Rarely have my nerves been so reactive to something or someone. It is a shooting sensation in which I can track the progress of each nerve firing to the next so that by the end it feels as though there is a copper wire from my brain to the end of my big toe. It is not painful, but it is noticeable. If you couple the wire feeling with a pulsing pattern which is, I am, sure my heartbeat there is an actue awareness of my whole being. I said this wasn't painful just very different from my average day.
Usually this feeling is fleeting and caused by something I can simply walk away from. In the past few days however the feeling has lingered, and I think I know why. Recently my grandmother moved in with my family. She is recovering from a major accident she had almost 2 months ago now. It is a miracle she is alive. If there is one thing you should know it is that my grandma is a very strong woman. It is hard to see her use a walker and whenever she gets up from a chair on her own my nerves go nuts! I know she can do it, but the story of her accident lingers in my mind. I do not worry about her injuring herself, but still my nerves fly around. I have decided to make my nerves useful. Instead of coupling my flying nerves with a sense of worry I'll remember love.
The cause of my flying nerves has to be in part do to my love for my grandma and wanting the best for her. I've really enjoyed the past few days I've shared with her. We have shared simple and restful days. Something we both need. Instead of worrying about what could be I'll give thanks for what is. My grandma is alive and in my house for the whole break! She is laughing and watching IU basketball like always. Thank God he made her so strong. Thank God he gave her a heart of joy! Let my crazy nerves fly around. I know that my feelings mean nothing compared to the reality of God's hand. I do not need to feel the love of God, because the love of God is present here now. I know it. I pray you come to know this reality in your own life.
Blessings
December 21, 2011
December 9, 2011
Paradigm doesn't even begin to explain
A mission to live for is what I have.
The other day I was told by a friend in passing, "Vince, don't be a martyr." Now before you read this wrong my life was not threatened in anyway so it was more of a figure of speech than a present reality. That being said though it stuck with me. Martyrs do not usually look to become a martyr rather that is where the final stages of their mission take them. We remember these people not because they died, but because they lived.
Have you ever told someone else or just yourself that you would die for a person/mission. You would expend your entirety to advance or protect this cause, because you deemed it more worthy than your own life? It's serious stuff, and yet we have that line, "It's to die for!" Maybe this is a way to protect ourselves from the reality of death? I digress though.
What you would die for reveals deep convictions, but what you would live for does even more. Living here is difficult. There are stresses, relationships, economies, politics, societies, jerks, hunger, and war. If you took a step back and looked at the world today you would se a bag full of ambiguity. We do not like ambiguity and therefore pick sides and make judgements. After these judgements and sides are drawn up we find conflict with those not like us a requirement. Us versus Them. Just look at congress or the presidential races and you will see a good illustration as to where this goes eventually.
Over the past two years or so I have become very disenfranchised with the two party paradigm. I can only hang my hat up in one place anymore and that is the Church. Before you say "Vince you have chosen a side!" let me speak ok? Ok.
The Church is wherever two or more believers are gathered in the name of Christ. It is not just a building. The Church is a group of people who have made Christ their all. Christ is the center of Church. The faith of the Church is in Christ and the work done is done for and through Christ. The Church is an attempt to make as much space for God to reign fully in this world presently. Does the Church fail at doing this sometimes? Yes when it is caught up in trying to be something it is not. Church is not a row of pews waiting to be filled nor shiny plates to receive penance. Church is the gathering of believers in love who through the Spirit glorify God in song, relationship, justice, love, and all the fruit of the spirit. Church is bigger than we make it, mainly because we do not make it. We are led to it.
Do not sell out to culture, ideology, or bigotry. Die to Christ alone and in Him there is life Brothers and Sisters.
This is more.
Blessings
The other day I was told by a friend in passing, "Vince, don't be a martyr." Now before you read this wrong my life was not threatened in anyway so it was more of a figure of speech than a present reality. That being said though it stuck with me. Martyrs do not usually look to become a martyr rather that is where the final stages of their mission take them. We remember these people not because they died, but because they lived.
Have you ever told someone else or just yourself that you would die for a person/mission. You would expend your entirety to advance or protect this cause, because you deemed it more worthy than your own life? It's serious stuff, and yet we have that line, "It's to die for!" Maybe this is a way to protect ourselves from the reality of death? I digress though.
What you would die for reveals deep convictions, but what you would live for does even more. Living here is difficult. There are stresses, relationships, economies, politics, societies, jerks, hunger, and war. If you took a step back and looked at the world today you would se a bag full of ambiguity. We do not like ambiguity and therefore pick sides and make judgements. After these judgements and sides are drawn up we find conflict with those not like us a requirement. Us versus Them. Just look at congress or the presidential races and you will see a good illustration as to where this goes eventually.
Over the past two years or so I have become very disenfranchised with the two party paradigm. I can only hang my hat up in one place anymore and that is the Church. Before you say "Vince you have chosen a side!" let me speak ok? Ok.
The Church is wherever two or more believers are gathered in the name of Christ. It is not just a building. The Church is a group of people who have made Christ their all. Christ is the center of Church. The faith of the Church is in Christ and the work done is done for and through Christ. The Church is an attempt to make as much space for God to reign fully in this world presently. Does the Church fail at doing this sometimes? Yes when it is caught up in trying to be something it is not. Church is not a row of pews waiting to be filled nor shiny plates to receive penance. Church is the gathering of believers in love who through the Spirit glorify God in song, relationship, justice, love, and all the fruit of the spirit. Church is bigger than we make it, mainly because we do not make it. We are led to it.
Do not sell out to culture, ideology, or bigotry. Die to Christ alone and in Him there is life Brothers and Sisters.
This is more.
Blessings
December 4, 2011
Love is
Galatians 2:20-21 "I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Galatians 2 is the passage I have been chewing on for a long time now. I am always confronted by these last two verses. These verses reflect so concisely the reality of faith that I need to remember daily. I am not saying that I only reflect on these two verses, but rather that the reflection on these two verses have been helpful in catapulting me deeper in to the faith. These two verses help me see the present reality of sanctification in the lives of others and my own.
When I remember that to live is Christ, as a believer, I am blessed with a deeper reality presently. Anxiety washes away, because I realize that we are all totally in God's hand. To live is Christ and therefore we are invited to let God be God and glorify Him. This reality is possible because Christ first died for us and we join him in that death and the resurrection that followed. Christ gave himself as a sacrifice out of love for each and every one of us including you and me (I find it too easy to exclude myself from a pronoun sometimes). This is grace that Holy God is not only mindful of all our sins but chooses to love us actively. God's love is so active that he came as a child to live among us for a time. God suffered humanity. His love is so great that even when he could have left us wallowing in ignorance and ritual he showed us how to love him and one another. He did this and knew we would kill him violently and with mocking lips. We hung him on a tree each one of us drove a nail into his body. The ones who knew him best still did not understand how Emmanuel could die like this. 'God with us' bore a crown of thorns and hung between two criminals. He died as the worst of us, according to our laws, die. Love wins in this reality though. You see Christ died that we might do likewise with him. We can die too and even more so we can rise again in Christ. If we die with Christ we also rise with him. Love does not die or end at the cross. It has victory to claim.
They shut love in a tomb and put it under guard. The stone was rolled back and love came forth in its fullness. No more death. Love wins. Christ gave himself for me and now lives in me. His outpouring sanctifies me hourly. He is life in me. I do not achieve life through ritual or religion. No, he is life given through grace. I cannot set this grace aside, because to do so would be to die to my futile attempts at righteousness. In Christ we are brought into life. That life is then led through the Spirit.
We are not alone even now. The Spirit is present and active. The Spirit speaks and intercedes on our behalf constantly. Grace abounds in this world because love wins. The written law cannot save me or you. So please join me in living by faith.
We will not always have the answer for the question that arises in moment.
We will not always have a smile on our face.
We will not always be the favored ones.
We will always be in God's hand.
We will always be learning what living by faith is.
We will always be in the presence of Almighty God.
We will always have life.
Love wins.
The Father, Son, and Spirit have called you by name.
Christ died that we might have righteousness and lives that we might not only have righteousness but have it abundantly in him and glorify God in it.
Blessings more than we could imagine.
May your advent be full.
Galatians 2 is the passage I have been chewing on for a long time now. I am always confronted by these last two verses. These verses reflect so concisely the reality of faith that I need to remember daily. I am not saying that I only reflect on these two verses, but rather that the reflection on these two verses have been helpful in catapulting me deeper in to the faith. These two verses help me see the present reality of sanctification in the lives of others and my own.
When I remember that to live is Christ, as a believer, I am blessed with a deeper reality presently. Anxiety washes away, because I realize that we are all totally in God's hand. To live is Christ and therefore we are invited to let God be God and glorify Him. This reality is possible because Christ first died for us and we join him in that death and the resurrection that followed. Christ gave himself as a sacrifice out of love for each and every one of us including you and me (I find it too easy to exclude myself from a pronoun sometimes). This is grace that Holy God is not only mindful of all our sins but chooses to love us actively. God's love is so active that he came as a child to live among us for a time. God suffered humanity. His love is so great that even when he could have left us wallowing in ignorance and ritual he showed us how to love him and one another. He did this and knew we would kill him violently and with mocking lips. We hung him on a tree each one of us drove a nail into his body. The ones who knew him best still did not understand how Emmanuel could die like this. 'God with us' bore a crown of thorns and hung between two criminals. He died as the worst of us, according to our laws, die. Love wins in this reality though. You see Christ died that we might do likewise with him. We can die too and even more so we can rise again in Christ. If we die with Christ we also rise with him. Love does not die or end at the cross. It has victory to claim.
They shut love in a tomb and put it under guard. The stone was rolled back and love came forth in its fullness. No more death. Love wins. Christ gave himself for me and now lives in me. His outpouring sanctifies me hourly. He is life in me. I do not achieve life through ritual or religion. No, he is life given through grace. I cannot set this grace aside, because to do so would be to die to my futile attempts at righteousness. In Christ we are brought into life. That life is then led through the Spirit.
We are not alone even now. The Spirit is present and active. The Spirit speaks and intercedes on our behalf constantly. Grace abounds in this world because love wins. The written law cannot save me or you. So please join me in living by faith.
We will not always have the answer for the question that arises in moment.
We will not always have a smile on our face.
We will not always be the favored ones.
We will always be in God's hand.
We will always be learning what living by faith is.
We will always be in the presence of Almighty God.
We will always have life.
Love wins.
The Father, Son, and Spirit have called you by name.
Christ died that we might have righteousness and lives that we might not only have righteousness but have it abundantly in him and glorify God in it.
Blessings more than we could imagine.
May your advent be full.
November 16, 2011
Me too!
"There is no such thing as one Christian." Dorthy Day
I have seriously considered giving this whole blogging thing a rest for a while. As you can see I came to the conclusion that it is still worthwhile. Don't get me wrong I am content and have enough for each day, but I always seem to squeak by when it comes to human interaction. I usually attribute this to my demeanor, and yes sometimes that's the issue. Unfortunately that is also a lie half the time. How could someone who is so driven to find a level of conversation that involves so much trust be so bent as to not engage in conversation?
Half the time I believe the lie that I am the only one.
When it comes to questions and struggles I have like should I lend a buck? I get the feeling like I am the only selfish one who at times is reluctant to lend not because the money means much to me, but the trust I need to lend is greater than the present trust I have. In community there is courage.
Half the time I believe I am the only one.
In class when I feel entirely inadequate to even be at the level my AER point me to; I am convinced I am the only one who struggles to keep up. As if everyone else was born speaking this language or knowing these stories. As if mine is the only head that implodes each and every time a question is posed and I say, "What?"
Half the time I believe I am the only one.
I pine for conversation. Not just about how the weather is or your truck, but to know you. I want to know you. Not so that I can say "Thank goodness I'm not you." No so that we both will find that point at which one of us says, "Yeah, me too."
Half the time I believe we really do constitute a coherent body.
God bless you and me not just individually (which is good and needed), but also corporately so that we might see one another as God sees us.
Extend your hand in fellowship and you'll find someone else reaching out. Stop believing the lie that you are the only one, because you're not.
May you say "Me too" this day.
Blessings
I have seriously considered giving this whole blogging thing a rest for a while. As you can see I came to the conclusion that it is still worthwhile. Don't get me wrong I am content and have enough for each day, but I always seem to squeak by when it comes to human interaction. I usually attribute this to my demeanor, and yes sometimes that's the issue. Unfortunately that is also a lie half the time. How could someone who is so driven to find a level of conversation that involves so much trust be so bent as to not engage in conversation?
Half the time I believe the lie that I am the only one.
When it comes to questions and struggles I have like should I lend a buck? I get the feeling like I am the only selfish one who at times is reluctant to lend not because the money means much to me, but the trust I need to lend is greater than the present trust I have. In community there is courage.
Half the time I believe I am the only one.
In class when I feel entirely inadequate to even be at the level my AER point me to; I am convinced I am the only one who struggles to keep up. As if everyone else was born speaking this language or knowing these stories. As if mine is the only head that implodes each and every time a question is posed and I say, "What?"
Half the time I believe I am the only one.
I pine for conversation. Not just about how the weather is or your truck, but to know you. I want to know you. Not so that I can say "Thank goodness I'm not you." No so that we both will find that point at which one of us says, "Yeah, me too."
Half the time I believe we really do constitute a coherent body.
God bless you and me not just individually (which is good and needed), but also corporately so that we might see one another as God sees us.
Extend your hand in fellowship and you'll find someone else reaching out. Stop believing the lie that you are the only one, because you're not.
May you say "Me too" this day.
Blessings
November 11, 2011
Musings in a Hat
In a world of t-shirts and hoodies you can look very snooty wearing a tie with a white collared shirt. If you add a fedora to that you may as well say you are going to church, synagogue, or probably temple.
I made the decision today to wear a white button up shirt, red tie, khakis, and a black sweater (not too great with the khakis) along with a fedora. I made this decision knowing that few peers would let my 20's mobster look go by without coming to some conclusions about who I am. Then I remembered that people make judgments all the time regardless of what I wear. I decided to do this and did it. Does it need more explanation?
I don't want you t think I am making this more than it is, but I want to dive into a bigger issue. I have recently come out of a bout of self-paralyzation. My inhibitions became my coma and my practicalities were my camouflage. Making convicted decisions were not possible because even though I would make the decision it would rarely come to fruition in the way I had envisioned. So I have cut back on inhibitions and learned to stop letting the expectations of others dictate my life.
I wear a tie and fedora, because the world does not need another hoodie totin' guy or hat wearin' hipster (there is nothing wrong with either). No, I do this because the tie and the hat speak to my personality. In a small way I get to dictate what you think of me through my dress. I might as well be honest with you right? Then maybe when you and I converse we'll have already established the groundwork for honesty. I like the sound of that. Just like I enjoy the fit of my hat.
Blessings
I made the decision today to wear a white button up shirt, red tie, khakis, and a black sweater (not too great with the khakis) along with a fedora. I made this decision knowing that few peers would let my 20's mobster look go by without coming to some conclusions about who I am. Then I remembered that people make judgments all the time regardless of what I wear. I decided to do this and did it. Does it need more explanation?
I don't want you t think I am making this more than it is, but I want to dive into a bigger issue. I have recently come out of a bout of self-paralyzation. My inhibitions became my coma and my practicalities were my camouflage. Making convicted decisions were not possible because even though I would make the decision it would rarely come to fruition in the way I had envisioned. So I have cut back on inhibitions and learned to stop letting the expectations of others dictate my life.
I wear a tie and fedora, because the world does not need another hoodie totin' guy or hat wearin' hipster (there is nothing wrong with either). No, I do this because the tie and the hat speak to my personality. In a small way I get to dictate what you think of me through my dress. I might as well be honest with you right? Then maybe when you and I converse we'll have already established the groundwork for honesty. I like the sound of that. Just like I enjoy the fit of my hat.
Blessings
November 8, 2011
Contentment in Purpose
Where is your heart?
Yes this is a loaded question. You could answer my heart is in my chest sitting under my left breast. Acceptable answer time to move on.
If you're still reading it's because you understand the loadedness of the question. Where is your heart? Is it in your appearance? Does it beat in the presence of a relationship? Maybe it lies in a skill you practice daily? In other words, I am asking what motivates you daily?
For a while I would get up because of the expectations set for me. I wanted to please myself and others. Not much wrong with this. I was being a good son, brother, and friend in this motivation. The issue arose when I did not meet these expectations. Others may have forgiven me easily, but I never forgave myself without putting my self through the gauntlet of self doubt. It was sickening. I'd compare myself to others who I saw as more successful. I would lose every time. In this I would also loose sight of what my brothers and sisters were really struggling with. I lost the ability to hold another accountable, because I was so wrapped up in myself. I needed to transplant my heart.
I tried pursuing love. That was silly. Not the relationship, but my expectations. I forgot how to live presently. I lived in a fantasy world of future expectations that had no root in the present. I was trying to sit on a cloud. I forgot my parachute. Simply put, my heart crashed back to Earth and I got to pick through the ruble to find the little black box.
I realized recently that I was turning in on myself again. I was making my expectations my motivation. I told my brothers this and they brought me out of myself. I have found contentment which has been so long absent in my life.
I am learning to live in the hand of my creator. I am free. I have learned that I have purpose that is being revealed to me daily in the present. I may get glimpses of what is to come, but only glimpses because there is much to do now. In my freedom I bring glory to the Lord. I dance on the palm of my creator and praise his name in my quiet work. I can say that I do not care what you think of me. I only hope and pray that you join me.
My motivation is in knowing that the creator has a purpose in me. I do not write these blogs for the audience. I write these posts because it is a way my purpose is accomplished.
Yes this is a loaded question. You could answer my heart is in my chest sitting under my left breast. Acceptable answer time to move on.
If you're still reading it's because you understand the loadedness of the question. Where is your heart? Is it in your appearance? Does it beat in the presence of a relationship? Maybe it lies in a skill you practice daily? In other words, I am asking what motivates you daily?
For a while I would get up because of the expectations set for me. I wanted to please myself and others. Not much wrong with this. I was being a good son, brother, and friend in this motivation. The issue arose when I did not meet these expectations. Others may have forgiven me easily, but I never forgave myself without putting my self through the gauntlet of self doubt. It was sickening. I'd compare myself to others who I saw as more successful. I would lose every time. In this I would also loose sight of what my brothers and sisters were really struggling with. I lost the ability to hold another accountable, because I was so wrapped up in myself. I needed to transplant my heart.
I tried pursuing love. That was silly. Not the relationship, but my expectations. I forgot how to live presently. I lived in a fantasy world of future expectations that had no root in the present. I was trying to sit on a cloud. I forgot my parachute. Simply put, my heart crashed back to Earth and I got to pick through the ruble to find the little black box.
I realized recently that I was turning in on myself again. I was making my expectations my motivation. I told my brothers this and they brought me out of myself. I have found contentment which has been so long absent in my life.
I am learning to live in the hand of my creator. I am free. I have learned that I have purpose that is being revealed to me daily in the present. I may get glimpses of what is to come, but only glimpses because there is much to do now. In my freedom I bring glory to the Lord. I dance on the palm of my creator and praise his name in my quiet work. I can say that I do not care what you think of me. I only hope and pray that you join me.
My motivation is in knowing that the creator has a purpose in me. I do not write these blogs for the audience. I write these posts because it is a way my purpose is accomplished.
November 1, 2011
Say to the Mountain
The art of reading to yourself is not easily mastered. I was always under the impression that the best way to read to myself was internally with a mental dialoge that lacked auditory qualities. It was the epitome of internal processing. I could read anywhere with anonymity. The library demanded this from me, and besides it is just insanity to talk to yourself.
OUR CREATOR SPOKE US INTO EXISTENCE!
Thank God he spoke out loud. His words changed the present situation! Ours can do the same. You doubt this don't you. Yeah you do, because you're like me. Timid and careful. You dare not break the silence, because you have done this before and got burned. Like sitting in class and you think you might have the answer the professor is asking for, but you nearly failed that last test so there is no way you could possibly have the right answer (yeah I've been there). The worst of it is when you let the moment pass, and you find out you actually had the answer. Self-doubt sucks the life out of community. We all know this, but it is not realized until the moments have passed.
I find that when self-doubt paralyzes me I am either worried about what has happened before or what might happen in the near future. I forget my present existence. Every moment is an arrival to a new now. Does this make sense? I demand that you and I live presently. Self-doubt has no place in the believer's life, because the self has died and is replaced by Father, Son, and Spirit. There is no doubt in the promises and present reality of a believer's life. This is not to say a believer will not run into difficult questions, but that those questions will not overcome the faith, but instead strengthen faith's resolve. We, sisters and brothers, live presently in the glory of God. Do you actually remind yourself of this? It's true. hard to believe but true. If he is for us what can stand against us? Why do you doubt? Why do stand against what it is that you so desperately desire? Why will you not enter the holy of holies? You will fail. You have died. You are renewed. Live it! Speak it! I scream this out to you that you might hear it!
"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his [or her] heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." Words of the Lord Jesus Christ. We try and find the cryptic message here. "Oh he does not really mean the mountain will physically fall into the sea. It's more like our spiritual mountains will go into our spiritual seas....?" You don't even believe this! (I am talking to myself a bit here......).
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." God I ask that I am liberated from the fetters of self. In you there is freedom to love and be loved.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." I forgive you for not speaking to me when I looked for it. I grew bitter towards you for your silence. In Christ we are both forgiven. Will you still be my sister or brother? I hope so. I pray so. Let us sit under the shady willow God has given us for this present time. In faith we will pray for reconciliation and have it. A part of heaven here presently. I am beginning to see it! We have it already, and yet not fully. We need one another fully in Christ. I pray we laugh, cry, love, tremble, shout, sit, and be together.
Many Blessings on you this day from the Father, Christ the Son, and the Spirit.
Peace
OUR CREATOR SPOKE US INTO EXISTENCE!
Thank God he spoke out loud. His words changed the present situation! Ours can do the same. You doubt this don't you. Yeah you do, because you're like me. Timid and careful. You dare not break the silence, because you have done this before and got burned. Like sitting in class and you think you might have the answer the professor is asking for, but you nearly failed that last test so there is no way you could possibly have the right answer (yeah I've been there). The worst of it is when you let the moment pass, and you find out you actually had the answer. Self-doubt sucks the life out of community. We all know this, but it is not realized until the moments have passed.
I find that when self-doubt paralyzes me I am either worried about what has happened before or what might happen in the near future. I forget my present existence. Every moment is an arrival to a new now. Does this make sense? I demand that you and I live presently. Self-doubt has no place in the believer's life, because the self has died and is replaced by Father, Son, and Spirit. There is no doubt in the promises and present reality of a believer's life. This is not to say a believer will not run into difficult questions, but that those questions will not overcome the faith, but instead strengthen faith's resolve. We, sisters and brothers, live presently in the glory of God. Do you actually remind yourself of this? It's true. hard to believe but true. If he is for us what can stand against us? Why do you doubt? Why do stand against what it is that you so desperately desire? Why will you not enter the holy of holies? You will fail. You have died. You are renewed. Live it! Speak it! I scream this out to you that you might hear it!
"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his [or her] heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." Words of the Lord Jesus Christ. We try and find the cryptic message here. "Oh he does not really mean the mountain will physically fall into the sea. It's more like our spiritual mountains will go into our spiritual seas....?" You don't even believe this! (I am talking to myself a bit here......).
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." God I ask that I am liberated from the fetters of self. In you there is freedom to love and be loved.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." I forgive you for not speaking to me when I looked for it. I grew bitter towards you for your silence. In Christ we are both forgiven. Will you still be my sister or brother? I hope so. I pray so. Let us sit under the shady willow God has given us for this present time. In faith we will pray for reconciliation and have it. A part of heaven here presently. I am beginning to see it! We have it already, and yet not fully. We need one another fully in Christ. I pray we laugh, cry, love, tremble, shout, sit, and be together.
Many Blessings on you this day from the Father, Christ the Son, and the Spirit.
Peace
October 29, 2011
Stand up and Say
Jeremiah 1:17-19 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--- against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.
To begin the Lord open with an imperative to his servant, "Get yourself ready!" There is a lot for Jeremiah to prepare himself for. First he needs to mentally prepare. This would include understanding what purpose or end Jeremiah was trying to accomplish, which in turn means we as readers need to know his context historically. Jeremiah lived in Judah which was the southern nation of the formerly united kingdom Israel. During Jeremiah's time the call of the prophets was to be a mouthpiece to the people and call for repentance and righteous living. This would mean Jeremiah was to encourage justice in people's lives and adherence to the Torah. He would also constantly remind the people that they were the covenant people of God. Jeremiah's purpose was to be a constant mouthpiece for God to the people and deliver his message in its fulness. The role of a prophet does not draw many influential or even lasting friends all the time. There are exceptions of course but it would be safe to say that Jeremiah had to be prepared to lose worldly standing among his peers. Thirdly he had to be totally ready to receive for himself the declarations of God. If the prophet does not actually receive or refuses in part the declaration of God then what use is he/she as a mouthpiece of the Lord to the people? None as a prophet. This segues nicely into the next sentence.
Another imperative given by the Lord. "Stand up and say...." Let's stop here for a second. How often have you not only been encouraged to say what you believe in the face of those who do not share your same beliefs, but also do it boldly for all to see? Now if you have been encouraged in this way did you actually do it? It is quite easy to hold beliefs when those around you share the same beliefs or convictions as you do, but if your audience changes to one of opposing views it is difficult. Jeremiah is commanded not only to do this, but to say things not of himself. This means that the declarations of truth he will be relaying to others are not know to him yet in their entirety. The easiest word to glaze over at this point is the word "whatever". In this case whatever is used to emphasize the absence of restriction. The Lord has much to declare about man different things, and therefore Jeremiah must also declare these to many different people in many different situations. Still trekking with me?
As if reading Jeremiah's mind the Lord then says, "Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them." So unlike what Yoda teaches us Star Wars fans fear leads not to anger, but rather fear leads to more fear. It is easy to know what to say but it is harder to say it. The small acts of courage are more difficult than talking a big game among friends. Jeremiah had to have courage.
God has made Jeremiah into a fortified city, iron pillar, and bronze wall. Does that make any sense to you? I would like to point out that all of these are stationary and defense oriented works. Jeremiah is not made to go out and attack, but to stand against the tides of those around him. Those he stands against include the kings, officials, priests (covering all three majors sectors of the Judean hierarchy) and the people! Jeremiah is not a champion of the king or the peasant. All will be addressed and asked to repent.
It is because of this demand for repentance and righteous living that most will attack Jeremiah. Those in power like to maintain the status quo, and those not in power rarely if ever actually desire power without envy for those who do. In the most basic way it is helpful to remember that whether you are rich or poor powerful or weak you still cannot save yourself or others from death because of sin. I digress. Jeremiah will and is attacked from all sides, because of his obedience. The Lord, however, does not leave him out on his own though. No the Lord is right there with Jeremiah through it all. The Lord rescues Jeremiah from the onslaught, because the Lord is greater than all foes of his followers.
I write all this to remind you and myself that like Jeremiah we are called to stand up and say the truth the Lord has given us. This truth is the life of Jesus Christ and the reality of our salvation by his love. The Spirit is always with us and is greater than our fears. We have much to say and our words can be made more evident in our actions. This is hard. We will war within ourselves over how to live this life we have in Christ. I can only tell you to continue to fight the good fight, because it is as far as I myself have come. I stumble over my words and actions, and forget to fear God alone. I write this as a reminder.
Remember Jeremiah.
Remember Christ
Remember the Spirit
Remember who you are.
Blessings
To begin the Lord open with an imperative to his servant, "Get yourself ready!" There is a lot for Jeremiah to prepare himself for. First he needs to mentally prepare. This would include understanding what purpose or end Jeremiah was trying to accomplish, which in turn means we as readers need to know his context historically. Jeremiah lived in Judah which was the southern nation of the formerly united kingdom Israel. During Jeremiah's time the call of the prophets was to be a mouthpiece to the people and call for repentance and righteous living. This would mean Jeremiah was to encourage justice in people's lives and adherence to the Torah. He would also constantly remind the people that they were the covenant people of God. Jeremiah's purpose was to be a constant mouthpiece for God to the people and deliver his message in its fulness. The role of a prophet does not draw many influential or even lasting friends all the time. There are exceptions of course but it would be safe to say that Jeremiah had to be prepared to lose worldly standing among his peers. Thirdly he had to be totally ready to receive for himself the declarations of God. If the prophet does not actually receive or refuses in part the declaration of God then what use is he/she as a mouthpiece of the Lord to the people? None as a prophet. This segues nicely into the next sentence.
Another imperative given by the Lord. "Stand up and say...." Let's stop here for a second. How often have you not only been encouraged to say what you believe in the face of those who do not share your same beliefs, but also do it boldly for all to see? Now if you have been encouraged in this way did you actually do it? It is quite easy to hold beliefs when those around you share the same beliefs or convictions as you do, but if your audience changes to one of opposing views it is difficult. Jeremiah is commanded not only to do this, but to say things not of himself. This means that the declarations of truth he will be relaying to others are not know to him yet in their entirety. The easiest word to glaze over at this point is the word "whatever". In this case whatever is used to emphasize the absence of restriction. The Lord has much to declare about man different things, and therefore Jeremiah must also declare these to many different people in many different situations. Still trekking with me?
As if reading Jeremiah's mind the Lord then says, "Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them." So unlike what Yoda teaches us Star Wars fans fear leads not to anger, but rather fear leads to more fear. It is easy to know what to say but it is harder to say it. The small acts of courage are more difficult than talking a big game among friends. Jeremiah had to have courage.
God has made Jeremiah into a fortified city, iron pillar, and bronze wall. Does that make any sense to you? I would like to point out that all of these are stationary and defense oriented works. Jeremiah is not made to go out and attack, but to stand against the tides of those around him. Those he stands against include the kings, officials, priests (covering all three majors sectors of the Judean hierarchy) and the people! Jeremiah is not a champion of the king or the peasant. All will be addressed and asked to repent.
It is because of this demand for repentance and righteous living that most will attack Jeremiah. Those in power like to maintain the status quo, and those not in power rarely if ever actually desire power without envy for those who do. In the most basic way it is helpful to remember that whether you are rich or poor powerful or weak you still cannot save yourself or others from death because of sin. I digress. Jeremiah will and is attacked from all sides, because of his obedience. The Lord, however, does not leave him out on his own though. No the Lord is right there with Jeremiah through it all. The Lord rescues Jeremiah from the onslaught, because the Lord is greater than all foes of his followers.
I write all this to remind you and myself that like Jeremiah we are called to stand up and say the truth the Lord has given us. This truth is the life of Jesus Christ and the reality of our salvation by his love. The Spirit is always with us and is greater than our fears. We have much to say and our words can be made more evident in our actions. This is hard. We will war within ourselves over how to live this life we have in Christ. I can only tell you to continue to fight the good fight, because it is as far as I myself have come. I stumble over my words and actions, and forget to fear God alone. I write this as a reminder.
Remember Jeremiah.
Remember Christ
Remember the Spirit
Remember who you are.
Blessings
October 27, 2011
Rededication to a New Purpose.
When someone says the word prophet what do you instantly think of?
Human or not?
Male or Female?
Old or Young?
Sane?
I think of John the Baptist when I think of a prophet. Now he was a little different than the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Nathan who were both a part of the royal court of Israel during their time. John was a voice crying out from the desert. He wore a camel's hair tunic (probably smelled a little funny) and a leather belt (likely made from the same camel). John ate locust and honey which I am sure was a culinary delight in its own way, but maybe not standard fare. John was on the fringes of civilization. In a world where cities had water-works, sanitation, and a general feeling of security thanks in large part to the presence of Roman legions John lived outside this realm of influence. John probably spent a lot of time in silence in the desert. I wonder if he always chose that silence or if the silence chose him? I am a fairly quiet person, but even when I do not have much to say I still appreciate conversation.
I want to cry out all that the Lord has revealed to me that you might be inspired to share with me what the Lord has revealed to you. I want you to do more than just read my blog and leave it. I want to bother you. I want us both to be stirred to the point that we nearly spill over and make a huge mess. What I want is selfish if you are not willing to do this with me. Last night I realized that I enjoy making new connections where my knowledge has to be pushed to its limits and I have to rely on the work of those who came before me to try and sort it all out. I do need to retreat to the desert from time to time. I need to look strange and thrive in that. I have to be honest with all of you. Prophets share what it is that God has revealed to them. It's not always pretty, but always necessary. I ask simply if you will listen and respond. This blog is not my own anymore.
I pray that we may edify each other. Make your questions and responses to these posts known. Stop me for a conversation or prayer. Tell me when I seem to go crazy, because that happens and I love it.
You are loved,
You are blessed,
You are
And so am I
Blessings
Human or not?
Male or Female?
Old or Young?
Sane?
I think of John the Baptist when I think of a prophet. Now he was a little different than the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Nathan who were both a part of the royal court of Israel during their time. John was a voice crying out from the desert. He wore a camel's hair tunic (probably smelled a little funny) and a leather belt (likely made from the same camel). John ate locust and honey which I am sure was a culinary delight in its own way, but maybe not standard fare. John was on the fringes of civilization. In a world where cities had water-works, sanitation, and a general feeling of security thanks in large part to the presence of Roman legions John lived outside this realm of influence. John probably spent a lot of time in silence in the desert. I wonder if he always chose that silence or if the silence chose him? I am a fairly quiet person, but even when I do not have much to say I still appreciate conversation.
I want to cry out all that the Lord has revealed to me that you might be inspired to share with me what the Lord has revealed to you. I want you to do more than just read my blog and leave it. I want to bother you. I want us both to be stirred to the point that we nearly spill over and make a huge mess. What I want is selfish if you are not willing to do this with me. Last night I realized that I enjoy making new connections where my knowledge has to be pushed to its limits and I have to rely on the work of those who came before me to try and sort it all out. I do need to retreat to the desert from time to time. I need to look strange and thrive in that. I have to be honest with all of you. Prophets share what it is that God has revealed to them. It's not always pretty, but always necessary. I ask simply if you will listen and respond. This blog is not my own anymore.
I pray that we may edify each other. Make your questions and responses to these posts known. Stop me for a conversation or prayer. Tell me when I seem to go crazy, because that happens and I love it.
You are loved,
You are blessed,
You are
And so am I
Blessings
October 22, 2011
Joy and Peace
The chill of a whisper
shakes within
Spirit moves yet again
trembling
In the rays of sun
basking
Home is found
Peace arrives
Hope springs
Love
October 16, 2011
An Invitation to Real
Would you just sit
Kick off your shoes
Maybe find a tune to fit
While you and I muse.
We may talk of travel
Sharing experiences vivid
Laugh and cry as they unravel
Our emotions no more timid.
A fire in us now lit.
You I will never misuse
For in this we trust
Love ought not be a fuss.
Communication
Understanding
Respect
Peace
October 8, 2011
Thanks
It has been awhile hasn't it? This past week and a half deserves some reflection.
I want to go all the way back to September 25th. It was a Saturday I believe. I went apple picking that day with a lot of friends. It was wonderful. Just a few days ago our house finished all of our apples from that excursion. That night I went to a great concert by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. Have you ever really enjoyed just the music and showmanship or excellent musicians? I had the opportunity to do just that. To put it simply the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was superb.
Tuesday was a birthday day for a few people in my life. They are all very loved. They too are superb and I am blessed to know them. You know who you are.
Then there was Thursday September 29th. Concert day two! Calvin College was treated to Atomic Tom, Amberlin, and SWITCHFOOT! 3 hours of epicness. Yes, I sang along at the top of my lungs, while jumping around like a mad man. I too can be found with less inhibition given the right circumstances. Yes I was sweating by the end, and it was gross. Yes, I was present in the moment and was reawakened to the fact that I was surrounded by a huge body of believers who can be moved to passionate living. I only hope those passions continue out beyond the concert. It was a high in the best sense of the word. Then there was the abrupt reality of life beyond the campus bubble. My housemates and I come home to a house broken-in to and items of value missing. Among those items was my laptop (the cause of my delay in blog entries). In the immediate moment I felt slightly sick to my stomach, knowing that someone was in our living quarters while we were away. We all joked about lamenting they did not stay for tea, a house tradition. We prayed, laughed, and continued living. I love my housemates, because they all bring out the best in one another. Truly brothers in Christ.
Our lives continue along a path and every encounter can be a blessing. On our end of things as humans these encounters are perceived as blessings when we begin with thankfulness. It is difficult at first, but when we shed ourselves of entitlement, thankfulness is put in as the replacement. You seriously begin to understand what it means to be thankful for every breath. material things that you once held dear become just tools to do a job. You actually become hopeful in hard circumstances and the result of these circumstances while still difficult to accept are better received.
Think of this post as a call to thankfulness. I urge you to give thanks to God more and more. I urge you to give thanks to those people around you that have shaped and invested in you. I urge you to shed entitlement and let thankfulness, generosity, and hope grow in your life. I pray the Spirit stirs you. I am thankful you keep reading these musings of mine.
Blessings and Thanks in Our Lord Jesus Christ!
I want to go all the way back to September 25th. It was a Saturday I believe. I went apple picking that day with a lot of friends. It was wonderful. Just a few days ago our house finished all of our apples from that excursion. That night I went to a great concert by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. Have you ever really enjoyed just the music and showmanship or excellent musicians? I had the opportunity to do just that. To put it simply the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was superb.
Tuesday was a birthday day for a few people in my life. They are all very loved. They too are superb and I am blessed to know them. You know who you are.
Then there was Thursday September 29th. Concert day two! Calvin College was treated to Atomic Tom, Amberlin, and SWITCHFOOT! 3 hours of epicness. Yes, I sang along at the top of my lungs, while jumping around like a mad man. I too can be found with less inhibition given the right circumstances. Yes I was sweating by the end, and it was gross. Yes, I was present in the moment and was reawakened to the fact that I was surrounded by a huge body of believers who can be moved to passionate living. I only hope those passions continue out beyond the concert. It was a high in the best sense of the word. Then there was the abrupt reality of life beyond the campus bubble. My housemates and I come home to a house broken-in to and items of value missing. Among those items was my laptop (the cause of my delay in blog entries). In the immediate moment I felt slightly sick to my stomach, knowing that someone was in our living quarters while we were away. We all joked about lamenting they did not stay for tea, a house tradition. We prayed, laughed, and continued living. I love my housemates, because they all bring out the best in one another. Truly brothers in Christ.
Our lives continue along a path and every encounter can be a blessing. On our end of things as humans these encounters are perceived as blessings when we begin with thankfulness. It is difficult at first, but when we shed ourselves of entitlement, thankfulness is put in as the replacement. You seriously begin to understand what it means to be thankful for every breath. material things that you once held dear become just tools to do a job. You actually become hopeful in hard circumstances and the result of these circumstances while still difficult to accept are better received.
Think of this post as a call to thankfulness. I urge you to give thanks to God more and more. I urge you to give thanks to those people around you that have shaped and invested in you. I urge you to shed entitlement and let thankfulness, generosity, and hope grow in your life. I pray the Spirit stirs you. I am thankful you keep reading these musings of mine.
Blessings and Thanks in Our Lord Jesus Christ!
September 22, 2011
Never was a Poet
At the start I relied on others.
Too young too small,
A reasonable concern from mothers.
Attempts to keep away the gall.
If only we could steer clear,
Our fear inevitable.
We a utopia revere.
The decisions of others now regrettable.
Pursue our own power,
Happy for a while.
Then our grapes go sour,
'Til we bathe in a rubbish pile.
A vicious circle of vice
Has our luck has run cold?
We are no better than mice
for the lies we ourselves have told.
Too young too small,
A reasonable concern from mothers.
Attempts to keep away the gall.
If only we could steer clear,
Our fear inevitable.
We a utopia revere.
The decisions of others now regrettable.
Pursue our own power,
Happy for a while.
Then our grapes go sour,
'Til we bathe in a rubbish pile.
A vicious circle of vice
Has our luck has run cold?
We are no better than mice
for the lies we ourselves have told.
September 9, 2011
Looking Backwards to See Ahead
A backpack is a simple contraption and most people these days do not need much explanation as to how it works or what you use it for. Most school children are given a backpack periodically. Some will convey personality by writing all over it. Others (my young self included) prefer to put lots of key chains on the zippers. Still others prefer a stoic no frills look (I later adopted this method for convenience sake). Most backpacks stick around for a few school years and will eventually be replaces due to weathering, outgrown, etc. During my college years I have had two backpacks partner with me as I march to and from classes. One is a now green faded to tan messenger bag and the other is an unassuming black backpack. Both carry the marks of my college days. The messenger bag is made up of canvas which has endured brutal Michigan winters and warm spring day rains. When you look at it you can tell the color has faded substantially. I have been surprised many times by its load bearing capacity. To think I wasn't sure how much I would actually use that $20 bag. Might have been one of the better school supply investments I have made. The black backpack carries some stories with it. That bag has seconded as my carry-on baggage on every one of my flights during my college years. I have gone on numerous weekend trips which demand at least one bag. The elastic component which holds my Nalgene has stretched out considerably since the day I bought the bag. More recently this black bag has accompanied me to both Israel and Boston. There is still Israeli dust on this bag, and honestly I hope it stays. I think it is pretty cool how a simple contraption like a backpack can remind one of so many stories.
This week was my first week as a college senior (no I am not trying to be sentimental here) and I have finally figured out what the whole point of my major is. History is not the rote memorization of facts like most believe it is nor is it something that is malleable to the victors like cynics like to believe. No history is the pursuit to tell the whole story warts and all. You see with all my reminiscing I realize that I had my hard times too. I struggled with homesickness while I was away and even bouts of severe pride. A friend of mine reminded me of my own scars recently. Deaths, injustice, and sins leave a huge impact on both the individual and the community. This Sunday the United States will remember the September 11th attacks. Most people who were around then could tell you where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news for the first time. A full history of the day would include as many different stories as possible to get a better idea as to how this date was felt worldwide. You see history is and it is up to us whether or not we recognize it or not. Each moment in you life is a part of your history, because history is the practice of telling the full story. In the same vein each and every moment that takes place on Earth is a part of the history of Earth. Most will probably claim that I am being idealist or too grandiose, and a year ago I would have been right there with you. To the victors go the spoils of which includes the publishing of history books and the selling of their version of history. As if the story of this planet was any one country's or man's! There in lies the issue. History cannot be packaged, only explored. Those who are called historians ought to be called explorers, seekers, or simply inquisitive people. When you deal with story as opposed to math one must remember that the story can change voice as more of the story is revealed. History is the non-fiction story written by all who have been and are now. It goes with us into the future just as unsure of what will happen exactly as we are. It reflects where we have been and allows us to better understand ourselves in light of one another. It is you and me who will help mold history into what it will be. No pressure!
Blessings!
This week was my first week as a college senior (no I am not trying to be sentimental here) and I have finally figured out what the whole point of my major is. History is not the rote memorization of facts like most believe it is nor is it something that is malleable to the victors like cynics like to believe. No history is the pursuit to tell the whole story warts and all. You see with all my reminiscing I realize that I had my hard times too. I struggled with homesickness while I was away and even bouts of severe pride. A friend of mine reminded me of my own scars recently. Deaths, injustice, and sins leave a huge impact on both the individual and the community. This Sunday the United States will remember the September 11th attacks. Most people who were around then could tell you where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news for the first time. A full history of the day would include as many different stories as possible to get a better idea as to how this date was felt worldwide. You see history is and it is up to us whether or not we recognize it or not. Each moment in you life is a part of your history, because history is the practice of telling the full story. In the same vein each and every moment that takes place on Earth is a part of the history of Earth. Most will probably claim that I am being idealist or too grandiose, and a year ago I would have been right there with you. To the victors go the spoils of which includes the publishing of history books and the selling of their version of history. As if the story of this planet was any one country's or man's! There in lies the issue. History cannot be packaged, only explored. Those who are called historians ought to be called explorers, seekers, or simply inquisitive people. When you deal with story as opposed to math one must remember that the story can change voice as more of the story is revealed. History is the non-fiction story written by all who have been and are now. It goes with us into the future just as unsure of what will happen exactly as we are. It reflects where we have been and allows us to better understand ourselves in light of one another. It is you and me who will help mold history into what it will be. No pressure!
Blessings!
September 2, 2011
The Clay
"And those who walk in pride he is able to humble." Daniel 4:37b
Have you ever felt like your life revolves too much around you and your own power? Let's face it we all have a sense of power. When this sense of power is threatened there are a few ways in which we can react. We can act in a defensive manner which can lead to hostility if pushed far enough. In most of today's thinking it is the pursuit of power that drives us on. Our homes have become small castles, cars have more horses, governments more regulations, and our sports hit harder than before. Does this prove anything to you? Probably not but just goes to say that the natural inclination of man and woman is to be seen as more than the next man or woman. This is where culture and the Christian walk ought to begin to stand apart.
This whole quagmire of besting the Jones family revolves around pride. I am sure most of you have already thought about this and have applied your conclusions to your life.
I write this to remind you that pride is an hourly struggle. Just this day I found myself fighting pride during a time where I really had nothing to be proud about. So often the most meaningless thought or thing becomes a source of pride in my life. I pretend to pride myself in organization and then I do what I did today and forget a scheduled appointment I had planned on earlier this week... I pretend to pride myself in being a good conversationalist and then I find myself observing a conversation today rather than engaging it... I hope this does not come off as mopping because that is not my intention. I simply want to illustrate the breadth of my shallow vanity. So this blog has become a way in which I am humbled. I know no other reason as to why I am currently writing this to you all to read. Sorry if I wasted your time, but like I have written in other blogs writing is therapy and I believe God uses it for my growth and hopefully something beyond me.
I pray next time I write it will be on something more beyond myself.
Blessings
Have you ever felt like your life revolves too much around you and your own power? Let's face it we all have a sense of power. When this sense of power is threatened there are a few ways in which we can react. We can act in a defensive manner which can lead to hostility if pushed far enough. In most of today's thinking it is the pursuit of power that drives us on. Our homes have become small castles, cars have more horses, governments more regulations, and our sports hit harder than before. Does this prove anything to you? Probably not but just goes to say that the natural inclination of man and woman is to be seen as more than the next man or woman. This is where culture and the Christian walk ought to begin to stand apart.
This whole quagmire of besting the Jones family revolves around pride. I am sure most of you have already thought about this and have applied your conclusions to your life.
I write this to remind you that pride is an hourly struggle. Just this day I found myself fighting pride during a time where I really had nothing to be proud about. So often the most meaningless thought or thing becomes a source of pride in my life. I pretend to pride myself in organization and then I do what I did today and forget a scheduled appointment I had planned on earlier this week... I pretend to pride myself in being a good conversationalist and then I find myself observing a conversation today rather than engaging it... I hope this does not come off as mopping because that is not my intention. I simply want to illustrate the breadth of my shallow vanity. So this blog has become a way in which I am humbled. I know no other reason as to why I am currently writing this to you all to read. Sorry if I wasted your time, but like I have written in other blogs writing is therapy and I believe God uses it for my growth and hopefully something beyond me.
I pray next time I write it will be on something more beyond myself.
Blessings
August 29, 2011
Apathy Costs too Much
Put to death the things of the flesh and live righteously in the all consuming presence of your Lord.
One idea I think we can all agree on is that change signifies the end of something and the beginning of its replacement. When something begins to change in me it usually takes some time and I do not typically see the actual change in my life until it is nearly complete. I will not go into much detail concerning my own personal life and thane changes I have recently gone through (not what this blog is for). Instead I want to emphasize the importance of change in a believer's life.
Our first step is deciding whether or not we need a change. In most circumstances this is seen as an easy decision, but usually this is due to gross oversight on the part of our own personal conviction that we are doing "okay." Sure it may have been a while wince the last time we talked to someone about Christ. Our Bible may have gathered dust, and we don't even really know where we stand on issues some of our brothers and sisters are so passionate about. Our prayer life may be relegated to a simple habit before dinner and maybe before sleep takes us on our beds. When we talk to our brothers and sisters it is hardly ever about faith or the Church because we did that on Sunday didn't we? We tell ourselves that faith is difficult and doing "okay" is actually like pulling a B+ in the hardest class we have ever taken. Besides, it's not like we are hurting anyone by being "okay". Friends this is what apathy is. Apathy is "okay". Apathy is the begin "okay" which has blinded itself to anything beyond its own dull senses. Sisters and brothers we cannot afford to pay apathy.
The Church (you and me sisters and brothers) is called to make disciples. Do you realize how great this call is? We have been called to not only continually change and pursue righteous living, but also help others do this too. You cannot make disciples if you yourself are not being made into a disciple. Your life cannot be used for the Great Commission if you yourself have not been found in Christ. Pick up your passion again brothers and sisters! Dust off the Bibles, pray fervently, walk the streets with open ears and eyes and begin to encounter people. Seek righteous living. Put to death your apathy, lusts, rage, and foolishness. Allow the Spirit to lead you. You will know this when you begin to change. because we do not so much change ourselves as the Spirit reveals who we are in Christ. The small steps of courage are always harder than speaking a big game. Know this though, with Christ we are more than conquerors. Ours is a struggle already won. Let us claim that victory in ours and others lives.
Blessings
One idea I think we can all agree on is that change signifies the end of something and the beginning of its replacement. When something begins to change in me it usually takes some time and I do not typically see the actual change in my life until it is nearly complete. I will not go into much detail concerning my own personal life and thane changes I have recently gone through (not what this blog is for). Instead I want to emphasize the importance of change in a believer's life.
Our first step is deciding whether or not we need a change. In most circumstances this is seen as an easy decision, but usually this is due to gross oversight on the part of our own personal conviction that we are doing "okay." Sure it may have been a while wince the last time we talked to someone about Christ. Our Bible may have gathered dust, and we don't even really know where we stand on issues some of our brothers and sisters are so passionate about. Our prayer life may be relegated to a simple habit before dinner and maybe before sleep takes us on our beds. When we talk to our brothers and sisters it is hardly ever about faith or the Church because we did that on Sunday didn't we? We tell ourselves that faith is difficult and doing "okay" is actually like pulling a B+ in the hardest class we have ever taken. Besides, it's not like we are hurting anyone by being "okay". Friends this is what apathy is. Apathy is "okay". Apathy is the begin "okay" which has blinded itself to anything beyond its own dull senses. Sisters and brothers we cannot afford to pay apathy.
The Church (you and me sisters and brothers) is called to make disciples. Do you realize how great this call is? We have been called to not only continually change and pursue righteous living, but also help others do this too. You cannot make disciples if you yourself are not being made into a disciple. Your life cannot be used for the Great Commission if you yourself have not been found in Christ. Pick up your passion again brothers and sisters! Dust off the Bibles, pray fervently, walk the streets with open ears and eyes and begin to encounter people. Seek righteous living. Put to death your apathy, lusts, rage, and foolishness. Allow the Spirit to lead you. You will know this when you begin to change. because we do not so much change ourselves as the Spirit reveals who we are in Christ. The small steps of courage are always harder than speaking a big game. Know this though, with Christ we are more than conquerors. Ours is a struggle already won. Let us claim that victory in ours and others lives.
Blessings
August 15, 2011
Sit and stare.
We get in to a rhythm after enough practice.
This rhythm becomes our pulse for a time.
For that time we take for granted the intricacies of the individual relationships we have become a part of.
These relationships grow under our very noses.
Our lack of sight leaves us blind until hindsight arrives.
By the time hindsight arrives we have already stumbled into a mumbled "good-bye".
In that very moment of mumbling "good-bye" the reality of the relationship dawns on us.
At this dawning we realize there is and was something here more so than just everyday "hellos".
In those hellos there was a rhythm.
In that rhythm a pulse.
In that pulse a heart.
In that heart a soul.
For a very brief moment during that "good-bye" we have the chance to behold what another person's soul means to us.
This summer I would get caught up in the rhythm of my work, rest, and relationships a lot. Fortunately I had a few brief glimpses at myself and others to understand who we all are in relation to one another. This morning I said good-bye to my supervisor and part of my host family. I am still in Massachusetts living in a home that is not my own, but the rhythm I have going in my life says that I live here. I have learned to live in the present. I thank God for the brief moments. I thank God for the "good-byes" as well as the "hellos". To all of you whether I know you or not; may you be blessed this day.
This rhythm becomes our pulse for a time.
For that time we take for granted the intricacies of the individual relationships we have become a part of.
These relationships grow under our very noses.
Our lack of sight leaves us blind until hindsight arrives.
By the time hindsight arrives we have already stumbled into a mumbled "good-bye".
In that very moment of mumbling "good-bye" the reality of the relationship dawns on us.
At this dawning we realize there is and was something here more so than just everyday "hellos".
In those hellos there was a rhythm.
In that rhythm a pulse.
In that pulse a heart.
In that heart a soul.
For a very brief moment during that "good-bye" we have the chance to behold what another person's soul means to us.
This summer I would get caught up in the rhythm of my work, rest, and relationships a lot. Fortunately I had a few brief glimpses at myself and others to understand who we all are in relation to one another. This morning I said good-bye to my supervisor and part of my host family. I am still in Massachusetts living in a home that is not my own, but the rhythm I have going in my life says that I live here. I have learned to live in the present. I thank God for the brief moments. I thank God for the "good-byes" as well as the "hellos". To all of you whether I know you or not; may you be blessed this day.
August 8, 2011
I stand Now
Anxiety:
- A feeling of worry, unease, nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
- Desire to do something, typically accompanied with unease.
- A nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.
One year of my life in review (bullet point style).
- August 2010 travel to Israel.
- September 2010 begin study and life in Israel.
- October 2010 begin to find a belonging of sorts in Israel.
- November 2010 actually feel at home in Jerusalem and make true friends.
- December 2010 fly back to the US. (Ambivalence)
- January 2011 reacquaint myself with Calvin (did not expect this).
- February 2011 begin the busiest most fulfilling semester at Calvin.
- March 2011 commit to coming to Boston for an internship I know little about.
- April 2011 knuckle down on grades and grow in relationships.
- May 2011 conclude semester and come home for a short period of time.
- June 2011 reacquaint myself with people back home. See friends from Calvin at Meulinks' wedding. Go to Boston.
- July 2011 figure out this whole internship thing and make more true friends. Grow in leaps and bounds in my walk with the Lord.
- Early August 2011 try and look too far forward without looking back at the ways God has provided. that is up until now.
Writing is therapy for my mind. Thanks for reading.
Blessings
August 1, 2011
Biography (friends from the past)
Yesterday was a big day in my internship. I was given the opportunity to speak in front of members of the Church. My presentation (not a sermon that will have to wait for another day) was on Jonathan Edwards arguably the biggest personality to work for the Church in America
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| The Church that stands in Northampton now. |
Edwards grew up in a large family. He was one of eleven children. He was the fifth child and the only son. I cannot imagine what that would be like. He was also a very curious boy (something I can relate to). From an early age Jonathan showed academic promise and at age 13 he enrolled at Yale. He graduated from Yale at the top of his class and stayed to study theology. In 1727 Jonathan 24 at the time was invited by his grandfather Solomon Stoddard (also a person worth looking in to) to become an assistant pastor at the Northampton Congregationalist Church Massachusetts New England cities. People began to learn and be converted to Christ. In all this Jonathan was still pursuing a more devote life from his congregation. This pursuit eventually became too much for the congregation and they voted him out of the church, a decision most of that council came to regret later.
Jonathan was invited to numerous different places after leaving Northampton Massachusetts
This is just a glance at a life for Christ. Jonathan Edwards was not perfect, but he strove to be more faithful to Christ. His soft spoken yet powerful sermons aimed to show the truth of God’s nature.
I had the opportunity to share all this and a little more to about 15 people from the congregation yesterday. We drove about 2 hours to the Northampton Church
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| Me rambling on and on......look at that nose haha! |
On the way back from the field trip I was asked what do you think you want to do next. I said I want to work for the Church but maybe seminary is where I belong for a time? The question remains at what time do I do this? Then a man shared some insights with me. Doors will open where God wants them to be open. It is up to us to step up. He experienced this in his own life. Sometimes we think the door is open but it is actually locked for the time being. You’d never know this if you never touched the door knob. Amazing how common sense works. I am at the point where I am choosing which door knob to touch first. Exciting, daunting, and thrilling. I pray God speaks in your life as he has in mine and others. I pray you find someone like Jonathan Edwards who can inspire you to a deeper faith.
Blessings!
July 27, 2011
No brother of mine would do this!
This world is concerned with politics, ideologies, and relativism. We cannot define anything with an absolute anymore without having an argument or being called arrogant. In recent news there was a man, Anders Behring Breivik, he has been arrested for bombing and shooting that took place in Oslo , Norway
Christianity is obedience to Christ. A Christian ought to put Holy God first in all things. Ander Behring Brevik was acting out on an extremist conservative ideology which he spent time formulating and writing. He did not act on behalf of the Church. He worked against it, because now people like me have to clarify this issue rather than plan for a discipleship program I have in the works. Anders Behring Brevik is a wolf in a sheep’s skin. He is exactly what the Church stands against. He is using the Christian persona to elevate his own pedestal and it’s working. He gathers more reporters and generates more talk about his actions and ideologies by creating controversy. No one talks about Christ or the Church in this controversy they simply associate the two with Anders Behring Brevik. Anders did not advance the Gospel he advanced an agenda and called it Christian. We let him get away with and now brothers and sister we have to pick up his refuse and carnage, because we’ve been struck in face once already by this man.
I do not know the intricacies of Islamic faith and will not go into the debate about the use of “Extremist Islam” to label terrorist who are Islamic. Personally I call them terrorist. Al-Queda, the former IRA, and Anders Behring Bervik (and many others) are terrorists with specific ideologies associated with them. Do they claim a faith? Yes, but let’s refuse to allow them to do that again! Let’s excommunicate men like Anders who are clearly working contrary to Christ and his Church. Anders is no brother of mine.
I look forward to the day extremist Christianity is known as radical grace. A day when political dogma takes a backseat to charity and love because the things of man have fallen away.
Here is the absolute truth: Anders Behring Bervik killed 93 people in the name of an ideology and called it conservative Christianity. I am calling his bluff. He is no Christian he is a terrorist. Christ died by violent hands, blood stained hands and they called that moment justice. So I can thank God for this moment because he has reminded me that ours is not a struggle against flesh and blood but rather spiritual forces of evil. Anders Behring Bervik is a terrorist not a Christian brother.
July 20, 2011
Rolling Paths and Pudding in your Face
Yes! I get to write you all again while music plays! Current track is "20 Years" by The Civil Wars. Ok let's get this going.
Last time I wrote to you all I was in a good place even if the post did not exactly read that way. You see some more things have become apparent to me. First off I have a deep desire to walk this path as a leader even though this path is not the desired path of faith. I do not do this hesitantly just cautiously. Understand? Cool. So let me explain myself a bit by giving you an outline of my recent tales.
This week the church has hosted VBS in the mornings and ESL in the evenings. For me this means coming to work at about 8 am to set up for the 20 or so kids that will be arriving at 9:30. I play guitar for the singing portion of VBS which is always fun because we do take requests (practice has been consistent). Then at about 10:20 we take the kids outside to play games. Now this is where job descriptions fail. I do not remember discussing the possibility or theological implications of a child throwing pudding in my face. Needless to say it happened and I loved it (yet to find a picture of this though....sad). We then have a craft and snack which needs to be monitored. The boys like to be loud and boisterous (sounds a lot like me when I was little). To keep the peace we talk about Star Wars and baseball between activities. We end the day with the kids with a few more songs and a recital of the day's memory verse. It is 1 pm by the time I have fulfilled my responsibilities and can begin to focus on ESL. I usually eat lunch, take some time to reflect on the day or conversations I have had, and then make sure the night's lesson is ready. Today was particularly good though. I made another discovery as to what a pastor is. A pastor is an evangelist.
You see today I ran into a pamphlet for Arab World Ministries on one of the tables in the church today. It has a petition for more missionaries to work for their ministries. Maybe I just really miss Israel and the Middle East in general a lot, because I spent a good hour of my day checking out the opportunities this and other ministries had in the region. I even looked up the price of an Arabic language learning program. Then I was reminded of the work I already have here in Waltham. There are 20 some kids who are learning what it means to serve rather than be served. There are kids who have more time before them than I do. These kids have opportunities before them I did not. These kids are the future of the Church. I get to be a small part of that. Then there are 6 immigrant students in my ESL class. They have opportunities here in this country they wouldn't have had back in their home country. Teaching them English is a way in which more of those opportunities become available to them. Maybe they have not been to college and desire to go? Maybe they will raise a family and within a generation or so they will have an English professor for a child or grandchild? Maybe one of these kids or students will come to know Christ? That's enough to make me concentrate on the here and now. I want people to know Christ. I want to call people brother and sister. I am content, but not passive.
Pastors are evangelists to the extent by which they live their faith in their community. A pastor who knows his community ought to be known by his community, because he is involved in the community. A pastor ought to encourage evangelism in the Church by evangelizing himself.
I may not make it to the Middle east as a long term missionary, but that does not mean I will not be evangelizing.
Blessings in your active contentment!
Last time I wrote to you all I was in a good place even if the post did not exactly read that way. You see some more things have become apparent to me. First off I have a deep desire to walk this path as a leader even though this path is not the desired path of faith. I do not do this hesitantly just cautiously. Understand? Cool. So let me explain myself a bit by giving you an outline of my recent tales.
This week the church has hosted VBS in the mornings and ESL in the evenings. For me this means coming to work at about 8 am to set up for the 20 or so kids that will be arriving at 9:30. I play guitar for the singing portion of VBS which is always fun because we do take requests (practice has been consistent). Then at about 10:20 we take the kids outside to play games. Now this is where job descriptions fail. I do not remember discussing the possibility or theological implications of a child throwing pudding in my face. Needless to say it happened and I loved it (yet to find a picture of this though....sad). We then have a craft and snack which needs to be monitored. The boys like to be loud and boisterous (sounds a lot like me when I was little). To keep the peace we talk about Star Wars and baseball between activities. We end the day with the kids with a few more songs and a recital of the day's memory verse. It is 1 pm by the time I have fulfilled my responsibilities and can begin to focus on ESL. I usually eat lunch, take some time to reflect on the day or conversations I have had, and then make sure the night's lesson is ready. Today was particularly good though. I made another discovery as to what a pastor is. A pastor is an evangelist.
You see today I ran into a pamphlet for Arab World Ministries on one of the tables in the church today. It has a petition for more missionaries to work for their ministries. Maybe I just really miss Israel and the Middle East in general a lot, because I spent a good hour of my day checking out the opportunities this and other ministries had in the region. I even looked up the price of an Arabic language learning program. Then I was reminded of the work I already have here in Waltham. There are 20 some kids who are learning what it means to serve rather than be served. There are kids who have more time before them than I do. These kids have opportunities before them I did not. These kids are the future of the Church. I get to be a small part of that. Then there are 6 immigrant students in my ESL class. They have opportunities here in this country they wouldn't have had back in their home country. Teaching them English is a way in which more of those opportunities become available to them. Maybe they have not been to college and desire to go? Maybe they will raise a family and within a generation or so they will have an English professor for a child or grandchild? Maybe one of these kids or students will come to know Christ? That's enough to make me concentrate on the here and now. I want people to know Christ. I want to call people brother and sister. I am content, but not passive.
Pastors are evangelists to the extent by which they live their faith in their community. A pastor who knows his community ought to be known by his community, because he is involved in the community. A pastor ought to encourage evangelism in the Church by evangelizing himself.
I may not make it to the Middle east as a long term missionary, but that does not mean I will not be evangelizing.
Blessings in your active contentment!
July 16, 2011
Not the Desired Path
During a conversation I was asked if I was supported by family and friends in my calling to be a leader in the Church. For a second the question caught me off guard not because I don't have support but because of the type of support I have. You see my family is my first ring of support and well my family is very wise. I asked my parents a few years back what they thought of my aim to be a pastor or chaplain in an evangelical setting. I was told they'd have never wished it upon me. Interesting answer to say the least, but they were sincere and I began to understand the reasoning used to come to this conclusion. I believe the main inspiration for my parents' response to my question is James 3:1.
The passage reads, "Not too many of you should presume to be teachers my brothers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (NIV)
Teachers are more strictly judged. It is spelled out for you in the verse. In the Greek it would best translate "My brothers not many of you will/should become teachers because we [James is teacher thus the 1st plural indicating teachers] will receive greater/mighty/much more judgment." And yes it is a blunt warning to any who desire to teach the in the Church. This is not fine print that one might miss when they decide they might want to try their hand at teaching in the Church. No this is the reality teachers in the Church live. In my own life this blunt truth serves as a reminder of the responsibility I am beginning to receive. If one denies the justice in God then one should not teach lest he experience the fullness of that justice in the day of Christ's return.
The cost of faith is great already, and they become greater still for a leader in the Church. We are all called to live an authentic life as a testimony to our faith in Christ. For culture at large the litmus test for seeing if the Church is authentic is to look at its leadership. Why do you think Paul spends so much time explaining to Timothy the importance of appointing righteous men as overseers and deacons? These men are to be the core of the congregation. Inevitably if the core shifts away from faith the majority of the congregation will. That is a fact of nature. Teachers, specifically senior pastors who have the authority to recommend elder appointees have the task of finding righteous men. If these pastors are not themselves righteous men how could they appoint a righteous man? As it is commonly said, "it takes one to know one" I believe that sums it up nicely.
To add to this there is the cost of relationships. It is common practice for a pastor to also be a counselor to the congregation he serves. Have you ever listened to a person's grieving heart? Or how about their slander? Has someone ever told you a secret they truly expect you to take to your grave? Do you know what those sorts of conversations do to your relationship not only that person but the other people around you? On the flip side your number of brothers and sisters grows exponentially when you come to the Church and this is both exciting and daunting to those of us who have biological siblings and those who don't. Leaders in a sense become the older siblings in the family. 1 Timothy 5:1, "Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with absolute purity." Did you catch those last two words? Yes, absolute purity. ABSOLUTE PURITY. Purity can also be read as holy if that helps (the Greek allows either and even sacredness). Each brother and sister is precious and sacred in the Church and the first persons to recognize this in them ought be the leaders of the Church! Even if this was a widely held practice in the Church today so much would change! I digress though. If you love people you know how it is difficult to love.
The crux of the issue is discipleship. Is a teacher making disciples of Christ who in time will also make disciples? The work of the Church is this to make disciples. There are no shortcuts to this work. Lifetimes are spent making disciples. That is the cost of this path. A lifetime, but to live is Christ and to die is gain. I lose nothing in the end. I pick up this cross now understanding I stumble to my death in this world. Material wealth will not follow me nor will fame both are desires of this world and cannot come where I am going. Some of you may be thinking why continue this if it looks so gloomy? My friends it is obedience. Leaders are called and obediently answer knowing full well the implications of this obedience. This is not the desired path for the journey of faith, but a path none the less. It is the path I find myself a few steps into already. I do not turn back though. I close with Philippians 3:13, "Brothers (and Sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it [the goal or fulfillment Christ has for me]. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
May you strain towards obedience.
Blessings
The passage reads, "Not too many of you should presume to be teachers my brothers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (NIV)
Teachers are more strictly judged. It is spelled out for you in the verse. In the Greek it would best translate "My brothers not many of you will/should become teachers because we [James is teacher thus the 1st plural indicating teachers] will receive greater/mighty/much more judgment." And yes it is a blunt warning to any who desire to teach the in the Church. This is not fine print that one might miss when they decide they might want to try their hand at teaching in the Church. No this is the reality teachers in the Church live. In my own life this blunt truth serves as a reminder of the responsibility I am beginning to receive. If one denies the justice in God then one should not teach lest he experience the fullness of that justice in the day of Christ's return.
The cost of faith is great already, and they become greater still for a leader in the Church. We are all called to live an authentic life as a testimony to our faith in Christ. For culture at large the litmus test for seeing if the Church is authentic is to look at its leadership. Why do you think Paul spends so much time explaining to Timothy the importance of appointing righteous men as overseers and deacons? These men are to be the core of the congregation. Inevitably if the core shifts away from faith the majority of the congregation will. That is a fact of nature. Teachers, specifically senior pastors who have the authority to recommend elder appointees have the task of finding righteous men. If these pastors are not themselves righteous men how could they appoint a righteous man? As it is commonly said, "it takes one to know one" I believe that sums it up nicely.
To add to this there is the cost of relationships. It is common practice for a pastor to also be a counselor to the congregation he serves. Have you ever listened to a person's grieving heart? Or how about their slander? Has someone ever told you a secret they truly expect you to take to your grave? Do you know what those sorts of conversations do to your relationship not only that person but the other people around you? On the flip side your number of brothers and sisters grows exponentially when you come to the Church and this is both exciting and daunting to those of us who have biological siblings and those who don't. Leaders in a sense become the older siblings in the family. 1 Timothy 5:1, "Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with absolute purity." Did you catch those last two words? Yes, absolute purity. ABSOLUTE PURITY. Purity can also be read as holy if that helps (the Greek allows either and even sacredness). Each brother and sister is precious and sacred in the Church and the first persons to recognize this in them ought be the leaders of the Church! Even if this was a widely held practice in the Church today so much would change! I digress though. If you love people you know how it is difficult to love.
The crux of the issue is discipleship. Is a teacher making disciples of Christ who in time will also make disciples? The work of the Church is this to make disciples. There are no shortcuts to this work. Lifetimes are spent making disciples. That is the cost of this path. A lifetime, but to live is Christ and to die is gain. I lose nothing in the end. I pick up this cross now understanding I stumble to my death in this world. Material wealth will not follow me nor will fame both are desires of this world and cannot come where I am going. Some of you may be thinking why continue this if it looks so gloomy? My friends it is obedience. Leaders are called and obediently answer knowing full well the implications of this obedience. This is not the desired path for the journey of faith, but a path none the less. It is the path I find myself a few steps into already. I do not turn back though. I close with Philippians 3:13, "Brothers (and Sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it [the goal or fulfillment Christ has for me]. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
May you strain towards obedience.
Blessings
July 12, 2011
Belonging
Companionship: feeling of friendship or fellowship.
I have been moving around a lot lately. This past year I have set up residence at four different places. I can say it is hard to find companionship when you move around so much. I do keep in touch with people, but it is hard to find someone who has walked with you the entire time. God has a funny way of working me into friendships. I don't always go looking for friendship. I just find it.
Have you ever watched over another person's pet? It's strange especially if you have your own of the same species. Here in Waltham my host family has two dogs. They have a 6 year old Black Lab and an Australian Shepard puppy. Let me say that the puppy and I did not get along that well the first couple weeks. He likes to wake up at 6 and whine until someone comes to his kennel. Now before you blame me for not knowing the needs of a puppy let me explain. He wakes up at 6 and whines and then when someone does reach his kennel and lets him out he bolts straight to the lab and begins to gnaw on her. Not your typical morning behavior. He's a little strange to say the least. Something is changing though. He's less dominating and more content. He still wakes up too early in my opinion, but that's not a big deal (he has become my alarm clock).
This is probably a poor analogy, but I am going with it anyway. After being here in Waltham for a month I beginning to feel the same way towards the church here. Sure I don't share the same views all the time, but we can work together for a common goal. I am making friendships here. I am getting to know the congregation. I am letting them know me. I realize I am an intern and will be back in Grand Rapids in a little over a month, but I don't care. I'm here now. One of the best ways to create in myself the love for friends is to pray for the person individually. Prayer itself is not hard, but remembering all of the people to pray for can be. Thankfully I work with them weekly and my memory can recall that much. I noticed that in the bulletin this past Sunday that there was a list of prayer requests on the back. My name appeared on that list and I did not even submit a prayer request. I felt like one was looking out for me by seeing that the church cared enough to pray for me even though I did not necessarily ask for it. In the same way one of my first goals for this internship was to pray for the church each day. It is a challenge, but also a blessing. I am making friends.
I am allowing myself to heel a bit and in return I am learning a lot. I think the best way to put it is we're chilling out nicely together. May you find companionship in unlikely places. May the annoying become the friend. May your pride shatter over and over each day. May you serve. May you be blessed.
In HIM
I have been moving around a lot lately. This past year I have set up residence at four different places. I can say it is hard to find companionship when you move around so much. I do keep in touch with people, but it is hard to find someone who has walked with you the entire time. God has a funny way of working me into friendships. I don't always go looking for friendship. I just find it.
Have you ever watched over another person's pet? It's strange especially if you have your own of the same species. Here in Waltham my host family has two dogs. They have a 6 year old Black Lab and an Australian Shepard puppy. Let me say that the puppy and I did not get along that well the first couple weeks. He likes to wake up at 6 and whine until someone comes to his kennel. Now before you blame me for not knowing the needs of a puppy let me explain. He wakes up at 6 and whines and then when someone does reach his kennel and lets him out he bolts straight to the lab and begins to gnaw on her. Not your typical morning behavior. He's a little strange to say the least. Something is changing though. He's less dominating and more content. He still wakes up too early in my opinion, but that's not a big deal (he has become my alarm clock).
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| Chillin' in my basement office |
I am allowing myself to heel a bit and in return I am learning a lot. I think the best way to put it is we're chilling out nicely together. May you find companionship in unlikely places. May the annoying become the friend. May your pride shatter over and over each day. May you serve. May you be blessed.
In HIM
July 10, 2011
Reacting to Authority
Act beyond yourself each day.
Recently I experienced significant change. I was oriented to a goal. I am talking about my work as an English teacher to 9 eager students from the greater Boston area. Friday night was my first true experience as a formal teacher. All my students are older than me.....There is a good place to start.
It is common for people my age to quote Paul's first epistle to Timothy "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young..." (1 Tim. 4:12). I pray we do not stop there. The whole verse is important, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." It is not in my power to stop one from looking down on me in regards to my stature, but I can strive to live as an example.
In class I work on my own diction and pronunciation of the readings. I make sure I smile. I also try and set a serious tone when necessary. All in all I have been given the task of teaching English to this class and I have the most experience with the language. For the two hours of class I have a goal and the authority to fulfill this goal. Strange feeling but one I can work with.
This new feeling has given a new angle to look at my call to ministry. Under no merit of my own will I receive authority. I have known this, but I never truly understood it. Now I realize that just because the authority is not granted to me by my own merits does not mean that there is no authority at all. Timothy was given authority though he was young. Paul trusted Timothy and left him instructions. Most of all Paul told Timothy to keep doing what he had already been doing which was setting an example for believers in speech, life, love, faith, and purity. The most vital insight I have gained from all of this is that it is not my work that achieves my goal. Looking at the charge to Timothy I realize the example he or I set is not the goal, but rather the encouragement this work provides to other brothers and sisters is. That encouragement received by others is not in my control. I cannot say to someone be encouraged look at what I do. Though at times I might come off this way to people and for that I am sorry. No, it is not me, but the Holy Spirit. I can control the way people will react to me. I can only control my reaction to the charge given to me to share the good news. For now I do that with the small authority granted me. I am thankful to serve.
Everything has its costs and this I have discovered too. A story for another time though.
Blessings!
Everything has its costs and this I have discovered too. A story for another time though.
Blessings!
July 6, 2011
Moody Street
Yesterday I walked Moody street with fliers.
The fliers were advertising a Vacation Bible School at the church.
I passed a handful out but feared going into a store asking if I could post one.
I think people are generally hostile to the Bible.
I think people have been hurt by those thumping a Bible.
I got in the way of my own task.
I walked Moody street with fliers.
Yesterday.
That was my ministry yesterday. I was a walking distribution center for VBS and I learned so much. I did not talk much just explained the event to the parents and gave them a flier. I got better at it as time went on.
I was timid at the beginning but then I realized what I was doing. I was inviting a parent to enroll their child for a free VBS that lasts 4 days, but may last a life not only for the child, but also the parent. I know it probably does not happen over night, but children are much more open minded than their parents most of the time. On my way to a sporting event with my host family I was asked if I think humans are geared to believe in a personal divinity. Ask the children haha! Yes, I think there is something inside of us that believes in a greater being. I do not think one can know the Christian God by this general way that is what scripture reveals. What I want to say is I am certain of the truth of scripture. I am certain of the truth of resurrection. I want to share this! I want to share it with other religions. I want to share it with those hurt by religion.
The only thing I am unsure of is myself. That does not go far though, because I know this work in me is not myself. Within every one of my brothers and sisters is the Holy Spirit waiting to be unchained. Let the chains break. Walk the streets with the scriptures in hand. Read them out loud to all who have ears to hear! Fall madly in love with our Savior! Go together because two is better than one, and there is always a third. Be aware of your environment and find a need you can serve to fill. Build one another up by listening, eating, resting, and serving each other. Fill your minds on scripture. Get in the habit of reading the Bible. That on its own will stir you. Do you not realize that this is life? He rose from the grave! Dwell on that for a while.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We are not merely flesh with an average life span of 70 something years. No we are much more than that. We are the good creation of Holy God. He is inviting you to fulfill your purpose. Maybe you will walk your Moody street with fliers. Maybe you will be a convicting speaker. Maybe you will sit with the wounded quietly weeping alongside them. Maybe you will invite a neighbor in your life and you both will learn something. We leave something behind at the cost of these things. Our privacy, security, old desires, and most of all our pride. We receive his grace which is more treasured than any earthly thing. I walked Moody Street yesterday with fliers in hand. God used me yesterday. I thank him for that blessing.
May you be Blessed.
The fliers were advertising a Vacation Bible School at the church.
I passed a handful out but feared going into a store asking if I could post one.
I think people are generally hostile to the Bible.
I think people have been hurt by those thumping a Bible.
I got in the way of my own task.
I walked Moody street with fliers.
Yesterday.
That was my ministry yesterday. I was a walking distribution center for VBS and I learned so much. I did not talk much just explained the event to the parents and gave them a flier. I got better at it as time went on.
I was timid at the beginning but then I realized what I was doing. I was inviting a parent to enroll their child for a free VBS that lasts 4 days, but may last a life not only for the child, but also the parent. I know it probably does not happen over night, but children are much more open minded than their parents most of the time. On my way to a sporting event with my host family I was asked if I think humans are geared to believe in a personal divinity. Ask the children haha! Yes, I think there is something inside of us that believes in a greater being. I do not think one can know the Christian God by this general way that is what scripture reveals. What I want to say is I am certain of the truth of scripture. I am certain of the truth of resurrection. I want to share this! I want to share it with other religions. I want to share it with those hurt by religion.
The only thing I am unsure of is myself. That does not go far though, because I know this work in me is not myself. Within every one of my brothers and sisters is the Holy Spirit waiting to be unchained. Let the chains break. Walk the streets with the scriptures in hand. Read them out loud to all who have ears to hear! Fall madly in love with our Savior! Go together because two is better than one, and there is always a third. Be aware of your environment and find a need you can serve to fill. Build one another up by listening, eating, resting, and serving each other. Fill your minds on scripture. Get in the habit of reading the Bible. That on its own will stir you. Do you not realize that this is life? He rose from the grave! Dwell on that for a while.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We are not merely flesh with an average life span of 70 something years. No we are much more than that. We are the good creation of Holy God. He is inviting you to fulfill your purpose. Maybe you will walk your Moody street with fliers. Maybe you will be a convicting speaker. Maybe you will sit with the wounded quietly weeping alongside them. Maybe you will invite a neighbor in your life and you both will learn something. We leave something behind at the cost of these things. Our privacy, security, old desires, and most of all our pride. We receive his grace which is more treasured than any earthly thing. I walked Moody Street yesterday with fliers in hand. God used me yesterday. I thank him for that blessing.
May you be Blessed.
July 4, 2011
An Alien Waiting
"But our citizenship is in heaven . And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
-Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
Preface: It is best if you read or have Philippians 3 open (here is a link http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=NIV)
Paul followed the letter of the law to the best of human capacity, and earned honor among those who knew the law (the Pharisees). Paul had established himself in a nice niche. He had benefits and job security so to speak. Then Paul encountered Christ. Paul saw the reality of resurrection and everything changed. The earthly honor Paul had is now counted loss. Only the righteousness of Christ given to Paul through faith by grace is worth pursuing. Paul strives for this above all things. All else is loss.
The beauty of Paul's writing to the Philippians is found when he invites them to join others in patterning their lives after Christ's Gospel. Discipleship is a part of the Christian life. By human nature we learn best from one another. For me all of this writing is key to understanding Philippians 3:20.
Paul writes of enemies to the cross with tears in his eyes (I believe he physically had tears in eyes when he wrote v.18 and should be noted in your reading). They are concerned with the things of the earth. BUT ours is a citizenship is in heaven! Brothers and Sisters our πολιτευμα (politeuma) our government, institution, our citizenship is in heaven! We are aliens in waiting here. Our hope is in heaven. Our savior is in heaven. And heaven is coming here. Our wait is never in vain. God is faithful.
On the eve of July 4th I ask that we all take a step back. Let us remember to praise God and his glory first. I am not asking you to rescind your citizenship to your earthly nation. Even Paul owned up to being a Roman. Rather I ask that we claim our Christianity before anything else. I wish to digress. To you who despise the United States that is fine. I need to say that because I become very frustrated with the polarization of this nation. I am frustrated with earthly things though but my savior is in heaven. I do not need political commentary telling me how things are or ought to be. I do not need your cutting comments about a culture I am a small part of. I do love the United States. I truly do. I love the open farm fields near my grandma's home. I love the Italian cooking I can find here in Boston. I do love the variety of people I can talk to in this country. The stories of the immigrant from Moldova, the blind wood worker, and the 25 year pastor are all a part of the America I love. Sure I have my political hang-ups with this nation, but I do not put my hope in this nation for that reason. Tell me if I am wrong but God never told us to despise the nations. We are allowed patriotism in moderation. I place my hope and aim in heaven knowing that my and your savior is there and not in the next bill proposed in Congress. I am an alien in waiting who will experience no victory until Christ's victory is complete.
may we be patient enough
may we place our hope in heaven.
may we love
May you be blessed.
-Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
Preface: It is best if you read or have Philippians 3 open (here is a link http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=NIV)
Paul followed the letter of the law to the best of human capacity, and earned honor among those who knew the law (the Pharisees). Paul had established himself in a nice niche. He had benefits and job security so to speak. Then Paul encountered Christ. Paul saw the reality of resurrection and everything changed. The earthly honor Paul had is now counted loss. Only the righteousness of Christ given to Paul through faith by grace is worth pursuing. Paul strives for this above all things. All else is loss.
The beauty of Paul's writing to the Philippians is found when he invites them to join others in patterning their lives after Christ's Gospel. Discipleship is a part of the Christian life. By human nature we learn best from one another. For me all of this writing is key to understanding Philippians 3:20.
Paul writes of enemies to the cross with tears in his eyes (I believe he physically had tears in eyes when he wrote v.18 and should be noted in your reading). They are concerned with the things of the earth. BUT ours is a citizenship is in heaven! Brothers and Sisters our πολιτευμα (politeuma) our government, institution, our citizenship is in heaven! We are aliens in waiting here. Our hope is in heaven. Our savior is in heaven. And heaven is coming here. Our wait is never in vain. God is faithful.
On the eve of July 4th I ask that we all take a step back. Let us remember to praise God and his glory first. I am not asking you to rescind your citizenship to your earthly nation. Even Paul owned up to being a Roman. Rather I ask that we claim our Christianity before anything else. I wish to digress. To you who despise the United States that is fine. I need to say that because I become very frustrated with the polarization of this nation. I am frustrated with earthly things though but my savior is in heaven. I do not need political commentary telling me how things are or ought to be. I do not need your cutting comments about a culture I am a small part of. I do love the United States. I truly do. I love the open farm fields near my grandma's home. I love the Italian cooking I can find here in Boston. I do love the variety of people I can talk to in this country. The stories of the immigrant from Moldova, the blind wood worker, and the 25 year pastor are all a part of the America I love. Sure I have my political hang-ups with this nation, but I do not put my hope in this nation for that reason. Tell me if I am wrong but God never told us to despise the nations. We are allowed patriotism in moderation. I place my hope and aim in heaven knowing that my and your savior is there and not in the next bill proposed in Congress. I am an alien in waiting who will experience no victory until Christ's victory is complete.
may we be patient enough
may we place our hope in heaven.
may we love
May you be blessed.
July 1, 2011
Edge
Stand on the edge of your cliff and laugh!
Early on in my blogging hobby I wrote a fun post about jumping off of a cliff. I never actually found a cliff and jumped off of it physically, but there was a great shift in my attitude from that time on. I have since touched down on another landing and have found the edge here.
You see I have been writing and typing random stuff like this for over seven years, and there is one thing I have really truly learned from all of this writing; speaking is harder. Before coming out to Massachusetts I shared with the other Jubilee Fellows that my biggest fear in ministry was the microphone. No, I don't have a problem talking to people. I have an issue with the intimacy of spoken word. When I write I can go back and delete it before I post it. The spoken word is like a grenade and leaves an impact whether or not I intended to lob it in that pew (pardon the bad image created there). In other words I don't get a backspace key. What's said is said and there is no going back just like there is no returning to yesterday or jumping to tomorrow. Spoken word stands on the edge of the now time. Of all the things we can do with our present time a spoken word is the simplest way to change the entire mood for a period of our future time. We often read the quotes of famous people in history, but how many more words do you think they spoke in their life time? How many words do you wish you had back? How many words do you wish you had actually spoken? The microphone terrifies me, but don't worry about me. I am laughing at the edge.
I have begun to practice. I read things out loud when I think no one is listening, and I have found my favorite text to read out loud. The Holy Bible. Seriously! I figured if I can attempt at reading it in Greek I should be doing it in my native tongue. There is power in those words. These words bring you to the edge and flow from the heart which Christ indwells. Then comes up the throat and onto the rebellious tongue which is brought to serve the Lord by the Lord. The text lives in the mouths of proclaiming believers and is brought to action by the works God brings us to. Brought to the edge I laugh, because my words fail, but His do not.
I fear the microphone because for too long I have thought the words I had were insufficient. I laugh because the words are not my own. The words are His and by his voice all things were made. I laugh and prepare for another jump.
May you laugh at the edge!
Early on in my blogging hobby I wrote a fun post about jumping off of a cliff. I never actually found a cliff and jumped off of it physically, but there was a great shift in my attitude from that time on. I have since touched down on another landing and have found the edge here.
You see I have been writing and typing random stuff like this for over seven years, and there is one thing I have really truly learned from all of this writing; speaking is harder. Before coming out to Massachusetts I shared with the other Jubilee Fellows that my biggest fear in ministry was the microphone. No, I don't have a problem talking to people. I have an issue with the intimacy of spoken word. When I write I can go back and delete it before I post it. The spoken word is like a grenade and leaves an impact whether or not I intended to lob it in that pew (pardon the bad image created there). In other words I don't get a backspace key. What's said is said and there is no going back just like there is no returning to yesterday or jumping to tomorrow. Spoken word stands on the edge of the now time. Of all the things we can do with our present time a spoken word is the simplest way to change the entire mood for a period of our future time. We often read the quotes of famous people in history, but how many more words do you think they spoke in their life time? How many words do you wish you had back? How many words do you wish you had actually spoken? The microphone terrifies me, but don't worry about me. I am laughing at the edge.
I have begun to practice. I read things out loud when I think no one is listening, and I have found my favorite text to read out loud. The Holy Bible. Seriously! I figured if I can attempt at reading it in Greek I should be doing it in my native tongue. There is power in those words. These words bring you to the edge and flow from the heart which Christ indwells. Then comes up the throat and onto the rebellious tongue which is brought to serve the Lord by the Lord. The text lives in the mouths of proclaiming believers and is brought to action by the works God brings us to. Brought to the edge I laugh, because my words fail, but His do not.
I fear the microphone because for too long I have thought the words I had were insufficient. I laugh because the words are not my own. The words are His and by his voice all things were made. I laugh and prepare for another jump.
May you laugh at the edge!
June 27, 2011
Up Tempo
It has been about a week since I have updated you all on my internship and I will attempt to do just that here.
One thing I have learned over the past week is that a pastor's schedule can be like driving a stick shift car in downtown traffic. You have to react to each day differently. Some days like this past Saturday you might find yourself staying in just one gear the whole day. We did construction all day on Saturday from 9 am to 7pm and it was great. We made so much progress and area nearly ready for a rough inspection by the city's building inspector. Just so you all know the church is building an elevator-like lift to go between three different floors in the building. This lift will allow those with mobility problems to more easily traverse the church building which has been an issue for this church for years. Thursday was a lot like Saturday in that I did just one thing and that was rest. I spent my day off talking with friends back in Indiana and Michigan so good to hear from you all. Then I get days like Wednesday where I come in to the church for the morning, go to Fenway park for an early afternoon game which gets rained on and then return the church at 5:30 to resume construction. I literally changed my hats that day too going from a baseball hat to a hardhat in a matter of seconds. Sunday was a similar story. Pastor Reid invited me to join the worship team for the contemporary songs segment of the service (they still use their old red hymnals too which is awesome!). Then we went down to Providence Rhode Island to learn about Roger Williams. Williams was an advocate for Indian rights in the 17th century and was an instrumental churchman in articulating the idea of the separation between Church and State. I would highly encourage further study on the man if that latter idea interests you or Early American history is something you enjoy.
This morning I have spent a lot of time reading and praying. At times I feel guilty for doing this during my work time, but I realize this is work and is necessary for work. I know Bonhoeffer talked about the relationship between work and prayer. I hope mine is in balance. This afternoon I will be meeting with the associate pastor primarily talking about a reading he gave me in Bill Hull's Jesus Christ Disciple Maker. In the book Hull touches on the idea of evangelizing to people by providing them a choice. In a sense the gospel has always fasicanted people for a time whether they choose to believe it or not. Hull believes that the best way to reach out to people is to allow their curiosity to bring them into the Church and let them dwell with the scriptures and believers. After a time teachings and questions will set in and it is then that we can deepen the relationship and establish a more effective dialogue. Also Pastor Reid has me going through a section of Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor. Now I have read parts of this book already, but not this portion. Baxter writes about the necessity of visitations. Not visitations limited to just hospital or illness visits, but visitations to all the congregation throughout the year. Baxter argues that the pastor cannot be effective for his congregation until he knows the state of the congregation's faith. This knowledge of the congregation's faith is given to the pastor through relationships and interactions the pastor and congregants have. Baxter believes that one the most effective interactions a pastor can have with congregants is a visit to their home. Now Baxter does have concerns with doing this but for the most part he sees it in the same way a doctor used to visit the home of the ill to make his diagnosis. Anymore we go to doctors for a diagnosis, but rarely do we see people come to the pastor when they have concerns and almost never see someone who wants to talk about beliefs who is not in some sort of crisis. In other words few if any would come in for a spiritual check up in the way some go to a physical given by a doctor to a healthy person. I really do wish more of the Church was accepting of these ideas thereby allowing their priests or pastors to better disciple the congregations.
It has been an excellent internship so far.
Blessings
One thing I have learned over the past week is that a pastor's schedule can be like driving a stick shift car in downtown traffic. You have to react to each day differently. Some days like this past Saturday you might find yourself staying in just one gear the whole day. We did construction all day on Saturday from 9 am to 7pm and it was great. We made so much progress and area nearly ready for a rough inspection by the city's building inspector. Just so you all know the church is building an elevator-like lift to go between three different floors in the building. This lift will allow those with mobility problems to more easily traverse the church building which has been an issue for this church for years. Thursday was a lot like Saturday in that I did just one thing and that was rest. I spent my day off talking with friends back in Indiana and Michigan so good to hear from you all. Then I get days like Wednesday where I come in to the church for the morning, go to Fenway park for an early afternoon game which gets rained on and then return the church at 5:30 to resume construction. I literally changed my hats that day too going from a baseball hat to a hardhat in a matter of seconds. Sunday was a similar story. Pastor Reid invited me to join the worship team for the contemporary songs segment of the service (they still use their old red hymnals too which is awesome!). Then we went down to Providence Rhode Island to learn about Roger Williams. Williams was an advocate for Indian rights in the 17th century and was an instrumental churchman in articulating the idea of the separation between Church and State. I would highly encourage further study on the man if that latter idea interests you or Early American history is something you enjoy.
This morning I have spent a lot of time reading and praying. At times I feel guilty for doing this during my work time, but I realize this is work and is necessary for work. I know Bonhoeffer talked about the relationship between work and prayer. I hope mine is in balance. This afternoon I will be meeting with the associate pastor primarily talking about a reading he gave me in Bill Hull's Jesus Christ Disciple Maker. In the book Hull touches on the idea of evangelizing to people by providing them a choice. In a sense the gospel has always fasicanted people for a time whether they choose to believe it or not. Hull believes that the best way to reach out to people is to allow their curiosity to bring them into the Church and let them dwell with the scriptures and believers. After a time teachings and questions will set in and it is then that we can deepen the relationship and establish a more effective dialogue. Also Pastor Reid has me going through a section of Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor. Now I have read parts of this book already, but not this portion. Baxter writes about the necessity of visitations. Not visitations limited to just hospital or illness visits, but visitations to all the congregation throughout the year. Baxter argues that the pastor cannot be effective for his congregation until he knows the state of the congregation's faith. This knowledge of the congregation's faith is given to the pastor through relationships and interactions the pastor and congregants have. Baxter believes that one the most effective interactions a pastor can have with congregants is a visit to their home. Now Baxter does have concerns with doing this but for the most part he sees it in the same way a doctor used to visit the home of the ill to make his diagnosis. Anymore we go to doctors for a diagnosis, but rarely do we see people come to the pastor when they have concerns and almost never see someone who wants to talk about beliefs who is not in some sort of crisis. In other words few if any would come in for a spiritual check up in the way some go to a physical given by a doctor to a healthy person. I really do wish more of the Church was accepting of these ideas thereby allowing their priests or pastors to better disciple the congregations.
It has been an excellent internship so far.
Blessings
June 26, 2011
May I Divulge a Bit?
I want to pose a question to all of you who care enough to read my entries.
I believe my conviction as a pacifist has actually begun to slip into a more moderate position. I am not complaining about this, but trying to understand where I might actually stand on things and maybe better describe my own beliefs.
First I want to ask is self defense an act of violence? let me explain what I am thinking here. I took a karate class and in it we learned some basic self defense. The main aspect was avoiding harm, and if necessary inflicting harm to disarm the one attempting to hurt you. In other words if a man or woman were to come at me with a knife. I know how to misdirect the knife and then kick the person's knee thereby immobilizing them and allowing me to run away. Not much of a pacifistic move I know, but I see no issue with doing this.
Second I am beginning to see some credence in the use of force against an oppressive state. If it were not for the use of war the whole notion of western thought would have never arisen. One which is based on the writing, passing, and enforcing of laws. It is through the passing and enforcing of truly just laws that have allowed people to find a degree of peace in this world. When those laws are unjust that the issue arises. Laws or standards are necessary means to striving for justice. Justice is necessary for peace to flourish.
In ideal world justice and peace would serve to enhance one another for each individual person on this world. This is not an ideal world though. This does not justify the lack of peace or justice in the world, but instead ought to remind us of the seriousness of the business of peace and justice. I believe a war waged for just reasons using just means can in fact bring about peace at the cost of momentary violence. War is not my first choice in any situation, but is not entirely outside my realm of possibilities.
Label me whatever you want. I do care to know what you think and I'd like to believe that because you are reading this still you care to know what I think.
Blessings
I believe my conviction as a pacifist has actually begun to slip into a more moderate position. I am not complaining about this, but trying to understand where I might actually stand on things and maybe better describe my own beliefs.
First I want to ask is self defense an act of violence? let me explain what I am thinking here. I took a karate class and in it we learned some basic self defense. The main aspect was avoiding harm, and if necessary inflicting harm to disarm the one attempting to hurt you. In other words if a man or woman were to come at me with a knife. I know how to misdirect the knife and then kick the person's knee thereby immobilizing them and allowing me to run away. Not much of a pacifistic move I know, but I see no issue with doing this.
Second I am beginning to see some credence in the use of force against an oppressive state. If it were not for the use of war the whole notion of western thought would have never arisen. One which is based on the writing, passing, and enforcing of laws. It is through the passing and enforcing of truly just laws that have allowed people to find a degree of peace in this world. When those laws are unjust that the issue arises. Laws or standards are necessary means to striving for justice. Justice is necessary for peace to flourish.
In ideal world justice and peace would serve to enhance one another for each individual person on this world. This is not an ideal world though. This does not justify the lack of peace or justice in the world, but instead ought to remind us of the seriousness of the business of peace and justice. I believe a war waged for just reasons using just means can in fact bring about peace at the cost of momentary violence. War is not my first choice in any situation, but is not entirely outside my realm of possibilities.
Label me whatever you want. I do care to know what you think and I'd like to believe that because you are reading this still you care to know what I think.
Blessings
June 21, 2011
One week of MA
It has been one week now since my arrival to Waltham MA, and I can tell you it has been quite interesting. Hope International Church is very small, but very involved. The first day I spent with Pastor Reid we talked about the primary goals of the Church. He emphasized Evangelism so much he had me on the edge of my seat wanting to actually do it! The best part is I will get to in the next week or so.
I have spent a good portion of my first week becoming acquainted with the area. I've gone to two of the three museums in town and walked the more storied streets of Waltham. A little information about this place for you all. Waltham is considered the "poor cousin" of all the small towns surrounding Boston. Keep this in mind as I give you a briefing on its history. In the time fo the American Revolution Waltham was a farming community with a few large estates owning most of the land the town currently resides on. These farms would grow everything and at one point a large portion of the fruit sold in Boston was actually grown here in Waltham. There is a fruit company in the Cambridge area I believe that maintains its title "Waltham Fruit Company" even though the fruit industry here has come and gone. In the 19th century Waltham became an industrial town first with textile mills and then eventually more tedious industries like bicycle and watch making on large scales. The affordability and work found in Waltham has always attracted immigrant communities. French Canadians, Irish, Italians, Greeks, Russians, Vietnamese, Guatemalans, and most recently Ugandans have all made Waltham a very diverse community. Unlike my Midwestern home though Waltham's community is not very stable community. The immigrant community comes and might stay for about a generation, but very few people who are born in Waltham can actually be found in Waltham later in life. The quality of the schools is also low which reduces the chances of young families staying around for very long. Only 8% of Waltham's community is under 18. Try and imagine that. So how does the Church serve this storied transient community?
First the Church becomes a constant in the presence of transience. Pastor Reid has served in the area for 26 years! He knows this place better than most people know their own home. I was getting ready to post a flyer in a Laundromat and he told that if the owner was in I'd probably be escorted out of the place before I got a chance to explain myself much, and it always happens with this guy (thankfully he was not in). The Church can also be a place for initial interaction with American culture. Hope International Church has offered English courses to the community for 23 years running. What better way to fulfill a relevant need to this community than through language courses? In what other way could a Japanese woman, Ugandan man, and a Midwestern kid work together in the same place for a common goal except through the Church?
I have been developing a lesson plan for the first week of classes which starts up in two weeks or so. I am excited to interact with all the student I might have. I know I'll learn jsut as much as they will. God is good and has the grace to include us in his plans.
Blessings!
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