April 29
· Love people, not their values – God loves people (John 3:16), but that doesn’t mean he loves the values of the world. The Apostle John warns us not to “love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father.” (1 John 2:15 MSG)
"You don't have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it's all been made possible by your Savior. He went without comfort so you might have it. He postponed joy so you might share in it. He willingly chose isolation so you might never be alone in your hurt and sorrow." - Joni Eareckson Tada
Mark your calendar. At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be 02:03:04 05/06/07.
It is estimated that 31 million U.S. households do not have Internet access and do not plan to subscribe to an Internet provider in the next 12 months. Of those households, 44 percent believe they have no need for the Internet. - Source: Time (April 9, 2007)
THE PARTY BEGINS (Commenting on Matthew 4:11) The angels celebrated his victory. Taken with his perseverance and righteousness, they slipped out of heaven and congratulated him for not selling out. Do you realize the angels are always ready for such a party? Any time you are tempted to sell out your principles, the angels come to attention. They wait as you struggle. Then at the very moment you decide you are not for sale, the party begins. While you may not see them, they are in riotous celebration all around your unmoved soul. --Calvin Miller
A woman is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Her husband waits patiently in the waiting room. After a few minutes, the doctor comes out and asks the assistant for a wrench, which understandably concerns the husband.
Then, after a couple more moments, the doctor re-enters the room this time asking for a screwdriver.
The man grows worried and begins to pace in circles. Then, a little later, the doctor bursts through the doors screaming for a hammer.
At that, the husband, in a state of frenzied terror, runs up to the physician and asks, "Doctor, what the heck is wrong with my wife?"
"I don't know," replies the flustered doctor, "I can't get my medical bag open."
A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy 2 servings per night, and a few more on weekends. I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.
Therefore... In the last 3 1/2 years, I have had chocolate caloric intake of about 180 pounds, and I only weigh 165 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about 3 months ago! I owe my life to chocolate.
In his book, Future Shock, Alvin Toffler explains how, in this modern world of rapid change, confusion and over-choice, we all need some kind of "stability zones" - regular habits, rituals, beliefs - whatever it is that gives us a stable point of reference. It would be difficult to deny the wisdom of Toffler's observation, or to miss its application to the role of religious faith in our lives. The grace of God as revealed in Jesus, the Christ, is surely our ultimate stability zone.
A Bleat of Pain from A Bleat of Joy
I read last week that “cows are herded from the rear by hooting cowboys with cracking whips, but that will not work with sheep. Stand behind them making loud noises and all they will do is run around behind you, because sheep prefer to follow. You push cows, but you lead sheep, and they will not go anywhere that someone else does not go first – namely their shepherd – the one who goes ahead of them to show them that everything is all right.
"Sheep tend to grow fond of their shepherds. Shepherds can walk through a sleeping flock without disturbing any of them, while a stranger could not come close without causing pandemonium. Sheep seem to consider their shepherds to be part of their family. They develop their own language. A good shepherd can distinguish a bleat of pain from a bleat of joy. Sheep learn that a certain click of the tongue means it’s time to eat and a certain whistle means it’s time to go.
An airline pilot, passing over an airport one day, called the air traffic controller and asked him what time it was. "What airline are you flying?" came back the response. "What airline am I flying?" the pilot repeated. "What possible difference does that make? I want to know what time it is." The controller replied patiently: "Well, sir, it makes all the difference in the world. If you are with United Airlines, it is 1500 hours. If you are with American, it's 3 p.m. If you are with Continental, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the three. And if you are with JetBlue, it's Tuesday."
What Is Unique About Christianity?
The story of Jesus sitting and debating the Law with rabbis reminds me of another debate that took place in a comparative religions conference, the wise and the scholarly were in a spirited debate about what is unique about Christianity. Someone suggested what set Christianity apart from other religions was the concept of incarnation, the idea that God became incarnate in human form. But someone quickly said, “Well, actually, other faiths believe that God appears in human form.” Another suggestion was offered: what about resurrection? The belief that death is not the final word. That the tomb was found empty. Someone slowly shook his head. Other religions have accounts of people returning from the dead.
Then, as the story is told, C.S. Lewis walked into the room, tweed jacket, pipe, armful of papers, a little early for his presentation. He sat down and took in the conversation, which had by now evolved into a fierce debate. Finally during a lull, he spoke saying, “what's all this rumpus about?” Everyone turned in his direction. Trying to explain themselves they said, “We're debating what's unique about Christianity.” “Oh, that's easy,” answered Lewis, “it is grace."
The room fell silent.
Lewis continued that Christianity uniquely claims God's love comes free of charge, no strings attached. No other religion makes that claim. After a moment someone commented that Lewis had a point, Buddhists, for example, follow an eight-fold path to enlightenment. It's not a free ride.
Hindu's believe in karma, that your actions continually affect the way the world will treat you; that there is nothing that comes to you not set in motion by your actions. Someone else observed the Jewish code of the law implies God has requirements, and Islam's code of love does the same.
At the end of the discussion everyone concluded Lewis had a point. Only Christianity dares to proclaim God's love is unconditional. An unconditional love that we call grace.
Nibbled Lost
The story is told of a farmer who had just rescued a lost sheep. When asked how the sheep got lost, the farmer replied, "They just nibble themselves lost. They go from one tuft of grass to another, until at last they've lost their way." That's what happens in life, isn't it? We nibble away at life with little purpose or direction, until it's gone and we have no idea where it went.
In a world that’s increasingly more scattered and scared, our task as Christ’s Church is to translate and transmit the voice of the Good Shepherd to all those who are lost, hurting, and alone. It’s also about following Jesus’ example and welcoming everyone into the fold. Even we sheep should be able to understand that.
A little old lady sold pretzels on a street corner for 25 cents each. Every day a young lawyer would leave his office building at lunch time and, as he passed her pretzel stand, he would leave her a quarter, but would never take a pretzel. This went on for more than five years. The two of them never spoke. One day as the lawyer passed the old ladies pretzel stand and left his quarter as usual, the pretzel woman spoke to him, " Sir, I appreciate your business. You are a good customer, but I have to tell you that the pretzel price has increased to 35 cents."
"Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn't going to get the job done." -- Jim Rohn
There is profound theology in the words of the little girl who began to recite the 23rd Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."
Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm. No matter how raging the billows are today, remind yourself: "This too shall pass!"
"You don't have to be alone in your hurt! Comfort is yours. Joy is an option. And it's all been made possible by your Savior. He went without comfort so you might have it. He postponed joy so you might share in it. He willingly chose isolation so you might never be alone in your hurt and sorrow." - Joni Eareckson Tada
Mark your calendar. At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be 02:03:04 05/06/07.
It is estimated that 31 million U.S. households do not have Internet access and do not plan to subscribe to an Internet provider in the next 12 months. Of those households, 44 percent believe they have no need for the Internet. - Source: Time (April 9, 2007)
THE PARTY BEGINS (Commenting on Matthew 4:11) The angels celebrated his victory. Taken with his perseverance and righteousness, they slipped out of heaven and congratulated him for not selling out. Do you realize the angels are always ready for such a party? Any time you are tempted to sell out your principles, the angels come to attention. They wait as you struggle. Then at the very moment you decide you are not for sale, the party begins. While you may not see them, they are in riotous celebration all around your unmoved soul. --Calvin Miller
A woman is rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Her husband waits patiently in the waiting room. After a few minutes, the doctor comes out and asks the assistant for a wrench, which understandably concerns the husband.
Then, after a couple more moments, the doctor re-enters the room this time asking for a screwdriver.
The man grows worried and begins to pace in circles. Then, a little later, the doctor bursts through the doors screaming for a hammer.
At that, the husband, in a state of frenzied terror, runs up to the physician and asks, "Doctor, what the heck is wrong with my wife?"
"I don't know," replies the flustered doctor, "I can't get my medical bag open."
A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy 2 servings per night, and a few more on weekends. I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.
Therefore... In the last 3 1/2 years, I have had chocolate caloric intake of about 180 pounds, and I only weigh 165 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about 3 months ago! I owe my life to chocolate.
In his book, Future Shock, Alvin Toffler explains how, in this modern world of rapid change, confusion and over-choice, we all need some kind of "stability zones" - regular habits, rituals, beliefs - whatever it is that gives us a stable point of reference. It would be difficult to deny the wisdom of Toffler's observation, or to miss its application to the role of religious faith in our lives. The grace of God as revealed in Jesus, the Christ, is surely our ultimate stability zone.
A Bleat of Pain from A Bleat of Joy
I read last week that “cows are herded from the rear by hooting cowboys with cracking whips, but that will not work with sheep. Stand behind them making loud noises and all they will do is run around behind you, because sheep prefer to follow. You push cows, but you lead sheep, and they will not go anywhere that someone else does not go first – namely their shepherd – the one who goes ahead of them to show them that everything is all right.
"Sheep tend to grow fond of their shepherds. Shepherds can walk through a sleeping flock without disturbing any of them, while a stranger could not come close without causing pandemonium. Sheep seem to consider their shepherds to be part of their family. They develop their own language. A good shepherd can distinguish a bleat of pain from a bleat of joy. Sheep learn that a certain click of the tongue means it’s time to eat and a certain whistle means it’s time to go.
An airline pilot, passing over an airport one day, called the air traffic controller and asked him what time it was. "What airline are you flying?" came back the response. "What airline am I flying?" the pilot repeated. "What possible difference does that make? I want to know what time it is." The controller replied patiently: "Well, sir, it makes all the difference in the world. If you are with United Airlines, it is 1500 hours. If you are with American, it's 3 p.m. If you are with Continental, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the three. And if you are with JetBlue, it's Tuesday."
What Is Unique About Christianity?
The story of Jesus sitting and debating the Law with rabbis reminds me of another debate that took place in a comparative religions conference, the wise and the scholarly were in a spirited debate about what is unique about Christianity. Someone suggested what set Christianity apart from other religions was the concept of incarnation, the idea that God became incarnate in human form. But someone quickly said, “Well, actually, other faiths believe that God appears in human form.” Another suggestion was offered: what about resurrection? The belief that death is not the final word. That the tomb was found empty. Someone slowly shook his head. Other religions have accounts of people returning from the dead.
Then, as the story is told, C.S. Lewis walked into the room, tweed jacket, pipe, armful of papers, a little early for his presentation. He sat down and took in the conversation, which had by now evolved into a fierce debate. Finally during a lull, he spoke saying, “what's all this rumpus about?” Everyone turned in his direction. Trying to explain themselves they said, “We're debating what's unique about Christianity.” “Oh, that's easy,” answered Lewis, “it is grace."
The room fell silent.
Lewis continued that Christianity uniquely claims God's love comes free of charge, no strings attached. No other religion makes that claim. After a moment someone commented that Lewis had a point, Buddhists, for example, follow an eight-fold path to enlightenment. It's not a free ride.
Hindu's believe in karma, that your actions continually affect the way the world will treat you; that there is nothing that comes to you not set in motion by your actions. Someone else observed the Jewish code of the law implies God has requirements, and Islam's code of love does the same.
At the end of the discussion everyone concluded Lewis had a point. Only Christianity dares to proclaim God's love is unconditional. An unconditional love that we call grace.
Nibbled Lost
The story is told of a farmer who had just rescued a lost sheep. When asked how the sheep got lost, the farmer replied, "They just nibble themselves lost. They go from one tuft of grass to another, until at last they've lost their way." That's what happens in life, isn't it? We nibble away at life with little purpose or direction, until it's gone and we have no idea where it went.
In a world that’s increasingly more scattered and scared, our task as Christ’s Church is to translate and transmit the voice of the Good Shepherd to all those who are lost, hurting, and alone. It’s also about following Jesus’ example and welcoming everyone into the fold. Even we sheep should be able to understand that.
A little old lady sold pretzels on a street corner for 25 cents each. Every day a young lawyer would leave his office building at lunch time and, as he passed her pretzel stand, he would leave her a quarter, but would never take a pretzel. This went on for more than five years. The two of them never spoke. One day as the lawyer passed the old ladies pretzel stand and left his quarter as usual, the pretzel woman spoke to him, " Sir, I appreciate your business. You are a good customer, but I have to tell you that the pretzel price has increased to 35 cents."
"Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn't going to get the job done." -- Jim Rohn
There is profound theology in the words of the little girl who began to recite the 23rd Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."
Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm. No matter how raging the billows are today, remind yourself: "This too shall pass!"
posted by joypastordon at 7:17 PM
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