Favorite Pen

      Do you have a favorite pen? I do. It is a fountain pen that Kerry gave to me for the exclusive purpose of writing. That's what pens are for, right? Well, yes, but some pens are better for just jotting a short note. If you are working on a book or a long meditation, they can be uncomfortable and distracting. Fountain pens are made to give the right amount of feedback and also have a considerable flow of ink. For me, it helps me to focus on the writing and its continuous practice. The other nice thing about fountain pens is that you can use very specialized ink of various colors. A few companies also specialize in ink that is not just
 archival, but also "eternal" or resistant to all types of forgery or erasure. The important writings demand the favorite pen and the best quality ink.

     Our reading for today might inspire us to consider the priorities or attention to what truly lasts. This makes my favorite pen seem silly. Paper will not last very long unless it is carefully kept. The only things that last are the things of God. Our mortality can try to push the envelope by attempting to match the loving persistence of God with stone engravings. These writings, though, should only be about the flesh saving Deliverer who holds us forever.

Job 19:23-27

“O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

Great God, harden my resolve to follow you more closely and firm up my devotion to proclaim you more permanently. Let my words of commitment for you be a clear, "Yes!" Guide my actions to be visibly for you and your forever Reign. Make your glory known among your people. Be with those that I lift before you now...In your healing and loving name forever, I pray. Amen.

***Lent starts tomorrow - could you describe Lent and what you plan to add or do extra to an alien (or someone who doesn't know what it is)?

Department of Noticed

      Name a section of a department store that you often forget is there. You just don't go there, or maybe you only get those items from another specialty store. In this age of online shopping (which for many things, I am appreciating the efficiency!), it is hard to know where are the best places to find things. Yet, there is one department that can not go without notice. There is one that will remain clear in our minds. There is one that will by nature always be in brick and mortar stores. I am referring to the perfume department. Even through these typed words, you

remember the thick cloud of smells--some are delightful, some are too strong. You might even think of a loved one that always wore a specific perfume. Memories and emotions are often closely connected with scents. Yes, the power of fragrance. What are your favorite smells? Basil makes me think of summer. It is this power of connection that Paul writes about in today's reading.

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

How does our following of Christ Jesus smell to others? The presence of God does have a smell. How do you experience it?

Prayer:

Gracious God,

May our prayer rise before you as incense, a delightful offering to your senses. Let our lives tell your story. Put heat and flame to our hearts that we would burn with passion for your Reign. Bless those that we lift before you...Let all we do and say this day be pleasing to you, O God. In your endless Name, we pray. Amen.

Watch out for the horns!

Prayer:

O Lord, our Lord, you are the Son of God!

We know your goodness. When we see this world as full of foolishness, teach us to see your goodness and grace spreading. When we are fearful of wickedness, illuminate the path of the righteousness. Be with, we pray, all those who are in need this day. Strengthen all your children with your goodness...In your almighty Name, we pray. Amen.

Mark 3:7-12

Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.

     Reading from the Bible can be new each day! I don't remember the fear of Jesus and the disciples that the crowd might crush him. Maybe it is a heightened fear of physical distancing in this time. I haven't been in many crowded events in the past when the mentality turns to a fevered push, but it can certainly be terrifying. Mob mentality is a dangerous thing. Just going with the crowd can certainly be a bad thing. Critical thinking is necessary. The thing with this text, though, is that it was for Jesus! Someone super powerful and wonderful was among the people! I have to admit, it would be pretty hard to not be excited about the things he was doing, even at this early stage of the story. This is only the third chapter. They don't even know the half of it. We need to recover some of that excitement. Not in the sense of adrenaline junkies that run with the bulls, thriving on the fear. No, but wanting to be closer to Jesus spiritually and getting in touch with the God that silences the demons and all the forces of sin and darkness!

Gratitude Scan

 

      A good process to do each day is a scan. Take a look around you and consider where you are and what things you notice anew. Close your eyes and take note of the things that are on your mind. Breath and pause for a moment, give thanks to God for all things. Don't force positivity, if there are things that you are uncertain of or find painful, mention those as well. Ask for God to show you the elements of gratitude that you are not seeing. Of course, this process is easy when things are going really well. When things are in ruin all around you, it might be hard to list more than a few things that you are thankful for. Move your "gaze" outward--who is around you, perhaps not physically. 

     In today's reading, Timothy is that one that Paul considers in his corner. He is in prison (again). Paul sees his gratitude as something that is extendable and transferrable. This is a byproduct of love and a mature faith. Gratitude also matures faith by stretching it to see what was invisible yesterday.

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

We thank you loving God for all the ways that you are with us and blessing us this day... Guide us to see your work and presence...We lift all these to you in humble gratitude. We pray for the things and relationships that are amiss and a mess...We thank you for your attention and guarding for things and processes that we can not see. We pray your help and leading with those that we lift before you...We praise you for all your goodness. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Amelia

     As a young boy, I was fascinated by the life and mysterious ending of Amelia Earhart. I dreamed of some day being a pilot, and I have always loved mysteries. A few months ago, I watched the 2019 National Geographic documentary on the search for evidence of her final crash landing. New technology enabled scanning of the steep Nikumaroro Island beach and ocean shelf for remaining pieces. The corrosive salt water would destroy most metals over time. The waves and tide would wash away rest. Could they find any clues? Aircraft aluminum would not rust over the decades. Would there be anything lasting that could point to her final resting place? I won't spoil the mystery if you haven't seen it. I will point to reality of what lasts and what fades away. Today's Psalm is a beautiful tribute to God's unending, unfading awesomeness.

     After reading, consider what things you still have after a long amount of time. What things are in exactly the same shape as when you bought or acquired them? Do you collect things, and do they increase in value because you have kept them carefully from any form of decay? 

Psalm 102:12-28

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; your name endures to all generations.

You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to favor it; the appointed time has come.

For your servants hold its stones dear, and have pity on its dust.

The nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.

For the Lord will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory.

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.

Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord:

that he looked down from his holy height, from heaven the Lord looked at the earth,

to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die;

so that the name of the Lord may be declared in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem,

when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the Lord.

He has broken my strength in midcourse; he has shortened my days.

“O my God,” I say, “do not take me away at the mid-point of my life, you whose years endure throughout all generations.”

Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but you endure; they will all wear out like a garment. You change them like clothing, and they pass away;

but you are the same, and your years have no end.

The children of your servants shall live secure; their offspring shall be established in your presence.

God of all the ages run, you are the ending and the beginning far beyond our understanding and existence. We give you thanks for all good things that last. We praise you for short and wonderfully vibrant times in our lives that were fleeting but wonderful. We give you glory for all the things that we have had and lost, we can not hold them, but nothing is lost to you. We are deeply grateful to those that we have known and loved. We adore you for your embrace and welcome of  all who have entered your eternal now. In the Name of the Alpha and the Omega, we pray. Amen.

Viewfinder

     Today's text is from the next major section after the daily lectionary text. I find it a bit more inspirational and helpful. This is Elihu's full proclamation of God's mercy. Right now, I need to hear this part of Job's story a bit more. As in many other parts of Job, Creation is an argument for God. The
complexity of the world that we live in is an obvious sign for God. The things of this world that we do not understand and struggle to feel at all strong against point to mightiness that is far beyond us. For our hears, it is important to enjoy the poetry and appreciate the science behind it. The Creator of the world owns the science behind it. It is also emotional. Who would stand out in an open field in a thunderstorm and not be afraid of the power? The comfort is in the knowledge that it is not some unknown thing or force that is God of all, but our God. We name and point toward the one who knows and understands all. The hiddenness of God here is something to be praised. God is too big to be seen in any one kind of viewfinder. We cannot zoom out enough. We need each and every one of us to get a better image and understanding of the fullness of God.

Job 37

‘At this also my heart trembles,
   and leaps out of its place.
Listen, listen to the thunder of his voice
   and the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
Under the whole heaven he lets it loose,
   and his lightning to the corners of the earth.
After it his voice roars;
   he thunders with his majestic voice
   and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard.
God thunders wondrously with his voice;
   he does great things that we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow he says, “Fall on the earth”;
   and the shower of rain, his heavy shower of rain,
serves as a sign on everyone’s hand,
   so that all whom he has made may know it.
Then the animals go into their lairs
   and remain in their dens.
From its chamber comes the whirlwind,
   and cold from the scattering winds.
By the breath of God ice is given,
   and the broad waters are frozen fast.
He loads the thick cloud with moisture;
   the clouds scatter his lightning.
They turn round and round by his guidance,
   to accomplish all that he commands them
   on the face of the habitable world.
Whether for correction, or for his land,
   or for love, he causes it to happen.

‘Hear this, O Job;
   stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
Do you know how God lays his command upon them,
   and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
Do you know the balancings of the clouds,
   the wondrous works of the one whose knowledge is perfect,
you whose garments are hot
   when the earth is still because of the south wind?
Can you, like him, spread out the skies,
   unyielding as a cast mirror?
Teach us what we shall say to him;
   we cannot draw up our case because of darkness.
Should he be told that I want to speak?
   Did anyone ever wish to be swallowed up?
Now, no one can look on the light
   when it is bright in the skies,
   when the wind has passed and cleared them.
Out of the north comes golden splendour;
   around God is awesome majesty.
The Almighty—we cannot find him;
   he is great in power and justice,
   and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
Therefore mortals fear him;
   he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.’

Nap, Snack, or What?

      Today's reading will certainly bring out questions like, "Paul, do you need a nap, a snack, or what?" The Church of Galatia certainly made Paul angry. It is helpful for us to understand that there are some big problems there. Paul's anger, though, might make him a bit hard to understand, so let me break it down for you. Even after Paul's capable teaching and church

planting, he left and they did some serious backsliding into who they were, but with a dark twist. They were making the requirements of the Law for a Jew, the requirements for all who would become Christians. Initiates were required to be circumcised and follow a list of prerequisites.

     That was just way back then, right? Well, yes and no. We no longer require Christian males to be circumcised, but there are many groups of Christianity that follow the tone of Galatia in hierarchy and a code of holiness requirements--often written and unwritten. What's the big deal? It is a Gospel issue. The freedom that God gives us is for a purpose and a mission, it comes as a gift without barriers.

     Righteous anger is good as long as it is directed at those who would twist and pervert the true meaning of the Gospel for all people. I must add that slavery is also included here. Earlier in this letter, Paul makes it clear that the Gospel also means that distinctions between people are no more. The only slavery that may exist is the spiritual and mental devotion of people for God.

Galatians 5:2-15

Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

God, calm our minds and soothe our spirits as we turn to you in prayer. Guide us to be patient with ourselves and with each other. Help us to see in your freedom the peace to fully live as your people. Continue to break down the walls, barriers, and divisions that we make among us. Illuminate the beauty of diversity before our eyes when we have darkened our minds' veil. Be with all those who are working for harmony and liberation. Help and heal all those who are sick or suffering,... Bless and strengthen those gifted with a ministry of direct care or support. All these things and whatever else you see that we need, we humbly ask in the Name of Christ Jesus our deliverer. Amen.  

The National Pork Council

Dear Lord,
We thank this day for your goodness in Creation. We thank you for farmers and all those who work the land to produce good and tasty food for us to eat. We thank you for all those who raise livestock and grain, vegetables and fruit. We praise you for careful stewardship of all resources. We ask for you help and mysterious providence when accidents, calamities, tragedies, and crop failures might happen. We praise you for the community of associations that enable farmers to care for one another. We pray your continued guidance for those who govern to provide fair and just regulations for small and family farms. We lift up all who are in need today,...knowing and trusting in your ultimate care. In the great Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Mark 5:1-20

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

Reflection:

     This just in: The swineherds gathered last night and decided to not press charges against
Jesus. Apparently the herd was insured against an act of God.  Haha. Sorry, I couldn't resist that one. This Bible story is a doozy of a strange and beautiful one! In this day and age, full of "itching ears," I would imagine the National Pork Council pressing charges against a religious freak that cost the lost of an entire herd. Their contracts, I imagine, require legal action against destruction over a much smaller number. Yet, no one was mad. Instead, they seemed quite impressed and pleased that the man was saved from his horrible condition. That is the real story, Jesus delivered the man. The confrontation of Jesus with evil yields a startling result. So shocking and extensive, that no evil is left in the area to argue or object to the wonderful goodness!

     Think about that, arguing and objecting to something remarkably good are not a byproduct of Jesus' presence! Jesus objects to and reverses the injustices that bind up any one. There are no boundaries that Jesus won't cross to help and heal.

Groundhog, Simba, and Jesus

     Today is Groundhog Day. A former Bishop that I know and appreciate enjoyed going to Punxsutawney with his family. It was a full celebration. For those of you that have made the official pilgrimage, you know of its fun and frivolity. When I found this out, I was surprised. Phil, the Groundhog, after all, is not actually a very good seasonal predictor. He is usually less accurate than a coin toss and the "spring is just around the corner" phrase sounds a big vague. I have known far too many early spring snow storms to get too invested. Yet, this smart and savvy Bishop sat before me and described it with a sparkle of fun in his eyes. It had become a family ritual of fun and good times.

     Rituals can take many forms. They can be serious and necessary. They can be something

Young Simba in the new “Lion King”Credit...Disney

fun that you do every year because it is a bit of living life and celebrating the goofiness of what it means to be a creature in this amazing Creation. Today is the Presentation of Jesus. If you are not familiar with the story, you might imagine that this is Jesus' "Simba" moment. In the movie, "The Lion King," the young lion is presented by the "priest" to all of the animal kingdom in a moment of lifting up. The music soars and the scene is recorded on posters. Yet, for Jesus, the ritual takes on a spiritual and prophetic moment. Simeon's Song is often what gets replayed from the soundtrack. For Jesus' family, money was tight. The minimum payment for the sacrifice was made. Scholars also note that a priest was not paid, which highlights that the child did not need to be redeemed. His lineage was priestly. 

     What rituals do you do every year? When have you noticed a moment take a spiritual or prophetic turn upward?

Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Let our prayers of thanksgiving rise before you, O God. May our celebrations and marking of time be a praise of your goodness. We are grateful for times of joy and laughter. We long for days of great social togetherness. Help us in these times to remember and to look ahead. Hook our hearts with your living Hope. Bless and be with, O great God, those that we lift before you,... We praise you for your providence, healing, and leading in our lives. In the Name of the Christ, Jesus our loving Lord, we pray. Amen.

Puny Arms

     "At least T-Rex had a massive set of teeth. What's your excuse for having such puny arms? I don't like push-ups." That's what that guy in the reflective glass said. They work fine, they just don't work out very often. There are always so many other things to do. I exercise, I just don't do arm workouts. I prefer purposeful exercise like walking the dogs or chopping wood. Taking good care of your body is important. So, I hope that I will take better care of my arms this year. Right now, though, they look pretty puny.

     In my defense, I intend to depend on God for defense. To be blunt, I think all Christians should espouse the saying, "we are lovers not fighters." (in the non-exclusively sexual sense). We are to turn to God to fight with us, which basically means fight for us. What happens when God fights your battles?  Well, God is described as fighting physically in the Bible, but not always the way we expect. God knows how to win in all battles. So, in the case of a really large battle with large forces like sin, death, evil, weakness actually proves to be stronger. 

     We all know Jesus didn't jump off of the cross and flex his arms, commanding the holy angels to draw their swords with a whistle. That would have made a lot of people happy. We should remember that. Many just like the excitement of the fight. In the case of Jesus, however, fighting against the Roman soldiers would not have been a real contest and would not have proven anything.

Psalm 35:1-10

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!

Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up to help me!

Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life. Let them be turned back and confounded who devise evil against me.

Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them on.

Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life.

Let ruin come on them unawares. And let the net that they hid ensnare them; let them fall in it—to their ruin.

Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his deliverance.

All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you? You deliver the weak from those too strong for them, the weak and needy from those who despoil them.”

God, I pray for you to be with me this day, working your power and will against all that might undo your plan for me. I will likely need your guardrails against distraction. I will probably also need a good bit of your strength to make it through the day. My self-doubt will also be a problem. Please, also help me to be kind and caring to others. Take care of all those who are sick. While you are at it, we all could use more good news against the coronavirus. Dear Lord, give us strength in this battle. Help us to see your winning ways and trust in your wonder-working power. In Jesus's Name, we pray. Amen.