OUR REFLECTION

 

August 21, 2024

God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. Through Christ my Lord I pray. Amen.

Celtic Prayer

Romans 15:7 

“Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you” 

There we have it. All this "one another-ing" should mirror the way Christ accepted us. It is God"s desire that we embrace others with the deepest and most complete sense of acceptance. This includes accepting them with love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, just as Christ has accepted us.

Let's consider today how it is that Christ accepts you and me.

First, Jesus accepted you with joy. Luke 15:3, “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:3-7). We are to accept others just like Christ accepted us, with rejoicing.

Secondly, Jesus embraced us despite our sins. His love was unwavering even when we were rebellious. His affection remained while we were disobedient. His care persisted even as we ignored Him. Romans 5:8 puts it this way, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners”. Acceptance!!

1 Timothy 1:15 puts it this way, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ – and I am the worst of them all” . Jesus accepted us, that my friends is GRACE.

Third, Jesus accepted you impartially. Put another way, there was no favoritism here. God didn’t say, “If you start acting like so and so I will accept you.” Listen carefully to what Jesus said in John 6:37 to a crowd of people, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!”. Jesus is talking about salvation, but notice the word “anyone.” Impartial.

In Romans 2:11 we read, “For God does not show favoritism”. That’s being impartial. No favoritism. God accepted you, accepted me, and anyone who comes to Him. Thats Good News isn't it?

Fourthly, think about this. Jesus welcomed you and me for the glory of God. In accepting others in Christ's name, we bring glory to God. Just as Christ's acceptance of us honored and glorified God, our acceptance of others does the same.

Look at this from Ephesians 3:20, “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!” (v.20-21, Msg). Notice that the presence of the Spirit within us signifies God's acceptance, and this leads to glory. Similarly, when we embrace others as Christ did us, we honor God.

Here is the message for us today. I believe we hear that our initial instinct should be to welcome and accept people, rather than to dismiss or overlook them. I am not sure about your story, but in my story, when Jesus accepted me… I sure didn’t have everything figured out, I didn’t understand a lot of things in the Bible, I did not know God’s purposes and plans about a lot of things. Truth is when Jesus accepted me, He received me and my sins. He received me and all the mess that came with me. Does that resonate with your experience?

So, we are instructed to "accept one another, just as Christ accepted us." This principle, found in Romans 15:7, encourages unity and acceptance among the people in our lives, and this welcome reflects the acceptance Christ has shown.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me so love … where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Amen.

Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

ACCEPTING ... BUT WAIT?

August 20, 2024

O Lord, govern my life by your wisdom, so that my soul may always be serving you as you desire, not as I may choose. Do not grant what I ask if it offends your love, which always must be living in me. Let me surrender my own will, that I may serve you; let me live to you, for you are the true life. Amen.

Romans 15:7

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Let us think a little further on this call that God places on us to "accept one another."



To accept one another does not mean overlooking each other's behaviors and attitudes. Their "Sin" we used to say it. Here is the thing we often struggle with, I hear this in many conversations, if I am accepting of others am I not approving of those actions that are unchristlike? Accepting someone does not mean you approve of everything they do, believe, or stand for. There are going to be times that the people who you love and accept are going to make choices that you may not agree with, and that perhaps have dire consequences, and you are going to need to confront this. 

Jesus said, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back” (Matt. 18:15, NLT). Acceptance of one another does not imply overlooking each other's actions. It is possible to accept someone while also addressing their behavior.

Paul would tell Timothy,“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2, NLT). Simply because someone addresses a sin in your life doesn’t mean they are rejecting you, they may be accepting you… but just wanting to help you because they love and care for you. They want the very best. I believe, "correct, rebuke" without a patient delivery and encouragement can be the wrong approach. My Dad, would often counsel, "Son, we have to be careful to not try to do the work of the Holy Spirit." That means, that to "patiently correct and rebuke and encourage", ought to be entered into prayerfully.

God’s Word tells us how to do this.

One statement is found in Galatians 6:1 which says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” (NLT). When another believer is overcome by some sin… they are overcome by sexual immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition, dissension, envy, drunkenness and some other sin (see Gal. 5:19-21) you are to accept them by gently and humbly helping them back onto the right path. When they are overcome by some sin, it is not a time for rejection, ridicule, and humiliation.

Let's look at one more. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone” (NLT). Take a look at this word “lazy” (ataktos). It refers to anyone who did not perform his duty or follow through on his responsibility as a follower of Jesus. They would become apathetic toward their spiritual growth and using their spiritual gifting and resources for the kingdom of God. God’s Word says we are to “warn” (parakaleo) this person when they are being lazy about who they are in Christ and the purpose of God in their life. The term "warn" implies offering support and guidance to help someone become motivated, inspired, and to address any tendencies toward neglecting their walk with Jesus.

The point is this. Accepting each other does not mean accepting them and ignoring everything in their life that may be harmful to them or others. Accepting them is loving them enough to welcome them in your life and to confront them when necessary because you care deeply that they experience "abundant life" in Jesus.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of the thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope. Amen.

Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME

August 19, 2023

Teach us, good Lord, to serve as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; the fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, except that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Accept One Another! In our verse above, accepting one another is not just a suggestion; it's a command. God's vision for his world and the witness of the community of Jesus, is that we will be accepting of others. As I often say, the community of Jesus ought to be known for what they are for, rather than what or who they are against. Instead of earning a reputation for exclusion, God desires His followers to be known for their acceptance and love, urging us all to embrace each other with open hearts.

Accepting each other might seem simple at a glance, but it's our differences that actually make the concept of acceptance really challenging. Well think about differences for a moment:

We are different in personalities.
We are different in gender.
We are different in our spiritual growth.
We are different in how we were raised.
We are different in our convictions and beliefs about various things.
We are different in our interest.
We are different in how we communicate.
We are different in our own weaknesses and strength.
We are different in our preferences.
We are different in some of our values.

When we handle our differences poorly that can lead to division, causing us to reject rather than accept one another. However, the message from God is straightforward. Romans 15:7 instructs us to "accept one another just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God".

Accepting one another involves embracing others with genuine care, not the reluctant acceptance of rolling one's eyes and saying, "Fine, you can be on my team." A vivid example is Onesimus, the focus of nearly the entire book of Philemon in the Bible. Onesimus, a runaway slave, encountered Paul, who guided him to faith. During their time together, Onesimus chose to return to his master, Philemon.

In his letter to Philemon, Paul urges him to take back Onesimus. In verse 17, he writes, "So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me" (Philemon 17). The term "welcome" here is synonymous with "accept" as used in Romans 15. Paul's message is clear: he desires Philemon to regard Onesimus with the same importance and value as he would Paul himself. To accept one another means to receive someone with special attention, care, and appreciation. It's about welcoming others into our lives, treating them with the importance they deserve, and acknowledging their worth and dignity.

If you are anything like me, reading that last paragraph resulted in someone coming to mind that is a real challenge to welcome and accept into our lives in this way. That's where the amazing work of the Holy Spirit comes in, God through the spirit enables us to welcome and accept not just those who are like us, but even those people whose differences we may magnify and tend to push away. This certainly is what we see in the book of Acts, the tremendous mix of people in the growing community, that except for faith in Jesus and surrender to the Holy Spirit, would not be in the same room together. This reality was a huge part of their "witness" to the world.

So, God encourages us to embrace one another, despite our differences. That the World may Know.

LET US PRAY

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love . . . O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood, as to understand, to be loved, as to love. Amen.

Words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

BEING AN ALTERNATIVE FAMILY

 

August 16, 2024

 

Father, it is so easy for me to live automatically, so that nothing touches me or moves me. Give me the fullness of living in the now. Teach me to rejoice in the present. In the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

Galatians 6:10 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone ….

 

Just for a moment, try to picture a world where everyone around you is kind, caring, encouraging, and willing to help when you need help. Everyone. Spouses, family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, bosses, political leaders, prime ministers. They are for you. Picture a world where people are quick to try to understand, quick to apologize, and quick to forgive. Imagine that everyone around you is healthy and thriving, fully who God made them to be, passionate about their work but with plenty of time for rest and fellowship and celebration. Imagine a world where people love God, where everyone is confident and pleased with who they are and each person works hard to love the people around them.

We don’t live in that world. We will. Rest assured, it’s coming, the redeemed world. The kind of world our text today envisions. One that people take the opportunity, to do good to everyone …. But, in honesty our world today is quite different than the world described above.

Our world seems engulfed in darkness. Just open any news outlet and look around. You'll see corruption, atrocities, and hatred. There's relentless competition, selfish cruelty, and brutal callousness. Everywhere there's killing and lying. It's as if, like John Eldredge wrote, "The world has gone completely mad."

This darkness is not physical, of course. It’s spiritual. Do you recall Jesus words in John 3? There we read Jesus assessment of the world, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” 1 John 5:19 says “whole world lies in the power of the evil one”. An enemy is at work in the world. An enemy who wants only to “steal and kill and destroy”, Jesus noted in John 10:10. A friend of mine put this way: “An enemy who wants nothing more than to pillage and plunder our hearts, our lives, and the entire world.”

The world can be hard to navigate sometimes alone. That’s why the biblical idea of “table” speaks to us so well. Yesterday we noted that the table in scripture is a symbol of unity, equality, and the interconnectedness of all people and things. We called the table, in light of the Bible, a sacred space where individuals can find comfort, connection, and spiritual nourishment. It represents a place where God’s presence is felt, and where faith and love are shared.

One of the powerful things that I read about lately was that the safety net of the ancient world was the family, immediate and extended. It was the kinship system. The clan. The tribe. The village. To survive their own troubled times, people gathered together and relied on one another. They relied on parents. Siblings. Aunts and uncles. All manner of cousins and close friends. They relied on community. It wasn’t a perfect system but, I would say it was much better than facing the world’s darkness alone.

When Jesus arrived, though, everything changed. People who came into contact with him got to experience up close how God keeps people safe. They got to see with their own eyes the way God loves, the way God cares. And they came away changed. With new energy and strength and faith. With hearts burning with love.

Jesus took the idea of family to an entirely different place and a wholly new level. N. T. Wright called it an “alternative family.” A supernaturally strong safety net. One that can stand against any darkness, because God is the father in this one. He’s the head of this new kinship. And it’s not only him. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are involved, too, and just as deeply.

That is the power of Christian community, an "alternative family" that stands together to face the hardships of living. That is the why of table fellowship.

I pray that this week, the devotions have caused us to think about who is at our tables, and conversely who is not. I have been relearning the power of table fellowship through our community meals, I think many of us have. We, from the start said, we wanted to create a place, a table(s) that represented that ALL ARE WELCOME, that this is a place of safety, friendship, togetherness, and God's presence. God is building that.

So, lets keep imagining that table and who we invite to sit at it with us.

THE TAKE AWAY

Let's notice the people that come into proximity to us this weekend, within two or three meters.

And then, keep imagining a large table with seats for each of them.

Do what you would do with anyone sitting at a table in your home, learn their names, and treat them with care and give them the gift of listening to them.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help discern what they need most, connection, belonging, kindness, mercy, understanding, encouragement, ….. Then faithfully pray for them asking God to open paths where you might be a small part of meeting those needs.



LET US PRAY

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours
to be called to share in the loving, healing, and reconciling mission of your Son, Jesus Christ, 

may your Spirit make us wise;
may your Spirit guide us;
may your Spirit renew us;
may your Spirit strengthen us
so that we will be
strong in faith; persistent in good deeds
and courageous in witness.

This we ask through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

THE BLESSING OF SACRED SPACE

 

 

August 15, 2024

Loving father, teach me to love and care for those that need you today. May Jesus love for others be felt through me today. Amen.

 

Psalm 119:105

“Come to the table and feast on the wisdom of the Lord, for His words are life and truth.”

Matthew 25:35

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

John 21:12

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord.”

 

 

The “Table” is a significant biblical image that has tremendous spiritual application. I always find it interesting how God’s profound message can be embodied in the rather simple things of life. Things we value but don’t think about that much. Things we just take for granted; I suppose. The table is one of those things.

Tables in the Bible represent the values of community, family, and steadfast presence. They serve as a place where people gather to understand and appreciate one another. The table is a visible representation of God’s dwelling with His people and His provision for them.

The table also symbolizes hospitality and service. In the Bible, we are called to extend kindness and care to others, mirroring God’s own hospitality. The table becomes a place where we welcome strangers, offering them a seat and a meal. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate God’s love and provision to those around us.

Furthermore, the table teaches us the importance of serving one another. Just as Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the table, we are reminded to humble ourselves and serve those in our community. The act of serving at the table reflects the selflessness and sacrificial love that Christ exemplified throughout His ministry.

The table is a powerful symbol of community and sharing. Breaking bread and dining with others carries deep spiritual meaning. Jesus highlighted this during His time, often sharing meals with those society shunned. It's a gesture of inclusiveness, love, and the bond formed when people come together over food.

The Hebrew word for table, “Shulchan,” is used repeatedly in the Bible, emphasizing its importance in Hebrew language and culture. According to Hebrew culture the table represents community, compassion, and love. It serves as a gathering place where people come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The table is a symbol of unity, equality, and the interconnectedness of all things. It embodies the values of hospitality and inclusivity that are deeply rooted in Hebrew traditions. There is a teaching in the Talmud (a central text of application of the Scriptures) that says “Let your table always be laden, so that the poor may eat and be satisfied, and let the name of God be blessed.”

So, this week we have been thinking about our own “tables” who we sit with. Now, on Monday I suggested that we imagine a table where the people we see and meet are seated, and we suggested that our interaction with people around us, known or unknown, might be characterised by similar conversations we might have if we were seated at a table in our homes with them.

The table in Hebrew culture is a sacred space where individuals can find comfort, connection, and spiritual nourishment. It represents a place where God’s presence is felt, and where faith and love are shared. It is a reminder of the importance of community and the blessings that come from coming together around a table.

We need that sacred experience. Don’t we? Our families need that, our neighbors need that, our city needs that, … our world needs that. Doesn’t it?

I wonder what a difference it would make in our relationships and encounters if we began to think of these moments as “Table” meetings, as Sacred Space. Who might be at our tables?

 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

 Matthew 25:35

LET US PRAY

Our fast-paced, always on the run, society results in us passing by people every day without asking God or ourselves, if they could use a compassionate word or action.

Today ask God how you could be more compassionate and caring to those you meet.

WALK slow. GO easy. And LOVE well

 

August 14, 2024

Let me know you, oh Lord, who knows me; let me know you as I am known. Enter into my soul and fitted for yourself so that you may have it and hold it without spot or wrinkle. This is my hope. Amen.

St. Augustine in Confessions

Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mark 12:30-31

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

There is a sign I have been seeing increasingly around our city that I find troubling. I am not troubled by what the sign says, but I am troubled by the circumstances that make this sign necessary. Perhaps you've seen the sign perhaps you have the same reaction I do. The sign on referring to is being posted in grocery stores, local take outs, restaurants, corner stores, and hospitals that reads:

Have you seen it or some version of this message?

The very need to post such a sign saddens me, and also says something about our culture. Please note I said OUR culture. I am part of that culture, you are too.  I am not suggesting that the sign is directed to everyone reading this. But, whats the old saying “if the shoe fits then wear it”?  Own the responsibility. I am, I get impatient in the check out line, the way I speak has at times been … shall we say not seasoned with love.

An analysis of our culture is not the intent here, but I am interested in reflecting how we as followers of Jesus ought to carry ourselves. I have witnessed this angry trend, haven’t you? Somehow we have come to a place where the norm seems to be just keep arguing, keep raising your voice louder and louder, throw a few disparaging remarks at the person and you will get what you are after.

Monday, our Bible verse opened with “Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.” There is great wisdom in those words. A school sign I drive by reads  “In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.” More good advice.  Jesus says the commands of God can be boiled down to Love God, Love neighbor. Jesus also invites us to be salt and light in the world, and the reason for such an invitation …. to GLORIFY our Father in Heaven. In other words, the followers of Jesus can lead by example, by their actions, by the way they treat people around them. In doing this we may just bring about change in culture the way salt seasons the food we eat.

My own self examination on this reveals that when I am harsh, or unkind to staff at a store etc., it rarely has to do with the person in front of me. It is always about something in me, I have crammed so much in my day that I am rushing, the anxiousness and pressure that brings makes me selfish, and grumpy. Do you understand this? Does it happen to you?

Maybe for starters in such moments we should take a deep breath and, as Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers encourages us in one song, “try very hard to … “Walk slow. Go easy. And love well.”

What does that sentence mean to you? “Walk slow. Go easy. And love well.”

Today let us prayerfully contemplate those seven words and what they could mean for your life and who finds a welcome at your table.

 

 LET US PRAY

Father, protect me from the onslaught of things, that bid for your attention. Give me your peace. Amen.

 

IT WAS VERY GOOD

 August 13, 2024

God, thank you for this new day. Would help me to find my joy and strength in you today. To walk in your way of love. My keep my eyes focused on you and off all the struggles and chaos of this world. Let your peace replace worry. Help me to choose kindness over hurrying and forgiveness over disunity and resentment. Help me to surrender to your Spirit-filled power over-relying on my own strength and ability. Amen.

 

Genesis 1:26-27

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

²⁷ So God created humankind in his image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

 

In Genesis' opening chapter, God breathes life into His creation. Amidst the many refrains, one stands out: "And God saw that it was good."

The remarkable creation of light? "And God saw that it was good." The splendor of mountains, meadows, rivers, beaches, and oceans? "And God saw that it was good."

The bounty of trees, plants, and fruits? "And God saw that it was good." The awe-inspiring sun and moon, stars and planets? "And God saw that it was good." The birth of birds and fish, whales and dolphins, lions and tigers, bears and gorillas, deer and elk? "And God saw that it was good."

“But then God did something crazy. He created something higher than any mountain peak, more beautiful than any white-sand beach. He created something he could love way more than he ever could a rhinoceros. Or even a golden retriever. He created something he could love with his whole heart. He created someone he could love. Outrageously. He created human beings—his beloved. He created you and me.” 

And so, for the first time, we encounter the words, "God observed all that He had created, and indeed, it was very good." Exceptionally good. In the vastness of the universe, nothing can match the magnificence of you, or of me, or of all the individuals in our cities, nations, and every part of the world.

Humankind is the pinnacle of God’s creation and the focus of his extravagant  love. And because of his intense feelings, God can’t help being generous. He loves giving his sons and daughters gifts. Even in hardship, he blesses us with his love and care and rescue.

Our devotions this week is asking the question “Who is at Your Table?” In other words, who do welcome in? Who do you avoid? How do we welcome others at our Table?

The creation account in Genesis 1 speaks about the unity of all humankind, every person or people despite their differences are united in one very key way, all bear the Image of God. Meaning that  in God’s view all the people around us are part of the “very good” creation.

If we believe that, it makes a difference in how we engage with people around us doesn’t it? I know, I know, you are maybe thinking some people make it very hard to invite to my table, even if we all bare the image of our creator. I have met some of those people too.

Many years ago, I received advice, good advice I think, that when encountering seemingly difficult people, ask the question in your mind “What Happened?” For example, God created motivations, passions, pleasures, and thinking power in us all that mirror his own, what happened in a person’s experience that distorted such gifts from being evident. It’s helped me, that advice, to be more patient and caring. (just so you know, I sometimes forget to ask that question)

I was recently at an event and sitting at our table was a guy who is a photographer, he called himself an amateur but I think he was selling himself short. We were talking about pictures in nature and he pulled out his phone and was sharing some of his recent pictures. He held up one for us all to see, and it was a picture of a Hummingbird hovering near a plant. I looked at the picture and thought to myself “that's a Hummingbird”, I've seen pictures of hummingbirds, it didn't seem all that special or spectacular to me. But then we were told the story behind the picture, what it was about, the context of the moment this photographer was able to catch such a sight. The more he expressed his patience and passion and excitement of the moment  to get that particular shot, I began to see the picture differently. You see his passion and love for getting this picture changed how I saw that Hummingbird, no longer was it just a picture of just a Hummingbird. I began to see that photo through the eyes and heart of the one who took the picture.

I wonder if that is what this idea of the image of God, that we all share, is meant to do for us. That as we look at the people around us, those who we know well, those who we barely know, and those we do not know at all, with an understanding of the passion and love that the creator has for all people. What if we saw in the many faces, someone that God created that he could love with his whole heart. Someone he could love and be generous to. Someone he could love and be generous to through us!!

I wonder what this understanding  might do to who is at our tables.

 

LET US PRAY

O God, help me see people as you see them. I pray that you will soften my heart, help me to see others as your beloved children, and give me the courage to set aside differences and come together for the good of all.  

 

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3:14

 

 

 

BE EASY ON PEOPLE

 

August 12, 2024

Lord, I do not know what to ask of you; only you know what I need. I simply present myself to you; I open my heart to you. My only desire this day, is to accomplish your will. Amen

Luke 6:37-38  (The Message)

“Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity”.

I know the verses above sound a little different to us. Luke 6:37-38 usually reads like this, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

The point of this text from Luke is that among the very best gifts God ever gives is the gift of oneanother, the gift of the people that are around us.

Let that sink in. The people in your life—your family, friends, colleagues, even your casual acquaintances—are among the best gifts God has given you. And Scripture is clear about how we’re to treat every one of them. “A new commandment I give to you,” implored Jesus, “that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).

Jesus often spoke to His followers about self-identification. He taught that it wouldn't be our professed beliefs or the good deeds we planned for the future that defined us. Rather, He said our identity would be evident through our love for others. It's easy to assume there's more to it, but there really isn't.

It appears that the significance of our actions, as disciples of Jesus, lies in how we treat those around us. This, in essence, governs the joy we experience in life.

To consider the needs of a spouse or a friend or a mother-in-law—and act in love. 

To notice the needs of a peer or client at work or a next-door neighbor—and act in love. 

The message we receive is that the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to show compassion and love towards those who serve us daily, whether it is the one who passes us our morning coffee at the drive thru, the cashier at the grocery store, the Bus, Taxi or Uber driver that get us to our destinations, customer service representative that helps us find the answers we are looking for, or the garbage and recycle collector in our neighborhoods.

God's word tells us that often Jesus was moved with compassion for the people with whom he came into contact. I know that our high tech, fast-paced society forces us to pass many people each day without ever asking ourselves, much less asking God, if they could use a caring and compassionate touch, a voice of encouragement, a place at someone's table.

So back to the challenge of todays reading, “Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity” (Luke 6:37-38 MSG).

So, let's notice the people that come into close proximity to us this week—say, within two or three meters?

And then, will you imagine a large table with seats for each of them?

And will you do what you’d do with anyone sitting at a table in your home? Will you learn their names? Will you treat them with care and listen to what they say?

With the Holy Spirit in your heart, will you try to discern what they need most, connection, belonging, kindness, mercy, understanding, encouragement? And will you prayfully consider how you might be a small part of meeting those needs?

Just see how doing this impacts on your Joy!

Let's Pray

Loving God, teach me to love and care for those that need you today. Those who are passed over and do not feel love unless I love them for you. Make Christ love for others be felt through me today in your name and by your power I pray these things. Amen

 

 

Go for God and not for Gold!

 

August 9, 2024

 

Matthew 6:19-21; 33

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also….

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

 

I read the following Instagram post a while ago from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is a 400 metre hurdles competitor for the US team. I was really struck by her focus in this post. Give it a read,

“Let me start off by saying, what and honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory. I have never seen God fail in my life. In anyone’s life for that matter. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is PERFECT. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”

What grabbed me was that here is a top world athlete whose focus was on God not Gold. The stories we have shared this week seem to have this common thread, whatever happens in competition, whatever the outcomes in their particular sport, these athletes say they want God to receive the Glory.

What a powerful witness this worldview is, I may finish first or seventh or last, but they seem to all echo Sydney’s words above God’s “will is PERFECT. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”

These athletes, and the confidence and faith they have in God challenge us to Go for God and not for Gold! Let us live by the call of Jesus to “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” May we in victory of defeat “point all the attention back to him.”

“Mo Ravi Vei Jisu,”

 

August 8, 2024

Lord, I am yours; I do yield myself up entirely to you, and I believe that you do take me. I leave myself with you. Work in me all the good pleasure of your will, and I will only lie still in your hands and trust you. Amen.

Psalms 9:10

10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 20:7


7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

The Pacific island nation of Fiji, home to fewer than a million inhabitants boasts 33 athletes at the Paris Olympics, 24 of whom are rugby players. Fiji has historically won Olympic medals exclusively in Rugby Sevens. Rugby sevens is a form of  Rugby in which teams are made up of seven players playing seven-minute halves, instead of the usual 15 players playing 40-minute halves.

The Fiji men's Rugby team had maintained an undefeated streak in the Olympics, securing gold in Rio in 2016 when rugby sevens made its debut, and again in Tokyo in 2021. However, after 17 consecutive victories, they were defeated by the host nation, France, in this year's gold medal match.

Not only have the Fiji athletes been noted for their Rugby team, but the other thing they’ve become known for is singing praise to God. The loss to France in the Gold medal match has not stopped the Fijian team from offering honor to God in song.

The Fijian team has captured global attention by singing hymns in beautiful harmony within an Olympic Village courtyard. Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns shared a video, commenting, "Having the best seat in the Village!" (See Video Below)

What are they singing?, you may wonder. A classical music website called Discover Music shared the video and explained that the team was singing “Mo Ravi Vei Jisu,” a Fijian hymn. The words translate as “Put your trust into the Lord and he will guide your way.”

What a witness to their fellow athletes!

Their story made me think of Psalm 20:7. What a great verse this is. What a confidence giving, confidence boosting, encouraging verse. Let's acknowledge that when we look around at the world we see all kinds of things that we might be tempted to put our trust in, like your job, your income, people around you, even good people that you love that you’re tempted to trust in.

The symbols of power, and countries, and armies, and just all kinds of different things in the world that would say to us, “Hey, you can trust in this, you can trust in that.” The Psalmist here says, “I don’t trust in any of those things. I have a much greater more dependable place to put my trust, and that is in the name of the Lord, my God.” Now Psalm 20 is a Psalm, Prayer(?) of King David as they are about to head into a battle, into War. Put yourself there, what might you be praying? For David to pray these words when the circumstances reveal he needed military help in battle, he needs chariots, he needs horses, but he realizes the battle is not ultimately won by chariots or horses. The battle is ultimately won by God.

The message of these athletes from Fiji, is a testimony and also a challenge to remind all of us to not settle for trusting in what will only lead to despair and dissappointment. Trust in the One who has never forsaken those who seek Him!

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Amen.

STRONG and COURAGEOUS

 

^{August 7, 2024}

Father, you alone know what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to you. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with your will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice but your will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every moment of my mind; for Jesus sake and your glory. Amen.

 

^{Deuteronomy 31:6-8}

 

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

⁷ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. ⁸ It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

 

 

Shafiqua Maloney’s journey is a testament to resilience and faith. “I am a child of God,” reads Shafiqua’s Instagram bio. Yet this child of God battled homelessness as recently as 2023 on her way to the Olympics. She persevered and made it to the Olympics, representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Her story gained attention, leading to support from her nation’s prime minister and an endorsement contract from a Caribbean water company.

Arriving at the Paris Olympics ranked 27th in her event, Maloney defied the odds by setting personal records and making it to the finals. She finished fourth in the 800-meter race, just 0.24 seconds short of a bronze medal. Her faith played a crucial role in her journey, as she believed that God carried her through her struggles and would continue to support her. “I’ve been homeless—not having food to eat and all this stuff,” sportswriter Chris Chavez quoted Maloney as saying after she qualified for the finals. “God carried me through all of that and when I got here, I had to believe that he didn’t bring me this far just to leave me and that he would carry me straight through.”

This story beautifully illustrates the principle and teaching in today’s verses from Deuteronomy 31. As Joshua, is about to takeover leadership from Moses, the promise he is given is “the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” I am sure you noticed that promise was given to Joshua twice in 3 verses. It’s as though God was saying to Joshua, and to us, you may have all kinds of obstacles in front of you, here is what I want you to do “ Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” … and again just in case you missed it, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Shafiqua Maloney took this kind of truth to heart, and persevered with great faith, and I believe we witness in her story that God worked a beautiful outcome even though she didn’t medal, she went from a rank of 27th in the world to 4th at the Olympics. The real story is that her trust in God, as a Child of God, has brought glory to him, and brought to Shafiqua personal success but also her story and faith has and will inspire many others.

Maybe we just needed that today, to be inspired by a fellow Child of God to remind us that no matter what happens in life we can count on this one truth, that “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Amen.

 

LIFT AS YOU CLIMB

 

August 6, 2024

 

Eternal father of my soul, let my first thought today be of you, let my first impulse be to worship you, let my first speech be your name, at my first action be to kneel in prayer. Amen.

John Baillie in A Diary of Private Prayer

 

 Philippians 2:3-4

… in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Hebrews 13:16

do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

 

I am inspired by Olympic stories and testimonies. I especially, take a level of inspiration from the backstory of athletes, the things that led to an Olympic appearance and Medal. One thing that becomes abundantly clear, not one athlete makes it to the podium by themselves. There is a community that has been instrumental in getting them that far in their sport.

Olympian Jordan Chiles’ journey is truly inspiring. Despite facing significant challenges and being overlooked for major assignments due to inconsistency, she persevered and transformed her career. The environment she was in was indeed toxic, and many had written her off.

However, her story took a remarkable turn when in 2019, the decorated gymnast Simone Biles invited Jordan to relocate from Washington to Texas to join the gym that she owns - a safe space with a positive environment. When Jordan arrived, the first thing they worked on was not building her skills but instead building her confidence.

This move proved to be pivotal. Training under coaches Laurent and Cecile Landi, and with the support of Biles, Chiles found a renewed sense of purpose and consistency. Her hard work paid off as she became a key member of the U.S. gymnastics team, winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and just a few days ago, a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in team competition and a bronze medal in floor gymnastics.

Our Bible verses today point to the calling, to do good and to value others above ourselves, and when we do, our verses tell us that it is pleasing to God. I was thinking how this Olympic story is repeated over and over in the Community of Jesus where a community member is wounded, grieving and broken, ready to give up, and they find through Jesus love, a people around them, a church, that is a safe place with a positive environment where healing can come.

Jordan Chiles’ story is a perfect example of “lifting as you climb.” Her journey shows that true success isn’t just about personal achievements but also about creating a supportive environment where others can thrive. By moving to train with Simone Biles and finding a positive, encouraging atmosphere, Chiles not only improved her own performance but also contributed to the success of her teammates.

Fostering a culture of mutual support and encouragement can lead to greater community success and fulfillment. It’s about celebrating each other’s victories and helping one another overcome challenges. Trophies and medals are nice but the greatest award, is winning together and creating an environment where others thrive too!

I pray that we are that Church, and that we will continue to be that kind of witness to the world, that demonstrates what can happen when “… in humility (we) value others above yourselves.

THE RESET WE NEED

 

 

August 2, 2024

 

God, forgive me for my preoccupation with visible things. Truth is, the world has been too much with me. You have been here and I didn't know it. I have been blind to your presence. Open my eyes that I may behold you in and around me. In Jesus name. Amen.

  

Romans 12:1-2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

 

I find that over the course of an average day, I experience moments when my mind needs to refresh. I wonder if you face similar moments in your days as well. It would be really handy if we had a reset button, we could push, wouldn’t it? 

Well, we do have a way to reset. This week we have been looking at some ways to do just that. When too many things clamor to take up space in our head, we need to reset by taking a moment to tune into God’s abiding presence.  Each of the spiritual practices we looked at this week are ways that can help us to renew our minds, to reset, and connect to God.  I  have found that using these practices can bring peace and calm into my unsettled spirit. Over time as we develop these disciplines we are more able to “to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2).

Which practice most helped you tune into God this week?

Was it seeking God through your work?

Breathing and repeating the Jesus prayer?

Stilling your body and mind for tension?

Or being mindful of the world around you?

Whichever practice was most helpful to you this week, make that your practice today.Use one of these practices to deepen your awareness of God’s presence in your life.

Tune into God through work. Try to imagine a task as something that you and God are doing together. Listen for any new insights, ideas, or emotions that come to your mind while working.

Practice the Jesus Breath Prayer. Breath in and repeat the words, “Lord Christ.” Breath out and repeat the words, “Have mercy on me.”

Still your mind and body to “know God.” Do you recall the Hebrew verb “raphah” which means “be still”, or more literally means “to let something drop, to let go, or to abandon something.” Ask God to help you let go, to let something drop, so you can rest in Him.

Mindfulness. Be present to the world around you. Notice your thoughts and surroundings without judgement. Ask God what he’d like you to pay attention to.

 

Let’s Pray

God, renew my mind through your Holy Spirit. May I follow you in my moment-by-moment. Amen.