Graced In Christ's Love

The Good Shepherd

2009-05-02T16:08:00.003-05:00

"I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays his life down for his sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takesa it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
John 10:11-18

I felt a real glow of warmth in my heart, maybe like to what Wesley felt when he felt the warming in his heart, as I prepared my sermon on the above text and the other texts from the Revised Lectionary inlcuding Psalm 23. This was not the first time for me, but it never fails to surprise me. Thinking and reflecting on the power of this passage creates extraordinary images of the greatness of God's love for humanity. Jesus assuming the authority from the Father, also assumes his love, and thus so willingly accept the role of the Good Shepherd, not for his benefit as the shepherds in Ezekiel 34, but as the loving, living Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit willing to give all for the sake of the sheep.

Unless we can come to walk in Christ, I don't know if we can fully understand the power of this image of God. However, I find that it is what draws me most to the God I adore in worship and praise. So it is what the image of Christ that I want most for others to see of Christ. But we only can demonstrate this as the body of Christ, in the form of the church, when we accept or assume the role of Good Shepherd while in Christ. Then we will act on the world for its benefit, not to make ourselves fat off of the world.

Radical Hope

2009-03-21T06:50:00.001-05:00

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who by his great mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" 1 Peter 1:3

I like the use of "living hope" by Peter. This is what I think of as radical hope, hope that does not die, but is living. And since it is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, it is eternal.

Radical hope, however, does not blind you to the realities of the world. Currently, the world is facing an economic collapse of a scale that it hasn't seen for many decades. Radical hope, says that a transformed people in Christ will move beyond the greed and distrust that created the economic boom and its eventual destruction, to a regenerative economy built on the commandments of God for love in God and love of others.

Radical hope doesn't blind me to the realities of Trinity Asbury UMC where I will be serving as an interim pastor for the next three months. Two months ago, two local congregations were merged and in the past week they lost their pastor due to illness. Yet, living, radical hope tells me that they are not chained to the past, that the transformative work of God, through Jesus Christ, is at hand in them and around them.

I think that Darrell Guder defines it best: ""Living hope," then—to risk a definition—is to confidently maneuver the passage between the certainty of Easter and the certainty of the final Day of Jesus Christ. God gives us living hope to enter each day free of the burden of the day before. We are not enslaved to cause and effect. The past does not hold us. Our lives take shape in the reliability of God's promises."

Be careful what you pray for

2009-03-20T06:22:00.001-05:00

I meet with a district superintendent and a lay leader of a United Methodist congregation today to discuss an interim appointment as a local pastor. Since becoming a certified candidate in the ordained elder, I have been anxious over obtaining a local pastor position in the Winchester District. Now I'm provided with this unusual opportunity to move forward in God's story. Amazing!

But this is God's story, and now I need to fit into that story with God's congregation at Trinty Asbury UMC.

Waiting on God

2009-03-06T07:05:00.002-05:00

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
(Psalm 25:4&5)

I was reading a Lenten meditation, when I saw this prayer from a psalmist. It took me away from the meditation before me to something I had read a few minutes earlier from Karl Bath's Dogmatics in Outline. Barth seems to be writing that we can not know God, the object, except through God's own revelations.

The psalmist, so long ago, seemed to understand this. The psalmist prays that God makes God's ways known, that God teaches paths, that God leads in truths, and that God is the psalmist's salvation through making him known. The the psalmist prays, "for you I wait all day long." Extraordinary! The psalmist waits on God to reveal who God is.

Then I ask myself can I wait all day long for God to reveal who God is? Or do I run from on book to another, from one Scripture verse to another, from one opinion to another, seeking to know, reasoning to know, but never waiting for God to reveal God.

God, let me stop running here and there,
but for you wait all the day long.

Remembering Mary Morrison

2009-02-28T17:31:00.003-05:00

Today we remembered Mary Morrison, who as I wrote earlier died two days ago. There are many ways to do a funeral, but today we did it Mary's way. We put our glad clothes on and celebrated her with wit, laughter, joy of knowing each other, much praise for Jesus, and a whole lot of food. It was very much like having her there -- in a hundred people who all had warmed themselves on the love of Jesus that she had shined on us.

It will be an experience that I will not forget as I will not forget her.

God' Presence

2009-02-28T06:36:00.003-05:00

A member of my home church, Market Street UMC, died a couple of days ago. Mary Morrison's funeral is today. Our community is deeply sadden over her death even though she is now free of the pain of the cancer that had taken over her body this past year.

I have been reflecting on how I knew Mary these past few years. She was a member of my Sunday School class and we often talked at the many events that happened at Market Street. As I reflected on her life it connected to my readings of the life of Brother Lawrence, an obscure monk in France in the 17th century.

I remember Mary always had a "glow" about her. She was quiet but always smiling, ready to joke, and always determined. She was known as a cook "par excellance" and treated the crowd at Market Street to many tasteful bakery goods. Among her baking talents were biscuits for dogs, which for something always stuck in my mind.

It was this "glow" however that I remember most about her. When I was with Mary, talking or seeing her the other side of the table, I always thought of Jesus being very present with us. This is somewhat how I imagine that Brother Lawrence appeared to those who met him, or whom with he corresponded. It is the sense of feel when I read any of the many translations of Practice of the Presence of God, published in 1692.

Now I pray that as I see Mary's face in my eyes mind, I will remember her by practicing God's presence every moment.

Putting Christ Back Into Christmas

2008-12-25T07:10:00.000-05:00

For several years now there has been a public campaign to put Christ back into Christmas. Mostly they want nativity scenes in public places and for retails stores to say Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays as they take your money.

For me there has been a far more successful effort to put Christ back into Christmas. Most of those who are carrying out the effort might not think of it as a campaign or even as any effort, since they do simply one thing, follow Christ in all things.

This advent season, my friend and the coordinator of the Valley Gleaning Network for the Society of St Andrew, Betty Heishman is one of those who is making sure that Christ remains in Christmas, as well as in the less seasonal word Christian. She loves Jesus in a very strange way. Every Thursday she provides an after school meal for the Hispanic children of Amor y Paz United Methodist Church. She was one of the many volunteers at CCAP to provide a few small gifts for children of the families in our community who are struggling because of the economy and for other reasons. Then tomorrow, on Christmas Day, she will cook a meal for the residents of the Blue Ridge Hospice and their families and the nurses that will be on duty that day.

Another example of this effort to put Christ back into Christmas I am glad to say is being carried out by a group of ladies from my church. Every Thursday they provide a hot meal for our downtown community. This Thursday, on Christmas Day, they will not be closed like so many other places. Instead they will open our fellowship hall and kitchen to all who need a hot meal on Christmas day. Market Street's congregation and others have given generously to make sure that no one needs to go hungry on the day we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child who changed the world.

Yes Virginia there is a Jesus and Christ lives.

Thanksgiving Thought

2008-11-27T06:28:00.003-05:00

Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonousb snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today. Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (NRSV)

Just remember whose you are, and how you came to be, and how you received what you have, and how much you have survived, and be thankful.

Where Are You God?

2008-11-24T08:05:00.002-05:00

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:1-4 (NRSV)

The remnant of Israel, returning from exile in Babylon, seeing for themselves the destruction of their homeland in Judah, are in despair. But in the the dark night of that despair was the hope that God was make himself known again, as it had so many times before in their history.

After 9/11 in 2001, the people of the western world felt the same sense of despair and hope. We did not understand where God was, and why he didn't make himself evident. But those of faith in Christ, through Scripture and through our own story, knew that he was present and did make that presence known in many surprising ways.

In July 1988, I lost my 39 year old wife to a fatal heart attack. I immediately fell into the dark night of despair, asking God why, and where was he. Yet, I always had the seed of hope in those days, praying silently that he would again make his presence known. These twenty years later, I have come realize that he had been there, but it was I who had turned away, much in the way Israel had so many times had turned from God to follow their own designs or false idols. I have also come to see how my story is in the story of God.

2008-11-19T06:43:00.002-05:00

For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. Ezekiel 34: 11-12

I’m comforted that though I might be in a dark place “on a day of clouds and thick darkness”, that God will seek me out and rescue me from that dark place. I have to say that I know something about this, having been freed from the despair and grief over the loss of my wife in 1988.

He has done this for many others of his flock. What amazed me is that he did this for me though I had not been in a church for years. He did it for me though I rarely prayed. He did it for me even though I had forgotten how to praise him with hymn and sacrament. So when I see someone who has become scattered from the flock, who is searching to find his- or herself in a confusing world, I pray confident that God is searching them out, and will rescue them from the darkness.

Political Thought

2008-10-10T15:14:00.001-05:00

Be quick to listen, slow to speak

James 1:19

Hiding in the Darkness

2008-10-09T06:10:00.004-05:00

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Paul says that even an upright saint like himself can not be judged for what is in the heart. Only the Lord, Christ Jesus, reveals what lives in the darkness of the heart. Only at the time of his coming will we, and others will be judged.

It seems that one of the strongest criticism against us who are Christians is our judgmental attitude toward those who are not of our faith, or even our particular brand of faith. In other words, we are quick to condemn, and slow to forgive. Can we as followers of Jesus Christ live a life that does not judge others for what is in their heart?

Possibly we can learn from the example of mothers. Take a mother like Monica of Hippo, mother of St Augustine, who prayed daily over her son while he as a pagan philosopher. These mothers, and there are many of them, do not judge in condemnation of their children, but pray with inspired hope that their children may come to see the truths of the world in the light of Jesus Christ.

And it should not be just about our children. Jesus taught us in the Gospel of Matthew our family is much larger than our immediate parents and siblings. (Matthew 12:48). And isn't the whole world to be blessed in the example of Israel, as promised in God's covenant with Abraham.

Cannot Ignore the Times

2008-10-06T18:14:00.003-05:00

“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

Matthew 6:24

The western world, tied together by a web of financial institutions, is facing increasingly difficult economic trials for its house of cards. How we got there is a story of biblical proportions.

I feel some where we lost the prophetic voice, or drowned it out as we plugged into an IPod or rock and rolled to the radio on the highway of our desires. If the voice was there, or if we could hear it, we would hear the voice pointing back to the words of Jesus in Matthew. So have we learned to despise one and love the other? And has one become the servant of the other?

I think these are questions we must wrestle with in the midst of the difficult economic times of our generation. If we fail to do so, the silence of desparation will be deafening.

A Birthday Present for Grandma

2008-10-06T07:03:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, I was in a corn field, gleaning for the Society of St Andrews. We were thankful to Farmer Cline, who shared his bounty with us many times this year. The Shenandoah Valley group was also blessed with the many that came to give their hands, feet and backs to the effort.

Among the last to come out was a young couple. I was fascinated that they had came to the valley from Arlington, which meant about a 90 minuted drive to come into the fields to pick corn. So I asked how they came to be there on that Saturday morning.

Tracy, the young woman, explained that they first heard about the Society of St Andrew when her grandmother as a Christmas gift to them gave a donation to the Society of St Andrew. The found out a more about the society from the Internet. Then when they wanted to give her grandmother something back for her birthday they contacted Betty Heishman, the Shenandoah Valley coordinator in Winchester.

This was a gift that kept on giving. Thank God for grandmothers.

Grace is Not Easy

2008-08-14T19:45:00.003-05:00

On just about any given day, I imagine that any one of struggles with passing on the grace of forgiveness received from God through Jesus on the cross. I have had some weeks of trouble passing it on, though I'm reminded of my Christian duty in my daily prayers and devotions.

My stumbling block is my inability to see eye to eye with the current management of the company who employs me. I don't doubt that there are many good people in management, however, in their quest to grow business in a slow economy they have forgotten to be customer focused. So bad decisions about changing processing, composing and accounting systems in order to decrease costs have disrupted processes for the customers and account representatives servicing them to the extent that revenue for the account reps and the company is falling as customers reduce spending because of the economy and because they can no longer trust the company to deliver on its promise. At the same time, the account reps are pushed hard to create new revenue , when their morale is decreasing because they no longer believe in the service or product.

In this pressure cooker, it is really hard to remind ourselves that our obligation of gratitude is first to Christ. Forgiven, we are called to forgive. Living under grace, we are called to extend that grace. Is this what it is to be refined like fine silver and gold?

Gleaning & Grace

2008-08-09T05:24:00.002-05:00

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.e 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:8-11

Philip Yancy reminded me, last night, that the other side of sin is grace, not virtue (What's So Amazing About Grace). I need to be reminded of that often, as I suspect most of us do.

Also part of grace, at least for me, is gratitude. Gleaning is part of that gratitude for me, so I love to go to the fields with others in the Shenandoah Valley to pick vegetables and fruit that go to those who are struggling with food issues in our area. In the fields I feel so compelled to shout to God thanks for his great abundance, and the grace of farmers who allow us to share it with others in this way. So I'm off to glean and celebrate His grace.

Quote that made me think

2008-08-08T19:19:00.003-05:00

Brian McLaren in a new book Finding Our Way Again, writes about an interview with Dr. Peter Senge. Dr Senge, speaking to an audience of 50 ministers, related how he was in a book store where he asked the manager the most popular type of book. The manager responded was how to become wealthy using new informational technologies. Dr. Senge asked what was the second most popular book, to which the manager responded books on Buddhism.

Dr Singe went on to ask the 50 ministers to whom he was speaking, why books on Buddhism would be more popular than books on Christianity. He answered the question him self, thinking "because Buddhism presents itself as a way of life, and Christianity presents itself as a system of belief." (McLaren, 3)

I find this to be very true among many Christians whom with which I worship and come into contact with throughout my daily journeys. Christianity for them is a set of beliefs only, and certainly not a way of life. This has also been an issue with which I have had my own struggles, even now as attend the seminary and work my way through the candidacy program of the United Methodist Church. Somewhere along the way, we must attempt to live the life, rather than to hold a set of beliefs as if that was the treasure Jesus spoke of in the field. The treasure is the life that brings us closer to God, which can be only found in a life lived in a Christ like way.

2008-05-13T06:36:00.002-05:00

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Easier said than done for some in these times, that is, not worrying. Gas prices here in the United States enters into about every conversation that you have. Someone yesterday talked about consolidating meetings at church to save gas. I'm sure that someone, somewhere, is wishing that we got rid of meetings all together. So with the worry, there is a new excuse for putting aside some things that we find unpleasant or annoying.

I don't know how many people think about the times when the words of Jesus above were spoken. The people of Galilee, a rural country with no large cities (Jerusalem is in Judea), lived oppressed by the Romans; they were heavily taxed and for most they lived a subsistence living. That is they lived from hand to mouth, day to day. This is possibly why the feeding of the 5,000 was such a big deal, and they followed Jesus about the country side.

So may be these words are very appropriate for our times, or even worse times. They are not the words given when people are flushed with cash and have everything they could possibly want. They are words spoken for hard times, when it may be easier to excuse ourselves from pursuing the kingdom of God.

I Expect To Change

2008-03-01T11:02:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure that we change once, and it's all over. Change is a journey, not a destination. I can't imagine that it is different for the body of Christ. It is changing as it travels the path towards the return of Christ. I feel that the body of Christ, the church, is changing, taking on new colors, new traditions, and new cultures. I expect, therefore, I will be transformed again. I think the changes are like how it is when you revisit a Bible passage and find it new, fresh and full of new meaning you did not see before. Could this be the living water that Jesus promised.

Who will rescue me...

2008-02-19T16:55:00.002-05:00

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25

Paul gets it right. Haven't we all had a day, when despite our best intentions, we foul up the day because we can't just get it right with God? I have had such a day today, which makes many more than I've ever wanted, though it might not be the last. I could recite a long list of sins, but that was never Paul's point, nor will it be mine. The point is that sin is in our human nature and we will meet ourselves coming from time to time. So as Paul says, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Yet it was a good day to see God in his many graces. I saw many genuine smiles and kindnesses passed between friends and strangers alike. Even though February is not yet over, I see a tinge of greeness creeping onto the hills along the side of the road - God creating newness as we watch. He does this every year, and I always want to be child-like to enjoy the return of the colors in the Spring.

Understanding Paul

2008-02-14T21:40:00.004-05:00

Until late, I was not a big fan of the Apostle Paul. It comes from the all the hearsay that I have allowed to sway me over the years. I thought he was a strange kind of Christian anyway.

Of course, it is rather ridiculous to think of him as a Christian. Christian was not a word that he would have known, as it came into use sometime in the 2nd century. Paul is a Jew, through and through. We have misunderstood this, us modern Christians, who also seem to have forgotten that Jesus was a Jew too. You can include his disciples in that number too.

I have begin to read the Epistles of late. It wasn't really my choice, it is something they make you do in seminary. However, like the many things my mother made me do that I didn't want to do when younger, this is coming out fine too. I'm finding that Paul, when you understand him as a Jew, and see his God, and the Son, and the Spirit through those First Century Jewish eyes, is very understandable.

I'm just a little ashamed that I listened to all that hearsay for so many years and didn't investigate it sooner for myself. I guess seminary will do me a little good after all.

Christmas Trees and Consumerism

2007-12-08T06:31:00.000-05:00

In my town this past week has been contentious. In our downtown shopping area, a walking mall of sorts, with public streets, two Christmas trees set in public areas has received a tremendous amount of attention. The "problem" appears to be strict instruction that no religious ornaments are allowed to be placed on the tree. This is an extended argument from those who each year violently attack merchants who take Christmas greetings out of their stores and put up Holiday trees.

I have always been uncomfortable with these attacks. The statements are neither charitable nor wise. I question that we should be attaching Christ's name, and the celebration of his birth and life, with shopping and undisguised consumerism.

For myself, I would rather that we be talking about taking Christ out of the shopping experience and putting it back into the relational experience. The Advent Conspiracy hasn't yet attracted much local interest, but it has been gaining attention on the national, and maybe even the international level. It's message appeals to my understanding of Christianity.

Blessings

Blinded

2007-09-14T07:53:00.000-05:00

He brought him [Abraham] outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6

I do not remember when was the last time when I was able to look up into the sky and see it filled with stars - so many that they seemed to be uncountable. The memory of such a sight has diminished until I don't know if it was real anymore.

City lights have blinded me. In all the places where I've lived lately, city lights have dimmed the view of the star fields directly above our head. I suppose in the same way the promises of man in his city lights have blinded me. At times I find that I've been lured into a false security that the promises of men can free me, can make my problems go away, can give me new vigor in my declining years, can even keep my enemies at bay.

So it is easy to lose sight of God. Easy to lose sight of his promise. Easy to believe that God isn't here anymore.

I believe that he's waiting past all the false promises of hope, past all the temporary structures created by us for our comforts, past all the glamor that blinds us. I believe he calls from beyond the immediate and visible.

And I believe that daily reading of Scripture, Old and New, help us to see through all that others want to blind us with. I believe daily prayer keeps God present with us all the time. And I believe God lives through the faces, hearts and acts of each of us. This is what is to be in his image.

Have You seen God Lately?

2007-09-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

Haven't you asked your self, Where is God? Why can't I see him? Those of us in faith, without thinking, assume that He is with us in some form or manner all the time. But do we really see him?

I am of the opinion we can run into him many times a day and never notice him - even those of us who profess to be of faith.

Carol, is a mentally challenged young woman, now in her thirties. Last year she lost her father to cancer, and has since been living alone, though I understand she is frequently checked up on by social services in the town. She regularly is at the Kitchen of Hope, a weekly soup kitchen for the hungry in the downtown area of my town. I am frequently there too, as I always find some type of joy when I share bread with the regulars. But recently a change has taken place with Carol.

When my wife and I first met Carol she was extremely shy. Whenever my wife would approach her to say hello she would wrap her arms around herself then bury her head. However recently, she has openly looked for a hug from my wife and even from me. Last week as I walked down the street I spied her waiting for the door of the church to open for the Thursday meal. When she saw me, she smiled a most beautiful smile, then gave me a big hug. At the time, I felt something akin to joy, but I did not see God, though at that very moment he was right there in front of me.

How many times to do we look for God in the beautiful, in the pure, in the righteous, when he is right there in front of us in the kind act of another towards us. And how often are we not the reflection of God to someone else for what we have done to make their life better.

Might does not make right. The Lamb does.

2007-06-09T19:27:00.000-05:00

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so he can open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelations 5:1-5

The I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing in full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessings!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' And they fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:11-13

This is a beautiful passage, full of meaning to a world needing answers. The Lion becomes the Lamb. The Lamb is the only one with the power to open the sealed scroll to the furture God promises thouse who worship him.

Every leader on Earth and Heaven needs to meditate on this passage. "And no one in heaven and earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it." They can not open it with all their might and power in money, weapons or armies. Take heed, those who think they can forcefully exert thier imitation of God's will to bring about the Kingdom of God. The meek, humbled Lamb, crucified, opens the scroll sealed by the seven seals, not the might of a thousand Kings, Presidents, Congresses, Dictators, Parliments or other forms of domination systems.

Truly, as John of Patmos writes, this is a God truly worthy of worship and admiration. and to be followed.

The sabbath and busyness

2007-01-22T06:03:00.000-05:00

Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, or your son or your daughter, or your male or female slave, or your ox or your donkey, or any of your livestock, or the resident alien in your towns, so that your male and female slave may rest as well as you. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (NRSV)

I like the idea of the sabbath, so I try to keep Sunday's as my sabbath day, though not in the strict sense of Judaic observance. I turn off my computer, turn off the TV, and devote myself to worship and joyful activities with those who I love. I give it over to God, and leave all things in his hand. However, sometimes we are called to attend to an unfolding event in our lives.

Currently, we are dealing with a serious emotional issue concerning the health of my step daughter and her son. Yesterday, on Sunday, it required sending emails, making phone calls, and listening frequently to the weather reports to determine if it would be safe to drive on Monday to their home and hour and a half away. It made a "busy" day out of a normally "quiet" day for us.

It is when such business overtakes my peaceful Sunday sabbath that I most appreciate it. Today, as I begin a new work week, I'm less rested, less ready for the coming week. I'm struggling already to stay up with the "busyness" of the week.

I'm also reminded that it is in our "busyness" that we often lose sight of God's outstretched hand, or his listening ear, ready to get into the yoke with us to lighten the burden.

Forgiveness

2007-01-20T06:03:00.000-05:00

"And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors"
Matthew 6:12 (NRSV)

This past week I lost my earthly father. He was mostly a selfish man, and though he was a charmer, he was also a very lonely man, especially in the past few years when he had very little mobility.

I do not have a long list of ways he influenced me or inspired me. In my formative years he was missing and it seems I've only known him as an old man. However, one important point I can say in the end. He was forgiven. God had forgiven him, I am sure.

I also forgave. So this selfish and lonely life taught something important to his now middle age son - forgiveness. More than few years back, when God reclaimed me, I had to struggle with the idea of forgiveness. It was in my father that I found that struggle most fierce. Then I gave in, accepted God's forgiveness, and forgave my father. Christ had changed my life again.

Rest in peace Dad. I pray you had one last opportunity to know Jesus.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

For me this is the center of my faith, and the center of my thoughts at this time of the year. Christ Jesus, God incarnate, comes to live among us, so that we may know God in his glory. The Christmas story only makes sense if we believe this.

What also makes sense for me is that Christ came to reconcile the world, and we are part of that reconciliation plan. And the plan is to love unconditionally, and to end hate and violence through truth and light, which is in Jesus.

Merry Christmas in the hope that is in Jesus Christ

Online Prayer Group

2006-10-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

My friend and brother in blogging and prayer, David Robison at The Robe, has started an online prayer group using voice over Internet technology (VoIP). We meet online at 9:30 pm on Thursday evenings. The sessions have been lasting about a half hour, and so far David and I have been the only attendees. If you would like to join us, contact David by email at drrobison1@cox.net.

We would like to hear from you, and have you help us join the Christian blogging community in prayer. I pray for your voice to join our voices in praise and supplication to God.

Be Thou My Will

2006-10-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

It was a rough week. The company for which I am an account representative has been split into two companies by its partners. I still sell and service accounts, but I have had to take on additional customers this week, while giving up a smaller number of accounts. The trouble wasn't so much taking on more accounts, but that my customers were now further apart physically. I already drive about 600 miles a week. Initially, the new accounts could add another 150 to 200 miles to that total. This past week when was when the accounts were deployed, making it long and tough.

At the same time, my new boss has been missing in action. Since beginning to work for the "new" company, I have only had the opportunity to speak to him a couple of times. I consider myself lucky, as several of the other account representatives have not had their calls returned - for weeks. This week of the deployment of accounts, we have not heard one word from him.

When things get tough, I pray. I picked up a breath prayer from Thomas R. Kelly's A Testament of Devotion that I began to use this very week. On the road for as many miles as I drive, you have a lot of time to use breath prayers, and a lot of other prayers. So all week I have focused on saying under my breath: Be Thou My Will.

In the storm, I have been calm. I have remained focus on Jesus and the discipleship I pursue with him. I still attended two weekly bible studies, a charge conference, served at the Kitchen of Hope, and prayed online with my prayer companion, David Robison of The Robe.

God was my will this week. Jesus led me and shepherded me through the trouble spots. I am overwhelmed by his love I felt in the Spirit that eveloped me, and am eternally grateful.

When troubled by a world without God

2006-10-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,
he maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
he leadth me beside the still waters,
he restoreth my soul,
he leadth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for thou are with me,
thy rod and staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me,
in the prescence of my enemies,
thou annointest my head with oil,
my cup overrunneth.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

I like the promise of the 23rd Psalm. It is especially soothing in a troubled world, where madmen kill innocent children; other atrocities fill our newscasts daily, along with lies and deceits; and we pursue false idols of commerce, sports and entertainment.

Jesus is the "good" shepherd. It is his voice that we hear, and who leads us from the dark pins into the green pasture, beside the still waters, and down paths of righteousness. Jesus delivers us from the valley of the shadow of death, while preparing a table before us in the prescence of our enemies. It is because of Jesus that our cup overflows with joy, and it is through the grace of the Cross that we can know goodness and mercy all the days of our lives, and live in his Father's house forever.

We only need to follow, and the Kingdom of Heaven is here.

Witness to a Living God

2006-09-29T07:03:00.000-05:00

This is the start of a new section of my blog. I believe that testimony helps us understand that we have a living God, who is very active in the world today. I know that he has been active in my life, and I see his influence around me every day. So this section, entitled Testimony, is about my weekly observations and witness of God's love and concern for us.

Every Thursday, my church Market Street UMC sponsors a soup kitchen called Kitchen of Hope to provide food, a safe social environment, and nurturing place for many of our local community. We are a downtown church and have many near us who need this to get through each week.

Yesterday I was helping with the serving when I was approached by Tom who had not been around for some time. He wanted some one to talk to, and someone to pray with him. I was glad to take him into the sanctuary, kneel down at the altar rail, and pray with him. His breath testified that he had been drinking, and was semi-drunk now. His talk turned to suicide, to putting himself out of his misery. I prayed hard asking for God's intervention in his life, and for the words that would make a difference to Tom.

Tom was at a point where I had been 10 years ago. For many years I had been drowning out the sorrow of the loss of a loved wife and my own inability to get my life right and the consequences of many poor decisions. Also sometimes I was so mired in my despair that in order to know that someone cared I said stupid things that would force people to care. The fact is that sometimes we don't listen until someone says they intend to take their lives in their hands, or threaten others with harm. We are slow to see the depth of the hurt and anger of those around us because we no longer listen.

But God cares. He doesn't create our situation, and he doesn't always give us what we want. He grieves for us, however, and is ready to fill the void created by hurt and anger with the Spirit which is love. He says to us "bring to me your heavy burdens", and he will lighten them so that we may again know life through Christ Jesus.

He changed my life. I found out that he cared all the time, and I didn't have to say stupid things to get people to care that I was hurting. I discovered all of this through prayer and the reading of the Bible. I didn't know how to pray at first, so every night I would say the Lord's Prayer. And I would read a morning devotion with a verse from the Bible. Slowly, every so slowly I was brought out of my despair and depression into the light.

Did I mention that I was already a Christian when all of this happened. That I had been baptized as a child, and that I attended church regularly as a youth, until I fell away, and some might say was driven away. And that I thought I could be Christian without attending church, because the God I wanted to know wasn't in the churches I knew. But I didn't know God was there all the time, and that I was looking for love in wrong places. While not every church attendee has a deep commitment to God, and deep commitment to struggling with faith, Jesus said that where ever two or more gather in my name I will be there. So even if only two of you are struggling with faith in your Church, and are accepting God's will for your life, then you know that Christ is there with you.

This was very difficult to write, especially knowing that it would be available for the Internet world to read. But I believe that every one of us who intend to profess our belief in God Almighty, the Son, and the Holy Spirit needs to make an honest accounting of his faith.

As to Tom, after many conversations and prayers, I put him into a hotel for the night so he could sleep off the alcohol. Then I continued to pray for him. I don't know if God touched his heart, I would like to believe that he did. But if he didn't last night, I know that God cares, and that he does change lives.

Recent Silence

2006-09-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

Be still, and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10

A few have commented on my recent silence. It would be easy to say I have been too busy. But that would not be the whole truth, because I believe in the need to write and to explain and to open dialogues - which means you make time to do it.

The whole truth is that at times I have to wait on God. I dare not move forward on my own, for to do so would be to deliver less than what he wants me to deliver.

I have not stop reading and studying, nor have I stopped teaching. It is at this time I am "still", and knowing my God unlike any other time in my life.

Worship and Worthiness

2006-08-25T08:34:00.000-05:00

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,who was and is and is to come!" Revelations 4:8 (ESV)

In every church of which I've been a member, there is small group of devoted members who give themselves over to service. The sad part for many of them, they do so at the cost of worship. You will not see them in the pew beside you or at the prayer railing receiving communion. They are busy in their service.

I can not do that. I have to worship, and then serve out of the refreshed Spirit that enfolds me. And I have to worship every day through readings and prayer and the gladness of the Spirit. I want to celebrate the worthiness of a God "who was and is and is to come", which is more awesome than the discovery of "dark matter". More awesome than even this morning when the sun boldly announced its arrival.

The word worship comes from the Old English word for worthiness. It means to hold in reverence of what is worthy of our esteem, namely the God who is undescribable and who creates and maintains all that we see and beyond all that we see.

In this celebration of worthiness my God "restoreth my soul" so that I am always fresh. I have heard those who have express concern that I might "burn out", because in service there is a history in the Church of people being burned out. However, there are saints who never burned out. They did not because they worshiped before they served.

Week 7 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-06-09T05:56:00.001-05:00

For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16, RSV

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing abuse for him. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:12-16, RSV

Jesus identified with us. He knew suffering and the finitude of human life. In the same manner, we are called to identified with those for whom we intercede. Though we most often cannot know the physical suffering and darkness they have, we can go to God in faith. We bend our knee before the "God of justice, mercy, and righteousness". We are together with the suffering Christ. We identify with them in our intercession knowing that Jesus had identified with us, and that God listens.

This is the final lesson of Maxie Dunnam's The Workbook of Intercessory Prayer. I was taught that at the center of all prayer is Jesus, and especially of intercessory prayer. He waits for us, calling us to follow him: praying for those who suffer and are in darkness, as he prayed for us.

For any that wishes to study intercessory prayer for themselves, I highly recommend this book.

Week 7 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-06-09T05:56:00.000-05:00

For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16, RSV

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing abuse for him. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:12-16, RSV

Week 7 - Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-06-08T06:08:00.000-05:00

Count it all joy,my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not supoose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will recieve anything from the Lord.
James 1:2-8, RSV

Dunnam tells us that four significant lessons appear in the Scripture for the intercessor:

If we lack wisdom, God will give it (verse 5)
We must ask in faith, not doubting(verse 6)
We must be single-minded, (verse 8-9), intent on God's will and purpose, living and praying in the name of Christ.
The mystery of pain, where God speaks to us through our wounds (verse 1-2)

Dunnam speaks to us and for us when he wrote the following prayer while recovering from a serious auto accident:

Lord, it seems as though you've decided
to keep vivid sgns from me.
I suppose you know how gullible and fickle I am.
Seeing is always believing for me.
Maybe you know I don't always see clearly,
and signs are often misread by me.
So, I've quit putting out fleeces,
and I just struggle to believe.
I keep on waiting and trusting
and longing.
Well, Lord, thank you.
Thank you big!
You've confirmed my waiting and trusting
and longing,
not with a sign
but with your presence,
your vivid presence,
You have "tented" with me for days.
The nightmare of a head-on collision
broken leg, broken ribs, pierced lung
has been transformed into an incredible
experience of peace and quietness and
confidence and knowing.
The miracle has been my consciousness of your healing presence.
What a miracle that is.
I'd like to build a tabernacle here on
Mt Tabor, Lord,
even with this clumsy leg cast and
aching muscles and painful breathing.
But I remember some others who wanted to stay on
Mt. Tabor.
You wouldn't let them,
and you won't let me.
You even look took them to Gethsemane.
How different from Mt. Tabor,
I know that when we build permanent temples
where you have been with us in
temporary tents,
we don't "house" you.
We only box ourselves in,
I won't do that.
But I won't forget our "tenting" together,
And when my insaitable longing for a
sign wells up again,
I'll fight the temptation to put out
a fleece.
And will remember our Mt. Tabor.

Week 7 - Day 5 (Prayer Study)

2006-06-07T05:58:00.000-05:00

And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weakness, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, for when I am weak, the I am strong.
2 Cor. 12:7-10, RSV

While God does not inflict us with suffering and trials, he does speak to us through our wounds. Dunnam sums it up for him: "The lesson is clear for me. The goal of our praying is not primarily for deliverance from pain and suffering, but that God's will shall be done, that God's purposes shall be accomplished, that Christ's sufficient grace shall be realized."

I have my own "thorn in the flesh" which has been a consistent weakness through which God has worked throughout my life. When I have been at my weakest, Christ's grace has been sufficient. I have to admit that I didn't always know it until long after I've been through the trial.

Week 7 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-06-06T05:45:00.000-05:00

"Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? But that you know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home."
Mark 2:7-12, RSV

Dunnam teaches in this lesson that Jesus' ministry is focused: forgiveness and healing. He tells us that we are not to resign to sickness and suffering. "Confession of sin, vigilance against it, and pardon for it are in close relation to healing....The intercessor, accepting and experiencing the liberating power of Jesus over sin and suffering, joins his adoration and thanksgiving to God for his own deliverance with intercession for all those who suffer." The result is that we take up their suffering, and become a channel through which Christ can liberate us and the other of our suffering.

It seems to me that we are being told that we need to walk another's shoe to become a true intercessor through prayer. This is a difficult task for most of us, especially when we think that we have enough suffering of our own without taking up the suffering of someone else. Such thinking, however, is antithetical to faith. If we have faith, we believe that Jesus heals, and he heals us, removing our suffering -- even the suffering that we have assumed from others.

Week 7 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-05-23T19:10:00.000-05:00

The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern his errors?
Clear thou me from hidden faults.
Keep back they servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my rock and redeemer.
Psalm 19:7-14, RSV

When we pray, we inevitably pray for the forgiveness of our sins. The psalmist knows that this is often difficult for us and that we should also seek to be "clear" from hidden sins, and kept from entering into "presumptuous sins".

Dunnam says we, as intercessors, should also pray for the sins of others, that they will seek God's forgiveness and know the newness of life. In First John the writer tells us "My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2, italics are mine) Christ forgives the sin of the whole world, and we are called to invoke his name to forgive the sins of those who we pray for.

This is really important if you think about it. For the sins of the world have an effect on all of us. Much of what brings sorrow and grief to our lives and others are our sins and theirs, both the common and corporate sin of the world. Because we all have greed, hate, envy, and a disrepect for human life in our hearts we are the seed of grief and sorrow for others, as the same in others is the seed for our own grief and sorrow. This is not something that we can easily dismiss because it has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with us.

The good news is that we have a means to address the common and corporate sin of the world. We have Jesus Christ, son of God. We can pray for forgiveness for all sins for all the world, in the name of the Son, and expect to be heard.

Week 7 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-05-22T21:21:00.000-05:00

Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42

Dunnam points out that the core of this teaching is "The attention Mary gives to the presence of Jesus as opposed to Martha's agitation and preoccupation with tasks... Martha's work is not orientated and ordered by the presence of Jesus". He goes on to warn of the danger of over emphasizing prayer over action.

The second danger, which Dunnam believes is more pervasive today, is that we take an attitude of "My Life and action are my prayer". This can lead to one losing sight of spiritual disciplines in favor of action, and even more grave of a danger is to become absorbed in the great cause that we lose sight of the presence of Christ.

This second danger does seem to be prevalent today. As I look around I see many Christian groups tackling complex social problems with great fervor, however, I don't feel the presence of Christ in their message. And personally, I think this defeats God's purpose to draw others to him through the Good News of the Gospel.

In my prayer life, I seek to be centered on Christ so that I can act as Mary is in this story. Martha is fragmented in her life. This is the message that Jesus wants us to understand and to apply to our lives. Through prayer we become centered and it leads to action that fulfills God's plan for us.

Week 7 -Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-05-21T20:22:00.000-05:00

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
John 15:13-14 RSV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you."
John 15:7 RSV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he my give it to you.
John 15:16 RSV

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you,if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

I have said this to you in figures; the hour is coing when I shall no longer speak to you in figures but tell you plainly of the Father.
John 16:22-25 RSV

Jesus calls us to pray and ask of the Father in his name. He asks one thing in return of us, to "abide in me". This is really huge. Christ is asking us to follow him, to act like him, to be as he is, in order that all things we ask of God, the Father, will be given to us in his name. And this requirement is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. Ask Paul. Ask Peter. Ask any who have followed Christ and abided in him how tough it is.

In the past month when I was not writing, I was trying to use the writing time for additional prayer time. This past month I have had a few less hours in the week for what is the center of my faith: prayer, scripture, service, and fellowship. I devote some of each and every day to some or all of these disciplines - although not easily. It is how I try to follow Christ in my life, through the difficulties of being in the world, but not of the world. I'm not always successful in balancing my priorities, not always successful in keeping my life centered on Christ, but I make every effort to try. And if that will allow me to ask in Christ's name freely, and provide assurance of the Father's response, then let it be so.

Been Away for A Little While

2006-05-21T06:54:00.000-05:00

I have not posted for awhile, and still have Week 7 to finish in the Prayer Study. It happened that I needed additional time for prayer in the morning, and I had to give something up for the short term - writing here on a daily basis. My faith is strongly linked to prayer, service, fellowship and reading; so I go there when I need to be strengthened.

I am now reworking my schedule again, and believe that I can finish Week 7 of the prayer study this week, and continue to post a regular basis again.

Thank you to those who have sent their blessings and asked where I was.

God Bless to All

Week 6 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-23T05:39:00.000-05:00

O God,
in the grace and strength that You daily grant,
Your servant finds reason for celebration.
You have truly fulfilled his innermost longings.
You have responded to his deepest needs.
He asked for security,
and You encompassed him with love.
He looked to You for life,
and You granted him life eternal.
He sought for identity,
and You adopted him as Your son.
Whatever is of value and worth in his life
has come by way of Your rich blessings.
His heart is glad in the realization
of Your eternal presence.
He knows that he will never lose Your love.
I raise my voice in praise, O God,
because no one can separate me from You.
Though circumstances threaten me
and my own obsessions entangle me,
You will never let me go.
Your great power is sufficient to set me free
from these things that hurt my soul.
If I put my trust in You,
You will not allow them to destroy me.
If find so many reasons for praising You, O God.
Paraphrase of Psalm 21

Begin your prayer period with praise to God. Read the psalm paraphrase above, then sit in silence for two or three minutes praising God in your heart.

This week the idea was that we need to give God the opportunity to speak through and work through our imagination, through the intuitive, and through the nonverbal elements of our being. Though I need more practice, over the week I have been realizing that I can overcome the shortcomings I have in using my imaginative visualization. I have ridden around town with Jesus beside me, and we have several conversations about people and events. I think I did most of the talking, but when I stopped to listen, he advised me willingly.

Week 6 - Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-20T06:28:00.000-05:00

It's a glorious feeling to be able
to unload my heart,
to spill out my gratitude
in thanks to You, O God.
Morning, noon, and night
I want the whole world to know of Your love.
I want to shout it, to sing it,
in every possible way
to proclaim Your praises,
to express my joy.

How great You are, O Lord!
Your thoughts are unfathomable,
Your ways beyond comprehension.
And all the while we are still confounded
over the problem of evil.
We simply cannot understand
why the ungodly appear to be so successful,
why good fortune seems to follow those
who defy You.
But we know their success is short-lived.
Those who refuse to turn to You will never find
that ultimate and total fulfillment
that is promised to the sons of God.

The children of God,
those who open their lives to You,
portray the wonder and beauty of Your Spirit.
They are like springs of water in a parched world.
They flourish even amid the distortions
and the ugliness around them.
Their lives are rich and productive
in a barren and desolate society.

Help us, those of us who love You, O God,
to prove to our disjointed world
that You are in our midst.
Paraphrase by Leslie Brandt of Psalm 92

After reading the Psalm remain silent for two or three minutes, praising God in your heart.

Dunnam writes about how visualization has helped him overcome difficulties with colleagues and others in his life. In the visualization process, he imagines having a conversation with the person in the presence of Christ. In Christ's presence the conversation is honest and open. Like so many other prayers, often it is us who changes, and that change affects others.

Dunnam is "convinced from experience that Christ speaks through our imagination.... [and] equally convinced that, in some mysterious way that we may never understand, what happens with us and Christ in our imagination has influence on others." I am convinced that without Christ we cannot have effective prayer, whether imaginatively, or in our hearts.

Week 6 - Day 5 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, ÂSurely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night,Â
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Psalm 139:9-12

There a numerous examples of the use of imagination in the prayers that are the Psalms of the Old Testament. The Psalms also encourage us to meditate: "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways." (Psalm 119:15). Together imagination and meditation opens up the opportunity for God to speak to us and through us.

On this day Dunnam refers to Robert Keck's four types of meditative prayer: "(1) communion with God simply because God is God; (2) communion with God for full self-actualization, to realize our own potential for wholeness; (3) communion with God in our linkage witothersrs; and (4) communion with God in order to listen."

The third type, Dunnam claims, "is a form of intercession and is based on the conviction that all of us, in the very depths of our being, are linked, interrelated." He goes on to say that research has shown evidence of this linkage and that a "paranormal channel of human communication" exists. He ends by saying that "Meditative prayer is such a channel. It provides the channel through which we can send love, light, and health-giving energy to others. Likewise we can receive the same from others who pray for us."

It is important to understand that God isn't the channel; he stands outside of us, nature and all things as the Creator. However, Dunnam believes that using a God given mind full of imagination anintuitivenessss to allow God to speak to us and through us to another is a time honored form of meditative prayer.

This is a little difficult to understand, especially for us who are more likely to pray verbally than with our imagination. But I think that it makes sense without thinking one is getting into the occult. From what I have read there are many Christian mystics who were able to hear God through their imagination and be a means for God to reach others. It does not sound any different than the Prophets of the Old Testament. If we really care about those for whom we pray, we should be open to any tool that God uses to speak to us about them.

Week 6 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Bethzatha, which has five porticos. In these lay many invalids-blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
John 5:1-9, NRSV

This is the second day that we focus on meditative prayer using our imagination. Today we use our imagination to carry a friend to the healing pool. The healing pool is Jesus, and we carry our friend to Jesus with our prayer.

Dunnam suggests a scenario where we walk through an idyllic setting to a pool where we know that our friend can be healed. At the pool we find Jesus, waiting to extend his love to our friend and let his healing words infuse him with health and wellness. As we go through this scene pay attention to the details. Note who else is at the pool, the trees, flowers and other scenery surrounding the pool itself. Note what is said by Jesus, and the conversation between Jesus and your friend.

I wrote the other day my inabilities to see pictures in my mind. That said, I don't doubt that we can carry our friends and even others to Jesus through our imagination, and ask for their healing and salvation through him. Because it is difficult never means that it can not be done.

A Little Girl Needs Our Prayer

2006-04-14T06:14:00.000-05:00

There is only one reason for this 7 week study, that is to care about others, and to see the love of Christ for them, and in them. We also need to be aware of the need.

The other day someone dropped by to read this blog. He left a note about a little girl who needs our prayers. I will let her blog do the talking. Please visit and let your love and care for God's children move your heart to pray to God, seeking his mercy and grace for Alicia and family.

Week 6 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-14T05:36:00.000-05:00

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Bethzatha, which has five porticos. In these lay many invalids-blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
John 5:1-9, NRSV

This day is about meditative prayer, focused on the verse above. Dunnam refers to the book Opening to God by Carolyn Stahl Bohler'. He says it is a resource for guided imagery meditation on scripture, which uses imagination and meditation.

For me this is difficult, especially in gaining a vivid picuture of the scene. I do not usually see visually in my mind, that is pictures do not come to my mind easily. I can the words that describe a scene, better than I can remember a scene. So in order to do this, it make take some practice, which is not a bad thing.

We need many tools to pray for others, and this is one of them. But we also need the discipline to practice to use the tool with skill.

Week 6 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-12T06:05:00.000-05:00

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
Psalm 24, NRSV

Psalm 24, teaches three important lessons:

One, everything belongs to God, and we owe God our allegiance. Two, as we seek to do God's will we discover God's true purposes for our lives.
Three, within God's will we can overcome our personal anxieties and give ourselves unselfishly for others.

On this day, Dennam continues to discuss the meditative aspects of prayer. He describes the "ladder of perfection" that many have tried to climb. Rung one is oral prayer. This is the prayer that Jesus taught, so should not be taken lightly. The second rung is mental prayer, or as we know it meditative. The third rung is affective prayer, stressing our feelings. The top rung is the prayer of loving regard or "deep quiet". The purpose of this prayer is being with God, not being one with God.

Relaxation techniques and a focus on God's love allow us to climb towards the top rung, where we try to bring our entire being into the presence of God where we can feel his love and praise and adore him. As we do so, we can bring others into that loving light with us.

Week 6 - Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-10T04:27:00.000-05:00

O God, thou art my God, I seek thee,
my soul thirsts for thee;

my flesh faints for thee,
as in a dry and weary land where no water is.

So I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary,
beholding thy power and glory.

Because thy steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise thee,
So I will bless thee as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat,
and my mouth praises thee with joyful lips,

whey I think of thee upon my bed,
and meditate on thee in the watches of the night;

for tou has been my help,
and in the shadow of thy wings I sing for joy.

My soul clings to thee
thy right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:1-8, RSV

Relaxation and Receptivity. Dunnam contends that besides practicing verbal prayer, we need to listen within. In order to listen within through scripture, imagination, mind, will, emotion, memory, and other persons, we need to rid ourselves of any tension that could block us from feeling God's presence as we pray. In other words, we need to relax in order to be receptive to God's message for us.

Dunnam offers a breathing excercise to help rid you of tension. There are many forms and kinds of breathing techniques. About all of them work, if we take the time to practice them daily - even several times a day.

I like the practice of a breath meditations similar to those practiced in eastern cultures. Over the many years that I have used them, these practices, along with large doses of prayer, have been very effective in reducing stress. Through them I have been able to let go to allow God to take over my life.

Week 5 - Day 7(Prayer Study)

2006-04-07T05:18:00.000-05:00

"And I tell you. Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who askes receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent,; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Luke 11:9-13, RSV

The questions today is how confident are we in prayer, especially intercessory prayer. For me, I don't doubt God's ability to answer prayers, or even his willingness to answer prayers. What I often doubt is my ability to pray with a clean and open heart, so that I would be worthy of his response. Fortunately, he is a very forgiving God, who just asks me to enter into communion with him. If I bow my head and heart and ask of the Father, I have entered into communion with him.

Father, you are able and willing to answer all my prayers. I want to enter communion with you, to tell you about my concerns, especially those for my friends, but also for some whom I only know slightly, and even some whom I might even dislike. I know I can put their care in your hands with complete trust. If they are afflicted, if they are worldly in their outlook and cannot see your kingdom, if they face grave danger in their physical or spiritual health, if they need a boost in their faith, I can place them before you, confident in your love and concern for them and your desire to be with them. In all things may your will be done in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Week 5 - Day 6(Prayer Study)

2006-04-06T05:02:00.000-05:00

On the morrow Moses said to the people, "You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." So Moses returned to the Lord and said, "Alas, this people have sinned a great sin; they have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if thou wilt forgive their sin - and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou has written."
Exodus 32:30-32, RSV

"Genuine intercession is unselfish" Dunnam writes. It is an act of love, which though we may want to fashion the answer according to our desires, we accept the answer that is received, recognizing that his will is good and acceptable and perfect.

Father, please help me to remove my selfish concerns from my prayers and to recognize that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to your purpose. Holy Spirit fill me as I bend my heart to my Lord, that I may pray earnestly and without concern for my own.

Week 5 - Day 5 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-04T06:01:00.000-05:00

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, "Lord, Have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him" And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
Matthew 17:14-21, RSV

A Need for Boldness. We are hesitant and imprecise in our prayers because of a lack of boldness. Dunnam speaks of discovering a "debilitatiing mind-set" that hampered his prayer life: "This debilitating mind-set is a false humility which makes a great virtue of self-depreciation."

BANG! He hit this one right on the nail for me, driving the conviction deep into my soul. Lacking authentic humility, I have many times feigned it and self-deprecated myself in front of others, myself, and God. But God knows my heart, and sees through all of my falseness.

How we change is not to beat ourselves up for our feebleness or meekness, but to glory in that feebleness or meekness, knowing in that state we receive Christ's power. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth", "Blessed are the poor of spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven," we are told.

When we pray, we should pray like St. Clement of Rome:

We beseech Thee, Lord and Master, to be our help and succour. Save those who are in tribulation; have mercy on the lonely; lift up the fallen; show Thyself unto the needy; heal the ungodly, convert the wanderers of Thy people; feed the hungry; raise up the weak; comfort the faint-hearted. Let all the peoples know that Thou art God alone, and Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture; for the sake of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Week 5 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-04-02T06:11:00.000-05:00

O Lord, open thou my lips,
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
For thou has no delight in sacrifice;
were I to give a burnt offering,
thou wouldst not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God is
a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O
God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:15-17, RSV

Dunnam ponders the need for God to work through our brokenness: "One key to intercessory prayer is our own brokenness. I don't understand it. It is part of the deep mystery with which we have to live and into which we have to enter. God responds to our brokenness."

I don't understand it either, but I'm sure the lack of understanding is on our side. I only know when my spirit is broken and I'm lame from my own efforts, do I see his work most clearly.

As a point of reflection Dunnam gives us this quote:

"At the death of Robert McCheyne, the Scotch preacher, someone said, 'Perhaps the heaviest blow to his brethren, his people, and the land, is the loss of his intercession.'"

I have often said that my goal is to become invisible and Jesus be in my presence. I wouldn't mind having the above as my epitaph either.

Week 5 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-31T06:55:00.000-05:00

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for me.
I cried aloud to him,
and he was extolled with my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listend.
But truly God has listened;
he has given heed to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me!
Psalm 66:16-20, RSV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteiousness.
1 John 1:9, RSV

Dunnam tells us: "Confession is at the heart of all prayer. Prayer is relationship with God, communion. Confession opens the door for communion." We learned this at the beginning of this study; communion is the foundation of all prayer.

How do we confess our sins? Dunnam offers the following 5 steps:

1)Confession is first made to ourselves. We call it self-examination, where we recognize who we are, what we have done, what we are "harboring" in our live that block us from communion with God.

2)Confession is then made to God, who alone can forgive.

3)We accept God's forgivenss.

4)In the power of grace we renounce our sin. God has cleansed us; we claim his power to over come our sin.

5)We hold open our minds and hearts to God for his guidance which will assist us in redeeming or transforming the hurtful or evil results of our sin.

Week 5 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-29T05:42:00.000-05:00

To you whom I love I say, let us go on loving one another, for love comes from God. Every man who truly loves is God's son and has some knowledge of him. But the man who does not love cannot know him at all, for God is love.

To us, the greatest demonstration of God's love for us has been his sending his only Son into the world to give us life through him. We see real love, not in the fact that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to make a personal atonement for our sins. If God loved us as much as that, surely we, in our turn, should love one another!

It is true that no human being has ever had a direct vision of God. Yet if we love one another God does actually live within us, and his love grows in us toward perfection. And, as I wrote above, the guarantee of our living in him and his living in us is the share of his own Spirit which he gives us.
1 John 4:7-13, Phillips

Today, we continue to meditate on the powerful use of the name of Jesus. Dunnam writes, "We are praying as Jesus' disciples, as citizens of his kingdom, as members of his church. This means that our prayers can never be focused only on our private concerns... In intercession we are united with the entire family of God because we are investing ourselves in the realization of God's reign throughout the universe".

Dunnam concludes, "Praying in the name of Jesus, then, means praying in the powerful love Jesus, because love was the supreme quality of his whole life". Thus, intercessory prayer is an act of love in the name of Jesus.

Lewis Maclachian give us this interesting statement: "If we cannot begin to pray in the spirit of love we must remain in prayer until our turbulent emotions are calmed by the consciousness of God, until all self-importance and self-importance and self-pity subside, until that natural and good-natured indifference (which, and not hatred, is the worst enemy of love and the cause of so much suffering in the world) is changed into a lively and active desire to share with all our neighbors the rich resources of our God". [Bold type mine]

Our indifference, which is nothing more than the lack of love, is so much more prevalent than hate, and allows hate to have its way in the world. This is the root of most of the suffering in the world. Because we don't care about anything beyond our insular world, we allow (not God) so much to go on and cause endless destruction. However, when we pray in the name of Jesus we destroy the walls of indifference. When we pray in his name we grow in his love, which is broad and complete. When we pray in the name of Jesus we become part of the solution.

Week 5 - Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-28T06:15:00.000-05:00

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13, RSV

If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:14, RSV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16, RSV

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:23-24, RSV

The promise is repeated over and over in John. If we offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, they "are certainly received and answered by the Father". Dunnam adds the disclaimer that this is not a magic formula. It does not mean that the Father is less willing to hear our prayers than Jesus, or that prayers must be sponsored by Jesus. But this is a bold assertion.

It also should not be a rote "in Jesus' name". It should not be said without thought and an understanding of its power.

Lewis Maclachian states: "When we pray in the name of Christ we assert the authority of one who has defeated evil." This and the power of the invocation of his name in going to the Father with our concerns. Christ rules the kingdom of God, "that's what we pray for in Jesus' name".

Father, thank you for stretching me to become a responsible, maturing child of yours. I fell your longing to invade earth with you kingdom's love and power. Forgive me where I have doubted your readiness or almightiness to overrule the effects of sin.

Mighty Lord, I embrace the truth which is freeing me from my sense of helplessness and bringing me to a sense of true authority in prayer. I ask you, Holy Spirit, to grant me boldness to withstand through prayer those destructive forces opposed to your loving plan. Believing the promise and privilege are mine, I accept the responsibility of prayer at this new dimension.

Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Jack W. Hayford

Away for a few days

2006-03-28T06:04:00.000-05:00

For those who have been following the prayer study, I had to take a few days to attend to some other matters - though I did not stop praying!

I was part of a steering committee for a Renovare Conference in Winchester and also a member of the prayer team for the conference. We held the conference on Friday and Saturday, so last week it took most of my energies and that of many others to host and pray over the nearly 400 attendees.

If you are not familiar with Renovare follow the link. Renovare was started by Richard Foster, among others, the author of Celebration of Discipline. I highly recommend the conference and/or the book. If you are looking for a means to a closer spiritual walk with the Lord, I suggest that you may want the Renovare group has to say. So ask yourself, do I just want to "try" to be like Christ, or do I want to "train" to be like Christ. There is a huge difference.

Anyway, we have a few more weeks of the intercessory prayer study to go.

God Bless

Week 4 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

Give ear to my prayer, O God;
and hide not thyself from my supplication
Psalm 55: 1, RSV

"I tell you that even if he will not provide for them out of friendship, the very shamelessness of the request will make him get up and give him all he needs."

Luke 11:8, NEB

Dunnam writes, "Our sense of helplessness makes us shameless in our seeking what we need. When our need is desperate, our prayers will move to that deep level we call supplication - an anguish, feelings that may not have words, a wrestling from within."

Miriam-Webster dictionary defines supplication with the words humbleness and earnestness. Prayers of intercession are done with humbleness, earnestly, and from desperation before God, creator and healer of all.

On person that is on my prayer list right now is Lynn Kerns. I do not know him well, knowing only that he seems to be a man of faith, that many around him have a great love and respect for him, that he has a developmentally disabled daughter, and that he has acute leukemia with only weeks of life remaining. I don't know of any greater situation more desperate. So I pray desperate that God touches his life. He has.

I have seen an out pouring of love around him that comforts him and gives him rest in his troubles. He has concerns for his daughter, as there is no family to continue the care he has provided all her life. Those concerns have been eased as the community has reached out and sought solutions.

I believe in his way, he continues to obey despite the desire to rest. He has touched us and taught us to care, even when we do not know him well. He has taught us to smile through great pain and adversity. He teaches that faith cuts through the deepest darkness.

Week 4 - Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-21T06:58:00.000-05:00

"I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs."

Luke 11:8, RSV

Merriam-Webster defines importunate as troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand Jesus is telling us to press hard, over and over with our prayer requests, until we are answered. God requires that we sweat blood as Christ did in Gethsamne.

I'm sure that God has many good reasons that we become persistent in prayer, but one always seems prominent to me. When I returned home to the church, Christ and to God, it was not in an instant, like a lightning bolt from the sky. It was through constant prayer. When I knew I was lost, I prayed over and over the Lord's Prayer, not knowing how to pray or what to say to God who was calling. Each time new revelations came, and more doors opened to see Christ where I did not see him before. And the prayer changed, and continues to change today. Remember that prayer is about communing with God, which does not come from stale repetition, but through being "troublesomely urgent", wanting not only to get God's attention, but to be wrapped in his love and concern for ourselves and even more for those who we bring before him in intercession.

Week 4 - Day 5 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

And he said to them, "Which of you who has friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him': and he will answer from within, ' Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs."
Luke 11:5-8, RSV

A sense of helplessness. Dunnam points out that in the story above, it is helplessness that drives the man into the street at night to go and ask for bread for his visiting friend. Dunnam adds: "It is precisely this send of helplessness, the impotence on our part, that is the very strength of our intercession."

I have learned to never trust anyone who says they have never felt helplessness. We all have come up against something in ourselves or in the world that has driven us to our knees. I went for years after losing a beloved wife to a heart attack denying my helplessness. If I had admitted that helplessness at the time of her illness, though I would not have saved her, I would have suffered through my grief and not have found myself so far from God. In the end, when I did risk admitting my helplessness, I found Christ again in my life. And though I still run into helplessness frequently, I know I can get through it with prayer.

Week 4 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-18T05:52:00.000-05:00

Ah, Lord God, thou holy lover of my soul, when thou comest into my soul, all that is within me shall rejoice. Thou art my Glory and the exultation of my heart; thou art my Hope and Refuge in the day of trouble. Set me free from all evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections; that, being inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere. Nothing is sweeter than Love, nothing more courageous, nothing fuller nor better in heaven and earth; because Love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all created things. Let me love thee more than myself, nor love myself but for thee. Amen
Thomas A Kempis

Besides a feeling of urgent need, we need to believe in willing love. God loves us, we wrote earlier, and he loves others as he loves us. We should be able to pray with confidence that God loves others as he loves me.

But we are limited in our own love, which creates a problem to overcome. Dunnam writes: "We tend to transfer distrust of ourselves to God. We know how difficult it is for us to love with no strings attached. So we transfer our limitation to God.... Though we may be limited in our capacity to love, God isn't."

I can overcome my limitations, my inability to love without strings, by having faith that God loves without limit. I can still bow my heart in prayer for someone with an urgent need, even though they might be a stranger, or even though I know them and I cannot love them, or love them in a limited human fashion. I can do this because I am without doubt that God loves them. So my intercession is not dependent on my love, but God's love. Humbled before his love, I too can love for that moment when we are connected for this one purpose. Then, and only then, I can love limitedlessly. Could this be what Jesus is telling us when he says be perfect like the Father is perfect?

Week 4 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-17T06:24:00.000-05:00

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,o what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48, NRSV

This day we continue to think about the urgency of someone's need. I am reminded that until we really care about someone we fail to see how deep and urgent their need might be for our intercessory prayer. And maybe we really do not care until we can pray for them.

I would hate to think that over the past few years since my rebirth in the Spirit, I have missed opportunities to pray for others who had urgent needs. But I have. I did not have the compassion and love of Christ, or his kindness. My spiritual friend Dave Robinson at The Robe is writing currently about Love, and writes simply and truthfully "Jesus is Kindness".

Week 4 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-16T06:33:00.000-05:00

And he said to them, "Which of you who has friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him': and he will answer from within, ' Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs."
Luke 11:5-8, RSV

Dunnam uses the above Bible verse to tell us that Jesus outlines some of the essential principles of intecession. The first is that we must have a "keen sense of need".

As I have mentioned, I am a salesman by trade. The key to my success is to find out what are the needs of my customer before I tell him about my product. If I don't have that understanding of his need, I am unlikely to solve his need with my solution, and make the sale. To be an intercessory for anyone, we must know their need, whether it is three loaves of bread, or a soul that needs desparately to be fed the "bread of life", Jesus Christ.

I think the reason that I became more intrested in intercessory prayer, and started this study, was because over the past year as I dedicated more and more time to the Kitchen of Hope and learned the true needs of the many who came there to eat. As time went my, I felt the need my self to understand how to go to my God and knock on his door for his help for my "friends".

Week 4 - Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-15T06:11:00.000-05:00

The Lord is near; have no anxiety, but in everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7, NEB

Who Are We to Tell God What to Do?

This week, Dunnam has us looking at some of essential principles of intercession. We begin by confronting a question that we usually don't ask, but we should so that as we move forward into intercessory prayer, we do so with a clear understanding of our relationship with God and our role in intercession.

Dunnam writes: "Christian prayer is conscious communication with God. Prayer is not telling God what to do; it is rather sharing our needs with him. It is making our requests known to him." When we first started this study we wrote about prayer being a communion with God. To truly have an open communion we must be able to pour out all of hearts with its desires, needs, and hopes.

In Day 7 of Week 3, we discussed the tension between struggle and surrender when we pray. Jesus tells us to bring him all our burdens. This is our struggle. Once we leave them with him, we have the "peace of God" for we know that he will handle our burdens without any additional concern from us. This is our surrender.

I can recall a few times in my own prayer, when I have weakend my own prayer by consciously questioning whether I have the right to tell God what to do? Only when I realize that he wants to know my concerns, that he has invited me to bring him my burdens and concerns, that I know I can leave them with him, knowing that he will be with me as I carry on in the world, knowing that he walks with me.

Only recently have I taken to seriously praying in intercession for others. While I have been praying for others before, I did so half-hearted, which is why I started this study. What I have learned to this point is that the prayers of intercession have greatly increased my own communion with God.

Week 3 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-14T06:42:00.000-05:00

So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just? And the Lord said, If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake. Abraham answered, Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five? And he said, I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there. Again he spoke to him, Suppose forty are found there. He answered, For the sake of forty I will not do it. Then he said, Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there. He answered, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. He said, Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there. He answered, For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it. Then he said, Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there. He answered, For the sake of ten I will not destroy it. And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
Genesis 18:22-33, NRSV

Intercession: Struggle or Surrender?

Abraham was persistent in his conversation with God, not demanding or insisting, but struggling until he became intimate with God. Remember that we wrote earlier that prayer is first and foremost communion with God. When prayer is persistent, we become more intimate with God. To become intimate is not to become equal, but to know Him as he is. Intercession then is a struggle against adversity or the forces of evil, that is a path to God's truth.

Prayer is also about making God's will our will. At some point does intercession then become surrender? According to Dunnam there is tension between the two as we pray as intercessories for others.

Pierre-Yves Emery says: "Faith is simultaneously long perseverance and unwavering confidence. If prayer is too much involved with insisting, it no longer addresses itself to the true God; if it is too quickly and too easily confident, it no longer expresses us truly." Thus, intercessory prayer is never perfect in its elements, but always perfect when it is done with a faithful heart persistent and confident in our belief that God hears us, and that he answers as he answered Abraham.

Week 3 - Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-11T07:16:00.000-05:00

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them
Hebrews 7:23-35, RSV

Intercession without action - we cannot make up for what we did not do by prayer. However, there are many situations when we can not do anything: when a large distance separates us from the action, or when we do not have the skills or powers to move the large forces against us.

I have a list of people and situations for which I pray daily. On that list I have many items on which I can not act, or at least only by small measures. Throughout this winter, I prayed daily for those in northern Pakistan who faced a bitter winter in meager shelter after their homes and means of earning a living were destroyed by the earthquake last year. I give money frequently to support efforts there, but I also pray to God, knowing that he has the power to touch them. I know that many are not Christians, and I pray that Christian generosity touches their heart in favor of Christ, but it doesn't stop me from praying for all of them who have such need. It is the same for the reconstruction of lives in the hurricane-ravaged area of the Gulf Coast.

Also on my list are a number of people who are gravely ill. One is a middle age man diagnosed a few weeks ago with acute leukemia. At this point their is no cure, and he has only months, if not weeks to live. I can not cure his disease, but I can pray that God heals him, that God purifies his soul in this short time remaining before receiving him. I can pray that his developmentally daughter is cared for when he dies, but in that case the prayer is coupled with searching for a solution. God has taken that into his hands too, and people experienced in such situations have already reached out to him and they are making plans.

Because we believe, we must pray. We must pray that the violence stops. That kindness returns here and abroad. We must pray that all of God's children are fed, and that the many reach in their pockets to contribute to the care of those less fortunate. Jesus continues to intercede for us, and we must continue to pray for what we cannot change-for nothing is impossible with God.

Week 3 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-09T07:24:00.000-05:00

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle
Psalm 103:1-5, NRSV

Did God really act? There is a temptation to allow a seed of doubt to enter our mind and attempt to persuade us that so and so event would have happened regardless of whether we prayed or not.

Our move to Winchester from Woodbridge convinced me beyond any doubt that God acts. Until the day I came across the place where I live on the Internet, I was without doubt committeded and rooted in Woodbridge. For four years, my wife dragged me from model home to model home in an attempt to convince me that we needed to move. I did not buy it, not once. Then one day, in searching for something else, I discovered our new home, 90 miles away in Winchester. 3 months later, the house was sold, the new home ready to move in and I had a new job that kept me from facing a horrific commute. On top of that, only two months after the move, we attended Market Street UMC one Sunday, and KNEW we were home - right where God wanted us to be. Though we miss the friends that we had in Woodbridge, with whom we continue to enjoy through letters and email, we have not regretteded the move.

To be honest, I wanted to fight it. I wasn't sure that this was right. But he made it so compelling that it became as if we could not help ourselves and were pulled as if this was going to happen rather we wanted it or not.

And I have seen many prayers answered since I began communing with God again. After all he moved my heart of stone, turned it into flesh again, gave me hope when all was gone, and today I praise him with all I got, and serve as he wills.

Week 3 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Thy steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens;
thy faithfulnes to the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God,
thy judgements are like the great deep;
man and beast thou savest, Lord.
How precious is thy steadfast love, O God!
The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings.
They feast on the abundance of thy house,
and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights.
For with thee is the fountain of life;
in thy light do we see light.
Psalm 36:5-9, RSV

Can we truly ask God to intervene in to human events? What happens to human choice if god interferes in our lives?

I have always understood that my freedom, as dear as the idea is, is truly limited. I have always wanted to be able to sing like the angels, or like many of the great voices I admire, but I sing like a frog - an out of tune frog at that. I can not even keep the beat. I also know that my freedom is restricted by society and the needs of others. I know that also my Christian beliefs also limit freedom, that is if I truly have given over my life to God's purpose.

I am not uneasy with asking God to intercede in the life of one that I love, and for whom I wish that they would be protected and given a wide breadth of freedom within his will. I attempt, although not always successfully, to pray without desiring my will on them, but desiring that God will be the light by which they will see the truth.

I have been praying for many years that my agnostic father would accept Christ in his heart. I always ask for it in a humble tone, knowing that I do not know the relationship he has with God, nor do I know his heart. My true wish is that he can feel the joy that I feel in the presence of God when seen through Jesus and service as a disciple. He has not had much joy in his life, though he certainly has had his freedom.

After all God interceded in my life and it has made all the difference.

For with thee is the fountain of life;
in thy light do we see light.
Psalm 36:9

Week 3 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-07T05:56:00.000-05:00

Then the anger of God who went before the host of Israel moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness; and the night passed without one coming near the other at night.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down upon the host of the Egyptians, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians, clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily; and the Egyptians, said, "let us flee from before Israel; for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians."

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen." So Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its wonted flow when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled into it, and the Lord routed the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen and all the host of pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not so much as one of them remained. But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore. And Israel saw the great work which the Lord did against the Egyptians, and the people feared the Lord; and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses
Exodus 14:19-31, RSV

Another concern in intercessory prayer is God's intervention into natural law. By observance and scientific study, we have discovered that there is an order to the universe, and there are laws of cause and effect. We use the laws of cause and effect in order to understand the universe as well as to develop technologies. However, recent science has also discovered within the orderliness, there is uncertainty.

When we pray to God as an intercessory for someone, it may appear that we our asking him to intervene into the apparent natural course of cause and effect. However, natural law is only a statement of the apparent orderliness of the world, and describes our observation of the law of cause and effect. But natural law cannot and doesnot account for the uncertainty within the law, which I believe is beyond our capability to understand, but not beyond God's capability to intercede in our lives on our behalf. By his nature, God is all powerful, and we, by our nature are limited.

Lord, I cannot expect
to understand all you can do,
but I know and have seen
your love and desire to touch our lives.
So I ask not for understanding,
but for faith in your unbounded love
for each of us, your children,
and the trust your commannds shall be done.

Week 3 - Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-05T07:02:00.000-05:00

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is thy name in all the earth!
Thou whose glory above the heavens is chanted
by the mouth of babes and infants,
thou hast founded a bulwark because by the foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars which thou has established:
what is man that thou art mindful of him,
and the son of man that thou dost care for him?
Yet thou has made him little less than God,
and dost crown him with glory and honor.
Thou has given him dominion over the works of thy hands;
thou hast put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the sea.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is thy name in all the earth!
Psalm 8, RSV

The Psalmist celebrates God's greatness and glory, but today, scientific study has dimminished our celebration and is the root of some doubt that creeps into our prayers.

Science and technology has only increased my sense of what I do not know. Every new "discovered" fact, thrills me with God's incredibleness, and humbles me by my incompleteness. Technological advances confirm technologies incompleteness, for in history, a long list of discarded technology litters our path.

Science also studies the world in abstraction, and attempts to make a "perfect" world where actions are isolated. For me, it is like the weather reports. They create models and attempt to tell us what the weather will be like tomorrow. But their models represent a "perfect" world, not a "real" world. So they are more likely to have it wrong than right. To me, both right and wrong weather answers are guesses at best, even with massive accumulation of scientific knowledge of how weather is created.

For me, I have never known the scientific explanation of the sun setting in the west, and atmospheric conditions being what they are, diminished the tug in my soul, taking my breath as I watch in awe of God's greatness and glory.

God is neither apart from the science or a stop gap solution for what we do not know today. He doesn't just explain the unknown. That is superstition. God is the Sum of the Whole. He explains everything, and despite science and secular attempts to separate God from the equation, he is the equation, and is what makes the equation work. God is the creator, not the creation.

Most precious, and holy God,
no scientific fact can change that you are the creator;
your are the Sum of the Whole and more, much more.
As we look at what you have created,
and what we have created with our scientific and technological knowledge,
we are less than the smallest creature in your Kingdom.
We have created technological ugliness built on scientific abstractions,
leaving scars on the lanscape of your great creation.
I would rather trust in your Goodness and Holiness,
than in man's folly, for what is not seen is eternal,
while what is seen is temporal. Amen.

Week 2 - Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35, RSV

But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Luke 5:16, RSV

In these days he went out in the hills to pray, and all night he continued in prayer
Luke 6:12, RSV

This prayer study is about intercessionary prayer. Nothing brings this home more than this day in the study. Jesus tells Peter "Simon, Simon, behold. Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." (Luke 22:31-32 RSV). In all those times that Jesus went out very early in the morning, in the thick of its darkness, to pray. And what did he pray? We are told for one, he prayed for Simon Peter. Did he pray for me or you? Does he pray for you or me as he sits at the right hand of the Lord? I believe he does. I believe his prayer is the source of my peace, and blessings.

So how can I do any less? How can I not carry my concerns about family, friends, the church, the world, and more, to the Father?

The second life changing questions before us is: If Jesus' need for prayer was so great, can my need be less? Our need is right in our face, and we can not deny it any more.

... he always lives to make intercession...
Hebrew 7:25 NRSV

Week 2 - Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret; and your father who sees in secret will reward you"
Matthew 6:6 RSV

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives , and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened"
Matthew 7:7-8 RSV

Jesus tells us that we should pray expecting an answer. He makes the promise twice, and we know that he never goes back on his promise. So if our prayers are not answered, something may be lacking in our prayer, or as James tells us "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss" James 5:3 KJV.

The answer then is that we do not give up in our prayers, nor should we assume that something is wrong with our faith. We should keep going back to the Bible, and to keep praying until we can pray with confidence of faith, expecting that we will be heard and He will answer us. This is acheived when we allow the Holy Spirit to search and purify us.

Week 2 - Day 5 (Prayer Study)

2006-03-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
Psalm 3:3-4 RSV

My God Hears Me. Karl Barth insists that our prayers are answered. He argued that we have freedom before God. God gives us permission to pray, and because he gives us permission it is a command, "even a necessity". Dunnam continues this line of thought: "God Wills that we should pray. Even so, prayer is grace, and offer of God. It is unthinkable that God would will us to do something that would not make a difference. In the will of God that we should pray is the assurance that God hears what God commands, and what God hears God answers. Our prayers become a part of God's plan and will."

The question then arises, how does God answers us. Dunnam writes:
"God speaks through my mind, giving me new ideas and new perspectives. God speaks through my will, giving me new desires or rekindling desires that have lost vitality, thus infusing me with power. God speaks through my emotions, comforting me, calming me, troubling me, stirring me up, making me restless, healing me or giving me peace. God speaks through my imagination, speaking to me, internally, words I need to hear. God speaks through my memory. When I need it, God stirs a stored up memory to remind me of something in the past which is relevant to my need in the present - an experience, a word, a relationship in which I was with God and I heard, felt, and knew God."

Just over a little more than a year ago, I was stirred to move from Woodbridge to Winchester, to take on a new job, and find a new church to become a member of, all in very quick fashion. I was compelled to do this, even though I had been arguing for years with my wife about staying where we were, even though I like my job and enjoyed it, and even though I was very active in my church and loved the people very dearly. It was a push or shove. I was even the one who came across where we live now, by "accident", even though not but a few days before I said again that I did not want to move. I have no doubt that it was God's hand, his will that pushed us along to the point where we are.

Am I happy? Not always, but I do know that I am where He wants me, doing what He wants me to be doing. So I have my joy in serving, and praying, and being part of what He wills.

Week 2 - Day 4 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-27T05:32:00.000-05:00

Therefore the Lord waits to be
gracious to you;
therefore he exalts himself to
show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.
Isaiah 30:18-19 RSV

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him
Psalm 4:3 RSV

O thou who hearest prayer! To thee shall all flesh come.
Psalm 65:5, RSV

I call upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God; incline thy ear to me, hear my words.
Psalm 17:6, RSV

My God Will Hear Me. Faith that God will hear us is the source of powerful prayer. If we have this simple faith, we will prevail in prayer, and preseveres with God, assured that he will answer. That faith is fed through reading the Bible, where those who walked with Him closest assure us that our God who is full of care and love will hear our every word when we open communion with him.

My God I know that you hear me. I know that you care for every word that comes from heart through my mouth. Lift my burdens and grant me the grace to lift the burdens of those who need intercession. Let us feel your divine love. And grant that same love to those who are in most desperate need of it this day, whether they live on the Gulf Coast of the United States, in the mountains of Pakistan, in the hills of the Philippines, the deep mines of Mexico, or in the homes of families where violence and hate tears at the fabric of their lives. Our Lord, we our grateful for our blessings, and wish only now to be a blessing to others.

Week 2 - Day 3 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-26T19:18:00.000-05:00

For the mountains may depart
and hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you

Isaiah 54:10 (RSV)

Can a woman forget her suckling child,
that she should have no compassion
on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have graven you on the
palms of my hands...
Isaiah 49:15-16 (RSV)

There is no end to the great affirmations of God's love that we can find in the Bible. In fact, the Bible is the greatest love story ever told. And unlike so many other stories, it is unending, for it is a story of unending hope and reconciliation with a loving God.

Jesus is the ultimate gift of love. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12 RSV. Jesus "gives flesh to his love" in the New Testament. He is the "good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me...and I am giving my life for my sheep" (John 10:14-15, Goodspeed).

God's love also comes to us through other people. I frequently see a reflection of God's love through my wife's actions among others. Her face lights up and there is a joy in her smile for others. I feel it shine on myself many times. I remember a mother's love, one that my mother has held for me. Never once have I ever disappointed her, though I've many times felt less than desirable to her. As I wrote yesterday, I heard God's love through a lovely little lady who had been in tears because others had been so mean to her. Love spoke clearly then.

In our prayers we need to be thankful for God's love. We need to be thankful for those who he sends to communicate and share his love with us. And know that we are his ambassadors when we open our hearts for his use to communicate his love to someone who desperately needs it.

Dunnam recommends writing the passage from Isaiah 43: 1-3a in a way that demonstrates His love for us personally:

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, Andy
he who formed you, Andy
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters
I will be with you, Andy;
and through the rivers, they shall
not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you,
Andy, shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Week 2 - Day 2 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-25T06:07:00.000-05:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 NRSV

Dennam says that as we become more intentional and desciplined in our prayer lives, the more obvious it will become that we should immerse ourselves in scripture. "The Bible is our primary prayer source book." I could not agree more. In my life, as I was restored to my faith and healed, which began through prayer, I found myself compelled to read more and more of the scripture. Prayer and scripture reading healed me.

The most important lesson is God really loves us. Dennam says that this appears on the surface to be obvious, but for some it is difficult to believe deep in their hearts.

Last Thursday when I was serving at the Kitchen of Hope, I was talking with a group that included a lady with the name of Joyce. Joyce is a tiny elderly lady with a heart of gold. She is always coming to me to ask me to pray for one person or another who was sick or having a difficult time. But she never asked for a prayer for herself.

This day, as we were talking, she began to talk about how people call her ugly and mean-spirited names and say very hateful things to her. She began to cry. I put my arm around her to console her. The first thing that was in my heart was that God loves her, very deeply. I told her this, but I don't think she heard the news in her heart at that moment. Then I told her all that sat at the table, her friends, were God's proof that He loved her. After the meal, when our guests were leaving, Joyce came up to me again and gave me a big hug. She told me she loved me. I know that came from her heart and God's lips.

Psalm 23 is a favorite scripture for me as it speaks to God's love. Dennam has his own favorite scripture, one which I think also clearly states how great God's love is.

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3a

Week 2 - Day 1 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-24T06:36:00.000-05:00

O God, thou art my God, I seek thee,
my soul thirsts for thee;
my flesh faints for thee
as in a dry and weary land where
no water is.
So I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary,
beholding thy power and glory.
Because thy steadfast love is better
than life,
my lips will praise thee.
My soul is feasted as with marrow
and fat,
and my mouth praises thee with
joyful lips,
when I think of thee upon my bed,
and meditate on thee in the watches of the night.
Psalm 63:1-3,5-6, RSV

On this day we are reminded that all prayer is communion with God. Even though this study is about intercessory prayer, we are admonished to remember that prayer is a talk with God about the things we care about, especially about how much we love and adore him. So imagine that as we pray for others, we are taking are concerns for them to God, whom we adore, and in to whom we place all of our hope.

Dunnam defines prayer best when he writes: "God is present with us always. Prayer is consciousness of his presence; consciousness can lead to communion with him." We need to recognize his presence throughout the day, but also to set aside time during the day during the day to consciously enter into communion with him.

I wish I could say that I'm always conscious of him. This admonishment convicts me to the core. I have prayed, and even frequently, in a stiff, cardboard way, so that the experience is as tasteless as eating paste. True prayer, in consciousness is rich and delightful, and transforming. As Mother Theresa tells us, it enlarges our heart, so that it may be filled with God.

Precious Father in heaven, I have built many things to fill my world, yet remain empty. All my possessions are emptiness without your presence in every moment of my life. Nothing is as great as you, nothing contains your power and glory. Nothing is all that I have, when you are not the center of my life. You are my God, and I seek you with all my heart, soul and mind.

Week 1- Day 7 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-23T06:42:00.000-05:00

Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of himself. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

There are sometimes when we do not feel like praying, when we fell no connection to God, or to anyone for that matter. At this time prayer is difficult. It may even seem impossible.

Dunnam makes several recommendations. First, return to God in penitence. I think what he is saying, is to go to God in prayer and seek a renewal of the spirit, reconnect with the Creator and the Word. Let God reconvert you, as only He can.

Secondly, Dunnam recommends to continue or renew your efforts in worship, especially corporate worship. Fulfilling this obligation, even if it feels empty, is being obedient to God. I find that attending worship services and participating in Bible studies continuously renews me. It is like feeling up my tank each Sunday so I can make it through the week. For me, it also necessary to fill up sometime during the week.

I also find it helpful to turn away from myself and focus on someone else who needs a helping hand. My church serves a meal each Thursday for the elderly, the less fortunate citizens of our city, and who ever wants to drop in. Every Thursday, whether I drag myself there, or go with great expectation, I come away more connected to God through Jesus Christ. I no longer exist, but only Christ in all that came through that door that day.

For me, worship, prayer and service center my life in Christ. All three feed off of each other. When I struggle in one discipline, the other two sustain me until I again find joy in the practice of the other. They allow me to abide in Christ, as he abides in me.

Week 1 -Day 6 (Prayer Study)

2006-02-21T06:56:00.000-05:00

He spoke to them in a parable to show that they should keep on praying and never lose heart: "There was once a judge who cared nothing for God or man, and in the same town there was a widow who constantly came before him demanding justice against her opponent. For a long time he refused; but in the end he said to himself, 'True, I care nothing for God or man; but this widow is so great a nuisance that I will see her righted before she wears me out with her persistence'" The Lord said, "You hear what the unjust judge says; and will not God vindicate his chosen, who cry out ot him day and night, while he listens patiently to them? I tell you, he will vindicate them soon enough. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke 18:1-8 NEB

Dunnam points out a distinction between faith in prayer and prayer in faith, which helps us to understand the greater truth of prayer and ungranted petitions:

Faith in prayer can be perversion. Certainly faith in prayer may be presumptious and clamorous, presenting ultimatums to God and demanding his acquienscence. But prayer in faith is different. It may ask and keep on asking. Indeed it may ask and keep on asking. Indeed it may be clamorous. But all the asking and pleasding is, is entire submission to the will of God. Our faith is not in prayer, but in God. In prayer we may plead passionately for our needs, but our faith is in God; thus we can close our petitions as Jesus did, "They will be done."

Week 1 -Day 5

2006-02-20T05:47:00.000-05:00

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will. Mark 11:24 RSV

Hither to you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 RSV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16 RSV

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father. John 14:12 RSV

The question today is what is the difference between "unanswered prayers" and "ungranted prayers"? And if this affects what and how I pray.

"unanswered prayers" implies that they were not heard, or if heard, maybe listened to as we listen, half-hearted, with our mind full of chatter. "Ungranted prayers" implies that our requests were heard, but for reasons of His own he did not grant them to us. He may have seen that are request was a selfish request, or maybe our timing wasn't right, or maybe we did not see the big picture of what we requested.

I have had times when I was unable to pray for someone's healing or change in circumstances because I was afraid of stepping on God's toes. Am I hedging my faith? Am I telling the Lord that I really don't have confidence that He can do exactly what he said he does?

The dilemma is How do I continue to pray, believing that God answers when no answer seems evident? How do I continue to exercise faith in the face of ungranted petitions?

Faith is praying in the absence of seen evidence that our prayers are answered each and each every time. Faith is humbling ourselves, acknowledging Him, and allowing Him to make our paths straight. We might question Him, but faith allows us continue to pray and give supplication for the evidence is clear that He loves us.

A final note: I am very glad that my parents did not grant my every request as a child, for I doubt if I would have survived my youth.

Week 1 - Day 4

2006-02-19T06:38:00.000-05:00

Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?Matthew 7:7-11 RSV

Does God answer prayers? When I was younger I assumed that he did. But through the years I have had days when I had doubts and struggled with the question. Now, I have faith that he hears every prayer, and answers them in his fashion, according to what he wills.

I believe that prayers can change things, and most times it is the act of prayer that changes us. Prayer and Scripture has been the foundation of my renewal in the spirit the past 7 or 8 years. I have changed through prayer. My relationship to God and his creation has changed.

I believe that asking for "good" things will reward us with the "good" things of His Kingdom. I have seen many "good" things come for others through prayer for them, and by them. My doubt has been erased by listening and watching.

I believe we need to be of strong faith when we pray and that we should ask boldly but humbly, knowing that He loves us. The key for me is that first and foremost, and even with intercessory prayer, the prayer is about God and not about us.

Week 1 - Day 3

2006-02-18T06:19:00.000-05:00

But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonian 5:12-18 RSV

I pray every day, but I can not say I'm consistent in my prayer. I try to start the day with prayers of affirmation, thanksgiving and the Lord's Prayer. Then I pray for those who I have on my mind. I try to pray for each of my customer's that I meet each day. I also ask a blessing for every meal, even when we eat out - though I have missed opportunities when I'm eating a sandwich in the car by myself. I also try to close the day with a prayer, though I cannot always do it once I lay down. I'm known for falling asleep before my head hits the pillow.

I pray in my home office in the morning. I usually pray in the car as I am on my way to an appointment - this is when I usually pray for others. I will pray in restaurants without any problem - although that can be awkward with those who are not in the regular practice of seeking a blessing for their food. Then I usually bow my head, and under my breath ask for His blessing.

I do not have standard practice for how I pray. I usually sit, bow my head then pray. When I have the opportunity to be in a church alone I will kneel at the alter to pray. I keep thinking I would like to stop at a church or chapel more often to pray each day, but have not done so. I'm sure I could figure out a way to do this more often.

I can say I'm not satisfied with my prayer practice. There are times when it is more effort than an act of love should be. I'm always joyful afterwards, but hate that I drag myself to the task rather than run to it in delight. And I know too often when I pray that my mind strays and I am entangled in thoughts that belong to the world rather than the Heavenly Kingdom of the Lord.

I do believe prayer is one of our strongest weapons against the trials and evils of the world, but it is hard to put into practice and "pray constantly" as Paul exhorts us.

Week 1 - Day 2

2006-02-17T06:51:00.000-05:00

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 RSV

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you"

John 15:7, RSV

Scripture offers evidence that we need to pray, that there is a condition to our relationship with God.

I frequently find myself called to action when I'm placed into a situation where I really feel compelled to do something, even though it is not really what I want to do. An example some years ago was when I was attending a United Methodist Men's meeting, it suddenly appeared that the President of the Fellowship had become distracted and some of us were frustrated in that we were not active. I couldn't help myself, I was compelled to do something. So I would jump on any suggestions and say lets get this done. Once we started rolling, the whole group and the President became refocused again. It wasn't what I did, especially since I often started in the wrong direction, but most certainly it was that I did something. I really was compelled, or called, to do something by the Lord.

In the same way, in the last month, I have been compelled to become the President of the UMM at my new church in Winchester. The Fellowship was currently inactive outside of a monthly breakfast where they would meet if they had the time. Some men were frustrated and did not even participate, and some who attended were frustrated. I invited them to breakfast one Saturday at the Fellowship Hall, gave them the opportunity to express what they wanted to do, and said let's do it. In that month we were compelled to make significant contributions to the congregation and the community. I do not like being in a leadership role, preferring to help from behind the scene. I don't like the notoriety. I don't like having to live up to expectations. I have avoided them most of my life. But I was compelled - called - to do something.

In the same way I feel compelled to pray. I believe in my heart it is maybe the most important act we can do as a Christian, but I know I'm not alone in choosing to run away from it. I'm not even talking about public prayer, which is even more difficult for most of us, but the thought of private prayer even stops us dead in our tracks. Still I'm compelled to pray, to want to first and foremost offer those who I care about and are concerned about to the Lord for his healing and loving touch. I think He is calling me - us - to prayer.

Beginnig a Prayer Study

2006-02-16T06:47:00.000-05:00

Whenever Moses held up his hand [in prayer], Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed."

Exodus 17:11 RSV

Through His grace, I have come to my current faith through prayer and Scripture reading. Still, I know nothing about prayer. I pray daily, but I'm never satisfied with my effort, though glad that His grace will cover my inadequacies. I have not been able to quiet the desire to spend more time in prayer, listening and being close to Him who has made me. I have also had a long nagging question whether intercessory prayer should be our first desire to help someone else. So I have taken on myself an experential study through the use of The Workbook of Intercessory Prayer by Maxie Dunnam.

I was attracted to the book by the authors admission of his limitations in understanding prayer. His honesty is refreshing amidst so many who profess they understand God's will for you. The book offers a 7 week discipline to study and learn about intercessory prayer. Although I have only stated the study, I feel as if I'm traveling with a fellow Christian, desiring as I do, to be closer and to a better disciple of Christ.

The next 7 weeks, I will reflect and record my own journey.

First Day. Dunnam poses the question: "What if there are some things God either cannot or will not do until people pray?" This is a serious question. While God is certainly not dependent on us, I believe that He acts through persons to express his love for us. It has been the case in my experience. It also appears to be the case Scripturally. So then the urgency of our prayers should follow naturally.

I have also asked the question, has anyone prayed for "so and so", and if not, why don't I? I always have the feeling that someone without prayer is without hope.

Lord, Make Me the Least

2006-01-19T06:45:00.000-05:00

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:24-28 (NSRV)

The mother of the sons of Zebedee comes to Jesus and asks that her sons sit on the right and left of Jesus when he comes to his heaven-given throne. This is the way of the world. What prideful parent hasn't sought the best position for their children? How many times have we too sought our own glory, at the expense of the Lord.

But Jesus tells us that unlike the world, the greatest in heaven comes to be your servant. Not many of us have servants, but we know and understand what it is like to serve. It's a pain, and it takes us away from what we want to do, or it might interfere with our favorite television show. We don't even make good clerks at the grocery store as we are only interested in getting each customer through the check out process, rather than making sure that they are served with a smile rather than a frown.

Those of us who claim Christianity as our faith, more often than not only like the part of feeling saved and thus feeling we are something special. But Jesus tells us time and time again that "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".

We fail to serve. We will not be called a slave. Not me Lord,we cry when he calls us to serve him. You know I'm too busy. Yet we want sit with him to the right and left when the time comes. But don't we know for whom that place is reserved?

"Deeds Consistent with repentance"

2006-01-10T06:18:00.000-05:00

After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance."

Acts 26:19,20 (NSRV)

Paul after his conversion tells how he takes the good news of Christ to Damascus and then Jerusalem and the whole of Judea, including the Gentiles that lived in those areas. The response to the good news is repentance, turning to God and acting in a manner consistent with repentance.

Is in this response that many of us Christians fail. We convert, accepting that Christ is who he says he is, Son of God. But we do not accept the gift of forgiveness, and repent. And our behavior is not of one who acts in a manner consistent with repentance.

So is it any wonder that so many of the world, hearing and seeing the inconsistency of the message of the good news of Christ and our acts, turns a death ear and a blind eye to the Gospel? Maybe we should first be consistent with acts of compassion and love, before we deliver the message for which so many are thirsty to drink?

Renewing the Covenant

2006-01-04T05:59:00.000-05:00

I am no longer my own but Yours.
Put me to what You will,
rank me with whom You will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for You or laid aside for You,
exalted for you or brought low for You;
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You are mine and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

John Wesley

Peace on Earth, Now

2005-12-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

The following I found in the local newspaper as part of a commentary. The poem is by Ann Weems.

If there is no cross in the manger,
there is no Christmas.
If the babe doesn't become the adult,
there is no Bethlehem star.
If there is no commitment in us,
there are no wise men searching.
If we offer no cup of cold water,
there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh.
If there is no praising God's name,
there are no angels singing.
If there is no spirit of alleluia,
there are no shepherds watching.
If there is no standing up,
no speaking out, no risk, there is no Herod, no flight to Egypt.
If there is no room in our inn,
then "Merry Christmas" mocks the Christ Child,
and the Holy Family is just a holiday card,
and God will loathe our feasts and festivals.

For if there is no reconciliartion,
we cannot call Christ "Prince of Peace."
If there is no goodwill toward others,
it can all be packed away in boxes for another year.
If there is no forgiveness in us,
there is no cause of celebration.
If we cannot go now even unto Golgotha,
there is no Christmas in us.
If Christmas is not now, If Christ is not born into the everyday present,
then what is all the noise about?

I pray for peace on earth in each of your hearts, so that it will spread to the rest of the world.

Christmas Cantata

2005-12-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

Whom have you seen, shepherds?
Tell us, announce to us who has appeared on earth.

We have seen the newborn child, and a chorus of angels,
all singing, together praising the Lord. Alleluia.

Oh great mystery and wondrous sacrament:
that animals might see the newborn Lord lying in a manger.

Blessed virgin, whose womb was worthy of carrying Christ the Lord.

(Refrain) Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men of good will.

Exult in the Lord all the earth;serve the Lord in Gladness.

Come into his presence with exultation.

Know then that the Lord himself is God.
He himself made us and not we ourselves.

Alleluia

Christmas Cantata - Daniel Pinkham

"God is With Us" - The Story of Christmas

2005-12-06T07:05:00.000-05:00

"She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.”
Matthew 1:21-23

The angel came to Joseph. He told him what to name the child and why. Jesus means "God Saves". And Jesus does. To understand this, you need to read the full story in the Gospels, because while the birth is miraculous, the Resurrection is life changing. There you meet some one who loves us so much, He gave up his life. And then you realize the significance of Emmanuel, for "God is with us" yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Sunday Psalm - Psalm 146

2005-12-04T06:50:00.000-05:00

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

The Joy in the Birth of Jesus

2005-12-01T06:14:00.000-05:00

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
Luke 2:8-14 (NRSV)

I love the story of the birth of Jesus, but especially how the shepherds received the news as the watched over their flock at night. I think we all could imagine how terrifying it would be to have the spotlights of heaven suddenly turned on with a force that only God can create. It may be more difficult to imagine the joy that leaped in their heart with the news of the birth of the Messiah, the Lord. For all of Israel waited for word of the coming of this Messiah promised by the prophets of old.

Most of us have been waiting for a Messiah to come into our lives -The Anointed One, the Christ, to deliver us from the desert of our lives full of desperation, worthless things, and continuous pressure to be like the Joneses. We didn't know that he had already come. We also, like the Disciples and most of Israel, do not recognize him for we were looking for the wrong man. We desired someone to change our circumstances, not to change us. We just didn't know that He came to change us - not the world - so that we would seek those things above and not those things of the world.

Once we realize the true Messiah, then we know the joy proclaimed by the Heavenly Host to the shepherds in the fields.

Sunday Psalm - 90

2005-10-30T06:12:00.000-05:00

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back to dust,
and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.
You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning;
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.
For we are consumed by your anger;
by your wrath we are overwhelmed.
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
For all our days pass away under your wrath;
our years come to an end like a sigh.
The days of our life are seventy years,
or perhaps eighty, if we are strong;
even then their span is only toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.
Who considers the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
So teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.
Turn, O Lord! How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us,
and as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be manifest to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands—
O prosper the work of our hands!

Psalm 90 (NRSV)

Sunday Psalm - Psalm 7

2005-10-23T05:31:00.000-05:00

O Lord my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,
or like a lion they will tear me apart;
they will drag me away, with no one to rescue.
O Lord my God, if I have done this,
if there is wrong in my hands,
if I have repaid my ally with harm
or plundered my foe without cause,
then let the enemy pursue and overtake me,
trample my life to the ground,
and lay my soul in the dust. Selah
Rise up, O Lord, in your anger;
lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies;
awake, O my God; you have appointed a judgment.
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you,
and over it take your seat on high.
The Lord judges the peoples;
judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
O let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous,
you who test the minds and hearts,
O righteous God.
God is my shield,
who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge,
and a God who has indignation every day.
If one does not repent, God will whet his sword;
he has bent and strung his bow;
he has prepared his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts.
See how they conceive evil,
and are pregnant with mischief,
and bring forth lies.
They make a pit, digging it out,
and fall into the hole that they have made.
Their mischief returns upon their own heads,
and on their own heads their violence descends.
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Psalm 7 (NRSV)

It is enough that God is exceptional

2005-10-21T05:56:00.000-05:00

It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God; but we have not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, and this is not learned in five minutes.

Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest

I'm reminded how often Pride leads me to pray to God for his will to be done, then expect some exceptional event. Waiting for the big event, I nearly miss a subtle thing like taking a moment to listen to a distressed soul that needs a moment of comfort. Or share a moment of joy with a child who so desparately needs someone to share it with her.

2005-10-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Luke 3:10-14

I often struggle with the idea of repentence. Like many, Christian and un-Christian alike, I have it wrong about repentence. Ask the majority of us what it means and we will tell you its about being sorry or remorseful about our sins. Both have a place in our thinking. But they also place a heavy burden on our hearts. When Jesus spoke about how light his yoke is, I don't believe he meant for us to be burden by sorrow and remorsefulness.

I have come to believe that as John the Baptist tells us, repentence is about turning away from our old life, and participating in the new life - a life that follows Jesus Christ. How we live changes, because Jesus changes what is important to us. That is, we are not to be sorrowful, but joyful for what was old has been made new. We have had a wonderful change in the heart and we should be delighted, happy, celebratory, and ready to attend the heavenly feast that will be waiting for our home coming.

I also noted that John the Baptist doesn't tell the tax collector to stop being a tax collector, or the soldier to stop being a soldier. Instead he tells them to change themselves inside which changes how they use the powers given to them by the civil authorities. Is he saying it is not about our jobs, but how we are inside and how we use them to the service of others and Jesus Christ?

Sunday - Psalm 44

2005-10-09T05:40:00.000-05:00

1 We have heard with our ears, O God,
our ancestors have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
2 you with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free;
3 for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm give them victory;
but your right hand, and your arm,
and the light of your countenance,
for you delighted in them.

4 You are my King and my God;
you commanda victories for Jacob.
5 Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down our assailants.
6 For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me.
7 But you have saved us from our foes,
and have put to confusion those who hate us.
8 In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah

9 Yet you have rejected us and abased us,
and have not gone out with our armies.
10 You made us turn back from the foe,
and our enemies have gotten spoil.
11 You have made us like sheep for slaughter,
and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You have sold your people for a trifle,
demanding no high price for them.

13 You have made us the taunt of our neighbors,
the derision and scorn of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations,
a laughingstockb among the peoples.
15 All day long my disgrace is before me,
and shame has covered my face
16 at the words of the taunters and revilers,
at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.

17 All this has come upon us,
yet we have not forgotten you,
or been false to your covenant.
18 Our heart has not turned back,
nor have our steps departed from your way,
19 yet you have broken us in the haunt of jackals,
and covered us with deep darkness.

20 If we had forgotten the name of our God,
or spread out our hands to a strange god,
21 would not God discover this?
For he knows the secrets of the heart.
22 Because of you we are being killed all day long,
and accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

23 Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord?
Awake, do not cast us off forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For we sink down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
26 Rise up, come to our help.
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.

Psalm 44 (NRSV)

Sunday Psalm - Psalm 24

2005-10-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.

Psalm 24 (NRSV)