This week: God as unfolding story. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as unfolding story makes us step back from all of our attempts to turn our God
into a stone image - an idol - that can crumble under time and under the power of
new revelations and conversation. God as unfolding story means that we are involved
- as God's beloved people - in the way the story continues to move through this
day. We are not a people who are meant to simply read of a past time and place.
If that were so, there would not be such a dynamic bunch of stories as are told
in the book of Acts. God as unfolding story is the moving of the Holy Spirit that
takes us beyond ourselves and all that we thought we could or should control. God
as unfolding story means that we must remember the stories of old, connect with
the stories of the not-so-distant life of the faithful, and take the risk to step
into God's gracious Reign even as it keeps moving along the way and bidding us to
come and see.
O God of love and new life, keep us soundly grounded in the story of your love so
that we will be free to engage the present with confidence and grace. Amen.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 29, 2013
This week: God as unfolding story. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]There is always more to the story. In the long record of the story of God who leads
a people to new life, there is always more to hear and see. God as unfolding story
invites us to look again at what has been written and told. Just as we are always
learning new things about the character of the people all around us, as we look
at the stories of our God and enter into conversation about those stories we will
see parts of the character of our God that will unfold among us. I see this most
often when God is described as angry - violent - unbending. I have been seeing
quite a different God. As of late, the unfolding story of our God is one in which
I am continually amazed by a merciful, forgiving, life-giving, and challenging God.
God as unfolding story pinches me in the butt so that I will get off my butt and
once again lean into the story of God's gracious love - the power for new life
in every age. Reading that story is also a act of radical involvement. It is radical
because we are being invited into the very essence of this God whose love knows
no end and is able to overcome all the powers of the world.
O God of love and new life, keep us rooted in this story of your unending love as
we move through the day at hand. Amen.
a people to new life, there is always more to hear and see. God as unfolding story
invites us to look again at what has been written and told. Just as we are always
learning new things about the character of the people all around us, as we look
at the stories of our God and enter into conversation about those stories we will
see parts of the character of our God that will unfold among us. I see this most
often when God is described as angry - violent - unbending. I have been seeing
quite a different God. As of late, the unfolding story of our God is one in which
I am continually amazed by a merciful, forgiving, life-giving, and challenging God.
God as unfolding story pinches me in the butt so that I will get off my butt and
once again lean into the story of God's gracious love - the power for new life
in every age. Reading that story is also a act of radical involvement. It is radical
because we are being invited into the very essence of this God whose love knows
no end and is able to overcome all the powers of the world.
O God of love and new life, keep us rooted in this story of your unending love as
we move through the day at hand. Amen.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 26, 2013
God as servant. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as servant gives us a future. What are we going to do next? Well, we can always
be ready to serve others. That is a whole life full of opportunities. I was just
wondering how many times in the next ten to fifteen minutes will I be in a position
to serve. At the same time, I may be placed in all of those positions and never
allow myself the time to serve. I may just keep going on my way - the way I would
like the day to go - the way that will keep me focused on me and how the world spins
around me. God as servant also invites us to step into the creative task of looking
after the well-being of those around me and those who are far off and yet still
connected. The way we begin to serve is to open our eyes and ears. That may help
us begin the journey of opening up our hearts which becomes a life-turning event.
When our hearts turn and are open to the lives of others, we witness a world longing
for acts of compassion, self-sacrifice, justice, solidarity with the lonely and
left out. God as servant stirs up our hearts and places us right back down into
our ordinary day in order to be a living witness to hearts filled with this love
of God that is already ready to embrace and serve.
O God of love and new life, make this day the beginning of a season of turning so
that we exercise the freedom to move in new ways and stretch ourselves out to engage
the world with your servant love. Amen.
be ready to serve others. That is a whole life full of opportunities. I was just
wondering how many times in the next ten to fifteen minutes will I be in a position
to serve. At the same time, I may be placed in all of those positions and never
allow myself the time to serve. I may just keep going on my way - the way I would
like the day to go - the way that will keep me focused on me and how the world spins
around me. God as servant also invites us to step into the creative task of looking
after the well-being of those around me and those who are far off and yet still
connected. The way we begin to serve is to open our eyes and ears. That may help
us begin the journey of opening up our hearts which becomes a life-turning event.
When our hearts turn and are open to the lives of others, we witness a world longing
for acts of compassion, self-sacrifice, justice, solidarity with the lonely and
left out. God as servant stirs up our hearts and places us right back down into
our ordinary day in order to be a living witness to hearts filled with this love
of God that is already ready to embrace and serve.
O God of love and new life, make this day the beginning of a season of turning so
that we exercise the freedom to move in new ways and stretch ourselves out to engage
the world with your servant love. Amen.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 25, 2013
God as servant. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as servant gives us a future. What are we going to do next? Well, we can always
be ready to serve others. That is a whole life full of opportunities. I was just
wondering how many times in the next ten to fifteen minutes will I be in a position
to serve. At the same time, I may be placed in all of those positions and never
allow myself the time to serve. I may just keep going on my way - the way I would
like the day to go - the way that will keep me focused on me and how the world spins
around me. God as servant also invites us to step into the creative task of looking
after the well-being of those around me and those who are far off and yet still
connected. The way we begin to serve is to open our eyes and ears. That may help
us begin the journey of opening up our hearts which becomes a life-turning event.
When our hearts turn and are open to the lives of others, we witness a world longing
for acts of compassion, self-sacrifice, justice, solidarity with the lonely and
left out. God as servant stirs up our hearts and places us right back down into
our ordinary day in order to be a living witness to hearts filled with this love
of God that is already ready to embrace and serve.
O God of love and new life, make this day the beginning of a season of turning so
that we exercise the freedom to move in new ways and stretch ourselves out to engage
the world with your servant love. Amen.
be ready to serve others. That is a whole life full of opportunities. I was just
wondering how many times in the next ten to fifteen minutes will I be in a position
to serve. At the same time, I may be placed in all of those positions and never
allow myself the time to serve. I may just keep going on my way - the way I would
like the day to go - the way that will keep me focused on me and how the world spins
around me. God as servant also invites us to step into the creative task of looking
after the well-being of those around me and those who are far off and yet still
connected. The way we begin to serve is to open our eyes and ears. That may help
us begin the journey of opening up our hearts which becomes a life-turning event.
When our hearts turn and are open to the lives of others, we witness a world longing
for acts of compassion, self-sacrifice, justice, solidarity with the lonely and
left out. God as servant stirs up our hearts and places us right back down into
our ordinary day in order to be a living witness to hearts filled with this love
of God that is already ready to embrace and serve.
O God of love and new life, make this day the beginning of a season of turning so
that we exercise the freedom to move in new ways and stretch ourselves out to engage
the world with your servant love. Amen.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 24, 2013
God as servant. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as servant allows me to step back and look again at what I am about to do -
how am about to act - what I am about to say. The one who serves as this God as
servant takes a breath before any action. Within that breath is the life of the
servant. In that breath is a moment of stillness - a moment that allows judgment
to rest - a moment that bridges the divide between myself and the one(s) I am invited
to serve. God as servant is that wind that blows and fills up our lives with opportunities
we so often move through without seeing them with the eyes of the servant. God as
servant brings the love of God down to practical terms right before us.
O God of love and new life, be for us the 'in between' time in which your Spirit
offers us a hand to guide us into your future. Amen.
how am about to act - what I am about to say. The one who serves as this God as
servant takes a breath before any action. Within that breath is the life of the
servant. In that breath is a moment of stillness - a moment that allows judgment
to rest - a moment that bridges the divide between myself and the one(s) I am invited
to serve. God as servant is that wind that blows and fills up our lives with opportunities
we so often move through without seeing them with the eyes of the servant. God as
servant brings the love of God down to practical terms right before us.
O God of love and new life, be for us the 'in between' time in which your Spirit
offers us a hand to guide us into your future. Amen.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 23, 2013
God as servant. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as servant suffers. When we serve others, we may be perceived as worth-less
than others. Servants can be dismissed. Servants are expendable. Servants are often
seen as weaker than the one served. God as servant acts out of a position of power
- the power of love. The servant fears no other - therefore, the servant is able
to subject him/herself to work that will seek the welfare of the other. That, is
a position of power. I serve - not because I am less - not because I want to be
raised up higher. The servant is able to see how service to others builds up the
whole community. When we serve, my neighbor and my enemy and my family is able
to become one people - one love. God as servant suffers because few people want
to be one people. We too often long for an us and a them that will allow us to think
we are better than the others and therefore not one who serves - but one who is
served because we deserve such attention. The servant suffers because a world that
divides and separates will resist - even unto death - those who serve to heal and
make well and honor even ones not like me.
O God of love and new life, it is not easy to serve. It is frightening. It is a
life in which we must trust that the promises of your Reign will come. In the face
of the violence of our world, inspire us to bow down and serve up a new reality.
Amen.
than others. Servants can be dismissed. Servants are expendable. Servants are often
seen as weaker than the one served. God as servant acts out of a position of power
- the power of love. The servant fears no other - therefore, the servant is able
to subject him/herself to work that will seek the welfare of the other. That, is
a position of power. I serve - not because I am less - not because I want to be
raised up higher. The servant is able to see how service to others builds up the
whole community. When we serve, my neighbor and my enemy and my family is able
to become one people - one love. God as servant suffers because few people want
to be one people. We too often long for an us and a them that will allow us to think
we are better than the others and therefore not one who serves - but one who is
served because we deserve such attention. The servant suffers because a world that
divides and separates will resist - even unto death - those who serve to heal and
make well and honor even ones not like me.
O God of love and new life, it is not easy to serve. It is frightening. It is a
life in which we must trust that the promises of your Reign will come. In the face
of the violence of our world, inspire us to bow down and serve up a new reality.
Amen.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 22, 2013
God as servant. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]To serve is to break the endless cycle of 'better than thou' that resists the life
of God's peaceable Reign. When we are continually moving into the life of one who
serves others, we must pause and begin to see and hear that which the other person
needs or wants or desires. It is at that point that we are given the opportunity
to build a relationship not focused on competition. God as servant is the God that
bows and bends and then walks alongside of us inviting us to move in new ways and
see new possibilities in life. God as servant calls us to take a breath - to breathe
and let go of that which we must have or must be. Rather than attempt to rule over
others or find ways for people to bow and bend to us, we take a breath of the wind
of creation that gives us time to imagine how all-that-is-different is able to be
seen as a mix of gifts that can be used for the well-being of all. God as servant
invites us to step back, re-view what it at hand, and then begin to contemplate
how we will be used to create life unimaginable had we been self-consumed.
O God of love and new life, help us to see what comes to life as we give ourselves
away in service to others. Guide us so we do not become anxious and forget about
the wonder of a life that honors the 'other' so that we find serving to be a natural
expression of our whole lives. Amen.
of God's peaceable Reign. When we are continually moving into the life of one who
serves others, we must pause and begin to see and hear that which the other person
needs or wants or desires. It is at that point that we are given the opportunity
to build a relationship not focused on competition. God as servant is the God that
bows and bends and then walks alongside of us inviting us to move in new ways and
see new possibilities in life. God as servant calls us to take a breath - to breathe
and let go of that which we must have or must be. Rather than attempt to rule over
others or find ways for people to bow and bend to us, we take a breath of the wind
of creation that gives us time to imagine how all-that-is-different is able to be
seen as a mix of gifts that can be used for the well-being of all. God as servant
invites us to step back, re-view what it at hand, and then begin to contemplate
how we will be used to create life unimaginable had we been self-consumed.
O God of love and new life, help us to see what comes to life as we give ourselves
away in service to others. Guide us so we do not become anxious and forget about
the wonder of a life that honors the 'other' so that we find serving to be a natural
expression of our whole lives. Amen.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 19, 2013
God as invitation. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as invitation is always an invitation into the life of a community. The community
will have a particular character to it. If God as invitation was only an invitation
for me to be in relationship with God - where would that go? But if the relationship
with God transforms my life by putting me in relationship with others - just as
I am relationship with God - the world may change around us. God as invitation will
shape the way we take part in the life of the day at hand. As God takes me in and
holds me and nurtures in me a love for others as I am loved by God, I may begin
to interact with the world around me as though I am always being invited by God
to be a part of God's loving character. Knowing that my own character is often far
from the loving embrace of our God, it is good to know that God is still inviting
me out of my past and into a new way to live - now and forevermore.
O God of love and new life, change the day and change us all. Bring your Reign of
peace among us. Amen.
will have a particular character to it. If God as invitation was only an invitation
for me to be in relationship with God - where would that go? But if the relationship
with God transforms my life by putting me in relationship with others - just as
I am relationship with God - the world may change around us. God as invitation will
shape the way we take part in the life of the day at hand. As God takes me in and
holds me and nurtures in me a love for others as I am loved by God, I may begin
to interact with the world around me as though I am always being invited by God
to be a part of God's loving character. Knowing that my own character is often far
from the loving embrace of our God, it is good to know that God is still inviting
me out of my past and into a new way to live - now and forevermore.
O God of love and new life, change the day and change us all. Bring your Reign of
peace among us. Amen.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 18, 2013
God as invitation. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]The invitation to come and enter into the fullness of the Reign of God is a constant,
never-ending reality. God as invitation takes us where we are and gives us the next
steps for our lives. God invites us to look around and see the ever-present Lord
of Life ready to move us into the next moment - the next hour - the next day. The
invitation is always around us. There are other invitations that come into our reach
or are place in our hands. God as invitation offers us that peace that disturbs
the world by its simple presence. We are invited into peace even when violence takes
its toll at innocent events like Monday's marathon in Boston. The crushing power
of that act - the evil that rises up to destroy life - also becomes the invitation
to life that is not full of that violence. So God as invitation is there present
in the mess and the destruction - always present with the invitation to heal and
forgive and lift up the broken ones and mourn with those who suffer great loss.
God as invitation pursues us no matter what the day may be offering us.
O God of love and new life, even when life seems to come to an abrupt end we prayerfully
ask that you hand us a way to begin and continue to invite transformation and reconciliation.
Amen.
never-ending reality. God as invitation takes us where we are and gives us the next
steps for our lives. God invites us to look around and see the ever-present Lord
of Life ready to move us into the next moment - the next hour - the next day. The
invitation is always around us. There are other invitations that come into our reach
or are place in our hands. God as invitation offers us that peace that disturbs
the world by its simple presence. We are invited into peace even when violence takes
its toll at innocent events like Monday's marathon in Boston. The crushing power
of that act - the evil that rises up to destroy life - also becomes the invitation
to life that is not full of that violence. So God as invitation is there present
in the mess and the destruction - always present with the invitation to heal and
forgive and lift up the broken ones and mourn with those who suffer great loss.
God as invitation pursues us no matter what the day may be offering us.
O God of love and new life, even when life seems to come to an abrupt end we prayerfully
ask that you hand us a way to begin and continue to invite transformation and reconciliation.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 17, 2013
God as invitation. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as invitation is filled with expectation - invitation to what!?! Well - life
that is seasoned with the fullness of God's Spirit of all hopefulness. This is a
Spirit that is able to take ordinary lives that are often sucked up into the patterns
of the world and opens wide a door to life that will transform those patterns. As
this God acts among us, our lives are filled with the power of new life to which
the Scriptures attempt to give witness. It is a witness of love that lives with
and alongside and on behalf of others - the good, the bad and all whose lives also
need to hear an invitation to new life. We become the invitation of our God by putting
our own flesh and blood out there as part of the life into which God is inviting
the whole world. We are each invited to be a witness to a strange new reality in
which the peace that passes all understanding is becoming more and more known to
the world as we enter it and the Spirit of God wraps us up in its promises. The
whole of Scripture is this invitation put into stories again and again - until
we get it.
O God of love and new life, inspire us to step up and take hold of the invitation
and the life it offers each of us this day. Amen.
that is seasoned with the fullness of God's Spirit of all hopefulness. This is a
Spirit that is able to take ordinary lives that are often sucked up into the patterns
of the world and opens wide a door to life that will transform those patterns. As
this God acts among us, our lives are filled with the power of new life to which
the Scriptures attempt to give witness. It is a witness of love that lives with
and alongside and on behalf of others - the good, the bad and all whose lives also
need to hear an invitation to new life. We become the invitation of our God by putting
our own flesh and blood out there as part of the life into which God is inviting
the whole world. We are each invited to be a witness to a strange new reality in
which the peace that passes all understanding is becoming more and more known to
the world as we enter it and the Spirit of God wraps us up in its promises. The
whole of Scripture is this invitation put into stories again and again - until
we get it.
O God of love and new life, inspire us to step up and take hold of the invitation
and the life it offers each of us this day. Amen.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 16, 2013
God as invitation. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as invitation is filled with expectation - invitation to what!?! Well - life
that is seasoned with the fullness of God's Spirit of all hopefulness. This is a
Spirit that is able to take ordinary lives that are often sucked up into the patterns
of the world and opens wide a door to life that will transform those patterns. As
this God acts among us, our lives are filled with the power of new life to which
the Scriptures attempt to give witness. It is a witness of love that lives with
and alongside and on behalf of others - the good, the bad and all whose lives also
need to hear an invitation to new life. We become the invitation of our God by putting
our own flesh and blood out there as part of the life into which God is inviting
the whole world. We are each invited to be a witness to a strange new reality in
which the peace that passes all understanding is becoming more and more known to
the world as we enter it and the Spirit of God wraps us up in its promises. The
whole of Scripture is this invitation put into stories again and again - until
we get it.
O God of love and new life, inspire us to step up and take hold of the invitation
and the life it offers each of us this day. Amen.
that is seasoned with the fullness of God's Spirit of all hopefulness. This is a
Spirit that is able to take ordinary lives that are often sucked up into the patterns
of the world and opens wide a door to life that will transform those patterns. As
this God acts among us, our lives are filled with the power of new life to which
the Scriptures attempt to give witness. It is a witness of love that lives with
and alongside and on behalf of others - the good, the bad and all whose lives also
need to hear an invitation to new life. We become the invitation of our God by putting
our own flesh and blood out there as part of the life into which God is inviting
the whole world. We are each invited to be a witness to a strange new reality in
which the peace that passes all understanding is becoming more and more known to
the world as we enter it and the Spirit of God wraps us up in its promises. The
whole of Scripture is this invitation put into stories again and again - until
we get it.
O God of love and new life, inspire us to step up and take hold of the invitation
and the life it offers each of us this day. Amen.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 15, 2013
God as invitation. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Too many people are afraid of God. I think that is one way that God is getting written
off as being unworthy of our time or energy. There are more an more 'nones' out
there each day - those folks who simply do not want or need to have God as part
of their lives. The God they see is a God that is foul - angry - punishing - and
simply nonsense. That kind of God condemns and punishes and seems to delight in
stoning people. It is, for example, the God-hates-fags kind of God.
But then there is God as invitation - the God who invites us to join in the creativity
necessary to bring peace and healing to the world. God as invitation is not going
around looking for people to 'zap' or 'punish.' God as invitation is inspiring people
to step up and join in on an adventure that will turn a broken down, war-making,
revenge-seeking world into a creative journey in which we are each considered to
be a part of the power of life that reveals the peaceable Reign of our God who invites
us into an amazing journey of creative reconciliation that is rarely allowed within
the story-telling of a god who seems to rule by little more than anger and threat.
O God of love and new life, help us hear your voice of invitation so that we will
come to see how you give us the energy and the courage and the heart to bring your
Reign of peace alive. Amen.
off as being unworthy of our time or energy. There are more an more 'nones' out
there each day - those folks who simply do not want or need to have God as part
of their lives. The God they see is a God that is foul - angry - punishing - and
simply nonsense. That kind of God condemns and punishes and seems to delight in
stoning people. It is, for example, the God-hates-fags kind of God.
But then there is God as invitation - the God who invites us to join in the creativity
necessary to bring peace and healing to the world. God as invitation is not going
around looking for people to 'zap' or 'punish.' God as invitation is inspiring people
to step up and join in on an adventure that will turn a broken down, war-making,
revenge-seeking world into a creative journey in which we are each considered to
be a part of the power of life that reveals the peaceable Reign of our God who invites
us into an amazing journey of creative reconciliation that is rarely allowed within
the story-telling of a god who seems to rule by little more than anger and threat.
O God of love and new life, help us hear your voice of invitation so that we will
come to see how you give us the energy and the courage and the heart to bring your
Reign of peace alive. Amen.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 12, 2013
God as Laugher. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as laughter enable us to laugh out loud at ourselves - that is a holy place
to be. It is when we laugh at ourselves - catch ourselves in the act of being knuckleheads
and war-mongerers and hate mongerers - that we are granted the courage to turn around
- repent - grab hold of the love and healing and mercifulness. When we are able
only to hate what we do - and therefore find it easy to hate what others do - we
will not laugh and we will not forgive and we will not let ourselves start anew.
God as laughter allows Stephen - right before they stone him to death - to announce
forgiveness. HA! The folks listening probably thought he was nuts. But no - he was
being as real as the Reign of God raining down upon both the good and the bad so
that the world might be transformed. The saints who are a living act of forgiveness
are able to laugh out loud even when the world thinks we are being mad - foolish
- insane. In the middle of that laughter comes a courage that drowns out the fears
and shame and hurt that makes us so easily turn to revenge and bitterness and scapegoating.
God as laughter is eternally available - like a good joke that makes us pee in our
pants - embarrassing, yes, but something we will never forget. Never forget the
laughter of God.
O God of love and new life, we long for a bit of laughter and a whole expanse of
hopefulness. Amen.
to be. It is when we laugh at ourselves - catch ourselves in the act of being knuckleheads
and war-mongerers and hate mongerers - that we are granted the courage to turn around
- repent - grab hold of the love and healing and mercifulness. When we are able
only to hate what we do - and therefore find it easy to hate what others do - we
will not laugh and we will not forgive and we will not let ourselves start anew.
God as laughter allows Stephen - right before they stone him to death - to announce
forgiveness. HA! The folks listening probably thought he was nuts. But no - he was
being as real as the Reign of God raining down upon both the good and the bad so
that the world might be transformed. The saints who are a living act of forgiveness
are able to laugh out loud even when the world thinks we are being mad - foolish
- insane. In the middle of that laughter comes a courage that drowns out the fears
and shame and hurt that makes us so easily turn to revenge and bitterness and scapegoating.
God as laughter is eternally available - like a good joke that makes us pee in our
pants - embarrassing, yes, but something we will never forget. Never forget the
laughter of God.
O God of love and new life, we long for a bit of laughter and a whole expanse of
hopefulness. Amen.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 10, 2013
God as Laugher. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as laughter enable us to laugh out loud at ourselves - that is a holy place
to be. It is when we laugh at ourselves - catch ourselves in the act of being knuckleheads
and war-mongerers and hate mongerers - that we are granted the courage to turn around
- repent - grab hold of the love and healing and mercifulness. When we are able
only to hate what we do - and therefore find it easy to hate what others do - we
will not laugh and we will not forgive and we will not let ourselves start anew.
God as laughter allows Stephen - right before they stone him to death - to announce
forgiveness. HA! The folks listening probably thought he was nuts. But no - he was
being as real as the Reign of God raining down upon both the good and the bad so
that the world might be transformed. The saints who are a living act of forgiveness
are able to laugh out loud even when the world thinks we are being mad - foolish
- insane. In the middle of that laughter comes a courage that drowns out the fears
and shame and hurt that makes us so easily turn to revenge and bitterness and scapegoating.
God as laughter is eternally available - like a good joke that makes us pee in our
pants - embarrassing, yes, but something we will never forget. Never forget the
laughter of God.
O God of love and new life, we long for a bit of laughter and a whole expanse of
hopefulness. Amen.
to be. It is when we laugh at ourselves - catch ourselves in the act of being knuckleheads
and war-mongerers and hate mongerers - that we are granted the courage to turn around
- repent - grab hold of the love and healing and mercifulness. When we are able
only to hate what we do - and therefore find it easy to hate what others do - we
will not laugh and we will not forgive and we will not let ourselves start anew.
God as laughter allows Stephen - right before they stone him to death - to announce
forgiveness. HA! The folks listening probably thought he was nuts. But no - he was
being as real as the Reign of God raining down upon both the good and the bad so
that the world might be transformed. The saints who are a living act of forgiveness
are able to laugh out loud even when the world thinks we are being mad - foolish
- insane. In the middle of that laughter comes a courage that drowns out the fears
and shame and hurt that makes us so easily turn to revenge and bitterness and scapegoating.
God as laughter is eternally available - like a good joke that makes us pee in our
pants - embarrassing, yes, but something we will never forget. Never forget the
laughter of God.
O God of love and new life, we long for a bit of laughter and a whole expanse of
hopefulness. Amen.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 10, 2013
God as Laugher. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as laughter means that God keeps sticking with us. The option to that is a god
who destroys us. That is not our God. The god that destroys and the god that sends
fire and horror on the world is not our God. Our God laughs at the ways we turn
and go in the opposite direction. Laughter shows a God who understands us - knows
that we will try to do what we want even when it is quite contrary to the life God
hands us each day. I often ask 'what is the Good News' in this or that story in
Scripture. This is especially the case in those passages that seem to show God as
'angry as hell.' I would like to also ask, "where is the laughter" - can we see
our God in the middle of some of those confusing texts as the God who is able to
run after us like a parent who sees his/her child running off to 'get into something'?
That parent usually is thinking - she's going to fall - he's going to stumble down
the steps - she's going to trip over her shoe laces. We see what is in store for
our children - yet (at least for me) there is laughter. The laughter is part of
the 'I am with you always - you little knucklehead.' God as laughter is with us
through the stumbling and bumbling as the one who loves even when it seems more
sensible to be angry as hell.
O God of love and new life, wrap us up again with your love that knows we are so
good at going the wrong way and tripping over ourselves. Amen.
who destroys us. That is not our God. The god that destroys and the god that sends
fire and horror on the world is not our God. Our God laughs at the ways we turn
and go in the opposite direction. Laughter shows a God who understands us - knows
that we will try to do what we want even when it is quite contrary to the life God
hands us each day. I often ask 'what is the Good News' in this or that story in
Scripture. This is especially the case in those passages that seem to show God as
'angry as hell.' I would like to also ask, "where is the laughter" - can we see
our God in the middle of some of those confusing texts as the God who is able to
run after us like a parent who sees his/her child running off to 'get into something'?
That parent usually is thinking - she's going to fall - he's going to stumble down
the steps - she's going to trip over her shoe laces. We see what is in store for
our children - yet (at least for me) there is laughter. The laughter is part of
the 'I am with you always - you little knucklehead.' God as laughter is with us
through the stumbling and bumbling as the one who loves even when it seems more
sensible to be angry as hell.
O God of love and new life, wrap us up again with your love that knows we are so
good at going the wrong way and tripping over ourselves. Amen.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 9, 2013
God as Laugher. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as laughter is like a open door that freely lets us move back and forth without
having to figure out what is the right way to go in and out. God as laugher is able
to nurture in us a spirit of foolishness that will not be contained or shut down
by any type of structure we put in place to make God something other than who God
is. I suppose that means religious people too often forbid or restrict laugher.
We are too busy building the structures that demand so kind of holiness that may
not be holiness at all. Laugher is holy. Laugher in the middle of 'holy' places
is like baptismal water that hits us in the face and reminds us how ordinary we
all are and that we are not to let all the trappings and structures rule us. God
as laughter interrupts us even when we are demanding that the world be serious -
because we are such serious people. Laugher has an element of being uncontrollable
- quite like grace. It spills over us and whips around us and cuts through each
and every facade we try to put in place. God as laugher invites us to wrestle with
everything we fear and everything we want to control. We are invited - at that point
- to let go and live anew.
O God of love and new life, help us to let go and roll down the hill and flip over
and be caught up in that which we cannot control. Let your Reign come down upon
us. Amen.
having to figure out what is the right way to go in and out. God as laugher is able
to nurture in us a spirit of foolishness that will not be contained or shut down
by any type of structure we put in place to make God something other than who God
is. I suppose that means religious people too often forbid or restrict laugher.
We are too busy building the structures that demand so kind of holiness that may
not be holiness at all. Laugher is holy. Laugher in the middle of 'holy' places
is like baptismal water that hits us in the face and reminds us how ordinary we
all are and that we are not to let all the trappings and structures rule us. God
as laughter interrupts us even when we are demanding that the world be serious -
because we are such serious people. Laugher has an element of being uncontrollable
- quite like grace. It spills over us and whips around us and cuts through each
and every facade we try to put in place. God as laugher invites us to wrestle with
everything we fear and everything we want to control. We are invited - at that point
- to let go and live anew.
O God of love and new life, help us to let go and roll down the hill and flip over
and be caught up in that which we cannot control. Let your Reign come down upon
us. Amen.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 8, 2013
God as Laugher. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Sometimes a big, uncontrollable bit of laughter cleans the air. It can feel as though
we have just given birth to something that has been lost or forgotten or reserved
for another time. Laughter cracks open our hearts and rips open our guts so that
we are left totally exposed. God as laughter leaves us exposed and open to whatever
may comes next. One writer notes: "This ability to laugh in the midst of our imperfections
in the presence of God is what we call grace." In those moments of great laughter
- the kind that makes us spit a bit or blow snot from our noses - we are a vulnerable
bunch. I think it is also a time when God smiles - no - laughs. We are a strange
lot - humans. We readily go to war - we often want the world to go as we would
have it go or we will have nothing to do with it. Laughter is one way we are reminded
of how funny our great thoughts really may be. I particularly like a footnote I
read - by G.K. Chesterton - "It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke
about it." God as laughter is able to withstand the jokes and the pokes of our humanity.
It is our humanity that goes a bit nuts with joking and laughter. We are the ones
offended - we are offended because we want to be right - we are often offended because
we want to be 'gods' in charge of God. Ha! God as laughter helps us take the first
day of the week as a day that the Lord, God, has made and therefore a day we can
enter with great humor.
O God of love and new life, when we laugh, we cry, when we cry, you comfort us by
helping us smile - laugh - see the hilarity in our brokenness. Blessed are you O
God of a new day that tumbles and rumbles with humor. Amen.
we have just given birth to something that has been lost or forgotten or reserved
for another time. Laughter cracks open our hearts and rips open our guts so that
we are left totally exposed. God as laughter leaves us exposed and open to whatever
may comes next. One writer notes: "This ability to laugh in the midst of our imperfections
in the presence of God is what we call grace." In those moments of great laughter
- the kind that makes us spit a bit or blow snot from our noses - we are a vulnerable
bunch. I think it is also a time when God smiles - no - laughs. We are a strange
lot - humans. We readily go to war - we often want the world to go as we would
have it go or we will have nothing to do with it. Laughter is one way we are reminded
of how funny our great thoughts really may be. I particularly like a footnote I
read - by G.K. Chesterton - "It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke
about it." God as laughter is able to withstand the jokes and the pokes of our humanity.
It is our humanity that goes a bit nuts with joking and laughter. We are the ones
offended - we are offended because we want to be right - we are often offended because
we want to be 'gods' in charge of God. Ha! God as laughter helps us take the first
day of the week as a day that the Lord, God, has made and therefore a day we can
enter with great humor.
O God of love and new life, when we laugh, we cry, when we cry, you comfort us by
helping us smile - laugh - see the hilarity in our brokenness. Blessed are you O
God of a new day that tumbles and rumbles with humor. Amen.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 5, 2013
God as new day. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]This Sunday the story in the gospel from Luke will be that wonderful tale of the
walk to Emmaus. It is a walk that begins in under the cloud of death and disappointment.
Yes, it is the first day of the week, but it is the first day of the week that has
always looked like the first day of the week - one ruled by death. It takes quite
a bit of storytelling and probably quite a few questions and interruptions (we don't
get to hear those) and finally prayer and the breaking of bread - but then and there
is a new day. God as new day is God walking with us and not going off on another
direction when we are sure we know the way. God as new day keeps telling stories
that help us make connections between our ordinary days and the great and marvelous
acts of God that seem to be able to move God's people through all times and places.
God as new day is the power that can turn folks around and start up where we left
off - but move us by the power of the Holy Spirit into a new day.
O God of love and new life, walk with us and talk with us and move us - move us
into your day. Amen.
walk to Emmaus. It is a walk that begins in under the cloud of death and disappointment.
Yes, it is the first day of the week, but it is the first day of the week that has
always looked like the first day of the week - one ruled by death. It takes quite
a bit of storytelling and probably quite a few questions and interruptions (we don't
get to hear those) and finally prayer and the breaking of bread - but then and there
is a new day. God as new day is God walking with us and not going off on another
direction when we are sure we know the way. God as new day keeps telling stories
that help us make connections between our ordinary days and the great and marvelous
acts of God that seem to be able to move God's people through all times and places.
God as new day is the power that can turn folks around and start up where we left
off - but move us by the power of the Holy Spirit into a new day.
O God of love and new life, walk with us and talk with us and move us - move us
into your day. Amen.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 4, 2013
God as new day. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]I think an empty tomb that was supposed to be filled with death is a new day. I
also think that women being the first and primary and only witnesses in sight of
the tomb (in a world that still wants men to be the 'one and only' witnesses) is
a new day. I think the followers of Jesus who are unafraid to talk and live with
people not following the same one we call Lord, Jesus, is a new day. In other words
- it is a new day and our God of grace is constantly opening up our lives to bring
about the amazing creative power of God that is still unfolding all around us. God
as new day is resurrection that leaves doors open and lives free to move in and
through all times and all places without being ruled by fear and anxiety. God as
new day is being able to dream dreams that are beyond our expectations and to also
see visions that draw into question what we usually see and allow us to envision
that which is not yet clearly available. God as new day is an openness that right
now may befuddle us and yet may become a part of the center of our lives. That is
an amazing new day.
O God of love and new life, there is more to see and more to hear and more to touch
and more ways to experience a love that promises not to let us go. Open our hearts
to take it all in. Amen.
also think that women being the first and primary and only witnesses in sight of
the tomb (in a world that still wants men to be the 'one and only' witnesses) is
a new day. I think the followers of Jesus who are unafraid to talk and live with
people not following the same one we call Lord, Jesus, is a new day. In other words
- it is a new day and our God of grace is constantly opening up our lives to bring
about the amazing creative power of God that is still unfolding all around us. God
as new day is resurrection that leaves doors open and lives free to move in and
through all times and all places without being ruled by fear and anxiety. God as
new day is being able to dream dreams that are beyond our expectations and to also
see visions that draw into question what we usually see and allow us to envision
that which is not yet clearly available. God as new day is an openness that right
now may befuddle us and yet may become a part of the center of our lives. That is
an amazing new day.
O God of love and new life, there is more to see and more to hear and more to touch
and more ways to experience a love that promises not to let us go. Open our hearts
to take it all in. Amen.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 3, 2013
God as new day. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]Too often I let myself be ruled by the way things have gone. It is not a very creative
place to be. In fact, it is a place that rules out creativity. It is a place that
is able to keep me stuck and unable to think or act outside the way things have
always gone. What a lost place - what a boring place - what a sad place. God as
new day liberates us to look with new eyes at what is coming at us. When we can
do that, there is the opportunity to make something new out of the moment and the
day. That is how creativity starts - being able to see the same old stuff in a new
way so that we are not ruled by what has been. This does not mean that we must always
be changing things. Rather, we are given the freedom to walk around and to get another
perspective and to play with the situations in which we find ourselves. God as new
day is a door that has been blown wide open and now we are free to investigate what
new life may greet us.
O God of love and new life, fling wide the door of this day and encourage us to
take it on in ways we mays that are fresh and surprising. Amen.
place to be. In fact, it is a place that rules out creativity. It is a place that
is able to keep me stuck and unable to think or act outside the way things have
always gone. What a lost place - what a boring place - what a sad place. God as
new day liberates us to look with new eyes at what is coming at us. When we can
do that, there is the opportunity to make something new out of the moment and the
day. That is how creativity starts - being able to see the same old stuff in a new
way so that we are not ruled by what has been. This does not mean that we must always
be changing things. Rather, we are given the freedom to walk around and to get another
perspective and to play with the situations in which we find ourselves. God as new
day is a door that has been blown wide open and now we are free to investigate what
new life may greet us.
O God of love and new life, fling wide the door of this day and encourage us to
take it on in ways we mays that are fresh and surprising. Amen.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 2, 2013
God as new day. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]God as new day means we can reconsider how we will go about the days of our lives.
We do not need to be absorbed in getting back at others or making sure that others
do not have what we have or that we must have what they have. Instead, we are freed
up to consider how we can be a part of the healing of our world - everything from
our personal relationships to the warring madness of our world. We can think about
and then engage ourselves in the things that make for peace. We can forgive and
we can lend a hand. We can stop picking on other and tearing down everything that
is not like us. Yes, we can. That is the Easter proclamation - Yes. Yes we are a
part of the new day because our God not only invites us to live there - God empowers
us to turn away from the brokenness of the day and step along a new way. God as
new day calls forth resistance - not violent resistance. We are invited to turn
our backs to the ways of vengeance and retribution and scapegoating - and then
make a deliberate turn to a love that never ceases to seek healing and forgiveness
and solidarity with those around us. A new day is at hand - that is a promise we
must take seriously.
O God of love and new life, help to turn us around even when we long to keep fighting
for our own lives. Make us a part of the reconciliation of all things. Amen.
We do not need to be absorbed in getting back at others or making sure that others
do not have what we have or that we must have what they have. Instead, we are freed
up to consider how we can be a part of the healing of our world - everything from
our personal relationships to the warring madness of our world. We can think about
and then engage ourselves in the things that make for peace. We can forgive and
we can lend a hand. We can stop picking on other and tearing down everything that
is not like us. Yes, we can. That is the Easter proclamation - Yes. Yes we are a
part of the new day because our God not only invites us to live there - God empowers
us to turn away from the brokenness of the day and step along a new way. God as
new day calls forth resistance - not violent resistance. We are invited to turn
our backs to the ways of vengeance and retribution and scapegoating - and then
make a deliberate turn to a love that never ceases to seek healing and forgiveness
and solidarity with those around us. A new day is at hand - that is a promise we
must take seriously.
O God of love and new life, help to turn us around even when we long to keep fighting
for our own lives. Make us a part of the reconciliation of all things. Amen.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Redeemer Devotions for April 1, 2013
God as new day. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]On that day when the empty tomb started to rumble we entered a new day. Yes, it
was the first day of the week - but it was not the first day of the week like every
other first day of the week. Usually the first day of the week was the beginning
of the same old thing coming around for another play. That is how death works.
It never stops trying to rule the day. The first day of the week is - for all of
us - the day we continue what has been - the brokenness - the fear that conquers
us - the hatred that divides us - the desires that invite war - the rivalry that
never stops - the finger pointing that is another attempt to create the world in
our own image. And yet, on the first day of the week within the story of the Resurrection,
God hands us life that is contrary to what has been accepted as the only way we
can go. God as new day is a day full of the hope that moves us away from what is
the pattern of control that only leads to death and exclusion and separation. God
as new day - means new day - every day - baptismal water day.
O God of love and new life, let the week begin in you name. Amen.
was the first day of the week - but it was not the first day of the week like every
other first day of the week. Usually the first day of the week was the beginning
of the same old thing coming around for another play. That is how death works.
It never stops trying to rule the day. The first day of the week is - for all of
us - the day we continue what has been - the brokenness - the fear that conquers
us - the hatred that divides us - the desires that invite war - the rivalry that
never stops - the finger pointing that is another attempt to create the world in
our own image. And yet, on the first day of the week within the story of the Resurrection,
God hands us life that is contrary to what has been accepted as the only way we
can go. God as new day is a day full of the hope that moves us away from what is
the pattern of control that only leads to death and exclusion and separation. God
as new day - means new day - every day - baptismal water day.
O God of love and new life, let the week begin in you name. Amen.
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