is giving and sharing and shedding life. God as
journey takes us for a ride - the ride of our lives. When there must have been
so many expectations as to who Jesus would become as the days continued on, we hear
him speaking of bread and wine and being a servant of all. God as journey takes
us in the way of God's intention - not ours. We are invited to go all the way. On
Friday we will hear that the journey is one into the very center of the life of
God's Reign - forgiveness. The shape of the day to day life on this journey through
the cross and into life eternal is forgiveness. God as journey is forgiveness -
we do not know that way because it is not the way humanity has chosen to take itself
since the beginning of all things. And yet - rather than stay away at a distance
to that life God takes us by the hand and will pull us beyond our hesitancy and
present us with a new order for the rest of our days. This is a journey that will
be a daily adventure.
O God of love and new life, you are the ground beneath us as we move into your future
that make the whole world new. Never cease taking us by the hand and leading the
way - we will, by the power of your Spirit, follow you. Amen.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 27, 2013
God as journey. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]The odd part about a life full of forgiveness is that we do not know how things
will go for us. God as journey is to be a part of a road that is available and yet
we cannot be sure of all that will unfold as we go along that way. Then again, we
can be assured that it is the life into which our God calls us and the life our
God hands to us and the life that will transform all things. But - how will it unfold.
Forgiveness can lead to humiliation by others. Forgiveness can lead to rejection.
Forgiveness can lead to death - yes death. God as journey is the God who will be
with us as that life unfolds as our life in the world. I continue to pray that
I can be a part of this life - it is not easy. Therefore, I rely on this God to
sit down next to me and say 'let's go' - 'let's do it' - let's be amazed.' The journey
into forgiveness - the journey into reconciliation - the journey into a vulnerability
that humanity resists at every turn in the road - is the journey our God walks with
us. So, it takes a bit of imagination. What if we forgive - what can be the shape
of that life - how will it change the day - how will it change me? Our God as journey
simply extends a hand and invites us to enter the questions - the promise. Otherwise,
I will stay in the same place as I have always been and the world will remain broken
and at war.
O God of love and new life, let's begin the journey - stick around again. Amen.
will go for us. God as journey is to be a part of a road that is available and yet
we cannot be sure of all that will unfold as we go along that way. Then again, we
can be assured that it is the life into which our God calls us and the life our
God hands to us and the life that will transform all things. But - how will it unfold.
Forgiveness can lead to humiliation by others. Forgiveness can lead to rejection.
Forgiveness can lead to death - yes death. God as journey is the God who will be
with us as that life unfolds as our life in the world. I continue to pray that
I can be a part of this life - it is not easy. Therefore, I rely on this God to
sit down next to me and say 'let's go' - 'let's do it' - let's be amazed.' The journey
into forgiveness - the journey into reconciliation - the journey into a vulnerability
that humanity resists at every turn in the road - is the journey our God walks with
us. So, it takes a bit of imagination. What if we forgive - what can be the shape
of that life - how will it change the day - how will it change me? Our God as journey
simply extends a hand and invites us to enter the questions - the promise. Otherwise,
I will stay in the same place as I have always been and the world will remain broken
and at war.
O God of love and new life, let's begin the journey - stick around again. Amen.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 26, 2013
God as journey. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]In many states in the U.S. legislators tied to the group ALEC have brought forth
many pieces of work from that conservative working group. One of them is the now-well-known
'stand your ground' law. It is meant to give folks the ability to use lethal force
if threatened. In the stories of the week of the Passion in Luke, there is a scene
in which Jesus 'stands his ground.' In the face of being humiliated and beaten,
he stands without attaching. He takes it. He knows who he is and he knows that his
journey has been one that reflects the love of the God who journeys with him. Stand
your ground as a follow of Jesus is not a position of self-protection or retaliation
or tit-for-tat. Stand your ground is to be grounded in an identity as the beloved
of God - no matter what the world may think about who we are or who we have been
accused of being. God as journey takes us through the days of our lives that can
so easily move us to fight back and try to control how things will go - and in the
middle of all that we are invited to rest in God alone. Rest within the power of
a love that works for the well-being of those who threaten us and those who are
threatened. This 'well-being' is the vital force that will not stop working for
reconciliation until all sides are taken up into the mercy and justice and peace
of God's Reign. That must be a non-violent journey otherwise, we will fall for scenes
of beatings and humiliation and spit and degradation. God as journey promises to
take us along for the ride of our lives.
O God of love and new life, take us on that ride - move us along the way of your
peace - open our minds and our lives to your endless healing ways. Amen.
many pieces of work from that conservative working group. One of them is the now-well-known
'stand your ground' law. It is meant to give folks the ability to use lethal force
if threatened. In the stories of the week of the Passion in Luke, there is a scene
in which Jesus 'stands his ground.' In the face of being humiliated and beaten,
he stands without attaching. He takes it. He knows who he is and he knows that his
journey has been one that reflects the love of the God who journeys with him. Stand
your ground as a follow of Jesus is not a position of self-protection or retaliation
or tit-for-tat. Stand your ground is to be grounded in an identity as the beloved
of God - no matter what the world may think about who we are or who we have been
accused of being. God as journey takes us through the days of our lives that can
so easily move us to fight back and try to control how things will go - and in the
middle of all that we are invited to rest in God alone. Rest within the power of
a love that works for the well-being of those who threaten us and those who are
threatened. This 'well-being' is the vital force that will not stop working for
reconciliation until all sides are taken up into the mercy and justice and peace
of God's Reign. That must be a non-violent journey otherwise, we will fall for scenes
of beatings and humiliation and spit and degradation. God as journey promises to
take us along for the ride of our lives.
O God of love and new life, take us on that ride - move us along the way of your
peace - open our minds and our lives to your endless healing ways. Amen.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 25, 2013
God as journey. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]It is the beginning of Holy Week. It is the beginning of an intense look at the
shape of non-violence. Throughout the week we will see God-in-the-flesh walk within
the way of truthfulness that manifests itself as non-violence. This God as journey
is moving - always moving - never contained and set up on the altar or on a book
shelf or in a religious place of honor. God as journey is the unfolding of the
wideness of a love that will flow into and through all things. No evil can shut
it out. God will travel into it and abide within its demonic power. No untruth can
preside. God will keep opening the door and the light of the truth of God Reigning
love will continue to reveal what untruth tries to hide. No fear will be able to
clear the room and build a castle of hate and intolerance. God will step into the
room and walk around the room and show that there is nothing to fear when the love
of God walks among us. God as journey is Jesus in the Temple engaged in all that
straight talk that is like a light that exposes the fears that too often rule even
the places we have come to call holy. God as journey is the life that continues
to reveal itself in new ways even when we think we have a handle on the 'way.' Therefore,
the journey is the life - a life that never ends and is never controlled.
O God of love and new life, walk with us and guide us and lead us into the realm
of your love that is the power to rest within the way of your gracious and forgiving
Reign that is the day at hand. Amen.
shape of non-violence. Throughout the week we will see God-in-the-flesh walk within
the way of truthfulness that manifests itself as non-violence. This God as journey
is moving - always moving - never contained and set up on the altar or on a book
shelf or in a religious place of honor. God as journey is the unfolding of the
wideness of a love that will flow into and through all things. No evil can shut
it out. God will travel into it and abide within its demonic power. No untruth can
preside. God will keep opening the door and the light of the truth of God Reigning
love will continue to reveal what untruth tries to hide. No fear will be able to
clear the room and build a castle of hate and intolerance. God will step into the
room and walk around the room and show that there is nothing to fear when the love
of God walks among us. God as journey is Jesus in the Temple engaged in all that
straight talk that is like a light that exposes the fears that too often rule even
the places we have come to call holy. God as journey is the life that continues
to reveal itself in new ways even when we think we have a handle on the 'way.' Therefore,
the journey is the life - a life that never ends and is never controlled.
O God of love and new life, walk with us and guide us and lead us into the realm
of your love that is the power to rest within the way of your gracious and forgiving
Reign that is the day at hand. Amen.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 22, 2013
God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]I was just taken back a bit. I picked up a book on Gandhi to look at his take on
non-violence. This image is odd and yet it turns the world upside down. "The sword
of the one who adheres to non-violence is love, and the unshakable firmness that
comes with it." The use of the word sword within the context of talking about non-violence
is - for me - shocking. And yet, Yes! Non-violence shatters the images of violence
that so easily become a part of our lives. Sword is often the seen as the power
over others. Non-violence is the power that brings the other in close and abides
with the other in a world of truthfulness and peace. So, when the so-called sword
of the non-violent one is brought out, it is the power of reconciliation and devotion
to the other so that we can both be a part of a new day not ruled by swords - rather
nurtured by plowshares. God as non-violence is always stripping us down to our essentials
- being beloved of God - and inviting us to stand on nothing else and to see the
other as nothing less than that also. It is there that we have the opportunity
to acknowledge all of our vulnerabilities and begin to walk together without feeling
the need to conquer the other.
I'm hesitant to even say that we have this sword - it immediately brings images
of violence. But Gandhi is so known for his devotion to non-violence, it makes the
statement powerfully humorous.
O God of love and new life, arm us with the life of peace and the vision to see
the hopefulness of your Reign being unveiled before us. Amen.
non-violence. This image is odd and yet it turns the world upside down. "The sword
of the one who adheres to non-violence is love, and the unshakable firmness that
comes with it." The use of the word sword within the context of talking about non-violence
is - for me - shocking. And yet, Yes! Non-violence shatters the images of violence
that so easily become a part of our lives. Sword is often the seen as the power
over others. Non-violence is the power that brings the other in close and abides
with the other in a world of truthfulness and peace. So, when the so-called sword
of the non-violent one is brought out, it is the power of reconciliation and devotion
to the other so that we can both be a part of a new day not ruled by swords - rather
nurtured by plowshares. God as non-violence is always stripping us down to our essentials
- being beloved of God - and inviting us to stand on nothing else and to see the
other as nothing less than that also. It is there that we have the opportunity
to acknowledge all of our vulnerabilities and begin to walk together without feeling
the need to conquer the other.
I'm hesitant to even say that we have this sword - it immediately brings images
of violence. But Gandhi is so known for his devotion to non-violence, it makes the
statement powerfully humorous.
O God of love and new life, arm us with the life of peace and the vision to see
the hopefulness of your Reign being unveiled before us. Amen.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 21, 2013
God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]It is essential that we turn toward one another - walk alongside - look into each
other's eyes - touch - and, by that, risk living within a non-violent world. It
is essential that we do not turn away - look away. God as non-violence is a presence
that keeps the 'other' close by and ready to be someone we are willing to engage.
Otherwise, we will simply push them away and that pushing so quickly takes the shape
of one form of violence or another - from striking out - to name calling. It is
all violence and it is all contrary to our God who is endlessly inspiring life in
which love rules and hatred and separation become weak. Personally, I do not do
this 'turning toward' the other very well. I do not like that part of me. And yet,
God as non-violence does not let me reside in my world of fear where I come to think
that I cannot live without violence of some kind or another. Like so many aspects
of God's Reign, non-violence is a character of life that is at hand in every 'now.'
It is the way we can be available to others. It is not impossible. In fact, it
is so necessary, our God never ceases to open our eyes to see the other as God see
him/her. It is in all these moments that we must breathe in the freedom to see people
with new eyes - eyes that inspire us to turn toward the other no matter what might
be the situation at hand. Non-violence is not easy.
O God of love and new life, the road often seems to hard to travel. Again this
day, inspire us to take another step into the depths of your Reign. Amen.
other's eyes - touch - and, by that, risk living within a non-violent world. It
is essential that we do not turn away - look away. God as non-violence is a presence
that keeps the 'other' close by and ready to be someone we are willing to engage.
Otherwise, we will simply push them away and that pushing so quickly takes the shape
of one form of violence or another - from striking out - to name calling. It is
all violence and it is all contrary to our God who is endlessly inspiring life in
which love rules and hatred and separation become weak. Personally, I do not do
this 'turning toward' the other very well. I do not like that part of me. And yet,
God as non-violence does not let me reside in my world of fear where I come to think
that I cannot live without violence of some kind or another. Like so many aspects
of God's Reign, non-violence is a character of life that is at hand in every 'now.'
It is the way we can be available to others. It is not impossible. In fact, it
is so necessary, our God never ceases to open our eyes to see the other as God see
him/her. It is in all these moments that we must breathe in the freedom to see people
with new eyes - eyes that inspire us to turn toward the other no matter what might
be the situation at hand. Non-violence is not easy.
O God of love and new life, the road often seems to hard to travel. Again this
day, inspire us to take another step into the depths of your Reign. Amen.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 20, 2013
God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as non-violence is eternally creating relationships. When God's people are involved
in the journey of being in relationship with all others -without partiality - there
cannot be violence. If there would be violence, it would be when we pull out of
the many aspects of being in a relationship. When we stop listening - stop talking
- stop holding onto the other - stop giving of ourselves - stop asking for clarity
and shared involvement, we can be sure that violence in some form will be the power
that shapes our day. Non-violence keeps turning us back into the creative power
of our God and therefore into those relationships that are all around us. It can
be so easy to turn from this creativity and settle for the division that is always
willing to settle for violence. And yet, when we are able to keep moving into the
realm of a community of sharing and caring and justice - we will be moving into
the way of non-violence.
O God of love and new life, let peace be our way and our life and when we are being
persuaded to walk in the ways of division - speak to us. Amen.
in the journey of being in relationship with all others -without partiality - there
cannot be violence. If there would be violence, it would be when we pull out of
the many aspects of being in a relationship. When we stop listening - stop talking
- stop holding onto the other - stop giving of ourselves - stop asking for clarity
and shared involvement, we can be sure that violence in some form will be the power
that shapes our day. Non-violence keeps turning us back into the creative power
of our God and therefore into those relationships that are all around us. It can
be so easy to turn from this creativity and settle for the division that is always
willing to settle for violence. And yet, when we are able to keep moving into the
realm of a community of sharing and caring and justice - we will be moving into
the way of non-violence.
O God of love and new life, let peace be our way and our life and when we are being
persuaded to walk in the ways of division - speak to us. Amen.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 19, 2013
God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]I the beginning when creation was unfolding - as it still is - God is actively bringing
into being all things. Though that is and was and will be a messy endeavor at times
and filled with pain and makes folks have to adjust to life as it is changing, it
is still creative. That creativity is non-violent. That is, it does not destroy
simply to destroy. It does not brutalize another for the sake of putting an end
to life that is not wanted. In the beginning of every now and all that will come
God is calling forth life that will seek what is best for all. There is no warfare
- in the beginning. There is no hoarding - in the beginning. There is no revenge
- in the beginning. There is no beating another down in order to see oneself as
higher than the next person - in the beginning. The creativity of our God makes
room. That is an non-violence that allows for each creature to breathe and move
into each person's own worth. God as non-violence is the creative power that not
only brings each person into new life - it is also the power to bring life into
the midst every gather of people - every community. God as non-violence is the
creative power that seeks to bring out the greatest potential of each person - for
the welfare of the whole. It is the power of the whole to honor and protect each
individual. That will - at times - mean that one person may need to put his/her
life on the line to make sure that the powers of division do not change the wind
of creativity and new life. I think that would be called non-violent action - life
within the Reign of God.
O God of love and new life, from the beginning of all things and right on through
the fullness of time, you continue to create life that is able to see the peace
of your Reign alive and well. Keep us walking within the creative power that will
heal and make whole even in a world that only knows the way of war. Amen.
into being all things. Though that is and was and will be a messy endeavor at times
and filled with pain and makes folks have to adjust to life as it is changing, it
is still creative. That creativity is non-violent. That is, it does not destroy
simply to destroy. It does not brutalize another for the sake of putting an end
to life that is not wanted. In the beginning of every now and all that will come
God is calling forth life that will seek what is best for all. There is no warfare
- in the beginning. There is no hoarding - in the beginning. There is no revenge
- in the beginning. There is no beating another down in order to see oneself as
higher than the next person - in the beginning. The creativity of our God makes
room. That is an non-violence that allows for each creature to breathe and move
into each person's own worth. God as non-violence is the creative power that not
only brings each person into new life - it is also the power to bring life into
the midst every gather of people - every community. God as non-violence is the
creative power that seeks to bring out the greatest potential of each person - for
the welfare of the whole. It is the power of the whole to honor and protect each
individual. That will - at times - mean that one person may need to put his/her
life on the line to make sure that the powers of division do not change the wind
of creativity and new life. I think that would be called non-violent action - life
within the Reign of God.
O God of love and new life, from the beginning of all things and right on through
the fullness of time, you continue to create life that is able to see the peace
of your Reign alive and well. Keep us walking within the creative power that will
heal and make whole even in a world that only knows the way of war. Amen.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 18, 2013
God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Though we hear so many stories that appear to make God a violent being, I don't
buy it. The way of God's Reign - the life that is handed to us is one in which there
is to be no violence toward the other. God as forgiveness and reconciliation and
peace and mercy and loving kindness moves us into lives of non-violence. That is
not to say that we still do not persist to beat - slam - kick - and even kill others.
THAT kind of life cannot be said to be the life into which God calls us. God as
non-violence is one who give us life freely - you - me - all of them. The only way
that all of these gifted parts of creation can live together is to live non-violently.
Once the cycle of violence begins, it never ends. It is always pay-back time - get
even time - retribution time. I would submit that all of those times are times we
claim as 'our' time and therefore we let ourselves go to war forgetting that life
is a gift handed to both me and the one I'm trying to destroy. But that 'our' and
that 'my' really seems to change the face of the peace of God's Reign that is to
be our home.
O God of love and new life, lead us more deeply into your peace. Amen.
buy it. The way of God's Reign - the life that is handed to us is one in which there
is to be no violence toward the other. God as forgiveness and reconciliation and
peace and mercy and loving kindness moves us into lives of non-violence. That is
not to say that we still do not persist to beat - slam - kick - and even kill others.
THAT kind of life cannot be said to be the life into which God calls us. God as
non-violence is one who give us life freely - you - me - all of them. The only way
that all of these gifted parts of creation can live together is to live non-violently.
Once the cycle of violence begins, it never ends. It is always pay-back time - get
even time - retribution time. I would submit that all of those times are times we
claim as 'our' time and therefore we let ourselves go to war forgetting that life
is a gift handed to both me and the one I'm trying to destroy. But that 'our' and
that 'my' really seems to change the face of the peace of God's Reign that is to
be our home.
O God of love and new life, lead us more deeply into your peace. Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 15, 2013
God as without cost. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Well, without cost we are handed the day - go for it - be so bold to take God at
God's word and live as though we start this day as the beloved of God simply because
that is what God hands to us so that we might have life abundantly.
This all made me think - is there no cost - even to God. But then I thought that
forgiveness and mercy and loving-kindness - when they are a part of us - are always
transforming us. Maybe even our God. It is within the story of God's beloved son,
Jesus, we hear that God experiences humanity - not from afar but right in the middle
of the mix. Whenever we are in the middle of the human mix and we live as though
we are residents of God's Reign of love, there will be a cost. So then, this life
of love - handed to us as a gift - offered to us within the power of the Holy Spirit
- will be at a cost to all - all. The cost is the blessed movement from brokenness
to a wholeness that is to be eternal.
O God of love and new life, blessed are you who comes to share with us the fullness
of your Reign within all that is as ordinary as our humanity. Amen.
God's word and live as though we start this day as the beloved of God simply because
that is what God hands to us so that we might have life abundantly.
This all made me think - is there no cost - even to God. But then I thought that
forgiveness and mercy and loving-kindness - when they are a part of us - are always
transforming us. Maybe even our God. It is within the story of God's beloved son,
Jesus, we hear that God experiences humanity - not from afar but right in the middle
of the mix. Whenever we are in the middle of the human mix and we live as though
we are residents of God's Reign of love, there will be a cost. So then, this life
of love - handed to us as a gift - offered to us within the power of the Holy Spirit
- will be at a cost to all - all. The cost is the blessed movement from brokenness
to a wholeness that is to be eternal.
O God of love and new life, blessed are you who comes to share with us the fullness
of your Reign within all that is as ordinary as our humanity. Amen.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 14, 2013
God as without cost. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Today I took a break - one year since my open-heart surgery. I had an echocardiogram
(things look real good) - took dark chocolate to the staff who took care of me at
the hospital - and think it is just wonderful to have the ability to do what I do
- be with the people I love - and wonder about what kind of joy will come into my
life next. God heals - without cost.
O God of love and new life, thanks. Amen.
(things look real good) - took dark chocolate to the staff who took care of me at
the hospital - and think it is just wonderful to have the ability to do what I do
- be with the people I love - and wonder about what kind of joy will come into my
life next. God heals - without cost.
O God of love and new life, thanks. Amen.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 13, 2013
God as without cost. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Whenever there are strings attached, there is a cost - there is a price to pay in
order to get whatever is connected to those strings. So we begin so many conversations
with 'if'. It could be that we say "if you do this or act like this or go here or
believe this - then, you will have this or that or get to be a part of this or that."
In many ways, people seem to be attracted to relationships that have strings attached.
It is as though there must be a cost - there must be something I must pay - there
must be I can or must do to complete a circuit of some kind. And yet, we are constantly
being reminded of a God who simply gives without anything on our side having to
add up to something first. Unfortunately, many religious voices try to have folks
add up to something before God will count them. Maybe that is how those religious
voices operate - but our God moves and acts without cost. In fact, I would say the
only strings attached to the Good News of God's Reigning love is the string that
God keeps using to tickle our necks so that we will turn to see what is available
for our life - without cost. It is there - when we are caught up in that which is
handed to us - that which trips up our thinking - that which turns on a light for
us, that we are inspired to see and hear the sheer gift God offers us - without
cost. That tickle - that awakening - is part of the power of God's Spirit that
is eternally setting up a new reality for us - without cost. Life as a whole new
reality has a pull to it that will go ahead and begin to shape our response. Therefore,
even if we think we do something to get something, not.
O God of love and new life, thrill us with your life you give endlessly. Amen.
order to get whatever is connected to those strings. So we begin so many conversations
with 'if'. It could be that we say "if you do this or act like this or go here or
believe this - then, you will have this or that or get to be a part of this or that."
In many ways, people seem to be attracted to relationships that have strings attached.
It is as though there must be a cost - there must be something I must pay - there
must be I can or must do to complete a circuit of some kind. And yet, we are constantly
being reminded of a God who simply gives without anything on our side having to
add up to something first. Unfortunately, many religious voices try to have folks
add up to something before God will count them. Maybe that is how those religious
voices operate - but our God moves and acts without cost. In fact, I would say the
only strings attached to the Good News of God's Reigning love is the string that
God keeps using to tickle our necks so that we will turn to see what is available
for our life - without cost. It is there - when we are caught up in that which is
handed to us - that which trips up our thinking - that which turns on a light for
us, that we are inspired to see and hear the sheer gift God offers us - without
cost. That tickle - that awakening - is part of the power of God's Spirit that
is eternally setting up a new reality for us - without cost. Life as a whole new
reality has a pull to it that will go ahead and begin to shape our response. Therefore,
even if we think we do something to get something, not.
O God of love and new life, thrill us with your life you give endlessly. Amen.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 12, 2013
God as without cost. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as without cost is not just a notion about the beginning of all things. This
God is also the trigger of new life when it cracks into the day and twirls us around
within a great whirlwind of possibilities that is able to make each 'now' into a
cosmic beginning - fresh and pure. God without cost knocks Saul from his journey
of self-righteous warfare so that Saul might begin a new life - without cost. God
as without cost claims us. This is God as 'gotcha' and God as 'you're mine no matter
what you think or do.' From that point - that announcement - that act that interrupts
life as we would have it be, we have only one point of reference - God as without
cost. Without cost we are placed at the welcome table - we are encouraged to eat
and drink - we are bathed in promises we have not earned. Without cost there is
a firm foundation that gives us a place to start. It is like food set out on the
table and we are simply told to eat - eat - enjoy - be filled - without cost. It
is an invitation into a reality that is unlike the day-to-day world that seems
to always cost us 'an arm and a leg.'
O God of love and new life, remind us to dig in and enjoy the feast of life you
set before us. Interrupt us with the joy of your unbounded, gracious love. Amen.
God is also the trigger of new life when it cracks into the day and twirls us around
within a great whirlwind of possibilities that is able to make each 'now' into a
cosmic beginning - fresh and pure. God without cost knocks Saul from his journey
of self-righteous warfare so that Saul might begin a new life - without cost. God
as without cost claims us. This is God as 'gotcha' and God as 'you're mine no matter
what you think or do.' From that point - that announcement - that act that interrupts
life as we would have it be, we have only one point of reference - God as without
cost. Without cost we are placed at the welcome table - we are encouraged to eat
and drink - we are bathed in promises we have not earned. Without cost there is
a firm foundation that gives us a place to start. It is like food set out on the
table and we are simply told to eat - eat - enjoy - be filled - without cost. It
is an invitation into a reality that is unlike the day-to-day world that seems
to always cost us 'an arm and a leg.'
O God of love and new life, remind us to dig in and enjoy the feast of life you
set before us. Interrupt us with the joy of your unbounded, gracious love. Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 11, 2013
God as without cost. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]It would be easy to confuse this with the familiar idea of the 'cost of discipleship'
from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Don't go there yet. Before we even enter into the life
of following Jesus - discipleship, there is this God who claims us and gives us
life without cost. This is a God who is flat out for us - before we even know that
God is our God. Without cost - we are claimed - we are recipients of life eternal
- we are told we are a part of a story in which our God will forever pull us into
life that heals and makes all things new. This way of our God is consistent through
out the storytelling of Scripture - it has been and it will be. It is easy to want
to jump into how we live as people who are loved and embraced and forgiven and reconciled
without cost - freely - as a gift. And yet, we must not make that jump. In some
ways, we cannot make that jump. More and more I trust that our God pulls us into
a life that is handed to us without cost. It is the word before any other word
can be spoken. It is a truth so vital to new life that there can be no way to get
into the mix of that new life without having it handed to us without cost. In the
beginning was God - and without cost - God brings all things into being. It is
an amazing action that we cannot grasp - we can only take it in like a fresh breath
of air.
O God of love and new life, breath on us and lift us up into your gracious love
again this day. Amen.
from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Don't go there yet. Before we even enter into the life
of following Jesus - discipleship, there is this God who claims us and gives us
life without cost. This is a God who is flat out for us - before we even know that
God is our God. Without cost - we are claimed - we are recipients of life eternal
- we are told we are a part of a story in which our God will forever pull us into
life that heals and makes all things new. This way of our God is consistent through
out the storytelling of Scripture - it has been and it will be. It is easy to want
to jump into how we live as people who are loved and embraced and forgiven and reconciled
without cost - freely - as a gift. And yet, we must not make that jump. In some
ways, we cannot make that jump. More and more I trust that our God pulls us into
a life that is handed to us without cost. It is the word before any other word
can be spoken. It is a truth so vital to new life that there can be no way to get
into the mix of that new life without having it handed to us without cost. In the
beginning was God - and without cost - God brings all things into being. It is
an amazing action that we cannot grasp - we can only take it in like a fresh breath
of air.
O God of love and new life, breath on us and lift us up into your gracious love
again this day. Amen.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 8, 2013
God as uncertainty. If you have any comments (besides the uncertainty of whether
or not I will send this out) - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Am I really saying that the place in which we meet God is within moments of uncertainty?
Not sure. In fact, I'm quite certain that God is with us in all times. Is God within
that certainty? Certainly! I think I'm always wrestling with how I remember this
God who is always present - always loving - always forgiving. How does that character
of God take hold of me within those times of uncertainty that seem to be able to
mess with my mind and my life? I would usually say 'prayerfully' - that's how.
But prayer, pulls me beyond myself and brings me face to face with the God who promises
to be God even when I am running away a high speed. When my life is rumbling within
uncertainty it is easy to forget about prayer. That is, forget about the vision
of God with us - in and through all things - shaping that which has not yet come
to be. God as uncertainty is God who enables us to remember - to fight off amnesia
- to keep in mind that vision of God's Reign that is able to kick start faithful
living even when uncertainty tries to spoil everything.
O God of love and new life, wrestle with us - pull us into the ring and tie us up
within your presence so that we will have to make a point of touching you and making
sense of what is to be the next move within our lives. As we wrestle with your eternal
Reign, we will begin to dare to approach and enter the moments of uncertainty that
so often make us turn and run away. Amen.
or not I will send this out) - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Am I really saying that the place in which we meet God is within moments of uncertainty?
Not sure. In fact, I'm quite certain that God is with us in all times. Is God within
that certainty? Certainly! I think I'm always wrestling with how I remember this
God who is always present - always loving - always forgiving. How does that character
of God take hold of me within those times of uncertainty that seem to be able to
mess with my mind and my life? I would usually say 'prayerfully' - that's how.
But prayer, pulls me beyond myself and brings me face to face with the God who promises
to be God even when I am running away a high speed. When my life is rumbling within
uncertainty it is easy to forget about prayer. That is, forget about the vision
of God with us - in and through all things - shaping that which has not yet come
to be. God as uncertainty is God who enables us to remember - to fight off amnesia
- to keep in mind that vision of God's Reign that is able to kick start faithful
living even when uncertainty tries to spoil everything.
O God of love and new life, wrestle with us - pull us into the ring and tie us up
within your presence so that we will have to make a point of touching you and making
sense of what is to be the next move within our lives. As we wrestle with your eternal
Reign, we will begin to dare to approach and enter the moments of uncertainty that
so often make us turn and run away. Amen.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 6, 2013
God as uncertainty. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]What is next? How will I handle it? Where it take me? I don't know. As much as I
like to have a plan as to how the day will unfold, the day always seems to turn
up something when it does not go the way I intended it to go. God as uncertainty
is the reminder to live right into and through the moment at hand. We are invited
to embody the Reign of God - literally put our lives into it. Therefore, that which
is uncertain already has shape to it - there is a way into uncertain times - there
is a character waiting to be actualized - there is hope awakening us for what is
yet to come. I often talk like this about that which is not yet. Then again, as
I am in the middle of that which is not yet, I am too often a fool - a frighten
person frozen in my tracks - a nay-sayer.
What is next? I need to hang on to the certainty of God's power for life will be
endlessly with me even as uncertainty is pushing me around and causing confusion
to rule me. God as uncertainty may simply be the way we lay claim to the uncertain
times around us and remind one another of the life God is about to hand us no matter
what the signs around us seem to be saying.
O God of love and new life, abide with us again and inspire our living within your
Reign this day. Amen.
like to have a plan as to how the day will unfold, the day always seems to turn
up something when it does not go the way I intended it to go. God as uncertainty
is the reminder to live right into and through the moment at hand. We are invited
to embody the Reign of God - literally put our lives into it. Therefore, that which
is uncertain already has shape to it - there is a way into uncertain times - there
is a character waiting to be actualized - there is hope awakening us for what is
yet to come. I often talk like this about that which is not yet. Then again, as
I am in the middle of that which is not yet, I am too often a fool - a frighten
person frozen in my tracks - a nay-sayer.
What is next? I need to hang on to the certainty of God's power for life will be
endlessly with me even as uncertainty is pushing me around and causing confusion
to rule me. God as uncertainty may simply be the way we lay claim to the uncertain
times around us and remind one another of the life God is about to hand us no matter
what the signs around us seem to be saying.
O God of love and new life, abide with us again and inspire our living within your
Reign this day. Amen.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 5, 2013
God as uncertainty. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]So where is God as uncertainty about to take us? Maybe the bigger question for all
of us is whether we will be going along as God pulls us into the next adventure
of our lives. Remember, an adventure out into the unknown does not have to be big.
It may be a subtle change or turn. It may be a time when we hear old words in a
new way and as we go through this new hearing, we take them to heart - we put some
life to them. God is with us in that hearing. God is with us giving some shape to
our uncertainty - putting some local color to grand notions and expectations - expanding
our vision to include that extra step or word that may redirect us for life.
Whenever I think of moments of uncertainty and confusion and fear, one of the stories
I hear in my head is the one that places Philip alongside the Ethiopian Eunuch.
Do you think he was out there running for his life - swirling in circles after the
events of his life with Jesus - wondering what would be next - hoping for a word
that would help make life make sense? I have no idea. What we know is that within
a time that could have been full of uncertainty, he is brought back into the storytelling
of his life. He climbs up into the Eunuch's carriage and continues the day with
the power of the Holy Spirit taking him off the path he was following. God as uncertainty
brings a breath of fresh air - possibly turning a retreat into a purposeful new
journey.
O God of love and new life, who will stop us in our tracks and move us into new
life so that the wide open spaces of your gracious Reign will available to all?
Guide our listening and our speaking - guide our steps and encourage us as we wander.
Amen.
of us is whether we will be going along as God pulls us into the next adventure
of our lives. Remember, an adventure out into the unknown does not have to be big.
It may be a subtle change or turn. It may be a time when we hear old words in a
new way and as we go through this new hearing, we take them to heart - we put some
life to them. God is with us in that hearing. God is with us giving some shape to
our uncertainty - putting some local color to grand notions and expectations - expanding
our vision to include that extra step or word that may redirect us for life.
Whenever I think of moments of uncertainty and confusion and fear, one of the stories
I hear in my head is the one that places Philip alongside the Ethiopian Eunuch.
Do you think he was out there running for his life - swirling in circles after the
events of his life with Jesus - wondering what would be next - hoping for a word
that would help make life make sense? I have no idea. What we know is that within
a time that could have been full of uncertainty, he is brought back into the storytelling
of his life. He climbs up into the Eunuch's carriage and continues the day with
the power of the Holy Spirit taking him off the path he was following. God as uncertainty
brings a breath of fresh air - possibly turning a retreat into a purposeful new
journey.
O God of love and new life, who will stop us in our tracks and move us into new
life so that the wide open spaces of your gracious Reign will available to all?
Guide our listening and our speaking - guide our steps and encourage us as we wander.
Amen.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 4, 2013
God as uncertainty. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]My first words were almost, "I'm not certain I want to go here." We are handed so
much life. There are so many ways to go. There are so many judgments we will make
about what we can or cannot do. There are lists of other things we can do - other
things we can get away with - other things that might be safe and easy and keep
things as they are. And yet, I have consistently said that the Spirit of our God
pulls us into life we have yet to enter. That means we are always on the edge of
uncertainty. God as uncertainty is the God that promises to bring life that comes
in the shape of the Christ, Jesus - life that forgives even when the other side
has made a bloody mess of us and had a good laugh about it. I am not sure how I
will enter that life or if I will enter it. I'm not sure.
But there in those moments of uncertainty our God has a history of faithfulness
that has taken God's people over the edge into what is not yet and that which cannot
be controlled. Our God as uncertainty does not promise to make everything fine and
good. Rather in the middle of the uncertainty of the day we can expect to have to
wrestle with God's graciousness and wonder. As our God pulls us into the uncertainty
of the moment, it is quite likely we will come up with a long list of why we cannot
and should not move forward. Some of those reasons will make great sense to us and
others - and yet, I think our God as uncertainty smiles quite a bit. That we would
know so much - ha. So God continues to pull us and the ride of our lives is just
around the corner.
O God of love and new life, we do not know what is next and we find it so hard to
move out into new ways of life that continue to reveal your glory and love through
us. Continue to grasp us and pull us beyond ourselves. Amen.
much life. There are so many ways to go. There are so many judgments we will make
about what we can or cannot do. There are lists of other things we can do - other
things we can get away with - other things that might be safe and easy and keep
things as they are. And yet, I have consistently said that the Spirit of our God
pulls us into life we have yet to enter. That means we are always on the edge of
uncertainty. God as uncertainty is the God that promises to bring life that comes
in the shape of the Christ, Jesus - life that forgives even when the other side
has made a bloody mess of us and had a good laugh about it. I am not sure how I
will enter that life or if I will enter it. I'm not sure.
But there in those moments of uncertainty our God has a history of faithfulness
that has taken God's people over the edge into what is not yet and that which cannot
be controlled. Our God as uncertainty does not promise to make everything fine and
good. Rather in the middle of the uncertainty of the day we can expect to have to
wrestle with God's graciousness and wonder. As our God pulls us into the uncertainty
of the moment, it is quite likely we will come up with a long list of why we cannot
and should not move forward. Some of those reasons will make great sense to us and
others - and yet, I think our God as uncertainty smiles quite a bit. That we would
know so much - ha. So God continues to pull us and the ride of our lives is just
around the corner.
O God of love and new life, we do not know what is next and we find it so hard to
move out into new ways of life that continue to reveal your glory and love through
us. Continue to grasp us and pull us beyond ourselves. Amen.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for March 1, 2013
God as eternal judgement - an opportunity to think about these words that cause
some folks to shudder with fear. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]My mom always knew I was a bit odd. Through the years she could only keep thinking
that - I gave her much evidence. I'm sure she was never quite at rest when I went
out at night with friends. As a chaperone she once rescued my best friend when he
showed up so drunk at a school dance he could hardly walk. It was like watching
a living punch line: "He was so drunk, he". And yet, my mom embraced him - was able
to laugh - was able to keep him safe and secure and to get him home safely. No word
to his parents. She knew I could be having a night like that - and later she did
see that. And yet, she moved me into the next day as her beloved. That, was just
one lesson in forgiving and accepting love that provided freedom and not fear.
God as eternal judgment is like a mother who can hold us close when we smell like
fools. In the face of our foolishness and shortcomings, we are judged as beloved
and we will always be sent off with a word of unbounded, eternal love. I often
think of my mother when I attempt to imagine the eternal nature of God's judgment.
I need to do that. The judgment of myself is not as gracious as our God whose judgment
is the power to bring new life - even to me in the midst of my foolishness.
O God of love and new life, shape us and send us. Amen.
some folks to shudder with fear. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]My mom always knew I was a bit odd. Through the years she could only keep thinking
that - I gave her much evidence. I'm sure she was never quite at rest when I went
out at night with friends. As a chaperone she once rescued my best friend when he
showed up so drunk at a school dance he could hardly walk. It was like watching
a living punch line: "He was so drunk, he". And yet, my mom embraced him - was able
to laugh - was able to keep him safe and secure and to get him home safely. No word
to his parents. She knew I could be having a night like that - and later she did
see that. And yet, she moved me into the next day as her beloved. That, was just
one lesson in forgiving and accepting love that provided freedom and not fear.
God as eternal judgment is like a mother who can hold us close when we smell like
fools. In the face of our foolishness and shortcomings, we are judged as beloved
and we will always be sent off with a word of unbounded, eternal love. I often
think of my mother when I attempt to imagine the eternal nature of God's judgment.
I need to do that. The judgment of myself is not as gracious as our God whose judgment
is the power to bring new life - even to me in the midst of my foolishness.
O God of love and new life, shape us and send us. Amen.
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