Tuesday, October 25, 2005
When One Person Believes
Rosa Parks died this week. Mrs. Parks made a decision one day many years ago that led to her arrest for refusing to change her seat on a bus. She had worked a long day and was on her way home, when a white man boarded and insisted that she and two other black riders stand in order for him to sit. Mrs. Parks kept her seat. In interviews she simply said, I didn’t think it was right. History records that event as the beginning of the civil rights movement in America. It was the spark of an idea that allowed a flame of thinking to take fire in the minds and hearts of a generation of people who began to say and practice a new way of relating to those of other races. The “movement” that took shape carved slowly a new reality into the ideals of Americans. The realities of prejudice, hatred, and social isolation that fueled ignorance and brutality were difficult to face and have never been easy to change. Yet, changes have come and as new generations of men and women have taken hold of an idea about the humanity that God created in his own image and that God gave worth and value and hope to in every expression, we have begun to dream. Our dream recognizes the love of God for every man, woman and child. Our dream sees the opportunity for God’s love to be expressed in our own actions and attitudes. Our dream is a God-given dream for a day and a time when we shall be joyously celebrating together the fact of our common brotherhood in Christ Jesus our Lord. Every man, every house, every tribe, every nation, every one of us must understand our hope is in our Savior, Jesus. “As you have done unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.” Those words of Jesus should echo in our hearts as each day we relate to one another in the Spirit of His mercy and grace.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Planting Trees
More than a few persons have elaborated on the importance of planting trees in a world that is often most interested in cutting them down. The idea is not just applicable to the reforestation efforts of businesses dependent upon trees for profit, but also for communities that appreciate the value of oxygen producing foliage in the midst of smog and exhaust from cars, buses, trucks, and planes in ever growing quantity.
The idea is that people recognize the importance of stewardship of resources and their use in responsible ways, but also the consideration of the next generation’s needs. Many a property owner has started an orchard or a vineyard or a forest with the knowledge that much of their effort might not be recognized in their own lifetime, but they acted to provide a future possibility by their diligent work and their intentional consideration for those who would follow them.
That basic element of consideration for the future comes into play in many other arenas of life as well. Do we value clean water and air as much as we value profit? Do we care enough about the future not to pollute the earth for our children and grandchildren? Do we recognize the importance of “cleaning up some of the messes we have made with redemptive action?” Whether it is wisely dealing with outdated nuclear weaponry or stored and rusting supplies of munitions and poisonous gas left over from wars past, we have an obligation to consider the future. Do we care to do more with our solid waste than to dump it into the ocean or to put our untreated sewage in the water supply of someone downstream? Do we care enough to be a good neighbor in our own community and to take an interest in the one near us that needs our friendship?
Some people “plant trees” every day…in their conversations, in their encouragements, in their commitment to act in positive ways toward the world in which they live. Won’t you consider joining them in the spirit of Christ who taught us to love one another, to go the second mile, and to pray for our enemies? Consider planting the seeds of the gospel and watching faith grow as together we look to our Lord for his sustaining mercies and grace.
The idea is that people recognize the importance of stewardship of resources and their use in responsible ways, but also the consideration of the next generation’s needs. Many a property owner has started an orchard or a vineyard or a forest with the knowledge that much of their effort might not be recognized in their own lifetime, but they acted to provide a future possibility by their diligent work and their intentional consideration for those who would follow them.
That basic element of consideration for the future comes into play in many other arenas of life as well. Do we value clean water and air as much as we value profit? Do we care enough about the future not to pollute the earth for our children and grandchildren? Do we recognize the importance of “cleaning up some of the messes we have made with redemptive action?” Whether it is wisely dealing with outdated nuclear weaponry or stored and rusting supplies of munitions and poisonous gas left over from wars past, we have an obligation to consider the future. Do we care to do more with our solid waste than to dump it into the ocean or to put our untreated sewage in the water supply of someone downstream? Do we care enough to be a good neighbor in our own community and to take an interest in the one near us that needs our friendship?
Some people “plant trees” every day…in their conversations, in their encouragements, in their commitment to act in positive ways toward the world in which they live. Won’t you consider joining them in the spirit of Christ who taught us to love one another, to go the second mile, and to pray for our enemies? Consider planting the seeds of the gospel and watching faith grow as together we look to our Lord for his sustaining mercies and grace.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Beyond Help?
Following the recent earthquake in Pakistan, some international officials declared areas of the disaster zone “beyond help.” They were referring to conditions of roads and weather that prevented access to isolated regions. When we use that phrase
“beyond help,” we do so out of a sense of our own exacerbation with the circumstances that seem to be out of control or beyond our capacity to respond. In fact, that moment is perhaps the best time to rethink our position. Alone, we may be ourselves “beyond help.” Alone, those we would attempt to aid may be “beyond help,” but the witness of the scriptures give repeated testimony to the fact that God has the capacity that we do not have. God has the provision that we do not know or comprehend in our limited view. God has the means and the willingness to meet needs that we identify readily as “beyond our reach.”
How often have you come to that point in life when your conclusion about a situation was to declare it or the people involved, “Beyond help?” We must not forget that each and every individual is well within God’s capacities to help meet their need.
Our problem is perception. We look at the short-sighted view. We look at ourselves and see our limitations and forget God. God is able to abundantly provide above all that we ask or think, as we recognize in Him, the life we are called to live.
The disciple of Jesus discovers the rich provision of God’s mercy and grace and forgiveness. We have in Christ, a Savior, who redeems us from death and the grave. We have a risen Lord that redefines our future in terms of fellowship with God for all eternity. We have in Jesus the one who will supply our needs in accordance with the will of God and with the promise “to never leave us nor forsake us.”
Life in Christ is to never be “beyond help.” Life in fellowship with our Lord is full of the capacities of God to enable and supply our needs and the needs of others. The real question before us is the question of faith. Do we trust God? Do we recognize that He is the source of our hope? Do we understand that kingdoms of this world will shatter and fall, but the Kingdom of God and His rule, as it is known in the hearts and lives of His people, will endure forever? Our cry should be “God help us!” For those we seem so helpless to aid, let us pray, “God help them!” And with earnest and willful acts of intentional love ….in the name of Christ; let us do what we know we can do, trusting God and seeing Him work in and through us.
“beyond help,” we do so out of a sense of our own exacerbation with the circumstances that seem to be out of control or beyond our capacity to respond. In fact, that moment is perhaps the best time to rethink our position. Alone, we may be ourselves “beyond help.” Alone, those we would attempt to aid may be “beyond help,” but the witness of the scriptures give repeated testimony to the fact that God has the capacity that we do not have. God has the provision that we do not know or comprehend in our limited view. God has the means and the willingness to meet needs that we identify readily as “beyond our reach.”
How often have you come to that point in life when your conclusion about a situation was to declare it or the people involved, “Beyond help?” We must not forget that each and every individual is well within God’s capacities to help meet their need.
Our problem is perception. We look at the short-sighted view. We look at ourselves and see our limitations and forget God. God is able to abundantly provide above all that we ask or think, as we recognize in Him, the life we are called to live.
The disciple of Jesus discovers the rich provision of God’s mercy and grace and forgiveness. We have in Christ, a Savior, who redeems us from death and the grave. We have a risen Lord that redefines our future in terms of fellowship with God for all eternity. We have in Jesus the one who will supply our needs in accordance with the will of God and with the promise “to never leave us nor forsake us.”
Life in Christ is to never be “beyond help.” Life in fellowship with our Lord is full of the capacities of God to enable and supply our needs and the needs of others. The real question before us is the question of faith. Do we trust God? Do we recognize that He is the source of our hope? Do we understand that kingdoms of this world will shatter and fall, but the Kingdom of God and His rule, as it is known in the hearts and lives of His people, will endure forever? Our cry should be “God help us!” For those we seem so helpless to aid, let us pray, “God help them!” And with earnest and willful acts of intentional love ….in the name of Christ; let us do what we know we can do, trusting God and seeing Him work in and through us.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Preparation
In Matthew 16:2-3, Jesus cited the weather as a reminder that we can look at the sky and anticipate the coming day’s forecast. Yet he noted that many people fail to take as much notice of the times as it relates to their spiritual condition.
What about your “readiness” status? One Senior Adult Sunday School teacher shared that for a while they had a sign in their class that said from Age 75 to Heaven. She said people didn’t want to come to that class. So they took down the sign.
Too often, we resist thinking about the future. At the same time, we have the need to urgently prepare ourselves and others for the future that certainly is coming. We must recognize the difference between temporary and eternal. Setting our aims on only the temporary concerns of life will leave us unprepared for the eternity that lies ahead. On the other hand, to prepare ourselves daily for an eternity with our Lord, is to have both the resources and the relationship that will enable an abundant life now and forever.
Psalm 32:10 reminds us that “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” Psalm 62:10 says “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” The recent weeks of storms in the Gulf and fires in California and floods in many places should remind us of that reality. All the things we might attach ourselves to are temporary, but in trusting God, we find our source of eternal provision.
Preparation is needed by everyone who would comprehend the times. It is time to “prepare the way of the Lord.” It is time to be in anticipation of what God is doing and will do in our time. By faith, we can respond to the revealed love of God made known through Jesus Christ. By faith, we can receive forgiveness of our sins, and as we turn from our sins, and turn to our Savior, we will find life’s provisions for every day. We will then “be prepared.”
Let us join the Psalmist as he thought about the brevity of life in this world, who prayed to the Lord: “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a wise heart.” (Psalm 90:12). It is time to prepare!
What about your “readiness” status? One Senior Adult Sunday School teacher shared that for a while they had a sign in their class that said from Age 75 to Heaven. She said people didn’t want to come to that class. So they took down the sign.
Too often, we resist thinking about the future. At the same time, we have the need to urgently prepare ourselves and others for the future that certainly is coming. We must recognize the difference between temporary and eternal. Setting our aims on only the temporary concerns of life will leave us unprepared for the eternity that lies ahead. On the other hand, to prepare ourselves daily for an eternity with our Lord, is to have both the resources and the relationship that will enable an abundant life now and forever.
Psalm 32:10 reminds us that “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” Psalm 62:10 says “…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” The recent weeks of storms in the Gulf and fires in California and floods in many places should remind us of that reality. All the things we might attach ourselves to are temporary, but in trusting God, we find our source of eternal provision.
Preparation is needed by everyone who would comprehend the times. It is time to “prepare the way of the Lord.” It is time to be in anticipation of what God is doing and will do in our time. By faith, we can respond to the revealed love of God made known through Jesus Christ. By faith, we can receive forgiveness of our sins, and as we turn from our sins, and turn to our Savior, we will find life’s provisions for every day. We will then “be prepared.”
Let us join the Psalmist as he thought about the brevity of life in this world, who prayed to the Lord: “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a wise heart.” (Psalm 90:12). It is time to prepare!
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