A Pilgrim on the Journey to Perfection

Rivals

2010-07-14T16:56:00.000-05:00

PC vs MAC

Xbox vs. Playstation vs. Wii

Texas vs. Texas A&M

iPhone vs Android

Pepsi vs Coca Cola

I am sure you could list a bunch of other rivals throughout life. And the list could get really personal for me. My high school’s biggest Rival was the Fayetteville Bulldogs. Every year our game was billed as the battle of the Dogs. It was a week filled with tons of trash talking and us vs them statements. I wasn’t friends with any of them. However, my first week of college, I meet several of them, and discovered we had a lot in common. We became great friends.

It is crazy, but any rivalry is going to lead to winner vs loser attitudes which clouds our judgment.

I remember 100’s of commercials growing up about how x number of people choose coke over Pepsi in taste test. I remember taste tests being held in grocery stores, at the state fair, and other venues. Everyone had a preference. You were either with them or against them. Who is the winner in your book?

Pepsi or Coke, PC or Mac, or Texas or Texas A&M.

As Debra talked about in her Sermon on Sunday, “us” vs “them” has been around since the beginning of time. It is recorded throughout our biblical history. What I find profoundly challenging is that “us” vs “them” or “winner” and “loser” attitudes might be part of human nature, but it is not what God intends. In fact, Jesus came into the world to teach of a different reality. A world in which there is no partiality, no winners or losers, but a world where every knee will bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord. We are all children of God, we are all family, we are all part of “us”, and there is no “them”.
I think the challenge for us is to begin to see or dream of the unity we have in God, father, son, and spirit. Think about it.

Can you imagine what it might be if we didn’t talk about others as “them”, and ourselves as “us”?

Can you imagine what it would be like if we saw our neighbor not as them, but as us?

Can you imagine Aggies and Longhorns living in harmony?

Seriously what if we stopped talking about the other Christians, or the other churches, and we started talking about the body of Christ, about our brothers and sisters in Christ? What if we didn’t see others in the world, but saw brothers and sisters?

What rivalry do you need to let go for the sake of the Gospel?

2010-03-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering." St. Augustine

Light Bulb Moments

2010-01-18T08:23:00.003-06:00

Passionate Worship

When The Light Bulb Went Off!

“The Word, Passionate, expresses an intense desire, an ardent spirit, strong feelings, and the sense of heightened importance,” says Bishop Robert Schnase in his book, Cultivating Fruitfulness (Abingdon Press, 2008 p. 25).

Worship could be described as intentional time given in community so that we might experience and encounter God.

I can say that I have been going to worship/church since I was born. My dad was a Methodist pastor and we were in worship every week and in worship multiple hours. I thought that was what everyone did. I was bored at times. I was sleepy at times. I was like every other kid, I thought. I sang in the children’s choir and rang bells. When I got older I went to youth group.

Worship wasn’t bad, in fact the music was familiar, and I liked to sing, but it wasn’t “fun.” (Except for children’s time) Worship was just something I did. Maybe you can relate… but by the time I was in High School things changed a little. I had been in a few pretty cool worship services… you know one of those services where everything just felt electric or like it was just for me. I remember some of those worship service were with special guest or special music where the music just lifted you out of your seat. Still others were on a retreat or mission trip. Most involved eating bread and sharing the common cup. Have you been there too?

I continued to go to church, throughout my college years. It was later in my life, I found myself longing for more of those moments, and I wondered why it wasn’t that way every week in worship. In talk with some of my friends about worship and how I just don’t get anything out of it some weeks, that The light bulb went off. One of my friends said, worship is not all about you and you get out of it what you put in. POW! What was my attitude like on those Sunday’s, how was I participating? Even later in my seminary training on leading worship, I was taught the audience of worship is not the congregation, but God. Everything we do in a worship service is done to give honor and glory to God.

Light Bulb…

Passionate worship isn’t about the style of music!
Passionate worship isn’t about being in a certain location!
Passionate worship isn’t about the sermon!

Passionate worship is you and me, the whole church who have gathered in that space at that exact time, to encounter and experience God! The way I worship today, was changed by these light bulb moments…

What is one of your Light bulb moments about Passionate Worship?

1st Birthday...

2009-11-23T20:58:00.002-06:00

The pictures speak for themselves!

I love my 1 year old little boy!

Worship Wars....

2009-08-20T14:26:00.003-05:00

I am constantly watching, reading, and talking about the importance of relevance in worship. I am really interested to see this debate about worship reverence vs. relevance will turn out. This debate has caused a great divide in the church and sometimes in single congregations. So I invite you to check out the following promo video and join me on September 1, for an online 2:00 p.m. CDT for this historic event and the beginning a new conversation about the future of worship in the church.

http://www.lifeway.com/RvR/

I will be post my thoughts on the subject following the event. I will hope to see you and talk with you along this journey. Until them...

What is your top 25 Worship Tunes for 2009?

2009-08-17T16:46:00.002-05:00

I want to know what you think?

2009 Top 25 Praise Songs from CCLI

How Great is Our God
BLessed Be Your Name
Here I am to Worship
Open The Eyes of My Heart
Shout to the Lord
Holy Is the Lord
You Are My King
Forever
Lord, I lift Your Name on High
Come, Now is The Time to Worship
God of Wonders
Everlasting God
You Are My All in All
We Fall Down
The Heart of Worship
You’re Worthy of My Praise
Breathe
Trading My Sorrows
Beautiful One
In Christ Alone
I Give You My Heart
Days of Elijah
Friend of God
Better is One Day
Above All

I would love to here what others think of this list... What would you keep, delete, and add?

More on Health-care...

2009-08-13T10:52:00.002-05:00

As I promised I would continue to post about this topic: Healthcare. I took a part of Jim Wallis' Aug 12 post on his blog. I hope the resources might also be useful to you all. You can also follow the hyperlink to read Jim's entire blog post.

- Peace

Rodney

(Taken from Jim Wallis Blog)
Today, right now, let’s join together making the health-care debate factual, worthy of our families and communities. Let’s put the special interests on notice that we want real health-care reform, not misinformation and fear-mongering.
Sojourners has created a rapid response Web site where you will find what you need to fight for the truth: Sojourners’ Health Care Reform Resources.

Other Links

SIGN Sojourners’ Health-Care Creed and let Congress know you stand for values-based reform.

SHARE Sojourners’ Guide to the Health-Care Reform Debate with your church and neighbors.

DISTRIBUTE Sojourners’ two-page flyer with health-care reform facts and values at your small group or Bible study.

USE the messages and talking points that Sojourners has created in your discussions with others.
CALL your Members of Congress today, toll-free, at #1-866-279-5474 and ask them to vote for health-care reform.

We must act.

Rethink Church: Ecology/Theology (UMC)

2009-08-12T12:54:00.001-05:00

When you ask someone what is church, you get a ton of different answer. I am proud to be part of a movent of pastors and churches that are willing to ask tough questions and to look critically at the future of "the church."

This UMC ad is just one example of rethinking church.

I will be posting more about this topic in the weeks and months ahead. I will also be preaching a sermon series in which I will address several different ways we can rethink what we are doing in the chruch. The series begins on September 20, 2009.

I am looking forward to sharing this part of my journey as I talk with other followers of Jesus radical message and how we can look at church as a verb and not just a place we belong or come to.

Peace,

Rodney

Prayers for our Government leaders....

2009-08-11T17:29:00.003-05:00

The discussion or maybe I should say debate on health care is getting crazy. I am hearing all kinds of things... what is true and what is a lie? I really want to know. Do you? I want the voice of faith to come to the table, because the health care issues facing our country can not be ignored. I know it effects my family in a major way. How it should be dealt with is still very debatable. So I felt like I should share some answers to questions.

Please Note: This is just one source, but at least it does give credible sources from which the answers are drawn. Unlike a lot of the rumors I am hearing on the street, in coffee shops, and waiting in line at the grocery story, these responses can be researched by you personally by following the links. Please stay informed and don't let people tell you what is going on, but check it out yourself.

Peace,

Rodney

Top Five Health Care Reform Lies

Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!

The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."⁴ What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.⁵

Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!!

The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.⁶ Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.⁷

If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.⁸ But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now.

Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!!

The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that.

Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.⁹ And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation.

Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!!

The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.¹⁰ Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.¹¹

Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!!

The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy.

Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.¹² The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade¹³—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.¹⁴ Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.¹⁵

We're closer to real health care reform than we've ever been—and the next few weeks will decide whether it happens. We need to make sure the truth about health care reform is spread far and wide to combat right wing lies.

Can you forward this email to your friends today? And remember, also post it on Facebook by clicking here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51746. And on Twitter, by retweeting: @MoveOn Check out the Top 5 Health Care Lies—and How to Fight Back. http://bit.ly/Bncs5

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Kat, Ilya, Michael and the rest of the team

P.S. Want more? Check out this great new White House "Reality Check" website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ or this excellent piece from Health Care for America Now on some of the most outrageous lies: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=1

Sources:

1. "More 'Town Halls Gone Wild': Angry Far Right Protesters Disrupt Events With 'Incomprehensible' Yelling," Think Progress, August 4, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51733&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=2

2. "Fight the smears," Health Care for America NOW, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=3

3. "Palin Paints Picture of 'Obama Death Panel' Giving Thumbs Down to Trig," ABC News, August 7, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51728&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=4

4. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," The Associated Press, August 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=5

5. "Stop Distorting the Truth about End of Life Care," The Huffington Post, July 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51730&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=6

6. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1

7. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=7

8. "Obama: 'If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor,'" The Wall Street Journal, 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51736&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=8

9. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#r1

10. "Obama: No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform," CNN, July 28, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51748&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=9

11. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#s1

12. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

13. "Premiums Run Amok," Center for American Progress, July 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51667&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=10

14. "Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies," CNN, June 5, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51735&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=11

15. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

Sources for the Five Lies:

#1: "A euthanasia mandate," The Washington Times, July 29, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51732&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=12

#2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=13

#3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=14

#4: "60 Plus Ad Is Chock Full Of Misinformation," Media Matters for America, August 8, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51734&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=15

#5: "Obama's 'Public' Health Plan Will Bankrupt the Nation," The National Review, May 13, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51744&id=16782-10068386-COJVoWx&t=16

New Webstie....

2009-08-08T11:57:00.002-05:00

First Methodist has a new website. If you haven't already checked it out yet I hope you will.

www.fumcr.com

And of course THE SOURCE has all new look as well. Kyle has created a blog for the source which keeps everyone up with what music we are using each week in worship. So please come on by and take a peek at all the new stuff online both at the church and with The SOURCE.

I hope to see you in worship Soon.

Rodney

Taking up the cross... What Tension

2009-03-24T16:29:00.006-05:00

How do we deal with Jesus teaching on what is required to be his disciple?

Especially when he says things like:

hate your father, mother, brother, sister, and even life itself (Luke 14:26)
Sell all your possessions and give everything to the poor (Luke 18:22; 14:33)
deny oneself and take up your cross and follow me (Luke 14:27)

And Jesus told the crowds if they did not do these then they could not be his disciples. If that is true I am not sure I could be one either. This question of the cost of discipleship has tension in my life as a modern day pilgrim and follower of Jesus. I count myself as a group who has for years called themselves disciples.

I have always believed there are some costs and difficult requirements. And I think all Christians should count the cost of discipleship. The cost of discipleship is something we have to consider if we are going to follow Jesus. Who meets Jesus high requirements beyond those disciples in the bible?

Most of the time, when we talk about modern examples of person who meet these requirements we think of martyrs. A couple of persons who I think of that have given it all away and followed Jesus are Mother Teresa and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Here is where the tension comes.

Let me be frank, when I hear those names and read of their journey as a disciple, I am in awe. I could only wish I was that brave. I was living as humble and selfless life as Mother Teresa or as bravely as Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I know that I don't measure up.

When I look at other stories in the bible and I find Jesus praising others who never gave everything up or gave up their life for him. Read the story of Zacchacus (Luke 19:1-10) or the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. Jesus tells the Roman that he has shown greater faith than all of Israel. And Zacchacus is praised for his radical change in life, but neither would they are no mother Teresa or Bonhoeffer.

So which is better? Which one is a real disciple? Does one of sacrifice or way of life make one better more a disciple? What is the cost of discipleship today?

In taking up my cross in today world mean that I must give everything away or give up my life?Do I have to sell my house and car? Or can I just be a strong person of faith. A person who goes to church, gives to the poor, and shares the message of Jesus love. I can do that? Can I play it safe?

Believe me I want to take care of my children and my wife. If I get to choose I want to be one the great people of faith Jesus highlights, but who didn't have to give everything away.

What is the cost of Discipleship? I think it can cost you all you have and even life itself. But then what am I suppose to do to be Jesus Disciple?

I wonder if the better question, what will it feel like to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant?" We all will have to account for our lives one day. What will it feel like to hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant.

Count the Cost...

2009-03-23T10:24:00.002-05:00

Take up your cross and follow me... (Luke 9:23)

What does this mean?

How do we do this daily?

Read Luke 14:25-33

Then give me your thoughts.

What level are you...

2009-03-12T10:00:00.002-05:00

Every time I attend the ballet or a Broadway show in Dallas, I notice in the program a list of donors that have helped make it all possible. They are listed in categories like: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each of these levels come with a price tag. It is not just the arts that uses these titles, but also institutions of higher education use a similar system to categorize the giving of Alumni. The higher status metal is equated with a higher about of monetary support given to the organization.

Have you ever wonder if these categories have a positive or negative aspect?

Should churches adopt these practices in their work and publications?

I don't think so.

I think any system like this once again sets up a hierarchy So because someone who gives 1 thousand is greater than someone who gives 100. What if the person who gives a thousand in a millionaire and the person who gave 100 is clerk at a gas station? Who is the greatest? Who should be at what level?

Do you know what level you are at? Have you allowed some list or organization to put a label on your status in it's membership?

What do you think?

Status...

2009-03-11T16:45:00.003-05:00

Who is the greatest?

At some where along the journey of life we all have thought about greatness. Some of us may have dreamed of being a great athlete. Some of us dreamed of being great doctors or nurses. This week as part of the self reflection of lent, I have been considering the mistake the disciples made of arguing about who was the greatest (Mark 9:33-41).

I also have been thinking about how easy it has been to be sucked into the culture of consumerism in which products, possessions, and bling all are symbols of greatness or success.

I am making a list of frequent purchases, buying habits, and regular activities that reflect a desire for acquiring status above "the least of these." Take a few minutes and try to do this. How could you make any adjustments to your buying habits during lent as an intentional response to Jesus call to be servant of all.

Lent 2009 - Enough

2009-03-04T16:53:00.002-06:00

This week I have been thinking more about the mistake the disciples made of thinking they did not have enough food for the crowd that had gathered in Matthew 14:13-21.

If you have time today, take a moment and read Matthew 15:32-39. Then I would invite you to compare and contrast these two similar stories. What are some of the differences?

The number served went from 5000 to 4000.
The number of Days people had been with Jesus

What else?

Is it the same amount of food?

Is it the same amount left over?

The disciples still are worried about having enough. I wonder does that mean that they didn't learn from the first time they witnessed Jesus feed the large crowd? If so why?

Is there something else we can learn from the disciples in this story?

Their question of "Where can we get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" is different. The first time they said, "we have nothing but five loaves and 2 fish." (NRSV) So are we still dealing with the same mistake? Could this be the same situation just being told again?

What I see in both situations is the disciples misunderstanding of what is enough. And isn't that true for us today? Don't we constantly struggle with the question of how much is enough? How much do we need to retire? How much do we need in savings? How much room do we need for our family? How much room do we need in our next car?

So I challenge you to think about what the culture around us says is enough. Then talk with someone about what guidelines or criteria do you use in assessing what is enough in your own life and family.

Then maybe for lent you can give something up?

You know... Give something up that you have enough of or maybe stop getting something you have enough of already. Do you really need another pair of Shoes? Do you really need another tie? Do you really need another shirt or pair of socks?

Then give something away to someone who needs it more than you or buy something for someone else instead of yourself.

Just a thought.

Lent 2009

2009-03-03T10:22:00.002-06:00

Have you given anything up for lent?

Have you committed to self reflection and denial for the 40 days leading up to Easter?

For all who attended Ash Wednesday Service, I challenge us to consider entering Lent AT OUR OWN RISK... The challenge was not just to give something up, but to take something on. For example if you give up just 30 minutes of t.v. a day, but then to fill that 30 minutes with prayer or bible reading.

I have taken on the discipline of weekly reflection and writing here on my blog about the mistakes the disciples made while they were following Jesus and how we might learn from those mistakes.

On Sunday, I share one of the most known miracle stories in the bible. Jesus feeding the 5000. I want to suggest that the disciples made two mistakes.

1. They wanted to send people home because it was getting late and it was close to meal time.

2. They made the mistake of thinking they didn't have enough resources to feed the people.

Follow up Questions:

Here are some questions that I am reflecting on and using in my prayer time this week:

How much is ever enough?
How much Jesus is enough in our lives?
What is one problem or situation that you see or hear about that you want to see change, but feel like you are helpless with?

Once you have that situation(s)... Pray about it this week.
Ask God to give you a dream or a creative solution
Take time to listen for God and look for God

Then ask how could God multiply yours and others resources to make a difference.

If you get a chance reread Matthew 14:13-21 and see these mistakes the disciples made.

I look forward to share another entry with you tomorrow.

Mistakes: Learning the Hard Way...

2009-02-16T16:23:00.003-06:00

Everyone makes mistakes...

Some of us make more than others.

Just take a minute and think about some of the mistakes you have made over the years. And then think about how many of those mistakes taught you something.

We all learning in different ways, but one sure fire way to learn is through personal experience. And when we make a mistake, we have first hand knowledge and understanding of what happens when we throw an aerosol can into a burn barrel or try to stop the lawn mower by removing the spark plug cover. For some of us we have to learn the hard way before we will believe someone else or a warning label is true.

Do you have one you would like to share. Comment or email me with your stories. For sure I hope you will join me during the weeks of lent, as I examine some of the mistakes I and other disciples have made trying to follow Jesus. With the hope that we all can learn from their mistakes and find encouragement along this journey towards perfection.

Crazy couple of weeks...

2009-02-10T18:16:00.002-06:00

Wow what a few crazy weeks. I was wanting to start blogging again and then life goes nuts.

Here is what has happened along the journey in bullet points:

Worship retreat and got iced in.
Went to Anti-racism training
NOW I am an Anti-Racist
My Daughter got another ear infection

So I am posting today for the first time. YEAH.

If anyone is interested Ash Wednesday is Feb 25 and the six weeks following you will find me blogging again. I did this last year. Instead of giving something up for lent I am encouraging individuals to take something up. My spiritual discipline for lent is to blog 5 out of the 7 days. This year I will be reflecting on and sharing ideas from my sermon Series "Mistakes: Learning The Hard Way."

Watch for more information and graphics in the coming weeks. Hope you will join me for this special season of preparation and reflection.

Rodney

Yes

Back in the Saddle...

2009-01-16T14:45:00.003-06:00

I am going to try to get back in the saddle. The birth of our son, Justice, has turned my life upside down again. Grace turned it upside down in 2007 and Justice in 2008. Wow isn't that true when it comes to God's Grace and Justice as well?

One of my goals for the new year is to get back to blogging once a week. So today is a fresh start. I have gotten back to keeping my twitter and facebook updated at least once in a 24 hour period and so today starts the move towards getting back on the horse of sharing my thoughts weekly here.

The Journey has been crazy with the addition of number two. I find myself with even less time to myself or quiet time to read. However, I have seen how great a blessing children can be.

Grace took her first steps on January 1. What a sight to see. She was so excited and so were we. It was amazing to see her face light up with each step she took. She figured out she could do it. She could walk. She was filled with joy to the point she was laughing with every step she took.

How I wish we could all could experience our faith journey with such joy and excitement. I wish we could have that kind of laughter when we are taking those steps into place we have never gone before. The truth is walking is something that has lost it meaning. It is just something I have been doing forever. It is routine.

I don't think God want us to forget the joy of walking. Just as a small child overcomes their fears and puts skills into action to begin walking, we too must overcome our fears and put our skills in action everyday. We should be laughing as we walk each day.

So just as Grace takes baby steps to walking everyday, I am going to try taking baby steps to walking daily with God and at least sharing weekly what amazing, crazy, and joyful things I encounter.

One of my goals is to try and not just walk where I want to go and see Jesus, but to seek to walk where Jesus is already walking and join him and see what he is seeing.

Wish me luck!

Justice is here!

2008-12-10T22:25:00.001-06:00

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to the blog, but life has been crazy. Tomorrow, Justice will be 3 weeks old! Justice was born on Nov 20th and Allison, Grace, and I are so excited to have him in our lives.

Look forward to more updates on life with Grace and Justice on my journey!

A Baby is Coming...

2008-11-14T12:53:00.003-06:00

Yes I could be talking about Advent and Christmas being just around the corner, but what I am talking is coming next week.

Next week, Allison and I will welcome a new baby boy into our lives. We are so excited, but scared of having two children under the age of two in our house. I have been praying without ceasing these last 9 months.

I will however say that the excitement and anticipation of a new child being born so close to Christmas makes Advent feel different.

I hope you will join us or another group of Pilgrims with Advent Season as we journey toward the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. And I will look forward to sharing more stories of how the journey of parenthood connects with my journey of faith.

Dr. Leonard Sweet - @ the Source

2008-11-14T12:33:00.006-06:00

www.fumcr.com

I am so pumped about this weekend... Mission First is launching Saturday at Noon. Come out to 503 N. Central Expressway, November 15 to eat a free lunch, listen to great music, let the kids play on the inflatables, and shop at the International Christmas market.

Then on Sunday morning come back out at 11:05 a.m. and listen to Dr. Leonard Sweet as he share a timely message, "Outstorming Life's Storms." Dr. Sweet will share two more times with our church community this weekend.

Sunday night at 6:00 p.m

Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.

If you haven't read any of his books, "Soul Tsunami, Aqua Church, and Gospel According to Starbucks (to name a few), don't worry. Come out and listen to a great writer and pastor who will challenge Christians and the church to live faithfully in our postmodern world.

I hope you will come and join us as we listen for how we can continue to strive and thrive along our journey of faith.

A Faith Worth Believing In...

2008-10-30T10:10:00.002-05:00

I am always looking for a new book to read.

This week I got a chance to read through a couple of chapters of Doug Pagitt's new book, A Christianity Worth Believing.

http://rethinkchristianity.com/resources/Pagitt_Christianity_Worth_Believing_sample.pdf

I am excited about this book becuase Doug brings such a honest and fresh look at the struggle for Christian belief.

Check it out and I will be sharing more once I get a chance to read more.

Protest

2008-10-30T10:05:00.002-05:00

If you are interested in seeing how youth are taking a stand please check out these two news stories. Some of the Youth From FUMCR felt they had something to say about a traditional Halloween event in Dallas. They wanted people to know "Hell House" does not represent how all Christians view God.

http://cbs11tv.com/religion/Hell.House.Cedar.2.852014.html

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7751572&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

I am very pround of these youth.

We all have something to Say!

Happy Halloween

Buddy Greene - More stuff...

2008-10-16T10:28:00.001-05:00

Hey if you want more background on Buddy Greene please check out his website.

http://www.buddygreene.com/

See you in worship or along the journey soon.

Wind Storm - Buddy Green

2008-10-15T12:53:00.001-05:00

Do you Want to know more about Buddy Green???

I did. So I went on a quick google search. Here is one of the many things I found.

We are excited to Welcome Buddy Green this Sunday in worship at The Source. Check out this video to get a feel for the work of Buddy Green. He will also be in concert on Sunday night, Oct 19th at 6:30 p.m. This is a free concert and is going to be lots of fun.

New Book! - Mad Church Disease

2008-10-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

Ministry in the Church can take it toll on individuals. I have been working in the church for 11 years now and have come dangerously close to Mad Church Disease.

Unfortunately, others I have known have not been so fortunate. I have watch several friends become engulfed and overwhelmed by the church and its ministry. Burnout is a real and scary occupational hazard for church workers.

If you are interested in helping fight Mad Church Disease, check out a free chapter from Ann Jackson new Book.

http://www.madchurchdisease.com/

I will be getting and reading the whole book when it is release in February 2009.

Don't let your fire for Christ, burn you up.

They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love

2008-07-17T14:20:00.001-05:00

This video is powerful...

I have been writing a sermon on Hope today. I watch this video and I am reminded that through our Love and God's grace we beleive that this world can and will be redeemed. I must keep the faith and Seek to live a life of Hope. To Live a life in which I seek to do no harm, to do good, and stay in love with God.

This is not an easy task for me, but I know and believe in faithfulness, dilagence, and through God's Grace I can make a difference by my love.

unChristian

2008-06-17T14:00:00.001-05:00

Check out this video...

What do you think it means to be Christian?

The truth is the title Christian does not have the best image in society and especially with young people (16 to 29 years of age).

What is your perception?
What image to your project?

Think...Act...Live

What an Answer...

2008-05-15T10:30:00.003-05:00

Exodus 3:14 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

“I AM WHO I AM.”
I am sure Moses was thinking, Thanks God you answer is so revealing.

Seriously, think about it. What an answer...

I have been working on this sermon series “What’s in a Name?” for a while. And I am sure some people are wondering, what is the big deal about exploring the names of God? I might suggest that perhaps it is the many names in scripture which reveal the many characteristics of God. Perhaps it is to understand that God meets us where we are, understands our desires and provides for our every need.

I think too often we seal off the questioning side of us. We want our faith to be black and white. We are afraid to admit we have questions about God or God’s nature. Some worry when children ask us the deep “God-questions.” Others panic or discourage children from even asking; yet I would propose that God delights in our questions. God yearns for us to care enough to actually ask and explore. God enjoys it when we are willing to explore new areas of learning and revelation. I heard some individuals say, God is puzzled and annoyed when we stop raising questions, foolishly thinking we have solved the mystery of the universe.

I came up with this series because the names of God have long fascinated me. And I hope some of you may have questions about why there are so many and what they mean. I thought this would be a good time for us to explore and discover for ourselves what relevance this subject has for us today.

Do you know what Elohim means? What about Jehovah Rophe or Jehovah Raah? What about Adonia?

Check out the sermons online or I will see you alone the journey as we worship each week.

Names of God

2008-05-15T09:55:00.001-05:00

Want to know more names of God? Check out his music video.

Day 40 on the Journey

2008-03-22T14:24:00.005-05:00

Saturday - Luke 23: 50-56

Following last nights good Friday services, I woke up this morning imagining this last scene with Jesus disciples at the grave. I imagine myself standing next to the tomb with the stone rolled in front. I imagine the pain that all who have gathered, because I to have stood by the grave of friends and family members in my own life.

This must have been the longest day ever for his disciples. They could do nothing, but sit and wait. I am sure there was some story telling. I am pretty sure it was being done in secret. For they feared they might have the same fate as Jesus.

Imagining yourself there, what might you do to console others? What might you want to share with the group as you waited for the Sabbath to end?

Questions for reflection and comment:

After months or even years, imagine yourself for the first time with out Jesus. You are sitting under a tree.

Take a few moments and recall the moments that linger with you. Remember how you felt, what you heard, and what you saw along the journey.

What was your favorite moment?

What do you want to share with others about Jesus and what he stirred in you?

Day 39 on the Journey

2008-03-22T14:14:00.002-05:00

Friday - Luke 23:32-49

Good Friday... What is so good about it. I can only imagine if I had been there I would have wanted to flee. I would not have wanted to watch the execution. At the same Time I would want to be near Jesus. I am torn as to what I would do.

What would you do?

Occasionally I look away in hopes to distance myself from the awful scene. Yet I stay there with the crowd. I listen to the dreadful sounds of the place. I listen to the two criminals arguments and pleading turn into gasps for air. I hear the animals and insects in the area. The whole time I find myself wanting to withdraw and pray.

What do I pray?

What would my prayers for Jesus be during these last hours?

Questions for reflection and comment:

When Jesus speaks his last words, What does his voice sound like?

Which of the three statements resonates most with you?

What are the people around you saying?

Do some people keep scoffing and joking?

Day 38 on the Journey

2008-03-20T09:40:00.002-05:00

Thursday - Luke 23:26-31

We know Jesus is making his way to the place of the skull to be put to death. In these last days. I wonder about what the disciples and those whom had been journeying with him might have been thinking.

As you have followed him in this journey of lent and in your own life, do you think people really understand Jesus?

I wonder if some of the disciples were thinking:

What if his riddles remain riddles?

What if his miracles do not point to anything beyond a wonder worker?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Ambiguity feels either inviting or off-putting. How does ambiguity feel to you?

Are you more comfortable regarding Jesus' parables as having many possible interpretations or at having only one interpretation?

Why?

Day 37 on the Journey

2008-03-20T09:36:00.002-05:00

Wednesday - Luke 23: 13-25

Have you ever wondered about the day Pilot asked who the people wanted to release? I never really understood why they would want a murder let go free and to put Jesus to death. I always thought it was just the work of the religious leaders talking to people in the crowds. It was only this year in my reading through the Gospel of Luke, that something new occurred to me.

Imagined myself in the crowd of people gathered that day. Thought it is hard for me to imagine hating someone enough to inflect the kind of horrible torture we witnessed. It was then when I heard the choices that were before the people. Did we want Jesus or Barabbas. As for the crowd gathered more people knew Barabbas than Jesus in Jerusalem. Barabbas was a murderer, but his crimes were against the Roman soldiers who were occupying our land. Barabbas was insurrectionist. He was known for his boorishness. He killed a Roman soldier and was sentenced to jail.

Jesus on the other hand might have been known by me and others from the north. He was largely unknown in this city.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

If I had spoken out for Jesus then I was putting myself subject to the sword. I wonder how many in the crowd were like myself. They were afraid to speak up against the injustice because of the fear of being killed or being seen as a roman supporter?

What could you do?

Now consider your life today.

Is there a circumstance in which you wish you could have done more, in which you could have been stronger if not heroic?

Now Imagine speaking to Jesus. What do you want to tell him?

Day 36 on the Journey

2008-03-18T21:12:00.005-05:00

Tuesday - Luke 22:63-71

The last week of Jesus' earthly ministry was full of conflict and violence.

We hear from Luke's gospel one of the most brutal moments in all of scripture. The police mock and beat Jesus before they interrogated him. As you read were you able to imagine yourself close to Jesus?

If you can imagine yourself outside the cell in which Jesus is being held. You are close enough that you can hear the sounds of the mean beating Jesus. Listen to the grunts of the men trying to hurt another man. The you hear Jesus speak. He only utters a few words. What does he say?

Questions for reflection and comment:

Imagine you are standing with Peter. He turns to you and asks, "What can you do?"

What do you want to do?

You must answer Peter, What do you say?

I think I might suggest we pray.

You and Peter utter a prayer together on behalf of Jesus.

What do you pray?

Day 35 on the Journey

2008-03-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

Monday – Luke 22: 31 – 62

I love to read and watch movies. And in any great story there is a hero or heroine. I think that for many of us we want to be a hero or heroine in community or at least for our family. And sometimes in life it is easy to act heroically, but in other situations it becomes difficult. I think most children whom see themselves as superheros in their dreams and playing imagine performing heroically in the midst of terrifying events. The problem is we really do not know how we will react in a real life-and-death situation. I wonder if this is not what happened to Peter, one of the strongest disciples of Jesus.

Peter claimed he was ready to go to Prison with Jesus. He claimed even if none of the other disciples would, he would have the courage need to stand firm.

How do you imagine Jesus responding to Peter?

What tone of voice does he use?

Imagine yourself in the courtyard when Jesus was arrested. You hear a voice say to you, “Did not I see you with him?”

How do you respond?

Questions for reflection and comment:

You are their when Peter denies Jesus three times and you watch him run off by himself. You run after him and try to help him.

What do you say to him?

Do you talk about forgiveness?

Now you are with Jesus and he asks you of a time when you felt like you had failed him, when you had denied Jesus.

What do you want to say to Jesus?

How does Jesus say to you?

Listen to Jesus say to you, “You are forgiven.”

What response do you make?

What promises do you make?

Sixth Sunday in Lent

2008-03-17T08:46:00.001-05:00

Sunday - Luke 13:31

What a day yesterday!

I wanted to take a moment to say as much as when we read Luke we see the Pharisees as opponents of Jesus. It would be remiss if I did we as Christians need to be careful not to lump people together into one group. So let us not lump all Pharisees together, and let us not lump all Jews into the category of the Pharisees. Jesus was a Jew. Not all Pharisees harbored animosity toward Jesus.

When we read Luke 13:31 we see that some of the Pharisees had concern for Jesus’ life. They warned him that he was rubbing people the wrong way. They showed a genuine concern for Jesus safety. It seems to me that Jesus does not seem surprised by the information shared and he seems unbothered by it.

You have a chance sit with Jesus and talk with him about this information.

Do you try to convince him to listen to what he has been told?

What do you want to ask him?

How does he answer you?

What does he say when you when you share your prejudice against the Pharisees?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Has Jesus offended you yet?

If not, why?

Day 34 on the Journey

2008-03-15T15:06:00.001-05:00

Saturday - Luke 22: 14 – 38

Throughout the bible, there are many different memorable meals. I love the story of the unnamed visitors to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham welcomed them without question and hosted them for a meal. Those same visitors announced Sarah’s impending pregnancy. Elisha set a banquet table for a captured army and thus set into motion a cease-fire agreement. We also have all the meals Jesus shared. Jesus must of loved to eat.

Sharing a meal with others has a way of evoking memories, don’t they? The final meal with Jesus was for sure full of memorable moments.

Imagine you are there with Jesus and the disciples for their final meal.

What are the smells that fill the room?

What foods are on the table?

Where do you sit?

What is Jesus posture and facial expressions during the meal?

More Questions for reflection and comment:

During the meal, individuals begin sharing their favorite stories and memories of their journey together.

What story do you tell?

Why do you share that story as your favorite?

Day 33 on the Journey

2008-03-15T15:05:00.001-05:00

Friday - Luke 22: 1 - 13

Tension was rising and the officials were still trying to find a way to trip Jesus up. So they decided in order to get Jesus they had to do something different. So they found someone to help them. They needed someone whom Jesus trusted.

Imagine yourself in the room with Judas and the authorities.

What conversation do you hear?

How do you picture the officials?

What reason does Judas give for revealing the location where Jesus can be found?

In what way can you identify with Judas?

Day 32 on the Journey

2008-03-13T08:56:00.002-05:00

Thursday – Luke 21: 5-36

As tension builds and the number of people in Jerusalem swells for the celebration of Passover, Jesus shares words about catastrophic events that will engulf the faithful people. As Jesus tells of the impending events what does his face look like as he speaks? Look into his eyes. What do you see? Do they show any weariness from the stress and tension of the past few weeks of ministry in Jerusalem?

As you have journeyed with Jesus over the eyes and especially this lent, is there one moment you would like to back? Is there one moment in Jesus ministry you would like to go back to and have Jesus talk with you about?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

I want to do something different today. I want you to think about Jesus in our contemporary history. Let’s say you have the chance to sit down with Jesus and talk with him about the events of September 11, 2001. You have the opportunity to ask Jesus how he interprets those dramatic events. Imagine Jesus sharing about 911 in a similar fashion to the depiction of the events that would engulf Jerusalem.

What do you want to know?

You ask Jesus to pray. Whom does he pray for?

What does Jesus say about enemies?

How do you feel as Jesus insists that he means it when he says we should pray for our enemies?

Day 31 on the Journey

2008-03-12T10:38:00.001-05:00

Wednesday – Luke 20: 19-26

Jesus finds himself in a pickle again today. Some spies come to him trying to trip him up. They asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. I think they thought they had him. If he answered “yes” then Jesus would be at odds with the entire nationalist population and if he answered “no,” he would lay himself open to the charge of Treason. Jesus was not non committal as some might think in his answer, but he was crafty. The “denarius” was a silver coin that was minted by the Romans bearing the likeness and inscription of Augustus of Tiberius. However the coinage issued by Judea was made of bronze or copper and carried emblems like an olive branch or a palm branch. This was because the Jewish law prohibited the deified emperors.

Jesus answer also showed that the two loyalties were not incompatible.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Imagining yourself there when Jesus answered the spies.

What was their reaction?

What tone of voice did Jesus use in his answer?

What question do you want to ask Jesus about his answer?

Can we be loyal to our state and God today?

What would that look like?

Day 30 on the Journey

2008-03-11T13:23:00.001-05:00

Tuesday – Luke 20: 1-18

Jesus was asked by the religious leaders where he gets his authority. Once again Jesus does not answer them, but poses his own question. After experience this story today, it struck me that Power, Authority, and Control seem to be the three issues that Jesus encounters with his opponents. In fact, if you boil down the discussions, the arguments, and the positions to there essence, you find these three dynamics are in play.

Jesus seems to have little concern for their emphasis on minuscule points of tradition and law. Clearly he threatens their authority. He can take a question intended to trip him up and turn it to make his point.

Jesus also has a power to make real things happen over and over again. People has healed, given sight back to people, and enabled individuals to walk again. Jesus’ power by way of contrast to the priest and scholars seems to release creativity and imagination. Monitoring how people live, act, and think doesn’t really help. I remain greatful for what he has allowed me to learn and how he has set my imagination free. I respect the power and authority of those whom speak and share God’s love as a father cares and those whom care for individuals the way Jesus does.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Imagine yourself hearing Jesus finish telling the story of the vineyard owner for the first time. You witness some in the crowd that erupt with God forbid!

Who is the vineyard owner?

How do the other disciples react to the story?

Do they understand and recognize death is the conclusion to Jesus ministry?

Do you want to flee now that you realize the danger around Jesus?

All you can do at this point is pray… What do you pray for?

Day 29 on the Journey

2008-03-09T15:35:00.001-05:00

Monday - Luke 19: 28-32

Have you ever really wondered how this deal got set up for Jesus to ride into town on a colt?

Imagine yourself as the disciple who went to pick up the colt. You have an opportunity to visit with him. So you ask him some questions:

How do you know Jesus?

How were the arrangements made for your colt to be available?

Who contacted you?

What assurances did you receive?

What prompted you to collaborate with Jesus’ movement?

More questions for Reflection and comment:

In listening to these instructions Jesus gave it sounds like we are part of an underground movement or secret society.

How is being a disciple and being part of the Jesus movement risky?

Can you see similarities between the Underground Railroad , those who hid Jews from the Nazis during World War II, and Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem?

Fifth Sunday of Lent

2008-03-09T15:16:00.003-05:00

Luke 19:1-27

These two stories of Jesus in Jericho to me share a common theme of risk taking. If you want to know more about Zacchaeus and the risk you took you should listen to my sermon today (3-9-2008). http://www.fumcr.com/pages/sermons

In the second story about the three servants is also about taking risks. This is hard to hear this story, because the challenge can lead to failure. Two of these men risked what they have been entrusted with and invested in hope of great returns. One played it safe. Here is the part that challenges me. Jesus says the one who played it safe was punished.

It sounds like from this story that Jesus wants us or even expects us to take risks on his behalf and on behalf o what he calls the kingdom of God. I don’t know about risking it all. I like to think things through. I like having things under my control. This message sounds similar to his message of “we have to lose our life in order to save it.”

In this journey, I have found when Jesus issues a challenge us to risk, he matches his words with action. When he issues challenges to people, he also issues them to himself. I experience these stories of risk as more authentic now that we are in Jerusalem. It is not safe in Jerusalem for Jesus as it was in Galilee. I don’t think these stories would mean as much if Jesus had stayed in his comfort zone of Galilee. Jesus own risk taking actions lends to his stories. In the shadow of Roman military rule and great tension, Jesus can not be accused of demanding more from others than he demands of himself.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

You hear this parable about the servant who was careful and played it safe. You want to ask Jesus questions for clarification.

What do you ask?

How do you pose the question to him?

He shares with you his belief that he does not think he will get out of Jerusalem alive. Jesus asks you to pray for him.

What do you ask him about this perceived risk?

What do you pray for?

What risk do you need to take?

What risk does our church need to take?

Day 28 on the Journey

2008-03-08T08:21:00.001-06:00

Saturday – Luke 19: 41 – 44

Jesus cares for all sorts of people and in all sorts of ways. Over the course of our journey, we have witnessed Jesus touch the crippled, speak to the forgotten, eat meals with outcasts, and spend countless hours with deeply troubled people. At the same time, others have argued with him and picked fights. All who encounter him are touched deeply and changed in some way.

I imagine myself sitting next to Jesus at the end of a long day of traveling. We are just outside of Jerusalem. I can see the weariness in his face. Jesus has been weeping for some time. I want to ask him what makes him weep, but I am not completely comfortable asking. I have overheard him in his tears say something about peace. I wonder what I should know in order to pursue peace.

At that moment Jesus turns and asks you questions:

Have you ever cried at the terrible possibilities that may befall people?

What do you think makes for peace?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Look at your own city / community / church as Jesus might.

What does Jesus see that other might not see?

What does Jesus feel deeply about that others might not yet have begun to feel?

What does Jesus see?

What stirs his soul to the verge of tears?

What stirs your soul to the verge of tears?

Day 27 on the Journey

2008-03-07T09:38:00.001-06:00

Friday – Luke 18: 35 – 42

As the days role by and the closer we get to Easter, Jesus ministry becomes more intense. As Jesus gets closer to Jerusalem the more the tension seems to arise around his ministry.

Today Jesus approached the city of Jericho. It was in this place that Jesus was met with shouts from a man seeking him. This blind man heard the crowd going by and asked another person what was happening. They told him it was Jesus. He then cried out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stopped and walked over to the man. It was obvious to all of us in the crowd that the man was blind. His eyes were encrusted. It was at this time Jesus asked an interesting question. “What do you want from me?”
Why would Jesus ask such a question? Was it an unnecessary or silly question? Didn’t Jesus see his eyes? What else would he rather have Jesus do?

I find this interesting that Jesus would ask an open ended question. It implies to me that Jesus could do whatever the man asked him to do. At the same time, Jesus asking the blind man the question in a way Jesus puts some responsibility on the man for his own healing.

One last thing I notice is the Jesus models for us how we can minister to others as disciples. He first pays attention to people, he listens carefully, and then he heals. So as we encounter people we should give them our attention and listen carefully to their situation and needs. It is only at that point we can more forward in ministering to them. We can not assume we know what people need.

Questions for reflection and comment:

Disfigurement, blindness, abnormalities often threatens us. Do you feel uncomfortable when you see people who are afflicted in some way?

You and Jesus are walking down the street and you encounter a blind person. Jesus beings to share with you what he sees when he looks at that person or hears a persons request for help.

What does Jesus see in street people?

What does Jesus note about this person you encounter?

What does Jesus point out to you?

Day 26 on the Journey

2008-03-06T07:10:00.001-06:00

Thursday – Luke 18: 9-14

Eventually we will find ourselves caught in one of Jesus’ stories. In today’s reading, I find myself as the object of the lesson. Jesus tells of two men who went to the temple to pray. The first was a high-profile member of the congregation, well known for his contributions to the church and the community. The other man was known as Otis. Otis was always drinking and stirring things up in the community.

The way Jesus tells the story, the first man starts praying out loud and giving thanks for all he has and also for the fact that he is different than Otis. Otis on the other hand has trouble even looking up and around the room. Otis only muttered something about his sins and then left.Jesus concludes the story; I think to myself, I am glad that I am different from the rich fellow. Then embarrassment hits me. It makes me uncomfortable. As much as the rich man had judge Otis, I to was judging the rich man. I have at times fallen into the same trap Jesus was teaching about in this story. I was placing myself above others in God’s eyes. I was equating my sins were less than others sins were.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Have you been caught in the story before?

What embarrasses you?

Does God hear prayers of certain people more readily than the prayers of others?

Imagine standing next to someone you do not like or have considered different from you.
Jesus is next to you and begins to tell you what he sees in the person next to you.

What does Jesus see?

You ask Jesus how can I pray for this other person?

How does Jesus answer you?

What prayer did he say?

Day 25 on the Journey

2008-03-04T08:03:00.003-06:00

Wednesday – Luke 18: 1-8

Jesus tells a great tale of a Judge today in response to someone question about how we are to pray.

Can you imagine the hardnosed judge, who has little compassion for anyone? This judge is however, a proficient judge who graduated first in his class from SMU Law. Some would say her problem is that she cares more about the fees, court cost, and fines, than she cares about the law. It not surprising when an old poor widow tries to get the judge to hear her case the judge ignores her motions. In fact the poor woman couldn’t even get past the court clerk. The poor woman badgered the clerk for weeks with no results.

Finally, the woman had worn down the clerk that he was willing to face the consequence of letting her in to see the judge. The judge was at her limits as well. The judge relented because she and her clerk were so annoyed by the woman’s badgering. This clerk was getting very little work done.

So what does this have to do with prayer?

Does the story illustrate the urgency and intensity of prayer?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Imagine Jesus surprises you with his request today. Jesus asks you to pray for him as you all journey on to the cross. Jesus asks you to pray for a part of his ministry that is particularly important to you.

What ministry do you pray for?

How does that ministry touch your heart?

Why?

Day 24 on the Journey

2008-03-04T07:26:00.001-06:00

Tuesday – Luke 17: 20-37

The Kingdom of God is among us. When we talk about this with others who have not been following Jesus, I think, see us as crazy. They point out to us all the evil, hate, and hurting that is happening in our community and world. They say, “the Kingdom is suppose to be perfect and the world is far from perfect.” How can you talk about the Kingdom of God in our midst? Can you think of a time when you were driving or walking and you witnessed a touching scene? In the actions of the people you thought to yourself, “That’s what the Kingdom of God among us means.” Can you share your own stories of how you have witness and experience the pieces of the Kingdom in your own life?

If so describe some of what you see.

What makes you think of the presence of the kingdom in that persons actions?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

Today, I invite you to reread this passage and imagine yourself sitting with Jesus as he spoke these words. Imagine what expressions you see on others face as Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God in the midst of us. Were people nodding their heads in agreement? Were people confused?

Then imagine Jesus coming to you and asking you these questions:

What comes to your mind when you hear me speak of the Kingdom?

What images come to your mind?

What event or people do you describe to him?

Day 23 on the Journey

2008-03-03T09:32:00.002-06:00

Monday – Luke 17: 7-10

Jesus continues to teach the disciples and us. Most of the time, it has been in the form of stories and actions. However today Jesus uses brief saying, like proverbs, that have intrinsic meaning rather than contextual.

What do you think of Jesus sayings?

When I hear them, I want to sit down and read them. I want to hear the several times, because they are not clear. Once again, Jesus teaching style does not give me the answers, but makes me think and wonder.

Jesus says, “Who among you would say…” I am sure the answer is suppose to No One. I however do not find this as easy as Jesus makes it out to be. It sounds like he is telling us that the work will never be done. It also sounds like even after serving for years faithfully the servant has no claim for rest or reward.

Once again, Jesus makes it sound as if being his disciple is going to tough. Is Jesus saying we, disciples, have no grounds for assuming reward or for boasting?

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

What do you think Jesus is trying to communicate?

What are the rewards of being a servant of God?

This is making my brain hurt on a Monday morning. I may write some more later… until then I will just keep walking and listening.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

2008-03-01T10:35:00.003-06:00

Sunday – Luke 14: 15-26

When reading Jesus teachings at times I see why someone on the outside might think Christianity was foolish. Jesus casts a vision and gives instructions that go against the grain.

For example, Jesus calls us to see people as people. He says that money makes no difference, social standing makes not difference, and success or failure makes no difference. Most people would argue with Jesus and say that these things do make a difference. They make a difference in who is elected to public office. They make a difference in who takes with you. They make a difference in what kind of job you can get. Jesus says they do not mean anything to him.

Jesus also continues to paint a picture of the kingdom of God as he teaches. It seems the more he talks about the Kingdom that it has less to do with a time in an indistinct future and more about something that happens here and now. This is important to keep in mind how bold we might be to pray the Lord’s Prayer, to ask God, to bring his Kingdom and will here and now. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for the Kingdom of God to be on earth as it is in heaven. I think that is a bold prayer.

Are we ready to break bread with persons from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds? Are we ready to be invited to a dinner party where everyone is different? Are we ready to share our lives with people who are broken or who have been ignored in current society? At least in the reading today that is the image I got.

Questions for Reflection and Comment:

When you imagined the story Jesus told, where were you in the story?

Who was sitting next to Jesus at the banquet table?

Who was sitting next to you?

What was served for dinner?

What is the hardest part of this story that Jesus tells?

If you could ask Jesus a follow up question to this story what would it be?

Day 22 on the Journey

2008-03-01T10:07:00.001-06:00

Saturday – Luke 15:11 – 16:13

The more I follow Jesus the more I love to hear him tell stories. It is through his storytelling that he brings his ideas to life. At the same time Jesus explanations at times leave people cold. In the readings today we experience two of those great stories Jesus tells.

As you read the story of the prodigal son…

Imagine yourself hearing Jesus tell this story for the first time… Which character in the story do you immediately like? Why?

Which character do you not like? Why?

I am sure that as people heard Jesus tell this story they did not like the older son being shortchanged. I am sure people were whispering to each other trying to figure out why Jesus told this story.

In the story of the dishonest manager…

Which character in the story did you immediately like? Why?

Which character did you not like? Why?

What Kind of Business Ethic is Jesus teaching?

If you could ask Jesus about one of these stories, which one would it be?

What would you ask?

Jesus tells these stories to change, challenge, and grow his disciples (then and now). What tone of voice do you think Jesus used when he was telling these stories? As he finished each story what do you think he did? Who was he looking at? Was he watching for a reaction?

Day 21 on the Journey

2008-02-28T23:14:00.002-06:00

Friday – Luke 14:25-35
What can I say after hearing Jesus requirements of being a disciple? So I guess I will start by asking you your responses.

As you imagine yourself standing with the crowd around Jesus and he says, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father, mother, wife and children, sister and brother, and yes life itself, cannot be my disciple.”

What is the crowds response?

I imagine there are more than a few people who are hopping mad.

Is Jesus asking to much?

What are people saying?

What do you think about the absolute demand Jesus has laid down?

Something you might want to know…
“In the ancient world, the terms love and hate referred less to emotions than to behavior that either honored or dishonored someone else. Hating one's family meant doing something that injured them, particularly by disgracing them. Life was family centered, and the honor of the family was very highly valued. Every family member was expected to protect the honor of the family. If some members joined a suspect movement and abandoned their home, this brought disgrace on the family, particularly if done in disobedience to the patriarch.” (Abington Commentary)

Another something to think about…
Think about this idea of putting God above family is not something only Jesus taught. Do you remember the story of Abraham and his son? How God asked him to take his son to Mount Moriah and perform a ritual sacrifice. It was only at a critical moment an angel speaks, a ram appears, and Abraham son’s life is spared.

And I will leave you with this…
In Jesus warning, he outlines three kinds of sacrifice that disciples must be willing to make. All three have already been talked about several times. However, Jesus’ language is very sharp. He says following Christ means hating one's family, carrying one's cross, and taking leave of all one's possessions. These three conditions are made clear as what is required by a disciple.

Share your experience...

2008-02-27T10:54:00.005-06:00

Please take a minute and share how the first half of the journey has been going.

I have no clue how many people have joined me on this journey for Lent. So I created a small poll to get some instant feedback. On the right side bar you can scroll down and vote as to how your experience has been thus far.

I am having a great time. I appreicate all the comments and reflections thus far and I look forward to the rest of our Journey. Easter will be here very soon.

Keep on walking, listening, and following Jesus,

rcw

Day 20 on the Journey

2008-02-27T10:40:00.003-06:00

Thursday – Luke 14: 7 – 14

Jesus continue to teach us about dinner parties. This time instead of talking about seating arrangements, he talks about the invitation list. I can imagine how the crowd was confused when Jesus said, “when you throw a dinner party we shouldn’t invite A list people, but we should invite people who would never stand a chance of being on anyone else’s invitation list.

Invite the convenience store clerk whose hourly wage barely allows for a home, food, and his children’s necessities. And invite the poor college student who is away from home, working part-time, and receives financial ad just to get through school. And the also invite street people who push their grocery carts filled with broken items.

Can you imagine the dinner party Jesus is throwing?

Who is there?

I see a blind man, a disabled vet, and a single mom and son who are dressed in the only cloths they own. I think Jesus banquet would have more real humanity, more authentic humanity than the folks who attend the black tie affairs and elegant gatherings in our society. I see laughter and joy.

The longer I am on the journey with Jesus I long to live and experience the world he talks about. At the same time I also wish to live a life of luxury.

Don’t we all at some level long for what money can buy?

I would love to pull Jesus aside and ask him if he honestly believes anyone can live the way he is teaching.

If we lived this way people will think we are crazy?

At the same time Jesus makes sense and paints a picture of a life which is appealing. Who wouldn't want to live in a world were everyone was treated with respect and dignity. Who wouldn't want to live in a world where the lost were looked for, cared for, and not over looked and forgotten.

Other questions for reflection and Comment:

Who is on you’re “A” list?

When was the last time you ate dinner with some complete strangers?

Imagine Jesus shows up at your house and says, “let’s have a party.” Whom will you invite and why?

At the party Jesus offers a blessing of the food and then asks everyone to share what they are thankful for. What does your guest say?

Would you be willing to have dinner with the homeless?
(Every Sunday we have a members from our church that go and provide a meal for the homeless in Dallas. Check out the ministry of Body and Soul. )

Day 19 on the Journey

2008-02-27T10:10:00.001-06:00

Wednesday – Luke 14: 7 – 14

As I have been journeying with Jesus for the last three weeks, I have been reminded about what draws me to Jesus. Hearing and imagining myself in the walk with Jesus towards the cross gives reminds me of how Jesus use and uses everyday human occurrences and human behavior in his teaching. He has a knack for seeing into the nature of things and drawing insight from matter-of-fact events. He also uses illustrations from everyday life and common day occurrences, such as a woman finding a coin, brothers arguing, and a father watching his wayward son’s departure. At the same time, even though Jesus talks in common experiences, not everyone understands him.

For example, (Luke 15:1-7) Jesus has lunch with a tax collector (pick a sinner). One of the religious folks saw them eating together and said to his companions “You’d think a rabbi would have better sense than to associate with that tax collector.” Just overheard them, and he the told a story about a Shepard going to look for a lost sheep. The group did understand why Jesus was talking about a Shepard’s work, when they were addressing his choices he was making on who he eat with.

In today’s eyewitness account we witness a very embarrassing moment. We are with Jesus at a dinner party. There are many guests who are jockeying for position so they might sit next to the host at the banquet table. The man who took the seat of honor was then asked by the host to move so someone else might sit there. The man had to go the end of the table. As the man moved his face was bright red with embarrassment.

Questions for reflection and comment:

Does hearing Jesus speak stir something deep inside of you?

How do you understand Jesus story in our modern day banquets or dinner you attend?

What is Jesus trying to teach us and his disciples with this event?

Day 18 on the Journey

2008-02-26T17:28:00.000-06:00

Tuesday – Luke 14: 1-6

Once again, Jesus is debating with the Pharisees about the Sabbath day. It has been only through reading Luke all they way through the Lenten season that I noticed how many times this happens.

I can just imagine that the disciples and those who were following Jesus got tired of hearing this debate. I do you think they were not getting it or do you think the religious leaders were not getting it? Jesus wants us to act, to care for others, to embrace an enemy, to feed the hungry, and to behave graciously. That is what is closer to being faithful than following strict religious rules about the Sabbath.

I know and you know the Sabbath is important. It is one of the Ten Commandments! The prophet Amos railed against merchants and Sabbath keeping. Sabbath keeping help the captives in Exile to maintain their identity. And after the exile the keeping of the Sabbath was the way new people came to the faith. So we cannot get to upset with the Pharisees can we?

I think Jesus was trying to make a point that tradition for tradition sake is stifling and harmful to the faith. It puts people at risk of losing conscious purpose. Jesus wanted us to remember the content and not just the form.

Questions for reflection and Comment:

If you were there when this came up on the journey…

What would you like say to Jesus?

What would you say to the Pharisees?

When you ask Jesus your question(s) how does he respond?

Imagine after you have shared your questions (maybe even your frustration) with Jesus about this ensuing debate.

How does he respond?

I think I might want to sit them both down and say why can’t you all get along. I would tell them they both have so much to offer. Then I would ask them why they insist on this continued circular discussion.

I also wonder, if Jesus had been challenged by others on this point and asked him to clarify his actions what he might have taught. I wonder if he might have leaned forward in his seat and whispered, No, what I have always had in mind is….”

What does he say?

Day 17 on the Journey

2008-02-25T09:11:00.002-06:00

Monday - Luke 13: 1-35

Two Tragedies - Verses 1-5

A group of people came to Jesus with questions about to tragedies that had occurred. The first occurred at the hands of a Governor who wanted to silence the crowds and keep a revolt from happening. In an attempt to frighten the people into submission, the governor executed some Galileans and then had their blood mixed with religious sacrifice.

In the second tragedy, a building/tower accidentally collapsed, injuring and killing several people. This group of people wanted answers and explanations to make sense of these things. They asked probably the same questions we have when we witness tragedies today. They want to know why. They wanted to know where God was when this happened. It even appears that they might have suggested that one reason was because these people were sinful and God was punishing them.

Can Accidents happen just happen?

Does God act through natural and human tragedies as punishment for sin? (Me… I think not).

Jesus once again, does not take the bait. He does not try to explain why these events happened. It sounds like he was saying God does not make all events happen and some events seem to have a life of their own.

Jesus did go on to say, if people do not get their lives in order, they would be just as dead. How do you understand this teaching? Do you suppose he meant it literally?

How many times have we known someone or experience for ourselves how decisions we make end up shipwrecking our lives? Isn’t it in some ways just as dead as those victims of war or accident. Life is upside down in these times. Once decisions like this are made an irretrievable future whirls into motion. The future might find death in relationships, career, and even spiritual death.

Questions for reflection and comment: (I could not talk about all this passages, because there is so much, but these questions cover a lot of the other verses from chapter 13.)

What questions do you have about repentance?

What would you like for Jesus to clarify in his teaching about repentance?

The four parables, Luke 13: 6-9, 18-19,20-21, and 22-30

What is Jesus attempting to teach his disciples and us?

How much faith is enough?

Luke 13: 10-17 - The crippled woman

What is weighting down woman today in our society?

What is weighting you down?

As any eyewitness to this healing, why do you think the leader of the synagogue so angry?

Was it just because it was the Sabbath? Or something else?

The Third Sunday in Lent

2008-02-24T16:53:00.002-06:00

Luke 12:35-48

Can you imagine Jesus warning his disciples about the coming of the Lord? He did it by teaching in stories that most everyone can understand.

In the first story, Jesus likens our waiting-for God, waiting-for-the-Son, with that of a household of servants waiting up for their master's arrival home. The watchful, faithful servants are awake and alert, prepared to jump up and open the door the moment the master crosses the threshold.

But no matter how prepared these servants may have thought themselves they may have the master's night clothes laid out, a favorite wine ready to pour, a late-night snack ready to be served there's no way these watchful domestics could have been prepared for what Jesus next suggests.

Jesus puts a twist in his teaching. Once the master arrives home, when his household servants greet him promptly, this master suddenly takes on the role of servant to the servants. His unknown arrival time pales in significance to this unexpected, unbelievable behavior. Imagining this scene in today’s culture would be like offering your vacuum cleaner a steak dinner, or putting your washing machine in a bubble bath.

Questions for reflection and comment:

How do you think people reacted as Jesus told these stories?

Do think people understood the warning?

Do you think they thought the warnings were important for their attention immediately?

Do you think people were fearful?

At least in the second parable Jesus says the master would cut the unfaithful servant into pieces… I think that might cause some fear.

Eugene Peterson translates that sentence differently. He says, the master “gives him the thrashing of his life, and put him back in the kitchen peeling potatoes.”

How do you imagine Jesus telling this story?

Does the translation make a difference to what Jesus is trying to teach?

Day 16 on the Journey

2008-02-24T15:22:00.001-06:00

Saturday – Luke 12: 13-34

Sometimes life happens for a disciple on the journey. That is what happened to me over the last couple of days. But I am back and we are on track.

In the reading for today, Jesus tries to stay out of an argument between two brothers. I think Jesus was smart in his decision. One brother was looking for Jesus to take his side in the one going family argument. The argument was about the family inheritance. In the story, it appears that Jesus just remains silent on the issue and holds back any opinion he might hold. Jesus however uses this situation to launch into a teaching on wealth and material possessions.

Can you imagine yourself their when Jesus was teaching on wealth? How does it make you feel? Jesus teaching about wealth always makes me uncomfortable. How do you think the brother felt?

Questions for reflection and comment:

What is Jesus trying to get the crowd around him and us to understand?

Are these stories all about money? Or are they about priorities? Or both?

If you could sit down with Jesus at this point along the journey what questions of clarification would you ask?

How would Jesus answer you?

Day 15 on the Journey

2008-02-21T09:40:00.005-06:00

Friday - Luke 10: 29-37

What a familiar story we read. When you read it are you able to place yourself within the text? Are you able to let what you always heard preach be lost… so you might experience this story fresh and from an eye witness account?

I am sure people were not to happy with the hero being a Samaritan. I have already shares some of my thought about this passage a few days ago (Tuesday). I want to focus my thoughts, reflections, and questions around the topic of our neighbors.

Questions for reflection and comment:

If Jesus was telling this story this to a group of disciples in 2008 who might be the hero?

We strive to welcome, love, forgive, and show compassion, but there are still people who would not be genuinely welcomed at next Sunday’s fellowship meal. Be brutally honest with yourself.

Who are the individuals of our society that our church does not welcome?

What questions would you want to ask Jesus about this story?

I think I would want to know how this story relates to our modern world. For example I would want to know are we supposed to stop and help someone even if it puts our life in danger. We live in a time when “good Samaritans” are prayed upon by robbers and thieves.

I wonder if the story would be different if he told it today. Would Jesus change the situation in which people were going past or ignoring? Would it be someone injured on the street or side of the highway?

Might it be a homeless person in down town Dallas?

Day 14 on the Journey

2008-02-21T09:11:00.004-06:00

Thursday - Luke 11: 29- 12: 3

Sorry about the delay in posting…

When witnessing Jesus with the Scribes and Pharisees, the easiest emotion for me to imagine is anger. (We cannot see emotion in Luke’s text). I wonder if Jesus was just debating. I wonder if Jesus was having more conversational encounters than heated debates. Of course what Jesus is debating or discussing with the Scribes and Pharisees are important topics. I think, Jesus is trying to describe the differences in his own (God’s) attitude and the Pharisee's attitudes about what is important.

How do you envision and hear Jesus’ voice?

In the New Testament, the Scribes and Pharisees really do get a lot of bad press. The Pharisaical movement was more than likely a survival tool for the Jewish people. The Pharisees were a lay renewal movement of Jesus time. They wanted a back to the scripture and tradition emphasis. They saw the law and rules as solid boundaries to help keep the faith in bounds. Without laws and rules we would have Chaos. Right? And we cannot live in Chaos. They where trying to keep people from giving up their identity as Jews; therefore they emphasized scripture and learning.

Questions for reflection and comment:

Isn’t keeping certain tradition important?

Jesus was critiquing their tradition bound attitudes and I am sure they felt threaten. Don’t you?

There are still scribes and Pharisees in our churches today… And some of their views appeal to contemporary Christians. Hearing someone belittle a tradition that we hold dear hurts us.

Might Jesus be critiquing a practice or belief you have always considered critical to faith?

How would you feel when Jesus says, “A person does not have to say that phrase, practice that discipline, or dress that way, in order to be a Christian?

How do we keep from falling into chaos, without rules?

At the same time not let rules take precedence over relationships?

Wednesday - Day 13 on the Journey

2008-02-19T08:58:00.002-06:00

Wednesday – Luke 11: 1 – 28

Today was full of Jesus teaching and healing. We witnessed Jesus cast out demons and watched him confront religious leaders who though he was doing this in Beelzebul’s name. He talked a lot about evil and how the “Son of Man” has come to this generation as Jonah came to the Ninevehites.

I found it interesting of all the things the disciples would ask for from Jesus, they asked him to teach them to pray. They had not asked him how to heal, or how to cast out demons, but they asked him to teach them to pray. I drew in close as Jesus began to teach. The form of Jesus prayer was similar to those we said in the Jewish tradition. I watched as the taught the disciples were intently listening, but also stopping and asking him questions.

Questions for reflection and comment:

What portions of the prayer would you want Jesus to explain to you?

What would Jesus say to you?

What part of the prayer would you like to avoid or ignore?

As you hear Jesus teaches about evil, satan, and unclean spirits, what questions do you have for Jesus?

How do you think the people heard these teachings?

Tuesday - Day 12 on the Journey

2008-02-18T12:05:00.003-06:00

Luke 10: 1 – 37

Jesus was at it again today. A lawyer asked Jesus a loaded question, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus response was brief and it wasn’t even a statement, but a question. “What does the law require?” We all know the answer don’t we. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all you mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Then Jesus told a story to all of us as to who the neighbor was. To everyone’s surprise he makes the hero of the story and the neighbor as a Samaritan. You would think Jesus would be more careful as many times as he has already upset people with his stories. In a very short time of following Jesus around, I think he has come into contact with just about every unwelcome, despicable, and otherwise unlikely character. And through his interactions he has treated them with hospitality, welcome, kindness, and as friends. Doesn’t he know his interactions with those people and telling stories like today that he is going to have a hard time attracting followers?

While I am talking about attracting followers, I should go ahead and say something about other things he has said. Just the other day Jesus said, “foxes have holes and birds have nest as safe havens.” Then he warns those who want to follow him that they will be lambs in midst of the wolves. Does he really think he is going to get more followers this way?

Should we put up warning signs for people who want to become disciples today?

What might they say?

Another thought I had. Was Jesus really interested in gaining a large following? It really does not appear so. Neither does it appear that Jesus had any interest in being an answer man. He refused to give easy answers. He always forces people to make their own decisions.

Questions for reflection and comment:

If you had a chance to sit by yourself with Jesus at this point in the journey, what questions would you ask?

Do you think Jesus senses any treat of persecution or death?

How do you regard his warnings about the cost of discipleship?

What part of Jesus preaching and teaching do you find most difficult?

Monday - Day 11 on the Journey

2008-02-17T17:01:00.002-06:00

Luke 9: 51-62

Well it is Monday. This marks the second full week of our Journey with Jesus. Jesus turns his attention away from the comfort of the North and the area he grew up. Our eyewitness account today marks Jesus heading toward Jerusalem.

Jesus had sent some of his disciples ahead of him to set up his accommodations. The problem was they were not welcomed. The people I imagine were giving vague reasons for why they would not provide a place for Jesus to stay. I can imagine the disciples got a little mad. According to the text they were ready to condemn the people and wish disaster upon them. Being one of those people who have been watching from the edge of the crowd, I was wondering what Jesus was going to do? Earlier he had taught the disciples to stay where they were welcomed and where they were not welcome to shake the dust off their shoes and move on. This is easy to talk about, but harder to practice. I was happy to see Jesus put this teaching into practice. Jesus scolded them and they set off for the next village. Jesus showed us the ethic of love in this story.

What if people who follow Jesus forgot what Jesus taught about opponents?

Do you suppose the time might come when disciples would actually do harm to others in the name of Jesus?

Could there be a time when disciples confuse their own anger with the intentions of Jesus?

Other Questions for reflection and comment:

Can you understand why someone would not want to encounter Jesus?

In verses 57-62, do you think that these want a be disciples took on Jesus Challenge? Why or why not?

Second Sunday of Lent - Still on the Journey

2008-02-17T15:17:00.001-06:00

Luke 7: 11-17

This story was hard for me to imagine in our modern setting -- someone halting the hearse, opening the door of the limousine, telling the widowed mother in mourning black not to weep, and then saying beside the coffin, "Young man, I say to you, arise."

That would be startling indeed. And I am sure it was startling enough in first century Palestine. I not sure they were startled as much by the resurrection because they might have had biblical De ja Vu. They would have a couple of old Testament miracle stories of great prophets like Elijah and Elisha raising widows' sons from the dead which would be part of their history. They would of for sure been startled how Jesus reached out and touched the young man. No Jew in his right mind would do that. They would have been unclean and had to go through ritual cleansing. Jesus does it any way and the young man sat up and began to speak. Just like Elijah and Elisha before Jesus, the new great prophet gave the son back to his mother. (look at 1 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 4).

Imagine the shock that went through the gathering as the young man sat straight up. Imagine Jesus speaking to a circumstance that seems as unfixable to you as the young man’s death seem irreversible to his mother.

What circumstances do you describe?

What does Jesus say about this circumstance?

What is the point to the story?

I wonder if this miracle helps us remember that God does not always act one way only. God does things which we cannot understand.

I think Jesus was trying to teach us about God’s Grace and love. I think Jesus wanted his disciples and us to be eyewitnesses to God’s fixing and reversing, a situation that is considered broken and unfixable or irreversible. God’s power works in mysterious ways and fixes and reverses things. It might not be in physical resurrection of someone’s physical death, but it might be in forgiving a murder, healing a marriage, or physical healing from disease. God’s grace and love and transform lives… Jesus can and will interrupt ours and others lives that might be in a funeral march. In the interruption, Jesus transforms our lives. He brings new life to our brokenness.

This funeral turned into a celebrate and I have hope for myself and others will continue to experience the uncompressible grace of God, that transforms us and gives us new life.

Have you experiened God's saving grace in your life?

Day 10 on the Journey

2008-02-15T11:03:00.003-06:00

Feeding the masses - Luke 9: 1-17

I hope this these first 10 days of Lent have been as much fun for you as they have been for me. The Journey is moving quickly. It is always amazing to see how each of us see Jesus in different ways.

Today we witnessed Jesus commissioning the twelve. I watched from a distance as he gave them directions. He authorizes them to go out and in essence do what he had been doing. Jesus was willing to share his power and authority with others. He did not appear that he needed to be the only one people were changing lives. It also impressed me that Jesus trusted them completely to do the right thing. Jesus modeled for me how as leaders at work, home, or church, we need to share the work with others.

Upon the disciples return, they were all a buzz. Their was great energy and excitement in their voices. I even think I noticed a few of them swaggering as they came back in to town. Jesus called them to follow him. I guess he was trying to get them off somewhere less public where he could listen to their stories and they could relax without large crowds around them.

Jesus didn’t know it, but someone heard Jesus and his disciples were hanging out near the town of Bethsaida. So we all went to go and see what Jesus was going to do next. Jesus welcomes all who showed up. He healed those who needed healing.

It was getting late in the day, but no one was leaving. The crowd had grown to over 5000 people. We all wanted to listen to what Jesus was teaching. I was getting hungry, but I didn’t want to leave. Then all of a sudden the disciples were instructing us to break into small groups. About an hour later, Jesus began to pray a prayer of blessing over a small group of loaves and fishes. I was not sure what Jesus was doing. Why was he blessing food for just him and his disciples? What about us?
The disciples did not eat, but they started walking out into the crowd with food. I was in the back, so I knew I was not going to get anything. It wasn’t long until one of the disciples showed up to our group. I was amazed. He had a full basket with fish and bread for us. We all eat from the basket and we even had a little left over. What an amazing day.

Questions for reflection and comment:

How would you respond to Jesus instructions to go and heal the sick?

Where would he be sending you today?

What part of the work would excite you most?

What part of the work would scare you?

What would your reaction been when Jesus said he was going to feed the crowd?

Would you have protested? Why?

Day 9 on the Journey

2008-02-14T13:20:00.001-06:00

And the Power went out… Luke 8: 40 – 56

In today’s reading, I found myself imagining Jesus in a rush to help another person, but the crowd was pressed in upon. It was wall to wall people. I reminded me of what I think the sidewalks in New York City are like at rush hour. Jesus was being jostled as he made his way through the crowd.

I imagined a frail woman who was walking several steps behind him. She was moving as quickly as she could. She was shoving her way through the crowd. She come to see Jesus and she was afraid that she would not see him again. This was her only chance. Desperately trying to get to Jesus she lunges forward and catches his robe.

Then Jesus stopped suddenly causing a human traffic jam. Surely she was not expecting the entire crowd to stop, but it did. I am sure she was delighted to be healed. At the same time I bet she was also terrified at being singled out.

Questions for reflection and comments:

What happens next?

How does Jesus voice sound when he asks, “who touched me?”

What kind of risk do you need to take with Jesus so you can be whole?

Luke 8: 54 – 56

Why does Jesus keep telling people not to tell about their experience of Jesus’ power?

Do you think the family really would not tell? Why or Why not?

Day 8 on the Journey

2008-02-13T08:39:00.002-06:00

Jesus heals again – Luke 8: 11-17

Today, I got to see something powerful and amazing. Jesus encountered a raving lunatic who many times ran around naked. When this man ran up to Jesus and asked him, “What have you to do with me?” Jesus responded calmly. He said what is your name. The name was struck and confused by Jesus actions. No one had ever talked with him before. I watched as Jesus and this man had a conversation. The man was transformed and healed. By the end of their time together, the man was dressed and sitting at Jesus feet and learning from him.

The more I think about this story, I wonder which was more miraculous – That Jesus had spoken to the man or that the man had somehow regained his sanity.

What do you think?

I think I witnessed a miracle when the man understood Jesus’ care for him as a person. This man was alone and cut off from society. No one ever wanted to know his name and most were afraid of him. He was known as the madman or lunatic in the area. Jesus however wanted to know his name. Jesus changed his life.

Questions for Reflection and comment:

What else captured you in the story?

In our current society there are numerous people who may not be living in a graveyard, but who are cut off from society. Individuals who are filled with demons (hatred, addiction, abuse, etc.) which keep them isolated.

As a disciple can we be bold enough to stop and ask them their name?

Can we take time to get to know them and show them they are valued and cared for?

I think that is what Jesus is trying to teach us in this story… beyond the message of Jesus power over evil. The good news is that with Christ’s help demons can be driven out of our lives.

Day 7 on the Journey - Luke 7: 1-10

2008-02-12T09:40:00.000-06:00

Jesus Heals –

Jesus heals another person. In the story a man’s faith heals his beloved servant. I have read this story before many times. I have always seen the main topic as faith. Don’t get me wrong faith and healing are important for us to recognize and remember from our followings of Jesus.

However, because we are walking with Jesus everyday and I am encountering Jesus everyday in the way Luke shares his life. I noticed something else. This story is also about loving our enemies. Remember Jesus had just taught us about loving our enemies and then we encounter Jesus living it out.

The Roman occupation was not well received by most of the people. These soldiers used their force in unjust and cruel ways. They would make the Jewish people carry their packs for a mile. They would call them racist and nasty names. The conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman army was clear. It would not have been uncommon for the Jewish community to have made comments like, “the only good Roman is a dead Roman.”

From this story apparently there were some Roman Soldiers who treated citizens kindly. The one in this story not only treated people kindly, but he also helped support the local synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus showed that love for all people no matter where they are from or who they work for they are received with compassion and love.

Questions for reflection and comment:

You are the friend of the Centurion who has been sent to speak to Jesus. How does Jesus receive you?

What does he say to you?

What tone of voice do you hear?

Or

Imagine you have a friend who needs healing and has an equally important need as the centurion’s servant.

Will you go see Jesus?

How do you say to him about your friend?

What request do you want to make of Jesus?

Day 6 on the Journey - Luke 6: 27-36

2008-02-11T12:44:00.000-06:00

Can you image yourself sitting with Jesus as he was giving this teaching? I did. I imagined how I listened and listened to these instructions he was giving his disciples, but I was not sure how I or any of them could really do what he was asking.

As the day went on I got my chance. Jesus and I were alone and I was able to ask my questions. I began by saying, Jesus what you taught earlier sounds really foreign and made me uncomfortable…

Imagine for yourself what you might ask. I first would ask Jesus where he came up with these radical ideas. How will you ask him? Imagine yourself asking Jesus, “what made you say that?” Go ahead and keep asking the difficult questions you might have. My question was, “Jesus, can this ethic of love really happen in this world?” What are your questions?

Questions for reflection and comment:

How does he look at you when you ask these questions?

What does he say?

What is the source of his inspiration?

How did if feel to be asking Jesus these questions?

Day 5 on the Journey - Luke 6: 12 - 26

2008-02-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Luke 6: 12-19

When I was reading the calling of the disciples, I found myself in a different place than ever before. I was one of many people who had been following Jesus around the last several weeks and months. One day Jesus went off and prayed all night and when he returned the next day he began to list those whom were to be his disciples.

I was listening and waiting to hear if my name was to be called. I was nervous. I was not sure I really was ready to be his disciple. I had really mixed feelings. I was not sure if I was qualified. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be on the inner circle. Yes Jesus was healing people, but at the same time he was instantiating confrontation. I don’t like conflict. Then I started hearing so of the names he called, and thinking why would he choose them? One was a zealot and a couple of others were real hotheads. I am sure Jesus had a reason. Jesus kept calling names and I waited…

Where you chosen?

How do you think those who did not get chosen might have felt?

What was Jesus reason for picking you?

Luke 6: 20 – 26

It is hard to understand Jesus at times. He speaks in riddles and I am not sure how I feel about that.

As I read these verses from Luke my mind jumped to modern times. I saw Jesus speaking these words at the door of the food stamp distribution center. These people had gathered to receive there month’s allotment of food stamps. And Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Bless are you who are hungry no, for you will be filled.”

How do you think people reacted?

How would you feel if you were with Jesus when he was teaching this?

What was Jesus trying to teach us and others?

I can imagine people hearing Jesus and saying, “he speaks in contradictions. A person is either rich or poor, hungry or fed. How could he speak to us about being poor, hungry, and blessed at the same time? Life is not like that.”

What would you say to Jesus?

What would you say to those who were standing in line?

What was Jesus trying to get us to understand?

A quick note about the Lent postings...

2008-02-10T14:35:00.001-06:00

I have been asked to post a day in advance...

I hope posting in advance will not confuse you.

Please note that the 40 days of our journey do not count the 6 Sundays in lent. So my post each Sunday does not have a number on it.

To try to keep everyone on the same day of readings, I will always post the scripture reading the post is related to.

Thanks for all who have commented and who are going to comment. Your ideas and questions will help us all as we try to keep going and following Jesus all the way to the Cross.

Have Fun with this... I know I am!

First Sunday in Lent - February 10, 2008

2008-02-10T14:24:00.000-06:00

Questions or Conflicts about the Sabbath – Luke 6: 1- 11

Is keeping the Sabbath day not important? When not keeping the Sabbath day holy we are breaking one of the 10 commandments. Are laws and commandments not important?

I think Jesus was arguing that the letter of the law, but the Spirit of the law. I think what Jesus was trying to get the Pharisees and us to see is that God’s intentions or desires for us, must consist of something other than endless debates, rule setting, and discussions. Sabbath keeping was important not because it was a rule, but because it helps foster our relationship with God.

Jesus and his companions receiving nourishment was more important than following the law. God’s desire is not a group of people that know how to say all the right words or follow a set of rules perfectly. God desires our relationship. God desires right relationships with him, others, and creation.

I am not sure the point was as much about the law, but the arguments around the law. If you think about it, debates sometimes constitute ways to avoid the difficult task of actually helping people. Moreover, if we are not careful our talk about an issue might get confused with work. For example, we might confuse our talking or arguing about the poor the same as involvement with the poor. A debate about what may be done on the Sabbath does not mean the same as helping a crippled man on the Sabbath. Our words are not always the same as our actions.

I think Sabbath keeping is important. Yes, but not to the extreme level the Pharisees were seeking. Plus, I do not think it is important because of a list of rules. I hold the conviction because it is important and beneficial to be connected to God and to find rest. I also would say relationships, healing, and care for neighbors are not to be avoided, just because it is Sunday. Sabbath keeping is giving a whole day to allow God to restore you, like Jesus restored the man’s hand. And it might just happen when you are doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

Some questions to answer and comment upon:

What if Jesus did not heal the man?

Would Jesus not healing the man change our understanding of God? (Jesus came so we might have a living, breathing, and visual understanding of God… Emanuel – God with us. Jesus was God incarnate.)

Does God only work 6 days a week?

What do you think is most important for us today, with what Jesus was teaching in this passage?

Day 4 of the Journey

2008-02-09T11:07:00.000-06:00

Two individuals received forgiveness from Jesus in the readings…

Healing the Paralytic - Luke 5: 17-26

I have always imaged this story as one of healing, but I also have been amazed by the determination and care of the paralyzed man’s friends. He does not come alone, but is brought by his friends.

Do you know someone who needs to be carried to Jesus?

Another thought came to me about this healing story. Forgiveness and paralysis are intertwined. Now we know that today persons who become paralyzed because of medical and human actions have nothing to do with their sins. There are medical reasons they are unable to walk and God is with them.

I am talking about another form of paralysis.

It struck me, when sin pervades our lives we do become paralyzed. Do we not? Sin sucks us into habits, choices, and actions, which can paralyze us to the point we are unable to function or feel worthy of God’s love. The paralysis keeps us from coming close to Jesus or willing to even come close. One example is addictions. Over coming addictions takes healing, forgiveness, and changing of our lives.

Eating with Levi (someone detested in society) - Luke 5: 26 - 32

Have you ever thought about how forgiveness can be misinterpreted as condoning the wrong committed? When someone receives forgiveness, the people who have done the forgiving don’t stand off at a distance either physically or emotionally.

Jesus was in the home of a tax collector, Levi. I can image Jesus sitting in the living room of Levi’s home and other religious folks walking and seeing the two of them having dinner together. The dinning table was in front of the big picture window. I could see how those who walked by might confuse Jesus forgiveness as somehow approving Levi’s past. It was powerful to watch. Jesus had a lot of courage. Jesus dared to sit with, break bread with, and talk with someone whom others detested. At the same time, I also imagine myself worrying and wondering if his bold actions might affect his reputation.

Some Questions for reflection and comment:

Is the company he is keeping challenging Jesus character?

How hard is it for us to reach out to others who society detests? Why?

Day 3 of the Journey

2008-02-08T08:46:00.000-06:00

A Fishing Story – Luke 5: 1-11

First, can you imagine being a professional (insert your job) fisherman and a carpenter walking up and telling you how to do your job. How that make you feel? What might have been your response? Think about working all night to catch some food and coming up with nothing and then Jesus comes along and wants you to go back out again. How would you have felt then?

Even if Jesus was my friend, (which I think is safe to say he was friends with these men by this time in his ministry) I am not sure I would have liked being told how to do my job. I can imagine they must have put up a few objections before they gave in to Jesus instructions.

Once they went, they were rewarded. How is Jesus urging or instructing you?

A Healing Story Luke 5: 12-16

When I read this passage this morning, I was wondering, how could Jesus do anything else but heal this man with leprosy? The man actually told Jesus he could heal him if he wanted to. Why wouldn’t he want to? Was the man trying to make Jesus feel guilty? It was obvious that the man need to be healed. Why couldn’t he just say so?

How did Jesus feel?

Other Questions to think about and comment upon:

Why did Jesus tell him not to tell?

Also why did he send him to the priest?

He was already cleans, why did he need the priest to sign off on things?

Did the healed man follow Jesus command?

Did he go and tell others?

Did he ever get to the priest?

One last idea:

The disciples initially balk at Jesus instructions to go out to deeper water. Jesus is urging you today... so what keeps you from go to the deeper water?

Day Two of The Journey

2008-02-07T06:10:00.000-06:00

What did you image as you read Luke 4: 31 - 44 today?

I imaged myself as someone in the crowd seeking Jesus after he withdrew from the city. Jesus was healing and curing people. Jesus I am sure had gotten frustrated with the large crowds and the large number of requests for healings. He is only one man. He can not heal everyone. I imaged how people might have gotten upset because Jesus left town and because they had not gotten a chance to have him meet their needs.

I imaged the deserted place Jesus withdrawing to was the old part of the downtown city. I imaged that he thought by getting into a part of town where people do not like to go at night he might find some peace and quiet. I image him warming himself by a 50-gallon barrel that has trash in it burning. As I arrive on the scene, I see the line has begun to wrap around the city block. I watch as Jesus welcomes each person. I watch as he touches, prays with, and listens to each person. This goes on through the night.

I notice that as each persons walks away they are changed… They are different because Jesus has touched them.

Then morning comes. The line is still long, but Jesus leaves. Jesus makes an announcement. He says, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities.”

Questions for reflections…

When you read this story where were you?

Are you one of the people who needs Jesus?

Are you one of the family members who experienced Jesus work within your loved ones life?

As you think about all the miracles being done how do you feel?

Can you believe what you are seeing?

How do you react when Jesus says he must move on?

What about all the people who were still in line, what are they thinking?

Ash Wednesday - Day one of the journey

2008-02-05T10:41:00.000-06:00

Can you believe what Jesus just did?

While reading Luke 4: 16-30, I imaged myself being in the congregation where Jesus was reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus was always in worship and we all lived in the same small town (Nazareth) together. Today was different. Jesus did something I was not expecting.

It was so different that it made me feel uncomfortable. At the same time it made a lot of people around me angry. I'm not sure exactly sure why I felt this way or why people got so upset.

All he did was read the scripture for the day.

The only thing I can think of was the Jesus put the emphasis on me and not on the Spirit of the Lord. All the other rabbies always put the emphasis on the Spirit of the Lord.

I guess it was his personal identification that he was the one the Prophet Isaiah was talking about. That made people so upset.

I was also amazed at how quickly the congregation turned on Jesus. So many were talking about him positively before the service started, but at the end of it they were following him out in to the street and wishing him harm.

I do not understand why this would have been so radical… Can you?

Here are some other questions to reflect upon and comment upon…

Where were you in the story as you read the scripture?

Can you believe he did this so early in his ministry and in his hometown?

What questions does this scripture bring up for you?

What do you understand this scripture saying to you as someone looking in from the outside?

What does it say to you as someone who wants to follow Jesus?

Are you ready? Will you join in the journey?

2008-02-05T10:15:00.000-06:00

Ash Wednesday

Lent begins…

Will journey to the cross with me?

I am following Jesus as shared in Luke’s gospel…

Join the conversation by reading the daily scripture and posting your comments and reflections.

I hope we can walk together for the next 40 days.

Use Your Imagination...

2008-01-15T10:19:00.000-06:00

Imagination helped me as a child make a refrigerator box into a fort, my bicycle into a motorcycle, or a broom into a sword. Do you remember those days?

Why & when did we grow up and think we had stop using our imagination? Why does everthing have to black and white? Or why do we think we can not use our imagination when we read the bible?

Would it be so bad, if we let our imagination go to work when you read scripture? What might happen if we allowed ourself use our imaginatoin when we are reading or listen to scripture?

I would invite you to engage your imagination as you read and listen to the scripture readings. Allow your self to become a person within the text. Jesus' ministry was surrounded by friends, family, and strangers. People observed him and becuase of their observations we have accounts of his life. What if you were to put yourself in the story.

Take the story of Jesus at the temple as a boy (Luke 2:41-52). As you hear or read the story, imagine you are one of the church members watching this young boy (Jesus) setting and asking questions or imagine you are one of Jesus’ parents freaking out that he has come up missing. Allow yourself to be a member of the crowd that witnessed the life of Jesus.

Don't be afraid to imagine or wonder at what was happening. Ask questions like, how did I feel as I watched this child with the priest and leaders of the temple. Wonder and imagine what was going on around the temple. Imagine or wonder how other people were reacting to this young boys questions.

You could also imagine what questions Jesus was asking. Allow yourself to brought into the presence of Jesus. Seek hear how God might be trying to speak to you, where ever you might be in the crowd.

So what did you experience? What questions do you have now? How might your understanding of Jesus be different? I would love to hear how this experience works for you... I will be doing this for the 40 days leading up to Easter this year, as I journey to the Cross by reading The Gospel of Luke, and seeing Jesus journey to the Cross.

Have fun, enjoy, and I will hope that your journey might be richer no matter where you are in the crowd, because you have encounter the living God, through Jesus Christ.

Peace in this year????

2007-12-07T12:21:00.000-06:00

You might be thinking to yourself this morning, The Gift of Peace? Right now in the world we live. Is peace on your Christmas list and can it come this year?

This week I was thinking Wouldn’t it be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if there wasn’t so much killing going on right now in Iraq? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if the Muslims and Christians in the Sudan would miraculously started to live together in peace? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no death squads in Columbia and people weren’t shooting each other? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were peace on earth?

Or, if you can’t have peace between nations this year, wouldn’t it be nice to have peace within our families? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a whole week together as husband and wife and not have a fight? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if your children did not fight with each other? Wouldn’t it be nice to go on a family vacation and not have any blow-ups? Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice if tempers didn’t flare so quickly, like a match that suddenly ignites? If you can’t have peace in Iraq, maybe we could have peace at home and in our families. That would be nice.

Or, if that isn’t possible, wouldn’t it be nice to have peace within myself? Wouldn’t it be nice if I weren’t so harsh with myself? Wouldn’t it be nice if I didn’t explode at myself in anger? Wouldn’t it be nice if my guts were calm? Wouldn’t it be nice if I could sit around all night and not have a compulsion to eat ice cream or drink in order to calm my nervous stomach? Wouldn’t that be nice? If I can’t have peace between nations or peace within the family, maybe I could at least have some peace within me?

Or, if I couldn’t have these, wouldn’t it be nice to have peace at least a few days before or after Christmas? We all know what time of year this is, Christmas time. During Christmas, we are often short of money, short of time, and short of temper. In preparation for the Prince of Peace, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little bit of Christmas peace at your house or mine?

What about you???

O Come, O Come Emmauel!

On the journey we seek and find peace through Christ Our Lord... but it takes work, through justice, forgiveness, compassion, wisdom, and righteousness, that only comes through God's grace and purifying work in our lives.

Advent... Christmas is only 26 days from today...

2007-11-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for Christmas? This Sunday we will start the church calendar countdown to Christmas. Advent, as Christians is the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. Christmas is not suppose to be about parties, trees, and presents, but is the date we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. During this period of time we celebrate Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace. Beyond the commercialism of Christmas, life can make Advent difficult. In my experience these weeks can be far from holy, joyful, hopeful, peaceful, or full of love.

Last year was one of those years. I had trouble finding a lot of joy leading up to Christmas. The music, ads, wish lists, and constant sales of Christmas in the retail sector did not help with matters. Grief and dissappointment were the feelings that filled my life and the weeks leading up to Christmas.

At this time last year, I was so overwhelmed with family medical situations we did not even put up a Christmas tree. What was the point? There was only two of us and no one was coming to our house for Christmas. It was difficult for us to find the joy in the season, because of the disappointment and sadness of the previous year of life. It was hard to be joyful.

It is hard to believe another year has gone by.

What a difference a year can make in ones life.

We put up a Christmas tree and we are looking forward to Christmas day. See this year we were blessed with a Child. As we prepare for Christmas this year we are seeking to help make Christmas about Christ. Having my daughter in my arms gives me a new image and feel of Christmas. I have a clear idea of how much fear, discomfort, and anxiety that Mary and Joseph were feeling in the days leading up to Jesus birth. At the same time, I understand the peace and joy that came into my life when my daughter was born. I understand how much love and hope surrounds our family and our relationship.

How much more is that love, hope, peace, and joy that is shared by our God. There must have been such joy and peace with Mary and Joseph once they held Jesus in their arms.

This Christmas as I remember how my daughter has changed my life, how much more Jesus birth changed my life and the world. Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel… to transform me and the world.

The journey continues... I can only wait to see what will happen this next year with Jesus changing, leading, molding, transforming my life.

My Christmas Change your life!

How sloth can affect the journey...

2007-10-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities).

I feel this way a lot in our current day and age. We are living in the best of time and the worst of times.

We live in a time when technology makes communication with others all over the world possible. Technology and medical allows for lives to be saved and for individuals to live longer than ever before. Because of this technology, we celebrate premature babies that at one time would have had no chance of survival, now do survive and go on to live happy and healthy lives. Technology and scientific advance allow children to learn skills and task which we did not learn until we were adults. Children are exposed to computers from an early age, and when I was a child no one had a home computer. I learned to type on a typewriter and not a computer. We are living in the best of times.

Is it really the best of times? More and more marriages are ending in divorce. We are still at war and there does not seem to be an end in sight. Parents are afraid to let there children play outside. We are watching more natural disasters occur that are linked to global warning. We have to worry about being sued because we served hot coffee. We watch fuel prices rise to record highs. We do not socialize with our neighbors, and in fact we avoid them because “we would rather them not know us at all than to know to much about us (closing line of Desperate Housewives 10-28-07).” We live in a time when 39 million people globally are infected with HIV. We live in a time when the worlds wealth continues to be held by fewer and fewer people.

What are we going to do? Are we going to ignore the suffering, destruction, pain, terrible situations of our current life? Do we ignore our own active and passive participation in fueling systems, and activities which cause the pain and suffering?

This week I am exploring the Deadly sin of Sloth. Sloth in very modern day terms is when we begin to take the attitude of “not caring about what really matters.” In our culture it is easy to fall into the trap of sloth. We are so busy with our own lives, that we do not want to or intentionally ignore things that do not affect us directly. We want to just get on with our lives and let others pick up the fight and battle against injustice, war, and sickness. If we are not careful we begin to “not care about what is important.” We become slothful.

What is the Antidote for sloth or “not caring about what really matters?” Hope! And I am not talking about wishful thinking. This is not easy. Especially when we are talking about the issues which make this time in our society the worst of times. It is hard to move beyond wishing the war would stop and our troops would come home. It is hard to move beyond just wishing someone would help stop the spread of HIV or that a cure might be found. As Christians Hope is longing for something which God has promised to fulfill in the future. To hope therefore is to have a positive expectation (not a wish) about the future, based on trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

To hope as Christians does not mean we just believe or trust in God’s action in our world, but it also takes our action. With hope we begin to care about important things like, the environment, the war, the Aids Pandemic in Africa, etc, and then we are willing to work towards bringing about its fulfillment because we expect our efforts not to be wasted.

Hope awakens us from sloth. It moves us to action and making personal commitments to acting in love towards all of God’s creation. This is the hard part. Taking action… because we are not sure where to start or how we can make a difference.

That’s one reason we, as Christians, get labeled as hypocrites because we talked about hope and love, but some of us are slow to action. It is my struggle to find ways to care about things that are important, and then actively seek where God is already at work and then asking how can I join in. It might be that I need to ride the bus or train more often or recycle more. I might need to join the UMCOR in it efforts to provide aid to those suffering in Africa.

So in the weeks, months, and years ahead, it is my desire and prayer that with God’s help and through God’s grace, I might shed my slothful tendencies and step out in action.

Who are you thinking about today?

2007-10-24T11:55:00.001-05:00

Life comes at us fast and we get consumed with our own life.

This video by Sawyer Brown, really hit home this week...

Watch for yourself and then think about who is your neighbor and how might you reach out with the love of Christ.

Or maybe you are someone who understands those feelings of no one understanding you. Jesus was misunderstood.

The good news is that there is someone who understands everything and that is God. God alone knows and understands all the pains in our lives. Stop and talk to God. Be honest with God about your pain. Ask for comfort and allow yourself to be open to receiving comfort through new and strange opportunities. God answers prayers in different ways and using different and unlikely people, so be open to how God might already be trying to provide comfort for you.

As a pilgrim on the journey, it is my hope that I will take time each week and seek to understand individuals I encounter and to slow down in my very busy life.

Just something to think about…

Is Greed Good? (6/6)

2007-10-18T12:50:00.001-05:00

Is greed bad or good?
Who did more for the world Michael Milken (junk bonds man) or Mother Teresa?
Listen to this interesting video by John Stossel.

Wall Street: Greed is Good

2007-10-18T12:33:00.001-05:00

This is a clip which might get you thinking more about: Is greed good?

Striving to not worry... About money

2007-10-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those months. You know the one where it seems like everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. The washing machine breaks, the pest man finds termites, the check engine light comes on, ... (and the list goes on).

And with all of these situations, the way to "fix" them is to shell out some money.

With the new expense of a wonderful baby, these little problems seem to have added a little more stress to the equation.

All of this has happened in the middle of a series I have been preaching on the Seven Deadly Sins (http://www.fumcr.com/pages/sermons). This week I am preaching on Greed.

If there is anything I have learned over my journey is that God has a great sense of humor and timing. When better for all of these things to happen then when I am prepare a sermon in which teach us that we are not to worry about the material. That we are suppose to live a life without fear.

This morning in my devotional time the reading for the day was this: Matthew 6:25-34 (NRSV)
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.

I know this is what scripture tells me... It is not easy.

In fact to live this way is hard work. I think if all Christians were honest they would say this is one of the hard examples of Christ in which we are suppose to embody.

What do you think... Is this easy for you? Have you experienced the transformation of Christ in your life in regards to money and generosity.

I can say I have experienced it at different times of my life and I have made it through. It still is a struggle. I just keeping praying for God's grace to help me live more days focused on living in celebration of the abundance God has given me in my life and my family, and less days worrying if we will have enough.

Thanks be to God that he is not finished with me and through God's grace and the fellowship with in a loving community I can continue to grow in this area of my journey.

Rodney
A pilgrim taking it one day at a time.

I am back!!!!!!!!

2007-10-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

I am finally back to my blog.

On Aug 20th, my Daughter was born... What an amazing day, but it has changed my life in so many ways. One of which was having enough time to blog.

She is still amazing, but I am back to work full time and I promise I will blog at least once a week.

So please keep checking back each Wednesday for what is going on with me along the amazing Christian Journey.

An Introduction to Parenthood is where I am on the journey right now, as you might expect. And as I said it is a life changing experience.

Over the last six weeks, I have watched her grow at an amazing rate. In fact if she continued to grow at this rate til she was 18 she would be over 400 lbs and 20 foot talk.

Parenthood is truly an amazing experience. Through my new experience as a parent, I am learning a deeper understanding of God’s love. As I think about how much I love my daughter, I am reminded of the unconditional love of God. I think about how much more God loves each and everyone of us.

In Psalm 139, the Psalmist celebrate the intimacy in which God know each of us. The Psalmist reminds us of how God has been with us from the very beginning of life. The Psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

I have made this scripture part of my prayer time. Every morning I hold my daughter and think about how she is a precious gift from God. I give God praise for how he has made her. At the same time I give thanks for the love in which God has for her, for me, and for all his Children.

I hope you also remember that you too are wonderfully made and a precious gift from God.

How do you define being a Christian?

2007-08-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Going to church, reading the bible, prayer, listen to Christian music, giving money to the church???? What is your defination?

I can remember early on the simple answer was that I believed in Jesus Christ.

But is that all there is to being a Christian?

Belief or public profession... or getting to heaven... Just being a better person...

What do you think? I would love to hear what others are thinking...

On the journey to be a Christian has been a belief in Jesus, but it has also been even more than that. Being a Christian means my actions and responses are influenced by my faith. My being in tune with God. In my churched background, I have been taught that to be Christian means seeking to follow Christ and to try to become "Christ Like."

Christ like. What does that mean...

Here is what I am trying to do. I am seeking God's transformational power to become the spirit and image of God. I am hoping through God's grace to be transformed in ways that are both visible and invisible. I hope that I can see the world like Jesus sees the world. I hope that I can speak the words that Jesus would speak if he uncounted the people I encounter each day. I would hope I could listen to people and hear what Jesus would hear. I would hope that I could touch people and things the way Jesus would touch. I would hope that my experience of creation and in relationship to all creation would be close to the spirit and image of Christ.

What do you think? Do you want to be a better person? Do you want to do the right things at the right times?

Sure being a disciple of Jesus (a Christian), you will become a better person, but it is my hope I will become the spirit and image of Jesus.

Introduction to Colossians

2007-08-08T16:50:00.001-05:00

Do You know a lot about Paul's letter?

The Church of Colosse was one of the churches which was not started by Paul himself, but by persons who had come into contact with Paul while he was in Ephesises.

This Sunday I am begining a journey through the Paul's letter to the Colossians. I liked this quick video which gave me a brief introduction to this great letter.

The saints are coming...

2007-07-31T11:30:00.001-05:00

As the months and years roll by will the saints keep going to New Orleans?

They say it could take as many as 10 years to help the gulf coast to fully recover.

This video reminded me that the church cannot forget and move on, but we need to keeping going to the gulf coast to help and to share the love of Christ through unconditional love and service to our neighbor.

The Waiting Game...

2007-07-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

Well it is Friday and the weeks seem to be getting longer and longer.

Why?
Well it is not because the Texas summer heat is getting worse. And It is not because summer vacation is still to come.

It is because we are waiting for the arrival of our first child. Our new little girl should be arriving in 4 weeks. What sounds like a very short time, but has created one of the longest week ever.

They say patients is a virtue...

I need prayer for patients.

I need to be patient that she will arrive in due time.
I will need to be patient with her in her crying after she arrives.
I will need to be patient in many different ways.

I guess that is why we have 9 months to wait...
At the end of the day, I know that it is worth the wait. It is worth all the long nights, doctor visits, and hours getting the nursery ready.

Different image of the church

2007-07-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

This past week I was reading both some stuff by Rob Bell and Leonard Sweet. So, I cannot claim this as completely my original thought, but they have really pushed me to continue to dream about a new image of the church.

What if we did not lose our image of the church as being a hospital for sinners and Christ as the great physicians, but we add an image of the church as also a “singing school” and Christ as our tuning fork. “Jesus came to show us how to be in tune with the song.” (Rob Bell) And God is the song. Over the generations, the song never has changed. God is the same.

For me God is love. The love song has never changed. The song is about love, forgiveness, grace, hope, new life, justice, and mercy…

In the world of music, the rhythms, styles, and genres have change over the years, but the notes are the same. You are either on pitch or off pitch. In this re-imaging, I cannot say one style or genre of music is the best way to present the song to the people in our communities. Instead I want to be part of a movement of people who have accepted that they have the song within them. That the song was with them even in their mother’s womb. I want to be part of a community in which believes the song, but more importantly that the song is in us. I want the church to provide ministries where individuals are daily working on being in tune, no matter what instrument they are playing. I want to be with a community of people who are willing to tell me when I am out of tune and at the same time willing to help me get back in tune. I want to be part of a community in which music is being created. I want to be a part of a community in which believes that the song is not something we internalize, learn, or master, but the song is in us so that it might be shared with everyone. To be with a group of people committed to letting the song transform their lives so that everywhere they go people will hear the song.

See, I think as a Christian I am not so much out of tune. But I have forgotten how to keep the song alive. I think in some ways the church needs to become a training ground for musicians in one or maybe two styles. I think at times I have become focused on getting the song mastered, being able to play every note perfectly and without mistake, and thus forgotten how to perform it. I have at times forgotten how the song can become embodied and can change my life. I think I may have gotten so good and comfortable with the song that I have lost the joy and the transformational power within the song. I just play the song, but I do not perform it.

As a pastor, I think at times the church have gotten so comfortable and good with the song we think everyone should know it and should join us right now and with our current style, instrumentation, and rhythm. And in our current state we have forgotten that there are many different instruments, styles, and rhythms. We have forgotten or are ignoring that not everyone has as much training as we do. We have forgotten or are ignoring that not everyone plays the same instrument.

In my journey I hope to be apart of a new kind of church. A church where we are constantly learning about the song, practicing the song, joining in the performance of the song, and allowing the song to transform our lives and the world around us.

Church of Misfits

2007-07-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

This morning I have been working on a sermon series for this fall. I am looking at the topic of sin and virtues and their relationship to the journey of faith.

Have you ever noticed that the more you "sin" in society the easier it is to fit in? And the more we seek to live in the example of Christ the more society labels us as misfits.

Eric Elmes says, "A healthy church is a church of misfits."

What do you think?

It is my prayer that I might count myself as a misfit. I try each day to be someone who seeks to be humble, grateful, faithful, hopeful, mindful, generous, and loving. But let me be honest, I am not there yet. I still have days of pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust.

What keeps me going is the message of God's Love. Even though I do not have my act together God still loves and values me. It is only through God's transforming grace which we bring me closer to perfection.

The truth is I will always be striving to live a virtuous life. And I will probably never practice these virtues to the level of resolve and perfection in which Jesus modeled for us. As misfits we find liberation in our confession of our failures and inabilities.

I do not know about you, but I would rather be a part of a misfit church than a perfect church. I would rather journey together with people who get labeled "bad Christians" because we still live days where sin shows up in daily living. To be with people who still get angry, are envious, or might struggle with greed or lust but are willing to confess these sins. To journey with people who recognize these thoughts, actions, and habits as counterproductive to God’s Kingdom and thus are authentic and honest about our need for Jesus and God’s grace. I would rather journey with this group of misfits, than a group of "good Christians" at a perfect church who have no need for Jesus or God's Grace.

How about you?

My First Blog...

2007-06-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

I did it. I started a blog.

I am not sure what will come along in this place, but I know that I wanted a place to share my experience as a Christian Pilgrim. As a United Methodist, I believe Christians through the means of Grace are traveling towards perfection. Hence the name of my blog, A Pilgrim on the Journey to perfection.

Please check back to see how the journey is going and the places I have travel.