Creative Streak

As I was trying to finish a sermon last week, I had the worst writers block! It was Saturday night and I had about ¾ of the sermon done. I finally gave in and did something I have never done before which was read the sermon to my boyfriend. Now this may seem like a given, to share a sermon with someone that close to you, but he falls in the category of “un-churched.” So I don’t automatically think, “I should ask Dave.” However, I was at the end of my creative streak and knew he would give me his full attention. I finished what I had written and he said, “It makes me think of that song by Katy Perry, Firework.”

That was it… he said one sentence and the last ¼ of my sermon was done. Something I have been struggling with for a week he inspired me with in one sentence. It is a strong reminder that the community in which we worship is vital and sometimes the people we least expect, help us the most.

I always assumed the people with whom I worshipped were those who joined me every Sunday morning in the pews. What a limited understanding! The community expands outside of the walls of the church and into our living rooms, work places, grocery stores, local parks…. God’s Spirit is not limited to worship service at 11 a.m. – God’s Spirit flows into every aspect of our life. As we see the Spirits movement we give praise and thanks at 11 a.m. together, that is what happens in the church service setting!

Katy Perry’s lyrics are powerful! I would like to widen an understanding of the lyrics to include: The light of Christ within us is what shines and as the brightness radiates to others the Spirit bursts forth into all aspects of our life! Watch for that movement,that light this week!

In God’s Hands

“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

By: Joseph Murdy
From the time I was a small child I can remember my grandmothers reaction to a sudden surprise. Whether sitting at the table, or walking through the room if something was about to spill or break gram would unleash her famous and heart pulsing “Gasp!” As grandkids it never failed to scare us more than the break or spill. It was almost as if gram was able to gasp while the glass was in midair before it hit the ground, suspending the crash in slow motion, making the final explosion the less frightening part of the fall. I learned from a young age that sometimes, things break.

The other day my wife and I were standing in the kitchen getting water. As she pulled a glass from the cupboard it slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. Sometimes, things break. What is your first response when something breaks? Is it “Oh, crap…now we only have ten glasses!” Or is it, “Are you ok?” When something immaterial breaks (the stuff we can do without) we show deep concern and do what we can to assure ourselves that everyone is ok. My grandmother’s heart pulsing gasp was not because she would have one less glass. It was because a falling glass meant her grandchildren would be in danger of broken glass.

We have a different reaction when things more important break doesn’t we? When we fight with our siblings, hang up after fighting with our best friend, get divorced, break up, slam the car door, or any other form of brokenness. When we experience the brokenness of relationships we often respond first with anger, followed by blame, and then a long silent period of stubborn regret. Relationships are not always easy, and sometimes fixing them seems impossible. Especially our relationship with God.

This past Sunday I preached a sermon on the brokenness of our world and our inability to fix what is broken in our lives. Being a part of a broken relationship can feel like where trapped behind impenetrable prison walls. When we are angry with God, disappointed in the result of a desperate prayer, or ashamed and too vulnerable to seek the face of God it can seem impossible to raise ourselves back up. Have you ever found yourself feeling trapped, feeling all alone, feeling the weight of heart break, feeling the burden of failure, feeling the pain of separation and loss, feeling the hurt of a broken relationship? Maybe you feel that way today?

If you remember from the book of Genesis (2:7) God molded clay from the earth and breathed life into it, the result is you and me. We are fragile beings and are not unbreakable. The good news is that no matter what the condition of the break, no matter the pieces, or whose fault it may be…every piece of us rests in the hands of God. If God is able to shape us in his mighty hands and breathe life into dust. Then God is certainly able to pick up the pieces and make us whole again.

Happy Valentines Day!

Dream again?

“Shine like stars in the world”

Joseph Murdy, Intern
Philippians 2:15b

Many years ago I did a children’s sermon at my home church which helped the young kids to visually see what it means to be the light of the world. I had each child take a candle while I lit it and immediately they place them all together. What they saw was how all the lights shined brighter when they were together. Visuals are great for kids, because they help create a picture when the concept might be difficult to remember. When was the last time you thought of yourself as a light in the world?

As I was reading scripture this morning this verse from Philippians blinded me for a moment. We often think of Jesus’ phrase, “you are the light of the world.” Essentially this is saying the same thing. But as I read it a different visual came to mind. That of Abraham standing on a desert plan baffled and humbled by the promise of God which said the stars which were before him symbolized all of his descendents. The problem was however Abraham had no children. If you don’t know the story unfolds, see Genesis 15-22. If you do know the story then you know that you are one of those stars which Abraham stood memorized by.

The truth is that if you light a candle it lights up a room. One tiny flicker can give relief to darkness; can you imagine what millions would do? As Christians called by Christ to be disciples in our world we are lights whose purpose is to bring light where there is darkness. We are called to shine like stars in the world. It’s incredible to think how brightly the stars shine considering how far away they are. My friends, today you are called to be like stars in the world. There are so many dark corners desperately in need of light. We can bring them hope, comfort and loving warmth. You might be struggling with faith, you might be wrestling with God, or you might think you can’t shine very bright. The good news is, we reflect the light of Christ. Child of Abraham, be a light for the world and shine like the stars!

Not Normal

Playing in the snow is so much fun! The snow covers the ground with a soft blanket of goodness. It makes for good sledding, skiing and snow angels.

Recently, I went sledding with my aunt and cousin. None of us are under 25 years of age and no kids with us. I joked that the neighbors were looking out their windows thinking we’re crazy. I imagined them laughing at a group of adults sledding down a hill as if we’re kids. It didn’t stop us though we continued to push one another down the hill. We tried sledding in different positions and occasionally took a break to make a snow angel or a few snow balls. My cousin pointed out her favorite thing about snow is that it conforms to your butt when you sit down in a large pile which makes it perfect for resting.

Here we were playing in the snow. It was a joyful scene of adults finding that childlike joy inside. Yet, I had to make a joke about what others were thinking of us. Isn’t that the truth? We are constantly wondering what other people think of us. Are they admiring us because we’re having so much fun? Are we wasting time? Making the right decisions? Dressing right? Standing straight? Walking funny?

What do others think?

What a dangerous thought because it calls us to become normal. It suddenly stops us from being our self and encourages us to be what others think we should be. What others consider normal. Often when we are “not normal” the world takes notice and begins to comment. That is why the question, “What do others think?” is ingrained in us.

So, I argue that we stop trying to be normal Christians. Instead, be abnormal. So that we are different from the standards of this world and people take notice. They notice the abnormal forgiving love. They notice the abnormal joy in death. They notice the abnormal seat we take with the poor.

It is time for us to be abnormal so that we can show the world that God’s Kingdom covers this world with a blanket of goodness!

Need a break? Rest in God

By: Joseph Murdy

When my wife and I traveled to Assisi to visit the Basilica of Saint Francis our tour guide taught us a local song. The words are associated with Saint Francis and his way of life. “If you want to live life free, take your time go slowly, do few things but do them well, little joys are holy.” Sometimes when I get so overwhelmed with the business of life I think of this song and it slows me down.

If you could but a stopwatch to your life, how long would you say you have been going? At a rate of one to ten, how fast would you say you are going? Need a break? A breather? Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This morning when I woke up, I was thinking about the song above. Lately I have been going a sonic speed. What do I gain from going so fast every day? What do I accomplish? Do I add any joy to my life if I am always stressed about what needs done and attempting to get it all done in one day? At the end of the day, there is always more to do.

Today as you read this, I want you to take a deep breath, SLOW down, and rest in God. I am not saying that working is bad, but if we find no joy in our daily work then what’s the point. God gave us life to find joy, not to wake up out of obligation for our “to do lists.” Take some deep breaths and think of things which bring you joy. Often when our lives are going at supersonic speed there are things which get left behind. One of them is our spiritual wellbeing. God is always with us, no matter how fast our lives are going. But, wouldn’t it be great if we could slow down, just for a moment, and dwell in the presence of the Holy?

“If you want to live life free, take your time go slowly, do few things but do them well, little joys are holy.” The Peace of God be with you always!