The love and comfort of God are frequent themes of singing and sermonizing. This is certainly not inappropriate, but the God revealed in Scripture and fleshed out in His Son, Jesus, is much more. For instance, God is also omnipotent, or all powerful; and omniscient, knowing all. His love is balanced with holiness often expressed in acts of justice.
The Israeli hymn book, the Psalms, includes a song (number nine) which begins with, “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Another verse, same Psalm, adds, “The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.”
We might want to consider the impact of a more balanced understanding of God which includes His justice. Because he is just and acts justly –
• We might look for his wonders expressed in acts of justice. It is curious that as Western culture has moved away from a Judeo-Christian ethos, we have removed “acts of God” from insurance policies and replaced the phrase with “natural disasters.” Does God still chasten nations who arrogantly pursue selfish ambitions? Does he act similarly with individuals and families?
• As his agents in this world, we could explore how to practically balance the inequities between the “haves” and “have-nots.” Typically, Evangelicals do this by giving money and deputizing others. We call those sent, “missionaries.” To this noble practice, we can choose to strategically live in dark places, or hospitably open our homes to those who have no way to repay us, make time to listen to lonely folks, or become a foster parent for a child who is practically orphaned by incarcerated or addicted parents.
The justice of God is hauntingly present in Matthew 25 where the, “Son of Man comes in his glory ... and sits on his throne.”
I was formed spiritually and culturally by the Pentecostal church. We sang and heard sermons about the love of God. We also sang another song –
There's a great day coming, a great day coming,
There's a great day coming by and by;
When the saints and the sinners shall be parted right and left,
Are you ready for that day to come?
Chorus
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for the judgment day?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for that day to come?
There's a bright day coming, a bright day coming,
There's a bright day coming by and by;
But its brightness shall only come to them that love the Lord,
Are you ready for that day to come?
There's a sad day coming, a sad day coming,
There's a sad coming by and by;
When the sinner shall hear his doom, "Depart, I know ye not,"
Are you ready for that day to come?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
We are looking for a prayer meeting!
Pat and I are choosing a church to call “home” when ministry isn’t calling us away. We are determined to become a positive member with or without an up-front role. Each week pastors and congregations are “auditioning” for us without knowing it. We are exploring churches looking for specific comforting assurances that we are “home.” Though Pat and my priority lists are not identical, they are very similar. First, we are both looking for a praying church. A ministry shibboleth for more than 20 years was repetitively stated, When I work, I work. When I pray, God works.
The route from Highway Tabernacle to Resurrection Life Church includes a gorgeous landmark, the building where Congregation Rodeph Shalom gathers for worship and prayer. Isaiah’s words are meticulously carved into the limestone facade, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7) Jesus repeated Isaiah while driving out those who misused the house of prayer. Jesus’ tongue lashing was as heated as any coach at half time. (Matthew 21:12-13)
Pat and I are discovering that church bulletins promote bake sales, car washes, Bible studies and concerts with digitally enhanced flair. Projected images announce a wide variety of religious opportunities, but frequently fail to mention a prayer meeting. We are really asking, “Where can I go to meet with others for prayer?” The rhythms of our life have included Sunday morning prayer meeting, “First Sunday Prayer,” and other occasions when people gathered to meet with God.
Eugene Peterson wrote in Answering God, “Prayer often originates when we are alone. Deep within us are ‘sighs too deep for words.’ ... All the same, for these prayers to develop into full maturity, they must be integrated into the praying community.” The prayer meeting is the most natural place for sharing burdens, confessing sins, and moving faith forward as the Spirit prompts intercessions through many present and praying.
In addition, we are listening for the pastor’s prayers. Alas, to date, we have not heard a pastoral prayer, a shepherd’s appeal for the nations, the city, public servants, or the people present who are weighed down and broken. I miss praying pastoral prayers, and am listening for a pastor to reveal his heart as prayers flow in spiritual worship.
The church prayer meeting is a high priority for Pat and me. A praying pastor is equally important. We are not prepared to forfeit an axiom for life, When I work, I work. When I pray, God works.
The route from Highway Tabernacle to Resurrection Life Church includes a gorgeous landmark, the building where Congregation Rodeph Shalom gathers for worship and prayer. Isaiah’s words are meticulously carved into the limestone facade, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7) Jesus repeated Isaiah while driving out those who misused the house of prayer. Jesus’ tongue lashing was as heated as any coach at half time. (Matthew 21:12-13)
Pat and I are discovering that church bulletins promote bake sales, car washes, Bible studies and concerts with digitally enhanced flair. Projected images announce a wide variety of religious opportunities, but frequently fail to mention a prayer meeting. We are really asking, “Where can I go to meet with others for prayer?” The rhythms of our life have included Sunday morning prayer meeting, “First Sunday Prayer,” and other occasions when people gathered to meet with God.
Eugene Peterson wrote in Answering God, “Prayer often originates when we are alone. Deep within us are ‘sighs too deep for words.’ ... All the same, for these prayers to develop into full maturity, they must be integrated into the praying community.” The prayer meeting is the most natural place for sharing burdens, confessing sins, and moving faith forward as the Spirit prompts intercessions through many present and praying.
In addition, we are listening for the pastor’s prayers. Alas, to date, we have not heard a pastoral prayer, a shepherd’s appeal for the nations, the city, public servants, or the people present who are weighed down and broken. I miss praying pastoral prayers, and am listening for a pastor to reveal his heart as prayers flow in spiritual worship.
The church prayer meeting is a high priority for Pat and me. A praying pastor is equally important. We are not prepared to forfeit an axiom for life, When I work, I work. When I pray, God works.
Monday, March 28, 2011
To what is Jesus committed?
To what is Jesus committed? If one listens to current populist spokesmen for the faith, one would conclude Jesus is primarily committed to our comfort, economic prosperity and well being.
I have been musing lately on Jesus’ agenda, his priorities for his disciples. My list is incomplete, but gradually growing.
1. Jesus calls all disciples to “GO!” His mandate (Matthew 28:16-20) is not a suggestion to an elite few, but an order given to all who follow Him. The “go and make disciples of all nations,” is an order with an anticipated obedience. The Deceiver has systematically indoctrinated people to believe that the “go” is a special calling or circumstance. Jesus calls us to strategic places to light areas and people that would otherwise be dark.
2. Jesus alerts all followers that obedience can be strenuous and costly. “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master,” is a clear indication that being Jesus’ disciple is costly. The Matthew 10 context speaks of being arrested, flogged, betrayed and hated.
3. While Jesus was present in creation, forming the world we experience with the Father and Spirit with His voice in six days, he has spent all history redeeming and restoring what was lost by man’s sin. It seems as if every generation assumes a mandate to discard the past and create something new – it is easier. But, Jesus works in endless continuity – past, present and future – doing the same thing throughout the ages, reconciling what was created in a few moments.
In short, Jesus is so committed to redeeming the world He created that He gave his own life to affect that possibility. And, he expects the same from us – our whole life.
My prayer this morning is, “Jesus keep me in a ‘going’ mode and steer me to the proper places and people. Help me not to shrink back from a challenge because of my own agenda or demand for comfort and convenience. And, fill me with your Spirit so I am effective wherever you send me.”
Have a great day friends!
I have been musing lately on Jesus’ agenda, his priorities for his disciples. My list is incomplete, but gradually growing.
1. Jesus calls all disciples to “GO!” His mandate (Matthew 28:16-20) is not a suggestion to an elite few, but an order given to all who follow Him. The “go and make disciples of all nations,” is an order with an anticipated obedience. The Deceiver has systematically indoctrinated people to believe that the “go” is a special calling or circumstance. Jesus calls us to strategic places to light areas and people that would otherwise be dark.
2. Jesus alerts all followers that obedience can be strenuous and costly. “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master,” is a clear indication that being Jesus’ disciple is costly. The Matthew 10 context speaks of being arrested, flogged, betrayed and hated.
3. While Jesus was present in creation, forming the world we experience with the Father and Spirit with His voice in six days, he has spent all history redeeming and restoring what was lost by man’s sin. It seems as if every generation assumes a mandate to discard the past and create something new – it is easier. But, Jesus works in endless continuity – past, present and future – doing the same thing throughout the ages, reconciling what was created in a few moments.
In short, Jesus is so committed to redeeming the world He created that He gave his own life to affect that possibility. And, he expects the same from us – our whole life.
My prayer this morning is, “Jesus keep me in a ‘going’ mode and steer me to the proper places and people. Help me not to shrink back from a challenge because of my own agenda or demand for comfort and convenience. And, fill me with your Spirit so I am effective wherever you send me.”
Have a great day friends!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Why do nations conspire?
The Psalmist asks, “Why do the nations conspire and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.” (Psalm 2:1-2)
Today’s media is saturated with reports of collusion by world leaders determined to establish what each perceives is best for God’s world. But, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs, the Lord scoffs at them.” Armies of young men and women are mobilized to throttle dictators and secure interests in resources important to national economies. Planes fall from the sky with pilots and crew perishing. Foot soldiers and civilians are maimed as nails and shrapnel fly from homemade bombs. People live with fear.
The Psalmist’s question remains, “Why do the nations ... ?” Because, they don’t know the God of the universe, the One who has stated for the ages, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:6) is anyone asking, “Is the One installed on the holy hill trying to get our attention?”
Isaac Watts penned the immortal words
Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known;
join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God;
but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets
before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound, and every tear be dry;
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground, to fairer worlds on high.
The words poetically phrased by Watts are about 325 years-old. But the truth is eternal! Maybe we should download that lyrics into our MP3 ‘s and memorize the truth. We may be transformed by listening again and again. Our spirit and Holy Spirit can find agreement!
As the kings of the earth blunder forward with best efforts in war and diplomacy, woefully inept and ultimately doomed to failure, we can hear His counsel come to agreement with Him, and then sing! His counsel is written and the Holy Spirit promises emphatically, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
Be blessed today!
Several have begun responding to our invitation to dialogue. Following along is easy. Just click on this link, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, follow the links, and add your comments.
By the way, our new home address is 17064 Jays Way, Milton, DE 19968.
Today’s media is saturated with reports of collusion by world leaders determined to establish what each perceives is best for God’s world. But, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs, the Lord scoffs at them.” Armies of young men and women are mobilized to throttle dictators and secure interests in resources important to national economies. Planes fall from the sky with pilots and crew perishing. Foot soldiers and civilians are maimed as nails and shrapnel fly from homemade bombs. People live with fear.
The Psalmist’s question remains, “Why do the nations ... ?” Because, they don’t know the God of the universe, the One who has stated for the ages, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:6) is anyone asking, “Is the One installed on the holy hill trying to get our attention?”
Isaac Watts penned the immortal words
Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known;
join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God;
but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets
before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound, and every tear be dry;
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground, to fairer worlds on high.
The words poetically phrased by Watts are about 325 years-old. But the truth is eternal! Maybe we should download that lyrics into our MP3 ‘s and memorize the truth. We may be transformed by listening again and again. Our spirit and Holy Spirit can find agreement!
As the kings of the earth blunder forward with best efforts in war and diplomacy, woefully inept and ultimately doomed to failure, we can hear His counsel come to agreement with Him, and then sing! His counsel is written and the Holy Spirit promises emphatically, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
Be blessed today!
Several have begun responding to our invitation to dialogue. Following along is easy. Just click on this link, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, follow the links, and add your comments.
By the way, our new home address is 17064 Jays Way, Milton, DE 19968.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
This morning's dream, nightmare
Before retiring last night, I selected a book that I would begin reading this morning. It is Eugene Peterson’ Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer. Peterson is an old friend, though we have never met face-to-face. A pastor-theologian, Dr. Peterson’s writings have been forming my thoughts and spirit for years.
Sleep came as easily as usual, until very early this morning, I dreamed – a real nightmare. In my dream I was in chapel at my alma mater, a place influential in forming my spirit, where I learned much about how the Holy Spirit works and began to understand a spiritual leader’s responsibility in public worship. In that chapel my capacity to respond to God grew as wise spiritual guides cautioned about excesses and emphasized eternal truths. It is also where the lexicon of worship literature grew exponentially. In that room I learned hymns written in the fiery trials of the Protestant Reformation, the anthems of the Wesleyan tradition so rich with theology, and gospel songs which urged confessions of personal faith in public assembly.
In my dream, nightmare, the leader of the service stood and suggested that the hundreds filling the room sing Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Poised and ready to begin, the leader turned to the musicians who were shrugging their shoulders saying, “We don’t know that song.” The leader, did his best to begin, but noone knew the melody and after two or three attempts, the endeavor was abandoned.
The premise of Eugene Peterson’s book is, “The Psalms are the tool box used to learn prayer.” He strongly urges praying the Psalms monthly or bi-monthly until the Psalms form the pray-er. Here is one on many great lines I read this morning. “What is essential in prayer is not that we learn to express ourselves, but that we learn to answer God. The Psalms show us how to answer.”
Great poetry has been written in every generation. It endures, especially when set to music.. Luther’s hymns have breathed living faith into the church for nearly 600 years. Wesley’s poems have been the boiler plate of evangelical theology sung by the church for 400 years. A few gospel songs have lasted 100 or more years, but the Psalms endure forever. Heaven and earth will pass away, but not the Psalms.
My brother and I memorized Psalm One, in the King James Version, at our mother’s knee.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
I wonder what my life may have been if Annie Wegner had not taught us that Psalm, and others.
I will be deeply troubled by this morning’s dream. The 600 year-old “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” is part of my spiritual formation. Wesley’s “And Can it Be?” defines the cross and resurrection as perfectly as anything written – outside the Bible. And Eliza Hewitts’ 120 year-old, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” still moves me in public confession of faith. But, the Psalms are eternal and essential for the formation of Jesus’ disciples.
If you would like to follow along, please click on this link, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, and add to your “favorites list.” Open the “blog of the day.” At the site, you may respond and your comments will refine our thoughts and strengthen faith.
By the way, our new home address is 17064 Jays Way, Milton, DE 19968.
Sleep came as easily as usual, until very early this morning, I dreamed – a real nightmare. In my dream I was in chapel at my alma mater, a place influential in forming my spirit, where I learned much about how the Holy Spirit works and began to understand a spiritual leader’s responsibility in public worship. In that chapel my capacity to respond to God grew as wise spiritual guides cautioned about excesses and emphasized eternal truths. It is also where the lexicon of worship literature grew exponentially. In that room I learned hymns written in the fiery trials of the Protestant Reformation, the anthems of the Wesleyan tradition so rich with theology, and gospel songs which urged confessions of personal faith in public assembly.
In my dream, nightmare, the leader of the service stood and suggested that the hundreds filling the room sing Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Poised and ready to begin, the leader turned to the musicians who were shrugging their shoulders saying, “We don’t know that song.” The leader, did his best to begin, but noone knew the melody and after two or three attempts, the endeavor was abandoned.
The premise of Eugene Peterson’s book is, “The Psalms are the tool box used to learn prayer.” He strongly urges praying the Psalms monthly or bi-monthly until the Psalms form the pray-er. Here is one on many great lines I read this morning. “What is essential in prayer is not that we learn to express ourselves, but that we learn to answer God. The Psalms show us how to answer.”
Great poetry has been written in every generation. It endures, especially when set to music.. Luther’s hymns have breathed living faith into the church for nearly 600 years. Wesley’s poems have been the boiler plate of evangelical theology sung by the church for 400 years. A few gospel songs have lasted 100 or more years, but the Psalms endure forever. Heaven and earth will pass away, but not the Psalms.
My brother and I memorized Psalm One, in the King James Version, at our mother’s knee.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
I wonder what my life may have been if Annie Wegner had not taught us that Psalm, and others.
I will be deeply troubled by this morning’s dream. The 600 year-old “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” is part of my spiritual formation. Wesley’s “And Can it Be?” defines the cross and resurrection as perfectly as anything written – outside the Bible. And Eliza Hewitts’ 120 year-old, “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place,” still moves me in public confession of faith. But, the Psalms are eternal and essential for the formation of Jesus’ disciples.
If you would like to follow along, please click on this link, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, and add to your “favorites list.” Open the “blog of the day.” At the site, you may respond and your comments will refine our thoughts and strengthen faith.
By the way, our new home address is 17064 Jays Way, Milton, DE 19968.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rhythms
Life must have rhythms. That statement is axiomatic. The whole universe is rhythmic. Sun, moon and stars all have an orbit and sequence for appearing and disappearing from earth’s vantage point. Some of my favorite routines include the wonders of spring training and the long baseball season on the horizon. The Detroit Tigers will win the World Series. I have believed that every Spring for over 60 years. The Tigers are always in the running before the games count in the standings. Last Saturday we saw thousands of daffodils, brilliant yellow brightening the dismal brown landscape recovering from winter. Spring is God’s antidote for Winter and a wonderful proof of nature’s rhythms. Sunday, the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day, is God’s way of reminding us that the cadence of the week following is anticipated as we will approach new challenges filled with His Presence. And, I must arise early and spend time in silence worshipping, interceding, reading, learning and musing. Word and wonder are as necessary as bread and meat.
As you know, Pat and I have been experiencing major disruptions to the rhythms of our life defined by vocation, church and family for more than 40 years. But, life changes and new cadences must be established. But, I must continue to rise early, meet with the Lord in Word and wonder, and then communicate with others the grace so abundantly poured out on us. Pat and I are confident that God will be consistent, will continue our life’s long cadence, and bring fresh challenges. Each will require that we employ knowledge gained by previous experiences. We are anticipating new ministries too. The beginnings of the new are beginning to germinate. There is a daffodil moment just ahead. We’d love you to share our excitement and prayers as we move forward.
If you would like to follow along, please add this address, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, to your favorites list and open the “blog of the day.” I promise not to bore you with what we ate for breakfast of how beautiful our grandchildren are. (You already know that truth!) We are eager to get your feedback and to hear what is happening in your journey. And, you have heard the last about daffodils!
Last Thought: This morning I finished reading Spring Training, by William Zinsser. Several one liners captured my attention, but one by Bill Virdon, a spring training special instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates, stood out. Virdon’s specialty is preparing outfielders for the 162 game season. The context is the challenge of outfielders to maintain concentration while playing defense. An outfielder may play an entire game without touching the baseball defensively. Virdon said, “The best ones are total in their self-discipline.” Even though I may not be called on to the throw out a runner attempting to stretch a single into a double or make a Willie Mays quality catch in deep center, I will be ready when the occasion arises! I will be musing on that all day.
As you know, Pat and I have been experiencing major disruptions to the rhythms of our life defined by vocation, church and family for more than 40 years. But, life changes and new cadences must be established. But, I must continue to rise early, meet with the Lord in Word and wonder, and then communicate with others the grace so abundantly poured out on us. Pat and I are confident that God will be consistent, will continue our life’s long cadence, and bring fresh challenges. Each will require that we employ knowledge gained by previous experiences. We are anticipating new ministries too. The beginnings of the new are beginning to germinate. There is a daffodil moment just ahead. We’d love you to share our excitement and prayers as we move forward.
If you would like to follow along, please add this address, http://renewedcities.blogspot.com, to your favorites list and open the “blog of the day.” I promise not to bore you with what we ate for breakfast of how beautiful our grandchildren are. (You already know that truth!) We are eager to get your feedback and to hear what is happening in your journey. And, you have heard the last about daffodils!
Last Thought: This morning I finished reading Spring Training, by William Zinsser. Several one liners captured my attention, but one by Bill Virdon, a spring training special instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates, stood out. Virdon’s specialty is preparing outfielders for the 162 game season. The context is the challenge of outfielders to maintain concentration while playing defense. An outfielder may play an entire game without touching the baseball defensively. Virdon said, “The best ones are total in their self-discipline.” Even though I may not be called on to the throw out a runner attempting to stretch a single into a double or make a Willie Mays quality catch in deep center, I will be ready when the occasion arises! I will be musing on that all day.
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