Semiotic Signs in Biblical Times

Ok, so I'll take this opportunity to lapse into a bit of 'sociolinguistic discourse.' Basically, in semiotics, a sign is representative of something else, but it may not be just words... it could also include images or gestures, etc- any way information can be sent from one to another. (We'll just leave it at that, not getting to the dyadic and triadic perspectives here.)

The point is that these 'signs' are apparent throughout culture. The choices in our clothes, our homes, our jewelry, our wording, our facebook status... all signs sent from one mind to another. I just think about the wedding... how many semiotic systems am I using? So it's natural that signs would also exist across cultures in Biblical times.


The Signs of an Enemy

4 Jephthah then called together the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. The Gileadites struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, "You Gileadites are renegades from Ephraim and Manasseh." 5 The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a survivor of Ephraim said, "Let me cross over," the men of Gilead asked him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he replied, "No," 6 they said, "All right, say 'Shibboleth.' " He said, "Sibboleth," because he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time. -Judges 12:4-6

Here is the classic one. The accent of the enemy was clearly recognized as foreign. Something sounded different when he said "Shibboleth." While this passage may not seem to have much to do with us, thinking about semiotics, it may become meaningful. One major theme throughout Paul's writings is that we should be aware of 'false teachers.' Now that's a rather vague directive. How do we know? Well, we look for signs- perhaps not in the accent but the content and tenor of their speech. After all, don't we look for signs in one another. I'm reminded of the familiar hymn: They will know we are Christians by our love.



The Signs of Blessing

20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
24"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
25Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
26Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. -Luke 6:20-26

Additionally here we have the signs of blessing and woe. The signs are so clear: the rich, the well fed, the laughing, the admired... are to be wary; while the poor, the hungry, the weeping and the despise will have a great reward in heaven. No where did I see this lived out more than in the DR. I saw so many that were rejoicing in the fact that they would have a reward in heaven. And while I was there worshipping with them, the signs were clear- they are blessed... and will be blessed.

May we remember that our signs of blessing are not the signs of the world. Signs of blessing are not necessarily- earthly goods or easy times or being liked. Instead, it is our joy... and our faithfulness to the name of Jesus that tell of our future blessings. It's as clear as the message our facebook status sends... What signs are you sending today that show whose you are?

An Important Choice

My readings this morning have reminded me of the most important choice we have to make, reminding me of the familiar hymn, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus."

Though None Go With Me, I Still Will Follow
An Individual Choice

14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." -Joshua 24:14-15

I love this verse from Joshua, and I fondly sing the children's song in my head as I reread it. Choice is a powerful thing, any great pedagogue (educational theorist) will tell you that freedom of individual choice in learning is extremely motivating. For me, this was always the case. In 5th grade, I remember that I would always choose the "create your own" option for our writing activities.

That's why we need to remember the beauty of this most important choice that we have! It's first of all beautiful that God would choose us... for who are we to deserve such a beautiful gift as that which we are reminded of every Easter? But secondly, it is so amazing to think about the fact that we get to choose Him back. We are not completely His until we give our hearts to Him, serving Him and obeying Him. It is that choice that makes serving God a real joy... we have decided to love and obey and serve the Lord our God, the Lord Almighty. Even if others don't, it's a personal choice that we make to our Lord.


The World Behind Me, The Cross Before Me
A Life-Changing Choice

7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
10"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.

11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

12Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"

13"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told

them. 14Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"
He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."-Luke 3:7-14

This second verse is harder than the first, and rightly so. After we make that decision, our decision must be real and evident through a physical outward chance. (In James terminology, the works must compliment the faith.) We must bear good fruit. In our Luke Bible Study, we discussed that 'fruit' here might refer to several different things. 1) Bringing others to Christ 2) The fruits of the spirit from Galatians Or perhaps it is both or more encompassing than that. What is clear, is that it is a change, a good change. As these people come to be baptized, John the Baptist is clear to emphasize the importance of an outward change in their actions.

And the people who come to him are sincere. They want to know what they should do. How many of us continue to ask ourselves that same question. If we are really completely committed to choosing to serve God, then we should know that commitment (as any commitment) comes with a changes. We change, because there is something more important now... a need to serve the Lord. Our life-changing choice comes with life-changing action. Let's ask today: What should we do?


No Turning Back, No Turning Back
A Faithful Choice

But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."- Joshua 22:5

This sentiment is echoed throughout Joshua, but today the part that stood out to me was "hold fast to." It reminds me of a verse that I'm naturally thinking a lot about lately- "cleaving" to your husband/wife. This commitment, this important choice requires as much important individual consideration, willingness to change and complete dedication as that involved in marriage. And this choice is just as beautiful. In a way, a baptism is more like a marriage than we often admit.

What a beautiful, important and complete choice to serve the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind!

In the Worst Case Scenario, We Come Out Like Gold!

Even In the Worst Case Scenario, God Offers Encouragement

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. —Job 23:10

The book of Job is a case study in worst possible scenarios. Yet Job wisely assessed God’s role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health: “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). (ODB)

From this, we learn that God can use our 'worst case scenario' to test our character, but also that God uses this test to make us stronger. We can trust that He will encourage and strengthen us.

Worst Case Scenario: Failure

16 The people of Joseph replied, "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel."

17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out." -Joshua 17:16-17

The house of Joseph wants more land. Many complaints are unfounded, but in this instance they may have a point- they are quite 'numerous,' to use the Biblical term. But they are afraid of what Joshua recommends... what about those Canaanites with iron chariots? Yikes! (Today we might say, what about the crime report?) Well, Joshua says, don't be afraid. You're numerous, you're powerful. God will protect you.

Now, I don't think this is an excuse to be completely unaware of your surroundings and take wild risks putting yourself into harms way. However, I do believe that God will protect us when He truly ordains something. He will strengthen us and make us come out as gold, or just as the house of Joshua. Like, for instance, when I was in Brazil. My father was quite shocked when he came to visit me and saw my surroundings, when I explained to him that the fireworks meant that the drugs had just arrived. But God protected me the whole time.


Worst Case Scenario: Unknown

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." -Luke 2:8-15

The shepherds saw an angel, and they were 'terrified.' Honestly, wouldn't we all be rather terrified? Anything unexpected, uncertain or unknown terrifies us. But the angel provides comfort with reassurance (Do not be afraid) and positive affirmations (good new, great joy). If we listen carefully, I think the Lord is providing that for us now in times of uncertainty. And for me right now, there is great uncertainty- next year looks very fuzzy to say the least- no clear home, no clear job. What's going to happen? I need to listen to the "Do not be afraid" and the "good news" and "great joy."


We're all afraid of something... some deep down dread, some 'worst case scenario.' Is it losing your job? Failure? Uncertainty? Whatever it is, remember that although it may not be easy (see Job), God will strengthen us... and we'll come out like gold, that beautiful and enduring material!

So Close, You Can "Smell" It

I feel that this turn of phrase is going out of style, but it used to be more common. Used in the context of a game win, a finish line, a point of destination. Although our eyes couldn't see those end points yet, our sense of smell could catch the scent. Your nose knows when your eyes don't know yet. Oftentimes it is true, you can smell a fire before you can see it. But whether it's literally a sense of smell or a 'sense' of some other sort, that's often the way we experience God... like the familiar passage about the wind... though we can't see it, we can feel it. Though we can't see Him, we can sense Him.

Through us [God] diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. —2 Corinthians 2:14

And such was the tradition. There was, in the Old Testament times, a specific fragrance set apart for God. And when people caught the scent, it was a reminder of Him. Now that we are His, the question is... what kind of fragrance do we give off? (No, I'm not talking about whether we're ready for a date or just finished a 20 mile run.) What kind of fragrance does our personality, the manner of our living, our character give off? Does it remind people of the fragrance of God? Do they think... God's so close to her, I can smell it? God diffuses His fragrance through us... be careful how you smell.


2Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. -Luke 1:62-66

While it may be a stretch, I feel that "the neighbors" and the "people" catch the scent of what's going on. They're all talking about the miracle done through Zecchariah and who this child will be. From before John the Baptist was born, they recognized that "the Lord's hand was with him."

Have you ever met anyone... that you just knew? You sensed it? Or you scented it? You know the ones I'm talking about... No, they're not showy or boastful. They simply can't hide it... God shows all over them. They couldn't wash the scent off it they wanted to.

I remember when I first applied for a job at Dot's Bakery down the shore. I wrote a letter of interest, because I'd heard so much about the Scheuermanns and had my heart set on working there. When I went in, I remember seeing Mrs. Scheuermann's face all lit up and smiling, as usual. "Tommy," she said, turning to her son. "This is the girl I told you about. She's the one that wrote us that nice letter." At the time, Mr. & Mrs. Scheuermann, their two sons Tommy & Marty, and their daughter Jane would work there in the morning. It was truly a family business if you ever saw one! That's not to mention the many grandkids and other children that would come by in the summer for a few weeks and help out.

I loved working there, so much that I told my dad and brother about it, and my dad still works part time in the summers to this day. Over 10 years of not just work but friendship with the sweetest and most faithful family you could ever know. Working there was a joy (even doing stickies), because we were surrounded by not just the sweet fragrance of pastries but the sweet fragrance of God that fills the place, making the sweets that much sweeter. And I am so excited that they will be such a special part of my wedding celebration this summer- it will literally be the icing of the cake! I couldn't think of a more special sweet way to include the love of this family and all they have done for me into this special day.

I have been so blessed by this family, as so many have, and they, if anyone, have certainly allowed God to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. He's so close to all of them, you can 'smell' Him.

What the Lord Has Done

Many people will describe their best friend, as someone who "has always been there, no matter what." We go back to the past to prove the strength of our relationships, what they mean to us. And for that reason, what the Lord has done is a great part of our relationship with Him, what we know about him and why we trust in our God now and forever... because He has listened, protected and blessed, among other things.


The Lord Has Listened

2 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
"O sun, stand still over Gibeon,
O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."

13 So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on [b] its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel! -Joshua 10:2-14

I find these passages in the Old Testament so interesting, when God is negotiating with Moses or here with Joshua. While God's character is the same, His empathy is great. Brad and I are going through marriage counseling, and one thing anyone will tell you is the importance of listening. Active listening is an act of love. A God who listens is an extremely loving God. Though we often think of God as 'hearing our prayers,' it's important to remember that He listens to our prayers... a loving, kind and empathetic gesture that our Heavenly Father showed in this interaction with Joshua but continues to show with us.


The Lord Has Protected

16 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 17 When Joshua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah, 18 he said, "Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it. 19 But don't stop! Pursue your enemies, attack them from the rear and don't let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has given them into your hand."
20 So Joshua and the Israelites destroyed them completely—almost to a man—but the few who were left reached their fortified cities. 21 The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.

22 Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me." 23 So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon. 24 When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks.

25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." 26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees, and they were left hanging on the trees until evening. -Joshua 10:16-26

As I mentioned previously, the violence in the Old Testament is difficult for me to deal with, but see the previous reflection for my thoughts on that. (Briefly, the law hasn't changed, but the verdict has. The Old Testament was an attempt to purge the world of sin, but the New Testament is forgiving the world of sin.) However, here Joshua calls their attention to how God has protected them, with the intent that they will not be afraid in the future. While in the previous example we looked at God's love and empathy for proof that He is a loving God, this example asks us to notice God's protect and know that He is a loyal and strong Father who will watch over us.


The Lord Has Blessed

46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers." -Luke 1:46-55

And who could forget Mary's song? Such a beautiful reaction to a blessing, and this morning I pray that I would have the same reaction to blessings in my life. Also notice the repetition of what He has done... outlining proof of His character through past experiences.

What has the Lord done in your life? How could your praise Him today through what you have seen and what you have known? I challenge you to take a few minutes and write your own song. I'll do my own. Here's mine today-

Katie's Song-
My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant,
From now on all will see that I have been blessed,
That He would do great things through me!
He looks upon those who obey him, granting me the desire of my heart,
To serve Him together with a love who loves both Him and me.
He has done amazing things, opening up doors to travel and serve and study.
He has brought down others with great ambition and intelligence,
but lifted up an average student such as myself.
He has filled my thirst for a faithful Christian companion,
And my hunger to serve in ministry.
He has helped His people and shows His love to them.
What a blessing to serve Him, how sweet to have a helper by my side,
Joy in my heart and a dream of ministry in my soul...
Oh God, how You can use even a small, quiet, simple girl as myself,
To do many miraculous and wonderful things for many!
I praise You Father for Your perfect plans, for Your abundant gifts,
For listening (loving), protecting (caring), and blessing me!

A Way Out

Out of a Window

8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea [c] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. [d] 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death."

14 "Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land."

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 Now she had said to them, "Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way."

17 The men said to her, "This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on him. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear."

21 "Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window. -Joshua 2:8-21

This passage describes when Rahab, a Jericho woman, found two Israelite spies and hid them in her home. When we first read this, we might think- "Great story! This is the stuff detective stories are made of." But, let's think about those spies, put ourselves in their shoes. They weren't planning on getting caught. They were in a really tight spot. Two guys, against the whole Jericho army? They never would've stood a chance. What were they going to do? In this instance, God lowered them out of the window. They were in a really tough situation, and they got out of it. Not with fanfare or grand miracles, but a simple pact with a Jericho woman and a scarlet cord let out of the window.

Sometimes we're in tough situations, and maybe we're looking for a door to open and let us out easily... but maybe instead God is lowering us down a window. It's not a glamorous way to get out of a tight spot, but it works just the same... and isn't it fitting from a God who teaches humility?


Out of the Tomb

1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Unlike the former account, this is an account of a way "out." However, I don't think it's as much about Jesus' way out as our way out. Jesus was coming back into the world, not for Himself, but to prove the "way out" that He gave to all of us. For Him, I'm sure He was happier in heaven surrounded by angels, sitting on His throne. He came to proclaim what He had done, to show that He had died for their sins... that they were forgiven. That Jesus had provided their "way out."

Jesus is our ultimate "way out" of tough situations, although sometimes it's difficult to remember that. If we can go back to a kingdom perspective, in the whole grand scheme of things, including the earth and everything around it, we will recognize that we have no troubles too big, no burden too heavy, nothing that is too great for Him, nothing that He hasn't already provided for or taken care of. Will we have troubles? Certainly. Will some of us lack things? Sure. (You will always have the poor.) But one thing, the most important thing, that we will never lack is the promise of eternal life through Jesus... a way out of our sins.


Out of this World

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. —Proverbs 31:30

While this verse may not seem to relate much at first, I had to include it. It was in the ODB reflection this morning, and it was a verse I needed to hear. I feel like there are a whole lot of expectations for brides... one of which is that you are supposed to look "stunning," "beautiful," etc on your wedding day. So much so that even I am getting nervous- feeling the pressure to look my best. Well, this is one girl that's happy there will be 11 other gorgeous people to take the attention off of me, especially adorable Flower Princess Sylvia. And quite honestly right now I don't as beautiful as a "blushing bride" is supposed to be. I admit it's probably partly because Brad's been sick lately, and it's hard for me to go a week without a kiss and still feel beautiful.

But God is faithful and provides a "way out" in a metaphorical sense from the traps that society lays for us- the traps of vanity and beauty and charm. God says, "These are passing. Focus instead on what can't be destroyed... the fear of the Lord." God's faithful to provide a way out of all difficult situations, although we might have to look for alternative points of departure (a window), broaden our view to a kingdom perspective (the tomb) or think metaphorically (the world).

Famous Last Words

Moses' Blessing

1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak;
hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he. -Deuteronomy 23:1-4

Moses' last words are quite the words. A long elaborate song telling the whole story, beginning with beautiful praise for his God. And then, he gives a blessing to each of the tribes of Israel. Finally, God takes Moses to the point where he can see the Promised Land, even though he will never cross over.

It's so wonderful to praise God's name. The other day I was just in my room and I decided to write my own praise based on a personalized version of a Psalm, proclaiming God's goodness. Sometimes this is very easy to do here in Tucson, and my room has a lovely view of the mountains. "His works are perfect, and his ways are just." When I feel anxious or worried, when I feel sad or downhearted, I need to remember the promises of the Lord. He will provide and all will be taken care of, because He is "a faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."


Jesus' Cry

33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[c]

35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."

36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and[d] saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son[e] of God!" -Mark 15:33-39

When I was younger, I used to be puzzled at Jesus' words here. "Didn't they border on blasphemy? How could he say such a thing? Didn't he know the plan? Didn't he know this needed to happen?" While it is still a bit of a mystery to me, I now understand the extreme physical pain that he was undergoing better than I did as a child. Also, I believe that Jesus took on the sins of the world, and here he said what a sinner would say... a sinner would be abandoned by God at the end for his sins, so Jesus took on not only the sin but the separation (the abandonment): Why have you forsaken me?


The 'famous last words' in these two instances stand in stark contrast to one another, and I can't help but think of how much Jesus gave up. Jesus deserved a death like Moses' and more, but he lowered himself to a painful death on the cross that brought him to cries of pain instead of praise.

Easy as Pie

A good baker might see the phrase "easy as pie" as at least a little bit ironic. Making the pie filling might sometimes be easy (depending on your particular recipe) but that pie crust can be down right tricky! However, generally speaking it is easy... with a bit of a tricky spot. That seems fitting to what God gives us... it won't be too hard for us, but He doesn't promise us a seamless life without gliches. We'll be able to "handle" it.

It's Not Too Difficult to Obey

11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. -Deuteronomy 30:11-16

This verse stands out to me this morning, because it reminds me of what I read recently in Romans. Paul uses these words to rephrase this within the context of the new covenant. His whole pretense is that these old laws still stand firm and are useful, while Jesus has brought the aspect of grace... so that we should follow the commands not out of fear but out of thankfulness and appreciation and love.

These commands are not too difficult. They are very near to us- in our mouth and heart. He says, in essence, "You already know what you're supposed to do. So do it!" I'm reminded of a parent who gives "the look" to a child. And the kid looks up, "What?" "You know!" is all that the parent needs to say. They've already been told how to behave. God has already taught us how to follow Him, how to choose life. Now, we just have to use the words we can recite and knowledge of our heart and act upon that. It's not too difficult.


It's Not Too Difficult to Follow

1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.-Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Sometimes it's harder to follow God's leading than to obey His commands, although I ask- is it really possible to do one without the other? If we truly love the Lord our God, we will follow in the ways He instructs us. Moses calls Joshua and tells him to be strong and courageous. This is a huge responsibility, but "the Lord himself goes before you." While there's certainly a tricky crust (the Amorites), there is a sweet cream to top it all off (God's protection). Don't be afraid, it's as easy as pie!

So it is with our faithfulness. As we follow Him, it might not be easy 100%, but at least it's as easy as pie. We can handle it, when He is leading us. "He will never leave [us] or foresake[us]." It might involve us taking risks, making decisions that this world believes is 'crazy,' but He will be there... and that makes it all worth it.

Increasing & Decreasing

He must increase, but I must decrease. —John 3:30

John the Baptist knew what they were saying about him... "Think must be the Christ.... Look at all he's doing." So, he knew he needed to stop it. "No. That's not me. Jesus will be coming. He is greater."

But, do we do the same? When someone says, "Look at all she's doing!" or "Look at... her work, his art, her architecture, his school," do we correct them? "No. That's not me. It's Jesus working through me." The Message paraphrases 1 Cor. 12:7 this way: "Each person is given something to do that shows who God is." Isn't that amazing and beautiful? Our very work as intended decreases the focus on us and increases our and others' focus on Him. I can't think of a more beautiful blessing! To point others to the Lord with the work we do! But we must be careful... as Lucado puts it, "When you're full of yourself, God can't fill you."


Both Increase

3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. 11 The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.

12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. 14 Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them. -Deuteronomy 28:3-14

Great blessings are promised for those who follow and obey..just as the following verses in the chapter include curses for those who don't. However, some of the blessings are of an 'increasing' nature. Notice the promise that "The Lord will make you the head not the tail... you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." God will lift you up... you will increase, if you are increasing Him by upholding all of His laws and carefully following them. So, while some of my mathematician friends could describe it in more sophisticated terms, I'll just say that both increase concurrently.


We Decrease

66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.[b]

69When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

71He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[c] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice[d] you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. -Mark 14:66-72

However, the opposite is true when we look at Peter's denial. We often read this and try to imagine that we're not like Peter. How could he do such a thing? Yet, it often reminds me of my sinful nature. When I worry (fail to trust God completely), when I pass by someone who needs my care/attention/love, when I speak harshly to someone, etc, isn't that denying what Jesus would have us do and who Jesus is... in a certain way? And when we do this, we attempt to decrease Jesus. He doesn't really decrease, mind you... but we are making less of a big deal out of the biggest deal in the universe! And the result- we decrease... Peter results to weeping, and we must go before the Lord and confess that once again, we thought of ourselves to highly and of Him too little.

But with more Jesus, there will be more blessing and more fulfillment for us. That doesn't mean everything will go perfectly... but the joy and peace that He can give is only available when we see Him for who He is- great and powerful and perfect and holy, and thus we increase His place in our lives.

Last Line of Defense

The recent Temple win prompts me to think in terms of 'gametime' terminology this morning. Looking back from Old to New Testament, I can see an exciting game with an even more exciting score!

Half Time- Winning & Following God's Commands

16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. 18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised. -Deuteronomy 26:16-19

The rules seem so easy- just follow the decrees and laws, obey them... and He will set you in praise, fame and honor. So, we can carefully observe the laws with all our heart and all our soul, not just because, but because we are His treasured possessions. There's a beautiful reason for our goals and game performance, because He will be faithful and make us holy.

End of the Game- Tied & Falling Short

27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'[a] 28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[b] you yourself will disown me three times."- Mark 14:27-30

37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer! -Mark 14-37-41


Yet a little further on in the game, we couldn't cut it. We failed to carefully observe those commands, resorting to disowning our Lord and falling asleep when need be. Perhaps that disowning for you hasn't been disowning him through words, but it might be actions that disown Him. Here there seems to be a portrayal of both sins of commission (speaking against Jesus) and omission (falling asleep). Both separate us from God, and this where we need Jesus to step in and help us out.

Overtime- The Last Line of Defense

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. —Romans 8:37

Then comes the beautiful victory, that even though we can't perfectly follow every command, we will surely miss the pass and at times fumble the ball, Jesus will come to our defense, stepping in as our own "secret weapon." We win the game, we are more than conquerors, because Jesus will help us play catch us and 'cover' for our mistakes. He'll make that overthrow into an 'alley-oop'!

*I just have to share a few fun joys this morning. The church is doing a week-long intensive theology course, and it just happens to be the week of my Spring Break. :o) What a God-incidence! I pray that God continues to guide me... and that He might enable me to listen.

In His Hands

Created by His Hands"

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
with your right hand you save me.

8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:7-8

I love this Psalm, who doesn't? And on this beautiful day here in Tucson (sorry all you Northeasterners), who could help but praise our God and creator? He created all things with His hands, and He created us. Well, that's all we need to put a price tag on us. Think about famous artists and musicians. After they're well-known, they can create anything and it costs in the millions.

So, we are worth 'many sparrows' or a million bucks in todays terms, because the One who created us knew what He was doing. He's awesome and amazing, so He makes the best of everything. We're masterpieces, because we are pieces made by the Master! We are crafted by His hands, and the artist who made us so wonderfully, will not abandon us... He'll save the work of His hands.


Protected by His Hands

1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." -Deuteronomy 20:1-4

More Deuteronomy and more talk of plundering and war and armies. All of this is quite difficult for a young Brethren like myself, but hidden in this chapter is advice where the people are told to first take a peace offering and then attack if it is not accepted. But, that aside, I want to look at God's protection instead.

While many of us may not have enemies in terms of a war that we are fighting, there might be enemies that are either physical or emotional. Sometimes an enemy might be a bad attitude or a bad habit or an addiction. And boy, do we have to battle against those! That's trickier than a physical person.

I'll recount a story I overheard last night from a friend (disguising names to protect their identities). Ben stated that his co-worker Thomas hated him. They really never got along. Then they were sent on a 3 week-long assignment to a little rinky-dink town with nothing around. And after a few weeks of being there, they're now friends. Fighting against this enemy meant turning the enemy into a friend, and God brought Ben the victory, protecting him from what could've been an awful week... God brought blessing.


He Directs Us With His Hands

32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert[d]! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " -Mark 13:32-37

I like to look at verse 34. The man going away is God (although He's not really 'away'; this is a mere illustration). And God put us in charge of his house, each with an assigned task. Our work here on earth is meaningful, our comings and goings, our ways of being. God directs us in how to live and what we should do for one another.

Perhaps our 'job' is not the only thing, but our own roles within the church- as teachers, greeters, writers, technical crew, support staff, choir director, baker, hospitality crew, deacon, small group leader- are what God has put us in charge of. We are 'assigned' a task. Our Master, the creator of the universe, loves us enough to take some of what He could do out of His hands and into our own... directing us with our hands of how to use our own hands.

A Godly Courtroom

While I agree with the separation of church and state and recognize its importance in the Protestant movement. (The Protestant church in those days was persecuted by the 'state', nation, country, kings, disallowing them to practice their religion.) However, sometimes it does make me sad to think that we've lost sight of the fact that as Christians- we have a law, greater than the physical constitution. That should be our guide, the basis for the framework of the nation's regulations. I wish to hear of a judge who prays before making a decision, a jury that prays for God's guidance.


Lord as the Law

8 If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge—whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults—take them to the place the LORD your God will choose. 9 Go to the priests, who are Levites, and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. 10 You must act according to the decisions they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they direct you to do. 11 Act according to the law they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left. 12 The man who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the LORD your God must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. 13 All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not be contemptuous again.-Deuteronomy 17:8-13

Take for instance this passage. Take it to the Lord, the place the Lord would choose. It notes that sometimes disputes are too much for the courts. This is an important lesson for us, as we settle even smaller arguments in our family, in our congregations. Take it to God, before Godly counselors.

However, Deueteronomy is hard for me. There is much talk of 'purging' evil. Later on in this chapter is the famous "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" section. I believe that we should remember what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. "You have heard it was said an eye for an eye, but I say love your enemies." While our judge is the same, Jesus and His new covenant brought a new verdict!


Holy Spirit as Witness

5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. -Mark 13:5-11

While the disciples here are being instructed on how to defend their physical lives (and by extension their spiritual lives), we often come into this conflict only defending our spiritual lives. When people find out that we are Christians, they ask why and how? Even if we don't have all the facts and data and textbook analyses to show them, we can rest in the fact that the Holy Spirit will be with us when we speak of what we know.

In my Anthropology of Literacy class this week, my class got in an interesting discussion. I brought up the difficult situation I am in, since I am observing at the Iglesia... but knowing that the field welcomes negative critiques of Christianity. In fact, you're hard pressed to find something written with a more positive bent, and if I myself do that, it might be discredited since I am myself a Christian. The individuals in my class admitted that while Christian-bashing is popular and quite in vogue, no one can say anything against Islam or other religions (in the academic field, that is). Jesus knew that we would face scrutiny, and He reassures us that when we are brought to 'trial', it is not us speaking, but the Holy Spirit.


Brethren as the Jury

I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you. —1 Corinthians 1:10

This verse is always hard for me, because I'm quite sure that Jesus didn't intend for the division of thousands of different denominations of Christianity. In fact, I feel like some of the fiercest animosity comes not from outside of the church but within it. The most extreme example would be that of the Catholics and Protestants in Ireland.

However, I pray for ecumenical conversations, studies, meetings, so that the church would recognize that it is the Church, that we are all Brethren. While we may have favorite 'church words' and historic practices, we need to speak the same thing... that is, the most important thing- the message of Jesus who frees us from condemnation at the trail. We are the voices, the jury that relays that beautiful verdict in the courtroom of our world today.

A Different Type of Tithe

Cheerful

22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. 23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. 24 But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), 25 then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. 26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice.-Deuteronomy 14:22-28

What is remarkable about this passage is the joy inherent in tithing. They are to come together to actually enjoy (and physically eat) their tithes. Perhaps if we readily associated our tithing with a celebration, it would involve such joy. Really, we do have many celebrations at church. The church gives us comfort, support, oftentimes even a fellowship meal. If we were to all tithe at the end of the month, during a fellowship meal or celebration... perhaps we would understand the tithe- giving to the work of the church that gives so much to us... setting aside a small portion of what we have for the Lord. He wants us to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and we can do so in His presence.


Sharing

28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. -Deuteronomy 14:22-28

Additionally, it is evident that we are to share our tithes. The Church of the Nazarene, I've noticed, is good about this. They set apparent a portion of their funds in order to give to Missions each month. This is something that I love about the Iglesia, because despite an untuned piano and a building that could use at least a few improvements, they know how important it is to share with those who are even more unfortunate. Are we looking out for those aliens, fatherless, those who have no allotment of their own?


Complete

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[f]worth only a fraction of a penny.[g]
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." -Mark 12:41-44

And as in this familiar story, we should not give in part by the whole. It all belongs to Him. Give Him your whole heart, all that you have to live on, because that's what Jesus gave to us.

Yada Yada Yada

Talking- it's something we do every day, to a greater or lesser extent depending upon your job and circumstance. Now, this is especially fascinating to me because of my current field of study... the way people use words. However, time and time again I am amazed at the way we Christians can carefully leave God and all things related to our faith out of this talk. Isn't it natural that we would talk about what is most important to us, what is closest to our hearts? Yet, I suppose if I would do a study, less than 5% of all the words we utter each day (besides Sunday perhaps... or maybe even on Sunday!) would mention our faith.

As Brad and his family say at the end of their prayers, "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto You, O God." As we reflect on this theme this morning, let's consider whether the words of our mouth each day truly reflect our heart.


Words of Encouragement

26 But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. "That is enough," the LORD said. "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see." 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.- Deuteronomy 3:26-29

The Bible gives us clear direction in ways to use our words, and one of those ways is through encouragement and strengthening of our brothers and sisters in the faith. It would seem self-explanatory, but so often we get caught up in so many things, and we forget just how much a word of encouragement can do for someone. It can change someone's day. It can change someone's life!

At Providence COB, I remember we used to have little 'encouragement cards.' Their name at the time evades me. But I would love this innovation, filling out numbers of cards to thank Jane for reminding us of the birds in the joys/concerns. I'd thank Jeanne for the delicious eclaire squares on Thursday night. I'd praise Peggy for her awesome choir directing and Ken for his outstanding sermon. Encouraging one another is important, and it was quite easy to do since we were all welcome to take a part in the church. Here God explicitly tells Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua. This would seem as self-evident as encouraging members of the church, but we often forget. So maybe it is time that we remind each other the value of using our words for encouragement.

One more short story. Yesterday I was encouraged in so many ways by the church. Pastor decided to formally welcome me to the church, and the church elected me as an economo (to help with the collection of and prayer for offerings). I already mentioned Pastor's encouragement of my direction in ministry, and this was one more visible sign of encouragement. Since encouragement is a part of love, it follow that we must encourage one another, for encouragement comes from God.


Words of Guidance

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [b] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Whenever Brad meets another acquaintance/friend of mine, he's surprised. How do they know all about me? How have they heard about me? Perhaps guys and girls deal with this differently. I suppose I'm not a very private person, so that might make part of the difference. But when you love someone, you talk about them. And I love Brad. Anyone that is such a great part of my life plays a huge part in my conversations. I talk about discussions that we've had, things that he's reminded me of, things that we've done.

Well, more than anything/anyone, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength. So, it naturally follows that we would talk about this great love of our lives at home, on a flight, in the office, in a class, waking up, on a bike ride, lying down at night. Our hands, our foreheads, our homes should all remind us of our God who is one and our all-consuming love for Him.

This becomes all the more meaningful when we remember that in these times of the Bible, to "read" the Bible was to recite and read out loud. Solitary silent reading didn't become customary until much later, so 'talking' about God was an essential act that made the word living, audible and pronounceable. In this way, the very act of saying the words helps us to keep God's commandments as a guiding light for our life.


Words of Correction

12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written:
" 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations'[c]? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[d]"

18The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.-Mark 11:12-18

Finally, this is the most difficult kind of words we see in the Bible, words of correction or rebuke. And isn't it true for parents as well? Uncle Rod and Brad and I were just talking about the difficulties of discipline in our counselling session the other day. It must be terribly difficult to discipline your child, because you love that child. But that discipline, like Jesus' discipline here, comes out of love.

He didn't overturn the tables to spoil the fun. He wanted His brothers and sisters and children to keep the temple as a house of prayer for all nations, a special gift from God. And his rebuke of the fig tree is also often cited as a reminder to his disciples that they are to 'bear fruit' and not become useless like the barren tree.

God's provision of a holy place for prayer is a loving provision. God's willingness to use of for His purpose is a loving plan. In order to guard these loving gestures, Jesus must use His words to correct the ways that are interrupting God's ways.

Today may our words be acceptable to You, a reflection of You in our lives- encouraging to one another, guiding our day, and correcting ourselves and others when necessary.

Peace... or... Sacrifice?

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7

I think I regretted to mention in my account of Saturday. During my emotional breakdown of hours of crying on Saturday, I cried the hardest when I imagined not going going into ministry. That was when I felt inconsolable, especially after hearing my cousin Jonathan echo my own sentiments, encouraging me to follow the passion have for ministry.

After kneeling and praying and remembering the God that called Jeremiah and so many others, I again felt that He could do great things through me if He wills it. Suddenly, all the possibilities that seemed unimaginable rushed back: a ministry in another country, working with the church right here in Tucson, pastoral ministry, some other new kind of ministry with international or college students. And that peace is refreshing to my soul. Little by little, what brings me peace is the assurance that God will use me, that I can allow Him to use me. That is what brings me peace... and great joy. Like I said in one of my first bible studies I attended last year, my greatest dream is to serve others in some way. (I wish you had been there to see the crazy look these grad students gave me, as if I'd come from another planet!)


Peace or Sacrifice

17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'[d]"

20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"

27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"

29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first." -Mark 10:17-31

We talked about a similar theme last night as we discussed call and vocation during GCF. Is it a joy? Is it a sacrifice? Do you have to feel selfish to continue what you're doing?

Noticeably, this could be looked at as a different type of calling... to follow him, although I think we need to realize that the disciples physically followed- something that requires more than the church members today.

But my "problem" (if it is a problem?) is that I don't seem to sense sacrifice in serving God. It is such a great joy... it is the ultimate goal. I remember the first time Brad asked me in a straight-forward way, "Katie, what if I feel called to pastoral ministry? Would you stop what you were doing?" And without hesitation, I said, "Yes. I'd love to do that." And it's true. I just don't feel like I'm giving up something or doing something I don't want to do.

Brad says that it is sacrifice, but I don't sense the sacrifice. Then I ask, "Is it sacrifice if I don't feel like I'm giving something else?" To which he responded, "It's sacrifice because it would be to someone else." Just like with BVS. Perhaps some people look at leaving jobs or family or friends or careers. But none of that's important. None of that is the goal. The whole purpose is Jesus, and serving Him is what I love more than anything. That is what brings me peace.

Sacrifice or not, the thing that brings me the deepest peace and joy is knowing that God will use me, being able to serve Him in so many ways.

"It's Not What You Know, It's WHO You Know"

Culture in the Middle East relies a lot on social networks. Your 'banks' and 'loans' come from people within your realm of acquaintances. Although we don't often use our friends as banks, we still have in common the phrase: "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know" meaning that we do use our relationships as something more than friendships sometimes. We use those acquaintances, relationships, 6 degrees of separation to get the best job position, to get into the best school, etc.

Jesus came to turn that paradigm on it's head... but not quite. It actually is WHO we know- and WHO we know is Jesus.

Your "Own" People

5 Then at the LORD's command Moses gave this order to the Israelites: "What the tribe of the descendants of Joseph is saying is right. 6 This is what the LORD commands for Zelophehad's daughters: They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father. 7 No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal land inherited from his forefathers. 8 Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father's tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. 9 No inheritance may pass from tribe to tribe, for each Israelite tribe is to keep the land it inherits." -Numbers 36:5-9

Here we witness some discrepancy over inheritance. Who will inherit their father's fortune, land, etc. if the women marry outside of their tribe? The "who" that is so important here is "your own people." I would argue that even today there are people and places when you feel like you are with some of "your own"- whether that's denominational gatherings or family reunions... some people just feel more comfortable. You often share a history, a future, values, and because of such shared experiences and priorities, you take care of 'your own.' Let's face it. You'd take in your brother before he was out on the street, when there are so many homeless in every city in the country.

Now, as I see it, it's important to remember the context here. This is an account from the Old Testament. The New Covenant of Jesus had not yet united us as "one body" with the same mother and brothers, the same inheritance. Now, thanks to that promise- we no longer need to fight over our inheritance, which we all share. The WHO that gives us the "in" to our ultimate inheritance is Jesus.


Children

33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." -Mark 9:33-36

In addition to inheritance, goods, support, we often rely upon our social relationships for a certain degree of status or power. Have you ever heard about "networking your way to your dream job"? We often readily make friends with those who are in high places, someone who knows someone who knows someone who can do something for you. An interview, a job, a conference presentation, an acceptance to your choice PhD program (wish I had one of those ;o).

Doubtless, Jesus' disciples felt themselves at least a little privileged to know Jesus. Others had to be at the top of their class to follow a rabbi. But then, they needed a ranking. Who was the greatest? Jesus again, knocks the paradigm on its head, by saying that welcoming a child is as important as welcoming He himself. A child? A child has no connections, doesn't really have any monetary goods or status to pass on to his/her friends. A friendship with a child doesn't do anything for your connections in the social hierarchy of things. Yet, this is WHO we are to welcome into our lives, into our circle of friends... not someone who can do something for us, but someone who cannot. Because doing unto this powerless person is doing unto Jesus.


God

I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13

Finally, I appreciated reading this verse in the ODB this morning. Though it doesn't quite fit here, it touched my heard so much that I want to include it. Although we might experience sorrow, our sorrow is different from "others" who have no hope. When we go through difficult times, what makes difference is the hope that we have been given, through WHO we know. Let's start today, remembering WHO makes all the differences and the hope that He gives us every day.

Looking for Joy

In All the Wrong Places

All was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 2:11

Just last night, I was praying to feel the renewed sense of joy- the joy that I've felt throughout my life. While not completely gone, I don't feel it like I used to. And while I've come to the place where I can feel excited about a couple different options, I pray to feel that joy that I once felt.

People today are looking for joy in all the wrong places, although they usually call it 'happiness', something so fleeting. The writer of Ecc. was a rich man. He had everything in the world, so he sought pleasure, projects, entertainment, hark work. None of it brought him joy; it was all "grasping for the wind." There is only one who can bring joy, and I pray today that God might fill us with the joy that only He can bring.


In Belief

7A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"

"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."

23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
-Mark 9:17-29

This passage has always been one of my favorites, because so often I feel like the father in the story. I want so much to believe that God will guide me, and on some level I do, but the presence of worry and stress show that I do not completely believe, so I pray "Help me with my unbelief." Jesus honored the man's sincerity, and I know that my God knows my heart. I pray that He help me with my unbelief, which yields the joy is truly believing my God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength.

The Things of God/ The Things of Man

The Things of God: A Plan & A Purpose

31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." -Mark 8:31-38

In this chapter of Mark, Jesus is talking about the plan the Lord has for Him. Not a particularly pleasant plan, as we all know. But, it is a thing of God. Peter, however, doesn't recognize this and rebukes Jesus... wishing rather for the things of men. He wants Jesus to plan out a nicer ending. He seems to be saying, "Tell us only happy stories." But that was never Jesus' style, to please the goals of men who worry about the things of men, their own desires and 'selfish ambitions' as it is often put.

Instead, the things of God are from a higher authority. It's not about 'gaining' your life but 'losing' it. But 'losing' the plans you have for your own life is the way to 'gain' the things of God- the plan and purpose He has for each of His children.


The Things of God: Justice

Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. —Amos 5:24


The prophet Amos here is commenting on a situation that he finds appalling- both Israel's dead religious ritual and exploitation of the poor. So he calls for the transforming power of righteousness, using the metaphor of a mighty stream. While we are carefully taught the things of men by our society- look out for yourself, save up for your own goals, get ahead, etc... that is not what God teaches.

The things of God are justice and righteousness, embodied by taking care of the poor, the downtrodden, the weak, 'the least of these.' It is no secret that today we are in a similar situation. We live in a world that suffers from injustice. Let us offer the waters of injustice to a dry and barren land.

Lord, I pray this morning that I may focus on 'the things of God.' Please watch over Jess' friend- help him to find community, Joseph's family- be the good shepherd providing for them, Norma- heal her cancer and ease her pain, Mark- heal his cold, Andrew- help him find a roommate and heal his tendonitis, V- comfort her heart and call her to you, Shijie and Blake- watch over their travels, and all those that are on my heart and in my mind this morning. I pray that You would give me patience and wisdom to discern the guidance I trust You will give to me in this time of discernment. My desire is to serve You, Father... to do Your will and to fix my eye on 'the things of God' all the days of my life.

Have You Forgotten...?

This weekend I attended the regional Hispanic Church of the Nazarene Youth Conference. Pastor David Perez was invited to come and preach, and it was a blessing to my soul- like water that I needed to calm and refresh me and remind me of what I had forgotten.

Have You Forgotten Who God Is?

On Saturday, I was in a bad state. For no particular reason whatsoever, my decisions about next year seemed utterly overwhelming. The tears came and they came abundantly. And nothing and everything that anyone would say couldn't comfort my soul.

But, it was because I had forgotten. I had forgotten who my God is! That's the way Pastor Perez put it, as he asked, "Church, have you forgotten who parted the Red Sea? Have you forgotten who brought water forth from the rock? Have you forgotten who dropped manna from the sky?" This isn't a new problem. It wasn't even that long ago, and the Israelites forgot and started grumbling again.

Sometimes we forget God's faithfulness, His power and the times when He has brought us through so much. It does the soul good to remember who our God is and what He has done in our own lives so that we don't forget and grumble.

3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness. -Jeremiah 31:3

After all, as we read here, God has for us an everlasting love- from beforehand and to the end. We are treasured, created and drawn by God. His loving-kindness and His faithfulness all prove to us who He is, that we may never fear but rest and trust in Him.


Have You Forgotten God's Promise?

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."- Jeremiah 1:4-9

On Sunday night Pastor Perez talked about these verses and His own sense of calling. Jeremiah was afraid, and so was Pastor Perez. They were both young, when called to serve God. But, that's what makes it so special. On our own, we cannot. It is only through Him that we can.

The words here tell that "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." I told Brad last night, that as a little girl I embodied many unusual signs of interest in ministry. By second grade I talked about wanting to be a teacher or preacher. Those were my two options- rather far from the super model or soccer star that my classmates hoped to be. I explained the parable of the sower during the children's story. I would read through different sections of the Bible and explain to my mom my ideas for different sermons that could be taught through each passage. I took a Saturday morning to draw out a family tree, the genealogy of several Old Testament passages. And by middle school, I was journaling every morning. I preached several times on random Sundays in the church and during Christmas Eve services. Sometimes I felt that I didn't know what to do... but oftentimes the voice of God came through the voice of the church, "He'll give you words"- always supportive.

I pray that God use me in some way. I have a new dream recently, that I'm praying about. I've recently felt that a PhD in SLAT or LRC could lead me to help with or establish a church-funded educational project in another country. My new sister and brother in law (Shelley & Rich) gave me a beautiful Christmas gift of a donation to a ministry of my choosing... and when I read about Tempo de Amar Child Development project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I instantly fell in love with it- http://www.ncm.org/projects/acm1785 (Read it... I know you'll love it too.) So now I dream of God using me- perhaps in that kind of ministry. It's a big dream, and sometimes I feel like I'm "just a child." But I know that God has seen me since before I was born, and He will "give me the words."


Have You Forgotten God's Call?

15 Moses said to the LORD, 16 "May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, [g] and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in."

22 Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses. -Numbers 27:15-23

This weekend I told Pastor that I have felt a call to ministry, and I have to admit I was surprised to find in Pastor and the whole congregation such a warm welcome and encouragement to this sense of calling. I am new to their congregation and a quiet little gringa, but they were so willing to trust that call that God has placed in in my life.

And God has called us all. It's so easy to forget the difference between then and now. Then the Israelites needed a shepherd, because they were without one. Today, Christ has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit which fills our lives. That Holy Spirit gives us each the ability and the responsibility to use our talents for God and be shepherds in some way... to the many sheep who haven't yet found their Shepherd.

Let us not forget the great blessing of God, His promise and His call to each of us.