Riding It Out
May 7, 2008
Bible Reading: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ~ St. James 1: 2-4
Bonus Readings: Deuteronomy 4:29-31; St. John 16:33; Romans 5: 3-4; Romans 8:35-40
The time had come; I had to get into better shape. The voice of “Mr. Bill” echoed in my head: “Ooooooh, noooooo!”
Time was, this was no big deal. A few more miles on the bike, some laps in the pool, some time at the gym. No diet; no analgesic. Some measure of discomfort, but not terrible. “Not so fast, Chip,” my body tells me now. “You’re well past the half-century mark. That’s old for an athlete.” And the phrase “over the hill” springs to mind more and more. But I don’t even remember a hill. But I sure remember those aches and pains. Wish there was another way…but…not! I had to choose if I would deal with the pain, or not.
The Apostles and disciples were in the same situation with Jesus, right after the Ascension, as they were on their way to Pentecost. The time had come for them to belly up to what the Lord was calling them to. It was not what they wanted. And it was beyond uncomfortable. They had to punch through the pain and uncertainty. There was no other way.
They had lived those wonderful, miracle-filled three years with Jesus—seeing God’s power—healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and even quieting storms. And there was His teaching—Jesus, face-to-face, giving them the Words of Eternal life, directly, in terms they could grasp. It was so comfortable. So easy. Then—arrest, crucifixion, and His death. Comfort gave way to doubt, fear, and pain.
The Resurrection changed it all again. Suddenly, Light was back. They were comfortable again at Jesus’ feet. But then, He spoke about leaving them—and going to the Father. And what was this Comforter the Master was sending? They weren’t comfortable at all, but were in pain again, as they stood, staring at the cloud He rose into. Why couldn’t things just be comfortable and easy?
This is where the workout began in earnest for the disciples. They had to go way beyond their comfort zone, overcoming trouble by doing what Jesus said—and this time, without His face in front of them. God had become invisible again…mystical…supernatural. Punching through their discomfort, they had to trump the obvious trouble around them to just be still and wait. And the answer came, like a tidal wave, on Pentecost. Then they understood Jesus’ words, “…These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When they received the Holy Ghost, it’s not that their lives suddenly smoothed out—it was that they were now empowered to deal with them with God’s peace through His supernatural Presence.
It’s been said that this life is not a smooth walk, but an unending series of rodeo rides—times when we hang on and ride the bucking bronco out. Pentecost gave us our gloves and spurs for that ride.
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me how to find Your Peace in the trials of life—and equip me for my ride.”
Think about it: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:21-23 (New King James Version)
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
The Dirty Jobs
April 1, 2008
Bible Reading: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. ~ St. John 13:1-5
Bonus Reading: Philippians 2:4-7
On Maundy Thursday, I was honored by the Lord, along with Fr. Ed, to wash our parish leadership’s feet. The nave was silent, despite a full congregation, as the Holy Spirit moved powerfully and personally among us, when the clergy modeled the Lord, embracing the feet, while loving and serving each other in this ancient custom of the Church. As the water flowed, so did tears and love among us all. The Presence was palpable…hearts pounded to the message thundering in our spirits: Jesus gave us this example of love and service to one another, even if it means doing the dirty jobs.
Jesus underscored this truth when he stooped to wash the disciples’ feet. Foot-washing was customary then because people wore sandals or walked barefoot on filthy roads. Usually a host’s servants did the dirty chore, but Jesus saved this for Himself, forgetting He was a king, instead, taking the form of a bondservant… (Philippians 2:7). Interestingly, the disciples did nothing about the dirty feet, not even for themselves. Was it beneath them? It wasn’t beneath Jesus. He placed their needs above his own - even as he approached his darkest hour. Any of us would be consumed with the prospect of the coming Crucifixion, if we were in His place. Not Jesus. He loved us to the end.
What’s this mean to us?
- Forget about it - The life of a servant requires a kind of forgetfulness, the ability to forget our own needs or status to tend to someone else’s. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me” (Romans 15:2-3) Once we’ve done that, we can…
- Do what Jesus does - Take positive, unequivocal action, when you see a need. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”(John 13:14) Get busy among God’s people - don’t just wait for someone else to do it. Strip off the outer coverings of pride, busyness, self - and get down to the job the Lord has for us. Ignore the anxieties and trust them to the Father - here is the task at hand. But, to do that, we need the Holy Ghost, so…let’s pray this…
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show us where we need to serve - and how our service would change marriages, workplaces, schools, parish, households, and communities, if we began to serve each other before we considered our own needs.”
Think about it: “…all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. ~ 1 Peter 5:5
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
What’s Our Heart?
March 14, 2008
Lent is all about preparing our hearts for Jesus’ Lordship-something we celebrate every Palm Sunday with the blessing and processing of palms, crying “hosanna” (save us, we pray!). The big question: have we really pursued what we pray in the Collect for Ash Wednesday-and should be praying daily in Lent:
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Consider what we asked the Father to smith in each of us-knowing He does not hate us, but has good things for us. Hear Him speak through Jeremiah, to Israel, suffering in captivity:
10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
What great news! Even though we richly deserve God’s judgment–as Israel received here–like God’s People of the Old Testament, He wants to bring us out of captivity, and has blessings in mind for us-and will bring us to that place we, once were…a place where He dwells with us, and blesses us in worship and life. How do we return? Our collect for Ash Wednesday-Lent’s “everyday prayer” shows us:
” If we are penitent-derived from Middle English, French & Latin, feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses, we are naturally led to ask Him to…
” Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, which implies a work of the Holy Ghost to change our inner motivations-becoming the new creatures described in 2 Cor 5:17 and Galatians 6:14-16.
” If we will allow the Holy Ghost to lead us and change us, (worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness) then we can be led to real, heartfelt…
” Repentance-a word stemming from penitence-meaning, to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life. This is not just “being good,” (nobody can do that all the time!), but instead of following our own flesh and the Devil’s World around us, following the Spirit’s lead-what St. Paul taught as “walking after the Spirit” in Romans 8 and Galatians 5. In Galatians, in fact, God provides us a stark contrast between what the Spirit crafts in us, and what we are like, when left to our own devices:
19 Now the works of the flesh [emphasis mine] are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit [emphasis mine] is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [emphasis mine] 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
The Church Fathers that wrote our prayerbook understood the Spirit walk. They knew that the “rubber meets the road” for us as Christians when we allow the Holy Spirit to show us if have we really laid our hearts open for Jesus to enter as King. Do we have new and contrite hearts, or are we, like the mob that turned on Him, after that triumphant palm-covered entry to Jerusalem, instead sending Him to crucifixion? Are we “walking after the Spirit” or fulfilling the desires of the flesh? As our Lenten examen turns down the home stretch to Resurrection Sunday, we have to ask the Holy Spirit to show us all if are truly the new creatures Jesus came to make us.
What’s our heart? Do we walk after the Spirit - or remain captive to the flesh? Hosanna, Lord - save us!
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
Life Marinade
March 2, 2008
Bible Reading: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ~Romans 8:5 (NKJV)
Bonus Reading: Romans 8:6-14
Lent…the diet for our lives in Jesus. A time of examen and seeking the Holy Ghost’s refilling. The season we ask Him to show us even more clearly where we need to shed a few unwanted spiritual pounds. That being said, let’s consider the following, adapted from Stephen Graves & Thomas Addington in Deep Focus:
If you’re someone watching your weight, you’ve probably heard people say, “You are what you eat.” If you’re as careful about your spiritual diet, the phrase “You are what you think” serves the same purpose. In Romans 8:5, St. Paul makes it clear that our minds are the primary influencer of how we live out our faith. To increase the likelihood we’ll behave in a spiritual manner, we must saturate our minds in spiritual things.
Christie and I have a world-class marinade for steak. When we put an already delectable cut in that special sauce, the meat absorbs through its pores the flavors and juices it’s submerged in. When it’s cooked…and we take a bite, the flavor of the marinade has penetrated the flavor of the meat. What a wonderful product…and what a great picture of our minds.
St. Paul is teaching us, by the Spirit’s prompting, that our mind acts as a dry sponge. It sits and it soaks. If we subject it to continuous gossip, complaining, immoral television, and unhealthy music, those flavors will sink into us—and we have that savor about us. If we allow ourselves to be influenced by such negative things, we hamper our ability to hear the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts, please the Father, and live in victory over the World around us. How can we expect to rise above the World and be the Salt and Light Jesus wants, if we remain mired in its tastes?
If, on the other hand, we spend our time and focus on Godly pursuits—paying attention to what we read, watch, listen to, laugh at—worshipping and fellowshipping with God’s people as often as possible, we change what our life marinade, taking the thought life advice in Philippians 4:8:
whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me what I soak in—how to monitor what I read, see, and watch, and where my thoughts—and lips—lead me.”
Think about it: “Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, because of the turmoil within me. I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer. ~Job 20:2-3 (NKJV)
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
Listening Prayer - Lectio Divina
February 2, 2008
“Speak Lord; your servant is listening” 1 Sam 3:10
God speaks to us in many ways: nature, people, and events…how well do we listen?
In listening to God in prayer, we focus on Scripture as God’s word to us here and now. What the text meant to the original writers/ hearers, to others throughout history, may be helpful—but it can also distract from what God is saying to us now. We are not trying to preach mental sermons to ourselves nor discover insights that will be helpful to others. This is a tool to help us hear the Holy Spirit speak to us personally.
In any relationship, there is a great difference between hearing the words and really listening. So being attentive in this form of prayer is essential. Inner quiet, relaxation, attentiveness, total honesty: “God I feel bored, angry, excited, scared…”
• Use only a small passage of Scripture. Taste God’s goodness. St. Ignatius of Loyola called this form of prayer an “application of the senses.” If you wish, you can use the same passage again and again, simplifying, returning to, and resting at that point where you met God. Where God spoke to you. Savouring one phrase, one word. Resting “like a child quieted at its mother’s breast.” (Ps 131:2)
• Scripture is food. It needs to be taken in, chewed over, tasted, to be nourishing.
• PICK a passage. Can have it ready the night before, go to sleep with it, wake up with it…
• PLACE of solitude, where we can be uninhibited about our response, maybe a “special place,” a “prayer corner”…
• POSTURE: relax, do a relaxation exercise, music, candles…but nothing that would distract.
• Seek and expect the PRESENCE of God. “God you are here, you love me into being, you love breath into me, you wish to speak to me …”
• PRAY: Could begin with the Collect for Purity or a confession from Morning or Evening Prayer and the Collect from Trinity 21; then ask for God’s Spirit, for grace to listen, to hear God’s word to me now…
• Ask the Holy Spirit to use your imagination, PICTURE the scene, become involved, with whom do I identify? “That person is me.” (2 Sam 12:7)
• Read very slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you PONDER. Can read aloud. Repeat. Read, Ruminate (Reflect), Respond (PROMISE), Rest. If a word or phrase touches your heart, savour it, repeat it, rest in it, return to it in a later prayer period, carry it in your heart for the rest of the day—for the rest of your life. Don’t hurry. Don’t try to look for lessons or profound thoughts. Expect His Presence and interaction!
Sample Scriptures:
• God’s covenant with me: Is 54, Is 55; Deut 7:7-11
• God loves me and calls me: Rom 8:28-30
• The choice to respond to God’s love: Deut 30:11-20
• Any favorite passages, one that the Spirit brings to mind, a Gospel passage, a Psalm, a prayer or the lessons from the Prayerbook lectionary
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
—Collect from The Second Sunday in Advent, 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Pray! Pray! Pray!
January 31, 2008
Pray! Pray! Pray!
I can never say this enough!
Pray! Pray! Pray!
We need to be always praying on behalf of those we love.
Prayer is our weapon!!!
“And this is my prayer that your love may abound more and move in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” ~ Philippians 1:9-11
Do you pray for your children? We need to!
Do you pray for your grandchildren? We need to!
How about your nieces and nephews, do you pray for them? We need to!
We must NEVER cease praying for our children.
We can only guide and protect them so far in life. They have to learn right from wrong and hopefully without doing too much of what’s wrong. They have to be able to be in this world without falling into the temptations of the world. And, that cannot always come from us, no matter how good a job we try to do. That can only come from the direct leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit in their lives. For without the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are all lost in a dark world.
We need to be praying for the salvation of our children if they have not come to a personal understanding of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord yet. We need to build that foundation in them-and we begin and end that process in prayer, being sure we set the example of Godly living as often as we can in the lives we live out before them.
Contemplative points:
- What an honor and a privilege to pray to our mighty God on behalf of our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews…any child
- We want out children to have love and have it abound more and more as they grow in God’s knowledge and truth.
- We pray that they grow in discernment (knowing right from wrong) and that they will remain pure and blameless before God
- We pray that our children are filled with the fruit of righteousness and that the Spirit leads them in the path that will only draw them closer to God
- Start the moment you know you are expecting and never stop praying no matter how old they get
- Let this be a prayer you keep next to you daily and keep it fresh on your lips
- God LOVES His Word spoken back to Him
As you make your requests for our children known to the Lord, include these points as well:
- Firmer personal discipline
- God’s Grace to worldwide persecuted Christians
- Hedge of protection to our entire family
- Blessings to our spouses
- Godly men in Government
- Rest and Peace to our Bishops, Priests and Deacons
- God’s guidance and presence in all our activities for the day
Investing in the Kingdom
January 4, 2008
Bible Reading: 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven, And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your
sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; 12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts. ~Malachi 3:10-12 (NKJV)
Bonus Reading: Haggai 1:3-10
What biblical principles should direct a Christian’s giving? Far from being a burden, giving is viewed by the wise believer as a “blessing opportunity,” and the first Scripture above talks about how God views it—probably the only time in Scripture when He tells us to test Him—linking giving our tithes—our first ten percent—to His promise of blessing and protection to us.
When we give, we’re placing ourselves directly in the path of God’s blessings. Solomon—the wisest man who ever lived—amplified it: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
It’s pretty clear. If we choose to honor God by giving Him the first of our time, talent and treasure, not the “leftovers,” he intends to reward us. So, it makes perfect sense, that as we plan our budgets and calendars we should use our boldest, most indelible pen to reserve our first appointments with Him, while also writing His check first, and then trusting Him to meet our other needs. Certainly Jesus’ words in St Matthew 6:33 ring out this truth: “…Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Obviously, the Lord intended for us not to worry about this world’s supply, but to make His Kingdom our priority—then He would take care of what we needed.
Although this might not seem like the prudent path to a real return on investment, we can take God at His Word that He will reward us—in ways we might not have considered. Remember the story of the widow and her son who were about to eat their last meal and die because of a severe famine? She gave to God’s prophet Elijah first, before even caring for her own needs. God worked miraculously so that “no matter how much they used, there was always enough [flour and oil] left in the containers” (1 Kings 17:16)—supplying her needs! When we give to God first, regardless of our needs, we see how big our God can be in our lives. If we withhold from Him, we miss blessings and provisions the Lord longs to shower on us.
But does it still work today? Sure! A seasoned Christian once spoke of how 50 years earlier, he and his wife committed to give God the first portion of their income. As a young couple, they searched their budget for ways to cut expenses. But they found no way to do this and still meet the needs of their growing family. Praying over their decision, they began giving to God first anyway, knowing that by the end of the third week of every month they’d be out of money. God provided faithfully, month after month and year after year. He cared for their family creatively through odd jobs, leading others to share clothing or homegrown vegetables, a bonus or overtime pay from work, close-out-priced items in stores—and so on. Although they were very limited in their ability to give, they did what they could—with a cheerful heart, doing it to and for the Lord. Did they become rich? Not apparently—but their dedication had to bring a tear to God’s eye. Think about that for a second—warming God’s heart!
So—what’s the answer? If we invest in the Kingdom, will we be skinny, rich and gorgeous? Perhaps not here—but, in God’s Kingdom—and His eyes—we’ll all be a “10” with Warren Buffett checkbooks. The reward? It’s a matter of when God decides to deliver on His promises—now, or later. And, after all, where will the real treasure be? The Bible says that this world and all its goods will one day pass away, but that we pursue the incorruptible prize—and making Jesus Lord in our time, talent, and treasure is a huge part of how we pursue that prize.
But what happened to the family who made sacrifices to give to the Kingdom through their local parish? By making giving to the Lord’s work their first financial priority, they learned more about the love, care, and reality of God as their Heavenly Father than through any other spiritual discipline. We cannot imagine the return on their investment the Lord has for them. But Scripture tells us—it will happen…it’s just a question of when.
At the beginning of this new year, we are entering the stewardship drive cycle—building our budget for the year, so this is a very timely topic. We have seen unprecedented blessings and opportunity for service in our parish—and are working very hard to accomplish the mission of providing for God’s people in our ancient way, while reaching out to the unchurched around us. There are so many reasons to be part of the parish—we need to expand our worship spaces and classrooms, provide more services to young families and the elderly, reach out more effectively to bring the Lord to our community, and make more services and ministerial support available to those who need them. To get there, we need to expand our budget and volunteer workforce. Will you be part of the vision by investing in the Kingdom with us—to God’s reward?
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me my heart about my time, talent, and treasure—and how I can best invest in God’s Kingdom.”
Think about it: Where my heart is, there is my treasure.
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
Finding the Finish
December 1, 2007
Bible Reading: 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” ~Hebrews 3:14-15 (NKJV)
Bonus Reading: Joshua 14:6-12
In the 1972 Munich Olympics, runner Dave Wottle, wearing his trademark baseball cap, was dead last in the 800-meter race throughout much of the race. As the final lap around the track began, Wottle seemingly charged through the pack. “Watch out for Dave Wottle’s kick!” the TV announcer screamed. Wottle overtook the leaders in the last 20 meters to win the Gold by three-tenths of a second!
Many think, “That’s how I want to run. It doesn’t matter if I fall behind; I’ll make it back with a big kick as everyone cheers me on.” But in remarks at a prep-school chapel service in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Wottle set the record straight. “The other runners went out so fast at the beginning that they slowed down at the end; I was able to maintain the same pace that I started with. … Even though I looked like I was kicking on them, they were coming back to me.” Wottle, one track expert explained, was “just maintaining in a dying field.”
Endurance is maintaining our walk with Jesus even when no one else is. In a society of flash-in-the-pan celebrities and trendy spirituality, endurance is putting our faith to work by showing up for Christ every day, in every circumstance until the race of life is done.
~adapted from Tod Bolsinger in Show Time
What a lesson for our Christian life—are we running well from the beginning to the end—or counting on a strong finish to carry us? Doesn’t that imply we KNOW when we will finish? After all, who among us can tell when we will face our finish line—the end of our life here on Earth? Isn’t it rebellion not to run our best pace from the beginning?
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me Your adjustments to help me maintain even pacing in a field dying about me!”
Think about it: To become a champion, fight one more round. ~JAMES CORBETT (world champion boxer)
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
God’s Rest Stops
November 1, 2007
Bible Reading: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
Bonus Reading: Hebrews 13:20-21
Perhaps the most stupid act I’ve ever done on a motorcycle was attempting to drive 900 miles across the entire state (some people say ‘country’) of Texas in one day—on just two hours of sleep. At 26 I thought I could do just about anything. But I found out I couldn’t do 900 miles in one stretch. I learned, however, that I could make it 40 miles to a rest area, get a cup of coffee and a doughnut, and drive 40 miles more. I repeated that process for hundreds of miles and, as you can tell, survived.
My experience provides a pattern for the spiritual life. When I first made God the ultimate priority in my life, I asked him to change a specific area that I knew wasn’t right. With His help I could do that one thing, we made some progress, and I was ready to rest. I’d arrived! God gently pointed out another area, we worked on that; then came the next stop with just enough time for coffee and a doughnut, so to speak.
God continues to reveal dimensions in my life that need repair or rebuilding. So far, I’ve hit a lot of rest stops, but I haven’t yet reached the destination of loving God with all my being. It’s called progress.
~Tim Riter from Twelve Lies You Hear in Church
Our lives in the Lord are a journey—not a destination. If we’re honest with ourselves and allow the Spirit to speak to us through life’s circumstances, we learn that we need that next rest stop. Problem is, a lot of us are just riding hard—but don’t know where. And here’s the Truth—God gave us his global positioning system—the Holy Ghost. If we look at His screen, He’ll show us which road to take—and take us to His rest stop. And then, He’ll refresh us with His Word and Sacrament. That’s a promise from the Lord to us, if we’ll take Him up on it.
Once we are reading His map, our heavy load—or long trip—is easy, in Him. And consider this—God provides us a rest stop and refreshment whenever we come to Him—but especially once a week in His House. How are we riding, then—at His pace—or our own?
Will we do it His way—or try it on our own? Why?
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me the rest stops you have for me in my life—and Your refreshment to keep me going on Your ride.”
Think about it: Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. ~Chinese proverb
Grace and peace,
Chip+
Raising Our Dead
October 2, 2007
Bible Reading:
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ~St. James 2:21-22 (NKJV)
Bonus Reading: St. Mark 16:16-18 & Galatians 5
To many Christians, “faith” means sincerely believing something is true when you don’t have any evidence. In fact, faith is acting on what you know full well is true: God is able to keep his promise and can be trusted
to do it. Faith that is only theoretical conviction isn’t faith yet. Real faith—living faith, saving faith—believe…and shudder at the thought—because the simple belief has not changed who they really are. Where have we allowed our faith to change our lives—showing us that God is at work in them?
God had promised Abraham that Isaac would be the father of an entire nation. When the Lord commanded him to sacrifice his only son, faith wasn’t some abstract issue of believing without evidence. Faith meant taking the risk of obedience—frightening as it was—because Abraham knew God could keep the promise even if Isaac died. Raising a son from the dead is right down God’s alley!
The life of faith is a life of taking risks that aren’t actually risky. When God puts a challenge before us—even one that seems crazy to our human nature—we can step out in confidence because we know God is
able and faithful. When our faith and actions are working together, then our faith will be made complete.
The question is—where do we have dead requiring raising in our lives? Are we willing to take God at His Word by risking ourselves in action based on our belief?
Contemplative Prayer: “Lord, what You want from us is exciting—and a little frightening, too. It would be a lot easier to just stay with our ‘business as usual’ lives, but You have something seriously amazing in store for us if we will match our beliefs with obedience. Please strengthen our confidence in Your power and trustworthiness, and grant us the courage to step out in faith when you give us opportunities to prove how much we really trust You.”
Think about it: The life of faith is taking risks in Him that aren’t actually risky.
Grace and peace,
Chip+
