unfinished thoughts

I think of much of my posting as consisting of unfinished thoughts. This describes a difference I might have with some good Christians. Sometimes I'm misunderstood as a person who doesn't see black and white. That everything is gray. This is not the case, really. There are plenty of blacks and whites as to what is right and wrong. I also see gray sometimes, only in the complexity of life, of how all this is worked out. But our hearts and the actions that accompany them, while there can be mixed motives involved, do involve black and white, right and wrong issues, always.

Unfinished thoughts consists of grappling with how we're to live out our calling in Jesus. What's all involved in that. Personally, in relation to God, to others and to our calling in this world. How we're to see the big picture. How we're to look at our story in light of the Story of God.

Unfinished thoughts involves a willingness to float out a thought to get other thoughts on it. To maybe change ideas where needed, or refine them.

Sometimes I acknowledge my thinking can be half-baked or worse. This is certainly the case in this life as we only know in part (1 Corinthians 13), so that we need each other in the quest to live godly in Jesus. We do have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2) by the Spirit and the word. Another reason why working through our thoughts is important. Working at taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10).

What might you like to share on this to help us in the unfinished thoughts here?

"Christmas Coal - shame" from L.L. Barkat

In chapter 2 ("Christmas Coal - shame") of L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places, we read of shame heaped on a nine year old girl by her stepfather in front of his sons and her mother. Then we see how God helped L.L. to cope with that and overcome it.

As is the whole book it is written with no ordinary prose. One gets taken in, but not too much into any sordid detail. Two chapters following continue this part of L.L.'s life during those years. We get a glimpse into L.L.'s story which can help each one of us with our own shame. How in Jesus we can address this and move on in spite of a shameful past. And how she unfolds the Scriptural analogy of the worm is one to remember. It helps me in addressing shame that is thrown at me sometimes even now.

I tried to avoid giving a summary of this chapter which gives too much away because I'd like to encourage you to read it for yourself.

Shame has been a big part of my own life. One memory that stands out is how there was a group at my very first church who used to make fun of Dad. Dad being the oldest son had worked with his own father on the farm and while intelligent, did not have the social skills one gets from living in society. By extension our whole family was shamed. I remember vaguely now getting thrown in the bushes probably by a couple older boys. I was hurt and angry, but also ashamed myself, and still feel a little angst in telling this.

Shame in my life extends beyond that as well, experienced through the meanness of others, but also through my own ill reactions and actions. As well as my not fulfilling the dream of my life in being ordained and serving as a pastor. Though at this late date in my life I could easily think of myself as a teacher or even an editor, though not so sure on that last one!

L.L.'s chapter helps me, both by her own sharing of her life as well as the powerful analogy fulfilled in and by Jesus for us. Our shame is covered by Jesus through his death for us, Psalm 22 a key passage from which L.L. draws. Two key quotes to leave us with from this chapter: "I'm glad God delights to make things right, to cover our shame so we can stop trying to cover it ourselves." (p 20) "And the shame of my past, though real, cannot keep me earthbound." (p 22)

How has shame been a factor in your own life and what help in Jesus have you found for that? Or any other thought you'd like to add to this either from your reading of the book or of this post.

Next week: chapter 3: "Tossed Treasure: messiness"

a heart for the world

"The Lord's prayer" is a good prayer for us to be praying regularly or help us pray, as Jesus taught us. It is comprehensive for us as God's children, and it concerns the entire world.

When we look at the recent typhoon in Myanmar and earthquake in China, along with other tribulations this world encounters, we can't help but long for God in Jesus to finally come and make all things right and new. For Christians, this is our hope, fulfilled in the resurrection of all things in Jesus.

I have to admit that it's so easy for me to fail to see beyond my own struggles and problems, and the problems of those around me. It's hard to see beyond that, but we're to have a heart for everyone, yes everyone in this world, even for enemies. And we're to be in prayer and do what we can as we're led to do.

If our faith does not lead us to have a heart and longing for the redemption of this world, of the earth and all creation, then it is not the full-orbed Christian faith. And too often Christian faith has been little concerned over this, though rightfully believing that God in Jesus is Lord over all, and we can rest assured in that, even as we don't have all the answers. But that should lead us to a faith that acts, in listening, prayer and doing.

For me this means some disciplined listening both to NPR and the BBC. I want to understand what's going on in the world, in places on the news and out of the way places which tend to be neglected.

Also it is good to find organizations which are doing good around the world to help great needs in the name of Jesus such as World Vision and Compassion International. As well as to find what one's own denomination is doing.

In all of this we continue to pray for God's kingdom to come even into this present world and instead of lamenting over what we cannot do, we seek to do and give something towards the great need that is out there as it is on our heart to do so.

I know it is natural to just be overwhelmed by it all. But I believe this is one aspect of our calling in Jesus. That we are to have a heart for the world. For the gospel to go forth and for God's kingdom to come into the hard places in anticipation of the day when God makes all things right and new in Jesus, this work beginning even now in this world in Jesus.

What thought would you like to add to here that can help us? Or what do you think about this?

tomorrow: chapter 2, "Christmas Coal - shame" from L.L. Barkat's book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places.

don't despise the simple things

We may want to do something great, not necessarily to call attention to ourselves- which would be a sin, but because we want to please the Lord and do well in his eyes. What was pressed home to me Saturday was the need to do well in the simple, humble things. In which the main thing one is doing is simply seeking to be faithful.

I met with a brother. We went over a study guide on forgiveness, beginning a lesson on Psalm 32. All we said I think was Scripturally sound, and it seemed to me inanely simple. So I have to admit I had a kind of contempt for it, probably thinking to myself I'd be glad when it's over. Yet I did enjoy fellowship with the guy I met with, and he seemed to genuinely appreciate our exchange as I sought to be a good listener and encourager, as well as our time of prayer afterwards. And I sensed that the Lord was pleased with that time.

This goes to show that I must beware of thinking I need to do something that is great in the sense of using my gift as well as I can. Yes, I want to do that, but what came home to me from this is that I simply need to be faithful. That this should be my goal. And not to despise the time of what seems to be simple things.

We do like to get beyond the milk to the meat of the word of God. We want to be challenged to grow to be like Jesus, which means to be missional since Jesus himself was missional (as our pastor Jack Brown pointed out to us yesterday). We want to move on. Yet even in the simplicity of those nearly two hours at a nearby bagel, coffee place, I could see that what we did really did move us to that end, as this man expressed the vision he has for a ministry that can impact others.

I want to have that sense of the Lord's approval in my life. Not just to hear it someday, which by grace we hope to. But also to sense it now, that God is pleased with us and what we do. And in that, let's be careful not to despise the humble things and seemingly little tasks. For in such we find ourselves in the way of Jesus.

What might you like to add to this?

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my Mother, and to each and every mother who reads this! Blessings on you. You're all so very special!

My mother is so very special to me and to each of her children. She has done a remarkable amount of good for each of us, and her life has been used of God by her many prayers and witness to us. We love you, Mom, and we miss you. I hope you have the best Mother's Day ever, and that you know just how much you are loved.

prayer for the week

Pentecost

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

from Jesus Creed

prayer request

Please pray for these desperately hurting folks who are friends of Kinney Mabry, AKA, Preacherman. They need our love and prayers.

Pentecost Sunday

Tomorrow, or today already for many parts of the world is Pentecost Sunday. This is the day on which we remember the coming and outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the believers after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Jesus from the Father baptizes the believers with and in the Holy Spirit. It is the birthday I take it of the Church, the Body of Christ in the world. It is the coming of the Spirit to empower God's people to be Jesus' witnesses all over the world. And to be Jesus' hands and feet, everything, Jesus' Body, present for each other, but to the goal of living as children of the light in the Lord which we are.

Of course it's personal: the Spirit is changing us who believe more and more into the resemblance of Jesus. And it's corporate: we're in this together as people of God in Jesus. We build each other up by the gifts the Spirit gives us. And it's missional: not for ourselves and our enjoyment, but to be Jesus by the Spirit, to the world, both individually and corporately as each of us prayerfully does our part in deed and word.

Pentecost Sunday. Oh how we need more of the Spirit in our lives. But let's remember also that we have the Spirit. Let's walk in the Spirit, learning to do so more and more. And be filled with the Spirit, speaking the truth as it is in Jesus, in love. This is why we're here; this is why the Spirit has come.

Be blessed in your worship tomorrow, as many of us and our churches celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.

What does this day mean to you? What would you like to share with us on this?

"unthinkable" from John Frye

Imagine a day when Scripture begins to disappear starting in John's gospel. Slowly but surely every trace of it everywhere is gone so that all else remains except the words of Scripture.

In John Frye's "novella" or novel entitled Out of Print, this is precisely what happens. God's written word is no where to be found, disappearing from monuments, Bibles, books in which it is quoted, whether in original languages or translated. A world-wide phenomena that has everyone up in arms, especially Christians and religious people. So is the setting in chapter one of this most interesting story.

You begin to meet real people here. Like a brilliant evangelical seminary professor. A woman living with her boyfriend who could care less while she is distressed over it, wondering if God has disappeared off the face of the earth or is no longer present since the Bible is gone. A team of married Bible translators who lovingly and painstakingly have worked on understanding and translating God's word beginning with John's gospel into a native tongue of those who have never had a Bible. But now all is lost! A devoted lady teaching children with Child Evangelism Fellowship materials, having done so for years, but now that possibility seems oh so sadly gone! And others.

The Roman Catholic Church seems headed towards the idea that somehow Satan and demons may have stolen it. Evangelical Protestant scholars don't buy into that. But just what in the world is going on is really beyond everyone. And why.

I really like John's novel and how he opens it. The more we can imagine ourselves there, perhaps as one of the characters, and John provides a nice variety of them to choose from, the better. This is a story worth having in your home, reading and rereading over time, and really thinking about it.

What about it? We're used to having the Book, but what if it began gradually and over time to completely disappear? How would that impact our faith? How would the world see it? How would we Christians see it? And what difference would it make in our lives now and beyond? And to the world?

This is a set of questions which John Frye in his more than able story telling ability will seek to answer in the pages that lie ahead.

Next week we look at chapter two, "Unexplainable" as Christians seek to understand just what has happened, and what it means for their witness in the world. Stay tuned, and better yet, get a copy and read. Only a little over 100 pages and a page turner. And most importantly- besides telling a story as John can do it- it really gets you to thinking about God's word and its place in our lives now. Unsettling, but maybe this is something of what God wants to do in our lives. Are we misusing the Book or missing the point of it? What place is it to have in our lives? Would many professing Christians even miss it if its words were gone?

What thoughts or questions might you like to add here?

Next week: chapter two: "Unexplainable"

conversion as ongoing

Yesterday we looked at conversion a little, from L.L. Barkat's wonderful book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places.

I believe in conversion to God through Jesus. And that there surely is a point when we have crossed over from death to life, whether we know when it happened or not. In the evangelicalism I grew up in, even though Mennonite, knowing the day and giving your testimony about it were considered important. One needed to know that.

That can be good, but what is better is when we know we have faith now, and are seeking to follow in the faith which is in Jesus now. And this involves a process beyond just the point when we were saved. In Scripture we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved. So we're undergoing a process now. It's a walk by faith, and sometimes it can be quite uncomfortable.

This reminds me of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. The journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City had plenty of hazards along the way and was anything but comfortable at times. We have to look at our difficulties and things we go through which we hate as just part of this ongoing process of being increasingly conformed into the image of Jesus. And while we're directly responsible for ourselves individually in this, we're also responsible for one another, to help others to faith, and help each other in Jesus by our prayers and life and words, to walk in and become increasingly conformed to the Way who is Jesus.

For me this involves so many things. Wrong heart attitudes, yes sinful at times. But more than that. Learning to follow Jesus with others, in everything. And cherishing what is good, revelling in that in faith and practice. So that any good thought or sense of grace that comes to my awareness is welcomed. Also being happy of gradual growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Conversion as ongoing is an acknowledgement that we haven't arrived. Yes, we're on our way, hopefully well on our way. And conversion in process should involve being in company with others who are in this same journey of faith.

We're being changed in Jesus, from glory to glory, as Scripture tells us. How wonderful. By grace may we leave behind more and more the old, and take on more and more the new, in Jesus. Losing ourselves in him, and then finding our true selves together, in Jesus. Along with passion it involves pain, and is a process. So hang in there!

What thoughts might you like to add or share on this?

"Stepping Stones - conversion" - from L.L. Barkat

In chapter one ("Stepping Stones - conversion") of L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places, L.L. wonderfully shares in a humorous and moving way, the outset of the beginning of her faith journey.

Her step-mother, Beezie who was a lapsed Catholic and her atheistic father are hit by "a charismatic Christian with a capital C" by the name of Opal Bonesteel, a prayer warrior. Parts of this chapter are quite funny and described in such a way that you can't help but picture it in your mind and imagine the scene. In fact both in prose and poetry, L.L. has a gifted touch to take you there, or at least give you a sense of what she is talking about in her experience. And in a way you can relate to, or identify with.

We see conversion happen through Opal's witness, first with Beezie, and then with L.L.'s father, after his open verbal assault on the Bible, with continued tirades as he sought to disprove it in his reading. Just the opposite took place as he too began his journey of faith.

And soon Beezie led L.L. and her sister to pray the sinner's prayer. Thus began L.L.'s conversion which in its process was to go through most troubled waters which begin in the next chapter. Waters she would rather forget.

This is the beginning of a wonderful telling of her story and of what relates to that story and really what relates to all our stories in this world and in the Story of God.

I too can look back and see important points along the way which were a part of the process by which I was brought by God to conversion. Like the time that galvanized my felt need for a Savior in my mind, when around the age of ten at church I went down to the men's restroom, I can still smell that room, and prayed loudly to God over my conviction of sin and of being a sinner so that I was heard all the way upstairs as I recall. I had plenty of pain, inward pain in my teenage years. And plenty of rebellion to match it.

But through my dear mother and her faithful witness, the continued ministry of Billy Graham, and my wonderful children's Sunday school teacher, Blanche B., along with other faithful people of God at our church, I came to faith late, when I was 17. Even then, after crossing over from death to life and thus converted to Christ, I still was in a process of undergoing conversion, which I must truthfully confess goes on right to this very day!

I love the way L.L. tells her story. It's a wonderful read. It keeps you going. But like the best things in life, you're best to take it slow.

What about any of you readers of her book, or anyone else out there? What do you think about conversion? And what might you share from your own story?

Next week: chapter 2: "Christmas Coal - shame"

Ascension Day

Ascension Day has come and gone, and is barely noticed if at all by us evangelicals. We certainly remember Christmas, Good Friday (where's a special day to remember all Jesus did between Christmas and Good Friday?- that can wait for another post!), Easter, Pentecost. But what about remembering Jesus' ascension?

When Jesus ascended "to the highest heavens" he was then enthroned on the throne of God, at the right hand of God as well. And he rules now, until all his enemies will be put under his feet. When Jesus took the throne of God he became Lord over all. Yes, he was Lord before, and always has been. Yet this was a special enthroning in which all authority in heaven and on earth was given to him. And after his ascension he baptized his people with the Spirit, the gift the Father had promised.

This means alot for us. Yes, in our circumstances. And beyond that for the entire world. We can rest assured that since Jesus is Lord over all, our following of him will make a difference, no matter what obstacles we face. No matter how hard the going is. And that all we do in the Lord is not in vain in the here and now. Why? Because Jesus is not only resurrected, but he is the resurrected, enthroned Lord. This is what Ascension Day is all about. And it's high time we learn more about this and celebrate it and most importantly, live accordingly.

We are resurrection people already, people of the new creation and the kingdom of God already present, in Jesus. We live as those still carrying our cross in following Jesus. But as those who by faith in the risen, ascended Lord, can overcome the world. This is an overcoming that while of the Spirit has to do with our testimony as well as what we do. It is a following that is not afraid of death itself, because Jesus is Lord over all, including death. And a following that will settle for nothing less than God's kingdom to come, and his will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

This potentially can help me, as I let this truth sink in. Many passages I could have linked here, and due to lack of time I didn't do so. I do give N.T. Wright credit in helping me think on this recently.

What thoughts would you like to share on this?

don't be overwhelmed

When I look at problems we face of different kinds, or challenges ahead for me, I can tend to become a bit overwhelmed and want to run and hide from it.

I have felt somewhat overwhelmed lately. I knew Sunday would be a busy day, going to the nursing home not long after church in the morning, then soon after that heading back out for homegroup in the evening.

So I ended up sleeping much of Friday evening with Deb at work. And then felt guilty as I slept in fairly late Saturday morning. Then, instead of getting done some needed reading for this coming week I slept some more Saturday, too much more, and not all on purpose, either. While tired and knowing just how tired I can end up being the first part of a week, I think there was a strong sense of just wanting to avoid the challenge so that I was procrastinating, something I can do well.

Sunday ended up being a blessed day both in our singing and in the word: Psalm 104 at the nursing home, and Psalm 90 with the homegroup. The Lord certainly answered prayer. But I still have that sense of feeling overwhelmed and in over my head with what lies ahead. And also the desire for some real sabbath, so that we can kick back and relax. And enjoy this wonderful Spring, which though just a bit chilly was wonderful in its beauty yesterday, with blue skies all day.

What is there that is good about being overwhelmed, and what are the dangers of that? For me it's good in that I am cast on God in prayer. I know I can't do it, that all is a work of God, but that by prayer he takes us up into his work and does it through us. Not of ourselves, yet we can work in the working of God- even together with him. What is dangerous for me is simply the temptation to want to hide. To think it's too much. We each have our part; it may seem small, but it's significant to the whole. I could see that last night in our homegroup as people participated in our time there.

What helps you to not be overwhelmed with the ongoing responsibilities and challenges of life?

Halfmom, AKA, Susan speaks to this subject on her posting today, so much better than I!

prayer for the week

The Sunday after Ascension Day

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

from Book of Common Prayer

politics and our place in it

Being Anabaptist to some extent in my theological understanding makes the consideration of politics a bit more difficult for me (see Bob Robinson's thoughtful, good post related to this, along with my comment). Of course Anabaptists differ among themselves as to what Christians should do related to the state and politics. Some withdraw completely (the Amish and some Mennonites) and others actively engage in it (other Mennonites, Ron Sider among them).

Christians are salt and light in Jesus in this world, and this is to be evident to others. I don't see much in the New Testament which tells us that we're to Christianize government as in trying to see it changed. Yet our influence should be felt everywhere, including government, so that at least the new way of being human in community in Jesus will be evident to them.

Of course in this our lives should be full of good works. And we need to live out and speak the truth which often will contradict the values of society at large, in our case often bent on pursuing "the American dream" and protecting all "individual rights" such as "the right to choose."

Yes, Jesus is Lord; therefore Caesar and any other human government is not. But this was lived out and proclaimed in a way that seems above the world, and in that way to hopefully influence the world. A good case in point in my mind is Martin Luther King, Jr. He refused to live as the world does in protesting against the maltreatment of African-Americans. Instead he sought to follow the way of Jesus in nonviolent protest outside of the system. And that's the major reason we still remember him today.

Of course I think we also need the William Wilberforce's (also here)- to go along with the John Woolman's- working in government. I think a Christian can do that according to their calling, and should. Not an easy road. But think of Daniel and Esther. God will guide one, and we have to decide just how we'll do this in working with others and knowing what we should do. Not an easy calling, but then again what is easy in this life? To follow Jesus in his way will be challenging for us all in whatever way we serve here.

What do you think about this?

deader than a doornail

A reminder that next Friday, May 9 we will begin blogging through John Frye's new book, the novel, Out of Print. John is a great storyteller, and I think we'll find this story intriguing as to its ramifications for us now. So get a copy and read (not much more than 100 pages) and join us, or join us anyhow for some interesting and challenging discussion.

Have you ever felt "deader than a doornail"? Not sure exactly what that means, except it most certainly means dead, period. I mean feeling-wise when there seems to be nothing much at all inside. And it matters little what you do to try to change that; it doesn't change.

For us in Jesus we're of course still going to have a conscience (and all people have that, though it can be seared or defiled, and no longer of much use) and we'll still want to do and say the right thing and avoid what is wrong. But we can get to the place or experience the time when it is simply hard to carry on. Like everything is an uphill effort. That was most of my day yesterday. We did have a good laughing time over a good number of things at work, but I was left as empty and on top of that, heavy as ever, afterwards.

I wonder what's going on when this happens. I have my ideas. While Satan can be at work in his opposition to God and God's will in our life, God is at work to change our hearts, our affections, our priorities, etc.

During such times we can be vulnerable. If we're tempted in any given area we might give in (which means that it's a good thing there was no bag of dark chocolate Hershey's kisses around here, last night). I was tempted to throw in the towel in regard to something, but instead, as I made phone calls, was blessed with the exchanges.

The faith in Jesus does not always feel good. It's true that the kingdom of God in Jesus is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and in that way we're to live our lives in pleasing God. But to get to that righteousness, and for that righteousness in Jesus to have its way in our lives, often means waylaying matters that are not right or need worked on in our hearts. We need heart change because from the heart we live.

I'm glad in my case that the most recent of this did not last a full day. I pray God will continue to work on me as I know he has more to do, and he knows that better than I. Of course we know God will continue to work on us, and his work of grace is what keeps us on track, and helps us find our way in the Way, hard as that often seems.

Anyone have anything to add to my meandering on this?

praying our sin

In weekly team "devotions" at work, we're going through certain psalms and prayer with reference to them. Now we're on Psalm 137, entitled "Praying Our Hate." The psalm is beautiful lyrically, but ends in an awful note, asking God to do what others had done to them. While this may have justification in the old covenant, praying that God would avenge or punish victimizers as they had done to their victims, we find this changed in the new covenant in Jesus, so that we probably should at least be slow to pray down judgment, but should rather, pray down reconciliation, the reconciliation of God in Jesus, upon enemies. We do want God's intervention against all evil, but we also would like to see all evildoers repent and believe, and be reconciled to God and to others.

This leads me to the point I want to make in this post, beginning with a question: Is it good for us to pray our sin to God? Of course we know that if we cherish sin in our hearts, the Lord will not hear our prayers. Therefore we can't come to God in prayer while we hold on to sin in our lives. Yet at the same time God wants us to come to him just as we are. And yes, we are sinners in need of grace. So just how can we pray our sin to God and that be legitimate?

To attempt to clarify this, a bit, let's give an example. Let's say someone is getting to you in what they're doing against you. You're sometimes angry with them, or at least tired that you can't get anywhere with them to resolve the problem. How would you pray about this to God?

I have found that as I pray to God about that which I know to be sin in my heart and life, and I do so acknowledging my need for God's grace in forgiveness and cleansing, then God meets me, and I find his help. I've also found that I have to keep coming back to God with the same things at times. Though at other junctures I see that I've grown in being less tempted and taken in by a particular sin. Of course growth is so gradual that we often lose sight of where we were a year ago. We may have made some progress in an area which we little realize now. And this may lead us to ask God to show us other areas that need worked on so that we can pray those as well.

Of course praying our sin here is when sin has got hold of us. As we pray the Spirit is at work in us, interceding to God on our behalf, as well as changing an shaping our hearts according to God's will.

So I guess the lesson for us in this is simply this: When struggling in sin, don't run away from or avoid God, but instead, come to God in prayer. Pray exactly how we think and feel at the time. God will be present to help us.

Any thoughts on this?

trying to connect

A reminder that next Wednesday, May 7 I plan to begin blogging chapter by chapter weekly from L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places. We will begin with chapter 1, "Stepping Stones - conversion." If you don't order it, your local Christian bookstore may have it, or any bookstore. It's a great read and like the best books is good to take slow. Let's think together over it.

Yesterday I posted in the morning as I normally do lately, and received no comments throughout the day. In a way I don't care, but in another way I do. I don't keep track of who or how many people are coming to this blog: no site meter, though I realize there may be readers, and are, who don't always comment. But I do blog to share with others and this sharing is give and take.

Trying to connect with others is important for us in Jesus and somewhat related to the belated post I did last evening after erasing the morning post. It's kind of a mystery as to how it happens. I have a simple gift of sharing and try to do so in a straightforward, simple way, of my faith and our faith together in Jesus.

This reminds me of Paul's words in his zeal and passion to share Christ with others, how he had become all things to all people that he might by all possible means, save some. He did this in word and in deed I take it. Without sinning we need to get where people are, and appreciate the good there as well as listening to them and learning their perspective. So that we might be enabled by the Spirit to share Jesus with them as we seek to befriend them with no strings attached.

This is a meandering post, but what ways do you see helpful in trying to connect with others? Or any thoughts on this.

shrinking

When using the word shrinking here, you might instead use the word shirking. I'm thinking of just how easy it is for me to shrink from really seeking to fulfill God's calling as I understand it for me. Which ends up amounting to shirking my responsibility.

Of course how this would all work out is impossible for me to know. But that's not the point. The point is that I need to seek to fulfill God's calling to me in Jesus and I need to do so both as an individual as well as part of a body of believers.

This must begin with much prayer but it must not end there. We must seek to be obedient to God's will revealed to us in Scripture and in Jesus. This involves obeying commandments and exhortations we read in God's word. And we do so in the context of our lives, which means we'll have to venture to do it in concrete ways.

For me this certainly involves getting out of my comfort zone. I like to do not much more than curl up on a sofa and read a book. But I need to get out in my neighborhood, and one way I can at least make my presence known is by working on our yard. I'm interested in growing praire grass, particularly in our front yard as it's been hard with our sandy soil and all the concrete and heat coming from it to keep it healthy all summer long. I want to do so not only with the grass in mind, but with God's calling for me in reaching out to our neighbors in mind, as well. A few summers back we had a barbecue inviting all our neighbors on our block, and while most did not come, a good number did. I want to get into the mode of prayerfully befriending others, or being available to others with the hope that they'll see Jesus in us.

I have to admit though, after a busy day at work and knowing another day awaits me, it is not easy to get out there and do it. To do whatever is on one's heart in the hope that God will use us to help others. Of course we want to help them come to Jesus for themselves. And bring his touch into their lives through our lives. How? How can we know? This is a faith walk and by the Spirit. It certainly involves loving others in deeds and words.

Of course we need to think and pray in terms of community as well. We each have our distinct part to play, and it's meant to fit together as each of us does our part to see others come to know Jesus. One way our church is trying to reach out to the community is through having a community garden.

It just depends for me on whether I shrink back from it and end up shirking my responsibility and one aspect of my calling from God. We may not know what to do, but we need to pray and as we do that, we can try out different things. God then can lead us, as we look to him in all of this.

What idea or example might you share with us on this?

joy in seeking

This was a rather lazy weekend for me, but next weekend will be full. I'd like a happy medium, but it seems more often than not it's either one or the other. So I was getting some needed rest (though I've been better at getting rest during weekdays) and slacking off a little too much I'm afraid.

Took a nice walk yesterday evening for a little over a couple of miles. In prayer and with my small Bible in my jacket pocket (it was in the 40's Fahrenheit, though no breeze to speak of). I felt the need to get away from the house and seek the Lord in prayer and in his word. Took a long way around to get to the Stations of the Cross which is near us out in the open. I sit on the bench as far away from the statue of Mary with uplifted hands, as I can get. But while I don't accept all of Roman Catholic theology, I do respect what I know and understand of it, and don't cast it all in the same light as do some of my brothers and sisters in Jesus. Read from 1 Samuel 15 as well as 1 Samuel 3 as I made my way around the stations of the cross, meditating a bit on each station in what was symbolized in the statues concerning Jesus' suffering for us. And it ends in Jesus' resurrection and soon to be ascension, as I take it in the final picture. Than headed out, and as I continued in the neighborhood (none of this is really private because there are houses everywhere) I read the first part of James about trials then continued along, seeking to seek the Lord in prayer.

I've learned not to be distraught if I think I don't "hear" anything from God. And to be measured as to what I think I might be hearing from God. At any rate I was finally nearing the end of my walking journey of meandering down streets for a little over two miles and finally was winding down our street and near home. And the thought came to me something like this: Your joy needs to be in your seeking of me, of God. I need to be taken up with the joy of seeking him.

This makes sense because whatever we find of God along the way, as God reveals it to us is certainly not the end of our knowledge of God. What there is to know about God is endless, and better put, to know God personally and together as his people is also endless as to its possibilities in the depth of this intimate knowledge and love. And the opening up of our capacities for God likewise surely has no end. I'm guessing this will be a part of what the life to come is all about, though it will be heightened and experienced in ways we can only vaguely guess at, yet related to the taste of the Lord and of the good things he has for us we experience at points in time even now.

Joy in seeking. I need to not complain about what I do not know of God and of his beauty, love and greatness. Instead I need to take that as my cue to seek the Lord and find in him all I need and much more. But to be taken up with the joy of seeking God.

What might any of you add to this?

prayer for the week

Sixth Sunday of Pascha

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

from Book of Common Prayer

a friend's blog, work, and troubles

I want to share about a blog I've sidelinked from a friend who is receiving medical treatment for cancer. Scott Steiner is exactly what this blog, Lessons from the Lathe depicts, since I've worked with him at RBC Ministries. He's a devout Christian who takes all his work seriously and does it all well, without compromise, to God's glory. He is discouraged right now, and could use our prayers and love. And he has a son-in-law in Kansas married to his oldest daughter (eight children in all) who is struggling with cancer and not doing well, in his twenties. It's a hard time for them.

You'll find his blog to be a blessing, and for those of us who might be interested and able, there is a most interesting product there to buy. So go there and check it out, and as you remember, please pray for Scot, his wife and children.

imagine

Imagine what would happen if gradually all the words of Scripture disappeared off the face of the earth. What would that be like? And imagine some time passing and what might occur among Christians and in the world after this phenemona. What might we learn from this? And then imagine Scripture gradually and fully reappearing on all the pages and places it had disappeared from. And what the end result might be, or at least the impact on the world at that time.

John Frye has written a recent and interesting short novel entitled, Out of Print. In it he works through this scenario with a number of characters one can identify with. From "ordinary" Christians to a Christian professor, a missionary couple whose painstaking work in translating Scripture into a language for the first time is lost, along with others. It is a good read, and two weeks from now on Friday, May 9 I will post on it to help us think it through. In the mean time you can order your own copy and read it beforehand.

I've had seasons in which I've slacked off in reading the Bible, and interestingly have often sensed more of the Spirit in my life during such times. They've actually been rare, as I've spent alot of my Christian life fairly heavy, relatively speaking I guess, in the word largely through hearing it and now largely through reading it, though I've begun to listen to it again.

A friend of mine thinks I may often be getting in the way of God. That I'm trying to do more than what God has done or is doing in me. Of course we're to work out what God is working in us. I think this friend has a point in what they're telling me. They're not telling me to be in the word less, but sometimes I think the way I'm in the word of God can actually get in the way of God's word getting through to me. It's like a steady drum beat that if one is not careful can become humdrum. I may be in it just to be in it, rather than be changed by it, or by God through his word.

I like to be in the word frequently throughout each day (though I do admit to slacking off often during normal weekends without missing my normal Bible reading for the most part) and in different ways: listening to it, interacting through a passage with others (our weekly team devotions at RBC Ministries), glancing at a passage I'm slowly working through throughout the day at work, use a different translation or rendering such as The Message, even working through a psalm from my small Bible while I'm driving, which you'll be happy to hear I don't do anymore (though Tiffany thinks I drive at least just as well doing that, which I hope doesn't tell you anything about my driving that's bad!).

Anyhow I look forward to thinking through John's novel together. It's stimulating and fun, and hopefully we can bounce some thoughts off each other and learn some things to both deepen our appreciation of the word, and promote its impact on us, or perhaps better put, God speaking into our lives.

What might you like to add to all of this?

sons and daughters of encouragement

It is wonderful to be around people who are encouraging. The atmosphere is different than your normal spaces of life in which, too often, cynicism seems to win the day. And it takes everyone in this mix to add their bits of encouragement. Some are especially gifted in this way and we need people like that.

The bottom line in all of this is love. Do we love one another enough to think well of each other? This can be hard when the one we're thinking about does not think well of others, themselves. The ones Jesus came down hard on in his day were those who were hard on others, always thinking they were better.

Some think it's less manly to bend over backwards to show love to others and not offend them unnecessarily. And to think otherwise is evidence that one is thin-skinned.

I'm not at all impressed with that kind of thinking, because even in sharing the truth, we're to do so in love, knowing that we're as prone to error and sin, in ourselves, as anyone else. Those who think they have it all together are the ones who need the most help. And it can be difficult to reach them since they think they're better, at least it seems that way as you hear them put others down in subtle and not so subtle ways. They are to be pitied, and maybe there's not much more we can do for them than to pray, which in itself is the greatest thing we can do for others, anyhow, and can lead to us helping them in deed and word. Not that we all haven't been there at times, because I'm afraid I have, even if mostly in reaction to such people.

But it's wonderful to be a part of a group in which encouraging and helping each other is at the forefront of all that is being done. We need more of that, and we need to be thankful for our brothers and sisters who are especially gifted there, and often in positions of leadership which help facilitate that among the people they are serving.

What thoughts might you like to share on this?

God's grace at work

Two weeks from today, May 7, we will begin a series of blogging chapter by chapter, weekly, through L.L. Barkat's book, Stone Crossings: Finding God in Hard and Hidden Places. This will give any of you who would like to get your own copy, time. It's in bookstores around here, or if you order it soon you should get it on time to join with us in a discussion of it. I read it last Saturday, and it's well worth the read, though better to do so, slowly.

I love this verse in Acts along with its context:

When [Barnabas] arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

What a wonderful thought, "what the grace of God had done."

In the end, when you think about it, this is what it's all about for all of us in Jesus and in our work in mission for Jesus to the world. It's all about God's grace at work in us and through us, out to others. No matter what we do, if God's grace in Jesus doesn't underlie all, it's to no avail.

Let's remember this and seek to make it a watchword and watch of our heart. That we might know that grace in our own lives, and see it in the lives of others.

What might you like to add about this amazing grace?

ideas do matter

Over the weekend I heard on Krista Tippett's program, Speaking of Faith, an interview between three generations of evangelical leaders, Charles Colson, Greg Boyd and Shane Claiborne. They were talking about evangelical politics, and it's worth a listen.

All three represent different perspectives, though Boyd and Claiborne are closer in their perspectives than they are to Colson. At the same time Colson presents a respected and respectable Christian point of view backed up in the writings of C.S. Lewis and other great influencers of the Christian faith such as Augustine and Reinhold Niebuhr. I do tend to side more with Boyd and Claiborne in their more Anabaptist and I believe, early church perspective. But the debate goes on.

What I liked best about the interview is that I felt there was more light from all three of them, than any heat. It was civil, and we need this in our culture today, which is remarkably uncivil in so many places. I respect and esteem all three, and would gladly learn from any of them, and I would learn alot.

But the point I want to make in this post is that ideas do matter. What we think does impact how we live. The differences between the three evangelical leaders are not significant enough that they can't have good fellowship together as brothers, or do good works in cooperation with each other. It does mean, however, that one will serve his country in the military and the others will not. One will be politically active in and as part of the system and the others will not. Though all three want to influence society as the salt and light in Jesus that we in Jesus are. I actually think all three have some truth in what they're saying, though again I do side more with an Anabaptist position myself, but not one that refuses to engage culture. After all, what we are about in Jesus, is not apolitical. It involves all of life.

I like ideas and thinking, and have been considered by other Christians at times as a mind person while they are Spirit people. Or a person who would rather have intellectual knowledge than heart knowledge. While there may be a grain of truth in what they're thinking, I believe the mind is important in loving God, and that ideas do matter. Let's not look at ideas apart from God and our relationship with God in Jesus, and our walk in God's will in Jesus in this world. And let's work hard to understand what we believe and why, and to keep open and honest in this endeavor in our commitment to follow Jesus.

What idea do you have here about ideas?

loving each other

To love one another is a command that Jesus insisted had primacy for his disciples, just before he was to depart from them. I say depart, because even though after his death and resurrection, he appeared to them over a period of forty days, it still wasn't the same. This chapter was coming to a close, the time he has been with them day and night during his earthly ministry.

And Jesus qualified this command in shocking terms that was beyond the disciples at that point, and apart from grace remains beyond us today. We're to love each other as brothers and sisters in Jesus, just as Jesus has loved us. Or in the words of Jesus' command to his disciples, "Love one another, as I have love you."

I want to love others in this way, and I need their love in return just as much. This means an awful lot of patience and grace and mercy at times. I know I need it sometimes. And just as I know that, I need to readily extend it to others.

As we learn to practice this kind of love, in which we're not only willing to lay down our lives for each other as Jesus did, but we live that out from day to day in sacrificial love, we also can learn to love the world as Jesus did. Jesus practiced love to his enemies, asking the Father to forgive them during his darkest hour on the cross (though his time in Gethsemane may have been even darker).

This love is not bereft of truth. Indeed, we must live it out in truth. Love is not love apart from the truth as it is in Jesus. Neither is truth really truth if not in the love of God found in Jesus. Truth and love must be joined together, and this is only possible in Jesus.

I'm glad for brothers and sisters in Jesus who love us maturely enough to tell us the truth about ourselves. Actually I've found that such people are few and far between. Sometimes this is so because one loves well and in the truth in Jesus, but is just not far enough along in their Christian walk to be comfortable or ready to do that. But as we grow and mature in Christ, we need to be ready in love, in the love of God in Jesus, to gently bring truth when needed into a brother or sister's life.

I'm grateful for the few who are willing to tell me the hard things about myself, but do so as those who love me as a brother or sister. And in turn I want to be ready to help others in the same way, remembering my own weakness as I in no way or sense look down on them.

Just a few thoughts on loving each other as God in Jesus has called us to do.

What might you like to add to this, or share concering it?

prayer for the week

Fifth Sunday of Pascha

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

from Book of Common Prayer

meeting L.L. Barkat

It was so much fun for Deb and I to get to meet L.L. Barkat, in town for the festival of faith and writing at Calvin College. She graciously took the end of a busy day, and really, busy two days, to meet with us. The hour went fast as we sipped on some tea, and shared from our lives.

L.L., like on her blog, is warm and engaging, and creative in her thinking. And real. I realized that while meeting someone like this is good, and you get a better sense of who they are, it is still limited. This reminds me of first impressions and the like. But I think our visit with her reflected pretty well, even in that limited time, who we each are. None of us are people who want to put on airs.

We had a good laugh as I remembered how at first, for a time, I thought L.L. was a man, and she reminded me that I had commented how I had thought L.L. was letting his wife do some postings or be involved in the postings. Funny, and I was a little chagrined when I found out the truth!

L.L. shared with us what she is going through with the success she is now experiencing in writing, and how this in some ways is more challenging to her. She has some important decisions to make in the coming days, and would appreciate our prayers.

This makes me want to read her book (which I find quite good as I'm reading it now) and books to come, as well as her blog, all the more. And to remember that we're all in this in Jesus for each other, to the end of helping others in mission in Jesus to the world.

I will be blogging on L.L.'s book, Stone Crossings, very soon. I think it's a great book for all of us, for who doesn't need to find God's grace in the hard places of life?