"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
I am not sure what I dreamed about last night but the oddest thing happened when I woke. First, it was weird to wake up before the alarm (that is not normal). Second, I had some jamming music going on in my head. Third, I found myself moving my shoulders to the music. Yes, the first thing I did this morning was dance - and I wasn't even out of bed yet.
It's not every morning that I am so inspired and I wondered what made this morning different. Then I remembered a phone call from the night before when I told my sister that our aunt informed me that she prays for us every night. Then my sister told me that she prays for me every night. I'm a pastor and don't often tell my family that I'm praying for them. I simply tell those who request prayers that prayers are being said for them.
Knowing that you're being prayed for changes the tune. This morning knowing I'm prayed for even led me to dance! This Thanksgiving let those you love know that you give thanks to God for them!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The "Omni" God
This is a devotion I read this week and wish to share with you. I also have to admit that it speaks of "wonder woman" which has been an ongoing joke around our community since Intern Sarah mentioned her in a sermon.
This is by Jacqui Thone - Monday, November 03, 2008
[Jesus said,] “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. John 10:17-18
I grew up with the “Omni-God” – the Omnipotent- all powerful, Omniscient – all knowing, Omni-present – 24/7 God, and of course, all-loving God. But I have to admit that all those “omni’s” have caused a bit of trouble for me at times. My understanding – and I think the understanding of many people -- of this all-powerful and all-knowing God raises a lot of questions, not the least of which is If God is loving and at the same time all-powerful, then why is there so much suffering in the world?
All-powerful and all-loving seem to stand in tension with each other when we look at the reality of the world. Perhaps that’s because we often want to see this “Omni” God like a Superhero – rushing in to save the day, and always coming back even when it looks like they’ve been beaten. Sounds a little like Jesus, huh? Isn’t that what many of us want in God – a Superhero who saves the day, intervening conveniently when we want God to? But it seems that if we want God to intervene some of the time, then we would have to be OK with God intervening all of the time – and I don’t think any of us wants that. In any relationship, the will of both parties needs to be considered. If God could just override our will any time God chooses, then what kind of a relationship would that be?
Even if God were a Superhero, superheroes have limitations. With Superman, it’s Kryptonite; Wonder Woman, it’s being tied up; Spiderman, it’s venom. But for all, their primary weakness is the innocent victim. The thing that always trips them up is the person they care about. God’s weakness is God’s love for us, a love that is strong enough to allow us our freedom. A love that says I will not arrange the world in such a way that you must put your trust in me, that you must love me. I will not use my power to force you into relationship. And I will not create a perfect world to make things easy for you.
God enters into relationship with us, not through power, but through love – and love leaves you vulnerable. Anyone who has ever broken up with someone knows that. Because love opens you up to the pain, the influence, as well as the joy of another. Love makes you vulnerable to the other – and vulnerability is the exact opposite of power.
We need only look at the example of Jesus to see that this is true. If God is about power, Jesus makes no sense. How do you explain Jesus intentionally giving up all divine power, even to the point of death? Is Jesus not the example that the over-riding attribute of God is love, rather than power? Is Jesus himself not the proof that our traditional image of the omnipotent God is in fact wrong, or at least seriously flawed?
That doesn’t mean, however, that God is powerless. Simply that God has voluntarily chosen to give up some of God’s power for the sake of the relationship with us. The Omnipresent God stands against our typical image of the Omnipotent, Superhero God, which seems to see God as reaching down and using God’s power to intervene only in certain circumstances. God, however, has chosen to exhibit God’s power through God’s loving presence, continually working in and among us, working through the good and the bad and the ordinary, to ultimately bring about God’s vision for the world.
This is by Jacqui Thone - Monday, November 03, 2008
[Jesus said,] “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. John 10:17-18
I grew up with the “Omni-God” – the Omnipotent- all powerful, Omniscient – all knowing, Omni-present – 24/7 God, and of course, all-loving God. But I have to admit that all those “omni’s” have caused a bit of trouble for me at times. My understanding – and I think the understanding of many people -- of this all-powerful and all-knowing God raises a lot of questions, not the least of which is If God is loving and at the same time all-powerful, then why is there so much suffering in the world?
All-powerful and all-loving seem to stand in tension with each other when we look at the reality of the world. Perhaps that’s because we often want to see this “Omni” God like a Superhero – rushing in to save the day, and always coming back even when it looks like they’ve been beaten. Sounds a little like Jesus, huh? Isn’t that what many of us want in God – a Superhero who saves the day, intervening conveniently when we want God to? But it seems that if we want God to intervene some of the time, then we would have to be OK with God intervening all of the time – and I don’t think any of us wants that. In any relationship, the will of both parties needs to be considered. If God could just override our will any time God chooses, then what kind of a relationship would that be?
Even if God were a Superhero, superheroes have limitations. With Superman, it’s Kryptonite; Wonder Woman, it’s being tied up; Spiderman, it’s venom. But for all, their primary weakness is the innocent victim. The thing that always trips them up is the person they care about. God’s weakness is God’s love for us, a love that is strong enough to allow us our freedom. A love that says I will not arrange the world in such a way that you must put your trust in me, that you must love me. I will not use my power to force you into relationship. And I will not create a perfect world to make things easy for you.
God enters into relationship with us, not through power, but through love – and love leaves you vulnerable. Anyone who has ever broken up with someone knows that. Because love opens you up to the pain, the influence, as well as the joy of another. Love makes you vulnerable to the other – and vulnerability is the exact opposite of power.
We need only look at the example of Jesus to see that this is true. If God is about power, Jesus makes no sense. How do you explain Jesus intentionally giving up all divine power, even to the point of death? Is Jesus not the example that the over-riding attribute of God is love, rather than power? Is Jesus himself not the proof that our traditional image of the omnipotent God is in fact wrong, or at least seriously flawed?
That doesn’t mean, however, that God is powerless. Simply that God has voluntarily chosen to give up some of God’s power for the sake of the relationship with us. The Omnipresent God stands against our typical image of the Omnipotent, Superhero God, which seems to see God as reaching down and using God’s power to intervene only in certain circumstances. God, however, has chosen to exhibit God’s power through God’s loving presence, continually working in and among us, working through the good and the bad and the ordinary, to ultimately bring about God’s vision for the world.
Monday, November 10, 2008
short days and bright nights
By Sarah Teichmann
Recalling some of my recent sermons, I realize that I use the imagery of light a lot. Perhaps it corresponds with the change that we experience during this time of year. Daylight Saving Time ends and we become aware of the sun setting earlier. The days themselves feel shorter, and darkness can often feel overwhelming. This is usually the time where animals like sheep and cows, cats and dogs, and even we humans feel the seasonal effect.
So am I really preaching about seasonal photo-sensitivity? Probably not. Put simply, I think that light is really cool. Just think- Jesus Christ is called the light of the world. What does that mean to you when you hear a phrase like that?
When I hear that phrase I find myself going back to the winters I spent in Maine where the sunset at 4:30 and by 5:00 on a cloudy day there was no light to be found. It was particularly dark walking my dogs through the woods as I attempted to not veer off the trail that lay before me. Imagine if unexpectedly the sun decided to pop right back up in the middle of the night. My goodness- how amazing would that be?! All of the nocturnal animals would be asking, “What gives?” And the rooster at the near-by farm would be wondering if he missed a memo. The sun popping back up like that would really shake and stir things up. It would seem wicked crazy!
So- when we say that Christ is the light of the world- in a way it is crazy. Christ shines in the darkness, and unexpectedly, the darkness does not overcome it. All the laws and rules are changed- Jesus Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
But it’s really cool because Christ passes this light onto us.
Have you ever sat around a campfire or bonfire? It’s pretty cool. There’s often marshmallows involved and if you’re lucky chocolate and graham crackers, as well. Well, it’s pretty hard to not feel the heat that is emanated from the fire. And as you’re sitting there (shoving a molten marshmallow into your mouth) you will notice how the fire’s light sheds light on all who have gathered around for its warmth.
This is like Christ in the world. Christ sheds light on us all. And we are not empty handed. We become bearers of this light. Long after the marshmallow gooey goodness has passed, Christ’s light still shines. It has been given to us in our faith and burns brightly through the day and the night.
So shine on!
Recalling some of my recent sermons, I realize that I use the imagery of light a lot. Perhaps it corresponds with the change that we experience during this time of year. Daylight Saving Time ends and we become aware of the sun setting earlier. The days themselves feel shorter, and darkness can often feel overwhelming. This is usually the time where animals like sheep and cows, cats and dogs, and even we humans feel the seasonal effect.
So am I really preaching about seasonal photo-sensitivity? Probably not. Put simply, I think that light is really cool. Just think- Jesus Christ is called the light of the world. What does that mean to you when you hear a phrase like that?
When I hear that phrase I find myself going back to the winters I spent in Maine where the sunset at 4:30 and by 5:00 on a cloudy day there was no light to be found. It was particularly dark walking my dogs through the woods as I attempted to not veer off the trail that lay before me. Imagine if unexpectedly the sun decided to pop right back up in the middle of the night. My goodness- how amazing would that be?! All of the nocturnal animals would be asking, “What gives?” And the rooster at the near-by farm would be wondering if he missed a memo. The sun popping back up like that would really shake and stir things up. It would seem wicked crazy!
So- when we say that Christ is the light of the world- in a way it is crazy. Christ shines in the darkness, and unexpectedly, the darkness does not overcome it. All the laws and rules are changed- Jesus Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
But it’s really cool because Christ passes this light onto us.
Have you ever sat around a campfire or bonfire? It’s pretty cool. There’s often marshmallows involved and if you’re lucky chocolate and graham crackers, as well. Well, it’s pretty hard to not feel the heat that is emanated from the fire. And as you’re sitting there (shoving a molten marshmallow into your mouth) you will notice how the fire’s light sheds light on all who have gathered around for its warmth.
This is like Christ in the world. Christ sheds light on us all. And we are not empty handed. We become bearers of this light. Long after the marshmallow gooey goodness has passed, Christ’s light still shines. It has been given to us in our faith and burns brightly through the day and the night.
So shine on!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What is your lens?
I wear glasses. Therefore, I have a choice I can make every day when I wake up in the morning. How do I want to see the world today? Through the lens that the glasses have to offer or without? Admittedly I see better when I wear my glasses but I do have to reach out and put them on it is a choice.
We also have social lens that we see life through. We have psychological, physical, emotional, and religious lens'.... These lens are not like my glasses where I choose to put them on or take them off. Instead, they are with me always even when I'm unaware. Yet, they do affect how I see the world.
I read books, listen to lyrics, listen to friends, and study Scripture often without noticing how my lens' change my experience.
Jesus Christ died, rose, and ascended to change our lens. Jesus Christ provides a transformation in our life that at the core of our being we can never be the same. Christ died so we don't have to die to sin. Christ rose so we can rise in praise. Christ accended so we can ascend with the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:10-11
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them-- though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
We also have social lens that we see life through. We have psychological, physical, emotional, and religious lens'.... These lens are not like my glasses where I choose to put them on or take them off. Instead, they are with me always even when I'm unaware. Yet, they do affect how I see the world.
I read books, listen to lyrics, listen to friends, and study Scripture often without noticing how my lens' change my experience.
Jesus Christ died, rose, and ascended to change our lens. Jesus Christ provides a transformation in our life that at the core of our being we can never be the same. Christ died so we don't have to die to sin. Christ rose so we can rise in praise. Christ accended so we can ascend with the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:10-11
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them-- though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Portrait of God
Almighty God, Alpha and Omega, the Lord our banner, The Lord who sanctifies, the Lord our peace, the Lord our shepherd, the Lord our righteousness, Most High, Mighty One, Judge, Deliverer, Savior, Redeemer, God our Rock, Logos, Sophia, I AM.
What is your portrait of God?
George Buttrick, former chaplain at Harvard, recalls that students would come into his office and declare, "I don't believe in God." Buttrick would give this disarming reply: "Sit down and tell me what kind of God you don't believe in. I probably don't believe in that God either."
One thing that makes us unique is how we all have a different portrait of God. I remember sitting down with Junior High students and asking them to draw a portrait of God. Each child was unique in their own perspective. One child drew a bunch of stick figures. Then she stated, "I can only see God through other people."
How are you drawing a portrait of God for those around you?
What is your portrait of God?
George Buttrick, former chaplain at Harvard, recalls that students would come into his office and declare, "I don't believe in God." Buttrick would give this disarming reply: "Sit down and tell me what kind of God you don't believe in. I probably don't believe in that God either."
One thing that makes us unique is how we all have a different portrait of God. I remember sitting down with Junior High students and asking them to draw a portrait of God. Each child was unique in their own perspective. One child drew a bunch of stick figures. Then she stated, "I can only see God through other people."
How are you drawing a portrait of God for those around you?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What next God?!?
I'd recommend checking out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2naYghOqM0s
This is a song that a good friend sent to me when I was struggling. It's interesting that the song doesn't state things are going to get better. It doesn't try to tell us how to make things better. It doesn't assume that you're at fault for why things are bad. It simply states a reality of fear and struggle then encourages us to stand in the midst of the pain (the rain). After all, as the artist says, "you won't drown."
In baptism we are born new in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean that life will be easy.
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Luke 14:27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
But it does mean in the non-easiness of life we are given strength to stand.
Isaiah 40:29 God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Romans 16:25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2naYghOqM0s
This is a song that a good friend sent to me when I was struggling. It's interesting that the song doesn't state things are going to get better. It doesn't try to tell us how to make things better. It doesn't assume that you're at fault for why things are bad. It simply states a reality of fear and struggle then encourages us to stand in the midst of the pain (the rain). After all, as the artist says, "you won't drown."
In baptism we are born new in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean that life will be easy.
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Luke 14:27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
But it does mean in the non-easiness of life we are given strength to stand.
Isaiah 40:29 God gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Romans 16:25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Meaning in a world of Chaos
Have you ever wondered where to turn - or what to believe - or what to do. In desperate need of an answer you go to the only place you know to concretely find God. You dust off your Bible - or maybe pull out your well-worn, overly marked up Bible and sit down. You say a prayer looking for anything - an answer - and you open the pages and randomly point at the book and start reading. Hoping that the words you see before are divine guidance from God.
Then you read, "So they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, 'O, Baal, answer us!' But there was no voice, and no answer." It's the story of Elijah's Triumph over the Priests of Baal in 1 Kings 18.
This is where this blog could become a choose your own story adventure.
A. You say, "WHAT?!?" That's not what I was looking for... maybe if I randomly open to a passage in the New Testament surely that would be more relevant than the Old Testament! So you try again.
OR
B. You listen for what God may be saying in this passage and look for meaning to your struggle. Look for an answer to your question.
Many of us in life are looking for answers which include yes or no. We like black and white not gray. We want God to do things our way and in our time. We treat the Bible as a magical 8 ball. Scripture is Holy - it is rich - it is alive in us today. It goes beyond giving answers to questions and gives meaning to being a child of God in this world of chaos.
Then you read, "So they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, 'O, Baal, answer us!' But there was no voice, and no answer." It's the story of Elijah's Triumph over the Priests of Baal in 1 Kings 18.
This is where this blog could become a choose your own story adventure.
A. You say, "WHAT?!?" That's not what I was looking for... maybe if I randomly open to a passage in the New Testament surely that would be more relevant than the Old Testament! So you try again.
OR
B. You listen for what God may be saying in this passage and look for meaning to your struggle. Look for an answer to your question.
Many of us in life are looking for answers which include yes or no. We like black and white not gray. We want God to do things our way and in our time. We treat the Bible as a magical 8 ball. Scripture is Holy - it is rich - it is alive in us today. It goes beyond giving answers to questions and gives meaning to being a child of God in this world of chaos.
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