New Journeys

Matthew 10:35-38

This week I am preparing to take a month-long road trip to Alaska. I have tried to imagine what I might need to take, the route I should travel, the sights and places I should go. There are so many unknowns: weather, road conditions, detours, potential wildfires, and just a multitude of surprises for which I cannot plan! That does not mean I’ll stay at home or postpone the journey until I am better prepared!

Life just doesn't work like that. Think about all the adventures you have had that you never expected! Think of all the opportunities you may have missed by hesitating too long! So, it is.

In Matthew 10:35-38 we learn of how Jesus goes from village to village discovering that folks need healing or want to hear the story of God’s love which will bring them hope. Then, Jesus invites his disciples not to just follow him around but to join him in proclaiming God’s gift of peace, justice, and hope to those whom they meet as well.

In fact, those fishermen who thought they would be fishermen for life, now are called by Jesus to do a different ministry than they ever imagined. They went down new paths that were totally unfamiliar. They didn’t say, “Sorry Jesus, not now! I’m not totally prepared for that work.” Or, “I’ll have to get a different wardrobe!” Or “I have other plans for my life, don’t ask me just now!”

Likewise, God will call us to do work for him at sometimes unlikely times. We may wish God would choose a different place or time or task. We might think it should be done by others: those more educated, those younger, or those less busy! Be flexible to hear God’s call to service or to try something new! God needs us! Thank God for leading us into new journeys guided by God.

Prayer: Here I am, Lord. Send me! Amen

Double Message

2 John

This extremely short letter to “a lady” is worth a read. Obviously, this “elect lady” is the head of the Christian believers in the community. Perhaps she has reached out to John with the dilemma of how to deal with some folks in the neighborhood who are preaching a disturbing message. Perhaps some in the church community are being wooed away from some basic principles of the Gospel.

This wrong message is apparently that of Gnosticism for this group. Gnostics do not believe that Jesus is God’s Son—both God and man. Yet it seems that these neighbors are getting into the minds of the believers, into their “house”. What should be done?

It seems to be a double message is being sent here. On one hand, John reminds the recipient of this letter that as Christians we are to follow the commandment to love one another. We have heard this directive repeatedly! Show justice and mercy and respect to each other. That is Christian love.

Yet, we must be careful we do not entangle ourselves with those who teach another gospel, who try to persuade us to leave behind what we believe and follow a foreign teaching. We can listen to their opinion but not give in to what we know is not true. We should not follow a pied piper of a false way of living or believing.

This message is relevant then and now. It may not be Gnosticism that is threatening our faith but there are many temptations in our world to draw us away from our Christian center and follow “the world” or “the newest trend,” the “latest fad” or “the loudest voice”. The advice of John to the “elect lady and her children” is for us also. Let us love one another with patience, respect, and justice. But beware of those people who teach a different gospel or try to entice us with worldly interests. Refrain from letting them get into our “house heart” and bring destruction to our souls. Stand strong in your faith and love one another! That’s it!

Prayer: Lord, help us to discern your teachings and your Word of life. Help us to love one another. Amen

Rescued and Rescuer

John 10:11

The picture here is of Jesus reaching down to rescue a lamb that is caught in the brambles, even at the risk of his own life. It is a painting, by Alford Usher Soord (1868-1915) of Britain, called the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7). It also recalls the passage from John 10:11 which says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The message is that Jesus is here ready to rescue you and me when we stray away, or get caught in sticky situations, or when we are headed toward destruction. It can’t be any clearer than that.

However, Jesus depends upon you and me to be his hands, his voice, his love and care. We are to be on the alert for the danger that lies before a friend, or bring a word of caution or admonishment to someone who is about to head down the wrong road. Sometimes we need to alert the relative who is falling into a harmful life-style or attaching themselves to an individual or group of people that is sure to lead them into trouble. It’s not easy, but it may save a life.

It is much like when Dick and his son, Dave, were on a fifty-mile hike around Mount Rainier in the Cascade Mountains. One day, the two of them were taking a break and having a good conversation, looking around at the beauty. They had perched themselves on a large rock that sloped steeply down with a small river below. Suddenly, Dave and his fifty pound backpack began to slide quickly toward the water below. Dick rapidly reached out and grabbed Dave’s backpack, stopping the momentum so Dave could regain control.

God was there with them both—Dick to save the inevitable fall of Dave and Dave to accept the help he needed. God is always present to reach out a hand.

Prayer: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, I am thankful for your saving hand of care toward me. Help me be a rescuer of others. May I be your hands and voice bringing your love and hope to others. Amen

Song: “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” by Julie von Hausmann              (ELW 767)

Telling Our Stories

John 21:24-25

I am re-reading the book Dakota by Kathleen Norris. In it she tells of an Indigenous girl in her class who one day was writing continuously all during class. At the end of the period, the girl came up to her with a whopping twenty sheets of paper filled with writing. Ms. Norris looked at the many pages and remarked with astonishment at the many, many poems. “You must love to write,” she said. To which this girl responded, “I don’t have paper at home, so I keep them in my head. That’s where they [the poems] live until I write them down.”

You and I carry many stories, poems, and pictures around with us. They tell us and others who we are, what is our heritage, and what lies deep within our souls. They reflect our faith, our convictions, and the things that really matter to us. They are stimulated by the experiences of each day—what we see, hear, taste, and feel.

It is also stories remembered, shared, and eventually written down that inform us about who Jesus is and what God is up to in our world. The last words of the Gospel of John say, “This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are  also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”  I, for one, am so glad that those early followers of Jesus wrote down the remembered accounts. An old Sunday School song I love reflects this: “Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear; Things I would ask him to tell me, if he were here.”

Do we write down and/or share with others the poems, thoughts, and experiences we have with God in Jesus? Do we sing the stories of Jesus around the house? Do we read the Bible regularly so that we feel totally connected to God’s story, embracing the hope and salvation God offers? Do we tell others of God’s love for all of God’s creation? The Easter season is a great time to do just that!

The students of the Faith and the Arts class at Faith Lutheran Church will be sharing their expressions of their faith through their art, crafts, poetry, and music on Sunday, April 30th. Others will bring items found in their home that inspire them daily. I can hardly wait!

Highs and Lows

 Psalm 71:1, 3

My friend Earl was lamenting the game of golf.  He said there are days on the links when everything falls into place. (Now for me, those times are rare, but they do happen). Earl was in a pretty good mood as he told of a game he had about a month earlier. He said, “My shots were consistent and straight—both woods and irons. Some of the approaches were good and I was able to one-putt a couple of greens.  That day I ended up with a 41 for nine holes, the best I’ve ever played.” Then Earl went on, “But since that day, well, it’s been down hill. My scores lately have been hovering around the 50’s, my usual game. The inconsistency is frustrating, but I keep telling myself that it’s only a game, and, of course, it is.”

Life is like that—full of inconsistencies—high times and low times—days when everything seems right and days when nothing falls into place. There are times when everything is together and times when nothing works out according to expectations. The frustrating thing is, I can’t predict when the good times and the bad times will be. They come as quickly as a storm that whips up unexpectedly and suddenly I find myself in the middle of it. Then I cry out with the Psalmist, “In you, O Lord, I take refuge…be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”

This I know. God shares all of life with us, both the times of tranquility as well as the storms.  We will not experience a totally trouble-free life. Yet, consider what Elizabeth Kubler Ross wrote: “Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings.”

 What we can do is celebrate the totality of life. For God is with us always—the God who created us, the God who provides for us, the God who gives Himself to us through Jesus who walked this life to show us who God is. Each day is a sacred time to reflect upon the mighty gift of love God gives to us. Plan now to experience this powerful act of God by regularly worshipping the ever-present, ever-giving God made known through Jesus. 

Prayer: Creator God, you have so blessed us with life. You are present with us in both the highs and lows of life. Thank you God. Amen 

Song: 
        There is a balm in Gilead 
        To make the wounded whole
        There is a balm in Gilead 
        To heal the sin-sick soul

Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work's in vain
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again

Peace

John 14:25-27

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

In the Lord’s Prayer, we affirm: “God’s will be done on earth as in heaven.” That means that every part of life is in balance, everything fits together perfectly like to pieces of a puzzle. I would envision that to mean no war, the basic needs for all are enjoyed by all, and no more strife or divisions anywhere. All is in harmony. I know, personally, I am happiest when I am at peace; when there is peace in my life, my community, my church, my world. It brings me a quietness of body, mind and soul.

Yet there is no peace. Think of these issues:

One’s Attitude: “We will be peace-full—if others will only realize we are right, agree with us, do it our way, and don’t make demands on us!”

Nations: “We want peace but don’t ask us to give up our military power or our superiority or our power.”

Citizens: “Peace and prosperity is what we want, not higher taxes! Let’s take care of ourselves first and then the world.

Families: “Peace and harmony but not equality!”

Christians: “Peace, but I don’t want to change my ways!”

How sad God must be. God desires us to have peace, to experience peace, to promote peace. And this is what happens.

Peace. It was demonstrated by Jesus. It was spoken of by the prophets, Gospel writers, and early church leaders.  It is a gift from God. When we put our entire trust in God and God’s promises, we suddenly feel “at peace.” When we strive to bring peace within the family, the HOA leaders of our communities, or within our town, we become instruments of God’s love and purpose. God’s desire for us is to live in harmony, in God’s Kingdom here on earth, today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

Prayer: God of Peace, give us your peace and grace. Help us to demonstrate the beauty and wonder of living peacefully. Amen

Song: “Peace Came to Earth” by Jaoslav J. Vajda                ELW 285

Praying for Discernment

Luke 12:27-28

Todd and I love to look at and have often bought and sold homes through the years. We enjoy the activity, even the “fixing up” that usually accompanies such a purchase. One time we found a house that was just the right size with phenomenal views and in a very desirable neighborhood. The problem was paying for it!

So, we turned to God in prayer. Our prayer was that God would help us discern the right thing to do, that God would shut doors that seemed too tempting for us, and that we would look objectively at the situation and use the gifts God has given us to make a good decision. One thing I’ve learned is that prayer for God’s partnership in a decision does not leave me off the hook to work hard to discern what I should or should not do or what God would have us do! 

We looked again at the house (which this time seemed a bit more “worn out” than when we first viewed it) and counted the cost. We looked with new eyes to our present home and its comfort and usefulness to us. We discussed how we could better use our money and energy. Needless to say, we called the real estate agent and said we would not be making an offer. Then we thanked God for being there with us in the decision-making process.

We live in a world that rarely thinks of God as interested in a relational connection with his creation. There is a common belief that each person better figure things out for him or herself. God just isn’t interested.  How lonesome and scary that would be for me. But we’ve learned that God does care.

I take great strength in the words of the Psalmist (139) who declares, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” I find hope in the lesson of Jesus to his disciples, “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will God clothe you...?” God cares! God also has given us each tools with which to make good decisions. Invite God to guide your decisions in everything.

Prayer:  God of all, you have created us with great care and love. Listen to our prayers and be with us as we make decisions day by day. Amen.

On Being Compassionate

 Mark 6:30-46 

Read the story found in Mark 6:30-46. It is a very familiar story for many. Upon reading it, whether for the first time or for the umpteenth time, one thing you must notice is the roll Jesus plays. The story of the feeding of the multitudes is filled with compassion shown by Jesus with the lesson Jesus teaches us about how to be his follower—compassionate for others.

Jesus demonstrates and asks us to reach deep within ourselves to rejuvenate that innate part of us called compassion. Here is what I am talking about!

University professor Dacher Keltner tells of various research done recently at the University of Wisconsin, Princeton University, and Emory University that finds our body has built in mechanisms that promote compassion. For instance, we have a hormone within us that floats through our bloodstream. This hormone promotes long-term bonds and commitments, as well as the kind of nurturing behavior that lies at the heart of compassion. Studies have shown that when people perform behaviors associated with compassionate love such as warm smiles, friendly hand gestures, affirmative forward leans toward another, the body produces more oxytocin, which self-perpetuates itself. This motivates us to be even more compassionate!

God made us! We have been given this wonderful gift called compassion. When we use it, it not only benefits others, it is good for us too! As Keltner says,

“This research has shown that when we feel compassion, our heart rate slows down, we secrete the ‘hormone’ oxytocin, and regions of the brain linked to empathy, caregiving, and feelings of pleasure light up, which often results in our wanting to approach and care for other people.”

Compassion does not put restrictions upon the “who.” In that crowd, Jesus didn’t feed only the morally good, or only those who were of his religious type, or only those who thought like he did, or only those who he liked. Jesus shared himself and the food with the crowd—all and each of them. Some didn’t get more than others—all got all that they needed. With that kind of compassion we are to live! 

Prayer: Lord, help me to feel the compassion for others. Thank you for this inborn gift for ministry.  Amen

Song: Chorus of “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”—from Ghana             

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
Show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.

Tyger Penson     2018

Sabbath Rest

Exodus 20:8

I grew up in a home that believed Sundays were special. Mom and Dad always took us to church on that day. I mean ALWAYS! It was the day we got dressed up in our Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. We attended Sunday School Classes and worshiped together. After church and lunch, we would take a drive in our Chevy to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon as a family. Sometimes we would drive into the foothills of Colorado and hike around the hills or go ice skating on the frozen lakes or drive around Denver and look at homes for sale. Then, just as predictable as going to church, we would stop at the Creamery and get our whopping scoop of our favorite ice cream flavor for 5 cents. It was a special day.

Throughout the years, I have carried the idea of sabbath with me and incorporated its practice into our family life. Every home, every person, even our work and land need a time of rest, renewal, and worship. It does not eliminate our caring for others but energizes us to be people of compassion.

Did you know that the word “sabbath” is mentioned 153 times in the New International Version of the Bible? Sabbath means a day set aside for rest and worship. In the Genesis creation story, God rested on the seventh day—sabbath. In connection with the Ten Commandments, it says that six days you shall labor but the seventh is a sabbath to God—on that day you shall not work. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) My family knew that. I know that. You probably know that as well.

So how about making some small changes to your weekly schedule, if necessary. Help those around you find ways to bring worship of God and rest of bodies and souls on a weekly basis. Use the Sabbath Day for how God intended it to be. 

Prayer: Since the Scriptures speak so often of setting the Sabbath aside, whether the seventh day or the first day of the week, help me to shape my week around Sabbath, O God. Amen

Hey Jude

Jude 20-23

The short letter of Jude in the New Testament, a letter of 25 verses, was written by an unknown apostle who calls himself Jude. Some think the author might have been Judas, the brother of Jesus.  It was addressed to one or more congregations scattered around the Roman Empire. Their challenge was to stand strong against heresies and distortions of faith that were prevalent. These false teachers were apparently trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin, since their sins would no longer be held against them!

To these people of God, Jude writes, “…Build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” These are precious words of advice for all of us. Don’t be swayed by those who devalue the Gospel. Then, to top it all off, Jude writes, “And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire…” Can we live that way? It is a call to be strong in our own faith and to continually stretch out a hand to help those who are struggling or being tempted to go off course.

As I was reading this letter from Jude, I began to hum, “Hey Jude” a song written over 50 years ago by the Beatles. Though the Beatles song, “Hey Jude” is not connected in any way to this New Testament letter, it does have a touchpoint in one way. The song was written for John Lennon’s then-five-year-old son, Julian. It was intended to comfort Julian after John left both Julian and his mother, Cynthia, for another woman. McCartney commented that he wrote the song to tell Julian that though his parents were getting divorced, and though the whole thing was making him sad, he would be okay. It was McCartney’s way of reaching out his hand to help Julian move on and to know there were those who cared.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for people like Jude who can remind us to stand firm amid falsehoods and trouble. Help me be a helper to others who are wavering. Amen