simplewitness

2010-03-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Curve Ahead

Luke 15 brings us the familiar story of the Prodigal Son. The storyline has become almost mundane: boys rebels, boy regrets, father forgives. In its familiarity it is easy to pass over its power...and how it relates to each of our daily lives. Some of life's most profound realities are confronted in The Prodigal Son.

I'm reminded of the movie The Princess Bride. During a sword fight, Inigo and Westley are equally matched. Westley asked Inigo, "Why are you smiling?" Inigo responds, as he flips his sword from his left to his right hand, "I know something you do not know, I am not left handed!" As he begins to dominate in the fight, Inigo inquires about Westley's smile, to which Westley replies, also flipping his sword from left to right, "I too am not left handed!"

Life throws curves at us. All the time. How will we handle them when they come? What does our faith have to do with our response? And where is God in the mix?

[related to Pastor Lynn's sermon, "Curve Ahead," coming March 14, 2010, 10:00am @ Good Shepherd UMC, cometoworship.net]

2009-09-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

Step 5 - Confession

Step 5 - We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

James 5:16 "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so you may be healed. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective."

I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

When I was about six years old, a neighbor boy and I were ringbearer and flower girl in a wedding. As the reception went on, we were bored and seeing the grand spiral staircase...decided to slide down it. We were having a wonderful time when one of the staff shooed us away and we went running, sweaty and out of breath to our parent's table. Apparently, someone had told on us and my mom asked, "Have you two been sliding down the staircase?" "No, mommy!" I said, not realizing that my dress was torn, hair disheveled and streams of dirt from the stair rail covered my dress!

It is hard to confess our wrong doings...even when we are caught red handed! Perhaps it is the power of our pride that prevents us. Or fear. The Bible says, "perfect love casts out all fear." What would it be like to live fear-free lives? What would it be like if we could really experience perfect love?

The verses from James and 1 John take on new meaning in the context of perfect love. The goal of God's perfect love is not to punish or condemn us but rather to restore, cleanse and heal.

How does the idea of perfect love impact your ability to confess?

[preview of "Step 5: Confession" sermon by Rev. Lynn Munson, Sunday Oct. 4, 2009, Good Shepherd UMC, www.cometoworship.net]

2009-03-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

Obstacle Course

Have you ever run an obstacle course? There are many barriers that complicate your path as you try to race up and down and around them to your goal.

Jesus ran into many barriers in his ministry. Religious zealots, societal hierachies, the government as well as individual's fear, pride and resistance. In each circumstance he was confronted with the choice of being derailed by an obstacle or overcoming it.

What do you do when an obstacle is in your way in your faith journey? What do we do with obstacles as a church?

[related to sermon "Obstacle Course," March 8, 2009 @ Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster]

2009-02-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

We Believe!

Youth Sunday is here! Feb. 22nd @ Community UMC, Huntington Beach and March 1st @ Good Shepherd, Westminster our worship will be completely led by our youth!

The theme is "We Believe" and will feature a banner & flag processional to LOUD (but appropriate :) music as well as readings, songs and prayers by youth group members.

Three youth will preach on the following scriptures with stories from their own lives:

I John 4 "God is love"

Psalm 25 "be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am lonely and in pain"

Matthew 7 "do not judge so you will not be judged"

It promises to be a lively and meaningful worship experience!! Come and worship as God works in and through the leadership The COS Youth Group!

[related to worship at Community UMC, Huntington Beach, CA Feb. 22nd, 8:30 & 10:00am and at Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA March 1st, 10:00am]

2009-01-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Suffering brings up a myriad of questions and emotions. Rev. Richard Hogue of Liberty Grove UMC, articulates it well:

"I readily confess to being as bedeviled by the question of suffering as the next guy. Even when I’m able to explain some particular instance of suffering to some degree of satisfaction, I’m still left with the larger questions: Why is suffering so unevenly distributed? Why do Americans worry about computer bugs while Venezuelans worry about whole villages washed away by mud? Why is the magnitude of suffering so great? Why did war claim over 100 million lives in the 20th century, including 6 million non-combatant Jews in the holocaust? Why are some people made noble by suffering and others destroyed by it?"

When faced with suffering, either our own or others, what answers have your experiences given you?

[related to sermon "Suffering" 10:00am Sunday, January 11th @ Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA by Pastor Lynn Munson]

2008-09-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Transformation

So, here we finally are...Week 1 of the Transformation Journal. We started Sunday with Genesis...the creation account. And today's readings detailed God's "re-start" through the flood and a new covenant with a rainbow to seal the deal.

A tumultuous beginning for humanity. Created in paradise...we blew it and hid. Living by God's spirit...blew it again and God redeemed a remnant.

And so we see throughout scripture. Humanity messing up and God patiently, painstakingly striving to bring us around, to show us a better way, to bring us into relationship. All because all God really wants is to love us and be loved in return.

What are you willing to do for those who you love? What does that mean about your relationship with God?

[This message will be part of Good Shepherd's All-Church campout this weekend; Autumn VanDerLinden will give the message at 10:00am service @ Good Shepherd UMC related to Matthew 20:1-16...you won't want to miss it!!]

2008-08-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

We Have Nothing to Give

We live in a world where our worth is measured by what we have to offer...by our achievements. The highest position, social standing, wealth and fame are all admired and sought after. So what does this mean for disciples who find themselves with nothing?

In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus is asking the disciples to feed over 5,000 people. A crazy request. Of course, the disciples, figuratively turning their pockets inside-out say, "We have nothing." "Well...except, 5 loaves and 2 fish." With the size of the task the little they had might as well have been nothing.

Is there a place in the Kingdom of God to say...Lord, we have nothing?

[related to "We Have Nothing to Give" sermon for Sunday, August 3rd, 10:00am, Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA]

2008-07-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sowing Seeds

In Matthew 13:1-23 Jesus teaches a parable about a farmer who spreads seed. Seed falls on rocky soil, on thorny soil, and on good soil. Only in good soil did anything significant come of the seed. And it not only grew but yielded between 30 and 100 times what was planted.

As with any parable we have to figure out what the metaphor means. Who is the farmer? What is the seed...and the soil? What is rocky, thorny or good soil? Definately questions to ponder.

Nevertheless, what if you were guaranteed a 30 percent or higher return? Would you make the investment? Would you take the risk?

2008-07-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Talkin' 'bout my Generation

In Matthew 11 Jesus asks:

"But to what will I compare this generation?"

There's alot of humor in Jesus' question.

Usually when people complain about a generation, it's the older folks complaining about 'those *@&#! kids' and how because of the next generation the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

But Jesus is complaining about his peers...and even the older generation. Those who are the religious and community leaders. Those who are in power. And Jesus makes fun of them...as they criticize John the Baptist for being straight edge and as they call Jesus a partier.

So, in turn-on-it's-head Jesus style...he puts the light on 'this generation' (not the next one) and says "what am I going to do with you!?!?" Because instead of recognizing the Kingdom of God coming...all they did was complain.

Where do you find yourself in this text? Nevermind your age.

[related to 7/6 sermon "Talkin' 'bout my Generation" @ Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster]

2008-06-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

A Father's Day Prayer

Holy Father,

You are the one who knows how absolutely special fathers are.
You made them that way.

How else can a man work so hard, give so much, and love unconditionally,
without your strength?

So first, Lord, thank You for fathers, for daddies.
For big, strong men with tender hearts,
with hands that are calloused and rough,
yet so soft and gentle when hearts need mending.

Lord, help children to delight this day in being with their dads,
even if it must be only by phone.

May the precious memories flow, and bring laughter,
and new love and appreciation.

Lord, please take care of our dads.
Though they are brave and protective,
they must also be frightened sometimes,
when money runs low, when we need things, when we're hurt or sick.

Lord, when their hearts break because they can't do it all,
please help us to let them know how much we love them.

And how much You love them.

Lord, forgive the men who know they are not good fathers,
and help them to know when and if they can make things better,
with Your help.

And Oh, Lord, for those Dads who keep trying and keep loving after messing up so many times,
help their children to love them even more in return.

Lord, for that Dad who has lost a child, please let him know You are there,
right beside him,
for nothing else can heal a heart so torn.

For the father who is parenting alone, strengthen him with your love.

For those whose father is already with You,

Give him a hug, Lord,

and tell him it's from his children.

And you, too, Lord.

Happy Father's Day!

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

2007-11-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

What is the Meaning of the Cross?

The band Switchfoot has a song called "American Dream." Here are part of the lyrics:

When success is equated with excess
The ambition for excess wrecks us
When top of the mind becomes the bottom line
Then success is equated with excess

When success is equated with excess
When we're fighting for the beamer, the lexus
As the heart and soul breathing the company goals
Where success is equated with excess

I want out of this machine
It doesn't feel like freedom

This ain't my American dream
I want to live and die for bigger things
I'm tired of fighting for just me
This ain't my American dream

I began wondering, this week, about the pressure of the American Dream...and even how that comes into effect around the holidays. What is the "perfect" American Dream Christmas? And what kind of strain does that exert on our lives and relationships...and what turmoil to our spirit?

And then I wondered about the Cross. That horrible tool of suffering and punishment, a sign of what happens to someone who has a counter-cultural dream. In Ephesians 2, the cross is spoken of in such a different way. Not the strain. Not the burden. But Ephesians 2:16, says, it is through the Cross, that Christ brought peace.

What is the meaning of the cross? for you? for me?

[related to sermon 12.02.07, 10am worship, Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, Rev. Lynn Munson]

2007-10-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Where is God when People Suffer?

In California, fires are still raging. Latest reports state that over 500,000 people have been evacuated, over 2,500 homes and structures have burned to the ground, losses are exceeding over 1 billion dollars and with the couple found dead in their San Diego home this morning, the number of those who have lost their lives continues to increase.

Families are grieving, people have lost all their possessions and family heirlooms, firefighters and others have been severely injured, some agonizing with burns over much of their bodies. So many thousands of people are suffering. And where is God?

Where is God when people are suffering? Where is God when we are in pain? Where is God when tragedy strikes? And what can be said to those who have lost so much?

Walt Whitman once said "I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person."

It strikes me that with a world in distress...God came and suffered along with humanity. Jesus became the wounded person.

There are no easy answers to our cries as tragedy surrrounds us. But these are questions I compelled to speak about as we gather this coming Sunday. Until then, let's commit ourselves to prayer for all who are affected by the fires.

["Where is God When People Suffer," sermon 10.28.07, Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA]

2007-08-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

You are Set Free

Jesus laid hands on her and immediately she could stand up straight! An amazing story from Luke 13:10-17. A woman, bent over, by "a spirit of weakness" for 18 years was "set free" as Jesus touched her and proclaimed that she was.

Standing straight, facing the synogogue leaders who denounced her healing, what must she have thought? Recognized as important, even as a daughter of Abraham, by Jesus. She praised God. Her opponents were shamed. The people rejoiced!

From what do you need to be set free?

[preview of sermon "You are Set Free" - Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA 8.26.07]

2007-08-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

To Seek and to Save

Jesus was very clear about God's vision for his life: "to seek and to save those who are lost." Consequently, the Church's vision is the same.

So how does a church seek the lost? How does the Church save the lost? Do the lost know they need to be found?

Honestly, I struggle with the language here. It seems condescending for anyone to say to another, "You are lost....let me save you." I imagine the sting of a Bible thumping some poor unsuspecting person atop the head. And then running as fast as they can...the other direction.

So what is the church to do? Are there other options?

Jesus said the words, "I have been sent to seek and to save the lost" in response to his encounter with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was found up a tree, trying to see Jesus. And Jesus approached him so they could share a meal. No Bible thumping at all.

How has Jesus approached us with companionship and grace? How can the Church "seek and save" like Jesus?

[sermon preview "To Seek and to Save" for Sunday, 8.19.07 Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Westminster, CA]

2007-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Things Not Seen

Hebrews Chapter 11 tells of Abraham. He is a man who has lived his life with a dream, a hope and a vision. He wants to be a father. He has the hope of leaving a legacy. Of passing on his faith. Of passing on his life's work. And at age 75...he still has no child.

Verse 12 says, Abraham was "one who was as good as dead." So God's promise, "your descendents will be greater in number than the stars in the sky," must have seemed crazy.

But hoping, against what he must have felt.....Abraham believed God.

There are so many times in life that our hopes and dreams and visions don't come to pass. And there is very little reason to believe that anything in the future will change. Yet...it seems like the Bible speaks of a God who gives hope. The Bible tells of a God who has some amazing visions for His people's lives.

This God promises some unbelievable things...

Things that we cannot see.
Things that don't make any sense.

What have you been hoping for?

[Sneak Preview: "Things Not Seen" sermon for 8.12.07 @ Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster, CA]

2007-07-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Do This and You Shall Live

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's a story most of us have heard. A man is beaten and left for dead. Soon thereafter, a priest and a Levite happen by, both ignoring the man's plight; both were highly respected members of society. Then a Samaritan comes along, [Society would have judged him lower than a dog -- because he was Samaritan] not only helping the man, but going out of his way with time and generosity to make sure he has all he needs.

So, why does Jesus tell the story where a Samaritan is the 'good guy'?

Is this story solely about refuting prejudice? Or does Jesus have further motivation?

There's got to be more to the story...what do you think?

2007-03-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

TWO THINGS I'VE LEARNED

1) I can't control the decisions, actions, thoughts or feelings of others.

2) The only one I have charge of is myself.

Yeah, I know...for many of you these are obvious lessons. Though I have heard them many times before...phrased in one way or another...I am learning them again...as if for the first time.

It's soooo dang hard when someone who is important to you doesn't respond in the way you want them to. It's easy to disguise our "want" of their behavior as something they "should" do or "could" do if they loved us enough...or something that anyone else "would" do under the circumstances. And it is so easy to "blame" that person for not doing what I want.

The truth is that the behavior of that other person is not under my control and as much as I WANT them to do the thing the way I WANT...my WANTING doesn't make it so...no matter how hard I try. So, even though this is a painful reality...it is also freeing.

At least now...if I pay attention to what the person is really saying or doing...I have reality. And by acknowledging reality, I can act on it!

I think Jesus gave us this example often. When the disciples were cowering and fearful in the boat. He didn't waste time whining at them to knock it off and take charge. He commanded the storm to stop. When the Pharisees lacked compassion on the Sabbath...He did not spend hours laboring through each law refuting it's validity. He healed a man in the midst of them. When faced with centuries of inequities toward women, Jesus did not pity them by reinforcing a victim mentality, but rather forgave the adultress, spoke publicly to the woman at the well, healed the unclean woman with the issue of blood, and gave to a woman (rumored to be a prostitute) the first witness of Him as the risen Christ.

I am learning again that we have a choice. We can either spend our lives blaming others for hurting us, keeping us down, or framing our injured identity...OR...

We can take charge of our own lives...living out the image of God in which we were created...and take on each day with courage.

It doesn't mean it's easy...but I'm finding...that by the grace of God...it can be done!

2006-11-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

Club Rules

Ever thought of your relationship life like a club? That's the idea suggested in Mckenna & Willbourn's book "How to Mend Your Broken Heart."

Imagine this...that any relationship (lover, friend, family, acquaintance) you 'allow' into your life...is like 'membership' in YOUR club. You decide who gets in and who has to leave.

AND you decide the rules of the club.

What kind of people do you want in your life? What kind of people do you NOT want in your life?

What rules need to followed in how they treat you and others? What kind of behavior is expected in YOUR club? [and your rules apply to you too! :)]

Respect, kindness, attentiveness, honesty, christ-likeness, etc.

In your "ME Club" what are the rules?

[adapted from How to Mend Your Broken Heart: Overcome Emotional Pain at the End of a Relationship (Paperback)by Paul Mckenna, Hugh Willbourn]

2006-11-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Seven Key Questions to Discerning God's Voice

A suggestion for this article is to put a copy in your Bible, or in your car....or where you usually spend time in prayer.

To discern if what you are "hearing" is from God -- ask:

1) Does it sound like God? Does it sound like Jesus?

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today, and forever."

2) Does it help you to conform to the image of Christ?

II Corinthians 3:18 "And all of us, with unveiled face...are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."

3) Is it consistent with previous experiences that you know were from God?

I Corinthians 14:33 "for God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace."

4) Is it consistent with the fruit of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22 "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self-control."

5) Is it consistent with the witness of the saints?

Philippians 3:17 "brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have found in us."

6) Do trusted friends and mentors agree this is from God?

Proverbs 15:22 "Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisors they succeed."

7) Is it consistent with the overarching themes of scripture?

(adapted from "Falling for God: Saying Yes to His Extravagant Proposal", by Gary Moon)

Humility, patience & investment of time are vital in discerning what God is speaking to you. Getting to know God is the best way to know God's voice.

2006-11-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Kingdom of God is Like...

Jesus frequently started his teachings with "the kingdom of God is like..." What frequently followed was something his audience didn't expect.

Sowing seeds, hidden treasure, a mustard seed, and a net catching fish, are just some of Jesus'illustrations of the Kingdom. How can such simple, everyday items convey something as glorious as the Kingdom of the Most Holy Creator of all things?

The other night Jesus' Kingdom idea became a little clearer to me. A friend & I were seeking out food at Carl's Jr. As we walked toward the door a stained-shirt, slurry-speached, limpity-legged man approached us...and asked for 50 cents, saying "I'm hungry."

He then went on to tell us a long story about the surgeries he needed and didn't have money for and the problems with his checks and medications and a great variety of other issues. We told him "well, we can't give you money, but we can buy you a hamburger." He said that would be great...but as it turned out the Carl's Jr. was closed as it was quite late and nothing else was open either.

So, as we pondered how we might help him, we knew our only solution was to give him a few dollars and trust God might guide him to use it wisely. But as we did that and said "God bless," to turn and leave. He started asking us about church. And then after a long conversation about where a church was for him. He asked another question...

It became clear that his hunger was not for food...but for companionship.

In that midnight hour, the kingdom of God was like a homeless man...hungry for connection.

My friend and I realized maybe he was on to something...maybe we were hungry for connection too?!

The kingdom of God is like....

What is it like for you?

2006-10-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Happiness

Psalm 1 begins:

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the paths that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;

but their delight
is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law
they meditate day and night.

They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.

This text caught my attention because so often I ponder what it will take to make me happy...to make my family happy...to bring others happiness for which they so long?

I'm trying to take this in...it seems so antithetical to our typical thoughts about happiness...

If I don't take advice from those who don't live well, or in ways I respect...
If I don't follow behaviors of those who do wrong
If I don't stand in judgement of others or secretly look down at others
...this will bring happiness?

If I think about God's teachings...which Jesus said were summed up in:

"Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
your mind, and your soul
and love your neighbor as yourself."

And if I take joy in such beliefs
...this will bring happiness?

THEN

I will be like a truly living creature
always near my source of life
and good, positive, creative, nourishing things
will come from me?

I'm still pondering this....O God, help me take it in.

2006-10-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to the Task

Yesterday, at church, our Katrina Work Team was dedicated as missionaries for God! Wow! What a humbling idea, that people are going to allow us into their personal homes, their personal space and into their lives...without even knowing us! Again we go Oct. 8-14, 2006. Just a week away!

And so it is our prayer that somehow through our hammering, sawing, painting, smiling, and our presence, these folks will know that God hasn't totally forsaken them...and that God really does care.

Jesus said "I will never leave your nor forsake you." Please pray that we can be good witnesses of our Christ!

If you're interested in more info...see UMCOR.org. The United Methodist Commission on Relief is a world-wide relief organization. We are part of a local task force, of which there are thousands working with United Methodist churches in the south who are set up as Relief Centers for those in need after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.

2006-09-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

In the In-Between

Right now in my life, in many ways, I seem to be "in-between." And it amazes me how many people I talk to who feel the same way.

Experiencing the in-between is uncomfortable. Knowing you can't go back to where you've been....and not knowing where, exactly you are going. It's kind-of like growing out of a pair of shoes. The old ones don't fit. So the search goes on for new ones, trying to find the ones that are just right.

Whether it's in the area of our careers, our love relationships, our geographical location, our living situation, our financial situation, etc. Whatever the in-between is, we hold out hope that somewhere out there, is exactly that for which we have been looking.

It's almost like Moses wandering with the people in the wilderness, hoping to be led to the land of milk and honey. Or, perhaps it is like Jesus' trek through the wilderness, after being baptised. In scripture there are many cases of God's followers traveling a way unknown to them...and having to trust God for the outcome. And one thing was certain...it was never easy!

However, scripture does tell us that God met the people's needs in in the wilderness so they could finally find the promised land. And God gave Jesus the wisdom and strength he needed to persevere through all of his trials.

In the uncomfortability of the in-between I try to rest on the text from Jer. 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil, plans for a future with hope."

What helps you in the in-between?

2006-09-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Breathe'n Grace

At the gym today, I heard Anna Nalick's song, "Breathe/2am" and the lyrics struck me.

"2am and she calls me 'cause I'm still awake,
'can you help me unravel my latest mistake?
I don't love him. Winter just wasn't my season'
Yeah we walk through the doors, so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize,
Hypocrites. You're all here for the very same reason."

I was struck by the human commonality of the need to "unravel the latest mistake" and the feeling that others stand in judgement. I wonder if it might be that there are these two types of people: those who make mistakes...and those who hold it against them. And wondered too if both those types of people might be in each of us?

Ealier tonight, at a local restaurant, as I walked into the Ladies room, I heard little-girl giggling from behind the door. Peeking behind it, I observed, two 7 or 8 year old girls, holding their breath, stiffened flat against the wall, eyes wide, but avoiding my gaze. And, then, as our eyes met, like a flash, they scrambled, huffing and puffing, underneath my arm and out of sight, almost before I could blink. I smiled at their joyful mischieviousness and at the fact that I'd "caught them." Contemplating their reaction, I smiled again at the familiarity of such human behavior, which Anna's song attempts to describe:

"'cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
and life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl.
So cradle your head in your hands."

Just like those little girls...when "caught" we either hold our breath, wishing to "push rewind" or we suck in as much air as possible, trying to "jump the track" and put distance between our consciousness and our wrong actions. It is a typical response when humans blow it to either try to hide...or to run.

But what if we do as the song suggests in the next few lines?

"Breathe
just breathe
oh breathe,
just breathe."

What a restful thought...a gracious thought. In the panic of "being caught" instead of hiding...or running....just stop...and breathe. Wouldn't it be amazing if in the middle of guilt, or shame, or condemnation, or regret...if we could just take our time...slow down...and breathe? And in regard to others, whom we might be tempted to judge, instead of judging, what if we gave them room to just breathe?

Room to breathe is grace. When we've done wrong...we hold our breath...or let our breathing get out of control....feeling dis-ease with ourselves.

It has been almost shocking to me, what I have experienced of God in those moments of dis-ease or disease. In powerful ways, I have felt God call me to come and be healed, when I'd rather run or hide. But I have experienced that God really is our Great Physician and does actually long for our healing.

God meets us in the place of our brokeness. Meets us with grace....meets us with rest....meets us with Holy breath. And it is God's breath...God's Holy Spirit that restores us and renews us and gives us new life. As God breathes on us...we are invited to rest in mercy and grace and forgiveness.

God invites us to just breathe.

2006-09-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Charity...Loud and Clear

I Corinthians 13 begins: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angles but have not charity, I become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."

It's such an interesting image...one I've not thought of much. The author of Corinthians says that whether our words are the best our world has to offer, or the best the heavens could offer, that if we do not have charity...our words are like a blast of meaningless sound or an annoying clamor.

Yesterday, I returned from a "roadtrip" back from Salt Lake City with my girlfriend who was dropping off her youngest daughter at college. We talked the entire trip, laughing, sharing, crying, cracking jokes. We call ourselves the Ya Ya's....sisters of the heart. My friend is Mormon...and I am Protestant.

Protestant Christians don't often look to Mormons for lessons of faith...but this roadtrip broke that prejudice.

Interwoven throughout our conversation, completely unintentionally, my friend shared much about her faith...and her faith community...and their practice of charity. As she moved about with her military husband, she often found herself in need. Whether it was carrying a heavy dresser up the front porch steps, or setting up her computer once she'd moved again, or needing a comforting word about her single-parenting skills.

And so I heard one story...and then another....and then another, all expressing some kind of need....often unspoken, but perceived by a "brother" or "sister"...and then met with uncanny charity. The computer she couldn't afford when her daughter went away to school. An air-conditioning unit installed in her living room window in the stifling summer heat, a visit with a plate of cookies at a difficult time. All and more taken on by members of her congregation, overwhelming charity poured out through her brethren's sense of personal faith committment in answering her and her family's needs.

This fascinates me! Not only the charity given with such care and precision, but the "ownership" each congregation member felt for a member of their faith "family."

In Christian-Protestant circles I wonder if we have such a true sense of "family" in our churches. We are called "children of God" and are all members of the same "body" -- Christ's body. However, I have often noticed that when such needs arise, these needs go unmet and opportunities to BE God's amazing grace pass with no regard.

Maybe we keep a distance in order to be polite. Perhaps we don't want to meddle or appear nosy or intrusive. Or it could be that we have different expectations...expecting people's biological families to care for them; or our community services or government agencies. For whatever reason, though, there seems to be a gap in Christian-Protestant charity...and it just doesn't seem to fit neatly into what Jesus' expectation of the Kingdom of God.

Charity is another word for love...but I think we miss the meaning of love because we commonly define it as a feeling. In looking at I Corinthians 13, we don't read about "feelings" we see that LOVE is an ACTION. Thus, the idea of charity invites a new perspective on love and on Christian behavior. With charity in mind, looking anew at scripture, concepts of love take on fresh meaning.

I John 4:7 says "beloved, let us show charity to one another, for charity is of God and those who show charity are born of God and know God."

Romans 12:10 says "show charity to one another with brotherly affection and out do one another in showing kindness."

John 14:12 says "show charity to one another as I have shown charity to you!"

God does not love us just by giving us a warm and fuzzy feeling...rather, God's charity was shown to us by God's actions of sending Christ, who lived, suffered, died and resurrected....all to convey God's great charity toward us!

How is God moving you to show charity to those who cross your path? Let's look together for those opportunities to BE amazing grace!

2005-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Shared Witness

How visible is your Christianity?

Habakkuk 2 says "write the vision on tablets so that even a runner may see it."

You know, when you are running or biking or driving by a sign with small or indisinguishable lettering, you often can't understand it. You can't decifer what's being communicated....'cause it's not clear.

The vision of God's faithful is to be clear even by someone who runs by. This tells me that our witness is to be so BOLD and OBVIOUS that even when someone comes in and out of our lives quickly, our witness can be seen.

How can you make your witness more visible?

2005-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Getting What We Want

They say that pictures speak more than a thousand words and the photo on the front page of the paper this morning does just that. At first glance you'd think it was a photo from some poverty-striken village in Uganda, but no....it's a picture from right here in the U.S.; in New Orelans. A woman, either having fainted or died, is being carried away, not on a stretcher, not by paramedics, but hanging in the hands of three regular citizens.

When I read the news reports of tens of thousands of people being trapped without electricity, food or water, in unsanitary conditions, I just want to cry out "How can this happen in America?!!" It's a reaction to my compassion, outrage and sense of justice, I know. It's also a reaction to my idealism, assuming our country, with it's ability to help in so many other areas of the world, and it's affluence, can do just about anything.

And then the reality of this situation sets in...and I see the desparate faces of those on the news or in the papers who are displaced and scrambling for hope. And I think about the scripture in Matthew 18:19 that says "truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." And I feel certain it wouldn't be hard to find just one other person to agree with me that these people need help....and need it now!

And I wonder....how will God do what we agree needs to be done?

2005-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Miracles Happen!

In Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus takes five small loaves of bread and a couple of fish, a meal for one, and after giving God thanks for these meager resources, He blesses them...and they miraculously fed the crowd of over 5,000.

Jewel's song "Hands" says "my hands are small I know, but they are my own."

Sometimes I wonder if in response to the needs of the world, we see our resources as too small....as too insignificant....or just inadequate?

And then we do nothing to meet others needs?

What does Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 suggest to you about a Christian's requirement to meeting other's needs?

2005-07-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Action!

When Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, he doesn't just talk about an idea....he talks practically. Jesus says the Kingdom of God is about action. When I stop to think about living my life...taking every action with the wonder of what God would have me do...life takes on a different meaning. I really have to stop and think...and then pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to act as He calls me to.

What way is God calling you to live out the Kingdom?

What actions can you take in your every day activities to live out God's love?

2005-07-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hide & Seek

Ever have a time when one day just seems to run into the next. Regular things happen...nothing special? I was sitting in a parking lot tonight...looking around...Starbucks on the corner, an ambulance drove by, people chatting near the car next to me. Thinking about the past few days, going to the dentist for a chipped tooth, grocery shopping, getting an appointment for a car repair, cleaning out computer files. And as I thought about how ordinary all of this seems...I realized that maybe that's how Jacob felt when he went to Bethel. The scripture in Genesis 12 says he went to that place and didn't realize God was there.

Where is God in those ordinary times? In those boring, nothing special kind of days? Is God there?

2005-06-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

One of the great lessons of the Bible is that our stories matter. The Bible is full of people's stories...and their stories of experiencing God. What amazes me is that God uses our stories to effect the lives of others. This is the way faith is passed on to one generation and the next...by retelling how we've experienced God in the real day to day of our lives.

How has someone else's story encouraged you in a hard time?

How has your story helped someone else?

Is there a time a Biblical story has helped you in a time of challenge?

[related to message @ OUMC, Sunday 9:00am, 7/10/05]