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.  

Scripture Meditations - MAY 2016

5.1.16     1 Thessalonians 1:2 MSG

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers …. 

            You’re IN my prayers.  That’s often what I write when I send a picture of my prayers to someone letting them know that I am praying for them.  To daily write the name is a physical action of thanks and intercession.  Thank you for this person in my life, God, and please act on their behalf. 

            I am surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains this week.  It is spring and wildflowers are blooming, trees are budding out, and the hills are awakening from the winter sleep.  Into these images I will place my prayers…day and night. 

Ever listening God…. I know you acknowledge every name and situation I draw.  Amen.  

5.2.16 Romans 10:15   ^GNT

And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!”

            Can flowers be messengers of God?  Can sunsets or sunrises?  Or quiet forests with the wind gently blowing ripples in the branches soft with new growth?  Has God sent out messengers that we often fail to recognize, delivering the good news of an interwoven creation community? 

            These iris grew wild around the base of a mighty tree, their intricate petals so clearly revealing the nature of a loving God.  I couldn’t help but turn them into a prayer. 

Subtle God… may I heed the silent and hidden messengers sent to remind us of your love.  Amen.

5.3.16 2 Peter 3:9 MSG

With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day.  God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness.

I have seen these blossoms lying on the trails and wondered
what they were.  Finally at Hamilton gardens we confirmed
a tulip poplar blossom - we found leaf and flower
connected!  And then I looked up and saw hundreds of
blossoms on the tree branch tips.  Beautiful! 

   

            God-time is the term I usually use.  In God-time, it will happen. Not our time frame, not on our schedule or convenience.  God-time.  You can’t rush God-time, nor can you place human expectations on it.  God-time is interwoven in a delicate and intricate fabric of universal time.  Everything has to come together perfectly for that which God intends to happen, to happen.  And then….you always have a measure of human choice in the option to throw the balance off. But trust, that in God-time, God WILL act. 

Timeless God ….  May I be patient and work under the ticking of YOUR clock, not mine.  Amen.  

5.4.16 Luke 3:8 MSG

It’s your life that must change, not your skin.

  

      God wants change on the inside, from the heart.  Not just outer appearances or the side we show to the world.  We can’t put on our Sunday clothes and suddenly ‘become Christian’.  The love of Christ is an inner change, an approach change, an attitude change – a change from self to service. 

        The skin is easy.  On a daily basis, though, changing the heart is much more difficult.  We all do well on occasion, but to have the mindset of Christ ALL THE TIME is much, much harder. 

          My mind is wandering (much like the road did!) to the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday.  It is in a transformation stage this time of year, the ‘skin’ of winter past, but the blooming of spring still to come. The early morning mists of fog and clouds reveal glimpses of far-reaching views in an ever-changing panorama.  A few azaleas already dot the roadside, but the magnificence of the rhododendron eruption lies in buds, not blooms.  The road winds through hills, and then seemingly sheds the ‘skin’ of the low places, to emerge high on a ridge top overlooking miles of wonder, acres of God’s glory.  Each turn, each tunnel, each overlook speaks of change and transformation.   

God of transformation … Keep me ever shedding the skin of selfishness to a heart of love. Amen.

  

5.5.16  Ezekiel 18:31-32 MSG

Get a new heart!  A new spirit! …. Make a clean break!  Live!

        What is amazing to me about this verse is that it is from the Old Testament!  It sounds so much like the words of Christ!  Be transformed with newness – heart, spirit!  A clean break from the old ways that limited our ability to fully live, to fully love. 

        I like the phrase ‘make a clean break!’  For that is what we must do in order to let the full measure of God seep into our hearts, our souls, and our lives.  We have to throw away old relationships that pulled us down, throw away old ways of doing things.  When we fully live, we can fully love….everyone. Regardless of who or what they might be or have done.  We are free to love like Christ. 

God of renewal …. Help me fully live, to fully love.  Amen.   

5.6.16  1 John 2:2 MSG

When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s.

         Once for All.  That is the phrase on one of our banners at church during Lent.  Christ’s one sacrifice takes care of it ALL.  Does this mean we can just forget about it?  We can do whatever we want knowing we are forgiven by the grace of God?  No.  It means we can live without the fear of reprisal or retribution.  But we will all sin – most of us sin in the more subtle ways of relationships, apathy, or selfishness.  But we are forgiven and given the fresh slate to try, try, try again.  Just Christians?  Not in my book.  God’s grace extends to the whole world.  Everyone, regardless of belief.  Once for ALL. 

         We visited Dry Falls yesterday in southeastern North Carolina.  A torrent of water poured over the rocky shelf, washing clean away everything.  We were able to walk behind the falls.  I like to think this is the manner of grace and sin… we can dance all around various sins, but God is in the business of forgiveness, renewal, and cleansing.  God’s water of grace is powerful. 

Forgiving God…. wash me clean.  Amen. 

5.7.16  Psalm 103:2-3 MSG

O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!

        What a great day to talk about blessings!  We are blessed with loving family, friends who traveled long distances to help Matt and Kristen celebrate.  We are going to be blessed with mild but warm temperatures and sunshine after a week of rain.  We are blessed with the bountiful beauty of spring in the hills – blooming trees and bushes.  We are blessed with the promise of love – for one another and for a loving God. 

        This was a perfect scripture for today as Kristen’s grandfather delivered a beautiful blessing at dinner for many of the same things, recounting all the gifts God had bestowed upon the group gathered. 

Thank you, God, for all your blessings.

5.8.16 Psalm 108:3 GNT

I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations.
    I will praise you among the peoples.

        What should follow a day of blessings but thankfulness and gratitude - Publicly stated ‘among the peoples’!  We need to acknowledge before others WHO we give our thanks to! 

A composite of the azalea pond and the cellar building at
the wedding ceremony site. 

    I am thankful this day for my mothers.  Mom Mac is 96, living independently and an inspiration and role model.  Mom Doris has called me daughter since the day we met!  On this Mother’s Day, I am so grateful to still have them both in my life.  I am thankful for a strong marriage and a rock solid husband.  I am thankful for a web of family that doesn’t smother but nurtures.  I praise God for two sons of whom I am proud….men who walk their own walk but are always there for each other. 

        I praise God for the miracle of nature and the beauty that lies therein; for the renewal of spring and the reminder of the promises behind death and rebirth.  I thank you, Lord, for the strength of relationships and our faith family.  I am grateful for the mini-miracles that happen every day in so many ways – reminders of God’s presence. 

Listen everyone!  Our God deserves our thanks and praise!

5.9.16 1 Thessalonians 1:8 MSG

The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!

        I am the message.  What I say.  What I do.  That is empowering, but also a bit frightening.  It is a big responsibility to be the carrier of THE Message. 

        We are driving home.  We left yesterday afternoon suddenly after weather forecasts indicated we needed to skirt a major storm to the north.   I will spend the day driving and watching the miles speed by.  I may not have many opportunities to spread the message of God to others.  What small actions might I take in gas stations, mini-marts, or restaurants to let at least ONE person know for who and for what I stand?  How many opportunities to carry the message?

5.10.16  2 Timothy 3:16 MSG

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another.

            I am finding this verse very applicable as I wander the country and daily reflect on a single verse or two.  Usually I can find God speaking to me in my current circumstance or situation.

        The problem with single verse Scripture, however, is when we USE it to prove OUR point, not God’s.  When we take the intent of the scripture out and verbally spar with just the words.  Every part is God-breathed, but also Christ-seeped with love for one another.  And those verses are always useful!

5.11.16  Proverbs 21:29 MSG

Unscrupulous people fake it a lot;
    honest people are sure of their steps.

            If you always speak the truth, you don’t have to worry about covering up or remembering your ‘story’.  The truth wins; the truth frees us.

5.12.16  2 Thessalonians 3:1 GNT

Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and evil people; for not everyone believes the message.

5.13.16  Psalm 141:3 GNT

Lord, place a guard at my mouth,
    a sentry at the door of my lips.

5.14.16  Psalm 141:4

Don’t let me so much as dream of evil
    or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.

            We are back to the adage that we are our thoughts; we are our company.  But I am always taken back on the second half to the model Jesus gave us.   You can’t share the good news or nurture the downtrodden, the ‘bad company’ by staying safe within your circle of ‘nice friends’ or those who think just like you do.  By having a firm foundation on our faith and trust in God, we have the strength to go out among the unbelievers and remain strong in our own faith. 

            Once again, easy to say, so hard to live into. 

Lord of all….give me the strength to proclaim YOU as I move and work among those who are different.  

5.15.16  Acts 1:8

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses….

            Today is Pentecost, the one day of the Christian year when we will focus on the third leg of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit.  We could see Jesus, we understand a Creator God, but do we really understand the power and nature of the Spirit?  Is it wind?  Is it tongues?  How can we SEE it? 

            I like to think of the Holy Spirit as the link between God and Christ that allows us a way into the Trinity, a path into a piece of God.  We have a Loving-Creator-Parent God, a Living-Example Christ, and a Spirit-Presence-God-In-Us Guide that forms our relationship and faith.  The Holy Spirit puts a piece of God and Christ into us that allows us to put God and Christ into our world.  Then we can become the witnesses to God we are called to be. 

God of the Spirit…..Blow anew each day that I might witness your holiness to my world.  Amen.  

5.16.16  Proverbs 3:27 MSG

Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
    your hand is God’s hand for that person.

            We are the hands and feet of God.  We are God at work in the world.  When we ask God to DO SOMETHING, God is going to turn it right around and say, ‘Yes, YOU do something – with my power!’  When we think we don’t have the skills or the influence, we are doubting that power of God.  Never walk away from those who need help or we are walking away from God. 

Caring God….may my hands be your hands, my actions your actions.  Amen.  

5.17.16  1 John 3:17 VOICE

If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God’s love lives in him?

            I am seeing a theme here for a few days of compassion for those who are in need.  It might be a physical need, an emotional need, or a spiritual need, but those of us with abundance cannot claim a love for God when we turn our backs on those needs.  Obviously I should share my material possessions freely, but I can also share hope, joy, and inspiration to those around me. But it is hard for one suffering to hear words of hope when they are cold or hungry.  The physical needs must be met. 

            I own ‘the kinds of things necessary to make it in this world’.  How well am I sharing?  Can I truly claim God-love in my heart?

God of compassion…live in my heart that I might freely share my abundance. Amen. 

5.18.16  Isaiah 10:1-2 MSG

Doom to you who legislate evil,   who make laws that make victims—

Laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity….

     

       This is a powerful piece of scripture.  Woe to those who legislate evil or mandate wickedness or legalize oppression, denying justice to the very ones who need it most!  You can read through the varying translations here and none of them mince words – this is WRONG!  But wait….I’m not a law-maker or in politics, so I can’t be guilty.  Wrong again.  Everytime I support or vote for someone who legislates for the rich and ignores the poor, I am guilty.  Our congressmen are doubly guilty when they enact laws that benefit ONLY themselves and neglect

the oppressed.  What is my responsibility in this?  How can I stand up in my community and advocate for the rights of all? 

            With that said, I just googled our county’s election results.  To be informed is a start in a process of advocacy!

God of justice…. May I add my voice and action to fight injustice for those who are denied. 

5.19.16  1 Thessalonians 1:6 VOICE

You took to heart the word we taught with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, even in the face of trouble.

        ‘Joy….in the face of trouble’.  When things go bad, our attitude can be everything.  If we dwell on the bad, the ‘what ifs’ or such, we only make ourselves miserable and fail to see how God can turn the situation to good in some way.  If we attempt to thank God in ALL things and face each circumstance with joy, the situation may not change, but WE will have changed. 

            Can we do it alone?  No!  The verse says ‘Joy inspired by the Holy Spirit’! We must carry God with us in order to see life with constant joy!  SPIRIT-JOY! 

God of miracles…..may I approach each day with the joy of the Spirit, even when life gets messy. 

5.20.16  Philippians 1:3 MSG

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.

            Are there people in my life who give me cause to THANK GOD! every time I think of them?  People who give me reason to immediately utter a prayer of gratitude, or intercession?  Are there names that trigger prayers? 

            Yes, there are!  Names that produce instant thanks, but more often names that trigger prayers for healing.  Sometimes one name can create a chain effect of prayers, perhaps all people with the same name, but different circumstances.  Often I just put the name down in plural on my prayers.  God knows and I know who I am talking about! 

     

       I loved the phrase from The Message ‘trigger to prayer’.  What is our trigger?  Do we recognize and acknowledge it?  Do we pull the trigger often enough?  Might a certain flower trigger a prayer for earth-care?  If we have many common triggers, unceasing prayer will fill our lives.
           We encounter many other triggers in our lives.  The smell of chocolate may trigger overeating.  Loneliness and depression can trigger substance abuse.  We might have triggers to anger.  What if we could change some of these triggers into moments of prayer instead?

God of presence… May I pull the trigger to prayer more often, more easily.   

5.21.16  Psalm 79:9 VOICE

Remembering the yellow iris and the lilies given to me! 

Help us, O God who saves us,
    to the honor and glory of Your name.
Pull us up, deliver us, and forgive our sins,
    for Your name’s sake.

            We need to give credit where credit is due when difficult times turn out well:  God.  We ask God for help so often, but rarely do we stop and  thank God when all turns out in ways we couldn’t imagine!  I tried to tell people constantly that God was in charge of our trip home – otherwise why would storms have split around us, hail never materialized?  People need to know that God is indeed our savior, God is watching over us, God will deliver us!  To the honor and glory of God’s name! 

Saving God… May I never fail to acknowledge your name in gratitude and thanks.  

5.22.16  Luke 19:10 GNT

The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

       

     Today is Luke’s last Sunday as an employee of Baker First Presbyterian Church.  It formally ends a three year relationship as Youth Director, additional years as a summer youth leader, and 29 years as a child of this church, baptized and confirmed here.  Luke has had a profound impact of the youth under his care, a relationship begun when many of these ‘kids’ were toddlers.  But my greatest admiration of my son comes in his ability to minister to the ‘lost’ – not just to the kids of church leaders, but to those whose parents never enter the doors of the church, sometimes to kids who have no church affiliation, but simply need a strong male role model.  It has been quite a ride to witness, as senior members and toddlers alike have bonded in a unified program.  He is leaving big shoes to fill, but leaving a church ready to continue seeking the lost and prepared to offer different shoes to his successor. 

God of the least…. May we all seek the lost with compassion and love. 

5.23.16  Acts 28:31 MSG

He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open.

      

      An open door indicates an open mind, an open view of the world, an open diversity of spirit.   Open doors set us up for new beginnings and new opportunities.  This verse from Acts speaks of Paul’s willingness and desire to talk with anyone and everyone about Christ – at any time and anywhere.  Do we keep our door open in such a manner?  How open is the door to our love? 

Ever available God… may I keep an open door to love. Amen. 

5.24.16  Isaiah 42:3-4 Varied

He will bring lasting justice to all…he will not give up until things are set right.

            Can we do any less?  Will we give up the fight for justice because the job seems too big, the challenge too overwhelming?  Will we just retreat to our comfortable homes and our full plates of food and turn our back to those who struggle?  Isaiah writes of the one to bring lasting justice….Isaiah writes not only of Jesus, but the Jesus-Within-Us.  The challenge is for us  - the hands and feet of God here on earth – to not give up.  To set things right.  Every day in some way. 

God of justice…. Give us the strength to keep up your work.  Give us the stamina to set things right.  Amen. 

5.25.16  Proverbs 17:16 GNT

It does a fool no good to spend money on an education, because he has no common sense.

            “For a smart person, you sure can be dumb sometimes.”  I don’t know how many times I heard my father express this thought.  Sometimes he was referring to his brilliant scientific brother, other times he might have been speaking about us, his children!  But all the intelligence, learning, education or brainpower in the world can’t compensate for the inability to apply that intellect to our surroundings and experiences. 

            Perhaps the analogy could be made in terms of Bible Wisdom and Bible Application.  Knowing the Word verse by verse doesn’t necessarily mean living the Word day to day.  Being able to quote chapter and verse is useless when one cannot apply that knowledge to fulfill said chapter and verse in service or compassion or love. 

            Does that mean education is worthless?  No!  It means common sense, or the  ability to transfer brain-power to muscle-power , is priceless! 

God grant me the common sense to put my knowledge to work in your name.  

5.26.16  Isaiah 25:1 MSG

God, you are my God.    I celebrate you. I praise you.  You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure.

            ‘Well thought out plans’.  Makes me think of blueprints and building.  And God IS building -  building a better world, building relationships of love and compassion.   Does it sometimes seem like it will take a God-miracle for this to happen in today’s world?  Yes.  But God can work those kinds of miracles if each and every one of us starts doing our part.  We must also read the blueprints and plans and join in the building.  ‘Solid and sure’ – that’s the kind of building God has in mind.  We CAN do it! 

Builder God….help us read the blue-prints to a better world centered on love. Amen. 

5.27.16  Acts 20:24 GNT

But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do, which is to declare the Good News about the grace of God.

            I am backing up to last Monday and our visit to the iris gardens north of Salem for my prayers.  What spectacular beauty declaring a tiny piece of God’s grace. 

5.28.16  Exodus 28:29 GNT

When Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will wear this breastpiece engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, so that I, the Lord, will always remember my people.

            I walked my prayers today on the Bandon beach.  Denny Dyke, the labyrinth maker, was at work with his crew and a GIANT interlocking circle in the sand.  I got to help ‘groom’ the labyrinth before walking.  Lots of people, but I was still able to take my pace and reflect.  Dyke had a Memorial Day ‘alcove’ built in.  Pretty nice.  Thank you, God.

            I found this scripture interesting for a Memorial Day weekend passage.  We remember our fallen as their names are inscribed on plaques and statues, stones and pillars.  It is important to take time to remember the sacrifices made by others for our sake. 

5.31.16  Hebrews 13:7 VOICE

Listen to your leaders, who have spoken God’s word to you. Notice the fruits of their lives and mirror their faith.

            Mirrors.  Reflect.  Mirror the faith of our spiritual leaders, but especially mirror Christ.  He came to show us the way, face to face.  We have the Holy Spirit to continually be putting that mirror in front of us and asking, ‘How are we measuring up?’ 

            A busy week.  We drove home yesterday from Bandon and have four days to prepare to leave again.  Four days of church responsibilities, volunteer activities, in addition to packing up the trailer.  I will need to keep my mirror handy and be sure I am reflecting the image I need to reflect. 

            I am trying to learn to draw the Spirit Circles.  There is a pattern to this that I want to figure out.  
God of my unending path....may I look to mirror Christ in all I do and say.  Amen.