Northminster Summer School: Philippians 4:8

6.5.16  NORTHMINSTER SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL  
Philippians 4:8 MSG

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things TRUE, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.  

            I am game for most any devotional challenge.  This one comes from Pastor Jack at Northminster Church in Sacramento.  We are to consider the same scripture every week, focusing on a different word each time. I will use this text for each Sunday over the next two months and incorporate my daily prayers into each drawing. 

 Our first word is True.   Correct.  Accurate.  Genuine.  Authentic. Real. Truth.  Candor.  Honesty.   The list of synonyms for true is lengthy.  But what does it mean to BE true to something or someone?  How can I meditate on the word true?  Where do I see truth in the world? (The candor and complete innocence of a child’s word, with no hidden meanings – kids speak TRUTH!)  Where do we need truth?  (Hmmm, our election process comes to mind immediately!)  Are my words true when I speak to and of others?  Do I tell the whole story or do I cover up the parts that may not put me in a good light? 

I’ll ponder TRUE this week.  Perhaps I will be back to add more to this brief post! (Or....perhaps not!)

6.12.16 Northminster Sunday School:  Philippians 4:8 GNT

 In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.

            I am going to use a different translation of this Philippians passage each week. 

  

The 'B' contains the earth and stars quote. 

           Noble.  We get the following definition or synonyms:  having or showing qualities of high morals and ethical behavior; righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, upright, decent, worthy, moral, reputable.  Wow.  That’s a pretty impressive list of virtues; a high standard to keep.  But when we fill our minds with that which is noble, we are able to squeeze some of the less noble of thoughts out.  Humility and nobility go hand in hand.  One begets the others.  How can I practice nobility this week?  By taking the upper road.  By disregarding the petty and seeking the positive of a situation.  By encouraging and uplifting my teammates.

            I looked up quotations based on ‘noble’:

• There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.  (Hemingway)
• Better not be at all than not be noble. (Tennyson)
• No speech can stain what is noble by nature.  (Sophocles)
• It is nobler to declare oneself wrong than to insist on being right --- even when one is right. (Nietzsche)
• Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury.  (Edward Chapin)
• Humble spirit leads to noble character. (Akita)
• Noble deeds that are concealed are most esteemed.  (Pascal)
• Be humble for you are made of earth.  Be noble for you are made of stars.  (Anon)

            I think I like the last one the best, but the last three all reflect a similar thought.  Hidden service is noble service.  

6.19.16  Philippians 4:8 VOICE

Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Northminster Summer School #3  Right

R: Rectitude & Righteousness

I:   Integrity

G: Goodness

H: Honesty & Honor

T:  Truth

          Right and Wrong.  We toss the terms around constantly, and yet each of us has a different definition at times as to what is right and what is wrong.  Oh, we can define the BIG THINGS….murder is wrong.  But what about killing those who harm us?  Is that wrong?  Stealing is wrong.  What about stealing to save another?  It seems we can justify just about anything, twisting right and wrong around. 

          But….deep inside our souls, I think we know.  I think the God-Spirit within tells us, especially when we heed the advice of Paul in this very verse and truly consider and fill ourselves with that which is right and honest, truth and pure.  That which brings praise to God.  

6.26.16  Philippians 4:8 CEB

Northminster Summer School #4: Pure 

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.

PURE.  So many meanings.  So many synonyms.  Unadulterated, sterling, solid, refined, clear, sparkling, untainted, wholesome, flawless, perfect, genuine, real.   PURITY.  Virtue, morality, goodness, saintliness, piety, honor, honesty, integrity and decency. 

Illustrations are from the beauty of my garden at the moment:
Lilies, petunias, coneflower, zinnias, and lavender.
And dirty feet!!

Gosh, with that list, is it possible to BE pure???  But I think Paul is telling us to keep ourselves free of contamination from the outside world.  We may live and work among those who think and act differently;  in fact, that is our place.  But we are to remain unadulterated by the words and actions that lead away from God.  Such a simple, short word.  Such a challenge. 

• Purity means looking to God for our standards and not the world.
• Without purity of heart, there is no purity of thought.
• The greatest gift you can give someone is the purity of your attention. Give little, but give pure.
• It is astonishing what force, purity, and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep  clear of falsehoods.  (Margaret Fuller)
• I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.  (Mahatma Gandhi)

            OK, the last one by Gandhi is definitely the one I will remember!  No dirty feet on my mind!!  You’ll find reference to that quote on my prayer!

7.3.16 NPC-SS: Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Northminster Summer School #5: Lovely

          The dictionary gives the following synonyms for lovely: beautiful, pretty, attractive, good-looking, appealing, handsome, adorable, exquisite, sweet, personable, charming, enchanting, engaging, etc.  All words which at first glance are ‘surface’ beauty and I wonder, ‘Why did Paul include this word?’  Peterson's The Message uses the terms, ‘the beautiful, not the ugly’ and the Lexham translates to ‘things that are pleasing’. To fill our world with that which is beautiful, with wildflowers and roses, artwork, gardens, or fine craftsmanship, is to be constantly reminded of God and God’s power to create beauty and that which is good.  The word is tucked in-between pure and admirable and that puts ‘lovely’ in pretty fine company!  There is nothing surface-level about LOVELY! 

A few LOVELY quotes…

• Our Creator would never have made such lovely days, and have given us the deep hearts to enjoy them, above and beyond all thought, unless we were meant to be immortal.  (Nathaniel Hawthorne)
• What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness.  (T.B. Aldrich)
• Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees [God].  (Rumi)   I added the God here!
• All the beautiful sentiments in the world weight less than a single lovely action. (J.R. Lowell)

7.10.16 Philippians 4:8 AMP

Northminster Summer School #6: Admirable

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

          Whew!  I had to look through at least 15 translations before I found one that actually used the word admirable! 

Google defines admirable as arousing or deserving respect and approval.  Synonyms include commendable, praiseworthy, laudable, creditable, or worthy, respectable and worthwhile.  Other words in this verse link to praiseworthy and laudable and creditable, but those terms are considered elsewhere.  I like to think of admirable as worthy of respect.  And respect is key.  Both respect for the dignity and humanity of others, and a life worthy of the respect of others.  To live with respect and deserving of respect.  A high calling. 

We are worshiping at Northminster today.  I shall tell Pastor Jack that eventually I plan to turn in my 'homework' for the summer.  Not many submit their prayers to the teacher....altho I lend mine to the Teacher everyday!  

We don’t need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful. (Taylor Swift)

One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.  (Bryant McGill)

There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.  (Henri F. Amiel)

To be one's self, and unafraid whether right or wrong, is more admirable than the easy cowardice of surrender to conformity. (Irving Wallace)

7.17.16  Philippians 4:8 ESV

Northminster Sunday School #7: Excellent

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Excellent.  The highest of rankings.  The grade you always wanted to achieve.  A+!  Webster defines excellent as extremely good, superb, outstanding, exceptional marvelous, wonderful, magnificent, perfect, matchless, unbeatable, supreme, prime and first-rate.  You get the idea!  You just can’t top EXCELLENT!

God wants us to focus on the positive in the people around us, in our relationships, even in the events of the world.  Sometimes that is very hard to do, especially with the current situation in our world.  Let us not dwell on the sins of the evening news, but rather on the good we can bring to those situations by our actions.  Our response to that which is less than excellent is what determines our life and our relationship to God.  Once again, this brings me back to the Joan Linde book, FIND THE GOOD, in which she attempted to focus on the good aspects of one’s life when writing obituaries for her small town.  Whatever is excellent, consider this! 

• Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude.  (Ralph Marston)
• We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit. (Aristotle)
• Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.  (Anonymous)
• Excellence is achieved when you care more than what some think is wise, risk more than what some think is safe, dream more than what some think is sensible, and work more than what some people are willing to do.  (Anonymous)
• Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer. (Rick Pitino)

7.24.16 Philippians 4:8 NRSV

Northminster Sunday School Final: Praiseworthy

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

          Whatever is worthy of praise.  What a tremendous expanse of options – praise for Creation, praise for loving relationships, praise for acts of kindness, praise for solved problems, praise for God-Winks (that’s another blog to come!) Why do we dwell so much on differences and what’s wrong with the world?  There is much to praise!  Much for which to say ‘Thank you, God!’  Let us dwell on such things! 

          So today, rather than fill my PRAISE drawing with intercessory prayers, I shall lift up my pen and write that for which I sing to God’s glory!  Having spent yesterday in the beauty of Westminster Woods at a spirituality retreat, I have no doubt that the words and images will tumble out faster than I can write or draw.  To God be the glory!  Amen! 

TO SUMMARIZE Philippians 4:8.....

JUNE Scripture Meditations 2016

6.1.16 Wednesday   1 Thessalonians 1:3 MSG

We call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father.

            The words that jumped out at me in this verse were ‘patience of hope’.  How often do we get ahead of ourselves, or get ahead of God’s timing, and get impatient in what WE want to have happen.  Hope is a gift from God that God IS at work.  We need to be patient for God’s timing.  And God has an incredible, somewhat surprising, sense of timing!  

God of hope....help me be patient. Amen. 

6.2.16 Thursday  1 Peter 1:13 MSG

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming.   

       

     Go to work.  Receiving Christ is doing Christ.  Worship takes preparation.  Acceptance takes preparation.  To receive the gift of grace is not to just sit back and wait for everything to just happen.  While grace is not contingent upon our good works, to fully receive we must actively open our hearts, our minds, and our hands to the will of God. 

            ‘Roll up your sleeves’ means now.  Don’t put it off, don’t wait for another day.  Activate. 

God of grace….may I do my part in preparing to receive you into my life.  Amen. 

6.3.16 Friday  Ecclesiastes 7:12 GNT

Wisdom keeps you safe—this is the advantage of knowledge.

Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner. MSG

 I put two versions of this passage down because I thought they reflect very different ideas.  The Good News translation implies safety and protection as a result of WISDOM in God.  Peterson’s Message injects much more energy into that thought – not just safety, but ACTION!  Perhaps our ‘safety’ is knowing the presence of God in all we do, but wisdom also then drives forth a call to action.  It energizes us to serve. 
When I googled energy and wisdom in a search for an image idea, I was reminded of the link between the two as an essential tenet of what we consider 'Eastern' religions.  There is a spirituality inherent in our thoughts and knowledge and the energy created as that Spirit-power comes forth from us.  I'm thinking maybe a mandala pattern would be appropriate today!  

God…grant us the energy and wisdom to serve in your name.  Amen. 

6.4.16 Saturday  Romans 10:14 GNT

 But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?

The field of poppies next to the
gas station in Milton-Freewater
were proclaiming the message of God to me! 

            We all have a responsibility to share the power of the Good News, through our words, our actions, our lives.   

            Brief words today – we are leaving once again and traveling to Kalispell for a two week Habitat build.  Perhaps another opportunity to witness God’s love and share the message. 

Lord God....guide our travels with safety.  Amen.  

            

6.5.16 Sunday   2 Thessalonians 1:11 GNT

We always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. 

6.5.16  NORTHMINSTER SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL  
Philippians 4:8 MSG

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things TRUE, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.  

            I am game for most any devotional challenge.  This one comes from Pastor Jack at Northminster Church in Sacramento.  We are to consider the same scripture every week, focusing on a different word each time. I will use this text for each Sunday over the next two months. 

 Our first word is TRUE.   Correct.  Accurate.  Genuine.  Authentic. Real. Truth.  Candor.  Honesty.   The list of synonyms for true is lengthy.  But what does it mean to BE true to something or someone?  How can I meditate on the word true?  Where do I see truth in the world? (The candor and complete innocence of a child’s word, with no hidden meanings – kids speak TRUTH!)  Where do we need truth?  (Hmmm, our election process comes to mind immediately!)  Are my words true when I speak to and of others?  Do I tell the whole story or do I cover up the parts that may not put me in a good light? 

I’ll ponder TRUE this week.  Perhaps I will be back to add more to this brief post! 

6.6.16 Monday   Psalm 28:9 GNT

Save your people, Lord, and bless those who are yours.
Be their shepherd, and take care of them forever.

Savior and Shepherd.  That’s what the Hebrew people asked God for and that’s what God gave them in the form of his son, Jesus.  And that is what we have today still.  Pretty comforting words.  

6.7.16  Tuesday  Psalm 78:72 GNT

David took care of them with unselfish devotion
    and led them with skill.

            Unselfish leadership – that is a hallmark someone who can guide people in incredible ways.  When we operate unselfishly, putting the needs and interests of others ahead of our own, miracles can happen.  People respond. 

            Apologies for the scattered and brief comments on these scriptures.  When I am on a build, I feel like it is all I can do to get my prayers drawn. 

6.8.16 Wednesday  Proverbs 12:13 MSG

The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble;
    the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.

This is a view of Heaven's Peak in Glacier National Park, through the Columbia Falls 'Gap'.
I was practicing my sacred spirals again!

6.9.16 Thursday  Colossians 1:9 GNT

We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

 

Being filled with the wisdom of the Spirit power.
Also still practicing my sacred circles!

6.10.16 Friday  John 10:11 MSG

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

 

This has NOTHING to do with the scripture, but rather inspired by our work on the rock wall.  

6.11.16  Saturday  Numbers 27:16-17 GNT

Lord God, source of all life, appoint, I pray, a man who can lead the people  and can command them in battle, so that your community will not be like sheep without a shepherd.

Typical words from Steve...

            When I first encounter this passage, I thought…oh yes, it is an Election Year!  Please, God, send us SOMEONE who can lead our nation with integrity and honesty.  Our election process is in chaos right now.  We will become a nation of wandering sheep without such strength of leadership. 

            But then I thought also of Habitat affiliates and the difference a good site leader can make.  What are our favorite builds?  Not necessarily those located in pristine places, but those with leaders who can take a random, rag-tag group of people from all walks of life, find their gifts, and lead them in the battle against homelessness and substandard housing (to use the scriptural phrasing!)  A leader who can encourage, nudge, and inspire the people into a team that is coordinated, compassionate, and filled with good spirits as they work TOGETHER  for a common purpose.  This build has such a leader who brings out the best in each of us as he reminds us daily  with little stories about why we are here and what we are doing.  Thank you, Steve, for who you are and what you do.  You make the Kalispell build what it is and why so many of us keep coming back.   And….well, Katy and the mountains aren’t bad either.     

God of us all, however and wherever we believe, thank you for bringing us all together for a common purpose, a common good.  Thank you for the amazing, incredible gift to us of Steve’s leadership and direction.  Keep us safe, keep us laughing.  Amen. 

(This will be the text of my Monday morning Habitat CAV devotion.)

6.12.16 Northminster Sunday School:  Philippians 4:8 GNT

 In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.

            I am going to use a different translation of this Philippians passage each week. 

  

The 'B' contains the earth and stars quote. 

          Noble.  We get the following definition or synonyms:  having or showing qualities of high morals and ethical behavior; righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, upright, decent, worthy, moral, reputable.  Wow.  That’s a pretty impressive list of virtues; a high standard to keep.  But when we fill our minds with that which is noble, we are able to squeeze some of the less noble of thoughts out.  Humility and nobility go hand in hand.  One begets the others.  How can I practice nobility this week?  By taking the upper road.  By disregarding the petty and seeking the positive of a situation.  By encouraging and uplifting my teammates.

 

            I looked up quotations based on ‘noble’:

• There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.  (Hemingway)
• Better not be at all than not be noble. (Tennyson)
• No speech can stain what is noble by nature.  (Sophocles)
• It is nobler to declare oneself wrong than to insist on being right --- even when one is right. (Nietzsche)
• Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury.  (Edward Chapin)
• Humble spirit leads to noble character. (Akita)
• Noble deeds that are concealed are most esteemed.  (Pascal)
• Be humble for you are made of earth.  Be noble for you are made of stars.  (Anon)

            I think I like the last one the best, but the last three all reflect a similar thought.  Hidden service is noble service.  

6.13.16 Monday Acts 14:22 MSG

“Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times.”

 

Prayer inspired by our hike Sunday through meadows of Glacier National Park. 

6.14.16 Tuesday Hebrews 13:20-21 VOICE

Now may the God of peace, …  perfect you in every good work as you work God’s will. May God do in you only those things that are pleasing in His sight… 

I found the center of a wild rose a beautiful star once the petals fell off. 

6.15.16 Wednesday Mark 6:34 msg

When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.

Common camas covered the lower meadows.  

6.16.16 Thursday   Psalm 109:1-2 MSG

My God, don’t turn a deaf ear to my hallelujah prayers

 Liars are pouring out invective on me;

Their lying tongues are like a pack of dogs out to get me,

 barking their hate, nipping my heels—and for no reason!

Hallelujah prayers.   For some reason, I love that phrase.  Psalmist David goes on to beseech God to listen because others are inflicting harm.  But I just want to think about Hallelujah prayers.  (PS…I have time to reflect this morning because our job was rained out again.)

            Hallelujah in Hebrew translates out roughly to Praise God!  Praise God joyfully.  God be praised.  And what better way to begin our prayers, to wrap our prayers around a theme of praise and thanksgiving.  I still pray with too much ‘asking’.  God, take care of so and so, heal them, care for them.  Again, remembering one of our favorite authors, Jan Karon, our prayer should be the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.   God knows our desires, God knows the needs of those around us.  Our FIRST word of prayer should be an Hallelujah of praise for the relationship we have with a loving God.  Hallelujah for this day! 

6.17.16 Friday  Proverbs 9:10
To be wise, you must first have reverence for the Lord.

6.18.16  Jeremiah 10:23 MSG

I know, God, that mere mortals can’t run their own lives; That men and women don’t have what it takes to take charge of life.

            We can’t do it all by ourselves!  We need the God within us, the God without, and the God all around to be constantly woven into our life and actions.

Traveling today....the paloose country of eastern Washington. 

6.19.16  Philippians 4:8 VOICE

Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Northminster Summer School #3  RIGHT

R: Rectitude & Righteousness

I:   Integrity

G: Goodness

H: Honesty & Honor

T:  Truth

          Right and Wrong.  We toss the terms around constantly, and yet each of us has a different definition at times as to what is right and what is wrong.  Oh, we can define the BIG THINGS….murder is wrong.  But what about killing those who harm us?  Is that wrong?  Stealing is wrong.  What about stealing to save another?  It seems we can justify just about anything, twisting right and wrong around. 

          But….deep inside our souls, I think we know.  I think the God-Spirit within tells us, especially when we heed the advice of Paul in this very verse and truly consider and fill ourselves with that which is right and honest, truth and pure.  That which brings praise to God.  

6.20.16  2 Thessalonians 1:12  MSG

If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you.

            Seems like this verse goes right back to the last line I wrote yesterday.  If we live in such a way to bring praise to God, our lives are much more worthy.  

6.21.16  Psalm 34:11 GNT

Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the Lord.

            The Message expresses this verse as getting a ‘lesson in God-Worship’ or the VOICE as teaching you to ‘revere the Lord’.  Seems that however you put it, it is perhaps a lesson that needs to be taught in today’s world.  When we abuse each other, we are NOT honoring God.  When we

Teaching a Northern Lights craft today at VBS....hence
the polar inspiration! 

mistreat the natural gifts of Creation, we are NOT showing reverence.  We claim to be ‘God-fearing’ people but our actions do not match our proclamations. 

            To God be the glory….in all things.  This week’s VBS theme appears to be ‘God is Good’ – in sadness and sorrow, in trial and temptation, in joy and wonder.  God is good.  May our actions daily honor, revere, and worship God.  

6.22.16  Proverbs 10:2 MSG

Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal.

            Solomon was so wise with his many proverbs or insights into living.  The Voice puts this verse, Riches gained through dishonest means will eventually vanish,  but doing what is right avoids a deadly consequence. I guess I like the phrase deadly consequence!  That puts the result into a more here and now time frame like Haste makes waste or Crime doesn’t pay.  I’m ramblin’ though and VBS is calling.  Time to draw a snowflake picture in honor of today’s Nordic craft!  

6.23.16  Luke 4:43  GNT

No, I cannot stay. I need to preach the kingdom of God to other cities too. This is the purpose I was sent to fulfill.

            The immediate needs of the local community are apparent to Jesus; he understands their concern.  But God calls us out as well, beyond our immediate circles, into the greater world community.  Jesus knew he had a short time to spread the message.  Perhaps we would feel his sense of urgency if we knew our time was equally as short to do the job that God has called us to do.

            Last day of VBS.  The lesson comes from the Sea of Galilee and a breakfast of fish with Jesus.  Might be drawing some ‘fishy’ prayers today. 

6.24.16  Psalm 105:4 GNT

Go to the Lord for help; and worship him continually.

            Two messages here: Go to God and unending praise.  It is a two way street – we can seek the help we need from God, but we also need to uphold our end of the deal with unceasing gratitude and thanksgiving.  The phrase worship him continually reminds me of the verse from Thessalonians, ‘Pray without ceasing.’  Make all of life worship and prayer. 

            I was going to work on my Sermon today with its theme of The Hands of God, but got waylaid.  Prayers followed that lead, however….

6.25.16  Zechariah 11:17 MSG

“Doom to you, useless shepherd, walking off and leaving the sheep!
               A curse on your arm!   A curse on your right eye!

            Harsh words for leaders who fail to lead and abandon their people.  Harsh words for those who fail to act with regard for those less fortunate than them.  We all are shepherds in some way, entrusted with the care of others in our community.  We ALL have a responsibility for the sheep among us: the abused, the addicted, the oppressed, the hunger, the homeless. 

What kind of shepherd am I?  

6.26.16  Philippians 4:8 CEB

Northminster Summer School #4: PURE 

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.

Illustrations are from the beauty of my garden at the moment:
Lilies, petunias, zinnias, lavender, and coneflowers.

PURE.  So many meanings.  So many synonyms.  Unadulterated, sterling, solid, refined, clear, sparkling, untainted, wholesome, flawless, perfect, genuine, real.   PURITY.  Virtue, morality, goodness, saintliness, piety, honor, honesty, integrity and decency. 

Gosh, with that list, is it possible to BE pure???  But I think Paul is telling us to keep ourselves free of contamination from the outside world.  We may live and work among those who think and act differently;  in fact, that is our place.  But we are to remain unadulterated by the words and actions that lead away from God.  Such a simple, short word.  Such a challenge.  

• Purity means looking to God for our standards and not the world.
• Without purity of heart, there is no purity of thought.
• The greatest gift you can give someone is the purity of your attention. Give little, but give pure.
• It is astonishing what force, purity, and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep  clear of falsehoods.  (Margaret Fuller)
• I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.  (Mahatma Gandhi)

            OK, the last one by Gandhi is definitely the one I will remember!  No dirty feet on my mind!!  You’ll find reference to that quote on my prayer!

6.27.16  John 1:41-42 VOICE

As Andrew approached with Simon, Jesus looked into him.  Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, and your father is called John.  But from this day forward you will be known as Peter, the rock.

            Other translations say Jesus looked UP or Jesus looked AT Peter.  What caught my eye on THE VOICE was how Jesus looked INTO him.  I can’t help but think this is the most accurate.  Jesus looks into the heart and soul of Simon and instantly discovers something that others might have missed.  Peter is special and Jesus can see that.  Jesus/God has plans for Peter. 

            What does Jesus see when I am so examined?  The holy can look INTO us in ways  humans can not perceive.  God sees our potential, our promise, and calls us to answer.  Are we ready? 

6.28.16  1 Peter 5:5 GNT

…all of you must put on the apron of  humility, to serve one another.

            I wear an apron often, whether I am baking or creating in my craft room.  I am a messy person, who wipes hands on my apron regularly. Yet, when I am done, I take it off.  The mess is over.   But the apron of humility is not one we should just take off at the end of the task.  This apron is one to be worn always.  Humility is to put another ahead of self.  Humility is to serve for the benefits of others, and such is an attitude we must all have, at all times.  It is a huge calling and one that is hard to achieve.  We all want to remove our apron at one time or another.  (Don't worry, it can get washed on a regular basis through prayer, meditation, and worship!)

6.29.16  Psalm 106:2 GNT

Who can tell all the great things he has done?
    Who can praise him enough?

            Can we praise God too much?  Can we thank God too much?  Can we acknowledge God’s presence and action in our world too much?  I think not.  Apparently, the psalmist thought the same.  ‘Nough said.  

6.30.16  Micah 5:4-5 MSG

And the people will have a good and safe home,  for the whole world will hold him in respect— Peacemaker of the world!

            With the verbiage from the Message, my first thought in reading this passage is Habitat for Humanity.  That’s all we are trying to do…equip the people with a good and safe home, a place to raise children with stability and security.  And in reading further, the prophet acknowledges that God is the ultimate source for this security.  When we are able to recognize that we ALL are one family, one in the presence of God, peace can and will reign.  And in that peace, individual families will rest secure. 

            It sounds cliché-ish, but it all starts with our own individual actions.  We can’t change how people across the world treat one another, but we DO control how we treat our neighbor.  Respect and love….and let it spread from there.