Good morning!
I pray all is well and that you have been able to experience the fullness of God's love and grace in your life today and throughout this week! I would like to share with you a devotion that I have reflected on for a couple of weeks now. It is from Practicing Extravagent Generosity: Daily Readings on the Grace of Giving by Robert Schnase.
The notions of building nests is often used as a metaphor to describe people successfully providing for their own comforts. If someone arrives at a career position of some ease and security, friends say, "You've built yourself quite a nest for yourself here!"...The words nest often connotes shelter, coziness, homelike, comfortable.
In actual fact, the nests which birds build are not for the birds who build them, but for their young, for the next generation, for the future of the species. The hours of carrying straw, sticks, and mud; the days of defensive watchfulness; and the weeks of endless feeding are all for the benefit of the new ones, the young, the future.
Now consider "nests" we build in our churches. The buildings, the programs, ministries, job descriptions, and services we build - are they for our own comfort and coziness? Or are they to further the faith and provide for future generations? Does our giving serve us and our needs or serve God by serving the mission of the church to reach new people? Vibrant, fruitful congregations focus as much energy, prayer, and planning on those who are outside the congregation as they do on those who are already active in the congregation.
When I think about the nests I build, I realize that many of those nests are for me. I wonder how God is calling me to use the nests that I've built in my life for others? Am I ready to put in the time, the effort, the hard work, and probably with no recognition for it, to ensure that God uses all of me to reach people for Christ? Am I ready? Am I willing?
Are you?
Precious Lord, You provide all I need. The nests I have built, I've been able to build because of Your provision and blessing. Remind me again and again that the nests of my life come from Your hand. May I be generous in the way I share all of myself and all that I have so that others may experience the fullness of Your love and grace in their lives. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
My Rights
Good afternoon!
I just came back to the office after having led a celebration of life service for a man in our community. At the reception I sat at a table with two other gentlemen who began talking about the issues around water rights in their communities. I must confess that I am rather ignorant on the subject, so I sat there trying my best to look like I had an inkling of what they were talking about. I did learn a few things, but, let's face it, most of it went right over my head. What impacted me most, was not the details of the conversation as much as the tone.
The deeper into the conversation they got, the more their tone changed. They went from spewing factual information to passionately defending their position. Not that they were yelling or arguing, but I could sense the emotions that ran deep on the topic (they were bringing up things that happened 15-20 years ago). I know that some of the great legal battles and issues in our country are around water and who has the right to use it. It pits friends against friends and communities against communities. It is a very divisive issue in our country.
My first thought focused on water itself. As people of faith, we believe that God created the heavens and the earth and EVERYTHING in it. Most of the earth is covered with water. The atmosphere is made up of the elements of water. Water is all around us. And, we fight over it?
Really?
True to our human nature, we want to be sure that there is always enough for ourselves. While there may be abundance, we fear that somewhere down the line we will not have enough. Or, we may be experiencing scarcity, therefore our fear causes us to hoard and hold on to more. We draw boundaries. Make laws. Tell people what they can use and what they can't. We have arguments and lawsuits about "rights" and "ownership" of what God created and freely supplies. I begin to wonder if this was really God's intent when he created us to take care of His world.
When we fight about our "rights" around property and things, we have lost our focus. As people of faith, if we believe that God is a God of abundance and provision, then why do we limit God and the ways he desires to pour out His blessings? Imagine if we did not worry about who possessed what and fought about what was rightfully ours and we started generously sharing what God offers. We share when we have "enough", we share in our "scarcity", we share in our abundance...we share.
Generous living looks beyond myself and my rights. It begins to view the world in a different light. The right that God has given me is the right to share His blessings on my life and allow others to experience it for themselves. The right God has given me is to love generously and without limit. It is not about my rights, but about the righteous God living through me.
Righteous God, full of love, mercy, and strength, give me a generous heart. Break my selfish spirit and my greedy desires, and form within me Your generous spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I just came back to the office after having led a celebration of life service for a man in our community. At the reception I sat at a table with two other gentlemen who began talking about the issues around water rights in their communities. I must confess that I am rather ignorant on the subject, so I sat there trying my best to look like I had an inkling of what they were talking about. I did learn a few things, but, let's face it, most of it went right over my head. What impacted me most, was not the details of the conversation as much as the tone.
The deeper into the conversation they got, the more their tone changed. They went from spewing factual information to passionately defending their position. Not that they were yelling or arguing, but I could sense the emotions that ran deep on the topic (they were bringing up things that happened 15-20 years ago). I know that some of the great legal battles and issues in our country are around water and who has the right to use it. It pits friends against friends and communities against communities. It is a very divisive issue in our country.
My first thought focused on water itself. As people of faith, we believe that God created the heavens and the earth and EVERYTHING in it. Most of the earth is covered with water. The atmosphere is made up of the elements of water. Water is all around us. And, we fight over it?
Really?
True to our human nature, we want to be sure that there is always enough for ourselves. While there may be abundance, we fear that somewhere down the line we will not have enough. Or, we may be experiencing scarcity, therefore our fear causes us to hoard and hold on to more. We draw boundaries. Make laws. Tell people what they can use and what they can't. We have arguments and lawsuits about "rights" and "ownership" of what God created and freely supplies. I begin to wonder if this was really God's intent when he created us to take care of His world.
When we fight about our "rights" around property and things, we have lost our focus. As people of faith, if we believe that God is a God of abundance and provision, then why do we limit God and the ways he desires to pour out His blessings? Imagine if we did not worry about who possessed what and fought about what was rightfully ours and we started generously sharing what God offers. We share when we have "enough", we share in our "scarcity", we share in our abundance...we share.
Generous living looks beyond myself and my rights. It begins to view the world in a different light. The right that God has given me is the right to share His blessings on my life and allow others to experience it for themselves. The right God has given me is to love generously and without limit. It is not about my rights, but about the righteous God living through me.
Righteous God, full of love, mercy, and strength, give me a generous heart. Break my selfish spirit and my greedy desires, and form within me Your generous spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
What Do You Love?
Good afternoon!
Last Sunday, I invited all of the worshippers in attendance who consider FUMC Canon City their home to write on an index card what they love about being a part of this family of faith. My reason for doing this is because we, as a people, are being engulfed by everything people believe is wrong about the world, government, corporations, churches, families...must I go on? The complaining and the griping and the negativity is starting to take over our lives and, unfortunately, it leaks into our churches and the holy, set apart life, we are called to live together. While there may be things in our personal, communal, and religious lives we do not agree with or understand, the colicky nature of our culture is not the way we are called to respond.
The Scriptures abound in the importance of building each other up and seeing each other with the eyes and heart of God. To be the Body that God created us to be, I believe we need to be about the work of seeing where God is working and pointing out how God is showing up in the midst of our journeys. The Scriptures tell us that those who follow Christ are to show a new way of being community with one another. We build each other up, not tear each other down...not only within the Body, but outside of the Body as well.
For further personal study on this read these passages:
Romans 15:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:19-25
I believe God calls us to be generous with our encouragement and in building up the Body so that we are most effective in the work of Christ in this world. In light of our need, and quite honestly our thirst, for encouragement, allow me to share with you what people love about our church.
I love this church and the ministers. I receive a good message every week. It has brought be closer to the Lord.
"This has been my church for 35+ years. We have many friends here...great singing by Bernie Topash - that music makes me feel like God was in our midst - such a blessing."
The people of our church are a giving people.
"Fellowship with like-minded Christians."
The love of Christ and His Word.
"The relationship we have with this church family."
The sermons, to see my church family, to bring my children to Sunday school and youth group.
"Coming together to learn and live in the presence of God. The peace that comes in the fellowship and sermon as we focus back to God."
Denny and Lois when they harmonize. Ivan, Amanda, and Emily.
"The love of the believer of Jesus Christ that is shown to us."
It gives me strength for the week ahead.
"The people...that I am accepted where I am and for who I am."
Friendliness (we got a lot of these responses)
"I like that we as a church are growing as Christians and growing as a family."
The church excites me with the fellowship of believers that surround me - and just not Sundays alone but all week long. The Spirit of the Lord is in this place.
"I am continually guided to the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus through the pastors' messages, music, and fellowship."
Singing and Worship and Music
"The people here are all from many different backgrounds both socially and spiritually which makes them welcoming to all. It is easy to find a niche."
Everything
Those are only 1/2 of the responses we've received so far. Doesn't it feel great to focus on what God is doing in our midst? The words that come out of our mouths and the thoughts we have in our hearts and minds come out of that which we love. When we speak encouraging words, we demonstrate a love for God and other people. What do you love? How are you going to communicate that love this week?
Holy God, You are the Great Encourager and I am grateful for the encouragement you offer me and for loving me with Your heart of mercy and grace. Forgive me for my complaints and my grumblings. Forgive me for not seeing in others and in Your Body, what You see. Give me an encouraging heart and a grateful spirit so that You can use me for the building up of Your Kingdom here on earth. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Last Sunday, I invited all of the worshippers in attendance who consider FUMC Canon City their home to write on an index card what they love about being a part of this family of faith. My reason for doing this is because we, as a people, are being engulfed by everything people believe is wrong about the world, government, corporations, churches, families...must I go on? The complaining and the griping and the negativity is starting to take over our lives and, unfortunately, it leaks into our churches and the holy, set apart life, we are called to live together. While there may be things in our personal, communal, and religious lives we do not agree with or understand, the colicky nature of our culture is not the way we are called to respond.
The Scriptures abound in the importance of building each other up and seeing each other with the eyes and heart of God. To be the Body that God created us to be, I believe we need to be about the work of seeing where God is working and pointing out how God is showing up in the midst of our journeys. The Scriptures tell us that those who follow Christ are to show a new way of being community with one another. We build each other up, not tear each other down...not only within the Body, but outside of the Body as well.
For further personal study on this read these passages:
Romans 15:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:19-25
I believe God calls us to be generous with our encouragement and in building up the Body so that we are most effective in the work of Christ in this world. In light of our need, and quite honestly our thirst, for encouragement, allow me to share with you what people love about our church.
I love this church and the ministers. I receive a good message every week. It has brought be closer to the Lord.
"This has been my church for 35+ years. We have many friends here...great singing by Bernie Topash - that music makes me feel like God was in our midst - such a blessing."
The people of our church are a giving people.
"Fellowship with like-minded Christians."
The love of Christ and His Word.
"The relationship we have with this church family."
The sermons, to see my church family, to bring my children to Sunday school and youth group.
"Coming together to learn and live in the presence of God. The peace that comes in the fellowship and sermon as we focus back to God."
Denny and Lois when they harmonize. Ivan, Amanda, and Emily.
"The love of the believer of Jesus Christ that is shown to us."
It gives me strength for the week ahead.
"The people...that I am accepted where I am and for who I am."
Friendliness (we got a lot of these responses)
"I like that we as a church are growing as Christians and growing as a family."
The church excites me with the fellowship of believers that surround me - and just not Sundays alone but all week long. The Spirit of the Lord is in this place.
"I am continually guided to the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus through the pastors' messages, music, and fellowship."
Singing and Worship and Music
"The people here are all from many different backgrounds both socially and spiritually which makes them welcoming to all. It is easy to find a niche."
Everything
Those are only 1/2 of the responses we've received so far. Doesn't it feel great to focus on what God is doing in our midst? The words that come out of our mouths and the thoughts we have in our hearts and minds come out of that which we love. When we speak encouraging words, we demonstrate a love for God and other people. What do you love? How are you going to communicate that love this week?
Holy God, You are the Great Encourager and I am grateful for the encouragement you offer me and for loving me with Your heart of mercy and grace. Forgive me for my complaints and my grumblings. Forgive me for not seeing in others and in Your Body, what You see. Give me an encouraging heart and a grateful spirit so that You can use me for the building up of Your Kingdom here on earth. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
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