I realize at Christmas time we hear alot about not consuming so much and not getting sucked into the commercialism of the season. Yet, at the same time we enjoy buying gifts for those we love as well as receiving a gift. Consequently, we feel guilty if we even seem like we are enjoying ourselves at Christmas time. It seems that there could be a way in which we could enjoy the season, be responsible consumers, and be thankful for those that have given of their time to make or produce the products we will buy. For that reason, I am including this post that I first received from Sojourners. It is written by Rachel Hope Anderson who is the Executive Director of the Boston Faith and Justice Network. Here is what she has to say:
“Consumption” isn’t a bad word. Even as we watch the excesses of the consumer economy crumble and collapse around us, we should remember that the word “consume” also means “to eat.”
On Thursday, many of us consumed to excess as eaters; today, on “Black Friday,” many of us also consume to excess as shoppers. But as Eugene Cho pointed out so thoughtfully last week, buying stuff at low prices isn’t by itself a mark of shame or weakness. It is, in our post-agrarian, post-industrial society, a necessity. The issue isn’t whether we buy or not buy things. It is whether we do so with appreciation for all of God’s creation.
Before we eat, we say a prayer to acknowledge our gratitude for God’s bounty. Through prayer, we express both humility and appreciation. If we pray mindfully (rather than out of rote habit), we simultaneously acknowledge our joy at what we have while also feeling compassion for those who have not.
What if we said a prayer each time we bought something –- each time we “consumed”?
For most of our history, getting enough to eat has been our primary preoccupation. Praying before we ate ensured a direct connection between our livelihoods and God. But for those of us lucky enough to live in a modern, developed nation, the idea of “putting food on the table” has become more figurative than literal. Praying before a meal no longer carries the weight it once did.
A gratitude economy involves, I think, a more spiritually conscious consumerism. It is no better to wallow in guilt about our need to buy things than to flaunt our ability to buy while considering ourselves specially blessed. It will not advance global justice to focus simply on what not to buy; rather we also have the responsibility to buy the right things –- for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters worldwide.
As we go about our shopping or no-shopping in the next days, why not say a prayer dedicating the buying and giving and receiving and yes -– our stuff — to God?
May the food we eat feed those who farmed it. May the things we buy support those who fashioned and shipped and sold them. For everything we enjoy from your good earth, God, thank you.
And if the purchase doesn’t sit right with the prayer –- well, maybe that’s a sign to put it back on the shelf."
I espeically like her prayer that reminds us that someone had to grow the food we eat and someone had to make and ship the stuff we use. Her prayer also is a good reminder that it's okay to enjoy material things as long as we keep them in perspective and do with a sense of humility, stewardship, and gratitude.
Blessings,
Scott
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
$700 Billion...or $700,000...What's More Newsworthy?
It seems lately that numbers that include the number "7" are getting some big attenion. First, there is the $700 billion dollar bailout that is presently working its way into our financial instituations and, supposedly, back into our economy. This number is so huge I'm not so sure we can even fathom what it means. Then there is the number "OO7" which usually is another term for "James Bond." That much awaited recent installment of the James Bond movies is in the theatres now - "Quantum of Solace." Nothing says "Thanksgiving" like a good James Bond movie.
Then, there is the number 700,000. This number could apply to alot of things but in this case it applies to alot of growling bellies. You see, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) just came out with a report that showed that almost 700,000 children went hungry in the United States at some point in 2007 - up more than 50 percent from the year before. This marks the highest point since 1998. And this is even before the sharp economic downturn.
Overall, the 36.2 million adults and children who struggled with hunger during the year was up slightly from 35.5 million in 2006. That was 12.2 percent of Americans who didnt have the money or assistance to get enough food to maintain active, healthy lives. Almost a third of those, 11.9 million adults and children, went hungry at some point. That figure has grown by more than 40 percent since 2000. The government says these people suffered a substantial disruption in their food supply at some point and classifies them as having "very low food security." Here are some other statistics:
> 93% reported eating less than they felt they should because there was not enough money for food
> 65% reported that they had been hungry but did not eat because they could not afford enough food
> 45% reported having lost weight because they did not have enough money for food
These are the kinds of numbers we would expect to see in Third World Countries and Underdeveloped Nations - but not in the United States. But yet, we have hunger in our own backyard - in our own communities - in our own neighborhoods. The shame is that for the most part this can be prevented as groups and churches partner together to provide the necessary food people need just to survive. It's somewhat embarrassing to know that we have this kind of problem but yet we have restaurants that have "all you can eat" buffet bars and even churches that have "all you can eat" suppers and dinners. Maybe we should skip a few meals every now and then (I know I could stand too!) and have an "All You Can Give Away" night or an "All You Can Donate to the Local Food Bank" night.
The number seven in the Scriptures is usually a number that stand for "wholeness". In this case, though, life is far from "whole." In this case, the number "seven" with alot of zeroes behind it stands for pain. It stands for unawareness. It stands for apathy. It stands for "national shame and embarrassment". It stand for a "wake-up call."
Mary's song found in the book of Luke has this simple verse: "He has filled the hungry with good things..." (Luke 1:53). Apparently the coming of God's Son was not meant to be synonmous with 700,000 people starving - let alone just one. As God's people, we have been given so much - especially as those living in America. May we do what we can to see that the hungry are filled with good things.
Then, there is the number 700,000. This number could apply to alot of things but in this case it applies to alot of growling bellies. You see, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) just came out with a report that showed that almost 700,000 children went hungry in the United States at some point in 2007 - up more than 50 percent from the year before. This marks the highest point since 1998. And this is even before the sharp economic downturn.
Overall, the 36.2 million adults and children who struggled with hunger during the year was up slightly from 35.5 million in 2006. That was 12.2 percent of Americans who didnt have the money or assistance to get enough food to maintain active, healthy lives. Almost a third of those, 11.9 million adults and children, went hungry at some point. That figure has grown by more than 40 percent since 2000. The government says these people suffered a substantial disruption in their food supply at some point and classifies them as having "very low food security." Here are some other statistics:
> 93% reported eating less than they felt they should because there was not enough money for food
> 65% reported that they had been hungry but did not eat because they could not afford enough food
> 45% reported having lost weight because they did not have enough money for food
These are the kinds of numbers we would expect to see in Third World Countries and Underdeveloped Nations - but not in the United States. But yet, we have hunger in our own backyard - in our own communities - in our own neighborhoods. The shame is that for the most part this can be prevented as groups and churches partner together to provide the necessary food people need just to survive. It's somewhat embarrassing to know that we have this kind of problem but yet we have restaurants that have "all you can eat" buffet bars and even churches that have "all you can eat" suppers and dinners. Maybe we should skip a few meals every now and then (I know I could stand too!) and have an "All You Can Give Away" night or an "All You Can Donate to the Local Food Bank" night.
The number seven in the Scriptures is usually a number that stand for "wholeness". In this case, though, life is far from "whole." In this case, the number "seven" with alot of zeroes behind it stands for pain. It stands for unawareness. It stands for apathy. It stands for "national shame and embarrassment". It stand for a "wake-up call."
Mary's song found in the book of Luke has this simple verse: "He has filled the hungry with good things..." (Luke 1:53). Apparently the coming of God's Son was not meant to be synonmous with 700,000 people starving - let alone just one. As God's people, we have been given so much - especially as those living in America. May we do what we can to see that the hungry are filled with good things.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A Life of Focus
This past week, Darrin Allen from the Yearly Meeting office did a great job as he brought our Founders Day message. He spoke from Hebrews 12 and shared with us the need to be a congregation that has focus, discipline, and teamwork. I was struck with the simplicity of his message but also the challenge. On paper, those three qualities may seem easy and obvious. But, in real life, it's always a challenge to live with a sense of focus, discipline, and teamwork.
One of the words I keyed in on was the word "focus". In his book, Wide Awake, author and pastor Erwin McManus writes about the power of focus. Here is what he has to say:
"You essentially self-medicate with apathy to keep yourself under control. You took care of all those out-of-control, un-realistic dreams and passions, and now you're just like everyone else. Instead of harnessing your energy, you decided to conserve it. When a person's light shines too brightly, everyone else will complain about its intensity. You can choose to live with your light on pilot, or you can develop the powerof a focused life. Focus allows you to live a life of full intensity with all your passions fueling your momentum in a singular direction. Focus isn't about less but about more. It is the ability to interconnect all you are and all you do around a central theme."
McManus goes on to write that two key components to living a focused life are concentration and convergence. In concentration, we direct all our energies and resources to a specific task, idea, and direction. This means we might have to make some adjustments. We may need to start concentrating all of our energy and resources on where we are going. We need to set our eyes on where God is calling us...and to not look back. In convergence, all of our talents, giftedness, skills, passions, intellect, and experience is harnessed to unleash our highest potential. This is important because, as McManus writes: "Without focus, not only do obstacles overwhelm us, but we also become distracted and diffused by opportunities."
We may not realize it but we often tend to live reactively rather then proactively. When we live reactively, we live our lives by default rather then design. We live according to the expectations of those around us. When we live proactively, we choose to design our lives according to God's call upon our lives. To be a focused person is to live with concentration and convergence and to not be thrown off by the distractions and obstacles that will come our way.
Do you feel you live your life with focus?
One of the words I keyed in on was the word "focus". In his book, Wide Awake, author and pastor Erwin McManus writes about the power of focus. Here is what he has to say:
"You essentially self-medicate with apathy to keep yourself under control. You took care of all those out-of-control, un-realistic dreams and passions, and now you're just like everyone else. Instead of harnessing your energy, you decided to conserve it. When a person's light shines too brightly, everyone else will complain about its intensity. You can choose to live with your light on pilot, or you can develop the powerof a focused life. Focus allows you to live a life of full intensity with all your passions fueling your momentum in a singular direction. Focus isn't about less but about more. It is the ability to interconnect all you are and all you do around a central theme."
McManus goes on to write that two key components to living a focused life are concentration and convergence. In concentration, we direct all our energies and resources to a specific task, idea, and direction. This means we might have to make some adjustments. We may need to start concentrating all of our energy and resources on where we are going. We need to set our eyes on where God is calling us...and to not look back. In convergence, all of our talents, giftedness, skills, passions, intellect, and experience is harnessed to unleash our highest potential. This is important because, as McManus writes: "Without focus, not only do obstacles overwhelm us, but we also become distracted and diffused by opportunities."
We may not realize it but we often tend to live reactively rather then proactively. When we live reactively, we live our lives by default rather then design. We live according to the expectations of those around us. When we live proactively, we choose to design our lives according to God's call upon our lives. To be a focused person is to live with concentration and convergence and to not be thrown off by the distractions and obstacles that will come our way.
Do you feel you live your life with focus?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Prayer for Election Day
Jim Wallis of the Sojourners community offer this wonderful prayer. I offer it to you ..and for me..and for all us..to consider it as we vote, pray, and prepare to moved forward on November 5th.
On the eve of this historic election, let us pause for a moment of thanks. We should thank God for the men and women who committed themselves to establish a new nation, in which voting was possible. We should thank God for the courage of the women of the Suffrage movement who pioneered the path to the 19th Amendment and ensured women the right to vote. We should thank God for those who risked and sacrificed their lives to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to allow all our citizens, regardless of the color of their skin, to vote.
We also pray for forgiveness because there are still some in our country whose votes are not allowed to be cast or counted, even in recent elections. We pray for protection of all the voters and the votes of this election.
We pray for the candidates, their family and their staff—who have worked tirelessly to offer the country the vision of the future they deeply believe in. Give them rest and a sense of peace, no matter what the outcome of the election. We pray for all the citizen volunteers who have made democracy better by their work on this election campaign.
We pray most of all against a spirit of fear. The scriptures say that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of love, a spirit of power and a strong mind.” Help us to remember the words of our Lord Jesus, who reminds us that love casts out fear and to be not afraid. If the Scriptures say, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil,” certainly we can make it through election day. No matter how we vote, let us vote more for the visions, ideas, and candidates that best represent our best values rather than voting against candidates simply because of the negative and often manipulative things that others have said about them.
As a people of faith, we do not find in our scripture, we can not locate in any sacred text, a mandate to support a particular candidate for president or vote for a particular political party during this election. While the scriptures may not say what box we should check on election day, we must strive to be clear about the priorities of the kingdom of God and how we can best impact the common good. Voting is one part of the prophet’s instruction to “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Today we also pray for those who will vote differently than we do, for their own reasons also deeply rooted in faith. And we pray, despite the outcome of the election tomorrow, that we will find the ways to build bridges and work together for the common good of the country we all dwell in. And may our votes tomorrow be guided less by a fear of our neighbor and more by a hope for the future.
God has blessed all the nations of the world, not just America. But we pray tomorrow for God’s special blessing on our nation, and that the opportunities to fulfill our country’s greatest possibilities might be greatly enlarged.
On the eve of this historic election, let us pause for a moment of thanks. We should thank God for the men and women who committed themselves to establish a new nation, in which voting was possible. We should thank God for the courage of the women of the Suffrage movement who pioneered the path to the 19th Amendment and ensured women the right to vote. We should thank God for those who risked and sacrificed their lives to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to allow all our citizens, regardless of the color of their skin, to vote.
We also pray for forgiveness because there are still some in our country whose votes are not allowed to be cast or counted, even in recent elections. We pray for protection of all the voters and the votes of this election.
We pray for the candidates, their family and their staff—who have worked tirelessly to offer the country the vision of the future they deeply believe in. Give them rest and a sense of peace, no matter what the outcome of the election. We pray for all the citizen volunteers who have made democracy better by their work on this election campaign.
We pray most of all against a spirit of fear. The scriptures say that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of love, a spirit of power and a strong mind.” Help us to remember the words of our Lord Jesus, who reminds us that love casts out fear and to be not afraid. If the Scriptures say, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil,” certainly we can make it through election day. No matter how we vote, let us vote more for the visions, ideas, and candidates that best represent our best values rather than voting against candidates simply because of the negative and often manipulative things that others have said about them.
As a people of faith, we do not find in our scripture, we can not locate in any sacred text, a mandate to support a particular candidate for president or vote for a particular political party during this election. While the scriptures may not say what box we should check on election day, we must strive to be clear about the priorities of the kingdom of God and how we can best impact the common good. Voting is one part of the prophet’s instruction to “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Today we also pray for those who will vote differently than we do, for their own reasons also deeply rooted in faith. And we pray, despite the outcome of the election tomorrow, that we will find the ways to build bridges and work together for the common good of the country we all dwell in. And may our votes tomorrow be guided less by a fear of our neighbor and more by a hope for the future.
God has blessed all the nations of the world, not just America. But we pray tomorrow for God’s special blessing on our nation, and that the opportunities to fulfill our country’s greatest possibilities might be greatly enlarged.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Consumer Confidence...Soul Confidence
It's probably no surprise that the news wires just came out with a story that consumer confidence is the lowest it has been in 40 years. The speculation is that the consumer...people like you and I...forsee a deep recession. Forget "Joe the Plumber". We have become a nation of "Joe the Panicky" and "Joanna the Worrier." What is most revealing to me, though, is how much of our "confidence" rises and falls on economic reports. Now, I won't take a dive off into the deep end of naivete. I realize that bills have to be paid and that there are certain things in life that are necessary and it in order for me to have those things, I become a consumer. But, it does seem that our sense of well-being, our sense of being at peace, our sense of "everything's going to be all right" is more oriented around Wall Street then it is around the way of Jesus.
I want a soul-confidence that sustains me even when things seem out of control. I want to live with such a confidence that I am fully aware of what is going on around me - in my world and in my community - that I am not shaken to despair and anxiety. Most of all, I want to live with such confidence that I am not continually distracted by the bad news and the negative news. You see, I think that ends up being the biggest detriment to our spiritual life - our distractability. We get so distracted by the reports of how bad the economy is or how bad it's going to get, that we have no more energy to focus on how God is at work or how God is caring for us. My distracted soul ends up focusing more on those things that should not matter and less on the things that do.
In the Bible, the Psalmist writes: "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident...I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:3, 13) For the Psalmist, when the world around him was chaotic, he remained confident. In other words, he made a choice to trust in God even though everything seemed to be going crazy.
What I find to be true for the Psalmist - and then true for me - is that when I choose to trust then I begin to notice God's goodness around me and in my life. I believe this happens because this act of trust in God has a way of focusing my vision. My energies are no longer dissipated by worry and anxiety. Rather, trust in God has a way of focusing me and enabling me to see where God is at work and God's goodness in my life.
Our consumer confidence may be low but our Christian confidence can be high because we can be confident God is still alive. We can be confident that all we need God will provide. We can be confident that God is able to carry us through any adversity we may face. And, we can be confident that God will give us the strength we need. Maybe your consumer confidence will wane...but keep your Christian confidence high...and lifted up...as you look to God.
I want a soul-confidence that sustains me even when things seem out of control. I want to live with such a confidence that I am fully aware of what is going on around me - in my world and in my community - that I am not shaken to despair and anxiety. Most of all, I want to live with such confidence that I am not continually distracted by the bad news and the negative news. You see, I think that ends up being the biggest detriment to our spiritual life - our distractability. We get so distracted by the reports of how bad the economy is or how bad it's going to get, that we have no more energy to focus on how God is at work or how God is caring for us. My distracted soul ends up focusing more on those things that should not matter and less on the things that do.
In the Bible, the Psalmist writes: "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident...I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:3, 13) For the Psalmist, when the world around him was chaotic, he remained confident. In other words, he made a choice to trust in God even though everything seemed to be going crazy.
What I find to be true for the Psalmist - and then true for me - is that when I choose to trust then I begin to notice God's goodness around me and in my life. I believe this happens because this act of trust in God has a way of focusing my vision. My energies are no longer dissipated by worry and anxiety. Rather, trust in God has a way of focusing me and enabling me to see where God is at work and God's goodness in my life.
Our consumer confidence may be low but our Christian confidence can be high because we can be confident God is still alive. We can be confident that all we need God will provide. We can be confident that God is able to carry us through any adversity we may face. And, we can be confident that God will give us the strength we need. Maybe your consumer confidence will wane...but keep your Christian confidence high...and lifted up...as you look to God.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gracious Speech and Civil Conversation
My routine is pretty much the same each morning. I feed the cat, make my coffee, pour my bowl of cereal for people 45 and older (Kashi shredded wheat) and I read the paper. One of the first sections I turn to is the Letter to the Editor section. I turn there because I like to read the exchange of ideas. But there are other times (and I hate to admit this) I go to the Letter to the Editor section much like a person goes might go to a NASCAR race - you want to see a good race but every now and then you hope for something exciting like a someone going into a wall or even a ten car wreck. You don't wish for it but when it happens you take it all in.
Sometimes reading those Letters to the Editor is like watching car careening all over the highway and eventually running into each other. Sometimes they bump. Sometimes they scrape. But often times there are verbal head on collisions and the damage is done. Sometimes there are injuries and people are hurt. But, I'm not surprised. Writing Letters to the Editor is often like writing an angry email - you feel pretty courageous in what you have to say because you don't actually have to sit before an actual person and see their actual face and realize they are an actual human being. We can hit "Send" and are opinions and "take on things" is not on it's way.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying the Letters to the Editor is a bad thing to have. Sometimes you take the bad with the good. For that reason, it's an important part of our democracy. It allows folks to speak their mind and share their thoughts. But, I wish that a certain level of civility and graciousness could be part of the process. Like seasoning one's food with just the right amount of salt or pepper, it would be nice for folks to season their speech with just the right amount of humility, graciousness, and respect.
In one of his Epistles, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Let your speech always be gracious..." (Colossians 4:6) Paul seemed to get it. He seemed to understand that how we talk to people and about people makes a different. How we share our ideas, thoughts, and opinions is just as important as the content of our ideas, thoughts, and opinions. This becomes especially important given the prevalence of negative advertising over the next two weeks. It literally becomes the air we breathe. As we breathe in the negativity, cynicism, and even disrespect, we begin to manifest it in our lives. Paul has a better idea. Season your conversation with a gracious spirit and with gracious words. Not only for the benefit of the person you speaking with but also for the benefit of who you represent. We represent a most gracious God - a God who would never demean or disrespect.
At a more everyday level, I am often amazed at the number of folks I hear that speak about others with a low-level contempt. They may not slander but I have heard folks refer to others as an "idiot" or a "moron" or even a "jerk." If they can't come up with a suitable name, they may engage in the kind of gossip which seems harmless but only serves to reinforce or judgmental spirit within our soul. What makes this even more heartbreaking is that I often hear this from folks who claim to be followers of Jesus. For some reason, we often save our most biting contempt for those we are closest to - family, neighbors, even church friends.
In their book Gracious Christianity, authors Douglas Jacobson and Arther Sawatsky write:
"We have a gracious gospel. The good news that Jesus proclaimed is that God is graciously disposed toward us. God loves us, and, indeed, God loves everyone and every good thing in this wonderful world in which we live. We are expected to do the same. The gospel invites us to mimic God's own graciousness in our lives. It calls us to become so enveloped in God's graciouness that we become conduits of God's grace and love for others. Graciousness is a nonnegotiable dimension of Christian faith. It goes to the very core of the gospel. It is what makes the gospel good news."
We are invited to do more then just believe in the good news. We are invited to share it, live it, and even reflect it in how we speak to one another. The scriptures invites us to let our speech always be gracious. Not sometimes. Not when I like the person. Not when it's convenient or I am in a good mood. But always. There might not be much you and I can do to save the negative political ads at this point. But, there is certainly alot we can do in being gracious to each person we meet, each person we talk to, each person we talk about. Let graciousness prevail. Let it rule your heart. Let it season your speech.
How hard is it for you to remain gracious when sharing your ideas?
How do you graciously respond to an ungracious person?
Where do you see God at work in your speech?
Sometimes reading those Letters to the Editor is like watching car careening all over the highway and eventually running into each other. Sometimes they bump. Sometimes they scrape. But often times there are verbal head on collisions and the damage is done. Sometimes there are injuries and people are hurt. But, I'm not surprised. Writing Letters to the Editor is often like writing an angry email - you feel pretty courageous in what you have to say because you don't actually have to sit before an actual person and see their actual face and realize they are an actual human being. We can hit "Send" and are opinions and "take on things" is not on it's way.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying the Letters to the Editor is a bad thing to have. Sometimes you take the bad with the good. For that reason, it's an important part of our democracy. It allows folks to speak their mind and share their thoughts. But, I wish that a certain level of civility and graciousness could be part of the process. Like seasoning one's food with just the right amount of salt or pepper, it would be nice for folks to season their speech with just the right amount of humility, graciousness, and respect.
In one of his Epistles, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Let your speech always be gracious..." (Colossians 4:6) Paul seemed to get it. He seemed to understand that how we talk to people and about people makes a different. How we share our ideas, thoughts, and opinions is just as important as the content of our ideas, thoughts, and opinions. This becomes especially important given the prevalence of negative advertising over the next two weeks. It literally becomes the air we breathe. As we breathe in the negativity, cynicism, and even disrespect, we begin to manifest it in our lives. Paul has a better idea. Season your conversation with a gracious spirit and with gracious words. Not only for the benefit of the person you speaking with but also for the benefit of who you represent. We represent a most gracious God - a God who would never demean or disrespect.
At a more everyday level, I am often amazed at the number of folks I hear that speak about others with a low-level contempt. They may not slander but I have heard folks refer to others as an "idiot" or a "moron" or even a "jerk." If they can't come up with a suitable name, they may engage in the kind of gossip which seems harmless but only serves to reinforce or judgmental spirit within our soul. What makes this even more heartbreaking is that I often hear this from folks who claim to be followers of Jesus. For some reason, we often save our most biting contempt for those we are closest to - family, neighbors, even church friends.
In their book Gracious Christianity, authors Douglas Jacobson and Arther Sawatsky write:
"We have a gracious gospel. The good news that Jesus proclaimed is that God is graciously disposed toward us. God loves us, and, indeed, God loves everyone and every good thing in this wonderful world in which we live. We are expected to do the same. The gospel invites us to mimic God's own graciousness in our lives. It calls us to become so enveloped in God's graciouness that we become conduits of God's grace and love for others. Graciousness is a nonnegotiable dimension of Christian faith. It goes to the very core of the gospel. It is what makes the gospel good news."
We are invited to do more then just believe in the good news. We are invited to share it, live it, and even reflect it in how we speak to one another. The scriptures invites us to let our speech always be gracious. Not sometimes. Not when I like the person. Not when it's convenient or I am in a good mood. But always. There might not be much you and I can do to save the negative political ads at this point. But, there is certainly alot we can do in being gracious to each person we meet, each person we talk to, each person we talk about. Let graciousness prevail. Let it rule your heart. Let it season your speech.
How hard is it for you to remain gracious when sharing your ideas?
How do you graciously respond to an ungracious person?
Where do you see God at work in your speech?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Metaphors of the Week
Last week was a wild ride on the Wall Street Express...and it might not be over. In the meantime, I have been reading, searching, and reflecting so I could make sense of it all. At one level, I don't want to panic. Life happens in cycles and we have seen some of these cycles before. At another level, I want to be very prudent and aware of what is going on. Not only does my retirement and college funds depend on me being aware but so does my soul. I want to process this spiritually and see what this whole experience can teach me. wanted the. Better yet, what can it teach us as followers of Jesus and Christians seeking first the Kingdom of God.
In that process, what has been helpful for me is to connect up with other metaphors that other writers and observers have been using to describe the recent economic crisis. Mark Sayers, culture watcher and author of the book The Trouble with Paris: Following Jesus in a World of Plastic Promises, uses these words to describe the current economic crisis: "To put it in layman’s terms the global economy has been acting like a teenage girl who had stolen her parents credit card and was buying everything in sight at the mall; it was fun for a while but it was always going to end in tears...Greed became the norm, we got so used to it that we barely noticed that everyone's ride had been pimped. A culture of insanity set in as no one was happy anymore with being healthy and free, we all wanted the lifestyles of the rich and famous." Sayers goes on to add these words:
"But now reality has crashed the hyperreal party. We are seeing the consequences of our culture’s credit card lifestyle. So now I pray, because this will hurt a lot of people, most of all it will hurt those at the bottom of the economic pile. Yet I also have hope, hope that sanity will return, that people will begin to question our culture’s hyperreal paper tigers. That people will see that there is another unseen reality that exists in our world. A reality that does not revolve around stocks, currencies and computer screens. A reality that is marked by shalom, righteousness and justice. A reality that is breaking out in our world, that we will see if we just can take our eyes off the dollar signs."
Another author, United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton, describes the recent economic condition in this way:
"In many ways this economic crisis is like a serious heart attack requiring quadruple bypass surgery. The patient (America) has eaten too much of the wrong things, refused to practice self-discipline or to exercise. She could have predicted the attack basedon her lifestyle. And, though doctors had warned her of the likelihood of an attack, she chose to ignore their warnings. Following a lengthy surgyer, and after a period of recovery, the patient will feel so much better. But there is still the matter of changing her lifestyle. If she goes back to eating fatty foods, far too many calories, and never exercising, she will be back on the operating table, or perhaps worse, within a few years. This is where America finds herself."
These are both pretty stark metaphors but they both point to an overindulgence in stuff and now we are suffering severe economic indigestion. This, of course, is no laughing matter. Many have lost millions of dollars in their retirement funds and college funds have taken a hit. Also, folks live under the fear of being laid off or not having enough to pay for gas or groceries. We need to be praying as well as being sensitive to the needs of others. For us as Quakers, this is an excellent time to live out our core value of simplicity as well as community and caring for others. Life is not all about what we own or possess. Life is about community and caring for one another.
What's your take on the present economy? As of today, the stock market was up..but how long will that last? Moreso, can my faith sustain me and hold me solid as through this wild ride?
In that process, what has been helpful for me is to connect up with other metaphors that other writers and observers have been using to describe the recent economic crisis. Mark Sayers, culture watcher and author of the book The Trouble with Paris: Following Jesus in a World of Plastic Promises, uses these words to describe the current economic crisis: "To put it in layman’s terms the global economy has been acting like a teenage girl who had stolen her parents credit card and was buying everything in sight at the mall; it was fun for a while but it was always going to end in tears...Greed became the norm, we got so used to it that we barely noticed that everyone's ride had been pimped. A culture of insanity set in as no one was happy anymore with being healthy and free, we all wanted the lifestyles of the rich and famous." Sayers goes on to add these words:
"But now reality has crashed the hyperreal party. We are seeing the consequences of our culture’s credit card lifestyle. So now I pray, because this will hurt a lot of people, most of all it will hurt those at the bottom of the economic pile. Yet I also have hope, hope that sanity will return, that people will begin to question our culture’s hyperreal paper tigers. That people will see that there is another unseen reality that exists in our world. A reality that does not revolve around stocks, currencies and computer screens. A reality that is marked by shalom, righteousness and justice. A reality that is breaking out in our world, that we will see if we just can take our eyes off the dollar signs."
Another author, United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton, describes the recent economic condition in this way:
"In many ways this economic crisis is like a serious heart attack requiring quadruple bypass surgery. The patient (America) has eaten too much of the wrong things, refused to practice self-discipline or to exercise. She could have predicted the attack basedon her lifestyle. And, though doctors had warned her of the likelihood of an attack, she chose to ignore their warnings. Following a lengthy surgyer, and after a period of recovery, the patient will feel so much better. But there is still the matter of changing her lifestyle. If she goes back to eating fatty foods, far too many calories, and never exercising, she will be back on the operating table, or perhaps worse, within a few years. This is where America finds herself."
These are both pretty stark metaphors but they both point to an overindulgence in stuff and now we are suffering severe economic indigestion. This, of course, is no laughing matter. Many have lost millions of dollars in their retirement funds and college funds have taken a hit. Also, folks live under the fear of being laid off or not having enough to pay for gas or groceries. We need to be praying as well as being sensitive to the needs of others. For us as Quakers, this is an excellent time to live out our core value of simplicity as well as community and caring for others. Life is not all about what we own or possess. Life is about community and caring for one another.
What's your take on the present economy? As of today, the stock market was up..but how long will that last? Moreso, can my faith sustain me and hold me solid as through this wild ride?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
United We Stress
Most of us have heard the phrase, "United We Stand." Well, according to a report from CNN we're not "standing" things as well as we should. Here is what a report from CNN, dated October 7, had to say: "As many as 80 percent of Americans are stressed about their personal finances and the economy, according to the annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association." The report goes on to add that "...Nearly 7,000 Americans responded to the survey between April and September this year. Within five months, anxiety about the economy had jumped from 66 percent to 80 percent. The poll was conducted before the passage of the $700 billion bailout bill last week and Monday's stock market tumble on to add..." Suffice it to say, we are a stressed out nation. And the toll is beginning to show. Just in the last couple of days the news wires have carried reports of tragic stories where famliy members have either been hurt or killed due to a stressed out family member driven to the brink either due to the fact they were having extreme financial problems or they were having trouble finding work.
At times like this, it feels as if I would just be doling out pithy answers and easy phrases if I were to say, "Just trust God." But, as those who seek to follow in the way of Jesus and live the abundant life Jesus promised, we discover that Jesus lived a life that seemed to lack one thing in particular - stress. Certainly Jesus may not have had the bills and issues we have today, but he did live in the same world and battle with his own stressors. What seems different with Jesus is that he lived in such intimate communion with God that he truly believed that God would provide for his every need. For that reason, Jesus chose - that's right, I wrote "chose" - Jesus chose not to worry. He knew that worry would not accomplish anything and would, instead, siphon off all the energy he would need to minister and serve on God's behalf. Jesus truly lived an unhurred, un-worried life. I'm not sure life was any easier. I think he just chose to focus his heart elsewhere. He chose to focus on the loving care of God and the fact that God truly cares about his well being. In the same way, God truly cares about our well being. We may not fully know how God will take care of us and how God will provide - but we can trust that God will provide for our needs.
As we live in trust, what else can we do to reduce our stress in these uniquely tough times.
Get Plenty of Rest
That might seem like an oxymoron because when you are stressed, it's hard to sleep. But making sure we are getting the rest we need helps us during stressful times.
Get Some Silence...Take A Spiritual Timeout
Allow yourself to take some time to create a space where you can just sit, take deep breaths, and wait on God. As the Psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God." Rest in God's presence.
Watch Your Emotional Gauge
Realize that sometimes we get emotionally worn out and we don't even realize it. When we are emotionally worn out, we need to do those things that rejuvenate us emotionally - reading a good book, listening to good music, stepping outside and enjoying the Fall colors, taking a nap. Whatever works for you, take time to fill your emotional tank.
Financially...Dont' Panic...But Be Prudent
These truly are unique times economically. We should not panic by doing things like taking all our money out of the banks or burying our retirement in the bank yard. But, we can be prudent and realize that maybe some purchases have to be put off for awhile until the economy settles down. This is a time to focus on the things we need...not as much the things we want.
Maintain a Strong Relational Network
At times like this, our friends can be a source of strength and support. Having a network of people we can go to when we are down, scared, or nervous will get us through.
We are a stressed nation but it doesnt have to divide us...or divide our souls. Trust God. Take care of yourself. And realize that each day is a new day, a gift from God, it is the day the Lord has made!
At times like this, it feels as if I would just be doling out pithy answers and easy phrases if I were to say, "Just trust God." But, as those who seek to follow in the way of Jesus and live the abundant life Jesus promised, we discover that Jesus lived a life that seemed to lack one thing in particular - stress. Certainly Jesus may not have had the bills and issues we have today, but he did live in the same world and battle with his own stressors. What seems different with Jesus is that he lived in such intimate communion with God that he truly believed that God would provide for his every need. For that reason, Jesus chose - that's right, I wrote "chose" - Jesus chose not to worry. He knew that worry would not accomplish anything and would, instead, siphon off all the energy he would need to minister and serve on God's behalf. Jesus truly lived an unhurred, un-worried life. I'm not sure life was any easier. I think he just chose to focus his heart elsewhere. He chose to focus on the loving care of God and the fact that God truly cares about his well being. In the same way, God truly cares about our well being. We may not fully know how God will take care of us and how God will provide - but we can trust that God will provide for our needs.
As we live in trust, what else can we do to reduce our stress in these uniquely tough times.
Get Plenty of Rest
That might seem like an oxymoron because when you are stressed, it's hard to sleep. But making sure we are getting the rest we need helps us during stressful times.
Get Some Silence...Take A Spiritual Timeout
Allow yourself to take some time to create a space where you can just sit, take deep breaths, and wait on God. As the Psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God." Rest in God's presence.
Watch Your Emotional Gauge
Realize that sometimes we get emotionally worn out and we don't even realize it. When we are emotionally worn out, we need to do those things that rejuvenate us emotionally - reading a good book, listening to good music, stepping outside and enjoying the Fall colors, taking a nap. Whatever works for you, take time to fill your emotional tank.
Financially...Dont' Panic...But Be Prudent
These truly are unique times economically. We should not panic by doing things like taking all our money out of the banks or burying our retirement in the bank yard. But, we can be prudent and realize that maybe some purchases have to be put off for awhile until the economy settles down. This is a time to focus on the things we need...not as much the things we want.
Maintain a Strong Relational Network
At times like this, our friends can be a source of strength and support. Having a network of people we can go to when we are down, scared, or nervous will get us through.
We are a stressed nation but it doesnt have to divide us...or divide our souls. Trust God. Take care of yourself. And realize that each day is a new day, a gift from God, it is the day the Lord has made!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Discipleship or Cruise Ship
One of my favorite authors is Pastor Mike Slaughter out of Ohio. In his church, he has established a vital ministry that combines both an emphasis on the person's spiritual condition as well as issues of social justice. He casts an inspiring vision for becoming disciples seeking to live in the way of Jesus and not view our spiritual life as a hobby. The following are some of his words from his own blog. Read on and share your comments and thoughts.
A few weeks ago I addressed the whole issue of the church setting a low bar of involvement that calls people to make a decision for Jesus rather than make a commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. I fear that we have given people a false and simplistic view of salvation. The churches that grew in the 1980’s and 90’s were based for the most part on a seeker-attraction model rather than a costly call to renounce the predominate culture (worldview) and claim the worldview of Jesus (I refer to this as the “Missional Church”). The result has been “born again” church attendees (vs. servant-participants), who have brought Jesus into their own worldview rather than being transformed into his. Many of our mega churches have created programming that mirrors that experienced on a cruise ship rather than Jesus’ relational-missional model of discipleship. Note the contrast:
The Cruise Ship is an experience of refined excellence. Truly entertaining. Service with a smile. Someone to wait on you at your beck and call, turn down the bed and leave a chocolate on your pillow. Five Star!
The Mission Outpost is messy. Many of the teams who have worked in the Gulf region or Cedar Rapids have slept on floors and forgotten the meaning of air conditioning. (Click on the picture to view a news report on one of Ginghamsburg’s Gulf teams.)
The Cruise Ship is centered in excess. How much food can you eat in a day before you hit the midnight buffet?
The Mission Outpost is stretched to the limits, lives by the “seat of its pants,” depending on Jesus to multiply the loaves and fish. Embodies a commitment to live simply so that others may simply live.
The Cruise Ship is literally a self-contained fortress. Programming, classes, restaurants, movies, clubs, gyms, gift shops. You never need to leave the confines of the ship.
The Mission Outpost is an externally focused network of partnerships for the sake of better meeting the needs of the communities it serves. Ginghamsburg is in partnerships with public schools, international relief organizations, businesses, theological seminaries, social organizations as well as county jails, to name just a few.
The Cruise Ship is a place of retreat.
The Mission Outpost is all about engagement at the greatest places of need.
Participation on the Cruise Ship is based on self-interest. I show up at the things I want to do.
Participation for the disciple in mission is based on others’ needs--a servant rather than a volunteer.
I desperately hope I am wrong, but I fear that many folk in the church have signed up for a cruise rather than a life mission.
God bless...
A few weeks ago I addressed the whole issue of the church setting a low bar of involvement that calls people to make a decision for Jesus rather than make a commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. I fear that we have given people a false and simplistic view of salvation. The churches that grew in the 1980’s and 90’s were based for the most part on a seeker-attraction model rather than a costly call to renounce the predominate culture (worldview) and claim the worldview of Jesus (I refer to this as the “Missional Church”). The result has been “born again” church attendees (vs. servant-participants), who have brought Jesus into their own worldview rather than being transformed into his. Many of our mega churches have created programming that mirrors that experienced on a cruise ship rather than Jesus’ relational-missional model of discipleship. Note the contrast:
The Cruise Ship is an experience of refined excellence. Truly entertaining. Service with a smile. Someone to wait on you at your beck and call, turn down the bed and leave a chocolate on your pillow. Five Star!
The Mission Outpost is messy. Many of the teams who have worked in the Gulf region or Cedar Rapids have slept on floors and forgotten the meaning of air conditioning. (Click on the picture to view a news report on one of Ginghamsburg’s Gulf teams.)
The Cruise Ship is centered in excess. How much food can you eat in a day before you hit the midnight buffet?
The Mission Outpost is stretched to the limits, lives by the “seat of its pants,” depending on Jesus to multiply the loaves and fish. Embodies a commitment to live simply so that others may simply live.
The Cruise Ship is literally a self-contained fortress. Programming, classes, restaurants, movies, clubs, gyms, gift shops. You never need to leave the confines of the ship.
The Mission Outpost is an externally focused network of partnerships for the sake of better meeting the needs of the communities it serves. Ginghamsburg is in partnerships with public schools, international relief organizations, businesses, theological seminaries, social organizations as well as county jails, to name just a few.
The Cruise Ship is a place of retreat.
The Mission Outpost is all about engagement at the greatest places of need.
Participation on the Cruise Ship is based on self-interest. I show up at the things I want to do.
Participation for the disciple in mission is based on others’ needs--a servant rather than a volunteer.
I desperately hope I am wrong, but I fear that many folk in the church have signed up for a cruise rather than a life mission.
God bless...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Lazarus Life And The Lilies of the Field
Lazarus Revisited
For the past few weeks I've been preaching the through story of Lazarus found in John 11. In that story, we are invited to experience spiritual transformation as we see Jesus coming and raising Lazarus from "death to life." Author Stephen Smith, who wrote the book The Lazarus Life, sees the whole Lazarus story as a way to imagine our own spiritual transformation. Part of that is realizing that there can be some tough places for us..as there were for Lazarus. Namely, Lazarus was dead...or at least was dead until Jesus raised him. It invites us to think about those times that we have been in those "dead" moments of our lives or those "dead ends". Stephen Smith calls them our "spiritual tombs" - those dark and dead places we sometimes come across and experience in our life. The key part of this story is realizing that these moments can happen and will happen. This leaves us realizing that sometimes we can offer up a Christianity that doesnt often acknowledge the tough places of life and would rather just have the good stuff. Good stuff is great but when we have the "dead" moments, we get thrown off. I think we get thrown off because we often forget that the hard times are as much a part of the spiritual journey as the good times. And, just because we have hard times doesnt mean we have done something wrong. It just means we are human people living in a very human world. The Lazarus story reminds us that, in time, Jesus comes to us and "raises" us from those dark, empty, and hard places. How do you handle or deal with those hard, dark, and empty places? What sustains you? What gets you through? What does your faith mean for you in those times?
Lilies of the Field and a $700 Billion Bail Out
It's all over the news - the financial bail out the government is going to provide for the major financial institutions. All of this has shaken up people as well as the world. Oil spiked to an increase of at least $20 a barrell and President Bush is going to go to the world leaders and try to assure them that all is okay and the bailout is going to work. In the meantime, people worry about their retirements as well as their savings and we still see gas lines and gas stations without no gas due to "gas panic." I think about all of this and I think about Jesus words: "Therefore do now worry saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we wear?...So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." Does Jesus really expect us - you and I - not to worry even during shaky times like this? I mean, what he said sounds good but does it work in real life? I am thinking he meant what he said. If that's the case, how do I live a life in which I truly follow and abide in the way of Jesus. I believe in preparing for retirement and I'm going to watch my 401 K, but my trust in Jesus needs to be alot deeper then my trust in my bank account, my style of clothes, and what is or is not in my refrigerator. What do Jesus words means to you?
Post your thoughts, I would love to hear from you.
For the past few weeks I've been preaching the through story of Lazarus found in John 11. In that story, we are invited to experience spiritual transformation as we see Jesus coming and raising Lazarus from "death to life." Author Stephen Smith, who wrote the book The Lazarus Life, sees the whole Lazarus story as a way to imagine our own spiritual transformation. Part of that is realizing that there can be some tough places for us..as there were for Lazarus. Namely, Lazarus was dead...or at least was dead until Jesus raised him. It invites us to think about those times that we have been in those "dead" moments of our lives or those "dead ends". Stephen Smith calls them our "spiritual tombs" - those dark and dead places we sometimes come across and experience in our life. The key part of this story is realizing that these moments can happen and will happen. This leaves us realizing that sometimes we can offer up a Christianity that doesnt often acknowledge the tough places of life and would rather just have the good stuff. Good stuff is great but when we have the "dead" moments, we get thrown off. I think we get thrown off because we often forget that the hard times are as much a part of the spiritual journey as the good times. And, just because we have hard times doesnt mean we have done something wrong. It just means we are human people living in a very human world. The Lazarus story reminds us that, in time, Jesus comes to us and "raises" us from those dark, empty, and hard places. How do you handle or deal with those hard, dark, and empty places? What sustains you? What gets you through? What does your faith mean for you in those times?
Lilies of the Field and a $700 Billion Bail Out
It's all over the news - the financial bail out the government is going to provide for the major financial institutions. All of this has shaken up people as well as the world. Oil spiked to an increase of at least $20 a barrell and President Bush is going to go to the world leaders and try to assure them that all is okay and the bailout is going to work. In the meantime, people worry about their retirements as well as their savings and we still see gas lines and gas stations without no gas due to "gas panic." I think about all of this and I think about Jesus words: "Therefore do now worry saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we wear?...So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." Does Jesus really expect us - you and I - not to worry even during shaky times like this? I mean, what he said sounds good but does it work in real life? I am thinking he meant what he said. If that's the case, how do I live a life in which I truly follow and abide in the way of Jesus. I believe in preparing for retirement and I'm going to watch my 401 K, but my trust in Jesus needs to be alot deeper then my trust in my bank account, my style of clothes, and what is or is not in my refrigerator. What do Jesus words means to you?
Post your thoughts, I would love to hear from you.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Welcome to Faith Connections
Welcome to "Faith Connections"! Many folks are connecting today through the use of the internet, blogs, and Facebook. We hope this can be a place for you to share your thoughts and respond to issues of faith and life as we journey together at Deep River Friends Meeting. Each week we will pose a quote, thought, or even a question. It might have something to do with current events or with the past Sunday's message. Whatever the subject, we invite you to join the conversation as we seek to live on a growing edge.
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