Anticipation of the New Year

I am so not ready for this new year coming.  I have just gotten used to writing 2008 on my checks and now I have to put 2009.  There are so many things that I want to do and hoped to have them done in 2008.  Now I will put the effort into going forward into 2009.  2008 was a wonderful year for Nancy and I as well as our children and grandchildren.  I am looking forward to 2009 for more of the same.

I do want to share the bible verse for today.  As I do, I would ask that you would reflect on what it says to you and what it can mean for this coming year in your life and the life of your church.

John 1:6-7, "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him."  NRSV

What struck me were two statements.  A man sent from God and that he came as a witness to testify to the light.  The first statement about being sent from God.  Have you ever thought that you were sent by God?  Sometimes when I take the time to reflect on this statement, I am awe that maybe God sent me to be a witness.  Scripture states that even before we were born God knew us and had ordained us.  Even as I write this shivers come over me that God would know me and ordain me.  Being anointed by God should answer all questions about what my purpose must be in life.  It is to be a witness for God.

When I was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church and the Bishop and the members of the Board of Ordained Ministry laid hands on me, it was an experience that I will never forget.  Yet, sometimes I may doubt that God laid his hands on me to be His witness.  He has also laid His hands on you.  What is so awe inspiring about this, is that we can be witnesses to God in so many ways.  We can witness in music, in our work, in our play, in our prayers, and in our studies.  God has put upon our hearts that desire to praise God and to share our praise with others.

I don't know how many times I have heard (even sometimes in the past I had said), I can't evangelize.  I don't have the words, I am scared, I am embarrassed about talking about my faith, and I don't want to push my faith onto others.  If we place our faith in our God, God will see us through.  Even if we don't have the words, we can testify in our deeds.  I no longer can say that I cannot do this.  I believe it is the purpose that God has place upon me and placed upon you.  We do not have to be perfect to live to this purpose.

So think about last year 2008, were there times that you witnessed through words or deeds of the glory of God, the light in the dark world.  As we go forward to 2009, are we willing to share the good news with those around us?  That would be a great New Year's resolution.

Peace be with you and those you love.  Talk to you next year.

John 1:1

"In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God and the Word was God." GNT.

This begins the Gospel of John.  The first 14 verses called the prolog frame what the writer of the Gospel wants to say about who Jesus was and his relationship to God.  What I find interesting is that the writer begins with "In the beginning," connecting what is happening with the Incarnate Deity with Genesis 1:1.  Jesus represents this Word translated as Logos in Greek and Sophia in Hebrew.  Jesus is the Wisdom of God.  God spoke and creation happened.  God spoke and Jesus happened.  God continues to speak to us today as each day becomes a new creation.  God's Wisdom is available to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and in the Holy Spirit.  Each gospel starts at a different way of presenting who Christ is.  Matthew starts with a genealogy and talks about Joseph and the birth.  Luke starts with Mary and the birth.  Mark starts with the baptism of Jesus.  Only John presents Jesus as being part of the very act of creation and representing the Wisdom incarnate.

So what makes that so important.  For me, I find it comforting that Jesus is someone I can count on no matter what happens in my life.  Jesus was present prior to creation, in the creation act, lived among us, and continues to be with us.  I don't find much else that has the sense of permanence.  Even in science, what was assumed to be unalterable truth, becomes changed with new discoveries.  Most scientists would admit that there is much they do not know or comprehend.  I believe that even with the new discoveries there are more questions than answers.  When I was teaching sociology at a state college, I remember one sociologist that stated that the social reforms that are seen to solve the problems we face, become the social problems of the future.

There is nothing that lasts forever except God.  I need a foundation that I can depend on that is unshakable and eternal.  That does not mean that there is not change or evolution in creation.  It does mean that there are truths of which we are not completely aware of that is the aim of God.  These truths which as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, we only see partially will become evident in God's eternal reign.

So in a world of evolving change, I can find solace that though I believe change is inevitable that there are some truths that do so evolve.  So as I evolve as a Christian I can turn to my limited understanding of those truths as my foundation.  I believe those truths are found in Scripture and are inspired by God's Word or Wisdom to help all of us live a more faithful and fruitful life until the Kingdom comes.  Thanks be to God, in Jesus name.  Amen.

Psalm 147:1

"Praise the Lord!  How good it is to sing praises to our God: for he is gracious and a song of praise is fitting." NRSV

What if every morning and every evening one would start and end the day with singing praises to God. Imagine what the day and evening might be like.  Would you find the day to go easier and your rest at night be better?  I know that when I make the effort to thank God for the day that is yet to come and at night spend time praising and thanking God for the day that was, I sleep better and I find that the day seems to go smoother.  Not saying that there are no problems that come up and that I have to deal with, but somehow I find ways to resolve the issues and am not so turn up by them.  I am more creative and energetic and less tired when I make the effort.  I also noticed that when I get caught up in the daily routine without starting the day off with praise, that I am not as energetic and become more distracted and accomplish less.

Saying that I know that in my life I can get out of habits far more easily than I can get into habits.  For instance, this past week with my children and grand children staying out the house I did not exercise nor was I as diligent in my prayers.  I also have found in more difficult to stay with my eating plan.  So I need reminders to get back on track not only with the physical aspect of my life but also the spiritual.  I need reminding that it is good to sing praises to God and to remember his graciousness.  What a blessing it is to have each day presented to us as a new opportunity and a new creation.  What we choose to do with that day is up to us.  Sing forth praises to our Lord with thanksgiving and exuberance.

I also want to comment on someone who wrote me after the blog last Saturday.  The person mentioned that sometimes it is easier to remember the blessings of God in everyday events when one is not surrounded by an abundance of material things.  I agree that is often the case.  Though I know of those who are able to see beyond things to reach out to God and to share with others.  I mentioned in my comment back that my good friend Dennis who was a missionary often spoke the radical hospitality that he experienced from many people who had very little.  He also stated that they were often so thankful for what we would call the little things.  I also believe that we no matter our social status can take time to be thankful for the blessings of God and to share those with others without judgment.

Psalm 148: 11-13

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the Lord. Ps. 148: 11-13

Are there times that you might feel that others should be responsible for praising God. Sometime I wonder just who is responsible for praising God. It is interesting that whenever I go somewhere, it is often expected that I would be the one who gives the blessing. The psalmist reminds us that we are all responsible for praising God. There are no special people who are to praise God to the exclusion of others. There is no age limit, no gender differences, no social status preferences.
I have been thinking about what are some of the obstacles that interfere with my praising God. I have noticed that lately I have been struggling with focusing on all the negatives in my life. These include not only dealing with other people but also with dealing with myself. Sometimes it seems easier to think badly about me than to acknowledge the things that I do well. I seem to spend more time dealing with the few negative thoughts and feelings than I do with the more positive thoughts and feelings. Much like not praising God for the changes and wonderful people who are close to me. And when I spend so much time dealing with these negative thoughts, I find that I am not as likely to praise God.
The entire Psalm as I blogged last night can fill that piece that I may feel is missing in my life. Recognizing that all of creation is praising God means that even if I have a difficult time doing so and I can lean on others praise to help see me through the difficult times. Having the strength that I can receive from others, I can lift my voice in praise. I hope that in your lives no matter where you are you can lift your voice in praise to the Lord.
Here is my prayer:
God see beyond my flaws and strengthen me to witness to your glory. Let your hand guide me and send me your spirit to direct me. Bestow on me Your vision, your will not mine. Guard me from my self-doubts and lead me to the calm waters. Clothe me in your righteousness. This I ask in the name of your Son, So be it.

Ideas from this coming Sunday lectionary

This Sunday I will be looking at what has moved our lives in 2008 and what will move our lives in 2009. The Psalm I will be preaching on is from Psalm 148. As I was working with the Psalm I came across the following perspective by Stephen Farris found in Feasting on the Word. I was struck by what he had to say even though I am taking a different tack.
He stated that there are two words that seem to sum up the psalm. One is comprehensive: from angels to creeping things, from shining stars to the frost under our feet, all are to praise the Lord. But the second word is exuberance. The psalm is one great shout of gratitude for the goodness of God and the wonder of creation.
He goes on to state that children receive Christmas gifts from grandparents or uncles and aunts and you can make the child get on the phone and say "Thank you," but a good parent instinctively knows that the words alone are not enough. The thanks are incomplete without gratitude.
The question he proposes for us is how do we show our gratitude to what God has done. Is gratitude something learned by seeing others being gracious, being surrounded by others love, and seeing how others treat one another with concern and care?
Another concern is that for many this is a difficult time of the year and sometimes it is hard to find the voice to lift up praises. Kimberly Clayton states, "Sometimes the word or song of praise gets silenced by a lump in our throat, as though we have swallowed too much grief or sorrow or loneliness to utter a sound. What happens when we ourselves are too sad or too weak to offer praise to God? This psalm exclaims that hopeful, comforting message that we are not isolated or alone in our vocation of praise. From start to finish, Psalm 148 places us within a vast, diverse universe where continual praise is being offered to God: Angels and stars, fire and frost, wild and domesticated animals, men and women, young and old, wealthy and poor... join in the terrestrial/celestial symphony of praise. So when our own song or spirit is silenced, praise still fills the space all around us."
I know that for me, I need to remember that God is present whether or not I am present to God. It is hopeful and helpful to remember all that God has done and continues to do in my life. Much like a child needing to remember to be grateful and thankful, so do I and so do you.
I would also like to let people know that starting Sunday I will be offering a reflection on scriptural verses every day for the next year. My desire is to do this daily. In our church, our leaders of the various committees will receive a devotional book and calendar that they will hopefully use in their committee meetings and in their lives. I will be using the calendar "Journeying Through the Days" from the Upper Room. I would like to have those who read this blog to share their insights to the various scriptures that are discussed. We can learn so much from one another. As I can I will try to comment if desired to those who write back. We are on a journey together and can support one another in our coming and going.
God Bless.

Post Christmas

I hope all have had a great Christmas. I know that having all my family, both kids their spouses and all my grand kids was great. On Christmas day they all took off to go to their in-laws and are expected back Saturday-Monday. The mix of family and church often is exhilarating and is tiring at the same time. Today i was able to sleep in for the first time in several days. I was also surprised that over the holiday I lost 2 pounds. So all the cookies and sweets that still around have not shown up yet. Having family who can eat most of them helps.
Christmas eve services went well. I continue to reflect on Jesus' earthly family. They could have complained and refused to listen to God at any time of the story. Yet, they did not and were so open to the changes that God brought into their lives. They risked scandal, people saying judgmental things about them and even calling them names. They traveled in the last month of Mary's pregnancy to a small town giving up their livelihood. They were homeless and jobless. Yet they never complained and made the best of their situation. They never expected anything from others even when they received the gifts that they did.
I wonder if I would be so willing to make the decisions that they did and never complain. Sometimes it makes me reflect on what really matters. Maybe what I got or did not get pales to what Jesus' family faced. There are many families who can identify with the Mary and Joseph. They too are jobless, homeless, and wonder if they will have enough to feed their children. My friend Dennis who was a missionary often spoke of the generous spirit of those who were the poorest of the poor. They would share their meager resources with others. In fact often were more generous than those who had an abundance of resources.
This day after Christmas let us thank God for what God has done for us and ask what is it that we can do for those in our community and throughout the world who may be like Christ's family without jobs and homes.

Merry Christmas- Love came to us this day

To complete the verses on God's love and to celebrate Christmas, the verse for today is John 3:16. "This is how much god loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life (The Message)."
God came to us this day and continues to come to us every day because He loves us. God does not need to love us but the very essence of God is love. What God wants is for us to believe in that love. It is not a matter of judgment, rather it is an opportunity to have a whole and lasting life. Not just in some future event but rather a whole and lasting life today. I like the way Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message paraphrase. We do not need to be destroyed nor do we need to destroy others. Jesus came to us to show that there is another way of living our lives in the full life that God has bestowed on us.
Make this Christmas a pledge to live as believers and to love those around us this day and every day not just family, church, but also those we encounter in our day to day lives.