This morning, as I began to read chapter 39 in Job, I couldn't help but think of spring coming to Washington County after the long and hard winter. Granted, I don't have wild goats and unicorns cavorting on my lawn, but we have seen the geese fly north and are now watching leaves burst forth and spread themselves to catch rays from the occasional sun. (You guessed correctly; it's foggy in Jonesport today!) We try to see who will be the first to hear the "peep frogs" entertain us with a nightly chorus, and who will see the first robin. In times like these I think of Genesis and the creation story--"...and God saw that it was good."
As I read the chapter from Leviticus concerning several types of offerings, all I could think of was that it would be impossible for me to get this right. At some point, I would be "in a fog." Even if I had made these sacrifices dozens of times, I guarantee I would sooner or later make a mistake and in doing so, dishonor God. And that would not be my intention.
Job has been in a similar place...he has not intended to dishonor God in any way. He doesn't think he has, and yet, all this hardship has come upon him.
So here I sit with my cup of coffee, thinking of you reading these same passages. What does this all mean to you? I have been trying to make connections between the chapters, trying to make meaning for myself, and I find myself thanking God for this earth, the birds and animals, and the ocean at the foot of my lawn. I also thank God for promises...though it is impossible for me to get things "right" all of the time, though hardships will come my way, God's love and forgiveness and mercy and grace cover me. Unlike the fog, they will never disappear.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Not Ashamed
"In you, O Lord, I have put my trust,
O let me never be ashamed." Psalm 31, vs. 1.
What a strange thing to read in a Psalm! Are you ashamed of God? (Perhaps before Him, on account of our stumbling into sin, but that is a another matter.) Why should the Psalmist ask God "Never let me be ashamed of trusting you"?
How often have you stepped out in faith, confident in the assurance that God answers prayer, and will not let you down, only to feel disappointed?
This was certainly Job's experience.
It was also Paul's experience: "We were so utterly, unbearably crushed," he wrote to the Corinthians, "that we despaired of life itself." 2 Corinthians, Ch. 1, vs. 8.
It was also the experience of Jesus on the Cross, when he uttered these words:
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Mark, Ch. 15, vs. 34.
In bearing the sins of the whole world, the sinless for the sinful, He actually endured the complete and utter separation from God the Father that we sometimes anticipate in our anxious, agonizing, faltering moments, yet never truly have to know. Underline that word never.
Jesus has been there, and done that, for us.
As a character in a modern novel says to a friend who feels God has forsaken him: 'That may seem to happen, but it never happens. But never, never, does it happen."
The final words belong to the end of Psalm 31, vs. 24:
" Be strong, let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord."
And you will not be ashamed.
O let me never be ashamed." Psalm 31, vs. 1.
What a strange thing to read in a Psalm! Are you ashamed of God? (Perhaps before Him, on account of our stumbling into sin, but that is a another matter.) Why should the Psalmist ask God "Never let me be ashamed of trusting you"?
How often have you stepped out in faith, confident in the assurance that God answers prayer, and will not let you down, only to feel disappointed?
This was certainly Job's experience.
It was also Paul's experience: "We were so utterly, unbearably crushed," he wrote to the Corinthians, "that we despaired of life itself." 2 Corinthians, Ch. 1, vs. 8.
It was also the experience of Jesus on the Cross, when he uttered these words:
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Mark, Ch. 15, vs. 34.
In bearing the sins of the whole world, the sinless for the sinful, He actually endured the complete and utter separation from God the Father that we sometimes anticipate in our anxious, agonizing, faltering moments, yet never truly have to know. Underline that word never.
Jesus has been there, and done that, for us.
As a character in a modern novel says to a friend who feels God has forsaken him: 'That may seem to happen, but it never happens. But never, never, does it happen."
The final words belong to the end of Psalm 31, vs. 24:
" Be strong, let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord."
And you will not be ashamed.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Readings May 19-25
This week we continue with our readings from the book of Job. Job's three 'comforters' maintain their attacks on Job and his integrity giving their supposed wisdom to him. Job replies each time defending himself and questioning God at times through a second and third cycle of speeches. I was struck by the striking resemblance Psalm 31 bears to the afflictions Job is suffering. Do we too trust the Lord to deliver us amidst the difficulties of life? 'Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.' (Psalm 31:24)
Our Psalm readings also cover praise (33), a song of praise (30), a testimony to God's gracious forgiveness (32) and instruction on godly wisdom (34). The psalms are a wonderful kaleidoscope of different types and themes.
Finally we return to the Torah, the Law, with the book of Leviticus. This can be a bit heavy going as much is not directly applicable to our worship or lives nowadays. But do persevere as there are many good nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in there. The first two chapters cover the burnt offering for atonement of sin and the grain offering which recognizes God's goodness and provision for us.
19 Job 13 Psalm 30 Job 14
20 Job 15 Psalm 31 Job 16
21 Job 17 Psalm 32 Job 18-19
22 Job 20 Psalm 33 Job 21
23 Job 22 Psalm 34 Job 23-24
24 Job 25-26 Leviticus 1 Job 27
25 Job 28 Leviticus 2 Job 29
Our Psalm readings also cover praise (33), a song of praise (30), a testimony to God's gracious forgiveness (32) and instruction on godly wisdom (34). The psalms are a wonderful kaleidoscope of different types and themes.
Finally we return to the Torah, the Law, with the book of Leviticus. This can be a bit heavy going as much is not directly applicable to our worship or lives nowadays. But do persevere as there are many good nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in there. The first two chapters cover the burnt offering for atonement of sin and the grain offering which recognizes God's goodness and provision for us.
19 Job 13 Psalm 30 Job 14
20 Job 15 Psalm 31 Job 16
21 Job 17 Psalm 32 Job 18-19
22 Job 20 Psalm 33 Job 21
23 Job 22 Psalm 34 Job 23-24
24 Job 25-26 Leviticus 1 Job 27
25 Job 28 Leviticus 2 Job 29
Readings May 12-18
I have realized I missed a week! Just goes to show pastors are not infallible. (I think you knew that already!) Anyway as I know a few people are maybe behind (I was until this week) I will still add my comments.
This week brought us to the end of the book of 2 Samuel with the last four chapters which are all bringing the reign of King David to an end. There is David's song of praise in Chapter 22 which may seem familiar because it is repeated in Psalm 18 which we have already read! David's last words are recorded in Chapter 23 although his death does not appear in this book but we await that in our reading of 1 Kings.
We also finish Acts with the final chapters there telling of Paul's trials in Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean about 60 miles from Jerusalem. From there we travel with Paul all the way by sea to Rome. So Acts tells the story of how the good news of the kingdom of God makes its way from Jerusalem, the spiritual capital of the Jewish world, in Acts 1 (v3) all the way to Rome the political capital of the Roman Empire in Acts 28. It finishes with Paul boldly preaching the kingdom of God at the heart of the biggest political kingdom in the world at that time! Where Caesar is normally proclaimed as lord, Paul teaches about another lord the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).
We now have a break from the New Testament daily reading for a while. Why? Because there are only 260 NT chapters in the Bible - not enough for one each day. So we need a double portion of Old Testament readings at times!
Job is the next book we read in the OT and it is a remarkable ancient story. Read the blog post by Phyllis entitled 'Job's Comfort' and the excellent comment attached to that post to get a flavor of the book.
The Psalms are a wonderful resource for all aspects of life we go through and the psalms this week are no exception. Enjoy and meditate!
12 2 Samuel 21 Acts 25 (26*) 2 Samuel 22
13 2 Samuel 23 Acts 27 2 Samuel 24
14 Job 1 Acts 28 Job 2-3
15 Job 4 Psalm 26 Job 5
16 Job 6 Psalm 27 Job 7-8
17 Job 9 Psalm 28 Job 10
18 Job 11 Psalm 29 Job 12
* We read Acts 26 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
This week brought us to the end of the book of 2 Samuel with the last four chapters which are all bringing the reign of King David to an end. There is David's song of praise in Chapter 22 which may seem familiar because it is repeated in Psalm 18 which we have already read! David's last words are recorded in Chapter 23 although his death does not appear in this book but we await that in our reading of 1 Kings.
We also finish Acts with the final chapters there telling of Paul's trials in Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean about 60 miles from Jerusalem. From there we travel with Paul all the way by sea to Rome. So Acts tells the story of how the good news of the kingdom of God makes its way from Jerusalem, the spiritual capital of the Jewish world, in Acts 1 (v3) all the way to Rome the political capital of the Roman Empire in Acts 28. It finishes with Paul boldly preaching the kingdom of God at the heart of the biggest political kingdom in the world at that time! Where Caesar is normally proclaimed as lord, Paul teaches about another lord the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).
We now have a break from the New Testament daily reading for a while. Why? Because there are only 260 NT chapters in the Bible - not enough for one each day. So we need a double portion of Old Testament readings at times!
Job is the next book we read in the OT and it is a remarkable ancient story. Read the blog post by Phyllis entitled 'Job's Comfort' and the excellent comment attached to that post to get a flavor of the book.
The Psalms are a wonderful resource for all aspects of life we go through and the psalms this week are no exception. Enjoy and meditate!
12 2 Samuel 21 Acts 25 (26*) 2 Samuel 22
13 2 Samuel 23 Acts 27 2 Samuel 24
14 Job 1 Acts 28 Job 2-3
15 Job 4 Psalm 26 Job 5
16 Job 6 Psalm 27 Job 7-8
17 Job 9 Psalm 28 Job 10
18 Job 11 Psalm 29 Job 12
* We read Acts 26 in January but you may wish to read it again for continuity.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Job's Comfort
This week we have been reading the
story of Job. Like many through the ages, I have come to Job
for comfort during my darkest days. In times gone by, I have risen at
dawn to read this story. [In fact, it seems as though I can feel
the cool sand of the lakeshore on my bare feet and hear the soft
lapping of early morning waves and the beginnings of birdsong as I open my
Bible today.] At other times, I have read this story in the dark of night
when my house was silent and still. In my old paperback Bible, the pages
of the book of Job are a mess...pencil notes, tear stains...you probably know
what I mean. My "relationship" with the book has felt
so deeply personal that I have wondered all week "What will
I, what can I write about Job?" Deep breath...
In two of the three chapters for today's reading, Job speaks...he is without hope; he feels as if his own destruction would be better than the emotional and physical pain he is experiencing; he wants to understand; he feels as though he has a target on his back. He is all of us. While we may not have lived the same losses that Job has lived, in our heart of hearts, we all have lived his despair. In times like these, we begin to question our faith, our mortality, our relationships, ...our God. "Why me?" we might ask, "Why Job?"
Often, in times like these, the words of friends offer no comfort to us. Sometimes they don't even make sense. They cannot penetrate our sadness. So it is with Job. No matter how well-intentioned Job's friends may be, and I often wonder about even that, their words do not do the trick. Bildad, in chapter eight, may be trying to make sense of the situation, but he does not comfort Job. Offering comfort, being comforted are not always easy for us.
After living through these chapters with Job this morning, my comfort came from Psalm 27. I know we are just beginning this journey with Job...more lies ahead, but I would like to think that, when he is on the other side of this trial, he, too, will find comfort in Psalm 27.
In two of the three chapters for today's reading, Job speaks...he is without hope; he feels as if his own destruction would be better than the emotional and physical pain he is experiencing; he wants to understand; he feels as though he has a target on his back. He is all of us. While we may not have lived the same losses that Job has lived, in our heart of hearts, we all have lived his despair. In times like these, we begin to question our faith, our mortality, our relationships, ...our God. "Why me?" we might ask, "Why Job?"
Often, in times like these, the words of friends offer no comfort to us. Sometimes they don't even make sense. They cannot penetrate our sadness. So it is with Job. No matter how well-intentioned Job's friends may be, and I often wonder about even that, their words do not do the trick. Bildad, in chapter eight, may be trying to make sense of the situation, but he does not comfort Job. Offering comfort, being comforted are not always easy for us.
After living through these chapters with Job this morning, my comfort came from Psalm 27. I know we are just beginning this journey with Job...more lies ahead, but I would like to think that, when he is on the other side of this trial, he, too, will find comfort in Psalm 27.
Friday, May 9, 2014
An Admission
I must admit that there have been days since we began this journey in January that I have read the daily passages just to get them done. There! I said it. I'm not proud of that admission, but at least it's out in the open. I must do better than that.
Last week at the Congregational Christian Council of Maine spring meeting, we looked at several issues with these questions in mind: What did you like? What surprised you? What challenged you? What did you learn? This morning as I read of difficulties that both David and Paul are experiencing, I thought of those questions. Might they be good guidelines for us to use as we work our way to next December? Because what we bring to this blog is so different from person to person, the answers to those questions will also be different, but none of them can be wrong. Sharing will be hard sometimes...but I think we can do it!
So, here I go...I liked Acts 20:8 "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together." I can imagine this little band of followers seeking the way together into the dark hours of the night. I can imagine their conversations, their questions, and their discussions. Notice I am omitting the scene that happened from Paul's "long preaching."
I am surprised at David's flight before Absalom. The King David we have been reading about was ready for battle most of the time; his behavior here makes me stop and think. I am challenged, and this isn't a very theological answer, mind you, by the catalog of names and places in Acts. Will I have to know these people, these cities, to understand something later or am I just reading the itinerary of Paul's trip?
What did I learn? I come from these readings with a view that sees a human side of David and Paul...both are "leaving;" both experience loss. David is preparing for the wilderness; Paul is preparing to sail. How will God be with them in the days ahead? How can I use their situations to help me as a pastor, a daughter, and a mom?
I plan to write these four questions on my reading list; may they be a reminder to me as I read and listen. I hope they help you.
Last week at the Congregational Christian Council of Maine spring meeting, we looked at several issues with these questions in mind: What did you like? What surprised you? What challenged you? What did you learn? This morning as I read of difficulties that both David and Paul are experiencing, I thought of those questions. Might they be good guidelines for us to use as we work our way to next December? Because what we bring to this blog is so different from person to person, the answers to those questions will also be different, but none of them can be wrong. Sharing will be hard sometimes...but I think we can do it!
So, here I go...I liked Acts 20:8 "And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together." I can imagine this little band of followers seeking the way together into the dark hours of the night. I can imagine their conversations, their questions, and their discussions. Notice I am omitting the scene that happened from Paul's "long preaching."
I am surprised at David's flight before Absalom. The King David we have been reading about was ready for battle most of the time; his behavior here makes me stop and think. I am challenged, and this isn't a very theological answer, mind you, by the catalog of names and places in Acts. Will I have to know these people, these cities, to understand something later or am I just reading the itinerary of Paul's trip?
What did I learn? I come from these readings with a view that sees a human side of David and Paul...both are "leaving;" both experience loss. David is preparing for the wilderness; Paul is preparing to sail. How will God be with them in the days ahead? How can I use their situations to help me as a pastor, a daughter, and a mom?
I plan to write these four questions on my reading list; may they be a reminder to me as I read and listen. I hope they help you.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Readings May 5-11
This week we have only two books. In the Old Testament we continue with 2 Samuel and David's kingship. David extends his kingdom and consolidates his rule but there are still quite a few bumps in the road. David gets caught out in an adulterous affair with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband to be killed. Yet God is watching and uses the prophet Nathan to confront him with his sin. Also David's son Absalom rebels against him and forces him to flee for a time and again later there is Sheba's rebellion. All is not plain sailing for the king after God's own heart! He made quite a few mistakes but still God did not reject him. That should be comforting for us. We do not have to be perfect but if we sin we still need to repent and ask for God's forgiveness.
In Acts we read about Paul and his co-workers travelling to Macedonia and Greece. He debates with the philosophers in Athens and goes on to establish the church in Corinth. Then on to Ephesus where he gets caught up in a riot (not a quiet life for Paul!) Then he revisits many of his churches again. Never a dull moment for Paul. I like the story in Acts 20 about the young man who fell asleep listening to Paul's sermon and falls out the window! It is nice to know even the Apostle Paul can preach someone to sleep! The story has a happy ending though as he is prayed for by Paul and he comes back alive!
5 2 Samuel 6 Acts 16 2 Samuel 7
6 2 Samuel 8 Acts 17 2 Samuel 9-10
7 2 Samuel 11 Acts 18 2 Samuel 12
8 2 Samuel 13 Acts 19 2 Samuel 14
9 2 Samuel 15 Acts 20 2 Samuel 16
10 2 Samuel 17 Acts 21(22-23*) 2 Samuel 18
11 2 Samuel 19 Acts 24 2 Samuel 20
* We read Acts 22 and 23 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
In Acts we read about Paul and his co-workers travelling to Macedonia and Greece. He debates with the philosophers in Athens and goes on to establish the church in Corinth. Then on to Ephesus where he gets caught up in a riot (not a quiet life for Paul!) Then he revisits many of his churches again. Never a dull moment for Paul. I like the story in Acts 20 about the young man who fell asleep listening to Paul's sermon and falls out the window! It is nice to know even the Apostle Paul can preach someone to sleep! The story has a happy ending though as he is prayed for by Paul and he comes back alive!
5 2 Samuel 6 Acts 16 2 Samuel 7
6 2 Samuel 8 Acts 17 2 Samuel 9-10
7 2 Samuel 11 Acts 18 2 Samuel 12
8 2 Samuel 13 Acts 19 2 Samuel 14
9 2 Samuel 15 Acts 20 2 Samuel 16
10 2 Samuel 17 Acts 21(22-23*) 2 Samuel 18
11 2 Samuel 19 Acts 24 2 Samuel 20
* We read Acts 22 and 23 in January but you may wish to read them again for continuity.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Seeking God's Heart
As I read the 1 Samuel chapters for today, the last part of 30:6 seemed to beckon. David and his companions are in the midst of great grief at the loss of their wives and children in the burning and looting of Ziklag. They speak of stoning David...they are grieved to their very souls. "...but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
In Acts 13, today's New Testament passage, Paul stands in the synagogue at Antioch and tells the story. When he speaks of the Lord's raising David, he uses the Lord's voice: "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will."
We know that David will face trials and temptations in his future, and he won't always make choices favorable to God. That is the stuff of another post. Right now, I want to think of those two verses spoken of David weaving their way through the fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. Encouraging ourselves in the Lord...seeking after God's own heart...
As Easter people, we know the Good News. Do we use that to encourage ourselves in the Lord? It's easy to get discouraged; it's easy to be overwhelmed. Do we seek God's heart? Do we remember Easter? I am not a "Pollyanna. " I can only imagine the grief David and his followers are experiencing in 1 Samuel and the difficulties the early church is wading through, but I do believe that if we encourage ourselves in the Lord and seek after God's own heart, we'll be two steps closer to what God wants of us and for us...Acts 13:52.
In Acts 13, today's New Testament passage, Paul stands in the synagogue at Antioch and tells the story. When he speaks of the Lord's raising David, he uses the Lord's voice: "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will."
We know that David will face trials and temptations in his future, and he won't always make choices favorable to God. That is the stuff of another post. Right now, I want to think of those two verses spoken of David weaving their way through the fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. Encouraging ourselves in the Lord...seeking after God's own heart...
As Easter people, we know the Good News. Do we use that to encourage ourselves in the Lord? It's easy to get discouraged; it's easy to be overwhelmed. Do we seek God's heart? Do we remember Easter? I am not a "Pollyanna. " I can only imagine the grief David and his followers are experiencing in 1 Samuel and the difficulties the early church is wading through, but I do believe that if we encourage ourselves in the Lord and seek after God's own heart, we'll be two steps closer to what God wants of us and for us...Acts 13:52.
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