Lent: Condemnation?

Read Romans 8:1-11

 Key verses: So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.  Romans 8:1-2

Being free from “condemnation” is a powerful concept. Just think about all the condemning, criticizing and complaining that goes on in the world.

Just to name a few:

·         The economy, the government, big business, greedy executives, . . .

·         My church leaders, elders, pastors, volunteers, . . .

·         My boss, co-workers, reportees, . . .

·         My spouse, my kids, my parents, . . .

·         My self, my habits, my attitude . . .

For us in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation. No condemnation. I read that statement in several ways. God does not condemn. We do not condemn. We are not condemned or condemning.

And how is that even conceivable? Because this “Spirit of life” has set us free from the law of sin and death – and the law of sin and death includes a condemning lifestyle.

Here’s to a life of freedom from condemnation – in all its forms.

Lent: Love is Here

Last night at the Youth Worship service we sang the song Love is Here. If you missed it you can watch a video here by the original artists, Tenth Avenue North.

I really like the line: “And to the bruised and fallen, captives, bound and broken hearted: He is here. He is here.”

Check out the video or go to this spot and read through the lyrics. Let that me you Lenten meditation for today.

Lent: It's Sunday

How lovely is your dwelling place

O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, indeed it faints

for the courts of the LORD;

My heart and my flesh sing for joy

to the living God.

Psalm 84: 1-2

Lent: Rotting Underwear?

Read Jeremiah 13: 1-11

Key Verse: For as the loincloth clings to one’s loins, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD, in order that they might be for me a people, a name, an praise, and a glory. But they would not listen. Jeremiah 13: 11

Rotting underwear? The word translated “loincloth” is sometimes translated “linen belt.” As I understand it, the idea is the clothes worn closest to the body – or what I call “underwear.”

The prophet Jeremiah used some very interesting word pictures and metaphors in trying to get the attention of God’s people and urge them to turn back to God and away from sin and idol worship. And the rotten underwear is one of the best. But the verse that captured my attention is verse 15, which says that just like our most intimate apparel clings to our bodies , God designed us to cling to him. And as a result of clinging to and holding to and depending on God – we become God’s people.

Are we as a church clinging to God? Am I as a person clinging to God? Is my relationship as close and as intimate as this word picture depicts? If not, Jeremiah says we’ll end up like the underwear that was buried and hidden away – dirty and rotting and smelly.

Cling to God and develop that intimate connection. 

Lent: Freedom. Indeed!

Read John 8: 33-47

Key Verse: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36.

Do you remember the final scene from the movie Braveheart – William Wallace’s final word from the chopping block: “Freeeeeee-dom!” People are willing to give up their lives for political freedom.

Jesus offers a different – and even better – type of freedom. This verse today is one to claim. Not just free, but “free indeed.” What kind of freedom does following Jesus’ way offer?

• Freedom from a rigid code of laws and rules
• Freedom from evil and it’s power
• Freedom to become the person you were designed by God to become
• Freedom to experience God’s love as a giver and a receiver.

There are more I’m sure. Be set free – by the Son – free indeed.

Lent: What's bread got to do with it?

Read John 8: 21-32

Key Verse: The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him. John 8:29

I’ve been on a vacation trip in Vail, Colorado with my wife Ellie and our friend, Helen. We’re all pretty compatible, however there’s always something that can become a little irritant. Last night it was about whether we should buy another loaf of bread or not. If we did buy the bread, we’d probably waste most of it because we’re leaving tomorrow. If we didn’t buy it, we might not have enough for sandwiches today. So we got testy over a $2 decision. In the middle of getting irritated I made a conscious decision to do what pleased the other person.

So we didn’t get bread and there was peace for the evening. Now the challenge is for me to avoid saying “I told you so” if we’re short on bread. Can you imagine really living like Jesus describes in John 8:29? Secure in the knowledge that God is with him and always doing what is pleasing to God?

It’s interesting that the very next verses in this passage talk about how many believed in him and then he encouraged them to continue to follow and learn and be set free.

God, let us live lives wholly pleasing to you.

Lent: The light that leads to life

Read John 8:12-20.

Key Verse: Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

I remember a mission trip to Glory Ridge, NC where our church was getting the camp ready for the summer. It’s very dark there, on top of a mountain, with no surrounding houses or lights. A couple of times I found myself trying to get from the dining building to the bunk house without my flashlight. It was so dark that I was stumbling and feeling my way up and down the hills.

Part of the whole story of the Bible is a message to walk and live in “the light.” And Jesus told the people that he was the light. And that we don’t have to walk in darkness. So why would anyone not follow him and walk in light?

I’m sure there are many reasons, but one of mine is that I just think I can be independent and do it –whatever it is – on my own. The truth that I’m learning is that walking in darkness is tough and there’s no other light like God’s light.

Let’s follow The Light!

Lent: St. Patrick's Breastplate

Read John 7:37-53

This prayer is attributed to St. Patrick who was about a lot more than four leafed clovers and green beer! It is often called “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” because of it’s cry for God’s protection.

This day we call to us: God’s strength to direct us, God’s power to sustain us.

God’s wisdom to guide us, God’s vision to light us, God’s ear to our hearing, God’s word to our speaking, God’s hand to uphold us, God’s pathway before us, God’s shield to protect us, God’s legions to save us: from snares of the demons, from evil enticements, from failings of nature, from one man or many that seek to destroy us, anear or afar.

Be Christ this day our strong protector. . . Christ beside us, Christ before us; Christ behind us, Christ within us; Christ beneath us, Christ above us; Christ to right of us, Christ to left of us; Christ in our lying, our sitting, our rising; Christ in heart of all who know us, Christ on tongue of all who meet us, Christ in eye of all who see us, Christ in ear of all who hear us.

For my shield this day we call: a mighty power: the Holy Trinity! Affirming threeness, confessing oneness in the making of all – through love.

 

Based on version from: ChurchNext, by Eddie Gibbs, p. 139

Lent: The one who sent me

Read John 7:14-36.

Key verse: While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” John 7: 28-29

I was struck in this passage about Jesus teaching in the temple that 5 times he talks about being sent and knowing the one who sent him. I think part of having the same attitude of Jesus is to know that we are sent and that we know the One who is sending us.

Maybe that’s part of what it means to be a missional church. To have that attitude of being sent – of being part of God’s mission in the world. His mission to redeem His creation. 

Lent: The heavens proclaim

The heavens proclaim the glory of God

   The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak;

   night after night they make him known.

They speak without a sound or word;

   their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

   and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

   It rejoices like a great athelete eager to run the race.

The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.

   Nothing can hide from its heat.

Psalm 19: 1-6

Lent: A pure gift

Read Romans 3:19-31.

Key verses:  Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. Roman 3:23-24 (The Message)

Romans 3:23 is one of those verses I memorized as a teenager. It’s part of the Roman Road that we were supposed to use to lead people to Christ. It’s always seemed too simple to me. Four steps to salvation, or whatever.

But when I look at this idea that I – and you – am utterly incapable of living up to a Godly life, I can feel some relief. The idea that God loved me – and you – so much he offers this gift. That’s beyond simple. It’s awe-inspiring.

Yesterday I traveled by plane and car from Indianapolis to Vail, Colorado. The drive through the Rocky Mountains is always awe-inspiring for me. The connection? Somehow the same God that is the creator of earth and stars and mountains and snow – is also the one who calls and gives and saves and heals.

Here’s to that God!

Lent: Stay with God!

Read Psalm 27 in the Message.

Key verses: Light, space, zest— that's God!  So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. . . . I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again:  Stay with God. Psalm 27: 1, 13-14.

I heard a terrific analogy by Andy Stanley recently. He was talking about hope and he said we all hope in something and hoping is like putting a ladder against a wall. The question is what wall do you lean your ladder against?

As a child it was your parents. Later you left that wall and perhaps put your hope in your self, or your job, or your spouse. For some maybe you put your hope in our savings, our 401k’s. Many of us put hope in America, or our leaders, or our president. Maybe we put hope in our church, our pastor, our elders.

I bet you know where this is going. All of those walls will break down at some point because this world is broken and anything of this world is likewise flawed and will break down. I bet you’ve got your own examples of where you placed your hope in something or someone – and it failed you.

For the psalmist, it was clear that there is only one wall, one source of hope – and that is God. “With him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” So, “stay with God. Take heart. Don’t quit.”

Put your ladder against the only wall that matters. Stay with God.

Lent: In the Mirror

Read Romans 1:28 – 2:11

Key verse: You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.  Romans 2:1

This verse in Romans is a good corrective for people like me who tend to notice all the bad folks and bad stuff around me.

For some reason this verse made me think of the old Michael Jackson song about starting with the Man in the Mirror. The chorus of that song, leaving out the echos and whoops and moonwalks goes:

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer: If you wanna make the world a better place – Take a look at yourself. And then make a change.”

Of course we also know the rest of this story. No matter how hard I try to change myself, I’m always coming up short. It’s only by the grace of God and the gift of his Son that I can be changed. That is good news. And yet it’s often easier to complain about the evil around me than to yield to the spirit God makes available to and within me.

Wouldn’t it be cool if I could look in the mirror and see me the way God sees me? His child.

Lent: Through Faith.

Read Romans 1:16-25.

Key Verse: For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Romans 1: 16-17.

It is through faith that a righteous person has life. One of the most inspiring examples of faith that I recall hearing is about Hattie Wiatt - a little girl who lived in Philadelphia in the early 1900's. 

Russell Conwell, who later founded Temple University, was the pastor of Grace Baptist Church. Hattie was a little girl who lived near the church. Apparently it was so crowded in Sunday school that she got turned away. She tearfully told Rev. Conwell her story and he shared that someday they would have a bigger building where no kids would have to be turned away.

Later the little girl became sick and died. At her funeral Hattie’s mom told Rev. Conwell that Hattie had saved her money to help build the bigger building – the mom gave him a purse containing 57 cents.

Conwell was moved by Hattie’s faith and he came up with an idea. He converted the 57 cents to 57 pennies; he told his congregation the story and offered to sell the pennies. That raised about $250. There was a house available near the church which they bought for $250 and used for Sunday School.

Later that house was used to hold the first classes of Temple College, which became Temple University, were held in that house.  Temple continued to grow and a hospital was also started.

The faith of the little girl and her response started a chain of events that changed many lives. “This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.” And it is Good News!

Lent: What are we waiting for?

Read John 4:27-42

Key verse: Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. John 4: 35

Recently I saw a poster in the Greenwood library café – yes, you can drink coffee in the library – and it said: “Drink coffee. Do stupid things faster with more energy.” I laugh because I drink lots of coffee and I’m capable of doing stupid things – I don’t know about the faster part. But I’m also capable of doing the opposite. That is it’s easy to play a waiting game; to wait until the timing is right; to wait for a sign; to wait for harvest time.

The Presbyterian Church USA has this process known as “interim.” It’s been over a year since our pastor left for Houston and the best guess is that sometime around November we’ll probably have a new pastor. So we’re in this interim. And it’s easy to be waiting for the harvest instead of harvesting what’s around us.

I find it so easy to say “Just a few more months until we get our pastor.” This passage today challenges me - and maybe others - to open my eyes. There’s plenty of harvesting to be done even now. I was excited to hear that our church elders started looking at five or so projects that we can be doing right now – opening our eyes and harvesting.

There’s an urgency in Jesus’ words. A “do it now” kind of message. And for me, this applies to all areas of life.

What am I waiting for? What needs to be completed, or started, or nurtured? Maybe a relationship? Maybe a project?

What are we waiting for?   

Lent: It's Sunday

You don't think I'd blog on Sunday do you? 

Go to church!

Lent: Spirit and Truth

Read  John 4:1-26.

But the time is coming when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4: 23-24.

Last night I saw an excellent stage presentation of Mamma Mia at the IU Auditorium in Bloomington, IN. I was struck by how the creators of that show took music from the 1970’s disco-era Swedish group called “ABBA” and built an entertaining musical around the music. It reminded me of how creativity is often defined as the rearranging of the old in a new way.

Jesus was a master at rearranging the old in a new way. In the story John tells of the Samaritan woman at the well, he redefines and redirects the whole concept of worship.

Here Jesus gives an answer to the question of the Samaritan woman about where a person should worship – in Jerusalem or at Mount Gerizim in Samaria. Jesus answers the “what” question with a “how” answer. Worship God in spirit and in truth.

Jesus is not dodging the question. Instead he is re-creating worship. Just this week I was in three different conversations about worship. And I don’t remember once bringing up whether we were focusing on Spirit and truth. I think it’s easier to focus on the human questions of worship time and worship space and worship style. Jesus calls us to go deeper.

I know we could talk for hours about what it means to “worship God in spirit and in truth.” And maybe we should. And when we do let’s make sure the conversation is infused with God’s spirit and truth.

 

 

Lent: A Gospel of Grace and Mercy

Read: Hebrews 4:11-16.

Key Verse: Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.

Maybe this verse does not need any comments. Just read it, pray on it, let it seep into your bones.

In time of need – help – find grace – receive mercy – approach with boldness.

In time of need I need help. I need answers. I need relief. God invites me to approach with boldness and ask. And he promises me help.

And the help he promises is mercy. What’s that? It may be a miracle. Maybe not. It may be healing. Maybe not. It is always mercy. And always grace.

I was reading through the book of Lamentations. A book almost without hope. Mourning the exile of God’s people and the utter devastation of Jerusalem and it’s people. Still right in the middle of this short book the writer says: “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:21-23.

So boldly ask and boldly expect: Expect grace and mercy and that will give you hope.

Read John 3:16-21

Key Verse: "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  John 3:17.

Famous radio commentator Paul Harvey died on Sunday. He made famous the phrase “And now, here’s the rest (PAUSE) of the story.”

I remember memorizing John 3:16 in Sunday School as a kid and our teacher making sure we also included the verse 17. In a way it is “the rest of the story.” I know that I and much of the world spend too much time condemning the world and too little time saving the world through Jesus.

Here’s a cool thought. What if we spent the rest of this Lenten season with a no condemning policy? It would be a “fast” of criticizing, condemning and complaining. Of course if we eliminate those three “c’s” from our minds and our vocabulary, we’ll need something to talk about – something to think about.

So here’s the rest of that story. Let’s try being aware of any critical or condemning thoughts and behaviors. And when they come, try a replacement strategy. Replace condemning thoughts with saving thoughts. Say a little prayer. Repeat a Bible verse – like John 3:17. Or adopt a phrase you can say to yourself, like “Jesus saves”, or “God loves me.”

Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it. And he didn’t send me, or you, here to condemn it either. Indeed! Good day!

Lent: Exhort one another daily.

Read Hebrews 3:12-19.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3: 12-13.

Exhort is also translated “encourage” or “warn”.  I was thinking about the value of being an encourager or exhorter rather than participating in “the deceitfulness of sin.”

My friend Mark Hershman said the other day that he was tired of all the negativity in the business community right now. He said he had found some people having very good business right now in spite of the “worst” economy in our lifetimes. Mark said he’d decided to NOT participate in the negativity. I like that!

I encourage you to be an exhorter, an encourager, or even a warner. Be the person who sees the jar half full, not half empty. And I encourage you to point out to me every time you catch me doing the opposite.

 Exhort someone today!

Lent Series: Take Heart!

Read Psalm 34:

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Come let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34: 1-2

Let all who are discouraged take heart. This psalm was written for David while thinking about a time he barely escaped getting killed by his enemies. We live in a time where it’s easy to get discouraged. Our church is in the middle of what our interim pastor calls the “wilderness” of a pastoral search. And then there’s this economy tailspin. The Dow Jones below 7000 – really?

It would be nice to see some light in the darkness. Well last night about 60 of us showed up at a volunteer meeting to kick off our church’s partnership with The Refuge. If you don’t know The Refuge is a ministry providing clothes, food, training and spiritual support here in the Greenwood area. We’ll be providing staffing for the 1^st and 5^th Thursdays of every month – handing out food and clothes to those in need.

I believe God wants to show us a way from light to darkness. That’s a big part of God’s story. I think I’ll keep looking for light.

Let all who are discouraged take heart.

Lent series: True and False Worship

You might want to read Isaiah 58: 1 - 14.

Key verse: No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you . . . I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help!  Isaiah 58: 6.

I don't know about you, but many years I've gotten sucked into the "what are you giving up for Lent this year?" I know the giving up is related to the Bible's idea called fasting. One year I gave up coffee for Lent - a big deal for me. Of course I started up again on Easter morning. I guess the question is what did that do for God or for God's kingdom?  Nothing!

Isaiah was writing in the middle of very troubling times. The people God had chosen to be his light in the world had deserted worshipping Him and had turned to idols and to their own ways rather than his. Isaiah chided the people for their once-in-a-while fasting - and thinking they might impress God.

God doesn't want our signs and efforts and giving up and starting up. What he wants is whole-hearted devotion and commitment. That often shows up in the way we live our lives - feeding hungry; clothing others; helping a family member who needs help.

God help me to get fasting right.

Lent is for what?

I was thinking it would be cool to have a daily inspirational devotional that I could get online. Then yesterday in the middle of church I had the feeling that God was nudging me to write one myself. I'll post these ramblings on this existing Core Vision site.

As our church has been going thru the "wilderness" of a pastor leaving, an interim coming, and a search beginning for new permanent leadership - maybe this "Lenten" season will be a chance for God to move and change my - and maybe others' - hearts.

Lent is one of those ideas I have never fully embraced. I understand John Calvin and many other early church Reformers dumped the whole concept. That said, the Bible often talks about people - including Jesus - who fasted for long periods - like 40 days.

So that leads to the first post: True and false Worship