GO!

INVOCATION.... d365.org  (Timothy Peoples)
It's always nice to go to a place where you feel comfortable and at home. But it's another thing to leave a sense of well-being and venture into the unknown.  Jesus calls us to be with him, but his call is also to go, to move into areas that are unfamiliar and even foreboding.  Still, it is good to remember that Jesus' promise is to be with us no matter where we roam. That promise holds for you now. 

SATURDAY, July 13, 2013 "Come. Go. Return."
Luke 10:17-20 (MSG)

The seventy came back triumphant. “Master, even the demons danced to your tune!”    Jesus said, “.... See what I’ve given you? .... No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”

    I have yet to meet someone who, having served on a mission trip of some sort, hasn't returned changed.  Any time you venture forth, putting your safety and trust in God hands, and do some sort of work that puts others above self, you are CHANGED!  Often workers will declare, 'I received more from the experience than I gave.'  Once we allow ourselves to accept God's call to "Go", we can't help but realize that transformation. We return able to better see the world through God's eyes.  Our priorities shift beyond our own world. This is  what turns some seniors into dedicated volunteers, or inflicted with the 'Habititus' virus as we warmly accuse some RV Care-a-Vanners.  

     The seventy returned from their "mission trip" rejoicing and filled with the Spirit.  Being sent demands trust in the Sender, but oh....the glorious rewards each step of the journey!  Come to Christ. Go forth. Return transformed.  

BENEDICTION.... d365.org  (Timothy Peoples)

Go.

Go where you are needed.

Go where you will find God –
In the eyes and
In the faces
Of God's beloved ones.

This is where you are being sent.

This is where you will find your work and,
Eventually,

Where you will find yourself again at home.    

FRIDAY, July 12, 2013 "Contingency Math"
Luke 10:16 (MSG)
“The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.”
     I have a dear friend who is currently awaiting the sale of her house.  The sale is contingent upon another, which is contingent upon yet another sale.  One thing leads to another!  I have this same sense with this Luke scripture.  Jesus is doing some 'contingency mathematics' here:  I = Christ, Christ = God, therefore..... This isn't an equation to swell our heads into thinking we are all God, but rather to remind us that our actions reflect upon God.  Those who listen to us and recognize Christ in our words and deeds, will come to know God better through us.  But our actions (hypocrisy?) can also lead others to reject God. 
     The acceptance or rejection of God by those we encounter is contingent upon our actions, our message.  Do others see Christ in us?  Do they then see God as well?  



THURSDAY, July 11, 2013  “Good News!”

Luke 10:8-10 (MSG)

“When you enter a town and are received, eat what they set before you; heal anyone who is sick, and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom is right on your doorstep!’  When you enter a town and are not received, go out in the street and say, ‘The only thing we got from you is the dirt on our feet, and we’re giving it back…”

     I have mixed feelings on these verses.  On the one hand, I understand the intent: don’t waste time on infertile soil.  Reminds me of the Parable of the Sower and seeds planted in poor soil that do not grow.  But….haven’t we all, on occasion, planted unknown seeds among what appeared to be hostile conditions, only to return later and find young plants growing?  Teachers plant many seeds among student soil, never knowing what will grow.  Often we find later success among the most unlikely seeds!

     But….hear the GOOD NEWS, planters!  God’s Kingdom is so close we can touch it!  Reach out!  Accept it!  Grow in God!

WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2013  “PEACE!”

Luke 10:5-6 (MSG)

“When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace!’  If your greeting is received, then it’s a good place to stay.  But if it’s not received, take it back and get out.  Don’t impose yourself.”

PEACE!

        A word of greeting;

        An invitation to receive God’s blessing;

        An extension of God’s love.

ACCEPTANCE…

        The soil is fertile;

        Ears are ready to hear;

        Hearts are open to receive news of God’s Kingdom.

REJECTION…

        Don’t impose.

        The hour is not right;

        The effort will be fruitless;

        Another time perhaps.

        Move on.

PEACE!

        Are we daily offering the message?

        Are we seeking ripe opportunities?

PEACE of CHRIST BE WITH YOU! 

TUESDAY, July 9, 2013 "Greetings"
Luke 10:3-4 (MSG)

 “On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack.  Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage.  Don’t loiter and make small talk with everyone you meet along the way."

     This will be an interesting week as the Lectionary text is the Missional text  our group has  reflected upon and discussed at every meeting since we began!  There is so much packed into this text! 
     Jesus is giving instructions to the seventy he is sending out: very specific, detailed instructions that will enable them to navigate their way through a sometimes hostile world and stay focused on their appointed job.  I want to comment today on verse four, "Don't loiter and make small talk..."  The Good News Translation states, "Don't stop to greet anyone on the road" and the Common English Bible simply, "Don't greet anyone...."  Wow - it seems a bit unfriendly!  Don't loiter, don't even stop, and finally no greeting at all!  Can you even nod and say 'Morning'?
     In doing a little research  I read that the common greeting among Biblical travelers was quite extensive - a lengthy exchange of pleasantries and inquiries about travels, eg. SMALL TALK!   This greeting could consume considerable time if repeated over and over.  Jesus isn't telling us to ignore those we encounter, but don't get distracted from the job at hand!  
    Do we allow inconsequential tasks to distract us from our Christ commission?   Do we spend our time exchanging greetings with fellow lambs because that is easier than walking among the wolves?   What are my distractions?  How can I keep my focus? 

Note:  Taking off for a 30th Anniversary celebration.  No internet.  Postings to resume on Friday!  And just to show off the finished wall.....  God's glory now shines from our back deck!  Thanks be to God for the ability to bring his beauty home. 

MONDAY, July 8, 2013  "Small Steps"
Luke 10:1-2 (MSG)

Later the Master selected seventy and sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he intended to go. He gave them this charge:   “What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands.

     You can't get the job unless you fill in the application. You can't win the trip to Tahiti unless you enter the contest.  You can't be sent by God unless you have first come to God.  It is the pre-requisite that narrows the field of choice.  Back to the "Come to Go!" notion! 
     Sometimes the task of harvesting the world seems overwhelming.  Too many problems, too many people, so few to do the work.  What is the solution when faced with a daunting task?  Break it down.  Make a plan of doable goals.  Start small.  Ask for help.  ("On your knees, ask God...") 
     I recently started a big project on our back deck: a mural of the Elkhorn Mountains.  It took me awhile to get started because it seemed a bit overwhelming.  But I took small steps of posterizing the photograph, marking it with grid lines, laying out a grid on the wall, drawing and then gathering my paints. Color by color...  I haven't finished yet, but each tiny step is reaping a rewarding harvest!  

Part way finished....

     I've filled in the application to do God's work.  The job is mine.  How will I start TODAY?  With prayer.  And then....Perhaps next door?  Down the street?  Small steps as I allow the God of the Harvest to nurture and ripen the field. 






SUNDAY, July 7, 2013  "Come to Go"
Psalm 66: 1-5 (CEB)

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!
     Sing praises to the glory of God’s name!
        Make glorious his praise!
 Say to God:
“How awesome are your works!
   
 All the earth worships you,
    sings praises to you,
        sings praises to your name!” 

Come and see God’s deeds;

    his works for human beings are awesome...

COME...
     to praise, rejoice, glorify, honor, worship, and celebrate. 
     to gather strength and identity as community. 
     to remember daily God-moments.
     to fellowship with friends in the family of God.
     where it is comfortable, nurturing, and safe.
     to feed hungers both spiritual and physical. 
     to the place you can call home.  

But, ultimately,  
COME in order to GO. 

GO.....
     into the unknown and unfamiliar. 
     into the neighborhoods of fear and despair. 
     into a world that turns brother against brother.
     to bring bread to the hungry,
     provide shelter and comfort to the homeless.
     visit the sick and imprisoned. 
     with the love of God bursting forth, unconstrained.
     assured of God's presence. 

COME...to GO. 
It is our call as God's disciples. 
It is our call to life.  

FOLLOWING

INVOCATION.... d365.org  (Jenny Clamon)
   "We are all called to be followers of Christ. Being a follower brings wonder and insight, comfort and peace, but it also brings challenges and encourages us to see the world in new and startling ways.

   Following is a daily decision to join our risen Lord on the path to which we are invited. It is a decision to open ourselves to both the wonder and the challenge.

Now is the time to decide. A new, startling view of the world awaits."

SATURDAY, July 6, 2013  "Hold Hands"

Original Psalm 16 Scribble from
Make a Joyful Scribble 
Unto the Lord

Psalm 16:7-8,11 (MSG)

The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go....

Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way.

    All week we've read how hard it is to truly follow.  The way is sometimes confusing and choices can be difficult.  We are often met with hostility or even persecution.  But Psalm 16 reminds us that it is all worth it!  To follow Christ is to be constantly recharged with the Spirit of God. 

 When hiking, if our guide gets too far ahead,  it is often much more difficult to follow.  The path becomes confusing and the rough places appear much more intimidating. If we follow close behind our leader, the way is much easier to navigate. Daily contact with God-Christ through constant prayer, devotion time, and service is like holding hands with God all the way! We can't get lost if we are holding on!  This reminds me of the 'power squeezes' Rick used to give toddler Luke on the trail.  They would hike hand-in-hand and when Luke needed energy, Rick would squeeze his hand for power!  If Luke hadn't been close and in touch, he couldn't have been recharged.  

     Hold hands with God. Stay close and in touch.   Get a power boost. Don't let go.  And FOLLOW, filled with expectant joy and love of the Spirit! 

“‎Those who aren't following Jesus aren't his followers. It's that simple. Followers follow, and those who don't follow aren't followers. To follow Jesus means to follow Jesus into a society where justice rules, where love shapes everything. To follow Jesus means to take up his dream and work for it.” 
― Scot McKnight, One Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow

BENEDICTION.... d365.org  (Jenny Clamon)

Following means commitment to a way that is sometime clear,
And sometimes vague.
There is no assurance that you will always know certainty,
But you will surely know this:

The One you follow will always be with you,
Just ahead of you, offering in every moment,
In darkness and in light,
The invitation.

FRIDAY, July 5, 2013  "CHRIST-Clothing"

Galatians 3:26-29 (GNT)

It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself.   So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.   If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

     When we attend a Baker High School football game, we pull on our Bulldog sweatshirts and join hundreds of others clan in the purple and gold to cheer on our team.  The crowd is filled with individuals: ranchers and businessmen, men and women, toddlers and retired, affluent and struggling.  Yet we are bonded together in unity as follower-fans of our Bulldog community.  We mark ourselves as such with our attire. We feel a bond simply through our clothing. 

      When, through faith, we clothe ourselves in Christ, we are all God's children together, called to the single purpose of love for one another and God.  To follow Christ means to pull on our Christ-clothes and celebrate the unity we share through the various strengths we bring in our differences.  But our clothing can't be of the FAN nature - to pull on and off as we feel like it.  To be a FOLLOWER means to garb ourselves in Christ permanently AND to experience the common unity that comes with seeing our brothers and sisters dressed the same.    

     What am I wearing today?  Are my Christ-clothes hanging in the closet, clean and waiting for the 'next game'?  Or are they ragged and dirty from constant wear? Does the condition of my clothing mark me as FAN or FOLLOWER?

THURSDAY, July 4, 2013  "Now, No Excuse!"

Luke 9:61-62 (GNT)

 Someone else said, “I will follow you, sir; but first let me go and say good-bye to my family.”   Jesus said to him, “Anyone who starts to plow and then keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God.”

    Again, Jesus reprimands one who seeks to follow, yet shares a prior responsibility.  Again, at first glance, it seems harsh.  Yet in this next verse, Jesus reiterates the urgency to move forward.  Peterson, in The Message, writes verse 62, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."  We can't wait getting started!  It is so easy to make excuses: first I need to do this.....I'll get to church once such and such is over, etc. The Kingdom of God must be FIRST priority!

     Family is important.  No doubt about that.  It is the heart of where we learn how to be people of God.  But Jesus has expanded that family to one much larger: the church family, the Christian family, brothers and sisters in God we have yet to meet.  It is somewhat like the love that keeps growing every time a new sibling is born.  A mother doesn't divide her love smaller, rather it multiplies to include another. 
     In Idleman's book Not a Fan, the idea is also seen.  A fan is one who is easily distracted, who attends the 'game' only when the weather is nice and there isn't something more important to do.  A follower is always present, through thick and thin, no matter what.   

     Celebrate the ever widening family of God and continue to follow and proclaim the Kingdom!  Be a follower, not a fan!  Make no excuse!  

WEDNESDAY, July 3 2013  "First Things First"

Luke 9:59-60 (MSG)

He said, “Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father’s funeral.”  Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!”

     Wow!  At first, Jesus' words seem harsh and cold.  Where is the compassion?  But Jesus is feeling the urgency of the coming days: an end to his teaching,  the crucifixion and resurrection.  He knows the Kingdom is at hand and the message important.  Choose life.  Choose to act upon that
which will transform. Sometime we can spend half a lifetime on 'burying the dead', on dwelling in the past rather than seeking a new future.  To follow Christ is to put 'first things first' - Christ and the message of Good News.  This kind of following is a daily decision as we make choices about our actions.  May we choose wisely.

TUESDAY, July 2, 2013  "Roughing It"

Luke 9:57-58  (MSG)

On the road someone asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.   Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”

     E. Peterson gets to the heart of this well-known line from scripture.  Verse 58 more traditionally reads, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lie down and rest." (GNT)  This isn't going to be an EASY follow!  There will be very human discomforts along the way.  No five-star motels, often no motel at all.  Remember, the Samaritan town had just made them feel very unwelcome.  To follow Jesus means to accept the conditions as they come.  No pick and choosing when and if.  Commit.  

      This isn't easy.  We mess up every day in trying NOT to 'rough it'.  While Christ lived a very human life while here on earth, we sometimes think following Christ will excuse us from the same. Our assurance?  God is with us; Jesus continues to walk with us, regardless of the quality of accommodations! 

     Pastor Kyle Idleman's book Not a Fan describes the difference between following Christ and just being a fan of Christ.  In the following, belief is put into action.  When a fan, we believe, but don't want that belief to 'interfere' with our life.  Fans don't like to 'rough it'.  

     More comments and notes to come later from Idelman's Not a Fan book.  Interesting read.  

     

MONDAY, July 1, 2013  "Unwelcome"

Luke 9:51-56 (MSG)

When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”   Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.

Following Christ does not always mean

The path is clear

Or the welcome 

Filled with hospitality. 

There are roadblocks, 

Moments of indecision,

Hostility or persecution. 

Following means courage:

To turn the other cheek;

To take the 'high road' and

Walk away. 

Following means maintaining focus

On the ultimate goal,

On the final destination.

Follow, with determination and dedication...

And faith in the one we follow.  

SUNDAY, June 30, 2013  "Look at God"

Psalm 77:11-14 (MSG)

Once again I’ll go over what God has done,
    lay out on the table the ancient wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,
    and give a long, loving look at your acts.

 O God! Your way is holy!
    No god is great like God!

     It is a God-moment in itself that today's d365.org devotion is on 'God Moments".  D365.org author Jenny Clamon titles them "Look at God" moments, those experiences that we usually credit to luck or coincidence, moments of intense natural wonder, moments when God seems so close we can touch hands with the Almighty.  I wrote just a few days ago of chronicling my God-Moments this month, and here it is...practically the start of that new month.  Good timing, God.  

     It is far easier to follow a leader when we can see him or her at the front of the line.  Our God is there, marking our way God-Moment by God-Moment.   Each time we have a Look-at-God moment, we are reminded of who is in control, we see the quality of our leader.  Following becomes second nature. Are we paying attention?  Most of the time, God-Moments are NOT pillars of fire or sea- parting waters.  They are quiet, subtle changes in our life that blaze our trail.  LOOK AT GOD!  Look back and remember what God has done.  Look forward for seek the amazing hike God is blazing ahead of us!  Look at God at work!!  Follow!

SERMON NOTES:  2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14   Rev. Katy, Baker City  TRANSITIONS

• It is easy to think we are the only ones left to do the work of the Lord. 
• It's hard to pass the torch; to loosen our control. 
• Perhaps God takes Elijah up in chariot of fire to get him out of the way for Elisha. 
• Sometimes we have to give up control to the Spirit in our midst. 

   

UNSHACKLED AND FREE!

INVOCATION....  d365.org  (James Blay)
As we journey through life, we are often shackled by metaphorical chains that hold us back, tie us down, or slow our progress.

However, we find in God’s abundant love and grace the hope that can free us.

So raise your hands high, liberated to receive the many gifts God has for you.

SATURDAY, June 29, 2013   "Free...to Love"

Galatians 5:13 (Message)

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.  

     We are made to live in community. The condition of one member becomes the condition of all.  Therefore, the freedom of one is contingent on the freedom of all.  To live a fulfilling,  Spirit-led life, then, involves reaching out to bring the rest of the community to that same point.  It cannot, ever, turn solely inward to personal fulfillment to the neglect of others.  We are set free for one purpose: to love one another as God loves us.  We are free...to LOVE.   

To hold God's love for selfish gain is to imprison oneself from the freedom such love can bring; to radiate God's love outward is to watch freedom grow with abundance.    

BENEDICTION.... 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 

(2 Corinthians 3:17  CEB) 

FRIDAY, June 28, 2013  "Go. Tell."

Luke 8:38-39 (Good News)

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged Jesus, “Let me go with you.”   But Jesus sent him away, saying,  “Go back home and tell what God has done for you.”   The man went through the town, telling what Jesus had done for him.

You are free! 

Filled with joy and wonder. 

Filled with excitement. 

Now....Go.  Tell. 

Perhaps the REAL freedom comes 

When we release the good news to others. 

Have we been given 

Opportunities to unshackle other chains,

And release others as we have been freed. 

We can't stay in the safety of our freedom,

But we must take it beyond secure lines

Into the prisons of our community and world. 

In so doing, 

Our true liberation comes:

To live in and with God.

Go.  Tell.  Proclaim freedom.

     "Where have you seen God this week?"  It is the opening question of our weekly lectionary Bible study.  It is our opportunity to reflect on how God has been at work in our daily happenings and to articulate our good news with others. I am challenging myself to DAILY reflect and WRITE DOWN my 'God-Moments' in July.  I will be looking within my personal life, community, country and world.   Our group isn't meeting again until the end of next month - how long will my list be?  

Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare The truth thou hast, that all may share; Be bold, proclaim it everywhere: They only live who dare. (Voltaire)

THURSDAY, June 27, 2013 "Fear"

Luke 8:34-37 (Message)

Those tending the pigs, scared to death, bolted and told their story in town and country. People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had been sent, sitting there at Jesus’ feet, wearing decent clothes and making sense. It was a holy moment, and for a short time they were more reverent than curious. Then those who had seen it happen told how the demoniac had been saved.

Later, a great many people from the Gerasene countryside got together and asked Jesus to leave—too much change, too fast, and they were scared. So Jesus got back in the boat and set off.

Fear. 

Fear of change. 

Fear of difference. 

Fear of incomprehensible power.

Fear of the unknown and unseen.  

Fear chains us with invisible shackles. 

Fear imprisons us in bonds of intolerance. 

Fear is part of our humanity. 

And yet...

There is God. 

God, who conquers fear. 

God, who walks with us in the dark moments 

And holds our hand while we face the unknown

   and learn to celebrate our differences. 

God, who allows us to leave our fears behind

     in the musty damp cell of our soul,

And escape into God-Light, God-Love, and God-freedom. 

Let go of fear.

Let God release the chains,

And experience life in the fullness of God's glory. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;  I will fear no one.                            
The Lord protects me from all danger;  I will never be afraid. 

(Psalm 27:1 GNT)

WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2013  "Pigs" 

Luke 8:32-33  (The Message)

A large herd of pigs was browsing and rooting on a nearby hill. The demons begged Jesus to order them into the pigs. He gave the order. It was even worse for the pigs than for the man. Crazed, they stampeded over a cliff into the lake and drowned.

     The possessed man is a Gentile, a 'foreigner' in Jewish eyes. In his isolated, primitive life among the caves,  how did he know about Jesus?  He acknowledges him as the Son of God in his greeting!  He is afraid; he knows Jesus has power!    

     Jesus responds with compassion for all.  The demons aren't destroyed outright - Jesus instead honors their request and sends them into a herd of nearby pigs.  (Not good for the pigs, but they were considered 'unclean' in Jewish culture anyway.)  The man is healed, made whole again.

      God doesn't destroy those we consider our enemies.  We are all His children!   What God destroys are the walls of intolerance and prejudice we create and allow to hold us captive: The walls that make us see one another as enemies.   These are the demons to be cast aside to free us to full life. 

TUESDAY, June 25, 2013     "Demons"

Luke 8:27-31  (Good News Translation)

As Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a man from the town who had demons in him. For a long time this man had gone without clothes and would not stay at home, but spent his time in the burial caves.  When he saw Jesus, he gave a loud cry, threw himself down at his feet, and shouted, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? I beg you, don't punish me!”  He said this because Jesus had ordered the evil spirit to go out of him. Many times it had seized him, and even though he was kept a prisoner, his hands and feet tied with chains, he would break the chains and be driven by the demon out into the desert.

 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is ‘Mob,’” he answered—because many demons had gone into him.  

     Demons.  The dictionary defines them as 1. An evil supernatural being or devil; or 2. A persistently tormenting person, force, or passion.  Demons can be disease, circumstance or consequences of the past.  Demons imprison us and prevent us from reaching our God-given potential.  Perhaps in this Biblical story the man was an epileptic in need of healing; a seizure would be misunderstood by those in Biblical times. 

     What are the demons in our lives?  What are the forces holding us captive to our fears and holding us back from God?   Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, 

  "Not necessity, not desire - no, the love of power is the demon of men. Let them have everything - health, food, a place to live, entertainment - they are and remain unhappy and low-spirited: for the demon waits and waits and will be satisfied."
 What holds us captive?  It's a power struggle.  But God has the ultimate power to free.  If we offer our demand for power to God, we allow God to free us.   Through God, and in God, may we find release from the demons we hold within.  

MONDAY, June 24, 2013   "Prisons"

Isaiah 42:3  (The Message)

He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt
    and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
    but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right.

God did not come to earth in human form to punish or condemn.  We are broken people, enslaved to our human nature.  Our compassionate, loving God understands.  He seeks not to intensify the brokenness, but to heal and release the chains of our bondage.  Rejoice in a God of justice who sets us free from the prisons of our own making!  

(Today is fairly short and sweet.  Devotional time taken while waiting in the Cell Phone area of Portland airport, watching the planes touch down right over my head.   Managed to write and draw in the time I waited for Mom Doris' plane to arrive.  Rest of day spent driving from Bandon to Baker City via Portland! Long day in the car!)

SUNDAY, June 23, 2013   "God-Water" 

Psalm 42:1, 5 (The Message)

A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek;
I want to drink God,  deep draughts of God.
I’m thirsty for God-alive.

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
    Why are you crying the blues?

Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
    He’s my God.

Thirst.  Deep thirst.  Visions of desert scenes, dry bones, and a distant mirage as the lone figure crawls across the sandy terrain in search of water.  We've all seen the cartoons.  And, I venture to guess, at some point, we have all come to that state of a deep, longing thirst AND the overwhelming release that comes with the first swallow of cool water. Our body is, on average, 60% water.  Water is LIFE.  We need it.  We come to crave it.  

God is the water of life as well.  God is a cool drink of hope.  God is the refreshing promise of new life and the release from old restraints.   Crave the hope of God. Drink deeply of God.  Often. 

Nothing is better for our health than 8 glasses of God-water....daily!   

(I opted to redraw my original Psalm 42 scribble, but the more I wrote this morning, another design came into my pencil.  So....two scribbles for today!)