Becoming better gardeners

April 5, 2011 — 0 Comments

This last weekend I wrapped up the second message in our series, “The Good Life,” with this quote. When we pick back up this weekend, we’ll be focusing in on how we can become better gardeners.

These are the blossoms; to get the fruit you have to learn to be a gardener. You have to discover how to tend and prune, how to irrigate the field, how to keep birds and squirrels away. You have to watch for blight and mold, cut away ivy and other parasites that suck the life out of the tree, and make sure the young trunk can stand firm in strong winds. Only then will the fruit appear.

N.T. Wright, After you Believe

In Miscellany, Teaching

Our participation in the new creation

March 30, 2011 — 0 Comments

Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors so I was pleased when I came across the book, “Show me the Way,” a collection of Lenten readings by him. I wanted to share a passage I read last week that I not only found deeply meaningful personally but also connects with the message I shared last week which opened up  our new series called, “The Good Life.”

Christians are Christians only when we unceasingly ask critical questions of the society in which we live and continuously stress the necessity for conversion, not only of the individual but also of the world. Christians are Christians only when we refuse to allow ourselves or anyone else to settle into a comfortable rest. We remain dissatisfied with the status quo. And we believes that we have an essential role to play in the realization of the new world to come – even if we cannot say how that world will come about.”

If you’re interested in this book, you can find it here.

If you’re searching for The Good Life, join us this weekend as we continue our shared pursuit.

In Miscellany, Teaching

Priests & Rulers

March 28, 2011 — 0 Comments

As promised, I’m sharing today some of the other references throughout scripture to the twin roles we have been commissioned to fulfill in creation. If you want to listen to the sermon that connects with this idea, you  can do so here.

4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”  Exodus 19:4-6

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.   Psalm 8:3-7

27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’   Daniel 7:27

5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:5,9

9 And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”   Revelation 5:9-10

3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.  Revelation 22:3-5

In Miscellany, Teaching

Scriptures from “Obedience” message

March 14, 2011 — 0 Comments

As promised, here are the scriptures from this last weekend’s message on Obedience. If you would like to listen to the full message online, you can do so here.

Acts 5:40-41

They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Romans 5:3-5

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.

Philippians 3:10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…

2 Timothy 1:8

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

I Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

In Miscellany, Teaching

Fasting on Ash Wednesday

March 10, 2011 — 1 Comment

I did something yesterday I have never done before.

I decided to fast to mark the first day of Lent. Fasting on Ash Wednesday is nothing new. Christians have done it for thousands of years, but it was a first for me.

I’ve tried to fast before.

I’ve made it until around mid-afternoon before the temptation just took over and I found myself sneaking a bite to eat.

Every attempt at fasting before ended in failure, guilt, and a real clear understanding of just how weak and spoiled I am.

I’m not quite sure why yesterday was different, but there were a few key “learnings” I wanted to archive and share today.

When you choose to fast, you will start the day very hungry.

This was a bit strange because I don’t usually start the day hungry, but my mind’s awareness of my choice to fast led my stomach to respond in a particular way. It reminded me that the physiological response of our bodies has great influence over our wills.

Skipping the first meal is the worst part.

I found it interesting that once I got past mid-afternoon [the time I would have usually folded!] the hunger pains did subside. Past that point, I was fine for the rest of the day. This was a really encouraging thought for the future.
You have to take is easy! Food is fuel and when a machine is denied fuel, it will not function as full capacity. My body was a bit weak yesterday and my mind was a little slower than normal. That was a limitation I had to accept.

Sharing the experience makes a tremendous difference.

Like my previous attempts, I was on the verge of breaking my fast yesterday afternoon until I got a text message from my friend Taylor who had decided to join me in the fast. Knowing that he had decided to share my struggle was huge. The thoughts of quitting immediately disappeared.

Fasting deepened my appreciation of  worship.

This was the real reward for me that I did not expect. The experience of worship with my community last night in the midst of an experience of a physical need was really powerful. My heart was warmed by the fact that while I was denying my body food, my spirit was being well fed.

I don’t know if I could have preached last night as Mike did, but I still felt a conviction that I should consider fasting on Ash Wednesday each year.

In Disciplines, Miscellany
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