Exodus 2

There is a lot of story in this one small chapter. Moses is born, given away, grows up, kills, runs away, gets married and has a son. All this time the Israelites are still in bondage, serving Pharaoh in servitude. It is hard to imagine living for generations in these conditions waiting for one that God promises to send. Yet wait they did! And Moses, I think that he knew deep down that he was meant for more, why would have killed an Egyptian in the first place if there wasn't something inside telling him what was happening was wrong. Even while he was in Midian he knew that he was a foreigner.

Mark - Exodus 2

These chapters are like pieces to a puzzle of God's making and understanding. Moses is born a Hebrew but raised Eygptian and then flees because of his actions against the rulers of the Israelites. Moses is the piece of this puzzle which will bring the Hebrews from bondage.(v25) Looking down upon them, He knew that the time had come for their rescue. God will use this Hebrew born to lead His chosen people and lift this burden of slavery.

Mark - Exodus 1

We see from the out set that the ruler is fearful of the Israelites. The order to have all Hebrew boys killed is such a cowardly act. These "men " of such power and influence are dead inside and that is shown in how they use the Jewish nation to build their cities. They worship idols and have no sense of humanity. Why does God let them reign? I know it is not for me to understand but it does infuriate me. Slavery is prevalent throughout the Bible, the binding of one group against another. In today's world we are slaves to all kinds of things ie. HDTV, espn, thin crust pizza(this is only a sliver of my personal list) the people who lived among the Pharaoh's were on a whole different statosphere.

Mark - Matthew 28

(v20) "... and be sure of this---That I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Jesus has lived out His earthly life and now has left the disciples with a mandate. They are to go and make disciples in all nations teaching them what Christ had made known to His original followers.
The first sentence of my blog is truth, I know and believe that Jesus has and will be always with me. It's upon me to try and live and mirror a Christ-like life and share this whenever given the opportunity. Another holiday has come and gone but the charity of being a Christian has no one day-to love, serve and sacrifice continues.

Worship: risking yourself totally

"The eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally."

Are you kidding?

Jesus is risen from the dead and some still doubted that he was the Son of God?!?

The thing that jumped out for me today was this rumor that the disciples stole the body and fabricated the whole story.

If you were one of the eleven and you took the body, do you think you would go so far as to be martyred for your faith like every one of them did (with the exception of John, who they couldn't seem to kill)?

Jesus is worthy to be praised, because he did die so that every last sinner on the planet could be saved.

Merry Christmas!

On to Exodus...

Mark - MERRY CHRISTMAS

To all my fellow bloggers hope you all have a great Christmas. Unfortunatley Dyan and I are traveling tonight to see family and friends outside the city and won't be in church until Sunday.
The birth of Jesus Christ is once again recognized. Our Savior, the One who has given us the greatest of gifts lives. Thanks be to God for such a gift.

Don't mock me!

The phrase from our Bible study now makes sense, "Love is patient." God is love. You need no more proof that Jesus is the Son of God. From the very beginning of the six hour crucifixion, people were mocking the Christ.

If I were Jesus, about two hours into it, an army of 12,000 angels would have wiped everyone out. But Matthew is writing to a Jew audience and lifts up prophecy after prophecy that is being fulfilled. The Messiah was to come in this way. Jesus told his disciples three times that this event would be happening.

That's the benefit of having the big picture in front of your eyes all of the time. That's why I think it's so appropriate that on the night Jesus was born, we read about his death. He was born to die for the forgiveness of our sins.

Come, let us adore him...Christ the Lord. See you in church tonight!

Jordan - Matthew 26

"The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me." (v 11)

If Jesus were here today and on the road to Gethsemane, would I annoint his head with oil or would I scoff at those throwing their valuables at his feet?  Jesus is telling us that it is not who you are but it is your intent that makes God happy.  If you are rich because you want it all for yourself you are poor in God's eyes.  If you are rich because you have done well and you give your money away freely, you are rich in God's eyes.  If you give to the poor to say "hey look at me, i am giving to the poor" you are a camel going throug the eye of a needle.

The woman at Bethany, she is giving something very valuable not to someone who needs it, but to someone she believes is worthy of it.  She knows that this person, this Jesus, is one to whom she could give her life to and it still wouldn't equate to what He is worthy of.  The wise men, coming to the manger also bring gifts.  These gifts are nothing for the King of kings, but they are gestures to say, "I know you are special, this is the best way that I can show it."   The disciples still see Jesus as a Rabbi who is supposed to teach them right or wrong.  Jesus is so much more.  We need to give Him our best. 

Merry Easter!

It is so strange to be reading these words from Maundy Thursday two days before Christmas. Worship and prayer are lifted up as central to this life of faith. Jesus communes with his closest followers just hours before he will be betrayed by Judas (who has essentially already betrayed him!).

Side note: I looked up commune in the thesaurus and connect and communicate came up! Maybe God's plan is to gather us around his table and send us into the world. Could it be that simple?

"Judas showed up in the garden and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: 'The one I kiss, that's the one—seize him.' He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, 'How are you, Rabbi?' and kissed him. Jesus said, 'Friend, why this charade?'"

Friend?!? Are you kidding me? Jesus demonstrates nothing but patience and willingness to follow the Father into a future of reconciliation. We can learn so much from the Christ.

Please join us in worship tomorrow night. If you are traveling, find a house of worship to kneel before the king.

Mark - Matthew 26

So the leaders finally have Jesus were they want Him. I shudder to contemplate the fate of these individuals but with out their actions we have no salvation. Jesus' asks God three times to take this burden from Him, though always qualifying these words,(v42)Again he left them and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot go away until I drink it all, your will be done." God's will be done, Jesus must have felt fully human at this point but yet also knew that it wasn't up to Him. He was alone in this world and prayed to God for a reprieve if possible. Jesus was given over to these evil men with full understanding of His fate. A fate mandated by His Father for the forgiveness of all our worldly ills. How awesome a sacrifice is this! Thank you God for your Son, praise Jesus always!

My favorite chapter in this Gospel

Matthew 25 has always struck a cord with me, but especially during this Advent. Our four part sermon series on time, talent, treasure, and touch ended on Sunday. If you missed any of them, please consider going back to listen to those sermons online.

This chapter is broken into three parts:
The Story of the Virgins was covered during the sermon on time.
The Story About Investment was covered during the sermon on talent.
The Sheep and the Goats pushes us out into the world to serve...well, Jesus himself.

Communion is huge at Faith. We have had only 3 worship services all year without it (Memorial Day, Labor Day, and late service last Sunday due to the children's Christmas program). On the same night that Jesus was betrayed, he washed his disciples' feet (including Judas) and told them (us!) to go and do likewise. The very reason we celebrate communion nearly every Sunday is so that we will have the strength to "go in peace to love and serve the Lord".

The "sheep" have faith and serve people as a natural result. Human beings go naturally to self-preservation, so the "goats" don't care for the hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, strangers, and those in prison. If they had known it was Jesus, they would have served him.

The mainline church in America is struggling. Dying actually. Unfortunately, institutions go naturally to self-preservation too. If Faith is to not only survive but also thrive, we need to live like the sheep. Not to get into heaven, but because God will provide for us if we are about his kingdom work. It's what we do.

Last night at Council was budget night. We worked hard for 3+ hours. The 80-20 rule was brought up. Many of you have heard it before: 20% of the people do 80% of the work, 20% of the people give 80% of the offerings, etc. The truth is 20% of ELCA churches are growing and will be healthy enough to reach out to others. We are nearly there.

I will go back to what Rolf Jacobson teaches at Luther Seminary. There are three things that set the 20% of churches apart from the rest:
1. They have a mission statement that everyone knows. Many have been saying, "Faith is a family," but that comes across to new member and visitor ears as inwardly-focused, so my business card now says, "All are welcome." As we move through the synod Doing What Matters process, we will develop an outwardly-focused mission statement with vision and two or three verbs. For example, our middle school youth group in MN wore t-shirts that said "Faith is a verb," based on Micah 6:8 (Do justice, LOVE kindness, WALK humbly).
2. They talk about God like he's actually in the room (because he is). The Council has committed to praying daily. This will go a long way toward recognizing that God's Spirit is blowing in our midst (because she is).
3. 25% of Confirmed members are reading the Bible daily. I have also encouraged our Council members to do just that.

You are obviously reading the Bible. I encourage you to pray daily and join us for Bible study between the services (starting on Jan 9th). We will be starting our Doing What Matters study that Sunday.

Mark - Matthew 25

This chapter illustrates Jesus' expectations so clearly. The parable of the three given the money by the man says it all. I interpret this story as we're given a life and time to live. How do we use this gift? Do we make time to help those in need or do we turn a bling eye. Jesus has taught through His many parables that in helping those that need it we are doing God's work. The flip side, to squander this precious gift-the ability to help, care, and love those who desperately need it will be met with darkness. I want to live in the light. I pray to be more of a servant today than yesterday. I always feel uplifting when doing for others and the instances through out the day were there is an opportunity to be of assistance are many.

Mark - Matthew 24

Jesus speaks to His disciples about the timing of the end of the world. There will be many false signs of this pending event. The soothsayers and false prophets will try and deceive those who are willing to believe their words. But Christ tells us to be vigilant and obedient, (v35)"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words remain forever..." He expects us to love and serve others, to attempt and live as He did. The time table for His return is not of my concern. What is expected of me as a follower of Jesus is to live as closely to his perfection as possible.

My words won't wear out

"Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out."

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting with someone who died on Thursday night...and was brought back. Ron has had 11 such close calls in his life. He comes at things from a completely different perspective than most.

We were having a great conversation and got to talking about the Bible. He made the comment, "If you are a Christian, you really need to live it." Daily. Ron is reading Hebrews and Acts right now. We were chatting about everything that's going on it in the world. Our discussion went right to Matthew 24. Little did I know I would be picking it up this morning.

The world needs us to live out our faith. We make a difference in people's lives.

What if all of our Council leaders committed to reading/studying the Bible daily for a year? What would Faith look like in 12 months?

Jordan - Matthew 24

Not exactly the best chapter to wake up to.  Last night, around 3:15am, most of us were sleeping (including me!).  But there were a lot of star-gazers out as well watching a  total lunar eclipse to march in winter.  At climax, the moon turns to a copper color, some would call it a blood red color.  Many ancient lunar eclipses have been mistaken for signs of the Second Coming and when I googled for examples, I found a reference to a  new prediction of the Second Coming in 2015  with the mark of a lunar eclipse. 

Despite Jesus's best efforts to persuade his followers to focus on being vigilent, there will always be a number of people who want o predict.  So that they can quickly get their act together at the last minute!

Mark - Matthew 23

(v37) "For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you are ready to welcome the one sent to you from God." This sums it up. Jesus defines what the leaders and Pharisees are down to their core-HYPOCRITES! These godly men are nothing more than empty vessels singing their own praises and mandating what's in their best interest. Christ's teachings go against all that they have built for themselves and they will stop at nothing to see Him silenced. They are blind to their own damnation. God sent Jesus to save us, but will we let Him. To sacrifice and serve, to love and commit, this is the road I must travel inorder to truly live. Writing it down is one thing putting it into daily practice is what matters.

Jordan - Matthew 23

In the secular world, there are many people who think that being a good leader means getting the people below you to work their hardest.  In reality, a good leader is one who creates an environment where work becomes easier and more efficient.  The latter style is more difficult because it means that the higher up you go, the more work you need to do to ease the pain of the little people. 

Jesus, describes the Pharisees as the group of leaders who burden the lives of those who listen to them.  The Pharisees likely think that if they get the most from people, those people will earn the right of the Pharisee to enter heaven.  Jesus is more of the "lead by example" type.  He tells the disciples to listen to those hypocrits, because what they are sayin actually makes a little sense.  It is what they are doing that causes doubt.  By saying this, Jesus probably validates what everyone below the Pharisees were thinking, thereby making their lives (or their understanding of life) easier.

Later on, Jesus, removes the biggest burden from all of us in dying on the cross and being raised from the dead.

Do you want to stand out?

"Be a servant."

Jesus is really giving it to the Pharisees today. What I'm learning is that we are all on our own journeys. We need to be conscious of God every minute and then the bigger challenge is coming together unified to determine what God is doing with us.

Faith is immensely personal and communal at the same time. We are to take God's teaching into our hearts and live it out in our behavior. For me, I'm going to be praying more and talking less. Any communication from me will center around that simple command, "Love God. Love your neighbor."

I will be scouring the insides. In this new year, I will work on myself.

Mark - Matthew 22

(v14)"For many are called, but few are chosen." Jesus' parable of the Wedding Dinner again teaches us that we are welcome. His instructions are simple,(v37)"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Secondly He tells us love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Everything begins with these two actions and these are actions. That for me means I must act and be a participant in this journey. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option, getting out of myself is a necessity! Yesterday we delivered meals for the coming Christmas holiday. For years during this time of year I always thought that doing something for others would be a good way to start off the season. It was an awesome experience and sharing it with my wife and children made it all the better. The key is making that a part of my everday life-love my neighbor as myself. There will always be a need, whether it be December or some other time of year and I'm given the opportunity to share of myself in being their for others.

Be the ball, Danny!

I read this yesterday in a book Rock gave me: "Jesus' teachings are truly learned only when you become the teaching."

Where do we find ourselves in The Story of the Wedding Banquet? I like to think of us as the servants who are going out to invite "outsiders" into the party.

So what's the deal with the guy who gets dragging in off the street and then gets thrown out for not having the right clothes on?

The answer lies in a teaching of Paul's to the church in Colossi, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

Mark - Matthew 21

The priests and leaders written about in this chapter are empty. They have no faith, no conviction and remain resolute to rid themselves of Jesus. The question of John the Baptist is answered with a non answer. They measure their words not by the grace of God but by the greed of power hungry men. Jesus knows this and puts it to them again and again. They have no concern for God's Kingdom but only care for their worldly position.

A kingdom life

"God's kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life."

While Jordan is absolutely right, Jesus gives it to the Pharisees today (every time he mentions hell, it's in response to them too). Since they seem set on inequality, he tells two parables about them: The Stories of Two Sons and the Greedy Farmhands.

The prophets and Jesus himself were killed, because the religious leaders are trying to keep the lid on things.

As God's Spirit continues to blow in our midst, will we instead be like the children, furnishing a place of praise? Notice how much emphasis there is today on prayer, on simple trust in God to do amazing things.

One thing is certain: if we live a kingdom life, God will be in control, not us.

Jordan - Matthew 20

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." - v16

Many times, this saying is discussed and preached upon as a role reversal.  The rich will be poor and the poor will be rich in the kingdom of heaven.  But Jesus has just finished the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  At the end of the day, the owner of the vineyard pays each worker equally regardless of how many hours they put in.   The parable and the one verse summary are lessons in equality.  If you remember you algebra, one of the first things you learn is that the '=' sign creates symmetry. There is a symmetry to verse 16.

first = last

When we enter heaven, we all have a seat at the table.  This table is round and God is in the center of it.  Praise be to God!

Why be a servant?

This story is the basis for my life of servanthood. My in-laws missed me on Thanksgiving. For the last many years, I would do all of the dishes after the meal. I didn't toil to make or serve it, but I did clean up afterwards. Why? Was I not a guest? Nope. Whenever anyone would ask me, I would simply say, "I'm here to serve."

I don't think church membership should be taken lightly. If you are a member at Faith, you are here to serve. You are called to give sacrificially of your time, talent, treasure, and touch. Visitors and guests are more than welcome. They are the ones we are here to serve on Sunday mornings. During the week, everyone we encounter is one to be served.

Jesus tells his disciples plainly, "The greatest among you is to be the servant of all." This wasn't just talk for him. Jesus lived this to a T. We are to as well, if we are truly his disciples.

A disciple shadows a rabbi until they learn how to live the life the rabbi lives. If you want to be blown away, watch the Nooma DVD called Dust. We are to follow so closely behind our rabbi, Jesus, that we are covered in the dust he kicks up.

Who's with me?

Mark - Matthew 20

Jesus' parable of the field workers is the story I really identify with. The men all receive the same wage, payment for their time toiling the fields. The men who worked the least were compensated equally to those who had labored all day. It's never to late to let go and turn to Christ to receive His salvation. The human reaction is to feel that because of my greater efforts I should be recognized with more adoration. The last will be first Jesus tells them. I pray to be counted among the many, not first, not sitting on a throne, I want a seat at the table. Receiving the gift Christ made possible by His sacrifice that's more than enough, it's everything!

Love and Marriage

Like the phrase "Gentiles and tax collectors" yesterday, I think this teaching on marriage is often misunderstood. My mother was tortured by it every time it came up in the lectionary. She was also, not surprisingly, one of the only single mothers in our church.

The Message translation give light and clarity to the issue, so my mom doesn't need to feel like an adulteress anymore. Jesus says, "Moses provided for divorce as a concession to your hard heartedness, but it is not part of God's original plan. I'm holding you to the original plan, and holding you liable for adultery if you divorce your faithful wife and then marry someone else. I make an exception in cases where the spouse has committed adultery." My dad committed adultery. My mom didn't. This exception was never mentioned.

I love how Jesus closes out this issue, "Marriage requires a certain aptitude and grace. If you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it."

If you really want to get crazy, have kids.

Mark - Matthew 19

The question is asked in this chapter what must be done to have eternal life. The rich man leaves despondent upon receiving the answer. (v21)"... sell everything you have..." is the reply Jesus gives which I believe is Him telling us to turn to God in all matters. My life has to have clear direction and focus. By Jesus' sacrifice I am given the gift of eternal life freely, there are no prerequisites but my will needs to be turned over to God. In so doing the choice is mine to try and live as Christ has taught as opposed to my own selfish ways. Easier to say than practice at times, the key is to always strive for this!

Jordan - Matthew 18

"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.  But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'  If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (v15-17)

Not sure what treating them like a pagan or tax collector means, but the rest of these words, I love!  I find myself listening to people who are having issues with others an awful lot.  Most likely, its not because I give good advice, but because I lettng them vent.  Letting off steam is important because it provides (in the end) a level headed perspective.  But it is even more important to address the issue directly and with the person you are having a problem with! 

I imagine Jesus talking indirectly to one of his own disciples through these words.  Like Peter talking to Jesus and telling that he heard one of the other disciples praying he wrong way.  I can see Jesus just shaking his head and saying "Have you spoken to him about it?  And what about the other disciples, what are their feelings?"

Talk it out!  Its the only way problems are solved!  

Forgiveness

This was our theme at Confirmation on Monday. We used the parable that ends this chapter. I think the harder teaching is this, "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love."

How many of us naturally go directly to the person we have a problem with? Isn't is easier to fire off an e-mail filled with emotion? Or to go to someone else and talk about the person behind their back? The Scriptures talk more about how to love one another than they do about how to love God. Although Jesus' command is to love God and your neighbor, one is clearly harder to do (because God's not a sinner like I am).

The prayer ring Faith got from Basil and the Boston radio station that highlighted our ministry in May has not left its holster for months. If you are early to church ever and would like to pray with me before the service, just grab it and hand it to me. Then we will hold hands and pray that God uses our worship to draw us closer to him and to each other, that his Spirit fills our lives to overflowing, so that we can fulfill our role as his children of light, his servants to the world.

Mark - Matthew 18

The children are God's most precious of gifts Jesus tells us. The adage ignorance is bliss can also be seen in the innocence of a child. Were all God's children but my innocence and blissfullness are more a memory than anything. Jesus warns of all the worldly traps that exist and I'm keenly aware of all these enticements. I'm broken but Jesus is the super glue who I continually turn to when faced with any of these evils. Raising children I continually attempt to keep them open minded,imaginative,happy and loved. The world and all its distraction is part of life the challenge is to always know what is truly worthy and significant to make time for.

Jordan - Matthew 17

I'm back!

The transfiguration is one of the oddest stories.  Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of a hill and meets up with Elijah and Moses.  This meeting is very symbolic as Jesus is now on the same pedestool as the two revered prophets, both of whom didn't really die, but were taken up to heaven.  The three lucky disciples hear God claim Jesus as His Son!  What an honor!  But why them?  Why didn't the transfiguration happen in front of all of the disciples or maybe even one of the crowds?  Wouldn't that have a more dramatic effect?

I think that is just the point.  Jesus wasn't about making believers out of people.  Those who believed before they even saw him or heard him were the ones that Jesus favored the most.  In fact, the very next set of versus is Jesus telling his own disciples that they didn't even have faith the size of a mustard seed.  If they had, they could move mountains!

Juxtaposition

In our Sunday morning Bible study, we are at the hinge point between the end of 1 Corinthians 12 and the beginning of chapter 13 (the ever so popular love chapter).

After a lengthy discussion of what it looks like to be the body of Christ, Paul goes into how that body is supposed function in love. We can personalize it at weddings, because we don't reference chapter 12, "The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body": apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, organizers, those who pray in tongues. But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called "important" parts. But now I want to lay out a far better way for you..."

Love at it's fullest isn't merely about you and your loved ones. It's about God loving the world through the only body he has, the church.

In the same way, our reading from Matthew 17 doesn't make any sense out of context. Thankfully, we read the end of chapter 16 yesterday, "Before you know it the Son of Man will arrive with all the splendor of his Father, accompanied by an army of angels. You'll get everything you have coming to you, a personal gift. This isn't pie in the sky by and by. Some of you standing here are going to see it take place, see the Son of Man in kingdom glory."

Today's reading starts, "Six days later, three of them saw that glory."

Advent is about waiting for Jesus to return. The early church mistook Jesus' statement to mean that the world was going to end within their lifetimes. The Gospels weren't even written down until a generation later. It was an oral tradition. Besides, Jesus was going to be back in like ten minutes.

When we see it for what it truly is, the transfiguration is a foretaste of the feast to come. Notice that right after they experience this, they go down into the valley to serve and heal people. And God provides for their needs.

We have communion every Sunday, a foretaste of the feast to come. Right after we experience this, we are to...

In case you are wondering, the fill-in-the-blank is not just "drink coffee and chat". =)

Mark - Matthew 17

Peter again is prominent in this chapter. Upon beholding Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus he can't help himself;(v3)"...If you want me to, I'll make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." You think he would be speechless. God then makes it known that Christ is the One who He is wonderfully pleased with. All others are stepping stones to Him.
Why is it that we always complicate matters with distraction. Running here and there in this fast paced world, for what? To get all my many errands done before the sun goes down? I'll never reach the finish line so it might be beneficial while I'm here to breath deep and try to live the life Christ has freely given to me by His sacrifice.

Matthew 16

There was a lot to this chapter. What struck me most was the discussion about the Pharisees and Sadducees. These guys are a lot like some people today. False preachers. Jesus tells his disciples to beware of the words of these men and I think that we need to continue to follow his advice.

It makes me think of the Youth event we attended this Fall. The speaker was very conservative and very opinionated. He said spoke about some issues that made our group very uncomfortable as we do not hold the same view as him. We, as leaders, took this opportunity to teach our kids that there are many different views out there, not all correct, and that every event can be a learning opportunity.

I would catorgorize this man and his mission as false preaching. It is just too bad that he goes around the country speaking to thousands of youth. I hope that they all have leaders who help them to see that not all people hold the same opinions even if they say they are Christian and believe in God.

Lucky for us we can read the bible and make our own decisions based on what God speaks to us through his word.

Mark - Matthew 16

Jesus is preparing his disciples for his coming death. It has been revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Messiah and yet he doesn't understand this is the plan. He is the rock that Christ will use as the foundation of Christianity and yet he needs to be rebuked. This shows the frailty of being human. Peter doesn't want to fathom a life with out his teacher. The thought of going it alone is to much to bear. But were never alone, Christ is always with us. I listen to 590AM on my way into work each morning and along with reading the Bible to start my day it sets my frame of mind on were I need to be. The challenge is not to let my frailties become a hindurance to what begins as a great way to start the day.

You're Not in the Driver's Seat

As I am reading Scripture, I see everything through two lenses: personal and communal.

Jesus, after naming Peter "the rock" and then calling him Satan, challenges the disciples, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?"

In my family systems reading right now, I'm exploring two concepts: triangulation and threshold for pain. Proper, direct communication channels are crucial. And certain people can embrace a lot of suffering in themselves, but not in others...or vice versa. What would happen if we yoked together and built up our endurance? We would have character individually and as a body. God would continue to use us in mighty ways.

H.E.A.R.T.

One word jumped out at me today: heart.
"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn't in it. They act like they're worshiping me, but they don't mean it."

"He then called the crowd together and said, 'Listen, and take this to heart...'"

"What comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart."

It reminded me of this acronym:
He owns it all
Every day is an opportunity
Action is required
Remember your blessings
Thank him

May we live this out.

Two steps, baby...woo hoo!

If you're looking for a gift idea this Christmas (because you feel like you really don't need anything), ask for a Mike Yaconelli book. Before his untimely death, he wrote these two:
Dangerous Wonder
Messy Spirituality

Sue, you might also want to check out The Core Realities of Youth Ministry: Nine Biblical Principles That Mark Healthy Youth Ministries. Mike was there when they laid the foundation for youth ministry in this country and tended it faithfully for 40 years.

I love Jesus' response to his disciples freak out: "You give them supper." I also love the excitement that I'm seeing around Feeding Children International (and not by a few people). We just need a home for it other than my office. =)

I distinctly remember Mike talking to 7,500 of us at a national youth workers' convention about this walking on the water story. Mike's motto for youth ministry volunteers was "something is better than nothing". Toward the end of his life, he got engaged in the fight to save Africa against the AIDS pandemic. He once offhandedly said, "You have one life. Do something." That has stuck with me ever since and became the bumper sticker slogan for One Life Revolution. Another book worth reading is by Rich Stearns, the president of World Vision. It's called A Hole in Our Gospel. Bill Hybels gave a copy of it to all 10,000 members of his congregation, Willow Creek Community Church in IL.

Back to the story. Peter gets back in the boat after being chastised by Jesus for having little faith. But he doesn't focus on that "choking thistle," even from his Lord. He instead chooses to "water the good seed". He turns to his friends who are frozen to their seats and says triumphantly, "Two steps, baby...woo hoo!"

Why tell stories?

"To create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight."

Jesus tells a lot of stories. Which one spoke most to you?
The harvest
The thistles in the field
The mustard seed
The yeast
The treasure in the field
The pearl of great value
The fishnet

I have heard all 39 of Jesus' parables over and over again. A new insight hit me on the second one today. Before Christ gave his explanation, I had a thought, regarding how this concept plays out on a personal level.

First of all, Jesus' storytelling fulfilled this prophecy, "I will bring out into the open things hidden since the world's first day." During the first week of creation, God planted good, clean seed in the garden. The enemy came in and sowed thistles within our very nature. Even if we wanted to, we couldn't eliminate them without killing the body.

So what do we do then?

What if we nurtured only the plants and not the weeds. What would grow?

Mark - Matthew 12

Jesus stresses the need not to follow formality but to follow His lead. Do good works whether it's the Sabbath or not. The Pharisees are a bunch of hyprocrites! There concern lies in portraying themselves as the righteous. They are blind to who Jesus is and what His walking among them signifies. How terrible that must be not to have faith. Thank God for sending his Son to save me!

More at stake

Jesus says, "There is far more at stake here than religion. If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—'I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual'—you wouldn't be nitpicking like this."

There's a lot of nitpicking that happens in churches. Let's keep the main thing the main thing: anticipating Christ's coming and loving people into his kingdom.

Then Jesus goes all hardcore again, "This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not helping, you're making things worse."

You can either be a part of the solution or a part of the problem. We discovered at Mutual Ministry last night that I came in to a situation of acute anxiety in January. The three major contributors being...
1. Budgetary difficulties
2. The loss of a pastor
3. The closing of a school

Thinking I was being a part of the solution (old school butts and bucks mindset), I set out to grow the church. Two more anxiety increasing factors were introduced:
1. An influx of new members
2. A significant change in lay leadership (we slightly re-structured to empower leaders more)

Now we have 5 anxiety producing situations which we need to work together to resolve. Here are my proposals for how to "take it down a thousand," so that there is peace and calm (that way we will be able to think clearly so we can plan and vision):
1. Budgetary difficulties--After a rough start, we have essentially broken even for the last 6 or 7 months. A good pledge drive in the next 12 days will help us thrive in this area. Please sign up for Simply Giving or turn in your pledge card.
2. The loss of a pastor--Members who were here when PJ was the pastor need to work through any grief they still have over his leaving. It's completely natural to experience separation anxiety when a much loved pastor retires.
3. The closing of a school--The Faith Center was essentially vacant from Sept 1st, 2009-Aug 15th, 2010. We have been leasing it another religious group since and hopefully will sell it soon. This will certainly help in the first area. My fervent hope is that we are willing to see outside of ourselves and tithe off of the proceeds.
4. An influx of new members--15 families have had members join this year. We are actively working to match them up with "mentor" households before Jan 9th in order to integrate them into the life of the church more fully. If you come every Sunday, please support this effort by being one of those households.
5. A significant change in lay leadership--People are using their spiritual gifts. We are gaining some stability on Council. The challenge is to appoint Council members to our Executive team in February who can lead us through the Doing What Matters synod process over the next two and a half years.

Probably more than you wanted to read in a blog, but in order to move forward, we need to be intentional about "being a part of the solution," reducing anxiety in each of these areas. Having flexible hearts will definitely help.

Mark - Matthew 11

Does John the Baptist have doubts of who Jesus is?(v3)"Are you really the one we are waiting for, or shall we keep on looking?" John baptized Jesus with the knowledge of who He was, so why the question? Again Jesus reiterates-FOLLOW ME! Even after all the miracles the masses aren't getting the significance of what He is trying to freely give them. He says children know the secret to faith but the wise think they have all the answers. I think I have all the answers more times than not. Please help me do more listening today Lord.

Mark - Matthew

Jesus performs miracle after miracle, He rebuked the wind and the waves and still his disciples ask-Who is this man? This must have been a frustration. In the following chapter he gathers followers and lays out what is expected of them. The road is going to be hard and narrow but the Father will not give you to much to bear if your faith lies in him. Striving for God's will in all my affairs is were I try to keep my focus. This is extremely challenging living in this fast paced world. I need to remember what is important and not get distracted by the minutia.

Jordan - Matthew 10

This is one of those chapters that is difficult to swallow and impossible  to understand.  How can I love God more than my family?  Why is it that one who finds life loses it?  Don't we always hear that we are to live life to te fullest?

It is easy to thank God, praise God and worship God, but to choose God over the ones we love all of sudden puts a line in the sand that I am reluctant to cross.  What does it mean in this day in age to put God fist in our lives?  In the times of Jesus, following Jesus instead of Jewish law was a way to get you publicly digraced at best and killed at worst.  The words in this chapter are a cold hard facts.  Today though, in the US, the words are more abstract.  We are worshipping God and fearing for our lives.  So if we say we are putting God first, are they just words?

Come to me, all who are weary

I'm going to jump to the second half of our reading for today, since I'm preaching on the first half on Sunday (early service only...please come for both that and the cantata).

Jesus continues being hardcore and then gentle. This is the greatest offer anyone could ever get from the long-anticipated Messiah, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Starting last night, we're preparing not only for our Savior to arrive on Christmas, but we're clearing/cleaning out the church to make room for our new members. On Baptism of our Lord Sunday, Jan 9th, we will be celebrating with 15 families who have had a child(ren) baptized and/or became new members this year, among them Jordan and Cathy. We are so blessed to have you as a part of the body of Christ in this place!

Sit with the sinners

Being a Christian doesn't make you perfect, it makes you a sinner. As I read Matthew this week, I am constantly reminded that God sent His son to save the sinner. And in fact, we are all sitting at the table with Jesus and the tax collectors. The Scripture poignantly reminds us that the Physician is not sent for the well but for the sick. What is more striking to me is where the Scripture says I desire mercy not sacrifice. Are we willing and able to show mercy? As we continue to grow in the body of Christ may we all remember we are each charged with the mission of Jesus...to serve the sick and sit with the sinners.

Jordan - Matthew 9

"Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, 'Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?  Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?  But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'"

Ya know, if someone were to ask me which is easier, heal a paralyzed man or forgive sins.  First, I would probably laugh thinking it was a joke and then guess the latter.  Nothing could harder than healing the sick!  But I realize that this answer only jumps out at me because I already have a savior who died to save me from sin.  He died!  And now I am spoiled enough to think that forgiving of sins is easier than making the lame walk with a touch of the hand.  What a gift God gave us in Jesus and in eternal grace!

Start small

Jesus prayed for harvest hands and wham! the 12 disciples appeared. It's amazing to think that this didn't happen until chapter 10.

This section is wrapped in paradox: "Christ gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives." Most of what follows is on either extreme: small and gentle or hardcore. If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly...that is, unless you're called to be a teddy bear.

What it amounts to is that we are to be bold and powerful in our faith, but in a respectful way.

On the one hand...
"Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood."
"You are the equipment. Travel light."
"Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave."
"Be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw."
"Don't call attention to yourselves. Be inoffensive as a dove."
"Don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it."

Then the text takes a turn on this hinge point, "When people realize it is the living God you are presenting, they are going to turn on you. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate!"
So on the other...
"Don't quit. Don't cave in. Be survivors!"
"Don't be intimidated. Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies."
"Stand up for me. Don't think I've come to make life cozy."
"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."

Then we come full circle, "This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice."

Be bold, be strong for the Lord your God is with you. Do a little bit of kingdom work this holiday season. It's addicting.

Difficult, important words

If we'd like to be among the 20% of ELCA churches that are healthy and growing, we need to internalize these hard words from Jesus:

"Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."

Two blind men are crying out for mercy. Jesus says to them, "Do you really believe I can do this?" They respond, "Why, yes, Master!" He touches their eyes and says, "Become what you believe." It happened. They saw.

I can see that the harvest is plentiful and that the workers are few. I pray that God inspires us to become what he would want us to be: a church that reaches out and changes people's lives.

Matthew 7

"Judge not, that you not be judged." such simple words yet really hard to follow. This is some of the best advice Jesus gives us but how many of us follow this. It is really easy to judge others or put the blame on someone else. Much harder to look at ourselves with the same critical eye. I know that I try hard to see the best in people and believe that everyone has good intentions. I also know that I judge people too quickly sometimes and jump to conclusions. This is a bad habit I am working on.

It is comforting to hear Jesus say "ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find." I do believe this to be true. It may not always be what we think we need but is what God knows we need. We just need to learn to accept what God gives us.

Mark - Matthew 7

Jesus wants the focus to be on oneself. His preaching is directed at the judgement of others is wrong. I don't have the right to criticize others. He reiterates this throughout the chapter. I do a better job of being who Christ wants me to be when I heed these instuctions. Putting the focus on someone else is a copout to working on the only person I can think for--me. It's easy to judge others,(v13)"Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad... When I point one finger at someone in judgement of the way their doing something there are three fingers pointing back at me. I need to look in the mirror and concern myself about my own plank.

Wholeness and healing

If we are the body of Christ (and we are), we need to be about wholeness and healing. Jesus certainly was. Story after story today is about Christ reaching out to people. When they are made whole, they serve him. Peter's mother-in-law no sooner has the fever leave her and she's fixing dinner for them.

Some days you're the bat and other days you're the ball. We will be strong and well, able to serve one day and another we will need help. Today in Bible study we'll be talking about whether we as a church rejoice and sorrow TOGETHER. Are we one in purpose?

Jesus came to save us from our sins, but more than that he came to reconcile all of creation. Where there is ill-health, we need healing. Where there is strength, we are compelled to serve.

To add another layer to this, I heard something on the radio this morning that made me think...not only about my life, but about the life of our ministry teams. It was the distinction between a date and a meeting. Do we work AND play together?

As we build up the body and work in the kingdom, let's play together more.

"Your business is life, not death. Follow me," Jesus says, "Pursue life."

Jordan - Matthew 7

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?" (v3-4)

I don't think I have ever read these verses without getting a huge grin on my face.  And yet I am sure there have been numerous times when I have been walking around with a giant plank in my eye thinking I was perfect and the world was wrong.

Working God's words into my life

Kristina reminds us of this Simple Guide for Behavior:
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."

Jesus wraps this section of chapter 7 up with this rule of thumb, which we now refer to as the Golden Rule, "Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."

All of the law and prophets adds up to this?!? Christ makes it seem really simple. We make it so complicated.

The last heading of this amazing sermon is Being and Doing. I have always struggled with this balance in life. I've read the books about how to achieve success and happiness in your spare time, but I keep going back to this book, the Bible, every morning, because I know that this "way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention."

What would happen if we yoked together, like the disciples did after the resurrection and ascension, and lived this life of faith out in the world, our worlds? Isn't that the point of the church? There is strength (and power made perfect in weakness) in numbers.

That's why I want more and more people in Bible study with us, "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach."

The storms come irregardless. Will we have the strength to handle them, personally and communally? As Paul writes, "Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us." Jesus says, "Look for character in your leaders."

Heidi and I watched the first half of a 3 hour movie about Gandhi last night. His character was unbelievable. He refuses to obey unjust laws and pays dearly for it. He reminds me a lot of Jesus, who had impeccable character. That's why these mountain climbers hung on his every word.

"What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills."

The sermon is over. Now let's live it out...through the church and in the world!

Mark - Matthew 6

There are several verses that jump of the page in this chapter.(v27)"Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?" I like to think that I'm not a nervous Nelly but I catch myself far to often getting all jammed up about this thing called life. Giving it up to God, having faith that no matter what everything is going to be alright is were I strive to be. (34)"So don't be ANXIOUS
about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time." Can I turn it over? Is it that simple? I like to complicate things at times. To accept life on life's terms- the good, the bad, the ugly can be a hard pill to swallow.

Three wise girls

Randy loves her enemies and now Kelsey (“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”) and tomorrow Kristina (Matthew 7:1-5) each selected their Confirmation verses from the Sermon on the Mount. Cool.

Again, this 3rd of Christ's powerful sermon is like drinking from a fire hydrant. I love the headings today:

The World Is Not a Stage
"When you help someone out, just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out."

When you think about it, all we ever see are God's fingerprints. He doesn't announce when he helps us. We usually don't even realize he's done it until after the fact.

Pray with Simplicity
"This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need."

I would much rather have my kids sit in my lap and talk with me from their very souls than try to say the right words in order to get what they want from me.

We're basically asking God to keep us alive, forgiven, and safe. That is enough. The rest is gravy.

"God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well."

Serve quietly. You have been claimed for God's kingdom.

A Life of God-Worship
"You can't worship God and Money both. If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion."

Think deeply about that this holiday season.

It all comes down to this:
"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

Join me this Advent in a conspiracy to spend less, so that we can give more. Any individual gift to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal will be matched dollar for dollar until Dec 31st. For more info, check out www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/ELCA-World-Hunger.aspx.

Matthew 4

This chapter was something I thought about a lot today. First the all familiar story of Jesus in the wilderness and being tempted by the devil. Jesus knew what he was on earth to do and he would not be disuaded. After his 40 days he begins his teaching years by calling his disciples. This was where I really took pause. Can you imagine being asked to leave everything and follow some guy? What would make you do that? These guys left everything, family, career, home and followed a complete stranger. I still marvel at this. Being honest, I really and truly don't think that I would do this.

Matthew 5

"Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." That's a tough thing Jesus asks of us. I don't even believe that is attainable. We cannot be perfect as God is, but we can try. We can follow his commandments and work for his kingdom. I think that's all he wants from us, be the best you can be. Isn't that what Jesus was talking about in all of those rules he was handing out in this chapter. Treating others as you want to be treated, don't murder, don't cheat, don't divorce....

"You are the light of the world, let your light so shine before others so they know you are a child of God." This is a powerful statement, one we make during baptisms but one we should remind ourselves of everyday. We can be the light and show others' God's glory.

Jordan - Matthew 5

This is a jam packed chapter, but what struck me today was how Jesus is defending the Law.  Often, you hear how Jesus was a game changer, flipping tables in the Syangogue, breaking the Sabbath and rebuking the Pharisees and elders for worshipping the letter of the law over the Spirit.  Here, Jesus is reminding people that the law is important:

"Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

When the Spirit of the law is righteous, obiding by it brings out he best in us.  But, if we use the law for personal gain, it brings out the worst!

The best sermon EVER!

For almost a year, I have had to crank out a sermon nearly every Sunday. One of these days, I'm simply going to get up and read Matthew 5-7, Jesus' longest and best sermon. We could just read and re-read these 3 chapters every three days and we would begin to change from the inside out. The Holy Spirit within us would be stoked and the kingdom in our midst would explode!

Where do I start?

First of all, with Miranda's Confirmation verse (please pray for her today) about loving your enemies:
"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."

The faith of a child.

Back to the beginning, I thought of Bea's daughter, Shirley:
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

Wrapping the prayer shawl around her at the funeral yesterday was amazing and grace-filled.

Next, be who you are. These four words have been rolling around in my head and down into my soul for a month. Who am I as a child of God? Who is Faith? We need answers to these questions in order to serve God well. A few verses inform me here:
"Those who were apprenticed to Jesus, the committed, climbed with him." Are we committed to this life-change, this transformation of our very lives?

Only those who climbed the mountain with Jesus heard this message...it was for them.

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

There is contentment AND discovery. God is taking us where we're at and shaping up into who he made us to be.

Finally, why we are here. This is where it gets uncomfortable for most:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. If I make you light-bearers (and I have), you don't think I'm going to hide you, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop (in the Greek, this means granite outcropping), be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God."

Jesus ends this section with a bang!
"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

Mark - Matthew 5

Wow. After reading this chapter I came away with many thoughts of under performance. It's funny, the more I expose myself to Scripture the more I have to look at myself with a magnifying glass. The Bible motivates me to want not only a better understanding of its words but how they play apart in my life. Years ago I turned my life and will over to the care of God to
save me from myself. I was powerless over people, places and situations. My actions only brought suffering to me and those important in my life. I had to give up control or face the consequences. Once I finally gave it to God my addiction was lifted. It had nothing to do with me.
The grace of God saved me from my destructive self. In the years since I have gotten lazy in my faith, taking for granted that God does for me what I have no power to do. I pray to use the gifts freely given to me and strive for what Jesus brought to us by his example.

Fishing like we've never done before

I read this text differently now, after the ARE retreat I attended last month. ARE stands for A Renewal Enterprise. The church needs to be renewed. At Stewardship last night, those words came out again, "We've never done it that way before!" The response, "That's not a good excuse."

The cool thing about Jesus is that while he challenges the new disciples to do something they've never done before...this kingdom work before them...he meets them where they are at. They are fishermen. Now they will fish for men.

Be who you are. See what you have. Do what matters.

Mark - Matthew 4

This chapter begins with the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. What puzzles me is that Jesus is the embodiment of God in human form, how could God be tempted by anything. Later after the angels come to care for him he begins the journey of selecting his followers, every one of them common, regular folk. He preached and cured and the multitudes grew. The power of Christ was in full display. The Good News must have been spreading like wild fire.(v17) From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from sin, and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Am I doing my part? I pray to keep moving in the direction Jesus has laid out for me.

Matthew 3

John the Baptist must have been a scary guy. Running around in camel skin probably barefoot with long strangly hair. It's a wonder people listened to him. But they did and they believed what he told them. Many came to be baptised and changing their lives. Then along came the Pharisees and Saudducees thinking that they would receive the same forgiveness. Sorry, you can't just get in the water and then come out to your same old life.

A few verses down John is telling the people that the real deal will be coming soon, One that will ignite a fire inside of you, changing you from the inside out.

Many of us are like the Pharisees and Sadducees, thinking that we can show up on Sunday, confess our sins, receive forgiveness and then go back to our lives. Changing our lives, living as God has planned for us, that is the real work. Come and light the fire I am ready!

What counts is your life.

"Is it green and blossoming?"

At Bible study on Sunday, we talked about the Spirit activating gifts in our lives of faith for the common good.

Last night at Confirmation, we covered the 3rd article of the Apostle's Creed. John's words rung true, "The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I'm a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out."

Have we truly "turned our old life in for a kingdom life"? What does that look like and how can we model it to our children?

Mark - Matthew 3

Chapter 3 begins with John the Baptist preaching. (v2) "Turn from your sins...turn to God...for the Kingdom of Heaven is coming soon." is John's deliberate message. His words are so influencial that the hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees even travel into the wilderness to be baptized. These high and mighty leaders are given a dope slap back to reality by the prophet who tells them repent or suffer God's judgement. John doesn't feel it is appropiate for him to baptize Jesus but in fullfillment of a plan that is unfolding he does. God is "wonderfully" pleased with Jesus after He is baptized. God's plan is taking shape to save mankind through his own Son who will make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Jordan - Matthew 3

And just like that, Jesus is an adult.  I have always been so frustrated with the fact that there is so little mentioned in the Bible about Jesus as a young adult.  We miss a huge part of his life where he embraces his vocation and becomes determined to blaze the path he was called to walk.  Were those times of his life difficult for him or was he a model child?  I think there is a correlation to these missing years and the missing youth in our pews.  If we talk about being "little Christs" it might mean stick around while children, then disappear until you are an adult and come back!

Anyway, on to chapter 3.  I always picture John as a crazy guy in the desert.  Missing a sandal, a torn robe, an unkempt beard with a bit of locust still stuck in it...  But the best part is that the Pharisees themselves are drawn to this phanatic because baptism is "the cool thing to do" and John turns them away!   The Pharisees see baptism as another checkbox on their way to heaven and John calls them out.  How awkward that must have been!

Jordan - Matthew 2

After reading Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzer and his outrageous decrees immediately popped into my mind when reading about Herod today.  But there is something much more sinister and real here.  Nebuchadnezzer seemed silly and the story was an exaggeration.  However, this Gospel does not read with the same jovial cadence, instead you get the feeling that Herod's awful decision actually transpired in some form, ripping apart families who could have never seen this coming. 

God's Son comes into the world to save us all, but within the first year of his life his birth causes a king to kill many.  Gos gives Joseph visions to save Jesus, but i wonder how all of those other fathers felt?

Matthew 2

I also wonder, as does Matthew, what would happen if we followed God's plans for us. Are our dreams messages from God? I know that recently I have had 2 experiences where I felt that God was speaking to me and answering my cry for help. Since then I have been listening for God each day, asking for his guidance and support. Peace has returned to my life and I am looking at things in a different way. Thank you God for always being there and listening.

Wise guys

I am amazed by how much dreams and prophecy come into play here and very little we pay attention to them now.

"Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
"Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly."

"In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod."

"God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, 'Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.'"

"That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled."

"God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: 'Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead.'"

"This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, 'He shall be called a Nazarene.'"

The other thing that struck me is two simple words repeated twice: "Joseph obeyed."

Maybe the three scholars from the east weren't the only wise ones.

What would happen through our church and in the world if we obeyed God's dreams for us? I can see something emerging with the young adult living, learning community/Dorchester launch. Stay tuned...into what God wants for Faith.

Mark - Matthew 2

In fulfillment of the prophesy king Herod orders the death of all baby boys two years old and under with the expectation that Christ will be among these children. How terrible an action from such a man with such a lust for power and control. I wonder how Herod was received upon his death. Can there be redemption for such an act? When I unfortunately view or read of man's inhumanity to man I think of the phrase...vengeance is the Lord's. Their is evil and their is good.
Jesus was sent to us to save us from the evil. Thank you God!

Matthew 1

I have to admit that I am really glad to be back in the New Testament. These books are much more familiar to me and easier to read. I have a hard time keeping track of all the people in the Old Testament and don't know enough background to follow the story lines all that well. Matthew is like an old story I am re-reading, very familiar and comfortable.

Christmas is my second favorite time of year (Easter being my first). I love the trees, and decorations but much more than that I love being reminded of the greatest gift of all, Jesus. For many this season is just one of how much can I buy, and how much money did I spend? We get caught up in the retail aspect of Christmas and forget the real reason. Being in the retail field, at least part time, I get to see this first hand. Every year I wish that we could go back to simpler times but know that in reality that will not happen with the world, we just have to make it happen within our own homes.

As I read this chapter 2 things jumped out at me. 1. The geneology, isn't it strange that the number 14 comes up three times between generations? Is there something with that number?

2. Joseph is an amazing man, first he takes this woman for his bride even though she is pregnant! Second he does not consummate the marriage until Jesus is born! This is a strong man one worthy of being Jesus' earth father.

Mark - Matthew 1

In Matthew's Gospel we begin with the greatest gift God gave to man, the conception and birth of His Son. Jesus, perfect in every way sent to save all whom call His name. The story is beginning in the most humble of circumstances.

Jordan - Matthew 1

The very first encounter in this gospel is an act of faith.  Joseph is thrown into a very delicate situation when he discovers his fiance is pregnant.  He wants to take an inconspicuous way, but he has a dream that tells him to have faith in God and his young girlfriend.  This must have been immensly difficult given the culture of the time.  With this decision, did Joseph and Mary become outcasts?  Is this why they travel alone to Bethlehem and are turned away from the inns?  With these great acts of faith, no wonder God chose this family to raise the Son of Man.

Five ladies walk into a story

Tamar
Rahab
Ruth
Uriah's wife
Mary

Five very unlikely women are named in the beginning of Matthew's Gospel. We expect to see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Boaz, David, and Solomon. Even Joseph, Mary's husband, doesn't surprise us.

Emmanuel, God with us, does surprise us. May God surprise us again and again this Advent season!

Mark - Daniel 9 thru End

Upon reading the final chapters of Daniel the emphasis is focused on his understanding of the trials,tribulations, and persecution of the many. These kings are driven by an unquenchable need for power and control over all that they deem to be their dominion. They battle, slaughter,and pillage over and over. In the end though, God's people are the true champions(12:3) "And those who are wise-the people of God-shall shine as brightly as the sun's brillance, and those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like stars forever." To be warmed by the sunshine that is freely God's gift to us. How great is that!!! Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and my blessings overflow. Thanks be to God.

Act out of who You are

"...not out of what we are."

Daniel is confessing his sins and the sins of a nation, relying on God's compassion.

I love his prayer:
Master, listen to us!
Master, forgive us!
Master, look at us and do something!
Master, don't put us off!
Your city and your people are named after you:
You have a stake in us!

The start of this chapter is even better, how Daniel comes before God:
Meditating on the Scriptures
Asking for an answer
Praying earnestly
Fasting from meals
Wearing rough penitential burlap
Kneeling in the ashes
Pouring out his heart
Baring his soul to God

That sounds more like Lent than Advent, but what if every active member of Faith came before God with that type of posture every day.

What would happen?

See you at worship tonight. Please bring a list of the things you are thankful for. Mark, thanks for priming the pump.

Mark - Daniel 8

The theme the mighty and strong will triumph and persecute God's people is interpreted once again by Daniel to his dismay. The silver lining, if you will comes in (v25)...So great will he fancy himself to be that he will even take on the Prince of Princes in battle; but in so doing he will seal his own doom, for he shall be broken by the hand of God... How powerful is that. I pray to keep my minds eye on God's plan for me. I have many things to be thankful for, my life has been blessed with an abundance. The reason I can appreciate all that has been given to me is that I try not to forget were I came from.Today my gratitude is for faith,family,friends,health...the list goes on. I must give up my worry and angst to God just as freely as I praise Him for all that has been bestowed on me.

Following God

Reading the book of Daniel brings home much of what I have been listening to on my drive to and from work. Feeling lost a little lately I decided to listen to our speaker, Mike, from last summers mission trip. He was very inspiring and motivating. Upon returning to Quincy from the trip I was filled with a new sense of purpose and drive. Recently though, I have lost that and miss that feeling so I decided to renew that feeling by listening to Mike's CDs.

Mike talks a lot about giving yourself to God, following his will, letting him take over your life and following his lead. Not an easy task! The readings from Daniel corrolate quite a bit to some of what Mike talks about. These Kings thought that they were above following God, they could follow their own hearts desires. How wrong they were!

We are just like them to some extent. We do things that we know are wrong, we do not always listen to God speaking to us and we get stuck in the trap of going along with society. It's easier that way, right?

No one said that following God was going to be easy, but the reward at then end will all be worth it. That's the message I listened to tonight. The hard part is living this out in our daily lives when we feel alone.

Jordan - Daniel 8

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.  In Daniel, we are continuously reminded about the frailty of power.  But that doesn't stop all of us from trying to achieve lofty goals.  Yet, we love and worship the most powerful God with the humblest incarnation.  That word "contentment" keeps popping into my head since Pastor Mark preached about it and Pastor Matthew posted it on our wall.  Especially now with the season of spending right around the corner!

Jesus, the one who was supposed to come into the world and showcase raw power, instead came into the world to demostrate the power of humility and selflessness.  And his story has lasted longer than any of the great civilizations.

Vision of the end times

Daniel seems to be both an observer of the unfolding situation and a primary player, representing God, the true king in the midst of this mess.

At church, we like to have everything neat and tidy, but life is messy. If we are honest with ourselves, we're not in control most of the time.

When we take it down from a global, political level and make it personal, our lives of faith are quite simple.

Tomorrow night, Mark will read from Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Why? "The Lord is near."

Bea Harries is dying. She is ready to be with Jesus forever. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. The Lord is near."

Please pray for Bea as she goes through the toughest transition of her life...or maybe it's the easiest.

Mark - Daniel 7

Reading this chapter doesn't bring a warm and fuzzy feeling. Daniel's dream and subsequent interpretation point to very hard and frightening times. The saving grace for me is that in the end God's people will triumph. Bringing this perspective into my life today, every where I turn
there are instances of brutal and shocking situations. Turn the tv on ,read the newspaper and the stories are very disheartening at times. The key for me is to live in the sunshine, have faith that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train bearing down on me and mine. I pray that whatever the circumstance, whatever fear or pain befalls me that I don't lose focus. God is the one in charge. The war is already won. He sent Jesus to make sure of that.

Jordan - Daniel 7

I find it very comforting that Daniel is terrified at the end of this chapter, cause frankly "terrified" isn't the half of it for me!  I can't even comprehend such vivid dreams with strange animals and talking horns.

But I also find it interesting that the imagery of a single form coming from many taking over the whole world in some rebirth is the same imagery that King Nebuchadnezzar had with his statue.  Certainly, something is up here and tough times are ahead.  In the end, God's kingdom will prevail.  Is there comfort in this?  Not for me, and it doesn't seem like Daniel is too thrilled either.

On Saturday was the New England Campus Ministry summit.  Campus Ministry is, like many other ministries in the church, struggling financially.  Over the next couple of years, if nothing changes, one or more of these vital ministries will shut down.  Peggy Wuertle, the Campus Ministry director in New England described our current state as a woman in labor.  Its difficult and painful, but something good will come out of it.  I am President of the Board for the Lutheran Ministry in the Fenway which governs the Northeastern and Boston University campus ministries and this process of rebirth terrifies me.  Will these ministries collapse under my watch?  What is God's will and how will I be an instrument in the plan?  Someone show me a vision and please, no whammies!

Mark - Daniel 6

...and then there was Darius. These rulers all have one thing in common. Their drunk with their station in life. This is the third one and still there has been no marked conversion on who is calling the shots. God through the Holy Spirit gives Daniel insights and blessings abound, Daniel inturn gives thanks to his King daily through pray. King Darius like the others before is driven by his ego and pride and believes his own press. I find myself at times in this same boat. It's good to be confident in what you do and how you carry yourself but not at the detrement of others. I was
once told by an aquaintance, "you don't suffer fools well Mark." This statement struck me as being right on. In hindsight though this phrase just points out I have alot of learning yet to do.
The key for me is to always remain teachable.

The apple doesn't fall...

King Neb is gone and his son has taken the throne. Unfortunately, the nature/nurture thing works against us both ways and our children turn out to be like us. Fortunately, we can break these vicious cycles once we allow God to take over the trajectory of our lives.

For example, I grew up in two homes: one dry and one where alcohol flowed freely. I have chosen not to keep alcohol in our home for this reason. My parents' 8 year marriage ended when my dad met my step-mom working at a bar. Enough said.

King Belshazzar is drunk and decides to take the chalices from the sanctuary and toast his gods (little g) with them. I can imagine the Father (BIG G) was angry.

Daniel's name is rarely mentioned without talk of the Holy Spirit being with him. The reason? He gives credit and all the glory to God for everything he is able to do. God has given him the gift of dream interpretation and the boldness to use it. He's not in it for the rewards. He actually asks the king to give them to someone in need.

The word that jumped out at me today: competition. Daniel tells the new king, "You are Neb's son; you're as arrogant as he ever was. Look at you, setting yourself up in competition against the Master of heaven!"

What I have learned in this ARE synod process so far is that God is working through the church and in the world and we can either help him or serve our own interests. As we answer the question, "Who is Faith?" this year, I hope that we are looking through God's eyes and not our own.

Mark - Daniel 5

I have had very little exposure to the Bible until recently. The stories leave me with more questions than answers which is a good thing. In my life I like to have the answers and that is not how it works. I've had many experiences in my life were my will has brought me both pain and suffering. When I think I have it all figured out that is when I'm most dangerous. My world is filled with an abundance of riches, I celebrate one of them today. Eleven years ago Dyan and I kneeled at Faith in front of God, family and friends to start a new chapter in our lives together.
All that has been given to me is a gift from God. The challenge I face is not forgetting this. I have
to remember were I've come from. These kings believe their own press until their shown that God calls all the shots. My pray and hope is that my focus stays the course of were God leads me to.

Humbled

Daniel is full of the Holy Spirit, so he is able to interpret the king's dreams. That's the only reason and Daniel knows it. He leads from a position of humility. It is humbling to read the Bible every day, to check in with God before you make a move.

In blogging Genesis, the number 7 came up a few times (7 years of plenty, 7 years of famine). According to numerology, 7 is the number of completeness, it's every direction/level of the world you can go (north, south, east, west, underworld, world, heavens). That's why 666 is the mark of the beast: the epitome of incompleteness.

King Neb needs to completely give himself and his kingdom over to God. At Faith, we are struggling with this very issue. Do we try to keep the church the way we like it...or give it (and ourselves) completely over to God?

If we really believe that all are welcome (as it says on our sign), all might show up and things would change. Are we ready for that?

"That's why I'm singing and praising the King of Heaven: 'Everything he does is right, and he does it the right way. He knows how to turn a proud person into a humble man or woman.'"

Do that work in us, God. We are your humble servants...or at the very least we'd like to be.

Remember Daniel's advice to the king: "Start living for others. Look after the needs of the down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life."

Daily, I need to repent of my selfish ways and turn around and give thanks to God. The quickest way to church from the parsonage involves a U turn, so I am reminded of this truth almost every day.

Mark - Daniel 4

Neb gets a teaching moment from God. I expected Daniel's interpretation was going to get him
"torn limb from limb" but no threats or outburst. This chapter once again proves God is all powerful and we are His instruments. The question for me is whose tune will I play today, God's or mine.

Jordan - Daniel 3

Every Easter at home in Philadelphia, the seminary would hold a vigil on Easter eve.  The service would start at around 10pm with 12 readings followed by hymns.  The last reading, at around 11:30ish, was this one, and inevitably my family, or another rambunctious bunch would read it.   And every time you heard the sound of the horn (kazoo), pipe (harmonica), lyre (plastic guitar), trigon (something that would ding), drum (drum) and entire musical ensemble (everyone playing together) we would play our little fake instruments in awful unison.  We would exaggerate our words and emphasize the insanity that is this chapter.  The king is just nuts and the only sane people in the land are Daniel and his friends.

I love the memories of those nights and the fun we had.  The reading certainly woke people up and it makes me think that the exaggerated rendition was just the way the author intended it.  But the great story of God's power was yet to come as the vigil ended by processing to the seminary chapel where the Easter lilies were abundant and an Easter sermon was preached.  He is risen!

Mark - Daniel 3

King Nebuchadnezzar needs to take a chill pill. He has this edifice built in order to show his power over his minions and these three don't even blink. This guy has very low self esteem for a king. He doesn't have much substance but has a propensity to threaten to have you torn limb from limb if he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed or doesn't get kudos on his lawn ornament.
I suppose there is a good reason God chose him to reign during this time. I'm very curious what is to unfold in the chapters ahead with him.

4th in the fire

For the past 11 summers, I have taken youth groups on mission trips with TeenServe. We're not going in 2011, so that we can focus on a local need at a church in Dorchester. My first summer with TeenServe, they had a band called 4th in the Fire, based on Daniel 3.

Jordan's post about a golden head and a granite foundation made me think, "If Jesus is the head of Faith, then we are called on to be the granite, something rock solid that our members and those in our neighborhood can count on to be solid."

We had a lengthy Finance team meeting last night. A handful of gentlemen and our treasurer, Barbara, have worked extremely hard to make sure that we're in the black. Our Council has also been burning the midnight oil to ensure that we're focused on our purpose, why God has us here as the church on the rock.

While it may have to do with youth ministry, outreach, or using our gifts to give God the glory, one thing is certain: without Jesus, we are headless...we have no vision. How can we, as individuals, families, and a faith community see the world with Jesus' eyes? How can we have the mind of Christ?

We just need to open our Bibles to Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, "If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross."

Beautiful. Thank you, Jesus! Help us live into that kingdom life.

Daniel 2: The Power of Dreams

As I read Daniel tonight I was amazed at the power of dreams. Maybe not in the traditional sense but in God's ability to take even the scariest moments in life and make them about praising Him. Here is Daniel, in exile in Babylon forced into servitude of a king who literally wants him killed. A king who is so focused on his selfish desire of having his dream interpreted he would actually kill all of the wise men in his kingdom. What does Daniel do? Run scared, no. He asks to speak with the king, prays to God for His help and praises Him for giving him wisdom and power. I'm amazed at the way God took the king's dream and selfish desire to get it interpreted into an opportunity for Daniel to worship and praise God. My prayer tonight is that I remember even in life's scariest moments to seek God for help and relish the opportunity to praise Him.

Jordan - Daniel 2

Over the last year or so the economy has been recovering from a bad dream.  What seemed to be a glorious statue of gold proved to have a foundation of clay.  As some point, something broke through and the whole thing began to come down, but not completely, that would have been devastating.  In patching up the system, we won't have a rebirth of an economy based on what we earn, we will continue to live off credit.

But this isn't an economic lesson, its a reflection on Daniel and the dreams of an opulent king.  Dreams can only exist within a reality.  As a country, a church, an individual, we need to figure out whether we are going to be a big golden head on a pile of straw or something with a stronger foundation, perhaps more granite like...

Mark - Daniel 1 and 2

Daniel seems to have mastered the art of negotation. He's not into rich foods and wine and is able to get the stewart to agree with a trial period of vegetables and water with excellent results.
Then faced with certain death he doesn't miss a beat, (2:16) So Daniel went in to see the king."Give me a little time," he said, "and I will tell you the dream and what it means." The guy is as cool as a cucumber.

Daniel or Joseph?

This chapter reminds me of what happened to Joseph...interpreting dreams for a powerful man and then finding himself in power.

"The king ordered the whole company of Babylonian wise men killed. When the death warrant was issued, Daniel and his companions were included. They also were marked for execution."

This is the part that floors me: "When the chief of the royal guards was making arrangements for the execution, Daniel wisely took him aside and quietly asked what was going on: "Why this all of a sudden?"

I would absolutely be freaking out, but Daniel is a non-anxious presence during probably the most stressful time in his entire life.

I can learn a lot from Daniel. God still gives us dreams and visions...just as much is at stake.

Jordan - Daniel 1

What I find most interesting in this story is how God seems to support Daniel in his decisions rather than God leading Daniel.  In verse 8, "Daniel resolves that he would not defile himself with royal rations," and it is Daniel who later asks to have the others tested.  I feel like normally, either one of two things happen in these old stories: either God leads someone, or someone makes a bad decision and God helps rectify the situation.  Daniel, through his Faith, seems to have a more integral relationship with God, one that almost doesn't need words.  I wonder if this comes from endless study and devotion :)  So I guess, what I need to be closer to God is some rich sponsor who can house me and only ask me to study, and then, of course, become a vegetarian!

Vegetarians unite!

Daniel, Rack, Shack, and Bennie lived "on a simple diet of vegetables and water" and were healthier than all the rest.

What fascinates me more is that Daniel "was gifted in understanding all sorts of visions and dreams."

I would love to have someone like Daniel on our Council. We could dream, cast visions for the church God wants us to be, and he or she could tell us what was from God and what was bad burritos.

Lord, lead and guide us into the future. Help us live into your kingdom today.

Jordan - Ecclesiastes 12

This poem in chapter 12 is noted in my Lutheran Study Bible as imagery for the frail human body.  The bent men are the spine and the grinding women are teeth etc.  I can certainly see this and its a great end to Ecclesiastes.  This book can be summed up as frailty and mortality of the flesh.  It would be simpe to say that the words of wisdom here is that "all is vanity," but its really a reminder that vanity is both knowing you will die and then doing nothing with your life but focus on the human creations rather than God's creation.

Just like the book of Ecclesiastes, life is simple and yet amazingly complex.

The hum of the household

People with children and youth in their home are busy...sometimes too busy enjoying/keeping up with them to blog. =)

I was humbled by the words of this wise old sage today. His body is giving out. While I feel the aches and pains of my mid-30s, it's nothing compared with what is coming. I'd better "honor and enjoy my Creator while I'm still young".

"The words of the wise prod us to live well. They're like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd."

Everything I learned about Faith and myself at the Council Retreat yesterday was wisdom, hand-delivered by God. I need to take it that way.

"The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you."

For the next three years, I am going to strive to Do what matters to my household, our church, our neighbors, and God. Please join me in this journey.

Jordan - Ecclesiastes 9

"Enjoy life with the wife whom you love.." (v. 9)

This guy is pretty smart.  The people who you love the most are the ones you also take for granted when life gets busy.  Life is a constant balancing act!  Of course, I bet its a lot easier for this author, who sound like he had a pretty good life and is now retired, to preach about enjoying life.  But those of us just starting out, still need to keep our priorities straight.

The real reason for balance is in verse 12:

"For no one can anticipate the time of disaster.  Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity."

You never know whats coming.  So hug the person (people) you love today!