Gratitude Journal 3-26-11
1. Rain to wash the pollen away!
2. Spring flowering trees
3. Thank-you notes and words of appreciation
4. Lunch with TMC Buddies
5. Honest people who return lost items...
"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money." ACTS 8:18-20
I would like to buy $3:00 worth of God, please, not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3:00 worth of God, please.
I first read this short reflection about 30 years ago. I was taken aback by the honesty and directness of the author. Through the years I have returned to this little volume numerous times (now out of print). I am thankful that I was blessed to find it! The sincere probing of the soul is refreshing - although not east some times.
Lord, this day may I be open to finding and accepting truth wherever I find it. Let me be honest with You and myself, so that I may be more open, transparent and honest with those around me.
AMEN
($3.00 Worth of God - Wilbur E. Rees - 1971)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
What if Grace Wasn't Amazing?
Gratitude Journal 3-20-11
1. Spring days - even the time change I like...
2. Visiting differing faith traditions on Sunday
3. Cleaning out and throwing away
4. Time with grand-kids!!!
5. Friends who speak the truth - thanks Wes.
What if Grace Wasn't Amazing?
I have no greater friend than Wes Eades of Waco, TX! We were on staff together, long ago, in a large church in the Kansas City area. He served as Minister to Youth and did an excellent job. He later went on to get a PhD and he became a Clinical Psychologist. He is wise beyond his years and his 'learning'. He is a dedicated man of faith and a wonderful, cherished friend...
In recent years Wes has developed his own blog called Practical Spirituality. When I read this 'edition' (Aug. 2010) I was taken aback by its simplicity and its truth. As usual I was deeply blessed. Even though I have not asked permission I know Wes would not mind my sharing this thoughtful reflection. If you would like to contact Wes about his blog you may reach him at wmeades@gmail.com
What if Grace Wasn't Amazing?
What if Grace was just run-of-mill common?
What if we just accepted how broken we all are, and stopped being so surprised when others act in broken ways?
What if Grace just naturally got in line ahead of judgment?
What if we didn't need to spend all those years judging others as weak, or immoral, or self-destructive before we discovered we are all weak, and immoral, and self-destructive?
What if we didn't have to suffer horribly on the way to Grace, and yet still didn't take Grace for granted, as though it were 'cheap' or easy?
What if when we couldn't contain our wounds we easily turned to others for help, and realise that is Grace at work?
I wonder if a place full of Run-of-the-Mill Common Grace would look like that mysterious "Kingdom of God" we hear about.
What if Grace wasn't so amazing?
I guess that would mess with some of our hymns.
AMEN
1. Spring days - even the time change I like...
2. Visiting differing faith traditions on Sunday
3. Cleaning out and throwing away
4. Time with grand-kids!!!
5. Friends who speak the truth - thanks Wes.
What if Grace Wasn't Amazing?
I have no greater friend than Wes Eades of Waco, TX! We were on staff together, long ago, in a large church in the Kansas City area. He served as Minister to Youth and did an excellent job. He later went on to get a PhD and he became a Clinical Psychologist. He is wise beyond his years and his 'learning'. He is a dedicated man of faith and a wonderful, cherished friend...
In recent years Wes has developed his own blog called Practical Spirituality. When I read this 'edition' (Aug. 2010) I was taken aback by its simplicity and its truth. As usual I was deeply blessed. Even though I have not asked permission I know Wes would not mind my sharing this thoughtful reflection. If you would like to contact Wes about his blog you may reach him at wmeades@gmail.com
What if Grace Wasn't Amazing?
What if Grace was just run-of-mill common?
What if we just accepted how broken we all are, and stopped being so surprised when others act in broken ways?
What if Grace just naturally got in line ahead of judgment?
What if we didn't need to spend all those years judging others as weak, or immoral, or self-destructive before we discovered we are all weak, and immoral, and self-destructive?
What if we didn't have to suffer horribly on the way to Grace, and yet still didn't take Grace for granted, as though it were 'cheap' or easy?
What if when we couldn't contain our wounds we easily turned to others for help, and realise that is Grace at work?
I wonder if a place full of Run-of-the-Mill Common Grace would look like that mysterious "Kingdom of God" we hear about.
What if Grace wasn't so amazing?
I guess that would mess with some of our hymns.
AMEN
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Grace all around...
Gratitude Journal 3-13-11
1. Flat lands of South Georgia
2. Instant news - available 24/7
3. Miracles in Japan!
4. 3 Day Retreat with Presbyterians...
5. Home and my own bed
Fred Craddock is reported to have said:
"Some folks begin their theology with Gen. 3 instead of Gen. 1..."
Excellent thought! Met lots of folks that seem to begin their faith 'understandings' there, including myself.
If you have spent much time around faith communities you too have probably met folks who have some laundry list of things they believe - in all seriousness - that they/we must do to be loved by God. We 'earn' God's love by not doing certain things or by doing certain things.
The reason this is so very interesting to me is that I know myself to have fallen into that camp too often! My list may not be like another but it is still a list.
I can hear my internal 'messages'. 'Stop swearing' 'Give to the poor' 'Pray more often' 'You haven't read your Bible this week' 'Don't make jokes about people who are different' and the list goes on and on...
ALL these items are good. But they won't get me anywhere special. They just make me a 'good person'. Grace is totally different! Grace is totally free. I don't earn it. Nothing I can do on my own gets me anything more than anybody else. Grace is a totally free gift. God why don't I begin hearing Your message that I (and all mankind) are good? You created us in Your image. We don't have to do anything but accept the love and grace you offer.
To push the ball up the hill and try to have 'perfected' behavior is creating an idol. We can't do it. We can be good (and we should to the best of our ability) but we cannot be perfect. We can love our neighbor as our self - as best we can - and it still won't be perfect. It will only make us feel good. And it may be hard - but it doesn't 'earn' us anything more than any body else.
Father - this day - may I bear GRACE all around and receive Your Grace once more!
Through Jesus Christ I pray -
SHALOM
J
1. Flat lands of South Georgia
2. Instant news - available 24/7
3. Miracles in Japan!
4. 3 Day Retreat with Presbyterians...
5. Home and my own bed
Fred Craddock is reported to have said:
"Some folks begin their theology with Gen. 3 instead of Gen. 1..."
Excellent thought! Met lots of folks that seem to begin their faith 'understandings' there, including myself.
If you have spent much time around faith communities you too have probably met folks who have some laundry list of things they believe - in all seriousness - that they/we must do to be loved by God. We 'earn' God's love by not doing certain things or by doing certain things.
The reason this is so very interesting to me is that I know myself to have fallen into that camp too often! My list may not be like another but it is still a list.
I can hear my internal 'messages'. 'Stop swearing' 'Give to the poor' 'Pray more often' 'You haven't read your Bible this week' 'Don't make jokes about people who are different' and the list goes on and on...
ALL these items are good. But they won't get me anywhere special. They just make me a 'good person'. Grace is totally different! Grace is totally free. I don't earn it. Nothing I can do on my own gets me anything more than anybody else. Grace is a totally free gift. God why don't I begin hearing Your message that I (and all mankind) are good? You created us in Your image. We don't have to do anything but accept the love and grace you offer.
To push the ball up the hill and try to have 'perfected' behavior is creating an idol. We can't do it. We can be good (and we should to the best of our ability) but we cannot be perfect. We can love our neighbor as our self - as best we can - and it still won't be perfect. It will only make us feel good. And it may be hard - but it doesn't 'earn' us anything more than any body else.
Father - this day - may I bear GRACE all around and receive Your Grace once more!
Through Jesus Christ I pray -
SHALOM
J
Sunday, March 6, 2011
What God hath joined together...
Gratitude Journal 3-6-11
1. Weddings!
2. Beautiful Bride (Noelle) and Handsome Groom (Barrett)
3. Immediate and extended families at times of celebration
4. Seminarians dancing...
5. Thoughtful worship at weddings! (THANKS LOYD...)
"What God hath joined together..."
A little over three years ago I met J. Barrett Owen. A young student minister at McAfee School of Theology he soon joined me as Co-Pastor of Union Baptist Church in West Point. We spent lots of time together planning, praying, leading worship and working on bringing together of mission and ministry to this wonderful congregation of thoughtful lay-persons.
Although there are many years between us we became fast friends. I was blessed and challenged by Barrett's eagerness to try new approaches and different ideas. He grew through learning patience and toleration of this 'elder'.
During many hours of sharing it was obvious that Barrett longed for a true 'soul-mate' to join him on the journey of life. On March 5th Barrett married Noelle Spears. We rejoiced with them and their families. They invited us to be a part of this wonderful worship experience and time of great transition in their lives!
For both Barrett and Noelle their beauty is more than surface - they are two folks with deep dedication and commitment to God and now to one another. They come from good stock. We wish them every good wish for a long and joy-filled life together! We are sure God will bless many through the ministries of these two great individuals as they now link their lives together.
Dr. Loyd Allen, professor at McAfee, conducted the worship service. The theme was 'Time with little memory and memory will little time.' If you sit with this thought and apply it to marriage you can easily understand the depth of these truths.
Beth and I give thanks that we have been able to share with this young couple over these past years. They are part of our own story now and we count it a blessing to have been incorporated into their story and families! May God bless their journey...
SHALOM
J
1. Weddings!
2. Beautiful Bride (Noelle) and Handsome Groom (Barrett)
3. Immediate and extended families at times of celebration
4. Seminarians dancing...
5. Thoughtful worship at weddings! (THANKS LOYD...)
"What God hath joined together..."
A little over three years ago I met J. Barrett Owen. A young student minister at McAfee School of Theology he soon joined me as Co-Pastor of Union Baptist Church in West Point. We spent lots of time together planning, praying, leading worship and working on bringing together of mission and ministry to this wonderful congregation of thoughtful lay-persons.
Although there are many years between us we became fast friends. I was blessed and challenged by Barrett's eagerness to try new approaches and different ideas. He grew through learning patience and toleration of this 'elder'.
During many hours of sharing it was obvious that Barrett longed for a true 'soul-mate' to join him on the journey of life. On March 5th Barrett married Noelle Spears. We rejoiced with them and their families. They invited us to be a part of this wonderful worship experience and time of great transition in their lives!
For both Barrett and Noelle their beauty is more than surface - they are two folks with deep dedication and commitment to God and now to one another. They come from good stock. We wish them every good wish for a long and joy-filled life together! We are sure God will bless many through the ministries of these two great individuals as they now link their lives together.
Dr. Loyd Allen, professor at McAfee, conducted the worship service. The theme was 'Time with little memory and memory will little time.' If you sit with this thought and apply it to marriage you can easily understand the depth of these truths.
Beth and I give thanks that we have been able to share with this young couple over these past years. They are part of our own story now and we count it a blessing to have been incorporated into their story and families! May God bless their journey...
SHALOM
J
Sunday, February 27, 2011
What's Good For Others is Good For...
Gratitude Journal 2-27-11
1. Early leaf bubs on trees
2. HGTV (going to win that house!)
3. Early promise of good year for BRAVES
4. Young Minister Support Group
5. Sunday naps
Heard a radio minister re-telling the Bible story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
He talked of the lack of faith of the disciples in feeding such a large group. The search for food and the young man (boy) with five loaves and two fish... He shared how the group was instructed to sit down in 'sections' to make distribution easier.
Then the radio minister chided all those folks who thought that the Bible story was no literally true. He talked of how some preachers and teachers today explain miracles away. Some (he said) interpreted that the cast of thousands in this story had brought sufficient food and 'when they saw the young man share his meager meal, they too took their lunches out and everyone had plenty to eat.'
This is where our friendly radio minister should have stopped.
However, after several more minutes of chiding others for their bad habits of adding things to scripture he began to get taken away liberties himself. He said... "you know, I just don't believe Jesus would give those folks cold fish. I bet it was nice and warm and tasty when they received it!"
Lord, isn't that just like me? Don't I too apply rules to others, yet when I get 'full of myself' I take liberties? Don't I point out the beam in my neighbor's eye without noticing the log in my own?
Lord forgive and remind me often.
SHALOM
J
1. Early leaf bubs on trees
2. HGTV (going to win that house!)
3. Early promise of good year for BRAVES
4. Young Minister Support Group
5. Sunday naps
Heard a radio minister re-telling the Bible story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
He talked of the lack of faith of the disciples in feeding such a large group. The search for food and the young man (boy) with five loaves and two fish... He shared how the group was instructed to sit down in 'sections' to make distribution easier.
Then the radio minister chided all those folks who thought that the Bible story was no literally true. He talked of how some preachers and teachers today explain miracles away. Some (he said) interpreted that the cast of thousands in this story had brought sufficient food and 'when they saw the young man share his meager meal, they too took their lunches out and everyone had plenty to eat.'
This is where our friendly radio minister should have stopped.
However, after several more minutes of chiding others for their bad habits of adding things to scripture he began to get taken away liberties himself. He said... "you know, I just don't believe Jesus would give those folks cold fish. I bet it was nice and warm and tasty when they received it!"
Lord, isn't that just like me? Don't I too apply rules to others, yet when I get 'full of myself' I take liberties? Don't I point out the beam in my neighbor's eye without noticing the log in my own?
Lord forgive and remind me often.
SHALOM
J
Saturday, February 19, 2011
I know it when I see it...
Gratitude Journal 2-19-11
1. Valentine's Day with my special lady!
2. Doctors who know what they are talking about...
3. Opportunities to meet new folks
4. The return of BASEBALL SEASON - 2011
5. The gift of physical energy
REFLECTION...
Wouldn't it be great if one could look on any decision and see all the variety of thoughts that went into the 'solution' decided upon... whether it was my decision or yours? I believe most folks want to do their best. We are all just filled with details, life experiences, and influences beyond our own consciousness!
My experience as a Southern white male seems to indicate those of us in RED states are a bit quicker to pass judgement on our fellow citizens - both as Americans or as one who professes to be part of God's kingdom (and for me the two are not synonymous). It seems easy for me to look on my neighbor and see him or her as elitist or ignorant, brilliant or just plain stupid. He or she rarely acts with the same purity of heart or struggling with the personal flaws I find in myself. They either represent one extreme side or the other.
When I see grace and mercy my heart rejoices.
However, when I see folks questioning the motives of others I get queasy...
When I hear folks making decisions about what is in my best interest - particularly without asking me directly - I squirm.
Yet I rarely have difficulty expressing a quick opinion about 'what needs to be done'...
When I listen to preachers and pundits telling me what I 'should' think or what I 'should' believe... I rise up in defensiveness.
However, there are definitely times when I would love to tell others when I believe they are 'wrong'...
Wonder what might happen if I see these times as opportunities to address my own dark side?
Wonder what it might be like to see myself as a combination of both brilliance and a certain degree of flawedness too?
If I am honest both extremes are within me. I just need to grow more peaceful within my own skin. I KNOW IT WHEN I SEE IT. I know it when I can allow myself to be o.k. and when I allow others to be o.k. as they are.
I know about 'questioning the motives of others' because I do it myself. When a minister or legislator stands and proclaims what God intends and I know their understandings don't speak for me... instead of getting defensive maybe I would grow closer to God's kingdom if I found ways to address the same issue from another perspective and be open to honest dialogue?
Holy Scripture says, "Seek the truth and it will set you free." It doesn't say it will set others free when I HAVE THE TRUTH!
God help me to know it when I see it...
SHALOM
1. Valentine's Day with my special lady!
2. Doctors who know what they are talking about...
3. Opportunities to meet new folks
4. The return of BASEBALL SEASON - 2011
5. The gift of physical energy
REFLECTION...
Wouldn't it be great if one could look on any decision and see all the variety of thoughts that went into the 'solution' decided upon... whether it was my decision or yours? I believe most folks want to do their best. We are all just filled with details, life experiences, and influences beyond our own consciousness!
My experience as a Southern white male seems to indicate those of us in RED states are a bit quicker to pass judgement on our fellow citizens - both as Americans or as one who professes to be part of God's kingdom (and for me the two are not synonymous). It seems easy for me to look on my neighbor and see him or her as elitist or ignorant, brilliant or just plain stupid. He or she rarely acts with the same purity of heart or struggling with the personal flaws I find in myself. They either represent one extreme side or the other.
When I see grace and mercy my heart rejoices.
However, when I see folks questioning the motives of others I get queasy...
When I hear folks making decisions about what is in my best interest - particularly without asking me directly - I squirm.
Yet I rarely have difficulty expressing a quick opinion about 'what needs to be done'...
When I listen to preachers and pundits telling me what I 'should' think or what I 'should' believe... I rise up in defensiveness.
However, there are definitely times when I would love to tell others when I believe they are 'wrong'...
Wonder what might happen if I see these times as opportunities to address my own dark side?
Wonder what it might be like to see myself as a combination of both brilliance and a certain degree of flawedness too?
If I am honest both extremes are within me. I just need to grow more peaceful within my own skin. I KNOW IT WHEN I SEE IT. I know it when I can allow myself to be o.k. and when I allow others to be o.k. as they are.
I know about 'questioning the motives of others' because I do it myself. When a minister or legislator stands and proclaims what God intends and I know their understandings don't speak for me... instead of getting defensive maybe I would grow closer to God's kingdom if I found ways to address the same issue from another perspective and be open to honest dialogue?
Holy Scripture says, "Seek the truth and it will set you free." It doesn't say it will set others free when I HAVE THE TRUTH!
God help me to know it when I see it...
SHALOM
Sunday, February 13, 2011
What say ye? Glass half empty.. OR Glass half full?
Gratitude Journal
1. Return of bright sunny days!
2. Valentines Day - and all the fantasy involved...
3. Productive, restful days
4. HOPE from unexpected places!
5. Good medical reports for family and friends.
It is possible to become depressed and grumpy the older we get! For an introvert often longs periods of time alone can lead to too much reflection. Life may loose all joy and anticipation for something better may be lost.
Where are you today? I am definitely getting older! However, I have generally been pretty optimistic throughout my life journey. Some have actually accused me of being almost 'Pollyanna' about the realities of life. "John, go away if you are not willing to face the cold hard facts."
Well, I am facing cold, often hard facts and yet I plan on being committed to the view of the 'glass have full'. I believe we need to be transformed daily toward the positive. God knows that life can beat us down! And we can face hardships and disappointment at every corner.
BUT, Thank God - the battle has already been won. The victory is secure.
Let me hasten to add - I am not calling for everyone to 'put on a HAPPY FACE' or resort to wearing a WWJD bracelet. I am inviting an embrace of life as invitation and joy... not as the world defines 'happiness'... but joy in our hearts for the abundance and gifts we have received.
Take heart - God is our source and strength.
HALLELUJAH
SHALOM
John
1. Return of bright sunny days!
2. Valentines Day - and all the fantasy involved...
3. Productive, restful days
4. HOPE from unexpected places!
5. Good medical reports for family and friends.
It is possible to become depressed and grumpy the older we get! For an introvert often longs periods of time alone can lead to too much reflection. Life may loose all joy and anticipation for something better may be lost.
Where are you today? I am definitely getting older! However, I have generally been pretty optimistic throughout my life journey. Some have actually accused me of being almost 'Pollyanna' about the realities of life. "John, go away if you are not willing to face the cold hard facts."
Well, I am facing cold, often hard facts and yet I plan on being committed to the view of the 'glass have full'. I believe we need to be transformed daily toward the positive. God knows that life can beat us down! And we can face hardships and disappointment at every corner.
BUT, Thank God - the battle has already been won. The victory is secure.
Let me hasten to add - I am not calling for everyone to 'put on a HAPPY FACE' or resort to wearing a WWJD bracelet. I am inviting an embrace of life as invitation and joy... not as the world defines 'happiness'... but joy in our hearts for the abundance and gifts we have received.
Take heart - God is our source and strength.
HALLELUJAH
SHALOM
John
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