Greatest Hits - Volume 2

     Somethings just go well together: peanut butter and jelly, chocolate and vanilla, tennis ball and a dog,...Our lives are full of great pairings that harmonize and compliment each other. I am thinking of many on stage pairs that make this point as well. Who are you thinking of? Connections and relationships are very important in our past, present, and future.

     Today's Psalm is my selection because it goes with Psalm 111, which we looked at yesterday. Psalm 112 is not chosen for today in the Daily Lectionary that we have been following. They go together, though. They are similar in style and length. They hold a similar purpose of summarizing for teaching and building up. I hear in it the reality that there is never a bad time to give praise to God or celebrate God's goodness. This can be hard to recognize, but God is indeed good all the time! Lift up your heads and voices, O people of God, sing and shout God's praises!

Psalm 112  {or Sing along on YouTube}

Praise the Lord!
   Happy are those who fear the Lord,
   who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land;
   the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses,
   and their righteousness endures for ever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;
   they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend,
   who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
   they will be remembered for ever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings;
   their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;
   their righteousness endures for ever;
   their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry;
   they gnash their teeth and melt away;
   the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

Living and loving God, you are the pinnacle and above all that is, has been, and ever will be. We give you praise, honor, and glory for your surpassing goodness. Your truth is just and your teachings are proven. Yet, we turn to you and ask for help in times that we are not so quick to see all your positives and blessings. Be with us in this moment to recognize and celebrate your goodness in small and all ways,... Heal, help, and hold those who need your loving care this day,... Guide us to see all the ways that we link up to be your Body of Christ in the world. Show us the harmony of our pairings within the diversity and beauty of your Creation. In your great Name, we pray. Amen.

Greatest Hits - Volume 1

      I think that one of the best ideas that the music industry came up with thousands of years ago was to alphabetize and compile a greatest hits mash-up into a single psalm. It's short, it's memorable (although more so in Hebrew), and it's inspirational. Yes, today's reading is one of a two volume set. It can all be yours for the low, low price of... Alright, I got a little carried away there. Seriously, memorize a verse in your favorite translation! 

     What songs of your life when God's presence and works were obvious still ring in your heart? What were the best times of your life? All glory to God. What were the worst times of your life? God was there with you. All glory to God! Contemplate listing out all of God's greatest hits with you, loved ones, and others.

Psalm 111  [sung on youtube]

Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.

He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.

My God, I praise you this day in song and memories. I lift my life before you. I give you thanks for your mysterious presence made known in wonderful ways. All glory and honor are yours forever. Tune my heart to sing your praises! I humbly ask you to remain with those who are in need of a song. Fill them with your joy,... In Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

(Yes, Volume 2 is tomorrow's posting.)

Top Ten in the Bible

     When you are planning travels, events or shopping, it is a good idea to check out "Top Ten" lists. This could be helpful to avoid the pitfalls of going with something that is not
recommended. You might also want to avoid where or what everyone else is choosing. Perhaps you want something unique. I thought of those lists with today's reading--a theme that is certainly a top ten for the entire Bible. Then I thought, I wonder how many people realize how important wisdom is consistently described or connected to in the Holy Scriptures. When was the last time you heard someone describe wisdom as a number 1 aspect of faith or discipleship? Of course, part of the possible discrepancy lies with the nature of wisdom. It is elusive and completely incapable of being transactional. You can't do a set or list of things to generate more wisdom. You can't check off a top ten list to move on to the wisdom level.

Proverbs 8:1-21

Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
“To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.
O simple ones, learn prudence;
acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right;
for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands
and right to those who find knowledge.
Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
I, wisdom, live with prudence,
and I attain knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
I have good advice and sound wisdom;
I have insight, I have strength.
By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
by me rulers rule,
and nobles, all who govern rightly.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
endowing with wealth those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

Great God of all wisdom, I pray that you would guide my discernment and decisions so that they may be found along your path of wisdom. May I not chase after vain or trivial things. Grant me the insight to acknowledge your role to its fullest. Fill me with the humility to appreciate all gifts and goodness. Turn me away from foolishness and its easy and seductive way. Be with all those that are in need in any way this day,... Grant all this and those things which I am yet ignorant of even their existence. Bless and sustain all your faithful children in the path toward greater wisdom and all its fruits. In the Name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

So Crazy, It Might Just Work

      In the movie, "Master of Disguise," Dana Carvey as Pistachio Disguisey says a memorable line each time that an outlandish plan is laid out. "It's so crazy, it just might work." Yes, it is a silly movie, so only watch it if you aren't in a serious mood. The quotable line, however, points to solid logic. The logic goes along with our reading for today. If you don't understand it and it seems unlike other things, it could be the answer. If it seems like it doesn't fit or isn't like the other attempts that failed, then it could be the genuine solution.

     This a logical proof for Christianity's existence, it in the same way is a piece of evidence for the validity of faith in the Resurrection. That is, if Jesus wasn't the Son of God and wasn't raised from the dead, then why did Christianity grow and become what it is today?

     This is also a discernment check, if it sounds or seems unlike what you would have tried or what has already failed, then seriously consider the possibility that it could be God-breathed. I should add the footnote that all crazy ideas don't work and this does not encourage recklessness. Rather, this logic encourages you to become vulnerable to God's intervention and to be open to the reality of success when it seems like failure is more likely. 

Acts 5:33-42

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, “Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” They were convinced by him, and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

Messiah Jesus, we praise you for your reign. We give our thanks to you for leading us through. You are the one true redeemer, we trust in you. In this moment of prayer, we ask for your guidance to come before us and help us to see the magnificence of your plans and designs. Let us work within your path. Enable us to distribute your goodness into the lives of others. Strengthen those, we pray, who are struggling or suffering in any way,... We lift also those who have died, knowing and trusting in your final and complete power of death and all things. We pray all this in your holy and powerful Name. Amen.

"I do not lie."

 

The Conversion of Saint Paul

     I saw an exchange this morning between a reporter and a politician. I found it revealing that the one did not want it to be that what one was saying was right and the other wrong. When did it become reasonable to have a conversation about facts and it did not have to be decided that someone was right and someone was wrong? Yes, there can be different interpretations of trends and developing information. A fact, however, is a piece of evidence which anchors truth away from deception.  To be clear, this was not a conversation about a subjective matter, nor simply an opinion.

     Saint Paul did not invent the truth or the proper identification of right and wrong. He did, however, provide a significant anchor for the faithful reality that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead. He "switched sides" because God moved him. Other knew him and noticed. Truth is not relative, but it is relational. One person does not possess the truth, but it is known and attested by multiple witnesses.

Galatians 1:11-24

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

Great God, we thank you for choosing Paul. We praise you for showing us the way through revelations, witnesses, examples, and most especially through relationships. Guide us, we pray, to be faithful witnesses to your truth. Let our lives show your change. God, we lift before you those who are in need of your changing truth,... We ask your loving and healing presence to bring healthy change to those who are sick or in need,... Lead us all by your powerful Holy Spirit, in whose Name we pray. Amen.

Opposite Opposite

     Our space probes and telescopes continue to search for the balance of opposites which is required to hold life on a planet. This precious and wonderful world, of course we know has many such perfect balances of distance and location, composition and placement. Ancients were aware of only a few, but obvious examples of God's providence. The largest, of course, being water. 

     How many cups of water have you had before reading this? How many things around you have been touched by water in a way for its creation or keeping? It is enough to say that water is a proof of God?

     In the same and opposite way, fire is another proof of the destructive and consuming power within Creation. The controlling of fire is good in some ways--being able to make heat in the winter! It has also led to much pollution. How can you and we be better stewards of fire?

2 Peter 3:1-7

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles.

First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!” They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.

Lord God, count me among those who trust in you. I am squarely on the side of devotion to your good work, let my praises be worthy in your hearing! I am grateful for your creative and redeeming work in the world through your fire and water. I am grateful for your destructive and cleansing work in the world through your fire and water. I submit my life to your mercy and pray your guidance to manage more carefully these and all your wonderful gifts. I lift up to you those mysteries far beyond the elements that I do not understand. Into your care I place those who need their sickness burned off and their wounds washed...In the powerful Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Painting in the dark

Psalm 62:5-12

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.

     I like to paint walls. I know it is a little unusual, but I have met others like me. Some might hate the process, but I have found it to be a bit like meditation. The rhythm and movement of the brush or roller, the refilling and the swiping to control drips or spills, the motion on the wall...Once the basic steps are learned, you repeat them over and over again. The repetition
builds a resetting and loosening for my mind and spirit. So much so, that I really get to thinking and clearing my busy thoughts. One time, I found myself painting in the evening. Kerry came in to find me finishing a wall section in twilight. She asked me if I was really painting in the dark. I defensively said that I was near a window, so it was okay. The reality was that I had lost track of time and awareness of light! This is the goal for entering into spiritual waiting with God. Silence can be relative, it is about the fading away of distractions. There in those thin times, God alone is present and prayer unwinds in rich conversation and flow of thought and inspiration. 

God, you alone are our God. To you alone may my spirit yield. To you alone, turn my thoughts and concerns. I praise you for your relevance in my life. There is no place without you. I am thankful for times to find rest in you. Bless, I pray, all those who are restless and searching. Comfort and heal all those who are in pain or sickness...I praise you for those you have helped. Lead me in your generous and grateful way. Teach me your Love. In Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Different Reception

Luke 18:15-17

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

     There is a big difference between childish and child-like. Jesus highlights a whole new
attitude towards children. It is more than significant to note that prior to Jesus, children were not viewed positively except as possible heirs. That was mostly among the rich who had something to actually pass on. History tells us that many rulers were terrified of the constant threat of who would would take the throne from within their own family. Jesus highlights not the selfish or childish, but the receptive attitude of children. How do we receive God and God's work, similar to a child?

     Spend some time with a child and you will recognize perspectives that adults can lose. It would be better, of course, if you spend more than just a little time. That might be one of the first things that children can teach us--ignorance of time. We learn the precision of time. Children only pay attention to big movements of time that coincide with desirables like snacks and sleeps. If you didn't notice time, you will certainly see what they do with it--play. Children approach life with a sense of play. This means discovery and finding connections. Rules, traditions, and assumptions are generally avoided! What is new and interesting rolls easily into joyfulness. It is not what is expected. This is by the way, the "cardboard box" principle of the big box a big toy comes in may receive longer attention because it provides more opportunities for imagination. Ah, imagination--the source of creativity and creation. Yet,  with all these beautiful attitudes and perspectives, there is a great sense of humility. "I don't yet know..."

Thank you God, for the gift and beauty of children. We praise you for lifting them up and taking them in and not turning them away. Guide us to recapture our childlike appreciation of all that you so freely do. In the loving Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

   

Seagulls

Great God, we pray this day for renewal and revival of your Spirit among us. We ask for your love and desire of community and communal care to overtake us. Be confess, first to you our failings and separations from you and full love of neighbor. We turn from selfish ways and seek to unite in generosity and love. Be with us, enabling us to serve and care for those sick or in need of any way. Bring your mighty Way to our community and this land. Spread a reverence for your wonder-working power. In the Name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Acts 5:1-11

But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!” Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.

     I don't think I will ever be able to unhear from the movie "Finding Nemo," that the seagulls are saying "Mine? Mine. Mine!" Any little morsel of food-- they are looking for, claiming, and taking. It really fits, doesn't it?! Seagulls are selfish scavengers for survival. Whoever is the loudest, biggest, and first to swoop in, gets the French fry or cracker.

     What is going on in this text is the hint of a seagull's mindset being confronted with the wholeness of community. All were of like mind. All shared together. All gave and contributed all they had and redistributed so all had enough. As we have seen time and time again, it only takes a few to ruin a good thing. 

     Let us not look on this passage only saying, "oh, wasn't it great back then." Rather, let us look to now and see what can be done to share and give. Don't pay attention to the mindset of the seagulls.

What emotion?

     Great God, we fear and revere you above all else. As we turn our hearts toward your magnificence, guide our voices, hands and feet to bring you praise. We thank you for our very lives and the many ways that you have lived out your salvation though the history of our ancestors. So many know only to you have lead your influence into our very being. As we consider all your mighty works, we pray that you would inspire us to follow you faithfully this day and the days the follow. We ask that we might be a blessing to others. Those that are sick or in need, we lift into your care... We pray your guidance with those who lead and your strength with those who provide help and healing. Build up your Holy Church. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Acts 13:16-25

So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: “You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.”

     "Fearing God" is not a phrase that is currently in use. We want others to know God with a

sense of positivity, compassion, and goodness. I am not sure that this is right. Having seen tremendous circumstances that I can point to none other than God's interventions, support, or answers to prayer, I can certainly say that I respect God's workings to have a holy sense of fear. Particularly, if I found myself on the wrong side or making poor choices that did not represent what I knew to be against God's will. Of course, it is dangerous to say that we know God's will. It is more dangerous, however, to bluntly push against what it seems to obviously against multiple Bible stories. It is also interesting to note that the people of Israel frequently "pushed their luck" - actually pushing the devotion of God to their covenant. 

     There are a lot of things about God and us that we don't understand. We are wise to acknowledge God's extensive power that is far beyond our capabilities. We are not worthy to fasten God's sandals--even if God choses to walk among us!

Balance

     Corinth was a rough place to start ministry. It was probably not a surprise to Paul that there were issues. Biblical scholars point to Corinth being like a Las Vegas

kind of place. It was gutsy of Paul to try to inject the Gospel into that kind of city. It wasn't just a port city, it had two ports with all the money and goods traveling through the guts and life of the city itself. Corinth, though, isn't what it was. Nor, is it what it became. The ancient city had been destroyed by the Romans (before Paul). The village built around the ruins of the Ancient Corinth was destroyed by an earthquake in 1858.

     I have never lived in a place that was previously destroyed and rebuilt, but I would imagine that meekness and boldness are both needed as Paul describes in the reading for today. Being bold at the right time and place is critical to balancing the meekness and humility of Christ that become a shy and shallow representation of who and what Christ wants us to be. Speak out and stand up for God's goodness. Hold others in prayer and appreciate silence and patience. Both are needed.

2 Corinthians 10:1-11

I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.

Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we. Now, even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. I do not want to seem as though I am trying to frighten you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we will also do when present.

God of all temperaments, personalities, and expressions,

You reign in my life and guide my heart in all good ways. Show me when to keep my mouth shut and when to speak up. Move me to stand up and advocate for the oppressed and neglected, and still me to not be arrogant or obnoxious to others. Let me be an aspect of your Grace to others. Use me to show your way of gentleness and tremendous power. Embrace those who are in need of your balance and wholeness this day... Center our lives in your ultimate peace. In the Name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

Words and water

     Words matter. I would guess by reading this kind of thing, you would get that.  Yet, we always have to be clear and careful about what we say and do matching our faith. This is always the issue with Judah, Israel, and our failings. So, God says harsh words of judgment and then turns to what God will do to rectify the situation.  

     Again and again, God takes care of our relationship and does the hard work of reconciling. This is a deepening of our typically shallow understanding of Baptism. God intends for healing relationships and plenty of food of water for all is the premium goal. Our connection with God and living out our covenant is to be a source of spiritually life giving water. How do you quench others thirst for living water?

Isaiah 41:14-20

Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Now, I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff.You shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. Then you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

O loving God,

We praise you for the gift of water. We thank you for the gift of Baptism. We adore you for coming to us repeatedly offering a way forward. You have made us into a people of hope. Be with all those in need as we lift them before you... Strengthen us to serve you faithfully in word and action. Use us to be a refreshing hope for others. In the Name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

In the middle of the stomping

Loving God of all goodness and the Grace that I so desperately need, I come to you this day in a quite prayer of thankfulness for your providence and protective presence. Even if I cannot feel it, I know that you are there. Even if it seems like everything is going wrong, I know that you are with me. Be with, those I pray who are experiencing a difficult and challenging day, far more than me. I am mindful of all those who are oppressed and imprisoned, discriminated or hated. I pray for justice, help and relief, healing and consolation for all those in need today... I pray your nearness, and if it seems right to you, give me a small confirmation of your presence. For you know that I am always in need of your encouragement. In your great Name, I pray. Amen.

Psalm 69

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.

I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; many are those who would destroy me, my enemies who accuse me falsely. What I did not steal must I now restore?

O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.

Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

For the Lord hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds.

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.

For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah; and his servants shall live there and possess it;

the children of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall live in it.

We have all been there. Those days come along when the toilet clogs, gravity seems stronger on random items, you rip a favorite article of clothing (maybe in an embarrassing seam!),...the incidents and accidents seem to far outnumber anything good happening. While in the middle of running late or after breaking your favorite mug, you start to lose it. No longer is it just a "bad day." Then you might, after hearing more bad news, have an adult temper tantrum. If you are usually in control and calm, it can feel even worse. Then, in the middle of the stomping, or screaming, door slamming, etc. you get a glimpse of yourself or realize what you might look like.

I think these an similar moments are the answers to prayers that we don't like to label as such. When we might ask for control, God wants us to see that we are not in control. When we ask for things to be perfect and in line, God shows us that Kingdom work is messy and Creation is supposed to be wild.

Yes, it takes a bit of spiritual discipline to listen or be open at all in these times, but I find that often after I have overreacted, there is a natural moment of taking stock of what just happened. God has wired us to learn from our failures. We are not supposed to try to carry too much. The work of ministry typically boils down to surrender and stewardship. These types of moments help us to grow along surrendering our problems and difficulties to God. 

"It is not in my control. I surrender it all to you. Clearly I am no where near able to handle this."

The Book is Better than the Movie...

     This time of year it is fun for booklovers like me to look at the list of books that I have read and make a new list of books that I would like to read. Last year didn't go as planned (understatement), so I wound up working a lot and not taking care of myself as well as I should have. So, this year I am hoping to hit my goal of reading quantity (20) and quality (good mix of professional and pleasure).  Cataloging my library is also overdue so that I can accurately update my wish lists. I will be enlisting my in house librarian. I can no longer just remember all of my books. In my favor, I have not repeatedly bought the same book thinking I didn't have it. Although, there was the repeated gifting of that certain Study Bible from a loved one that will go unnamed. 

     Now, of course is ripe for the "best of the year" lists. So, I checked out Christianity Today's post for 2021. Which, is interesting because the year is barely getting going, how can we know which books will truly rise to the top? One about mob mentality could be a bestseller! All the lists that I have seen, though, have a similar format--small picture of the cover and a short description with a review describing why it is worthy of the list. Let's be honest, we all make a mental note of the cover appearance so that we can find it. Yet, the old book-buyer's proverb remains mostly true--"You can't judge a book by its cover." You can't judge a book by its review either. I have bought several books that failed on both counts.

     Our reading for today connects with our essentially human propensity for superficial evaluations. I will pause here for the reading.

1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

"...They look on the outward appearance, but The Lord looks on the heart." This is not a singular reference point for this very Biblical understanding. A good direction for further study and discovery is a listing of heart criteria that God looks for. Booklovers might say, "The Book is better than the movie," but God says that the lives lived in love will be leaders for my Way!