Part of me hates this story and part of me loves this story. It surely exists in many forms and in many writings. I found it first in an Anthony deMello book. Warning- pain ahead......
http://www.demellospirituality.com/awareness/27.html
When you awaken, when you understand, when you see, the world becomes right. We're always bothered by the problem of evil. There's a powerful story about a little boy walking along the bank of a river. He sees a crocodile who is trapped in a net. The crocodile says, "Would you have pity on me and release me? I may look ugly, but it isn't my fault, you know. I was made this way. But whatever my external appearance, I have a mother's heart. I came this morning in search of food for my young ones and got caught in this trap!"
So the boy says, "Ah, if I were to help you out of that trap, you'd grab me and kill me."
The crocodile asks, "Do you think I would do that to my benefactor and liberator?"
So the boy is persuaded to take the net off and the crocodile grabs him.
As he is being forced between the jaws of the crocodile, he says, "So this is what I get for my good actions." And the crocodile says, "Well, don't take it personally, son, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
The boy disputes this, so the crocodile says, "Do you want to ask someone if it isn't so?"
The boy sees a bird sitting on a branch and says, "Bird, is what the crocodile says right?" The bird says, "The crocodile is right. Look at me. I was coming home one day with food for my fledglings. Imagine my horror to see a snake crawling up the tree, making straight for my nest. I was totally helpless. It kept devouring my young ones, one after the other. I kept screaming and shouting, but it was useless. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. But the boy says, "Let me ask someone else." So the crocodile says, "Well, all right, go ahead."
There was an old donkey passing by on the bank of the river. "Donkey," says the boy, "this is what the crocodile says. Is the crocodile right?"
The donkey says, "The crocodile is quite right. Look at me. I've worked and slaved for my master all my life and he barely gave me enough to eat. Now that I'm old and useless, he has turned me loose, and here I am wandering in the jungle, waiting for some wild beast to pounce on me and put an end to my life. The crocodile is right, this is the law of life, this is the way the world is."
"See," says the crocodile. "Let's go!"
The boy says, "Give me one more chance, one last chance. Let me ask one other being. Remember how good I was to you?" So the crocodile says, "All right, your last chance."
The boy sees a rabbit passing by, and he says, "Rabbit, is the crocodile right?"
The rabbit sits on his haunches and says to the crocodile, "Did you say that to that boy? The crocodile says, "Yes, I did." "Wait a minute," says the rabbit. "We've got to discuss this." "Yes," says the crocodile. But the rabbit says, "How can we discuss it when you've got that boy in your mouth? Release him; he's got to take part in the discussion, too." The crocodile says, "You're a clever one, you are. The moment I release him, he'll run away." The rabbit says, "I thought you had more sense than that. If he attempted to run away, one slash of your tail would kill him."
"Fair enough," says the crocodile, and he released the boy. The moment the boy is released, the rabbit says, "Run!" And the boy runs and escapes. Then the rabbit says to the boy, "Don't you enjoy crocodile flesh? Wouldn't the people in your village like a good meal? You didn't really release that crocodile; most of his body is still caught in that net. Why don't you go to the village and bring everybody and have a banquet."
That's exactly what the boy does. He goes to the village and calls all the men folk. They come with their axes and staves and spears and kill the crocodile. The boy's dog comes, too, and when the dog sees the rabbit, he gives chase, catches hold of the rabbit, and throttles him. The boy comes on the scene too late, and as he watches the rabbit die, he says, "The crocodile was right, this is the way the world is, this is the law of life."
There is no explanation you can give that would explain away all the sufferings and evil and torture and destruction and hunger in the world! You'll never explain it. You can try gamely with your formulas, religious and otherwise, but you'll never explain it. Because life is a mystery, which means your thinking mind cannot make sense out of it.
[I edited the next line, from deMello to soften it up a bit.... ]
If we would make sense out of life we must wake up and then you'll suddenly realize that reality is not problematic, my understanding of it is problematic. I want to fix it, instead of working on me. Difficulty will come. What will I do with it?
In the movie the Princess Bride, Cary Elwes say, "Life is pain, Highness! Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Let's be honest. HONEST. Some people have a little pain in life, some have lots. Some deal with it bravely, some weep over a hangnail. Part of the journey of maturity is to learn to lean into God and trust him no matter what the circumstances.
I talked with my daughter about this post. She found it depressing. Well, I don't want to depress anyone, but life can be hard and pain is real. I don't believe in pretending, but I do believe in pointing people towards God. Especially in difficulty. God is with us. What more do we need? Sometimes things are difficult. There are valleys. But in the valleys, we always find the Shepherd.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
thankful for pain
Is it wrong to be thankful for pain? It sure seems to go against the grain.
There is some pain that I will never be thankful for. I will never be thankful that my son was sick, only thankful that he got well.
But there are many painful things that I am thankful for:
There is some pain that I will never be thankful for. I will never be thankful that my son was sick, only thankful that he got well.
But there are many painful things that I am thankful for:
- I am thankful for gray hair and a balding head. It means that I am getting older, and getting older is better than not.
- I am thankful for people who have hurt me. Sometimes I deserved it, but even when I didn't these experiences have taught me a good deal about forgiveness.
- I am thankful for chances that I have had to visit the inner city and other countries. what I saw there was painful, but it also made me more compassionate and more appreciative.
- I am thankful for the illnesses that I have had. They have reminded me to appreciate every single day.
- I am thankful for the things that have not gone my way. They have taught me to trust in God.
- I am thankful for the many bumps along the road. They have taught me to be tenacious and keep going.
Monday, November 9, 2015
The problem of pain
I am going to write this week on the problem of pain. I have posted this before, but it is well worth remembering from time to time. I tend to forget important things.
This is a reminder to me and to all of us that sometimes we just need to close our mouths. Our words add nothing to many situations, and sometimes our words make things worse.
Here are some things that should not be said to someone that is grieving. Simply let them grieve. It is ok to grieve. We need to grieve. Just be there with them. The ministry of just being present is so important.
What you should never say to others who are grieving. This is the uncut, unedited version and I am very sorry for much of it.
from The New York Times, December 7, 1999.
To a 60-year-old recent widow: Don't worry. You're young and attractive; you'll find someone else. To a woman whose husband died of lung cancer: You have to meet this man. His wife also died of lung cancer. To a man whose 26-year-old daughter died of AIDS: If she hadn't been that way, God wouldn't have struck her dead with AIDS, and It was just a purification thing. To a woman who suffered a miscarriage: It is probably for the best. To a woman whose 25-year-old son was killed by a drunken driver: At least you have four other children. To a man whose elderly mother died: Oh, well, 79. To a young man whose 19-year-old brother died of cancer: I know how you must feel losing a brother. And to the boy's mother: I know it's not the same, but I really empathize because I lost my dog. To a woman whose husband committed suicide: Are you going to get a dog now?
-Jane E. Brody, Mourning, a time when words often fail,
The New York Times, December 7, 1999.
Here are some other things that I have personally heard – not helpful
1. It must have been their time
2. Everything happens for a reason
3. God doesn't put more on us than we can take [actually based on a scripture, but still not helpful.]
4. It was gods will
May we all remember to guard our tongues. May we remember that the gift of our presence, the gift of a hug, the gift of food. Is the best gift in times of pain.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
This is a reminder to me and to all of us that sometimes we just need to close our mouths. Our words add nothing to many situations, and sometimes our words make things worse.
Here are some things that should not be said to someone that is grieving. Simply let them grieve. It is ok to grieve. We need to grieve. Just be there with them. The ministry of just being present is so important.
What you should never say to others who are grieving. This is the uncut, unedited version and I am very sorry for much of it.
from The New York Times, December 7, 1999.
To a 60-year-old recent widow: Don't worry. You're young and attractive; you'll find someone else. To a woman whose husband died of lung cancer: You have to meet this man. His wife also died of lung cancer. To a man whose 26-year-old daughter died of AIDS: If she hadn't been that way, God wouldn't have struck her dead with AIDS, and It was just a purification thing. To a woman who suffered a miscarriage: It is probably for the best. To a woman whose 25-year-old son was killed by a drunken driver: At least you have four other children. To a man whose elderly mother died: Oh, well, 79. To a young man whose 19-year-old brother died of cancer: I know how you must feel losing a brother. And to the boy's mother: I know it's not the same, but I really empathize because I lost my dog. To a woman whose husband committed suicide: Are you going to get a dog now?
-Jane E. Brody, Mourning, a time when words often fail,
The New York Times, December 7, 1999.
Here are some other things that I have personally heard – not helpful
1. It must have been their time
2. Everything happens for a reason
3. God doesn't put more on us than we can take [actually based on a scripture, but still not helpful.]
4. It was gods will
May we all remember to guard our tongues. May we remember that the gift of our presence, the gift of a hug, the gift of food. Is the best gift in times of pain.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Pain
I am going to write this week on the problem of pain. Some of what I write this week may bother your brain. Sometimes our brains need to be bothered. I believe that there is a good deal of sandlot theology out there in the Christian world, and certainly a lot of it on the issue of pain in the world. Sandlot theologies are beliefs that people pick up randomly along the way. They are ideas that we run across that we collect for some reason, that don't work well when put under the pressure of real life.
Good theology makes sense. It points people away from pat answers and back to God. There is no magic pill in this life, only God.
We all have pain, we all experience pain. Sometimes there are no good answers and our best hope is to lean into our heavenly Father. Actually that is all that we ever really have, is the experience that even in our brokenness, we are complete in him. Let go of your platitudes and rest in him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Good theology makes sense. It points people away from pat answers and back to God. There is no magic pill in this life, only God.
We all have pain, we all experience pain. Sometimes there are no good answers and our best hope is to lean into our heavenly Father. Actually that is all that we ever really have, is the experience that even in our brokenness, we are complete in him. Let go of your platitudes and rest in him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
quote
A few weeks ago we had an event at church that was sponsored by the group "Something to Eat." Their name comes from the phrase in Mt. 25 "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat."
I wrote about this event in a blog post on Saturday, September 26th. Here is the post if you want to read it.
http://canyouhearthebirdssing.blogspot.com/search?q=40,000
We will be having another one of these food packing events pretty soon.
I am writing today about a quote that I heard that day in one of their videos. A young man was considering his life and his standard of living in comparison to those who have so little. He said, "I have come to believe that having more than you need is just as bad as having less than you need."
This is quite a thought to ponder. When you don't have enough, you are hungry and thirsty and lonely and sick. When you don't have enough, you simple want food. When you have too much, you start to feel entitled. You easily fall into a life of enjoyment. We can forget our responsibility to help others. When we have too much we can insulate ourselves from so many things that really matter in this life. We get upset over the smallest things. We want everything. We can never get enough.... and we have so much.
I have come to believe that having more than you need is just as bad as having less than you need.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, and we have more than we need. How can we use our abundance to bless others?
I was hungry and you fed me.... How can I use what God has given me to bless others? How can you? Jesus is going somewhere. Am I going with him? Am I allowing him to drag my brain out of it's current paradigm into one where I am on a mission in this life with him?
I wrote about this event in a blog post on Saturday, September 26th. Here is the post if you want to read it.
http://canyouhearthebirdssing.blogspot.com/search?q=40,000
We will be having another one of these food packing events pretty soon.
I am writing today about a quote that I heard that day in one of their videos. A young man was considering his life and his standard of living in comparison to those who have so little. He said, "I have come to believe that having more than you need is just as bad as having less than you need."
This is quite a thought to ponder. When you don't have enough, you are hungry and thirsty and lonely and sick. When you don't have enough, you simple want food. When you have too much, you start to feel entitled. You easily fall into a life of enjoyment. We can forget our responsibility to help others. When we have too much we can insulate ourselves from so many things that really matter in this life. We get upset over the smallest things. We want everything. We can never get enough.... and we have so much.
I have come to believe that having more than you need is just as bad as having less than you need.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, and we have more than we need. How can we use our abundance to bless others?
I was hungry and you fed me.... How can I use what God has given me to bless others? How can you? Jesus is going somewhere. Am I going with him? Am I allowing him to drag my brain out of it's current paradigm into one where I am on a mission in this life with him?
Friday, November 6, 2015
paycheck
On Sunday, October 25th I wrote a post about why I go to church. Here were some of my reasons:
1. I love to take time to honor God.
2. It is a great way to start the week.
3. I usually learn something.
4. I meet great people.
5. I am a part of something that is doing very significant work.
6. Together we can do much more than what I can do alone.
7. I get to care about others. And in a world of self-centeredness, that is very important.
Someone wrote a comment to that post:
And the paycheck surely comes in handy. (smiles)
I receive this comment with warm appreciation. And I want to comment on it.
Yes I do receive a paycheck. I think we always like to get paid. Whether I was working at the Bicycle shop, the Shoe store, the asphalt company or a church, I was always glad for payday. Work is an important part of life. We all need to learn to work, and how to manage our money. We also need to learn to see our money as a blessing from God that is to be managed for his purposes, not simply for our pleasure.
So, yes I am glad for a paycheck. But I want to tell you this...... if for some reason all churches have to close, or it becomes illegal to pay pastors, I will keep doing what I am doing. I love being a pastor. I may have to take another job to pay the bills, but I am never going to stop caring about people and doing everything that I can to be a part of Jesus' work. There is a reward in loving others that is bigger than a paycheck. I hope you feel it too.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
1. I love to take time to honor God.
2. It is a great way to start the week.
3. I usually learn something.
4. I meet great people.
5. I am a part of something that is doing very significant work.
6. Together we can do much more than what I can do alone.
7. I get to care about others. And in a world of self-centeredness, that is very important.
Someone wrote a comment to that post:
And the paycheck surely comes in handy. (smiles)
I receive this comment with warm appreciation. And I want to comment on it.
Yes I do receive a paycheck. I think we always like to get paid. Whether I was working at the Bicycle shop, the Shoe store, the asphalt company or a church, I was always glad for payday. Work is an important part of life. We all need to learn to work, and how to manage our money. We also need to learn to see our money as a blessing from God that is to be managed for his purposes, not simply for our pleasure.
So, yes I am glad for a paycheck. But I want to tell you this...... if for some reason all churches have to close, or it becomes illegal to pay pastors, I will keep doing what I am doing. I love being a pastor. I may have to take another job to pay the bills, but I am never going to stop caring about people and doing everything that I can to be a part of Jesus' work. There is a reward in loving others that is bigger than a paycheck. I hope you feel it too.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
what is Jesus doing?
What do we find Jesus doing? He is going somewhere. To some town, to somebody's house. He is going somewhere with a story. His disciples go with him. They follow him. They physically follow him on a journey and they mentally follow him as he teaches them new ways to think.
Turn the other cheek.
Take up your cross.
Go the second mile.
Christians are called Christ followers because they are following Jesus. Not just going to church and then going back to their lives, but going where Jesus went. Christ followers follow Jesus and he is going somewhere.
Are you going somewhere? Are you allowing Jesus to take you to the next town? Are you seeing the mission field? Do you see someone to care about? Are you following him in your brain? In your heart? Are you letting him stretch you?
If we are stuck in the same place, then we are not following Jesus. He is on the move. He is going somewhere. Fortunately it is not too late for us to catch up. When we begin to listen for his voice, really listen, he will lead us out of our complacency, out of our comfort zone and into mission with him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Turn the other cheek.
Take up your cross.
Go the second mile.
Christians are called Christ followers because they are following Jesus. Not just going to church and then going back to their lives, but going where Jesus went. Christ followers follow Jesus and he is going somewhere.
Are you going somewhere? Are you allowing Jesus to take you to the next town? Are you seeing the mission field? Do you see someone to care about? Are you following him in your brain? In your heart? Are you letting him stretch you?
If we are stuck in the same place, then we are not following Jesus. He is on the move. He is going somewhere. Fortunately it is not too late for us to catch up. When we begin to listen for his voice, really listen, he will lead us out of our complacency, out of our comfort zone and into mission with him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
memory
Today I am thankful for memory and memories. I find myself forgetting more and more lately, and so memory is quite a gift.
Memory makes us smile and time seems to wash the pain away from our worst memories. Lessons from the past are codified by our memories of them.
When I was 14 I entered a chess contest at the local library. There were kids ranging in age from 8-16. I was one of the oldest ones there. They paired us randomly for our first match. I was assigned a 10 year old. A little tiny guy who looked a bit like Harry Potter. That may explain what happened next. Although I was sure that I was going to beat the child in this game of wits and strategy, he ended my day in 5 moves.
I was surprised! Checkmate! Oh my, and by such a child. My mother had barely left the parking lot when I was calling her to return to pick me up.
Ahh the memories of life. The ones that humble us will teach us if we will listen to them. Jeff, you aren't as smart as you think, and Harry Potter is good at chess.
Today I am thankful for memories.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Memory makes us smile and time seems to wash the pain away from our worst memories. Lessons from the past are codified by our memories of them.
When I was 14 I entered a chess contest at the local library. There were kids ranging in age from 8-16. I was one of the oldest ones there. They paired us randomly for our first match. I was assigned a 10 year old. A little tiny guy who looked a bit like Harry Potter. That may explain what happened next. Although I was sure that I was going to beat the child in this game of wits and strategy, he ended my day in 5 moves.
I was surprised! Checkmate! Oh my, and by such a child. My mother had barely left the parking lot when I was calling her to return to pick me up.
Ahh the memories of life. The ones that humble us will teach us if we will listen to them. Jeff, you aren't as smart as you think, and Harry Potter is good at chess.
Today I am thankful for memories.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
prednisone
Today I am thankful for prednisone, although I will blame my recent weight gain on it. My weight gain has nothing to do with ice cream or pizza.........
Last week I finished up a three week regiment of prednisone. I had another flare up of my sarcoidosis. Prednisone knocks it out. For more info read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoidosis
I don't like telling people about things like this, but it usually gets out and then I end up in trouble with some folks for not telling them.
So I guess what I am really thankful for is health. Relatively good health. It is such a blessing to be alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Last week I finished up a three week regiment of prednisone. I had another flare up of my sarcoidosis. Prednisone knocks it out. For more info read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoidosis
I don't like telling people about things like this, but it usually gets out and then I end up in trouble with some folks for not telling them.
So I guess what I am really thankful for is health. Relatively good health. It is such a blessing to be alive.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Interpretation
Today I am thankful for who ever it was that taught me that I am not always right. [It was not an easy job.] When we think about Biblical interpretation, it is really important for us to remember that we are not as smart as we think we are. We are not right and everyone else wrong. That is not spirituality, but arrogance.
So many people toss around words like literal and inerrant, as if the Bible itself was to be worshipped. The real problem with interpretation is that we interpret the Bible to our comfort. Our brains naturally look for the understanding of scripture that justifies my life, my habits, my standard of living and my prejudices.
Jen Hatmaker in her book Interrupted describes the day when she awoke to see that she had been looking at the Bible all wrong........
" I still can’t believe it, but I managed to attend church three times a week as a fetus, fulfill the pastor’s kid role, observe every form and function of church, get swallowed whole by Christian subculture, graduate from a Baptist college, wed a pastor, serve in full-time ministry for twelve years, become a Christian author and speaker – and misunderstand the main point. I am still stunned by my capacity to spin Scripture, see what I wanted, ignore what I didn’t, and use the Word to defend my life rather than define it. I now reread treasured, even memorized Scriptures and realize I never understood what they really meant. " Pg 5
"I developed a spiritual form of [bulimia] where I did my devotions, read all the new Christian books and saw the Christian movies, and then vomited information up to friends, small groups, and pastors. But it never had the chance to digest. I had gorged myself on all the products of the Christian industrial complex but was spiritually starving to death. I was marked by an over consumption but malnourished spiritually, suffocated by Christianity but thirsty for God." Pg 10
If your Christianity isn't talking you out of your comfort zone, if you are a Bible expert instead of being humbled by scripture, then it may be time to put on a new set of reading glasses.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
So many people toss around words like literal and inerrant, as if the Bible itself was to be worshipped. The real problem with interpretation is that we interpret the Bible to our comfort. Our brains naturally look for the understanding of scripture that justifies my life, my habits, my standard of living and my prejudices.
Jen Hatmaker in her book Interrupted describes the day when she awoke to see that she had been looking at the Bible all wrong........
" I still can’t believe it, but I managed to attend church three times a week as a fetus, fulfill the pastor’s kid role, observe every form and function of church, get swallowed whole by Christian subculture, graduate from a Baptist college, wed a pastor, serve in full-time ministry for twelve years, become a Christian author and speaker – and misunderstand the main point. I am still stunned by my capacity to spin Scripture, see what I wanted, ignore what I didn’t, and use the Word to defend my life rather than define it. I now reread treasured, even memorized Scriptures and realize I never understood what they really meant. " Pg 5
"I developed a spiritual form of [bulimia] where I did my devotions, read all the new Christian books and saw the Christian movies, and then vomited information up to friends, small groups, and pastors. But it never had the chance to digest. I had gorged myself on all the products of the Christian industrial complex but was spiritually starving to death. I was marked by an over consumption but malnourished spiritually, suffocated by Christianity but thirsty for God." Pg 10
If your Christianity isn't talking you out of your comfort zone, if you are a Bible expert instead of being humbled by scripture, then it may be time to put on a new set of reading glasses.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
All Saints Day
Today, November 1st is All Saints Day. It is traditionally a day when Christians remember those loved ones who have gone before us.
This month, I am going to mention thankfulness or gratitude on every post, every day. I am going to force myself to find something to be thankful for. It should not be that hard.
Today, among many other things, I am thankful for my Parents. They were not perfect. They were children of the depression. They had a hard life. They wasted nothing. They did not tolerate anything that smelled like disrespect. Boundaries were kept very firm between a parent and a child. Questions were frowned upon.
But, they loved us, they cared for us, they fed us and they protected us. They got us through college and they survived our craziness. [we were children of the 60's and 70's]
They gave me a chance at life. I know that they loved us and if they had the chance today would tell us that they are proud of us.
I hope that you have parents or mentors that helped launch you. Although not perfect, where would we be today without them?
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
This month, I am going to mention thankfulness or gratitude on every post, every day. I am going to force myself to find something to be thankful for. It should not be that hard.
Today, among many other things, I am thankful for my Parents. They were not perfect. They were children of the depression. They had a hard life. They wasted nothing. They did not tolerate anything that smelled like disrespect. Boundaries were kept very firm between a parent and a child. Questions were frowned upon.
But, they loved us, they cared for us, they fed us and they protected us. They got us through college and they survived our craziness. [we were children of the 60's and 70's]
They gave me a chance at life. I know that they loved us and if they had the chance today would tell us that they are proud of us.
I hope that you have parents or mentors that helped launch you. Although not perfect, where would we be today without them?
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Halloween
 |
| this is the actual sign |
That was then, this is now. She is in heaven with Jesus now and I know that she is basking in his love and sharing it with others. She is whole.
So what does this have to do with Halloween? My mom, the fundamental Christian, loved Halloween. She set aside all of her dogmas and let the dogs out for Halloween. Demons that were feared and riled against during the rest of the year were amicably welcomed on Halloween. She had more Halloween decorations than Christmas ones.......
One of my favorites was a sign, which went up every year on the front door. The sign had an ugly witch on it and it said, "Welcome kiddies, put all your goodies in the box below... go quietly and no one will get hurt." Yes there was a box underneath the sign. No one ever left any candy, but I find the story to be so funny.
Have a Happy Halloween. October 31 is the Lord's day too. This is our father's world.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, October 30, 2015
angry
Do you ever get angry? Or am I the only one?
One of the things that I really hate is when something happens and I find myself angry on Sunday morning. Here I am, supposed to go in and be happy and cheery and spiritual, and I feel angry. It happens sometimes.
What to do? When this happens I have some tools that I have collected over the years.
1. I compartmentalize it. I put it off, whatever it is, until later in the day. I let it disappear in my brain until later so I can focus on what is going on for Sunday morning.
2. I put it in perspective. Usually what has upset me is a small thing, a car thing, an inconvenience of some kind. I simply remind myself that this is not a big deal in the grand scheme of life.
3. I pray. I lean into our Father. I relax and take some time to just sit with him in his presence.
Anger usually does not serve a constructive purpose. We are human, so it is going to pop up from time to time, but anything that you can do to find the heart of God when you feel angry is always helpful.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
One of the things that I really hate is when something happens and I find myself angry on Sunday morning. Here I am, supposed to go in and be happy and cheery and spiritual, and I feel angry. It happens sometimes.
What to do? When this happens I have some tools that I have collected over the years.
1. I compartmentalize it. I put it off, whatever it is, until later in the day. I let it disappear in my brain until later so I can focus on what is going on for Sunday morning.
2. I put it in perspective. Usually what has upset me is a small thing, a car thing, an inconvenience of some kind. I simply remind myself that this is not a big deal in the grand scheme of life.
3. I pray. I lean into our Father. I relax and take some time to just sit with him in his presence.
Anger usually does not serve a constructive purpose. We are human, so it is going to pop up from time to time, but anything that you can do to find the heart of God when you feel angry is always helpful.
It is a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
redirect
Hey Jesus, Hey Paul, I would like to get a redirect. I would like to be able to ask a question. I heard what you said, and I don't mean to be difficult but can I ask a question for clarification? I am hopeful that you can redirect me on something that you said.
Jesus should I turn the other cheek every time? Should I allow my family to be harmed by intruders?
Surely you did not mean that, did you? Should a wife stay with an abusive husband?
Paul, should all women not speak in church? Are you still ok with slavery? Paul do you eat shrimp?
Friends, there are many many scriptures that don't fall very easily into our models of living. I wish that we could ask for a clarification on them. But we can't. We are left with the responsibility of using our hearts and minds to make our best decisions about them. The Bible is not magic - it points us in the right direction, but it does not answer every question. In fact the Bible is not here to point us to itself.... the Bible is here to point us toward God.
I think we will have many questions when we get to heaven. I am ok with that. I don't have all of the answers. God is bigger than I am and he is bigger than my ideas about him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Jesus should I turn the other cheek every time? Should I allow my family to be harmed by intruders?
Surely you did not mean that, did you? Should a wife stay with an abusive husband?
Paul, should all women not speak in church? Are you still ok with slavery? Paul do you eat shrimp?
Friends, there are many many scriptures that don't fall very easily into our models of living. I wish that we could ask for a clarification on them. But we can't. We are left with the responsibility of using our hearts and minds to make our best decisions about them. The Bible is not magic - it points us in the right direction, but it does not answer every question. In fact the Bible is not here to point us to itself.... the Bible is here to point us toward God.
I think we will have many questions when we get to heaven. I am ok with that. I don't have all of the answers. God is bigger than I am and he is bigger than my ideas about him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
conservative or liberal
I don't like these labels. When we speak of conservatives and liberals our language is polarizing. Most of the people that I know, including myself are not classic cases of either extreme. Most people that I know think a few things that would make both sides uncomfortable.
I was talking to another minister the other day and he was explaining to me that many in his congregation expect him to be liberal because he is a Methodist minister. He did not understand that. I am not sure that I do either. Methodists come in all colors and sizes. We have every variety of people in our church and I want to keep them all together. Jesus kept all kinds together.
How about we talk less about what separates us and talk more about what unites us. If we can all get behind loving God and loving others, then who needs the labels? Life is too short for talk that divides us. Come on people now, smile on each other everybody get together start to love one another right now. [smile if you hear the song lyrics there...]
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I was talking to another minister the other day and he was explaining to me that many in his congregation expect him to be liberal because he is a Methodist minister. He did not understand that. I am not sure that I do either. Methodists come in all colors and sizes. We have every variety of people in our church and I want to keep them all together. Jesus kept all kinds together.
How about we talk less about what separates us and talk more about what unites us. If we can all get behind loving God and loving others, then who needs the labels? Life is too short for talk that divides us. Come on people now, smile on each other everybody get together start to love one another right now. [smile if you hear the song lyrics there...]
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
I might be wrong
Tony Campolo is a famous Baptist pastor. Some of you agree with him and some of you don't. I don't agree with everything that he thinks, but hey, I might be wrong.
Someone told me about something that he likes to say. Now since I am passing along what someone said that Tony said, this is hearsay, but I like the thought none the less.
The story goes like this- Tony will not talk with anyone about difficult issues unless the person admits that they might be wrong. Tony knows that he might be wrong, the idea is why should I waste my time talking with someone else who insists that they are right? They are not even open to considering what someone else is saying. They can't entertain the possibility that they might be wrong.
You can't really have a dialogue with someone if the participants aren't open to learn from each other.
Are you able to admit that you might be wrong on an issue? Is it possible that what you were taught about the Bible growing up was wrong?
I find this a very interesting thought. But hey, I might be wrong.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Someone told me about something that he likes to say. Now since I am passing along what someone said that Tony said, this is hearsay, but I like the thought none the less.
The story goes like this- Tony will not talk with anyone about difficult issues unless the person admits that they might be wrong. Tony knows that he might be wrong, the idea is why should I waste my time talking with someone else who insists that they are right? They are not even open to considering what someone else is saying. They can't entertain the possibility that they might be wrong.
You can't really have a dialogue with someone if the participants aren't open to learn from each other.
Are you able to admit that you might be wrong on an issue? Is it possible that what you were taught about the Bible growing up was wrong?
I find this a very interesting thought. But hey, I might be wrong.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Monday, October 26, 2015
fall iris
Here are some of God's surprise fall blessings in my back yard. Usually iris bloom in April. This guy evidently likes October.I smile when I consider the beauty of all the things that God has made. This is our Father's world!
It is a very beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.Sunday, October 25, 2015
why I go to church
There is a funny story about going to church.......
It kind of goes like this. It is 7am on Sunday and the Dad is trying to wake up his son for church. The son says, Dad, I don't want to go to church. It's too early in the morning, the members are mean to me, and the sermons are boring.
The dad replies, well let me tell you why you should go... it's early, but it is the Lord's day. Those members are God's children, and for crying out loud son, you are the minister!!
I go to church for many reasons besides the fact that I am the minister.
1. I love to take time to honor God.
2. It is a great way to start the week.
3. I usually learn something.
4. I meet great people.
5. I am a part of something that is doing very significant work.
6. Together we can do much more than what I can do alone.
7. I get to care about others. And in a world of self-centeredness, that is very important.
I hope that you can find some reasons to be in church this Lord's day.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
It kind of goes like this. It is 7am on Sunday and the Dad is trying to wake up his son for church. The son says, Dad, I don't want to go to church. It's too early in the morning, the members are mean to me, and the sermons are boring.
The dad replies, well let me tell you why you should go... it's early, but it is the Lord's day. Those members are God's children, and for crying out loud son, you are the minister!!
I go to church for many reasons besides the fact that I am the minister.
1. I love to take time to honor God.
2. It is a great way to start the week.
3. I usually learn something.
4. I meet great people.
5. I am a part of something that is doing very significant work.
6. Together we can do much more than what I can do alone.
7. I get to care about others. And in a world of self-centeredness, that is very important.
I hope that you can find some reasons to be in church this Lord's day.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
taking the Bible literally
I was talking with someone the other day who was very upset that some Christians do not take the Bible "literally."
I asked them if they gave 10% to the Lord.
The answer was no.
I asked them if they thought women should speak in church.
They said yes.
I asked them if they ate shrimp.
They said yes.
I asked them if they thought that slaves should relax and obey their masters.
They said no.
I asked them if they thought that a rebellious son should be put to death.
They said no.
I asked them if we should pray as the Psalmist does that God would kill our enemies.
They said no.
I think the point to be made here isn't the word "literal" but the word respect. Do you respect the Bible? Do you honor it? Do you believe that it points people toward God?
My answer to all of that is yes I respect the Bible, yes I honor it, and yes I believe it points people towards God.
When Christians oversimplify things, they sometimes start to sound very narrow and judgmental. Their attempts to protect the Bible or God can push away the very people that they might be trying to win.
Last time I checked, God did not need us to defend him or protect him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
I asked them if they gave 10% to the Lord.
The answer was no.
I asked them if they thought women should speak in church.
They said yes.
I asked them if they ate shrimp.
They said yes.
I asked them if they thought that slaves should relax and obey their masters.
They said no.
I asked them if they thought that a rebellious son should be put to death.
They said no.
I asked them if we should pray as the Psalmist does that God would kill our enemies.
They said no.
I think the point to be made here isn't the word "literal" but the word respect. Do you respect the Bible? Do you honor it? Do you believe that it points people toward God?
My answer to all of that is yes I respect the Bible, yes I honor it, and yes I believe it points people towards God.
When Christians oversimplify things, they sometimes start to sound very narrow and judgmental. Their attempts to protect the Bible or God can push away the very people that they might be trying to win.
Last time I checked, God did not need us to defend him or protect him.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Friday, October 23, 2015
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in tongues but don't have a loving heart, I am just a squeaky brake. If I know all about the book of Revelation, if I have great faith, but am full of myself, I am nothing. If I run a good business and provide for my family but have not love, I gain nothing. If I go to church but ignore my selfish behavior, if I am married but do not pour myself into my spouse, if I insist that I am right but do not read what others think, if I do the right thing but hurt people along the way, I am missing the point.
Love. It is the more excellent way. Everything else that we call spiritual or important pales in comparison to love. Without love we are fooling ourselves.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not want more, it does not want what others have, it does not need a new car or a bigger house. I is not a bragger, it never blows its own horn. It does not hurt others, it takes a fearless moral inventory from time to time to make sure that it is not self seeking. It learns to control its anger. It walks away to cool off rather than explode at someone. It not only forgives, but it no longer keeps track of who did what to me. It never celebrates evil, but it celebrates the truth.
It is dependable. It keeps coming around. It always protects. It covers others faults. It always sees the good in others. It always hopes for a better day. It sticks around til the very end.
Love never fails. Every other method of living will fail. No big house, no fancy car, no plastic surgery can replace love. There is nothing like it in all the world.
All of our religious language will come to naught, our doctrine will be shot full of holes, our insistence that we are right will vanish. But love will remain, for God is love.
May we spend more of our time investing in that which is important and being God's vehicles of love. Love is not just the most excellent way, ultimately, it is the only thing that really counts in this life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
Love. It is the more excellent way. Everything else that we call spiritual or important pales in comparison to love. Without love we are fooling ourselves.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not want more, it does not want what others have, it does not need a new car or a bigger house. I is not a bragger, it never blows its own horn. It does not hurt others, it takes a fearless moral inventory from time to time to make sure that it is not self seeking. It learns to control its anger. It walks away to cool off rather than explode at someone. It not only forgives, but it no longer keeps track of who did what to me. It never celebrates evil, but it celebrates the truth.
It is dependable. It keeps coming around. It always protects. It covers others faults. It always sees the good in others. It always hopes for a better day. It sticks around til the very end.
Love never fails. Every other method of living will fail. No big house, no fancy car, no plastic surgery can replace love. There is nothing like it in all the world.
All of our religious language will come to naught, our doctrine will be shot full of holes, our insistence that we are right will vanish. But love will remain, for God is love.
May we spend more of our time investing in that which is important and being God's vehicles of love. Love is not just the most excellent way, ultimately, it is the only thing that really counts in this life.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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