September 21st Sermon

Exodus 16:2-15

            I want to share with you today one of my most precious possessions. I would not give anything for it, and it brings me such joy and happiness to look at it. Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it perfection? Perhaps I appreciate it as only a mother can, because when I see this I see one of the best works of art, the loving spirit of the child who drew it and the hope of what it represents.

            Do you see it? Maybe I should turn it this way, or this way? No this way. No? You still find yourself asking “What is it?” It, my friends, is a picture of my family, the first time my then 4 year old daughter Sara ever drew her family, all five of us together. It is love and it feeds me when I need to remember that I am loved.

Have you ever been to those desert places? Those moments when you are running on empty and nothing seems to be working out? Perhaps it’s in your work life, you feel stuck in a routine that doesn’t feed you creatively, or with coworkers who seem to drain the life and energy right out of you. Perhaps it’s in your personal relationships, where your significant other seems to be distant at best, or perhaps you are still looking to find someone to share your life with, or mourning the loss of the one you gave so much of yourself to that you feel not quite whole, empty, now that they are gone?

            That empty feeling, that desert wilderness feeling, that is where the people of God find themselves this week in our lesson from Exodus. They have been brought through so much. They have been rescued from slavery; they have witnessed God’s miraculous drying of the red sea and the destruction of their foes by God in order to keep them safe. And now they find themselves in the desert wondering “What happens now?”

            God has delivered them, has promised them a land flowing with milk and honey and on this promise alone they have packed themselves up and wondered into the wilderness to find, well wilderness.

            Where is the prosperity? They ask. Where are the good things God promised? We’ve come a long way, but how much further is it?

            This attitude shouldn’t really shock us. After all there is a reason the saying “better the devil you know then the devil you don’t” came into being. The Israelites are not really prepared for the journey. They don’t want to wait they are impatient for things to change for the better right now.

I can relate to that feeling. Staring something new and wanting so much for it to work out, that if it even seems to waver a bit, I am broken hearted. I think that’s one of the reasons I have tried so many different hobbies, from painting to scrapbooking, to knitting to crochet. If I’m not successful at it fairly quickly I get discouraged and give it up.

It’s in this discouraged state of mind that things from the past get painted as way better than they actually were. As they begin to grumble about the present and reminisce about the past they begin to change perspective. All of the sudden they are remembering things that are not true, romanticizing what happened before.

“Has God taken us out of the land of plenty so that we can starve in the desert?” They ask “We were at the fleshpots of Egypt, decadent, rich more than enough, and now we have nothing! We would have been better off as slaves; at least there we had food!”

Richness? More than enough? Man, the Hebrews had idealized slavery hadn’t they? They didn’t know what to do with themselves, how to care for themselves as free people and so they found themselves wanting to return to the slavery they knew.

This happens far more often than we care to admit in our world. People, men and women, return time and again to physically and emotionally abusive relationships because they cannot envision a way for things to be different. Because they have bought into seeing themselves as slaves, rather than beloved children of God. It happens in our job situations, where we fear so much the loss of provision that we will stay at the most harmful of positions in order to have a paycheck. It happens in our religious lives as well. We romanticize the past, because we fear the future.

It’s in this climate that God smiles down on the Israelites and offers them bread from heaven. Sustenance from above, flakes of stuff that fell to the ground with the morning dew. And when the Israelites saw it they said “Thanks be to God, we have been saved!”

Oh, wait, that’s not what they said. They said “What is it?” Manna, manna from heaven really means “What is it?”

It was unlike anything they had ever seen before. When they looked at it, they did much like many of us do when a child brings us there prized drawings “It’s lovely, it makes my heart smile, but what is it?”

Mahatma Gandhi once said “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” This was true for the Israelites in the desert. They were so hungry, so much in need of hope and reassurance of God’s presence that they could no longer see God with them. They did not feel the love that had been shown before, in all of the miraculous things that they had been brought through. All they could see was their emptiness; all they could hear was the rumbling of their bellies. So God appeared to them as the one thing they needed, as bread.

They grumbled, they complained and God fed them! Did you hear that? They voiced their genuine fear, their honest complaints before God and God provided. Not only did God provide this mysterious “what is it food” but also quail to eat in the evening. God provided enough for each day for each person, for 40 years!!!!!!!

What a mighty God we serve. What an amazing Lord we have. God listens to our grumbles, listens to our fears our concerns and responds with enough. Time and time again. With enough to keep us healthy, with enough to keep us whole, with enough to stay the course, until we reach the Promised Land.

God appears to us as what we need, whether that is bread, water, an arm to lean on, a hand to hold, a job, a church, whatever we need! And God is still providing our daily bread, sustaining us as we make this journey into the place God has called us to be.

Does that mean things will always be easy? No. Does it mean that we will always know which direction we are headed? No, after all the Israelites followed God as cloud by day and fire by night and still wandered for 40 years. Does it mean that we will never be alone? Yes. We may not always see or feel the manifestation of God, but we are not abandoned. Day in day out God hears the people cry out and day in day out God provides, even in the smallest of things, like manna from heaven.

“What is it?” It is God’s grace, sufficient for all, sufficient for you, sufficient for me. Thanks be to God!

IF: Equip Genesis 2:1-3

Day Four
IF: Equip Genesis 2:1-3


Read Genesis 2:1-3 found here and/or watch video commentary here

IF you believe this is true then:

What does it mean about God?
God took time to rest, that's a big thing. God felt the need to be still, to exist without "work" being the focus. Sabbath became a part of the way people worship God because if God needed rest, who where humans beings to claim they didn't need it?

What does it mean about you?
I am in the midst of planning a Sabbath Retreat for ministers in my presbytery based on these verses. For me there is the reminder that the time to rest is "holy" time, sacred time. Ministry is hard and too often we do not take the time to care for ourselves, to rest, to renew. I have a sabbatical in my contract for my 5th year, but that is far from common in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. I want to be aware of my own health and spiritual health so that I don't go crazy before that Sabbatical time comes round.

What does it mean about the world?
We live in a fast passed crazy busy society here in the USA. We tend to put off rest because to rest is seen as lazy. We need the time away from work, away from being "productive" a time to simply be, and to realize that we are enough in and of ourselves. There is a natural rhythm to life and it involves times of business and times of rest. Even fields need to rest after growing crops! If the dirt needs to take a breather, surely the rest of us do as well!

Mid week stressers

Presbytery meets this weekend.
At my church.
Immediately following that I have a wedding to perform.
At my church.
The next day I have worship service,
(at my church)
and then an installation service at which I am preaching.
(at a church 2 1/2 hours away)
Between now and then I have to lead a young adult Bible study
at my church
An adult Bible study Thursday morning
at my church
Write two sermons and several bible studies
and get my hair cut and colored.
(Oh and feed and care for my husband and three kids)

Lord,
When I am overwhelmed help me to lean on you. Teach me that its okay and even healthy to say no sometimes. But meanwhile let me live through this craziness I'm calling ministry.
Amen.

IF: Equip Genesis day 3

IF:Equip Genesis 1:24-31



Read Genesis 1:24-31. Video commentary found here

If this is true then:

What does this say about God?
Wow! There is so much in these verses. This section of the creation narrative speaks of God creating beast livestock and humanity. The whole first chapter of Genesis has this feeling of a grandparent sitting down with a grandchild who has just asked "how did we get here Papa?" This is the story passed down from generation to generation and here, in the sixth day we hear of the animals and of humanity. The part that stands out to me the most is "so God created man in his own image. in the image of god he created them. Male and female he created them." Not just males, but females are created in the image of God. God sees a reflection of God's self in every female and male! What exactly is that image? I think it has to do with out creative capabilities and our relational capabilities. Humanity has amazing creative potential and uses it constantly. Unfortunately we don't always create things that are "good"

What does this say about you?
That I too am made in God's image. That may not sound like much, but for someone who grew up in a world that continues to put the female form to shame, victimizing women over and over again, it means so much to hear that something of God can be found in me as well. As a mother of two little girls this message is important for me to share with them. As a mother of a little boy, this message is especially important  so that he might grow up to see that God loves all of humanity and does not favor one over the other.

What does this say about the world?
The world is God's and the fullness there of. Every aspect has a tie, a link to God and so in all that we see, do, hear in everything the spirit of God dwells. This leads to s whole new way to see the world, as a representation of the Father, we have stewardship over it, not to use and use and use but to guard and care for, to protect and love.

IF: Equip Genesis Day 2

Day 2 IF:Equip Genesis 1:11-23

Click on the photo for a link to the scripture and IF:Equip's page.

For the video click here
IF you believe this is true:

What does it say about God?
God created a world that could withstand and renew. God created the plants to come forth from the ground to produce so that the cycle could begin again. It's the same with the animals, birds, fish- all made to continue the creative act. God allows creation to participate in creating newness! And hopefully in producing goodness.

What does it say about you?
There are things I can do to help God's creative works. Not just the stewardship of the earth, although that's important, but ways that I can be a productive creative force in this life and in the lives of others. My children are only one way that I contribute. It is wonderful to know that God uses words to create and to bless and that I can too!

What does it say about the world?
God's not done with the world yet. We were set in motion to renew and be renewed and God is continually doing just that through all sorts of avenues. Even when things are dark and hard and sorrowful, God's creative redemptive power is active, breaking into the darkness, setting a light to rule by day and by night so that there is always a source of "light" in our midst. The light of Christ shines in all the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it!

If: Equip Genesis 1:1-10

I did IF:EQUIP throughout lent, but was not as faithful to write things down as I wish I had been.

I'm going to try to get back on to doing this regularly on the blog. No promises, but starting at the very beginning seemed like a "very good place to start"

IF: EQUIP Genesis



Read Genesis 1:1-10

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

 

(Video commentary here )

 

If this is true:

What does it mean about God?

To me this shares that God puts great value in words. Words have the ability to build up, to create, or to destroy. There is something so beautiful about God calling creation "good" not okay or decent, but good. The earth is good as it is created, the light is good as it is created. God's intention for the world is good.

 

What does it mean about you?

Does that mean God's intention for me is good too? I think yes. My hope is that I too can bring words and actions of "goodness" through the mercy of Jesus. As one who struggles daily to use words to build up the kingdom of God, through Bible study through sermons through daily conversation, I strive to reflect God's goodness. Many many times I fall short, but hopefully I can give a glimpse into the peaceable kingdom.

 

What does it mean about the world?

If God was present "in the beginning" perhaps God is present in every beginning. Every time we take on a new venture, every time we begin a new ministry, every time we have a do-over, God is there speaking words of blessing and encouragement. With God's blessing may we live into that "good" word.

September 14, 2014 Sermon on Romans 14

Romans 14

            I’ve always thought of myself as non-judgmental. I’m good at letting people believe what they believe. I have no problems with tattoos or piercings or crazy hair colors. I honestly do not care if you root for Auburn or Alabama. That’s just how I roll.

            So imagine my shock when on the ride home from church last Sunday Z (my 9 year old daughter) asks, in all seriousness “Momma, what’s wrong with Baptists?” My first response was nothing honey, where did you get an idea like that? But before those words could get out of my mouth I heard my internal monologue start listing all of the things that I disagree with the Baptist church on and all those little snide comments I’ve made in jest or in pain came flooding back to me. And I realized then and there that I needed to hear from the 14^th chapter of Romans this week, so I guess the rest of you are going to be dragged along with me!

            Paul was not one to shy away from an argument, any argument. In fact the scripture is replete with the words of Paul laying out quite plainly where he stood on various thoughts, theologies and practices of the day. He makes no bones about seeing himself as the “first of the Apostles” even though he did not know the flesh and blood Jesus. His knowledge came from the resurrected Christ and therefore, in his mind, was more pure. So it’s really interesting here to see his words calling for believers to coexist, even with those who may not follow their exact practices of faith.

            Paul begins with a discussion of the strong in faith and the weak in faith. The strong in faith eating meat and the weak being vegetarians. Really Paul? Being vegetarian means your faith is weak? Honestly most people I know who are strict vegetarians do so with an amazing amount of strength of character and faith. So why would Paul, in a discussion about not judging use the words weak and strong?

            The easy answer is that he was suffering from the plank syndrome himself. You know “Before you point out the splinter in your neighbor’s eye you need to get the 2 by 4 out of yours!” He obviously believed himself to be among the strong. He has written time and time again that all foods are clean, that even eating meat sacrificed to other Gods is not entirely evil in and of itself. 

            But in truth I think Paul just knew his audience. He was speaking to a group of Christians in Rome who were significantly gentile not Jewish.  He’s speaking to a people who had not grown up in the kosher lifestyle, who had always been able to enjoy any food they wished and who apparently did not understand that someone would want to abstain from anything, let alone a good steak!

            He also calls them strong to point out that in this situation they are the ones in power, the ones who can and apparently are using their influence to exclude rather than include others. Paul tells them that these issues of diet are not big enough to cause real dissention or separation. Let them go, don’t worry about them, they are not essential.

            Then in verse 5 he speaks about people who keep one day more sacred than another and others who treat each day alike. Is he talking about special feast days or celebrations? Possibly. Is he speaking about keeping the Sabbath day? More likely. But either one steps way too much on my toes. Paul has gone from good advice to plain ol meddling. Because now he hits me, and most of us, where our heart is. Now he’s talking about worship.

Don’t let the different ways you worship divide you. What? There are so many different churches precisely because we don’t all worship the same way! Those who like quiet and prayerful meetings go to church a, those who want loud music and flashing lights attend church b, those who like things decently and in order attend a Presbyterian church. That’s just the way it is Paul. And while we on the surface say “That’s okay for them, I just prefer things another way.” Our actions and words often point out the real judgment that lies on our hearts, on my heart, that leads children to ask “just what’s wrong with those other Christians anyway Momma?” We cover it with language like "they are not Spirit-filled", "they don't have the full gospel", "they are not Word-centered", "they are liturgical", "they are catholic", "they are high church", "they are low church", "dear me, they use candles there!" We so easily judge the spiritual qualifications of others simply because they are different to us. Their style of worship, churchmanship..... is used to condemn them. Paul clearly denounces such behavior and reminds each one of us that we should be concerned for our own standing before God, for each of us will have to answer for ourselves. 

            There is a story about Ruth Graham, wife of the famous evangelist, illustrates how differences can threaten our unity. Mrs. Graham, dressed and made up as would seem fitting for any American woman in the 1970s, attended a luncheon with wives of conservative pastors in Germany. These German Christians had more conservative ideas regarding how women should look. They did not believe that married Christian women should wear makeup or clothing that made them look too much like the world. As a result, a German pastor's wife, sitting across from Ruth Graham, became very upset. She thought it was shameful that the wife of this famous evangelist looked so worldly. Why, Ruth Graham was even wearing mascara! The German pastor's wife became so angry that she started crying right into her beer. Meanwhile Ruth Graham couldn't understand why the woman was crying, although it bothered her that a self-respecting pastor's wife was drinking beer at a meeting to prepare for an evangelistic crusade where Christians come together as the unified body of Christ.

            Verses 6-10 say:

⁶ Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. ⁷ For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.  

If what they do, and what we do, come out of a desire to live to the Lord, then that’s what matters!

            We need not spend time on the things that can serve to separate us. We need not waste our time effort to try to make everyone believe and behave exactly like us. No, we need to look at the commonality, the love and faith in Jesus and trust that God can work it out from there.

            Paul continues in this chapter saying don’t put up stumbling blocks before one another, artificial road bumps that distract and detract from the message of Christ. These don’t serve God’s purpose at all; they only serve to lift ourselves up. Verse 17-18 say “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.”

            We are all called to live out our faith, both privately and publicly. But how do we do that when our private convictions don’t match up? How do we do that when one feels that a Christian would never drink alcohol and anther lives by the adage, have a little wine for your stomach? How do we do that when one quotes Paul saying “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” And another quotes Paul saying “I permit no woman to preach or have authority over a man?”

            As the saying goes “Don’t major in the minors,” We waste valuable time and resources on things that don’t do anything to build up the body of Christ. Be aware of one another, so as not to cause distraction from Christ by your actions, but try also to not be offended by the actions of others who are serving God with their hearts as well. Judge not, lest you too be judged. Hard words, but true words nonetheless.

            Perhaps the best instructions on this can be found in another of Paul’s letters, this one to the Colossians, ch 3 v 12-17

¹² As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord^[f] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ^[g] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.^{[h] 17} And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.