Friday, March 28, 2014
Psalm 16
At Bible study last night, we were on our regular "birdwalk," and the conversation flowed around to trusting God. Several of us spoke of times when we questioned our ability to completely trust. Had we truly given an issue over to God to be worked through divine will? It's easy to say that we trust God, but is it always easy to do? From there our discussion went to those who consider Christians "weak" for trusting God.
Today, when I began to read Psalm 16, right in verse one was that word "trust." ["Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust." KJV] I thought of the many ways we can be "preserved" by God. We can be kept alive, kept safe, protected, and spared. We could even be prepared so that we resist spoilage! But it seems as though none of these preservations happen unless we put our trust in God.
I'll keep thinking about "trust" and "preserving" until next week's Bible study, or until my brain is pickled…wait a minute! Isn't a pickle a preserve, too?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A Death in the Family
We have had a death in the family recently. In our case, it took us completely by surprise, but even when death is expected, it always leaves a big hole.
In the last chapter of Deuteronomy, our reading for this last Sunday, we find an account of the death of Moses. For his first forty years he was raised as a prince in Egypt, for the next forty years he was a shepherd in the Sinai, and for the last forty years he shepherded the children of Israel through that same wilderness, and lead them to the promised land.
And there, on the summit of Mount Pisgah, rising out of the plains of Moab, God let him see across the Jordon River: "This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, I will give it to their descendants." But that was it. Just a look.
"I will let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there." Deuteronomy Ch. 34, vs. 4.
We are tempted to say "What a waste!" After all that effort, and struggle, and patient endurance, to be allowed only to see the land, but not to enter it !
But isn't that what death is like for all of us? --a curtain coming down on all the future possibilities, a sudden departure, and, for those of us left behind, a vacancy.
That, however, is never the end of the story, at least from God's perspective. As King David said following the death of his young son, "He cannot come to me, I shall go to him." 2 Samuel Ch. 12, vs. 23.
And on the loss of his brother John, following a long and debilitating illness, Benjamin Franklin wrote to his niece:
We have lost a most dear and valuable relation. But it is the will of God and nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life. This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. . . .
Our friend and we were invited on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he has gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him?
Adieu,
B. Franklin
In the last chapter of Deuteronomy, our reading for this last Sunday, we find an account of the death of Moses. For his first forty years he was raised as a prince in Egypt, for the next forty years he was a shepherd in the Sinai, and for the last forty years he shepherded the children of Israel through that same wilderness, and lead them to the promised land.
And there, on the summit of Mount Pisgah, rising out of the plains of Moab, God let him see across the Jordon River: "This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, I will give it to their descendants." But that was it. Just a look.
"I will let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there." Deuteronomy Ch. 34, vs. 4.
We are tempted to say "What a waste!" After all that effort, and struggle, and patient endurance, to be allowed only to see the land, but not to enter it !
But isn't that what death is like for all of us? --a curtain coming down on all the future possibilities, a sudden departure, and, for those of us left behind, a vacancy.
That, however, is never the end of the story, at least from God's perspective. As King David said following the death of his young son, "He cannot come to me, I shall go to him." 2 Samuel Ch. 12, vs. 23.
And on the loss of his brother John, following a long and debilitating illness, Benjamin Franklin wrote to his niece:
We have lost a most dear and valuable relation. But it is the will of God and nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life. This is rather an embryo state, a preparation for living. . . .
Our friend and we were invited on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he has gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him?
Adieu,
B. Franklin
Let me repeat that . . .
Deuteronomy, the word means "second law," is a repetition of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, recorded in the Book of Exodus.
Why did God repeat himself?
Thirty-eight years later, at a different place and time, as they were on the brink of entering the promised land, Moses enunciated the Law to a new generation--with a new task and a new perspective. The same Law, but now re-interpreted to a people about to undertake the greatest challenge of their lives.
Why do we repeat ourselves to others? Perhaps because they haven't yet come to a full understanding of what was said the first time. It is also true, as a French philosopher once observed, it is one of the functions the human mind to forget. So the re-emphasis, the reminder, and a rededication to these first principles becomes not only helpful, but necessary.
Thus bold Moses said:
"And now, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live, and go and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you." Deuteronomy Ch. 4, vs. 1.
Do we need to hear that again?
Why did God repeat himself?
Thirty-eight years later, at a different place and time, as they were on the brink of entering the promised land, Moses enunciated the Law to a new generation--with a new task and a new perspective. The same Law, but now re-interpreted to a people about to undertake the greatest challenge of their lives.
Why do we repeat ourselves to others? Perhaps because they haven't yet come to a full understanding of what was said the first time. It is also true, as a French philosopher once observed, it is one of the functions the human mind to forget. So the re-emphasis, the reminder, and a rededication to these first principles becomes not only helpful, but necessary.
Thus bold Moses said:
"And now, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live, and go and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you." Deuteronomy Ch. 4, vs. 1.
Do we need to hear that again?
Readings March 24-30
We are almost at the end of March but still winter drags on! This week in our Old Testament readings we start a new book, Joshua, This book tells the story of Israel entering the Promised Land at long last with Joshua as their leader.
In the Psalms we have four psalms of David which cover different life situations and appeals to God.
We also complete Paul's letter to the Ephesians with the final two chapters giving advice on relationships and that wonderful section on the armor of God.
In addition we read an entire book in one day! It is Paul's letter to Philemon about his runaway slave Onesimus and how faith in Christ has changed that relationship.
Towards the end of the week we start our readings in our second gospel Luke with the birth stories of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Quite a variety of readings this week! The Bible is made up of books of all different types.
In the Psalms we have four psalms of David which cover different life situations and appeals to God.
We also complete Paul's letter to the Ephesians with the final two chapters giving advice on relationships and that wonderful section on the armor of God.
In addition we read an entire book in one day! It is Paul's letter to Philemon about his runaway slave Onesimus and how faith in Christ has changed that relationship.
Towards the end of the week we start our readings in our second gospel Luke with the birth stories of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Quite a variety of readings this week! The Bible is made up of books of all different types.
24 Joshua
1 Ephesians 5 Joshua 2
25 Joshua
3 Ephesians 6 Joshua 4 Psalm
14
26 Joshua
5 Philemon Joshua 6
27 Joshua
7 Psalm 15 Joshua 8
28 Joshua 9 Psalm 16 Joshua 10
29 Joshua 11 Luke 1 Joshua 12 Psalm
17
30 Joshua 13 Luke 2 (3*) Joshua 14
* We read Luke 3 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Aha!
I have been all but overwhelmed by the recent passages of
Deuteronomy that have focused on the curses that will come to those who do not
keep the covenant. Yesterday, which was
when I meant to post this, I found a breath of fresh air—chapter 30 holds the
promise of grace, mercy, and fulfillment.
Two verses from the chapter stood out to me…14 and 19. And then, when I read Psalm 13, I felt as though the
psalmist had captured all I had been feeling, with a reminder of the work we
have to do in verse 5: "But I have trusted…" Aha! Trusted.
As I thought about the readings for March 21, I found that
to order them this way: Deut. 29, Deut. 30, and Psalm 13 with Paul bringing it
home in Ephesians 2 made great sense to me. Right now, at the end of this long
winter, I need a word of hope, and dose of trust.
Thank you, Lord, for these words, just what I needed to hear today.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Readings March 17-23
I am a little late posting the readings this week as I was away in Ohio last week and did not get back until the weekend. Well, this week we complete our readings of the book of Deuteronomy as the Israelites get to the end of their time in the Wilderness. At the end of the book Moses dies having seen the Promised Land without entering it and Joshua is appointed as his successor.
In the New Testament we complete Paul's letter to the Galatians and commence reading his letter to the Ephesians, which has a completely different tone from Galatians. Some of the themes in Ephesians are grace, the Church and salvation through Christ.
We also read two wonderful Psalms, 12 and 13, which are written from a heart that has experienced very hard times but still trusts in God.
17 Deuteronomy 21 Galatians 4 Deuteronomy 22 Psalm 12
18 Deuteronomy 23 Galatians 5 Deuteronomy 24
19 Deuteronomy 25 Galatians 6 Deuteronomy 26
20 Deuteronomy 27 Ephesians 1 Deuteronomy 28
21 Deuteronomy 29 Ephesians 2 Deuteronomy 30 Psalm 13
22 Deuteronomy 31 Ephesians 3 Deuteronomy 32
23 Deuteronomy 33 Ephesians 4 Deuteronomy 34
I hope you enjoy the readings and God speaks to you through them.
If you have got behind with your readings why not jump to the current days readings and then catch up with the readings you missed at a later date when you have time. In that way you won't always feel you are so far behind in your readings.
In the New Testament we complete Paul's letter to the Galatians and commence reading his letter to the Ephesians, which has a completely different tone from Galatians. Some of the themes in Ephesians are grace, the Church and salvation through Christ.
We also read two wonderful Psalms, 12 and 13, which are written from a heart that has experienced very hard times but still trusts in God.
17 Deuteronomy 21 Galatians 4 Deuteronomy 22 Psalm 12
18 Deuteronomy 23 Galatians 5 Deuteronomy 24
19 Deuteronomy 25 Galatians 6 Deuteronomy 26
20 Deuteronomy 27 Ephesians 1 Deuteronomy 28
21 Deuteronomy 29 Ephesians 2 Deuteronomy 30 Psalm 13
22 Deuteronomy 31 Ephesians 3 Deuteronomy 32
23 Deuteronomy 33 Ephesians 4 Deuteronomy 34
I hope you enjoy the readings and God speaks to you through them.
If you have got behind with your readings why not jump to the current days readings and then catch up with the readings you missed at a later date when you have time. In that way you won't always feel you are so far behind in your readings.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Connections
Bible open on the dining room table, quiet house...that's the only way to do Bible study, right? That's the way I have written papers and prepared worship services since I started seminary, so that must be the right way. Well, surprise, surprise...this winter, the study group at SMCC has found that using a dramatized version of the Bible on CDs has enriched our reading and our conversation about the Gospel of Matthew.
Last week at the Executive Board meeting, without trying to be an eavesdropper, I overheard a conversation about listening to the Bible. And that was the end of it...
The next morning, as I sat down to catch up (Do you hear a sad confession here?) on my reading, the previous night's conversation came to mind. So, I Googled "audio Bibles," and found that there were many free choices online. I chose http://www.biblegateway.com/ It was simple to choose a format (for me, dramatized KJV), and soon I had my grandmother's Bible open and my computer on to hear and read the Word. The experience was joyful and exciting; this technology works for me!
Why did I not make a connection here? Why did I not see that how we approached Bible study together at SMCC might work for me at home? That got me thinking about other connections and relationships, some tied to our reading and others tied to this blog. What a wonderful, exciting year this can be as we experiment with new ways to hear and read and share the Word of God!
Last week at the Executive Board meeting, without trying to be an eavesdropper, I overheard a conversation about listening to the Bible. And that was the end of it...
The next morning, as I sat down to catch up (Do you hear a sad confession here?) on my reading, the previous night's conversation came to mind. So, I Googled "audio Bibles," and found that there were many free choices online. I chose http://www.biblegateway.com/ It was simple to choose a format (for me, dramatized KJV), and soon I had my grandmother's Bible open and my computer on to hear and read the Word. The experience was joyful and exciting; this technology works for me!
Why did I not make a connection here? Why did I not see that how we approached Bible study together at SMCC might work for me at home? That got me thinking about other connections and relationships, some tied to our reading and others tied to this blog. What a wonderful, exciting year this can be as we experiment with new ways to hear and read and share the Word of God!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Readings March 10-16
We start this week's readings in Deuteronomy chapter 6 which has in verse 5 what Jesus calls the first and greatest commandment - 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.' A challenge to us all.
We continue reading through Deuteronomy this week and also finish the book of 2 Corinthians. In these latter chapters of 2 Corinthians Paul seems to change his tone and mounts a defense of his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 Paul describes the many difficult events he has been through on his journey with Christ. Following Christ doesn't guarantee us us an easy life!
We also now start the book of Galatians which I tend to think of as Paul's angry letter. He is upset with the Galatians as they seem to be going back to relying on the law instead of faith in Christ.
Enjoy your readings and I look forward to your comments!
10 Deuteronomy 6 2 Corinthians 10 Deuteronomy 7
11 Deuteronomy 8 2 Corinthians 11 Deuteronomy 9 (10*)
12 Deuteronomy 11 2 Corinthians 12 Deuteronomy 12
13 Deuteronomy 13 2 Corinthians 13 Deuteronomy 14 Psalm 11
14 Deuteronomy 15 Galatians 1 Deuteronomy 16
15 Deuteronomy 17 Galatians 2 Deuteronomy 18
16 Deuteronomy 19 Galatians 3 Deuteronomy 20
* We read Deuteronomy 10 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
We continue reading through Deuteronomy this week and also finish the book of 2 Corinthians. In these latter chapters of 2 Corinthians Paul seems to change his tone and mounts a defense of his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 Paul describes the many difficult events he has been through on his journey with Christ. Following Christ doesn't guarantee us us an easy life!
We also now start the book of Galatians which I tend to think of as Paul's angry letter. He is upset with the Galatians as they seem to be going back to relying on the law instead of faith in Christ.
Enjoy your readings and I look forward to your comments!
10 Deuteronomy 6 2 Corinthians 10 Deuteronomy 7
11 Deuteronomy 8 2 Corinthians 11 Deuteronomy 9 (10*)
12 Deuteronomy 11 2 Corinthians 12 Deuteronomy 12
13 Deuteronomy 13 2 Corinthians 13 Deuteronomy 14 Psalm 11
14 Deuteronomy 15 Galatians 1 Deuteronomy 16
15 Deuteronomy 17 Galatians 2 Deuteronomy 18
16 Deuteronomy 19 Galatians 3 Deuteronomy 20
* We read Deuteronomy 10 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
Friday, March 7, 2014
In the Wilderness (for March 8)
The Gospel passage we will read this Sunday at Sawyer Memorial is Matthew 4:1-11. It describes the testing/temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Because that passage is so fresh in my mind, I immediately noticed how often the word "wilderness" is used in Deuteronomy 2, part of our reading for March 8. So, today I have been thinking about time in the wilderness not only for Israel and Jesus, but also for us and our churches. It seems that we sometimes enter the wilderness through our own choosing...maybe a season of the church year like Lent encourages us to examine our relationship with God. And sometimes, the wilderness seems to be forced upon us...trouble in our families, medical issues, a job loss or something equally devastating. Being lost in the wilderness can be uncomfortable and threatening; in fact, the words "fear and trembling" come to my mind.
One of my seminary professors talked about the wilderness wanderings of Israel as their 40-year journey of learning how to live with God, how to worship God, and how to be God's chosen people. What if we accepted our "wildernesses" in the same manner? Could it be that, through the experience, we come to a better understanding of who we are? of who God wants us to be and what God wants us to do?
A final thought...my dad always told us never to go into the woods without a compass. Hmmm...I think there's a sermon here!
One of my seminary professors talked about the wilderness wanderings of Israel as their 40-year journey of learning how to live with God, how to worship God, and how to be God's chosen people. What if we accepted our "wildernesses" in the same manner? Could it be that, through the experience, we come to a better understanding of who we are? of who God wants us to be and what God wants us to do?
A final thought...my dad always told us never to go into the woods without a compass. Hmmm...I think there's a sermon here!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Letter of Recommendation
As a pastor, I am sometimes asked to write a letter of reference for someone seeking a job, students applying to a new school, or other purposes, to speak to their qualifications and need. When some of the Corinthian Christians questioned Paul's qualifications as an apostle, he replied:
"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts, to be known and read by all men." 2 Corinthians Ch. 3, vs. 2.
What better letter could any pastor ask for?
"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts, to be known and read by all men." 2 Corinthians Ch. 3, vs. 2.
What better letter could any pastor ask for?
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Preachers and Old Shoes
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God, and not to us." 2 Corinthians Ch. 4., vs. 7.
Preachers!
Someone in the days of the early Church once asked "What do preachers and old shoes have in common? They are all worn out except for the tongues!"
We all need to know when to stop talking, preachers included--especially. But how will people hear the Word of God if there is no-one to tell them? As the prophet Isaiah exclaimed,
"How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good tiding, who publishes peace. . . " Isaiah Ch. 52, vs. 7.
Like cool water to parched lips, the words of God, brought home to the understanding, are an indescribable joy with unspeakable beauty. So much so that one preacher was given the name Chrysostom, or 'Golden Mouth.'
Here in Second Corinthians, Paul reminds us to distinguish between the message and the messenger, that this heavenly treasure comes to us through very ordinary and flawed human beings, "to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God, and not to us."
Vessels like Paul.
And like us.
Preachers, take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.
Preachers!
Someone in the days of the early Church once asked "What do preachers and old shoes have in common? They are all worn out except for the tongues!"
We all need to know when to stop talking, preachers included--especially. But how will people hear the Word of God if there is no-one to tell them? As the prophet Isaiah exclaimed,
"How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good tiding, who publishes peace. . . " Isaiah Ch. 52, vs. 7.
Like cool water to parched lips, the words of God, brought home to the understanding, are an indescribable joy with unspeakable beauty. So much so that one preacher was given the name Chrysostom, or 'Golden Mouth.'
Here in Second Corinthians, Paul reminds us to distinguish between the message and the messenger, that this heavenly treasure comes to us through very ordinary and flawed human beings, "to show us that the transcendent power belongs to God, and not to us."
Vessels like Paul.
And like us.
Preachers, take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Anger Management
"For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love I have for you." 2 Corinthians Ch. 2, vs. 4.
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians was written in the aftermath of an angry confrontation --"righteous" or otherwise :
"I made up my mind not make you another painful visit," vs. 1.
Instead, he sent them a severe letter, and now, impatient for news, he wrote again out of anxious concern for the effects of this earlier communication. Had their attitude towards him changed?
"For this is why I wrote, that I might test you, and know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive."
Forgiveness was necessary, even from the Apostle:
"What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, to keep Satan from gaining advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his designs." Ch. 2., vs. 9 - 11.
Our temper is often the means by which the enemy of our souls gains mastery over us, even temporarily, and the consequences can be far greater than we can imagine.
What can we learn from Paul the Apostle about anger management?
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians was written in the aftermath of an angry confrontation --"righteous" or otherwise :
"I made up my mind not make you another painful visit," vs. 1.
Instead, he sent them a severe letter, and now, impatient for news, he wrote again out of anxious concern for the effects of this earlier communication. Had their attitude towards him changed?
"For this is why I wrote, that I might test you, and know whether you are obedient in everything. Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive."
Forgiveness was necessary, even from the Apostle:
"What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, to keep Satan from gaining advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his designs." Ch. 2., vs. 9 - 11.
Our temper is often the means by which the enemy of our souls gains mastery over us, even temporarily, and the consequences can be far greater than we can imagine.
What can we learn from Paul the Apostle about anger management?
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Readings March 3-9
We are now in March! In the two months of readings we have done we have already completed 5 books and this week we complete another one, Numbers. We then start into the book of Deuteronomy still with the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan not yet in the Promised Land. In the New Testament we continue through Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.
3 Numbers 28 2 Corinthians 3 Numbers 29
4 Numbers 30 2 Corinthians 4 Numbers 31
5 Numbers 32 2 Corinthians 5 Numbers 33 Psalm 9
6 Numbers 34 2 Corinthians 6 Numbers 35
7 Numbers 36 2 Corinthians 7 Deuteronomy 1
8 Deuteronomy 2 2 Corinthians 8 Deuteronomy 3
9 Deuteronomy 4 2 Corinthians 9 Deuteronomy 5 Psalm 10
All of the March readings are listed on a page on this blog. Just click on March Readings under the Pages title on the top right of the blog.
3 Numbers 28 2 Corinthians 3 Numbers 29
4 Numbers 30 2 Corinthians 4 Numbers 31
5 Numbers 32 2 Corinthians 5 Numbers 33 Psalm 9
6 Numbers 34 2 Corinthians 6 Numbers 35
7 Numbers 36 2 Corinthians 7 Deuteronomy 1
8 Deuteronomy 2 2 Corinthians 8 Deuteronomy 3
9 Deuteronomy 4 2 Corinthians 9 Deuteronomy 5 Psalm 10
All of the March readings are listed on a page on this blog. Just click on March Readings under the Pages title on the top right of the blog.
Murmuring
"I have heard the murmuring of the people of Israel, which they murmur against me." Numbers Ch. 14, vs. 27.
According to the Book of Numbers, "the whole congregation of Israel" gave itself to complaining in the face of the new life God had given them in the wilderness:
Why did He bring us here?
It would be better if we had died!
What are we here for--to be attacked and killed by our enemies?
We were better off in Egypt!
Sound familiar? God's people--ourselves included--are given to murmuring. It is both infectious and dangerous.
"'As I live,' says the Lord, 'what your have said in my hearing I will do to you.'"
And so all of the adult population--"twenty years old and upward"-- that left Egypt, over 600,000 (see the post on Numbers in February) were destined to expire in the wilderness. "Not one shall come into the land where I said I would make you dwell, except Caleb . . . and Joshua, the son of Nun."
God's purposes would be fulfilled none the less.
"But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land you have despised." Numbers Ch. 14, vs. 31.
Have you ever heard murmuring in the congregation? Be careful!
According to the Book of Numbers, "the whole congregation of Israel" gave itself to complaining in the face of the new life God had given them in the wilderness:
Why did He bring us here?
It would be better if we had died!
What are we here for--to be attacked and killed by our enemies?
We were better off in Egypt!
Sound familiar? God's people--ourselves included--are given to murmuring. It is both infectious and dangerous.
"'As I live,' says the Lord, 'what your have said in my hearing I will do to you.'"
And so all of the adult population--"twenty years old and upward"-- that left Egypt, over 600,000 (see the post on Numbers in February) were destined to expire in the wilderness. "Not one shall come into the land where I said I would make you dwell, except Caleb . . . and Joshua, the son of Nun."
God's purposes would be fulfilled none the less.
"But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land you have despised." Numbers Ch. 14, vs. 31.
Have you ever heard murmuring in the congregation? Be careful!
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