Daily Lectionary for September 7, 2010
Psalm 11
Job 29:1-20
Acts 14:1-18
John 10:31-42
Acts 14:1-18 and John 10:31-42
In which the lesson is again delivered that this is dangerous stuff. Paul and Barnabas are having mixed results in Iconium. Some are receptive, some want to kill them. There is mention of intent to mistreat and stone them - one wonders what the mistreating was to be if the other option was stoning. They flee the city. Jesus is at the Temple in the John passage. Religious folks are becoming angry with Jesus' teachings again and are doing the religious thing and taking up stones to stone him (Jn.10:31). Interestingly, Jesus eludes them and leaves the immediate area, traveling to the part of the Jordan where John had been baptizing. Somehow this seems appropriate as for Jesus and moreso for Paul and Barnabas, the trouble all began with their baptism. Once baptized life changes and the call to announce the kingdom and follow Jesus become the guiding principles. Live out ones baptism faithfully and eventually, perhaps, someone will want to take up stones against you. You'll help a lot of people, bringing good news and hope and all sorts of good stuff as well, but don't expect everyone to be thrilled.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Do The Right Thing - September 6, 2010
Daily Lectionary for September 6, 2010
Psalm 24
Job 32:1-10, 19-33:1, 19-28
Acts 13:44-52
John 10:19-30
Psalm 24
In answer to the question "Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?", the Psalmist writes, "Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do now swear deceitfully." Which makes me believe again that there are times when we overthink what it is we are to do and the choices God wants us to make. Have clean hands and pure hearts, don't embrace false things and try to keep from swearing deceitfully. So, try to do the right thing, right? Amazing, God desiring that we do the right thing.
Acts 13:44-52 and John 10:19-30
Both passages touch on...what's the word...shh...the idea of predestination. "When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers."(Acts 13:48) and "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."(John 10:27) When I saw the first one in Acts I wasn't going to mention it, but then when the idea was there in the gospel passage as well - just thought I'd throw it out there. What do you do with that?
Freedom
Have started reading Jonathan Franzen's new book "Freedom". Drawn in by the hype that has surrounded the release of this book I downloaded the sample to my Kindle and was drawn in even more. Initially it reminds me of things I like about John Updike. Nice explorations of what is going on in the minds of regular (upper middle class version) folks done in a way that is insightful, clever, occasionally mean-spirited and often funny. The Kindle doesn't give page numbers so I know that I'm 8 percent into it. Looking forward to more.
Psalm 24
Job 32:1-10, 19-33:1, 19-28
Acts 13:44-52
John 10:19-30
Psalm 24
In answer to the question "Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?", the Psalmist writes, "Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do now swear deceitfully." Which makes me believe again that there are times when we overthink what it is we are to do and the choices God wants us to make. Have clean hands and pure hearts, don't embrace false things and try to keep from swearing deceitfully. So, try to do the right thing, right? Amazing, God desiring that we do the right thing.
Acts 13:44-52 and John 10:19-30
Both passages touch on...what's the word...shh...the idea of predestination. "When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers."(Acts 13:48) and "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."(John 10:27) When I saw the first one in Acts I wasn't going to mention it, but then when the idea was there in the gospel passage as well - just thought I'd throw it out there. What do you do with that?
Freedom
Have started reading Jonathan Franzen's new book "Freedom". Drawn in by the hype that has surrounded the release of this book I downloaded the sample to my Kindle and was drawn in even more. Initially it reminds me of things I like about John Updike. Nice explorations of what is going on in the minds of regular (upper middle class version) folks done in a way that is insightful, clever, occasionally mean-spirited and often funny. The Kindle doesn't give page numbers so I know that I'm 8 percent into it. Looking forward to more.
City On A Hill - September 5, 2010
Daily Lectionaryfor September 5, 2010
Psalm 26
Job 25:1-6, 27:1-6
Revelation 14:1-7, 13
Matthew 5:13-20
Matthew 5:13-20
"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid."(v.14)
Great words exhorting those who hear to let the light of Christ show through our lives - like a city on a hill that cannot be hid. And there are these words that Jesus says..."let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven".(v.16) Jesus seems not to be overly moved by the faith vs. works thing. He talks like they are inextricably linked to each other. When we embrace all that Christ has done for us, it leads us to want to be that city on a hill, to point beyond ourselves to God.
Sports Round-up
Well, the Reds lost two of three to the Cards over the weekend, but we are still up by 7 games. UK handled U of L 23-16 - seemed like it was going to be a little easier than it turned out but it's always good to beat U of L. Ohio State got it all started on Thursday night by rolling to an easy win over Marshall. Pretty much a good sports weekend.
Psalm 26
Job 25:1-6, 27:1-6
Revelation 14:1-7, 13
Matthew 5:13-20
Matthew 5:13-20
"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid."(v.14)
Great words exhorting those who hear to let the light of Christ show through our lives - like a city on a hill that cannot be hid. And there are these words that Jesus says..."let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven".(v.16) Jesus seems not to be overly moved by the faith vs. works thing. He talks like they are inextricably linked to each other. When we embrace all that Christ has done for us, it leads us to want to be that city on a hill, to point beyond ourselves to God.
Sports Round-up
Well, the Reds lost two of three to the Cards over the weekend, but we are still up by 7 games. UK handled U of L 23-16 - seemed like it was going to be a little easier than it turned out but it's always good to beat U of L. Ohio State got it all started on Thursday night by rolling to an easy win over Marshall. Pretty much a good sports weekend.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
"Can A Mortal Be Of Use To God?" - September 4, 2010
Daily Lectionary for September 4, 2010
Psalms 63
Job 22:1-4, 22:21-23:7
Acts 13:26-43
John 10:1-18
Psalm 63
"O God, you are my God. I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."(v.1) The Psalmist writes of the need that exists within each of us for God. It's how we are made. It is how we are hardwired. Our lives are closest to finding meaning when we are able to recognize the truth of these words. Our souls thirst for God. Not for anything else - for God.
Job 22:1-4, 22:21-23:7
Job's friend Eliphaz the Temanite asks "Can a mortal be of use to God?"(22:1) Seems like a solid question. Brings to mind Psalm 8 with its "What are human beings that you are mindful of them?"(v.4). The answer the Psalmist offers is the wondrous surprise - "Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor."(v.5) God could certainly accomplish God's plans without us, what a gift that God chooses to involve us.
"What Are You Becoming?"
Preaching tomorrow on Jeremiah 18:1-11. Will be working with the God as potter image. The passage talks about God being able to take that which seems hopeless and build it up into something great. The passage also talks about God being able to take something that seems great and tear it down. God is not limited by our ability to imagine what could happen. While there is clearly a word of warning here, I think this is a hopeful passage - too many of us have very limited ideas of what we can contribute. On our own, we'd be right. But remember the question of the Job passage "Can a mortal be of use to God?" Our thought may be not really. God has other, better ideas for us.
Psalms 63
Job 22:1-4, 22:21-23:7
Acts 13:26-43
John 10:1-18
Psalm 63
"O God, you are my God. I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."(v.1) The Psalmist writes of the need that exists within each of us for God. It's how we are made. It is how we are hardwired. Our lives are closest to finding meaning when we are able to recognize the truth of these words. Our souls thirst for God. Not for anything else - for God.
Job 22:1-4, 22:21-23:7
Job's friend Eliphaz the Temanite asks "Can a mortal be of use to God?"(22:1) Seems like a solid question. Brings to mind Psalm 8 with its "What are human beings that you are mindful of them?"(v.4). The answer the Psalmist offers is the wondrous surprise - "Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor."(v.5) God could certainly accomplish God's plans without us, what a gift that God chooses to involve us.
"What Are You Becoming?"
Preaching tomorrow on Jeremiah 18:1-11. Will be working with the God as potter image. The passage talks about God being able to take that which seems hopeless and build it up into something great. The passage also talks about God being able to take something that seems great and tear it down. God is not limited by our ability to imagine what could happen. While there is clearly a word of warning here, I think this is a hopeful passage - too many of us have very limited ideas of what we can contribute. On our own, we'd be right. But remember the question of the Job passage "Can a mortal be of use to God?" Our thought may be not really. God has other, better ideas for us.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Being Ready To Walk Through The Door - September 3, 2010
Daily Lectionary for September 3, 2010
Psalm 3
Job 19:1-7, 14-27
Acts 13:13-25
John 9:18-41
Acts 13:13-25
In which Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch of Pisidia on the sabbath day. They go to the synagogue and after the reading of the law and the prophets an official of the temple says to them, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." Paul doesn't have to be asked twice and is up in short order giving an exposition on salvation history. An invitation was given, a door was open and Paul was more than willing to walk through it. And prepared to walk through it as well. Our invitations to give a word of exhortation to the people may not be so clear cut - although maybe they will. The thing here is that when the opportunity to share our faith presents itself we, like Paul, need to be prepared to walk through it. There is no reluctance in Paul. Invitation issued - Paul on feet speaking. I find myself more guarded and less forthcoming and I think I'm not alone in that. We don't want to be pushy, don't want to overstep our bounds, don't want to force our beliefs on anyone. First, I think, we must listen (and watch) closely for the invitations. Second, when an invitation is extended, that is when an opportunity presents itself to share something of our faith we must hesitate less and venture forth more. It does not require pushiness or forcing what we believe on others - instead it is an opportunity to say, this has been transforming for me, I believe it can be transforming for you. That's not pushy - that's potentially lifegiving.
Julie's Home!
After a week away at Lake Junaluska, Julie is back this Friday evening. That is a good thing. And she came bearing gifts. Silly bands for Eliza. A Toy Story lunchbox for our Disney/Pixar fan Cameron. And, for me, a recently released new translation of the New Testament called the Common English Bible. I have too many Bibles. But I love them. I love comparing different translations. I like what the Jerusalem Bible does with the Psalms, I love some of the archaic language of the King James, I grew up on the RSV which has made me a fan of the English Standard Version, and I rely for the most part on the NRSV. Occasionally I'll visit the Message to see if there is a fresh spin on things to be found there. I look forward to spending some time with the Common English Bible - I'll let you know what I find.
Psalm 3
Job 19:1-7, 14-27
Acts 13:13-25
John 9:18-41
Acts 13:13-25
In which Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch of Pisidia on the sabbath day. They go to the synagogue and after the reading of the law and the prophets an official of the temple says to them, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." Paul doesn't have to be asked twice and is up in short order giving an exposition on salvation history. An invitation was given, a door was open and Paul was more than willing to walk through it. And prepared to walk through it as well. Our invitations to give a word of exhortation to the people may not be so clear cut - although maybe they will. The thing here is that when the opportunity to share our faith presents itself we, like Paul, need to be prepared to walk through it. There is no reluctance in Paul. Invitation issued - Paul on feet speaking. I find myself more guarded and less forthcoming and I think I'm not alone in that. We don't want to be pushy, don't want to overstep our bounds, don't want to force our beliefs on anyone. First, I think, we must listen (and watch) closely for the invitations. Second, when an invitation is extended, that is when an opportunity presents itself to share something of our faith we must hesitate less and venture forth more. It does not require pushiness or forcing what we believe on others - instead it is an opportunity to say, this has been transforming for me, I believe it can be transforming for you. That's not pushy - that's potentially lifegiving.
Julie's Home!
After a week away at Lake Junaluska, Julie is back this Friday evening. That is a good thing. And she came bearing gifts. Silly bands for Eliza. A Toy Story lunchbox for our Disney/Pixar fan Cameron. And, for me, a recently released new translation of the New Testament called the Common English Bible. I have too many Bibles. But I love them. I love comparing different translations. I like what the Jerusalem Bible does with the Psalms, I love some of the archaic language of the King James, I grew up on the RSV which has made me a fan of the English Standard Version, and I rely for the most part on the NRSV. Occasionally I'll visit the Message to see if there is a fresh spin on things to be found there. I look forward to spending some time with the Common English Bible - I'll let you know what I find.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Seeking An Undivided Heart - September 2, 2010
Daily Lectionary For September 2, 2010
Psalm 86
Job 16:16-22, 17:1, 13-16
Acts 13:1-12
John 9:1-17
Psalm 86
Kids successfully transported to school, the next thing up was going to be easy - daily devotionals - read the lectionary. Except that there were clothes to move from the washer to the dryer and more to be put in the washer. Cameron has a soccer game this afternoon and as he had one last night some things need to have a quick turnaournd so they will be ready for him this afternoon. Two things for church crossed my mind on the way home - not pressing things, but things that tempted me to "just take care of these couple of details while they were fresh in my mind". And so on. Then this from todays Psalm, "Teach me you way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name."(v.11) There are so many things that are worthwhile to divide my heart before I even come to the less worthwhile things. God, give me an undivided heart.
Acts 13:1-12
The Holy Spirit requests that Paul and Barnabas be set aside for the work to which they are called. The people respond by fasting and praying and then laying hands on them before sending them off. Focusing on the fasting and praying that was done in preparation for their departure. How easy is it to skip that step? The Holy Spirit says go, there is great excitement, you send them off. The people did not do this - they made the intentional space to fast and to pray - intentionally and with specificity - for Paul and Barnabas. Then they sent them. And it is important. In Cyprus they enounter a magician, a "false prophet" named Elymas. In verse 10 Paul takes on Elymas in no uncertain terms. Surely such courage to confront was a part of Paul's makeup, but I can't help but think that the foundation that was laid in the prayer and the fasting were criticial to Paul being able to do what he did.
John 9:1-17
Jesus heals a man blind from birth, restoring his sight and causing a ruckus. The people don't believe it's really the man, then they want to know exactly what happened and decide this is a matter for the Pharisees. The Pharisees are divided in their opinion of what has happened. A man is cured of blindness which he has lived with all his life and the religious leadership is divided as to what to make of it. This is one of those passages that begins with frustration at the religious leaders attitude - frustration that quickly transitions to self-examination. A man is granted sight and many sighted people seem unable to see what has happened. What sights, what works of God am I regularly blind to?
Psalm 86
Job 16:16-22, 17:1, 13-16
Acts 13:1-12
John 9:1-17
Psalm 86
Kids successfully transported to school, the next thing up was going to be easy - daily devotionals - read the lectionary. Except that there were clothes to move from the washer to the dryer and more to be put in the washer. Cameron has a soccer game this afternoon and as he had one last night some things need to have a quick turnaournd so they will be ready for him this afternoon. Two things for church crossed my mind on the way home - not pressing things, but things that tempted me to "just take care of these couple of details while they were fresh in my mind". And so on. Then this from todays Psalm, "Teach me you way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name."(v.11) There are so many things that are worthwhile to divide my heart before I even come to the less worthwhile things. God, give me an undivided heart.
Acts 13:1-12
The Holy Spirit requests that Paul and Barnabas be set aside for the work to which they are called. The people respond by fasting and praying and then laying hands on them before sending them off. Focusing on the fasting and praying that was done in preparation for their departure. How easy is it to skip that step? The Holy Spirit says go, there is great excitement, you send them off. The people did not do this - they made the intentional space to fast and to pray - intentionally and with specificity - for Paul and Barnabas. Then they sent them. And it is important. In Cyprus they enounter a magician, a "false prophet" named Elymas. In verse 10 Paul takes on Elymas in no uncertain terms. Surely such courage to confront was a part of Paul's makeup, but I can't help but think that the foundation that was laid in the prayer and the fasting were criticial to Paul being able to do what he did.
John 9:1-17
Jesus heals a man blind from birth, restoring his sight and causing a ruckus. The people don't believe it's really the man, then they want to know exactly what happened and decide this is a matter for the Pharisees. The Pharisees are divided in their opinion of what has happened. A man is cured of blindness which he has lived with all his life and the religious leadership is divided as to what to make of it. This is one of those passages that begins with frustration at the religious leaders attitude - frustration that quickly transitions to self-examination. A man is granted sight and many sighted people seem unable to see what has happened. What sights, what works of God am I regularly blind to?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
High Stakes - September 1 2010
Daily Lectionary for September 1, 2010Psalm 92
Job 12:1, 14:1-22
Acts 12:18-25
John 8:47-59
Job 12:1, 14:1-22
Couple of random thoughts out of the Job 14 passage related to sayings of Jesus. First Job 14:4, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" reminds me of Jesus discussion of the harmful things not being the external things, but that which is within. Second, Job 14:7, "For there is hope for tree, if it is cut down that it will sprout again, and that it's shoots will not cease." brings to mind Jesus direction to cut down that which does not produce, perhaps with the second part of this statement in mind - cut it down and let it begin again.
Acts 12:18-25 and John 8:47-59
Both of these passages feature some of the risk and danger that seems to attach itself to Jesus and the journey of faith. In Acts we have the aftermath of Peter's deliverance from prison. While cause for joy for Jesus and the believers who had been praying for his release it turns out to be bad news for the guards who were supposed to be watcing him. Herod has them executed. The powers that be feel threatened by these people of the Way and someone must be made to pay. In the John passage Jesus is debating with some of the Jewish leadership. They suggest he is possessed of a demon. Jesus denies this and talks about his relationship with his Father. The scene turns fron discussion to ugly and concludes with v.59, "So they picke up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Again the powers that be feel threatened, this time by Jesus' words that they do not understand; the means to deal with this seems to be not further discussion, but finding a good size rock. Faith is no smooth ride once can infer. Following Jesus is no guarantee of days of ease. And I've not even brought Job into the discussion - he surely would have a few things to say about hardship. Important for me to keep passages like these before me when I feel like things are unneccesarily difficult. I haven't begun to have anything approaching this type of difficulty in life and sometimes, apparently, when we follow Jesus this is the sort of thing that will be part of the journey. The stakes are high - this is important stuff.
Job 12:1, 14:1-22
Acts 12:18-25
John 8:47-59
Job 12:1, 14:1-22
Couple of random thoughts out of the Job 14 passage related to sayings of Jesus. First Job 14:4, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" reminds me of Jesus discussion of the harmful things not being the external things, but that which is within. Second, Job 14:7, "For there is hope for tree, if it is cut down that it will sprout again, and that it's shoots will not cease." brings to mind Jesus direction to cut down that which does not produce, perhaps with the second part of this statement in mind - cut it down and let it begin again.
Acts 12:18-25 and John 8:47-59
Both of these passages feature some of the risk and danger that seems to attach itself to Jesus and the journey of faith. In Acts we have the aftermath of Peter's deliverance from prison. While cause for joy for Jesus and the believers who had been praying for his release it turns out to be bad news for the guards who were supposed to be watcing him. Herod has them executed. The powers that be feel threatened by these people of the Way and someone must be made to pay. In the John passage Jesus is debating with some of the Jewish leadership. They suggest he is possessed of a demon. Jesus denies this and talks about his relationship with his Father. The scene turns fron discussion to ugly and concludes with v.59, "So they picke up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Again the powers that be feel threatened, this time by Jesus' words that they do not understand; the means to deal with this seems to be not further discussion, but finding a good size rock. Faith is no smooth ride once can infer. Following Jesus is no guarantee of days of ease. And I've not even brought Job into the discussion - he surely would have a few things to say about hardship. Important for me to keep passages like these before me when I feel like things are unneccesarily difficult. I haven't begun to have anything approaching this type of difficulty in life and sometimes, apparently, when we follow Jesus this is the sort of thing that will be part of the journey. The stakes are high - this is important stuff.
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