By Our Life
1 Kings 17:1-18:46
"'Now I know you are really a man from God,' the woman said to Elijah. 'I know that the Lord truly speaks through you.'" (1 Kings 17:22-24)
"I have followed the Lord since I was a boy. Haven't you been told what I did? When Jezebel was killing all the prophets, I hid a hundred of them, fifty in one cave and fifty in another. I brought them food and water." (1 Kings 18:13)
Now, I'm not suggesting that we're all going to bring a widow's son back to life or hide 100 prophets from peril (or in our day in age maybe missionaries, pastors, church members). But recently, I wish I were superman, flying high to stop terrible disasters like the AirFrance in the middle of the ocean or the 12-year-old raped in the alleyway or the person who took a gun onto the plane from Philly to AZ. (In fact, just yesterday my parents and I joked about heading to AZ for the day, so that one hit me particularly too close to home.) In the face of such problems, I feel so powerless... and perhaps I need to feel that powerlessness, to again truly embrace the fact that I am not in control, to give that control over to my Heavenly Father.
While in my daily life I probably won't be able to stop such horrors, I am confronted with choices right here where I am- someone who needs a place to stay, a cold cup of water, just someone to listen and really care. Lord, I pray that my life everday show that I am living it for You. Open me up to those opportunities to be Your light in the world. Let my life be a testimony to You.
By Our Praise
Psalm 69:29-36
"I will praise God in a song and will honor him by giving thanks. That will please the Lord more than offering him cattle, more than sacrificing a bull with horns and hoofs." (Psalm 69:30-31)
I am thanking and praising God for this time here with my family, a wonderful time at the older adult day at Camp Swatara yesterday, getting to talk to my brother, visiting with my friends and family while home, celebrating with Em and Adam, and so many other things. But I should never stop praising You, Lord. Every minute of every day I have so much to be thankful for... words of praise for You should be on my lips always. Let my praise be a testimony to You.
By Our Love
John 13:21-38
"I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other." (John 13:34-35)
I was also blessed this morning when I got the chance to visit with Mr. (Leo) and Mrs. (Pat) Scheuermann. I have been blessed by them since they came into my life so many years ago when I started working summers at Dot's Bakery. It must be at least 12 years now. I've watched their family grow, and I was trained by Mrs. Scheuermann herself to work in the front of the bakery, on July 4th nonetheless. I saw their family work together when the charming couple along with three of their kids (Jane, Marty, and Tom) were in the bakery in the morning.
The very first thing I noticed about Mr. and Mrs. Scheuermann was the beautiful love they had for each other and for their entire family, which I suppose is quite necessary with six kids. While I know it must have many challenges, they make it look so easy. And while kids and grandkids alone might seem to reach the love limit, it's not so for the Scheuermann's. Somehow their love seems to expand to all those they meet. There was something different about this incredible all-encompassing love that I saw in them... and I knew that they were followers of Jesus by the way they love 'each other' and by the way they love everyone. Lord, I'm so thankful for the blessing of this family in my life, and I pray that You teach me to love in this way. Let my love be a testimony to You.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Example
Imitating Evil
1 King 15:1-16:34
"Jeroboam had led the people of Israel to sin, and Nadab sinned in the same way as his father Jeroboam." (1 Kings 15:26)
"[Baasha] did the same evil deeds that Jeroboam's family had done before him." (1 Kings 16:7)
"Jeroboam had led the people of Israel to sin, and Zimri sinned in the same way as Jeroboam." (1 Kings 16:19)
"...and Omri sinned in the same way as Jeroboam." (1 King 16:26)
"[Ahab] sinned in the same way as Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he did even worse things. (1 Kings 16:31)
"Sinned in the same way as Jeroboam"- repeated over and over. Yikes! That's not how I'd like to be remembered through the generations, as the one who started the succession of sinning kings. And yet, we have to be so careful what and who we surround ourselves with for this very reason. The people, words, examples in our environment have a profound effect on who we are. Luckily, I was able to witness to 2 beautiful examples from the Church of the Brethren today as we heard about the 'seagoing cowboys'- men 16-60 who volunteered to take heifers and other livestock over to Europe on boats starting in 1944, as a war response effort. The second was a lovely couple Becky and Aaron Johnston who spent 2 years in accompaniment of a community in Guatemala, living and learning with the people on the coffee plantation as well as building stoves and starting a rabbit project. BVSers and volunteers like these who helped in Disaster Relief and Response efforts as well as servant evangelism and feeding the homeless on the weekends were my examples growing up. No Jeroboams in my life. Lord, thank You for giving me wonderful examples of Your way... so that I may follow them and not the sinful ways of the world.
Imitating Good
Proverbs 17:25-26
"Foolish children make their fathers sad and cause their mother great sorrow." (Proverbs 17:26)
Today I am touched to think of the very not foolish children who make their fathers and mothers so very pleased. One example that I recently saw was Florence List who kindly takes care of her mother with such love, being by her side. Whenever I see the two of them I am touched. And I think of my own parents who lovingly cared for their parents as they progressed in their years. Though it wasn't easy on either of them (with a young family at the time), they lovingly opened their home to their parents and cared for them as their parents had cared for them so many years ago. This example of selfless love, this caring when someone can't quite return it sometimes even with a smile, this should be the way that I should love everyone.
Imitating Jesus
John 13:1-20
"I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15)
When Jesus washes his disciples feet, this act of service is extremely important to the Brethren. In fact, this was a part of our worship at NYAC just the other weekend. Jesus is our example. We need to live our lives as he did, do what he did. And while pouring water on the feet of others isn't literally what is meant, the practice is symbolic. You kneel before your brother or sister in Christ, taking their feet in their hands (dirty, smelling, runner's feet) it doesn't matter. You want to serve them, making yourself literally below them. But then you both rise and share a holy kiss and say "God bless you, my sister/brother." Sometimes washing someone's feet is cleaning up after a cow and facing seasickness on a long journey; sometimes it is listening to tortillas around a new stove; sometimes it is exchanging smiles and food at a homeless shelter. But, Jesus, I want to do as You have done for me. I want to 'wash the feet' of all those who walk down my path. I pray that You provide opportunities to follow Your example and 'wash the feet' of my brothers and sisters, always rising to tell them, "God bless you, my sister/brother."
1 King 15:1-16:34
"Jeroboam had led the people of Israel to sin, and Nadab sinned in the same way as his father Jeroboam." (1 Kings 15:26)
"[Baasha] did the same evil deeds that Jeroboam's family had done before him." (1 Kings 16:7)
"Jeroboam had led the people of Israel to sin, and Zimri sinned in the same way as Jeroboam." (1 Kings 16:19)
"...and Omri sinned in the same way as Jeroboam." (1 King 16:26)
"[Ahab] sinned in the same way as Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he did even worse things. (1 Kings 16:31)
"Sinned in the same way as Jeroboam"- repeated over and over. Yikes! That's not how I'd like to be remembered through the generations, as the one who started the succession of sinning kings. And yet, we have to be so careful what and who we surround ourselves with for this very reason. The people, words, examples in our environment have a profound effect on who we are. Luckily, I was able to witness to 2 beautiful examples from the Church of the Brethren today as we heard about the 'seagoing cowboys'- men 16-60 who volunteered to take heifers and other livestock over to Europe on boats starting in 1944, as a war response effort. The second was a lovely couple Becky and Aaron Johnston who spent 2 years in accompaniment of a community in Guatemala, living and learning with the people on the coffee plantation as well as building stoves and starting a rabbit project. BVSers and volunteers like these who helped in Disaster Relief and Response efforts as well as servant evangelism and feeding the homeless on the weekends were my examples growing up. No Jeroboams in my life. Lord, thank You for giving me wonderful examples of Your way... so that I may follow them and not the sinful ways of the world.
Imitating Good
Proverbs 17:25-26
"Foolish children make their fathers sad and cause their mother great sorrow." (Proverbs 17:26)
Today I am touched to think of the very not foolish children who make their fathers and mothers so very pleased. One example that I recently saw was Florence List who kindly takes care of her mother with such love, being by her side. Whenever I see the two of them I am touched. And I think of my own parents who lovingly cared for their parents as they progressed in their years. Though it wasn't easy on either of them (with a young family at the time), they lovingly opened their home to their parents and cared for them as their parents had cared for them so many years ago. This example of selfless love, this caring when someone can't quite return it sometimes even with a smile, this should be the way that I should love everyone.
Imitating Jesus
John 13:1-20
"I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15)
When Jesus washes his disciples feet, this act of service is extremely important to the Brethren. In fact, this was a part of our worship at NYAC just the other weekend. Jesus is our example. We need to live our lives as he did, do what he did. And while pouring water on the feet of others isn't literally what is meant, the practice is symbolic. You kneel before your brother or sister in Christ, taking their feet in their hands (dirty, smelling, runner's feet) it doesn't matter. You want to serve them, making yourself literally below them. But then you both rise and share a holy kiss and say "God bless you, my sister/brother." Sometimes washing someone's feet is cleaning up after a cow and facing seasickness on a long journey; sometimes it is listening to tortillas around a new stove; sometimes it is exchanging smiles and food at a homeless shelter. But, Jesus, I want to do as You have done for me. I want to 'wash the feet' of all those who walk down my path. I pray that You provide opportunities to follow Your example and 'wash the feet' of my brothers and sisters, always rising to tell them, "God bless you, my sister/brother."
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Looking for God in All the Wrong Places
In Disobedience
1 Kings 13:1-14:31
"The old prophet cried out to the man of God from Judah, 'the Lord said you did not obey him! He said you did not do what the Lord your god commanded you. The Lord commanded you not to eat or drink anything in this place, but you came back and ate and drank. So your body will not be buried in your family grave." (1 Kings 13:21-22)
"But you are not like my servant David, who always obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart. He did only what I said was right. But you have done more evil than anyone who ruled before you. YOu have quit following me and have made other gods and idols of metal." (1 Kings 14:8-9)
"The people of Judah did what the Lord said was wrong. Their sins made the Lord very angry, even more angry than he had been at their ancestors. The people built pillars and places to worship gods and Asherah idols on every high hill and under ever green tree." (1 Kings 14:22-23)
In just these few chapters of 1 Kings, there are depictions of at least 4 people/groups of people who disobeyed God in various ways. First, we have 'the man of God' from Judea who spoke against the altar at Bethel. Quite curious that he seems to play an important role but his name is never mentioned. An old prophet who meets him along the way invites him to eat at his home, lies to him in saying that he received the message from God, and then 'the man of God' is attacked by a lion on way home... so he was not buried at his home. This is disturbing on several accounts, but we must be careful to follow God's will... even when others would convince us otherwise.
Next, both King Jeroboam and King Rehoboam and the people under their rule turn to idol worship. They build places of worship to worship these 'gods,' and they disobey the Lord God. Like the simple-living Brethren before me, I'm always concerned when people seem to become too enthralled with the best equipment and facilities and remodeling. Sure, all of those things are nice, but then should not be our focus. After all, when does it say that God remodeled the Temple? No... he spent his time feeding the poor, healing the sick, and teaching. And most of the time, this was out in God's grand temple- his creation. I have always loved Camp Swatara's 'outdoor cathedral'- just what it sounds like. It is a small clearing that has simple benches, a plain podium from which to speak, but most importantly God's creation- the trees, the birds, the squirrels rustling in the leaves speak. Lord, remind me to look for you in my obedience to you, and in all that You have created, you are "in all" my God.
In People
Psalm 69:13-21
"Insults have broken my heart and left me weak. I looked for sympathy, but there was none; I found no one to comfort me. They put poison in my food and gave me vinegar to drink." (Psalm 69:20-21)
I've heard it said before, but Greg Lazakovitz mentioned (at YAC the other weekend) that we all have a God-shaped hole inside of us... theory by a Frenchman. I forget his name currently. But, when we get in trouble is when we try to fill that void with all sorts of things that aren't God: video games, alcohol, vanity, education, ambition, money, even people. And we will always come up empty. The New Testament talks about the importance of people- living with and loving "one another." In fact, I learned in a lovely message by Dana Cassell that "one another" is one word in Greek that is mentioned 52 times in the New Testament. Anyone who has lived in community knows it is hard, and an essential ingredient is first having our God-shaped hole filled ot the brim with the love (understanding and patience and kindness and forgiveness) that only comes from being rooted in God's love. God, help me to look for You for sympathy and comfort, because people are never as big as You.
In Idleness
John 12:20-50
"Those who love their lives will lose them, but those who hate their lives in this world will keep true life forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me." (John 12:25-26)
This is a very familiar verse, one that's easy to recite but hard to actually live. The other day my mom was talking to me about all the perks of teaching- summers off, raising a family, and she said, "But if it isn't something that's rewarding for you, then it's no good." The problem isn't that it isn't reward, the problem is that it's not about what's rewarding for me. In fact, it's not about me at all. It's about the plans that God has for my life and where He's leading me next. I've had a crazy path since graduation from Juniata: CB high school Spanish teacher --> Millville 4th-5th bilingual ed --> subbing --> volunteering in Rio --> BVS (Gould Farm, Boston) --> BVS (Campo Limpo Pta., Sao Paulo, Brazil), BVS (Church World Service, Lancaster), BVS (Campo Limpo Pta, Sao Paulo, Brazil) --> U of A. Yes, it's been a crazy journey. Especially going from a $40,000 teaching job to a $60 a day no benefits teaching job to $60 a month with BVS. But as I lost the prestigious life that most people would chase after, I gained a more meaningful life... absolutely certain that I was following my Lord.
What I never noticed about this verse, though, is the second part. "Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me wherever I am." It doesn't not say what I often read, that God will be with his servants were they go. (I'm not suggesting that isn't also true, but outlining the sentiments expressed here.) This verse suggests the importance of following as being essential to our being where Christ is. While I do believe in an omnipresent God, it is interesting to thing of his calling as where He needs us, and our following Him as following wherever He is and where we are needed. Lord, show me where to look for Your purpose for my life. I trust that You will continue to lead me to whevere You are.
1 Kings 13:1-14:31
"The old prophet cried out to the man of God from Judah, 'the Lord said you did not obey him! He said you did not do what the Lord your god commanded you. The Lord commanded you not to eat or drink anything in this place, but you came back and ate and drank. So your body will not be buried in your family grave." (1 Kings 13:21-22)
"But you are not like my servant David, who always obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart. He did only what I said was right. But you have done more evil than anyone who ruled before you. YOu have quit following me and have made other gods and idols of metal." (1 Kings 14:8-9)
"The people of Judah did what the Lord said was wrong. Their sins made the Lord very angry, even more angry than he had been at their ancestors. The people built pillars and places to worship gods and Asherah idols on every high hill and under ever green tree." (1 Kings 14:22-23)
In just these few chapters of 1 Kings, there are depictions of at least 4 people/groups of people who disobeyed God in various ways. First, we have 'the man of God' from Judea who spoke against the altar at Bethel. Quite curious that he seems to play an important role but his name is never mentioned. An old prophet who meets him along the way invites him to eat at his home, lies to him in saying that he received the message from God, and then 'the man of God' is attacked by a lion on way home... so he was not buried at his home. This is disturbing on several accounts, but we must be careful to follow God's will... even when others would convince us otherwise.
Next, both King Jeroboam and King Rehoboam and the people under their rule turn to idol worship. They build places of worship to worship these 'gods,' and they disobey the Lord God. Like the simple-living Brethren before me, I'm always concerned when people seem to become too enthralled with the best equipment and facilities and remodeling. Sure, all of those things are nice, but then should not be our focus. After all, when does it say that God remodeled the Temple? No... he spent his time feeding the poor, healing the sick, and teaching. And most of the time, this was out in God's grand temple- his creation. I have always loved Camp Swatara's 'outdoor cathedral'- just what it sounds like. It is a small clearing that has simple benches, a plain podium from which to speak, but most importantly God's creation- the trees, the birds, the squirrels rustling in the leaves speak. Lord, remind me to look for you in my obedience to you, and in all that You have created, you are "in all" my God.
In People
Psalm 69:13-21
"Insults have broken my heart and left me weak. I looked for sympathy, but there was none; I found no one to comfort me. They put poison in my food and gave me vinegar to drink." (Psalm 69:20-21)
I've heard it said before, but Greg Lazakovitz mentioned (at YAC the other weekend) that we all have a God-shaped hole inside of us... theory by a Frenchman. I forget his name currently. But, when we get in trouble is when we try to fill that void with all sorts of things that aren't God: video games, alcohol, vanity, education, ambition, money, even people. And we will always come up empty. The New Testament talks about the importance of people- living with and loving "one another." In fact, I learned in a lovely message by Dana Cassell that "one another" is one word in Greek that is mentioned 52 times in the New Testament. Anyone who has lived in community knows it is hard, and an essential ingredient is first having our God-shaped hole filled ot the brim with the love (understanding and patience and kindness and forgiveness) that only comes from being rooted in God's love. God, help me to look for You for sympathy and comfort, because people are never as big as You.
In Idleness
John 12:20-50
"Those who love their lives will lose them, but those who hate their lives in this world will keep true life forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me." (John 12:25-26)
This is a very familiar verse, one that's easy to recite but hard to actually live. The other day my mom was talking to me about all the perks of teaching- summers off, raising a family, and she said, "But if it isn't something that's rewarding for you, then it's no good." The problem isn't that it isn't reward, the problem is that it's not about what's rewarding for me. In fact, it's not about me at all. It's about the plans that God has for my life and where He's leading me next. I've had a crazy path since graduation from Juniata: CB high school Spanish teacher --> Millville 4th-5th bilingual ed --> subbing --> volunteering in Rio --> BVS (Gould Farm, Boston) --> BVS (Campo Limpo Pta., Sao Paulo, Brazil), BVS (Church World Service, Lancaster), BVS (Campo Limpo Pta, Sao Paulo, Brazil) --> U of A. Yes, it's been a crazy journey. Especially going from a $40,000 teaching job to a $60 a day no benefits teaching job to $60 a month with BVS. But as I lost the prestigious life that most people would chase after, I gained a more meaningful life... absolutely certain that I was following my Lord.
What I never noticed about this verse, though, is the second part. "Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me wherever I am." It doesn't not say what I often read, that God will be with his servants were they go. (I'm not suggesting that isn't also true, but outlining the sentiments expressed here.) This verse suggests the importance of following as being essential to our being where Christ is. While I do believe in an omnipresent God, it is interesting to thing of his calling as where He needs us, and our following Him as following wherever He is and where we are needed. Lord, show me where to look for Your purpose for my life. I trust that You will continue to lead me to whevere You are.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Denial- that deep river in Egypt
There's no denying when we do wrong. In fact, 1 John tells us that anyone who doesn't confess that they are a sinner is a liar. Perhaps we can deny our wrong-doing in front of others, mere humans who do not see our every action let alone hear our every thought. But God sees all and knows all from actions to deeds to motives... there's no denying it.
Wrong Actions
1 Kings 11:1-12:33
"The Lord appeared to Solomon twice, but the king turned away from following the Lord, the God of Israel. The Lord was angry with Solomon, because he had commanded Solomon not to follow other gods. But Solomon did not obey the Lord's command." (1 Kings 11:9)
Solomon had many wives. Most people know that little bit of trivia, but do they recognize that was what caused his downfall? He took wives who convinced him to start worshipping idols and other gods. And Solomon, who prayed such a beautiful prayer before, calling out to God for wisdom, is now found 'turning away from following the Lord.' We need to always be on guard not to worship other gods. And while we may claim that there is no threat of worshipping other gods, we must also question: what about the god of money, status, popularity, etc. God must always be the central focus of our lives. Lord, You are my all in all, every day.
Wrong-Doing
Psalm 69:5-12
"God, you know what I have done wrong; I cannot hide my guilt from you." (Psalm 69:5)
My Uncle Rod preached a sermon on guilt the other week, and I think it's a message that we all need to hear. While I was at YAC and unable to be present, I asked for a breif synopsis which has helped me a lot. We should indeed recognize when we've done something wrong. We should confess that to our brothers and sisters, our neighbors who we've impacted as well as God who we've hurt. But, when God forgives us, as He does faithfully, we must also forgive ourselves. If we are asked to forgive others 7x70, we should also forgive ourselves. If our Lord God whom we should imitate has forgiven us, we should learn to forgive ourselves. We should forgive and forget. Forget it completely. "It's just gone- pum!" my Uncle Rod stated as he made a swishing motion with his hand behind his back. We're all really too hard on ourselves, but (to use Paul's rhetorical style) if God who is God has forgiven our sin, how much more ought we to forgive our sins.
Wrong Motives
John 12:1-19
"Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' followers who would later turn against him, was there. Judas said, 'This perfume was worth an entire year's wages. why wasn't it sold and money give to the poor?' But Judas did not really care about the poor; he said this because he was a thief. He was the one who kept the money box, and he often stole from it." (John 12:4-6)
'But Judas did not really care about the poor.' This part of this passage has always stuck out to me as very important. It seems to me that at least John believes that Jesus' response has to do with the fact that Judas was the one who brought this concern to light. Judas, the money stealing, not-caring-about-the-poor Judas. If he had been stealing from money box, perhaps he was lamenting the fact that he could in no way reap the profits of this gift to Jesus. The money had been spent and the perfume spilt. But Jesus knew Judas' motives for his false concern and they didn't cut it. It's not enough just to be a Christian on the outside, wrong can also be done hidden deep within our hearts, and God knows our hearts... so there's no denying it. There is only to confess our sins, try to improve and follow Him more closely, and forgive ourselves the wrong we have done.
Wrong Actions
1 Kings 11:1-12:33
"The Lord appeared to Solomon twice, but the king turned away from following the Lord, the God of Israel. The Lord was angry with Solomon, because he had commanded Solomon not to follow other gods. But Solomon did not obey the Lord's command." (1 Kings 11:9)
Solomon had many wives. Most people know that little bit of trivia, but do they recognize that was what caused his downfall? He took wives who convinced him to start worshipping idols and other gods. And Solomon, who prayed such a beautiful prayer before, calling out to God for wisdom, is now found 'turning away from following the Lord.' We need to always be on guard not to worship other gods. And while we may claim that there is no threat of worshipping other gods, we must also question: what about the god of money, status, popularity, etc. God must always be the central focus of our lives. Lord, You are my all in all, every day.
Wrong-Doing
Psalm 69:5-12
"God, you know what I have done wrong; I cannot hide my guilt from you." (Psalm 69:5)
My Uncle Rod preached a sermon on guilt the other week, and I think it's a message that we all need to hear. While I was at YAC and unable to be present, I asked for a breif synopsis which has helped me a lot. We should indeed recognize when we've done something wrong. We should confess that to our brothers and sisters, our neighbors who we've impacted as well as God who we've hurt. But, when God forgives us, as He does faithfully, we must also forgive ourselves. If we are asked to forgive others 7x70, we should also forgive ourselves. If our Lord God whom we should imitate has forgiven us, we should learn to forgive ourselves. We should forgive and forget. Forget it completely. "It's just gone- pum!" my Uncle Rod stated as he made a swishing motion with his hand behind his back. We're all really too hard on ourselves, but (to use Paul's rhetorical style) if God who is God has forgiven our sin, how much more ought we to forgive our sins.
Wrong Motives
John 12:1-19
"Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' followers who would later turn against him, was there. Judas said, 'This perfume was worth an entire year's wages. why wasn't it sold and money give to the poor?' But Judas did not really care about the poor; he said this because he was a thief. He was the one who kept the money box, and he often stole from it." (John 12:4-6)
'But Judas did not really care about the poor.' This part of this passage has always stuck out to me as very important. It seems to me that at least John believes that Jesus' response has to do with the fact that Judas was the one who brought this concern to light. Judas, the money stealing, not-caring-about-the-poor Judas. If he had been stealing from money box, perhaps he was lamenting the fact that he could in no way reap the profits of this gift to Jesus. The money had been spent and the perfume spilt. But Jesus knew Judas' motives for his false concern and they didn't cut it. It's not enough just to be a Christian on the outside, wrong can also be done hidden deep within our hearts, and God knows our hearts... so there's no denying it. There is only to confess our sins, try to improve and follow Him more closely, and forgive ourselves the wrong we have done.
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