randommusingsandlifelessons

Exceptions

2012-01-30T17:13:00.002-06:00

My daughter has moved to China. I have assumed running her life here in the U.S. till she returns. This means that I have to do a lot of explaining and fixing and such with all her financial and legal dealings. I have power of attorney but that does not work well with people I must talk with on the phone. All these are very professional if not a bit sterile, lacking any discernible feelings.

Sometimes I hit the "wall." By wall, I mean that I can proceed no further without actually being my daughter (I have not figured out that one yet.) I cannot prove my worth as a stand-in without actually having my daughter with me to vouch for me. Bureaucratic logic I guess. "No exceptions, Mr. Liberatore."

I am glad I worship a God who makes exceptions for me. Christ looks at me from the Cross and says, "Whatever the price, I'll vouch for him." Thank you, Jesus.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,

so that in him we might become the righteousness of God

2 Corinthians 5:21

Today, let's cut someone for whom Christ died some slack. After all, He made an exception for us.

The Voice

2012-01-19T17:37:00.001-06:00

Seth Godin did a recent blog on play-by-play and color commentary. In sports broadcasting, the play-by-play person "tells it like it is," basically reporting the facts of the game. The color analyst fills in the game call with fun, sometimes useless anecdotes or observations. These can be funny or inflammatory or over exaggerations.

Each of us has a "voice" that plays in our head. The voice can correct us, encourage us, inspire us, embolden us or beat us down. For some of us, we wonder if it is God talking. The only way to tell is to try it out and see if the fruit of our actions squares with scripture, enforces life, and passes muster with a friend who has permission to tell we are dead wrong and we don't get all defensive. In other words, there is no magic formula to tell if it is God or not.

But know this. If it relentlessly beats you down, it's Satan. 100% of the time. Satan is a two-bit analyst who should be fired. Don't listen. If you have to listen and cannot stop yourself, get help. God may correct you but God will never stop doing it in love. You are loved, no matter what. You are loved unconditionally because of who you are and whose you are.

No matter what.

Get it?

Laying off Tim

2012-01-16T15:49:00.002-06:00

The season is over for the Denver Broncos. I assume the #Tebow talk will now subside. Tim has been in the news for tebowing, prayer on one knee during a football game and all sorts of other God infused activities and speech. Those who love him, staunchly support his take on God and his faithfulness. Those who don't like him, spare no amount of ridicule. And little of the commentary has to do with his talent as a quarterback. Jury's still out on that. I admit, I have second-guessed him as well. His Christianity is over-the-top and quite unlike mine.

BUT, do we look at the man? He is no God and, judging from the last loss, cannot summon God at will for his will. Mostly, he thanks God for what he has been given. But he is humble, a learner, a giver. He does not lash out when verbally attacked. He is not like many other "I'm not a role model" athletes. Rather than moral bankruptcy, Tim has moral currency, even if it does not look like mine.

Tim, the fruit of your walk with Christ looks pretty sweet. Sorry if I laid it on a bit thick. Keep the faith. Thanks for the fruit.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity 1 Timothy 4:12

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart 2 Timothy 2:22

When will you have Enough?

2012-01-16T15:15:00.001-06:00

What constitutes "enough" for you? Enough money? Enough status? Enough busyness (busy people are important, right?)Enough stuff? Is someone gaining on you? To put it another way, "When can we stop The Pursuit?" What price will I pay to acquire MORE? What will it take to fill that hole?

When was the last time you spent with someone whose questions did not orbit around "more" but were a constellation of "How will I survive?" I had the honor of being with 3 such children of God this past week. It made me think, I could not escape it with the usual buzz of the pursuit of more.

I have more than enough. God speaks through that encouraging generosity.

What constitutes "enough" for you? Strike up a relationship with someone who asks, "Will I survive? Just what WILL fill that hole? I bet God will. Just ask. But first make some room and unload some clutter. Maybe you have enough already.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3

Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Psalm 69:16

God is a Pain

2012-01-16T14:30:00.001-06:00

Over six decades of life, I have come to a conclusion. God is a pain. A fair number of folks, Christian and non-Christian, do not like God's expectations and find that they get in the way of personal happiness. God just doesn't "get it." God is a spoil-sport. We like God in theory but when there is an expectation, we prefer it not be brought up. If it is, we proclaim, "You are making me feel guilty." God is best when God just delivers the goods upon request.

This phenomenon is not new. The Israelites, in their Sinai journey, complained, "Too much!" "Where's the recliner and the remote?" Adam and some others felt God was just plain scary. The disciples grumbled.

Yet, we can draw from the Exodus this. We can listen to God and do what God says and avoid 40 extra years of hardship. We add to our own hardship and we make it very l-o-n-g when we pass on God's requests. Here, a few days journey took so long that the original travelers where dead before the Promise Land was reached. How many of us have a "Promised Land" in our reach, one a loving God has in store for us, and we wander instead because we prefer our way to God's Way?

Are worship, prayer and immersion in scripture a bother? Does having a day planner that starts with God and God's agenda and inconvenience? Is going out of our way and comfort zone to help someone who cannot return the favor and is not related to us worth the effort? Is guilt just part of the consequences of my malaise or is it a number God does on me to keep me in line?

Is God a pain? Just sayin'.

⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,"
            declares the LORD.
⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.   Isaiah 55:7-9

Priorities

2012-01-14T11:02:00.002-06:00

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV)

Tell the truth. Don't over-think it. Gut response.

Who (what) do you choose when confronted with a time conflict? God or coach? Who wins? God or teacher? God or boss? Worship or sleep? Prayer or internet? Scripture or television? Helping the helpless or shopping? Adult Sunday School or breakfast? What others choices might we showcase?

We have to make countless choices each day. Demands are high. And, truly, God can be at the heart of many secular-looking choices. But…how often do we take the admittedly hard route and honor God over the other gods of our life?

Jesus – "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Mathew 7:13 NIV

Start small. Make one choice a day a hard one, a narrow one. Choose God. God has nothing but your interest at heart. No one or nothing else can say that.

God - "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

In Love

2012-01-12T14:52:00.002-06:00

Where do you turn when all Hell breaks loose in your life? Christians are not immune to trials. For years I turned for refuge to money, success, alcohol, being busy, overeating, and "being right." I still do but not as often. Over the years, I realized that none of these things or situation gave a hoot about me. They did not love me back. Who needs the drain of a one-way relationship? They each may have medicated me for a time but they did not deliver the power to subdue my trial and sustain me for the duration.

The Psalmist evidently had one of those days that overwhelm us. The Psalmist turned to the one who loves the Psalmist and with whom the Psalmist was engaged in a mutual relationship of love. God gave strength and perseverance (read the full text of the psalm here.) And best of all, God loved back.

Who or what is your refuge? When was the last time you told God you loved God? Is your love one into which you pour your entire self or is it a love of convenience?

Samuel

2012-01-10T09:26:00.001-06:00

Samuel

The boy, soon to be great prophet of God, was awoken in the night by a voice (scripture link.) It was God. After a few missteps, Samuel answers Gods call and begins a powerful chapter in his life and the life of his people. I am up plenty of nights. How do I know if the voice that disrupts my sleep is God? What do I do if it is?

The art needed here is called discernment. Samuel sought help from his spiritual mentor, Eli. So what do I do?

Here is what I try to employ when "voices" or images or whatever interrupts my night or day for that matter.

Does it square with scripture? Obviously, I need to be reading scripture to know if what I hear rings true. God's promptings will always ring true and square with scripture.

Does it pass the sniff test with those I trust and are spiritually mature? Please note the AND here. Maturity is very important. I need people who will love me unconditionally and challenge me continually. Those folks know a thing or two. Often, it is Godly.

Commit it to prayer. God stuff clarifies and intensifies with prayer. Other stuff dissolves.

Am I afraid and at peace at the same time? This does not always happen but it is a good sign that God is at work. God seems to work both sides of the just/merciful street. That calms and scares me.

Is what I must do next impossible without God's help? If so, God likes us in the "depend on him" corner.

I know you have questions as do I. Embrace them faithfully. The tension provides a growth point. Avoiding what's not of God is as life-giving as following God. What do you do to discern?

Reboot

2011-12-27T10:15:00.001-06:00

Okay, new experience. I had to reboot the microwave. In these days of endless computerize gadgets; rebooting is part of my daily routine. Reboot the Kindle, the computer, the laptop, the copier, the printer, my BlackBerry and, now, the microwave.

Rebooting my stuff is a natural part of my day. I don't put it off. I don't say I don't have the time. Might swear a little but I press on.

My life needs a daily rebooting as well. I wander off track if left to my own devices. Self-centeredness takes over. The time I allot to God seem puny next to the time I engage electronically. I need to reboot my life each day and I only can do this by a daily purposeful encounter with God. "Wretched man that I am (Romans 7:24.")

God, help me reboot. Help me come home to you each day.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:11

Waiting

2011-12-24T17:29:00.002-06:00

It is Christmas Eve I am at the church early to make sure the "little things" that should be done when one expects guests are done. They seem to be. So I wait.

We, as a culture, aren't much good at waiting. I am raising my hand as well. There must be something to do. Waiting is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. Surely, we are meant to be active and not wait. It turns out that, if I fill all the times with my actions, noble though they me be, I leave no room for God to act. God always acts in our favor.

Maybe I'll wait. How about you?

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer

waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7 (NIV)

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:26 (NIV)

Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 20:22 (NIV)

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Less with More

2011-12-24T10:44:00.002-06:00

I admit it; I drink a lot of Diet Coke. I picked up my 20 ounce pick-me-up the other day. Lighter. Hmm. 16 ounces, same price. Even Coca Cola wants me to "do more with less." It seems that everyone and everywhere is cutting back trying to make ends meet. Everyone except God.

God's mantra has always been, "do less with more." In this case, the "more" is the abundant life Christ offers. When we embrace that life, we shed all the things we surround ourselves with but fail to deliver life. Hence, the shedding leads to less.

The birth of Christ was God's way of saying, "I see your ends are not meeting. Let me make up the difference."

Post-Christmas housecleaning. Let go of what keeps you from Christ. Then embrace him in every facet of your life. Do less with more. It is much more satisfying.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,

and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Favored

2011-12-19T09:31:00.002-06:00

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV)

This interaction between the angel Gabriel and Mary from the 4^th Sunday in Advent boils down to three parts, all of which are critical to a growing spiritual life. Lives become puny when we skip one or more.

· Greetings, favored one!
· An impossible task
· Let it be with me according you your word.

First, God visits us all the time and his message is consistent. We are favored. If we do not experience God, maybe because we don't stop to listen or we cannot believe God favors us.

God seldom challenges us to "roll out of bed." God sets out tasks for us that no human could accomplish or bear…without God's help. Do we aim way too low, taking on only things that we can easily take care of?

Lastly, Mary's response is critical. "So be it!" Do we embrace God's will for us despite our fears? Faith kicks in when certainty leaves the room. Faith helps lives soar.

You are favored. God loves you with the impossible. Partner with God and experience what living is all about.

Cleave

2011-12-15T15:16:00.002-06:00

I get a "Word of the Day" delivered to my email inbox each weekday so I can learn a new word. A few, I already know. The word, cleave, came to me the other day. The word "cleave" means, in most people's minds, to cut off or separate. In the King James Bible, it typically meant the opposite. That is, it meant to "hold fast to." Cleaving, it seems, is an ambiguous exercise.

When I relocated in the early 1970's, I learned about "little white lies." These were acceptable fibs proclaimed in support of being "polite." I had a problem with them. I never knew where I really stood with people. Relationships do not fair very well when the speech is couched in syrupy weasel-words that mask the truth. Relationships fail to thrive in the midst of ambiguity.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned. James 5:12 (NIV)

Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? 2 Corinthians 1:17 (NIV)

All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

Are you giving your relationships the fuel they deserve? Are you masking the truth or proclaiming it in love?

Pigeon-holes

2011-12-15T10:40:00.002-06:00

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from

Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it,

but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." John 1:19-20 (NRSV)

We like to place people in pigeon-holes. It's much easier to deal with them if we can reduce them to a one word, one dimensional caricature. Then we can elevate them to godlike status or demean them as low-lives. Simple. Good/Bad. Up/Down. We can see this phenomenon played out large in our current political process.

Religious leaders did not like John horning in on their territory. "Who are you?" I think they already knew. They just wanted to cut him down and dismiss him (for drawing attention from them.) John, not only did not take the bait, he refused to elevate himself. His life pointed to one destination: Christ. He could have developed a cult, had a reality TV show and sold T-shirts. No, he did what he did because of Christ and the people Jesus was to reach. John was grounded in his identity.

Who do you reduce to a caricature? Seek to really know them. Are you grounded in your own identity so that you would be fine being an anonymous servant? God's listening.

Connected

2011-12-12T13:23:00.001-06:00

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)

So, this is what God's will is! I have fried my brain trying to discern what in the world God wants of me and here it is. Hiding in plain sight. Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. And do it all the time. Oh.

Well, this will take a change in strategy. While I do all of these things most days, I never thought of them as comprising a lifestyle. God's will for me is to adopt a better lifestyle than the one I choose (maybe I more accurately should say "the one a default to.")

If I truly build my day around God, I would be joying for being loved unconditionally, praying to keep in touch with the One who loves me so much and giving thanks for God continuing to resurrect my deadest moments.

Truth is, I start my day having it be pretty much all about me. As a result, I focus on what is lacking. I have adopted a "lacking" lifestyle. I shoehorn God in when the moment arises. God's desire for me is a "connected" lifestyle. One where I am connected to God each moment of each day. God's will is that I stay connected.

How is your connection?

Light

2011-12-10T19:20:00.002-06:00

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. John 1:6-8

Every life points to something bigger than itself. For some it points to a big ego. "It's all about me." What I want. What will make me happy? For others, their lives point to something more transcendent. That is, something important that you cannot quite put your finger on.

John the Baptist patterned his life to point towards God, specifically, Jesus. He was humble enough not to view his popularity was something he could exploit for his benefit. He also knew that the source of this popularity was given by God in order that others might seek a deeper and richer life. John was not the source of power or the light itself. He was the vehicle of God. It was never about John. John prepared the way for Christ to enter into broken and fragile lives, even those that falsely believe they are in control.

Take inventory. To who does your life, your actions, and your decisions point?

Where?

2011-12-02T12:44:00.001-06:00

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Mark 13:28-31

I suspect that "when all hell breaks loose" in our lives, we ask, "Why?" A better, more Biblical question might be to ask, "Where?" As in, "Where are you in all this, Lord?"

The lesson above, from the Gospel from the First Sunday in Advent, has Jesus speaking of miserable things to come. Yet, in the midst of this, he says he is coming as well.

When "all hell breaks loose" in my life, I too readily assume that God is gone and I am being punished. Truth is, some days life sucks and we are getting a fair share of it and God is there with us (the meaning of Emmanuel,) offering an exodus, a life.

Watch. Wait. Prepare.

Black Friday

2011-11-25T18:28:00.005-06:00

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

I am watching Black Friday chaos. People stay bleary-eyed, sleeping in the elements for days, getting trampled and pepper sprayed and, I bet, going into debt for the privilege. I have never, even on Christmas and Easter, experienced this at church and we NEVER pepper spray! For a few, church is as basic to their week as breathing. For many, it is a priority but it can be easily replaced by a promising engagement. And for most, church is a twice or so a year event or no event at all. I think Jesus needs a marketing makeover. Elmo and Xbox are lord. Wal-Mart and Target are savior.

The early church, described above in the passage from Acts, depicts a "Black Friday" experience of new believers and hyper-dedicated church members. Life with God became a priority for me when I realized what I was doing, even though successful for the most part, was going nowhere. I felt empty even when surrounded by people, trinkets of the successful life and personal success. This is a good story but hardly compelling advertising.

I am struck by verse 2:47 above. We provide an attractive invitation but only God closes the deal. I can live an authentic life as can those who follow Christ with me. But not through lost leaders or deep discounts. Only through faithfully following our Lord. And that means not calling our own shots. We let God call them. A disciple's life

I hope by word and deed that my life and the lives of those I lead make Christ attractive. Guilt and coercion cannot be in my toolkit. How attractive have you made your life? Does it point towards Christ by what you say and what you do? If so, Jesus can work with that. If not, Christ will help change that. The world needs us. We have what lasts beyond Black Friday.

By the way, I get to church at 5:30 am on Sunday in case you camped out overnight for a good seat. See you Sunday.

New

2011-11-25T16:50:00.001-06:00

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)

Most of the time, I like new, but not always. New cars smell nice. New gadgets are too cool. New shoes hurt for a bit are an improvement. New contacts make vision crisp. A new stretch of highway is awesome but it was hell while repairs were made. I dread finding a new doctor because my insurance thinks it's a good idea.

Commercials make "new" an all-powerful good. But we all know that means "spend more money." "New" Coke was a total bust. New technology often means that tech companies work out the bugs with we who are early adopters. New break-through's in medicine change lives and, at times, lawsuits. A new year brings promise (if nothing more than the old one is finally over.)

I am not surprised with the fact that when God tells me he's up to something new that I am only marginally impressed. I mean, it sounds great but it is not that apparent. I get busy and forget about it. I like God but I'll keep myself occupied until there is something obvious on the horizon.

Trouble is, God is doing the improbable if not possible (at least by my standards) and it is all for our benefit. Those that scan the horizon each day with an eye for God's work, see things I miss. Reread the passage above. Don't you have a "desert" in your life that needs a stream and you are dried out?

Are you missing out on something incredible? Build your day around God today.

Jim+

The Rev. Jim Liberatore, Rector
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
281.485.3843
www.standrewspearland.org

Twitter: http://twitter.com/gamma909

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/frjimbo

Blog: http://jimliberatore.blogspot.com

Happy New Year

2011-11-24T19:33:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year

Yesterday was the Christian New Year, The First Sunday in Advent. Did you throw a party? Drink too much? Kiss at midnight? Didn't think so. The secular New Year swamps the boat of the Christian one. Besides, even some Christians do not observe this time of preparation for the Coming of Christ – both the baby in the manger and the King at the end of the Age.

Christianity, no matter what flavor of it we pursue, is meant to be a movement of folks who are called to be a bit odd. Loving, but odd. We even are to practice our oddity. We follow a man who rose from the dead after dying a loser. He told us that leaders are servants. Oh, and those that push to the front of the line in life wind up in the back. If you give up your life for His sake, you get it back. If you guard your life (little risk,) you lose it. And He loves you, no matter what. His love is never in question. He'd like us to treat others that way as well. Withhold judging others no matter how sure you are that you have them figured out.

If you are a follower, how odd are you willing to be? Does anyone wonder why you are different?

I pray your new year is one close to Christ. Prepare to meet Him out there. Be odd.

Amazing

2011-11-19T19:16:00.001-06:00

Christine and I recently hosted our 4^th Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogue. The Dialogue, coordinated by Houston Interfaith, brings together people of different religions (or no religion at all) to talk about faith in a safe environment. Questions about prayer, after life, suffering and such are open-ended and responses are left to stand as is, no rebuttal or follow up. This year, we hosted people whose background was Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, Scientology, Seventh Day Adventist and generic Christian. At the end of the night, we found this: at our core, we share much the same beliefs and yearnings.

Much of the talk of the day – at work, on TV, at school - centers on differences, rights and being right, and conflict. Yet, we have so much in common. Our Christian story reminds us that every human bears the image of Christ - even a Muslim or Mormon or Atheist. If we are to prosper (or even if we, as Christians are to win over others,) we must start with where God starts, the Christness we share.

Today, see each person first as "Christ-at-the-center." Seek the common ground. Respect is one of the Baptismal Promises of an Episcopalian.

Please join me and others of The Episcopal Diocese of Texas as we host our own Dialogue on Thursday, April 26, 2012, using the materials adapted from this evening. Want to know more? Email me at frjimbo@msn.com .

Whew!

2011-11-15T18:07:00.001-06:00

"All shall be well. All shall be well. All manner of thing shall be well."

Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-1416?)

These words were written by a very holy woman at a troubled time in her life. Behind these words lies a deep faith that God is working. God's will prevails and God's will is rooted in a deep love of us.

Have you cultivated a relationship with God that can issue forth in these words in tough times? If so, share it and encourage others. If not, why not? As Jesus say, worry does not add one bit to our life.

It's Not Fair

2011-11-14T11:24:00.001-06:00

If you have ever had children or if you have ever been a child (anyone left without a hand up?,) you have heard or uttered the phrase, "It's not fair." I value fairness, especially for me. Fairness as a guiding principal is not a bad one. That is, we live our lives being fair to one another. But God reminds me that there are principles higher than fairness. These principles are embodied in what God calls The Kingdom, the world as God sees it and wants it.

We read in church recently (you were there worshiping God, weren't you?,) that the Kingdom is meant to be our North Star, our guiding light. Following Jesus keeps us on track because that is his North Star. If we follow him, even if we don't understand, we will still be heading in the direction of abundant life. The story I refer to is found in Matthew 25:14-30. It is about economy in the Kingdom. In it, a land owner doles out his wealth for others to care for. The distribution is quite varied (not fair) but everyone gets a boatload of the bounty. The expectation of the landowner is clear – make something of it. Risk.

In the end, the land owner returns to see some have risked and leveraged what was not theirs and one, one who was frozen in fear, returned the unleveraged wealth having hid it. The landowner was not pleased with this last resource manager and takes what little he has (not fair.) No Kingdom work was done.

Three things I glean from this Kingdom story. First, there isn't anything I have that did not originate with God. Period (whining may commence now.) Second, some people are asked to manage less than others (not fair) but all get a whole bunch. And finally, I think risk is a Kingdom trait. Yes, an educated, calculated risk but risk none the less. I think the land owner would have been pleased even if the leveragers had lost wealth. The ultimate sin was one of conservation and no risk. The leveragers, in turn, received even more to play with.

You have been asked to manage (and give an account for) a whole lot from God. How's it going? How's your leveraging?

S'up?

2011-11-13T21:09:00.001-06:00

Does God show up when you need God? Does he supply you with a timely response to your requests? Many times, I ask, no beg, for our Lord to give me insight or permission or to rescue me or, at least, to provide me with a way out that I can blame him for if it blows up.

There may be a number of reasons for the silence.

I am not ready for an answer. I need to mature first. Some "next steps" require preparation. I need to look at myself.

I want to move contrary to Scripture. I know better but would like a "pass" on this one. God cannot be at odds with himself. I want to ignore the bigger picture (my well-being and the well-being of others) God sees to wander into the gratification I want now. I need to look beyond myself.

God's leaving it up to me. Often, the will of God is not a single path but any path that is faithful. We stress about getting it right when all of our considered paths get the nod from God. We falsely assume that there is only one right way. I need to trust myself.

Are you waiting on God for something? Maybe, you need to move first.

Born This Way

2011-11-07T12:37:00.001-06:00

The current Newsweek has an article entitled STOP! You can't Afford It. Within it is discussed the propensity many of us have to seek immediate pleasure rather than foregoing it for a future reward. The authors also add that we can be trained to act in our better interest, rebooting our destructive spending habits.

I often hear (even from myself) the excuse that "that's the way I am wired" "or "I cannot help it." While this may be true in certain circumstances, it is not true always. We have so many habits that are pleasurable in the moment and disastrous in the long run. Yet, we persist, calling on genes, old hurts, routinized behavior to justify our refusal to consider a better way and changing.

Today, Christ has power we cannot muster on our own. His power always works towards the good of all. He recognizes that you may be born this way but you do not have to stay this way if life is not served. What's stopping you from his offer?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Foolish

2011-11-07T09:23:00.002-06:00

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps." Matthew 25:1-4

Most of us would rather not be called foolish. Most likely, most of us consider ourselves pretty wise. Jesus told stories about how to spot the wise and unwise, presumably, so the unwise might change their minds. Preparation was the demarcation line between the wise and unwise.

Wisdom embraces seeing the bigger picture. Children have parents and rules because they often fail to look too far down the road and consider how to be prepared for what is next. Our current financial woes in this country point out that all too many adults and their institutions refused to see the big picture and plan for "down the road." They gorged themselves on the "present," in much the same way an unmonitored child with Halloween candy would do.

Jesus' message was simple. There is something big going on. God is doing it. It is not apparent yet. Some days you might get a glimpse of it. But don't be fooled. It is coming and it is good. Your choice: will you be foolish and miss or wise and be ready to be caught up by it?

Are you spending enough time with God each day to avoid being really foolish?

Andy

2011-11-05T14:42:00.005-06:00

Andy Rooney died today. I liked him. He really wasn't a TV guy. He was a journalist who wound up on TV. Two things I remember him for.

His observations about the most mundane of things. Doors. Cheese graters. Online shopping. He was to essays as Seinfeld was to a half hour sitcom. Much to do about nothing. Yet in that "nothing," he revealed so much of about the human condition, especially our frailties and inflated sense of self.

The second thing I admired about him was his ability to be clear and crisp in his prose. In a world where even those in church use double-speak, he was refreshing. I like know where people stand. Sure, his opinion made many call him a curmudgeon. But he was clear.

The Psalmist extolls the wonder of creation. All speak of God (Well, maybe not cheese graters.) Christ understood the human condition. He embraced it in all its messiness and, when rejected, died for it.

The Bible says, "A simple "'Yes' or "No,' please. After that, one begins to lie or dismiss behavior. Jesus was never called a curmudgeon but he was labeled a son of the devil (among other things) for his straight talk.

Consider your approach to this day. Do you see God at work in the smallest of things? Consider your speech today. Is it honest and clear? Glorify God in your observations and speech today.

Greece

2011-11-03T19:27:00.001-06:00

Greece is in trouble. Their money cannot stretch as far as their debt. The solution? Some debt forgiveness and some austerity moves. Tough choice. Greeks are said to desire to be part of the vitality of the European community, symbolized by the euro common currency. They prefer to skip the austerity, however. Don't we all?

In our Baptismal Promises (Vows) we claim Jesus as Lord and Savior. We all want the forgiveness and –of-death of a Savior. No brainer. Few of us want a Lord (Boss.) Too austere.

In order to have the abundant life Jesus promises, we must embrace him both as Helper and Boss. They cannot be separated. They are two sides of the same coin. If we skip Boss, Helper dissolves with it.

Are you taking your lead from Christ? Even if it goes through a cross before it clears up? If not, we are missing the breadth and depth of real living. Can you afford to leave the best on the table? Where is there a cross that Christ is asking you to take up?

Reality

2011-11-03T09:48:00.003-06:00

Reality TV rules today. It is cheap to produce and people eat it up. And we pay millions to support it even as millions of our neighbors are without work.

Most reality "stars" exhibit pride, swagger, and arrogance. In reality, these are the characteristics of fantasy. They are the mile markers of a dead end. Reality is quite different.

Each day, I must decide if culture will define my reality or if Christ will. God makes it clear that culture must serve at the feet of Christ (not visa versa) if life is to be served (and in abundance.)

Yet even culture recognizes this at times. Jim Collins, in his book, "Good-to-Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't", describes a Level 5 (best) Leader. This leader embraces a broad grounding in self reality and a fierceness of mission. Sounds like Christ. No wimp. Just grounded, embracing a life-giving mission. Humility literally means grounded in it Latin roots.

Are you grounded? Where are you grounded? What makes for reality?

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 14:11 (NIV)

⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
Philippians 2:7-9a (NIV)

One in 7 Billion

2011-10-31T13:57:00.005-06:00

The world population reached the 7 billion-mark on Halloween. That's a lot of people. 50 children are born a minute in India. I am feeling a little insignificant.

Now, my Father in Heaven weighs in.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

Romans 12:6a (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Thanks. I feel better.

I am special with a special mission. I can make order out of chaos. I see the big picture. At times, I have a prophetic voice. I have teaching gifts. I love adventure and new things. I am not afraid to change. Oh, and a host of not so special traits. All God-given.

What makes you special? You are.

Being True

2011-10-29T17:09:00.002-05:00

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend

Henry David Thoreau

Jesus tells us that he is the Truth, embodies Truth. He further states that laying down our lives is where the real action is. Finally Truth sets us free. Pilate sees truth as slippery. A good chef knows that a knife blade must be "trued" to be any good.

Are you true? Is your word your bond? Don't let the Truth become slippery. Are your actions in line with what you speak and hold as true?

Pray your ways may be true today. What a gift to the world is a man or woman who is true!

Sushi

2011-10-22T10:27:00.001-05:00

Seth Godin had a recent blog where he spoke of the apprentice sushi chef spending months if not years first learning to make the sushi rice correctly. Having watched this process, I have seen that it is an art that must be mastered. You don't get to the big time sushi making until you have mastered the rice.

Jesus turned loose a bunch of rabbinical school drop outs to do his work. They had a few lectures, saw him at work a number of times, and seemed to have flunked the tests when he posed questions to them. The disciples had to grow into their faith through trial and error. One does not master the baptized life. One lives it. Power is manifested and forgiveness needed.

Christ must master us, the wayward, in order to mature in the faith. The baptized life is not marked by mastery. It is marked by surrender. Faith is practiced but never mastered.

Have you surrendered today? The "big time" awaits you.

Crazy

2011-10-20T11:12:00.002-05:00

I spoke with a person the other day who related why everyone needed to back off because he/she had a bazillion balls the air. We just did not get it. His/her life was 100 miles an hour 24/7. I was told that God understands if he has to take a back seat to the demands of others. Actually, I have this conversation at least once a week with someone. We are not alone in our pain.

Loving this person and being the pastor that I am, I was dumb enough to suggest limiting the things he/she did as well as the activities of his/her family. Now, I REALLY didn't get it. He/she HAD to do these things. I decided that he/she wanted to vent and not fix the problem. So I moved on. If I have learned one thing, it is this. People like complaining more than fixing and, while, overly busy people are dying (along with their families,) they prefer a death they know to a life they do not.

Jesus spoke of the narrow door, the limited life. Discipline brings freedom he says. Especially when that discipline is formed and guided by God. Rather than being a spoil-sport, God looks after finite beings by encouraging limits to our freedom. Pure, unbridled freedom results in chaos.

Life is found in limits.

Are you brave enough to limit yourself for God's sake (and your own?)

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many,

I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Luke 13:24

Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV)

Vindication

2011-10-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.

Psalm 26:1-3 ESV

One definition of the word vindicate is "to set free." Most of us are guilty of stuff and need forgiveness. But what about when we do right? Someone once said, "No good deed goes unpunished." What about the times we suffer for doing what's right. Other people's opinions or judgment can be a prison. God will liberate us from that. Ask. Trust.

Today, play to an audience of one: God. If the opportunity presents itself, free another person who has done right at great cost with your support. You are God's liberating proxy.

Naming

2011-10-05T16:38:00.001-05:00

The October 3^rd issue of The New Yorker has an article by John Colapinto entitled Famous Names. Colapinto explores what makes a great name for a product and then goes on to the creative process of how to generate names. We can be seduced or repulsed by a name.

Naming has power. The Bible says so. God gave us power to name things. When God renews people, he renames them. God withholds his/her name from us so we do not have power over God. Jesus tells us that name-calling can be akin to murder.

We can lie or at least avoid the truth with names – Peace Keeper Missiles, passed away, pre-owned cars, etc. We can reduce real, live people to less-than-sexy categories with names; fat, poor, sick, unemployed. Categories don't make us feel bad. Real people in pain can make us nervous. Labeled a failure, people and projects fail. Beloved fills one with life. Names have power. For good or ill.

You have power today. Name faithfully. Name in love.

Thank You, Pastor

2011-10-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

This month is Pastor Appreciation Month with the second Sunday in October Pastor Appreciation Day. I want to thank some pastors who have meant a lot to me.

Father Alfred – for talking to a mixed up, love struck 16 year old and understanding (and your Imperial convertible was cool)

Father Marshall – for helping two 19 year olds get and stay married

Father Buc –for walking me through the ordination process

Father Rick – for showing me how little you needed to have an awesome church

Father Jim – for trusting a seminarian with your parish

Father Mike – for showing me that a mind and a heart can work together to achieve far more than I could ask or imagine

Father David – for always being there

Father John – for showing a newly minted priest the ropes so painstakingly

Pastor Rick – for renewing my faith

Pastor Bill – for challenging me to lead

Pastor Andy – for making scripture come alive and for guiding me to my preaching sweet spot

What a cloud of witnesses!

Courageous

2011-10-04T09:45:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, I went to see the movie Courageous with 6 other men. I found it uplifting. I am sure there will be comments on the "theology" of the movie. There were some statements I didn't agree with. But there was too much good going on. I was interested more in the overall message.

The message (my words) is – the world needs men to step up and be fully involved in families, both their own and those of others, especially where fathers are absent. For me, this says nothing about negative about single moms, same sex couples raising children, grandparents-raising-kids, single people or blended families (did I forget any other group?) What it did say to me and what it addressed that I see all too often is that men have a valuable role in society, especially as it affects families of all sorts. And they are sorely needed. Society is lacking when men do not take up their spiritual assignment.

I am inspired to be a better father, husband, citizen and mentor. We are not bumbling, lying sitcom fathers or men. We noble creatures who God calls to take the lead.

I am inspired by men who take responsibility for their actions, take compassionate ownership of hopeless lives, who love people more than their work, and who strive to hold each other accountable. I was honored to be in the company of the other six men.

I want to be courageous.