What God hath wrought . . .

 Isaiah 41:17-20. NIV

The poor and needy search for water,

    but there is none;

    their tongues are parched with thirst.

But I the Lord will answer them;

    I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18 I will make rivers flow on barren heights,

    and springs within the valleys.

I will turn the desert into pools of water,

    and the parched ground into springs.

19 I will put in the desert

    the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.

I will set junipers in the wasteland,

    the fir and the cypress together,

20 so that people may see and know,

    may consider and understand,

that the hand of the Lord has done this,

    that the Holy One of Israel has created

I have a secret guilty pleasure.  No, not chocolate.  Not coffee.  Not even peppermint mocha latte.  Those are totally yummy.  Even guilty pleasures.  But not really secret.  No, my secret guilty pleasure is . . . . bag pipe flash mobs.  

I do love me some bagpipes and am happy to watch scheduled public performances, but somehow a pipe and drum flash mob thrills my heart like nothing else does.  When I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed, the sound of massed bag pipes soothes my soul.   Once I get my fill of bagpipes - and that does take a while - I move on to flash mobs singing the Hallelujah Chorus in a mall or playing the Ode to Joy in a public square.  After an hour or so I can return to whatever I was doing before.  

What does my obsession with bagpipes have to do with Isaiah?  It’s kind of the way the Lord satisfies my thirst on those anxious days.  Music in general moves my soul.  Watching the expressions on the faces of a choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus in a mall food court I am transported with them to a place of worship.  When a single bass violin begins to play Ode to Joy in public square and instrument by instrument an orchestra gathers, and then a choir comes and fills the air with the Ode to Joy I weep for joy, sometimes with great wrenching sobs.  But I can’t start there . . . this is the culmination of a brief spiritual interlude that always starts with bagpipes.

Creator God, I know you have done this.  You created music.  Your hand made us to be creatures to whom music speaks in any and all circumstances. And for these things I am grateful.  Amen

What are you looking for?

 Psalm 27:13 NIV

13 I remain confident of this:

    I will see the goodness of the Lord

    in the land of the living

For the longest time when anyone mentioned the Kingdom of God I thought they were talking about heaven.  It took a much closer reading of the Bible to realize that those words we tend to just breeze past every Sunday when we say the Lord’s Prayer are what we are supposed to strive for - “Thy will be done, thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Making the Kingdom come on earth is what God wants us to do, so that all will see God’s goodness in the land of the living.

It’s not always easy to see the goodness of the Lord in our daily lives.  Media tends to do its best to focus our attention on the things that are wrong with the world.  For example, I used to get headlines sent to my phone from the local ABC affiliate.  I recently unsubscribed because every single one of those headlines was about a shooting or stabbing or terrible accident in which people died or at least backed up traffic for ages.  And yes, I do know that the First Commandment of the news industry is “If it bleeds, it leads.”. But still . . . 

Whenever a few people do something bad, the news we hear is that “5% of these people did this terrible thing,” not “95% of these people did these good things.”  We have to work hard to find the good news...and by good news I do not mean that a bad thing happened to someone we think deserves to have bad things happen to them.  There is a vast difference between, “Yay, my team won.” and “Yay, your team lost.” Both statements describe the same event, but one celebrates goodness and the other does not.

In order to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living I have to look for the goodness in other humans.  (Admittedly, some people make it hard to find goodness in them, but that doesn’t excuse me from trying to find it.)  Focusing on the good in the world around me makes it easier to approach others with loving kindness and a peaceful heart.  That, in turn, makes is easier to see the goodness of the Lord in everything and everyone around me.

Loving God, we know that it is easier to see the good when we seek the good.  May we focus our vision first on what is good, loving, and kind in your world in order that we might bring your kingdom to existence on the earth as it is in heaven.  Amen

Peace is . . .

Romans 14:19. NIV

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification

I have wondered now and again why it is that only one Sunday each year is specifically focused on peace.  It would seem to me that peace should be a constant focus for Christians.  After all, one of the titles we give to the Christ is Prince of Peace.  

Peace is not an easy thing.  Even if all peace meant was “the absence of war,” there has rarely, if ever, been peace everywhere in the world at the same time.  Even during the Pax Romana, the only reason the world was at “peace” was that the Legions were always deployed on active duty.  

But peace means so much more than “absence of war.” Peace is a state of mind and heart which is not all that easy to accomplish, much like serenity.  Even those saints with a reputation for being calm and serene at all times have their moments.  Consider Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Every image of her we have ever seen portrays a woman radiating peace and humility.  We almost never think of the Mary who, upon finally finding her missing son hanging out in the Temple said, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” I suspect her demeanor was something other than calm at that moment.  It is impossible to imagine her heart being at peace while she and Joseph searched for her beloved son.  

It isn’t too hard to feel peaceful when everything is going well.   If I am sitting at my desk reading Christian Century magazine, enjoying my rosemary scented candles, and all the cats are asleep where I can see them peace is easy.  But when I am up against a deadline or doing the last minute prep for any event or waiting for an answer to an important question, peace is a bit harder.  Sometimes I find myself in a situation that reminds me of previous situations that did not go well for me.  In those cases peace of mind is pretty nearly impossible.  

“Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace.”  Sometimes I simply have to stop whatever it is I am doing for a moment, take myself out of the moment, and breathe.   Sometimes that is all it takes. Sometimes the Serenity Prayer helps.  I have been in meetings that are getting contentious and just before the feelings get out of hand I hear someone say, “Let us pray.”  Taking that moment to pray and allow a moment of calm to enter the room brings a bit of peace to those present.  

“Let us make every effort to do what leads to. . . . mutual edification.”  Sometimes we just need more information to end a disagreement.  Making the effort to listen to one another with a desire to find points of mutual agreement creates peace.  

Gracious God, it isn’t easy to find peace in our world today.  May we work at willingness to listen to one another for points of likeness.  May we also take a moment to breathe and pray, putting aside anxieties and worries so that we might find peace of heart and mind.  Amen.

About sheep . . .

 

John 10:14-15.  CEB

I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep.

Whenever I read this passage I tend to get stuck thinking about shepherds and sheep.  Jesus uses shepherd metaphors a lot, but knowing what I do about sheep and about the role of shepherds in his time . . .

Sheep are not too bright.  We had sheep when I was growing up in Pennsylvania and I can attest to that.  Unlike cows or horses, they can’t just be turned out into the fields to graze with the assurance  that they will wander back to the barn at dinner time.  They will simply keep wandering until someone - often the shepherd and the sheep dog - manages to get them all heading in the same direction.  In our case, as we only ever had a couple of sheep at a time and did not have a sheep dog, we attached one end of a chain to a tractor tire and the other end around the neck of the sheep, which allowed them to move and graze, but not get too far away.  We started out using cinder blocks, but one day Baby the Sheep decided to swim across the pond to get to Flower the Sheep, so we had to add more weight to the end of the chain.  I mean, who knew sheep could swim?  And - why did she swim across the pond instead of walking around it?  Anyway, sheep easily go astray, and need someone to pay attention to them all the time so they don’t get themselves in trouble.   I’m really not sure I want to be compared to a sheep. 

Don’t get me wrong. I love sheep.  When I go to a County Fair the first thing I want to do is visit the sheep barn. I love the way they smell, although most people don’t.  It’s kind of an acquired thing.  But still, adorable as they are, sheep are silly creatures, and not too bright.

Shepherds in Jesus’ time were really close to the very bottom of the social scale - right down there with tax collectors.  They had a terrible reputation and very few rights in their social structure - they could not serve as witnesses in court, for example, and to buy wool, milk or a kid from a shepherd was forbidden on the assumption that it would be stolen property.  Shepherds had a lonely life, living with the sheep more than with people.  They were despised by pretty much everyone.  Their job required them to stand between the sheep and danger.  So why would Jesus want to be known as a shepherd?  I mean, he does use the qualifier “good” but still . . . 

Maybe it’s the whole “last shall be first” thing Jesus preached.  Certainly it fits with Jesus spending his time with tax collectors and others who society despised instead of with the educated and elite.  It fits with him knowingly putting himself in danger so he could keep carrying the message of salvation.   It fits with the knowledge that he cares for each and every one of us, especially the lost ones.  Keeping these things in mind, the image of Jesus as shepherd does work.   

Lord God, just as it says in the Psalm, you are my shepherd.  You watch over me, and guide me in the right paths.  May I always pay attention and go in the way you lead, and not be led astray.  Amen.

The Helping Hand

 Psalm 124:8 (NIV)  Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

Quite a few churches, even megachurches, are holding worship as usual regardless of the restrictions in place to help curb the pandemic.  The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the State of New York cannot enforce restrictions on public religious services.  That does not mean we should all immediately start in person worship.  It only means that the State cannot enforce its directives.  Our Sheriff has already stated she will not enforce such restrictions in Fresno County, so for us nothing really changes.  

In response to those churches who have chosen to hold worship as usual, Dr. Jeff Barrows, Vice President for Bioethics and Public Policy of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations which represents 20,000 Evangelical medical professionals, begged his fellow Evangelicals not to gather for in person worship during the current surge in infections.  He noted that Christians are commanded to love their neighbors as themselves, "and one of the most tangible ways that we can do that at this moment in time is to avoid any in-person gatherings, especially as larger churches," he said.  He also said that prayers for healing work, but they don’t protect you from harm.  “If you step in front of a car you will be healed, but that healing is going to happen in heaven.” (quotes from an interview with NPR)

I believe in healing prayer.  I believe in miracles.  I also believe God gave us brains for a reason and that we should use them.  Scientists and medical professionals have spent decades gaining knowledge that enables them to give us good advice on staying healthy. If we are using our brains, we will listen to them and avoid situations that are dangerous to our health and safety.    Then, while doing those things, we seek God’s help in getting through the situation. 

It’s not easy to stay home, to give up doing all the things we are used to doing - eating in restaurants, visiting friends and family, shopping and window shopping, getting haircuts and all the other things that we have always taken for granted.   I can go for days feeling fine, but then it all crashes in and I want a hug.  I want to wander down High Street and say hello to the merchants.  I want to hang out with my monthly dinner and conversation group and solve all the problems of the world.  I am fortunate. For too many others their job and income are gone, they face hunger and even eviction and homelessness.  The only thing that really helps is knowing that God is right there with us, helping us get through.  

We have hope right now, because there are some vaccines coming out soon.  By late Spring the vaccine should be available to nearly everyone in the country.   Shortly after that, perhaps, life can get back to something approximating pre-Covid normality.  Between now and then we must rely on God, for our help is always in the name of the Lord, Creator of heaven and earth.

Creator God, our very present help in trouble, we give you thanks that you are always present in our lives.  May we remember that with you all things are possible, and all will be well.  Amen.

‘Tis the season . . .

Acts 11:29 (NIV) 

The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.  

It is the season when my mail box, my email inbox, and my voice mail are filled with pleas for money.  Well, to be honest, because it is an election year that season began months ago.  But traditionally, the huge influx of begging letters from non-profit agencies, educational institutions, and church ministries starts right after Thanksgiving and gets more intense the closer we come to the December 31st deadline.  Mind you, that deadline has everything to do with the IRS and very little, if anything, to do with when the agency in question requires financial support.   One of the regular features of these pleas is the line, “Can you give $ (some specific amount) now?”.  Then there are a number of lines of higher amounts you might select.  Way down further on the page will be a line saying “other amount” so you can fill in the blank.  The assumption is that the first suggested amount is affordable for everyone.  

“...as each one was able...”. I used to really hate getting these letters.  I could barely get my bills paid, never mind giving money to all these charities.  I felt so guilty, because I really care about these agencies and I really want to help.  But when you are trying to decide which bill to pay this month, or going to the church food pantry for groceries it is difficult to give where my heart wants me to.   Even giving to the church was a challenge, and I wasn’t anywhere close to being able to tithe the full 10% of my income.  For the last few years I have been in a much better financial position and have been able to give much more generously, but for the longest time I could not.  And I hated that.

“...as each one was able...”  I used to feel so guilty that I could not give to the Church in any substantial way.  (The story of the widow’s mite didn’t help at all - she gave everything she had!  I couldn’t do that.)   Somehow I must have missed this particular verse from Acts that made it clear not everyone can give in the same way, and that this is perfectly ok.  

“...as each one was able...” On Sundays we are always invited to give generously as we are able in whatever manner we can.  Money is always good, but not everyone has money to give.  Talents and gifts are great, but not everyone thinks they have a talent or gift that can help the church. Time spent volunteering is excellent, but if you have a job or two and family to care for, you might very well not have any time.  Prayer . . . prayer is always good, can be done at any time, does not require any particular gifts, and costs nothing.  Anyone and everyone can pray for the Church, and for all of those other charitable organizations that we really want to help.  Prayer is much more powerful than we might believe.  Maybe my prayers will nudge a person who can afford to give money, time, or talents to make that donation instead of just thinking about it.

Generous God, I wish I could give to all of the agencies and issues that I care about.  I know that is not reality today, so I will be grateful that I can give as I am able.  Help me to remember that even a small gift is helpful, and that prayer is always a welcome gift.  Amen.

Morning has broken

 

Psalm 25:5.  NIV

Guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Savior, 

and my hope is in you all day long.

The First Sunday of Advent is also known as Hope Sunday.  It seems to me that it isn’t enough to focus on Hope for just one day. I think this first week of Advent should be Hope Week. Especially now, when the pandemic is so much worse than it was in March because look - there are three different pharmaceutical companies who have found vaccines that have tested well for effectiveness in preventing the virus.   Experts tell us that the virus will most likely get much worse before a vaccine is available to most people, but there are vaccines. There is hope ahead.

We have heard it said, “It is always darkest before the dawn.”  This is not entirely true, being more metaphorical than factual and works as a metaphor just as well as, “The lost item is always in the last place you look,” works.   Just as you stop looking when you find the lost thing, so you stop worrying about the dark when you see the first hints of light in the east.  The “darkest before dawn” metaphor is typically used when trying to console someone who is going through serious difficulty.   It is just about as effective as a method of helping them feel better as does “this too shall pass.”. That is to say, no one really wants to hear it.  

It is difficult to hear anyone speak hopeful words for the future when we are fully absorbed in the troubles of right now.  It is not until we are able to look ahead from this moment that we start to realize there may, indeed, be hope for something better.  In our case, we can look ahead to the day when a vaccine will be available to all persons. 

We know the dawn is coming.  We know the night will not last forever.  No matter how difficult the journey into the future may be, when we have faith that God is with us we know that everything will be ok.  That is not to say that suddenly life will be all sunshine and (thornless) roses, but that God’s presence in our lives enables us to face whatever is ahead with confidence. 

One of my favorite things about getting up early in the morning is sitting in my kitchen watching the first fingers of light reaching into the night sky above my neighbor’s house.   Whenever I watch the day breaking I am filled with hope for the new day.  To me, those wisps of light in the darkness are what hope looks like.  

God of hope, it is hard for us to look past the troubles of now into a brighter future.  May we have faith to look ahead to the dawn of a new day, when the light of your love breaks through into the night.  Amen