Thankfulness in Action

Being thankful this year may be harder than usual. The economy is dismal, our country is fighting in two countries, and Hope seems like a campaign slogan. Yet, the Bible tells us to be thankful in (not "for") all things (1Thessalonians 5:17). Sometimes actions speak louder than words. 

My friend Tina recently sent me an article by Anne Lamott, who, as my friend reminds me, "sometimes goes a little near the edge."  BUT, if you're feeling a little less than thankful this year, try some of Anne's suggestions. I guarantee they'll restore your hope!

Anne writes: 

• Call the loneliest person you know. 
  
• Go flirt with the oldest person at the bookstore.
• Fill up a box with really cool clothes that you haven't worn in a year, and take it to a thrift shop. 
• Take gray water outside and water whatever is growing on your deck. 
• Drink more fluids. 
• And take very gentle care of yourself and the people you most love: We need you now more than ever.

Try it -- you'll thank me!  ☺

Check out http://blessedtobelieve.blogspot.com for daily holiday devotionals.

A Prayer and Pledge for Real Change

Below is a letter written by Jim Wallis of Sojourners Magazine pledging support and prayers for real change in America. As faithful followers of Christ, we cannot expect our leaders to "do it all." We must be committed to taking active responsibility for our role in bringing the Kingdom Come. What are the principles, purposes, and people we are committed to? Let's make a pledge to do our part, even while praying for our new President and the hope for America.

Dear Mr. President-elect Obama:

I want personally to offer you my prayers as you embark on the enormous challenge of leading our country in a time of great crisis and crossroads. While our ultimate hope is our faith in God, we also have high hopes for your administration.

I am one member of a growing movement of Christians and people of faith who support a broad moral agenda that includes a deep concern for poverty, peacemaking, a consistent ethic of life, and care for creation. During the campaign, you said that, if elected, you would face powerful special interests trying to block change. You said you would need a citizen movement to support and push you.

Today, I am pledging to be part of that movement. It will be a movement that will both pray for you and hold you accountable to the things you promised. So I urge you to give high priority to:

Overcome poverty, both here in our rich nation and globally. Your efforts to resolve the economic crisis must include those at the bottom, the poorest among us. You pledged during the campaign to mobilize the nation to cut domestic poverty in half in ten years and to implement the Millennium Development Goals to cut extreme global poverty in half.


Find better ways than war to resolve the inevitable conflicts in the world. It is time to end the war in Iraq and emphasize diplomacy over military action in resolving problems in Iran and Afghanistan. We need better and smarter foreign policy that is more consistent with our best national values.


Promote a consistent ethic of life that addresses all threats to life and dignity. We must end genocide in Darfur, the use of torture, and the death penalty. I urge you to pursue common ground policies which can dramatically reduce abortions in America, and help bring us together on this divisive issue.


Reverse the effects of climate change on God’s creation. We must learn a new way of living in America to end our dangerous dependence on Middle East oil. We need a spiritual commitment to stewardship and national policies that promote safe, clean, and renewable energy. You spoke of job creation and economic renewal with a new “green economy.”

We need your presidential leadership for this type of societal transformation, but I promise also to do my part.

I will pray for you as you assume the awesome responsibility of leading our nation. To be the best president you can be, you will need both the support and the push of the faith community. I pledge to help build the movement that will keep your administration accountable and faithful.

Blessings,

[written by Jim Wallis]

GO VOTE!

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings [and Presidents!] and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:1-4

GO VOTE!! Vote your conscience. Vote your commitments. Vote righteously! And above all, know that although we have the privilege and responsibility of electing our country's leaders and direction, in the end, our hope is in the Lord!

No matter if your "guy (or gal)" is elected or not; if your proposition passes or fails, God is the One we turn to first, foremost, and with utter confidence and assurance that He is faithful to all of His Promises! So, let's not allow the election results to cause divisiveness, contentiousness, or hopelessness to seep into to our minds, hearts, relationships, or communities. Let's use the results as the way to live and guide each other into God's Plans and Purposes. And let's remember to encourage each other to pray for our Leaders, our Country, and our voice as Americans.

Go VOTE -- (and don't forget that Starbucks is offering a free coffee to those who cast their ballot today!)☺

Vote!

We’ve seen the debates. Heard the phone messages. Read the emails. All that is left is to cast our ballot. Before we fill in that blank, let’s take one more moment to stop, reflect, and pray.

Scripture shows us that the people will not only suffer the consequences of unwise leadership but will also be held responsible and accountable for the quality of their Leaders. So before we vote for the next President of the United States, let's consider God’s job description for leaders. Our leaders are to:

• Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
  
• Take care of the people; strengthen the weak and heal the sick, bind up the injured; bring back the strays and search for the lost. See Ezekiel 34:3-4
  
• Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other. Zechariah 7:9-10
  

The next American President will change history. Will America progress its own agenda, or God’s purposes? We have the power to decide!

Lord, guide our hearts and minds as we decide who will receive our vote. Bless this country with YOUR leadership! Amen

"Inspired" Voting

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6

I wonder what Jesus’ "political" platform would be? How would Jesus campaign? Would He be a Republican or a Democrat, or would He stay Independent? Maybe He would start His own “Inspired” party!

As we consider which candidate we will cast our ballot for next Tuesday, we listen to their words, we watch their actions, and we examine their pasts. Jesus’ words were always clear,

“I have come to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, give light to those who are in darkness, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim God’s favor upon His children." (Luke 4:18-19)

"Those who follow me must deny their own desires and take up their cross” (Mark 8:34)

“If you want to follow me you must sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21)

“Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, remember the forgotten and take care of the stranger, visit the prisoners” (See Matthew 25: 34-46)

His actions were always consistent with His words, and His past record was eternally evident! Jesus’ “platform” is still the foundation of His Kingdom come. As His followers, as members of His Party, we are responsible for its continuation. As we consider our vote for next Tuesday, let’s consider the Kingdom agenda and vote accordingly.

Hope-filled Voting

Election day is a week away. Polls, pundits, and predictions abound everywhere. Who do we vote for? Who can we trust? We listen to the speeches, the promises, the “politicking,” and wonder. As I talk to friends, relatives, even strangers in line behind me in the check out lane, it strikes me that who we favor has much to do with what we fear. 

• We fear enemy attack and favor strong military candidates.
  
• We fear economy plunge and favor strong economic package candidates.
  
• We fear women and favor men.
  
• We fear men and favor a woman.
  
• And on and on and on…

But where is our hope? God tells us in Isaiah 49:23 that “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” David, the great King of Israel wrote, 

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

ONLY God can be our true Protector and Provider. As we consider casting our vote next Tuesday, let’s NOT be driven by fear, but by hope and prayer, and vote for the candidate whom we believe best represents God's purposes for our time.

Conscientious Voting

The Bible tells us that all mankind have been given the ability to discern right from wrong -- a conscience [See Romans 2:15]. Yet, it seems that our culture, and perhaps the basic nature of man, is to pursue not that inner voice of conscientiousness, but those things that suit our own sense of "mine." We want "our" way, "our" things, "our" rights... often at the expense of the "general good." Scripture is filled with references of what happens to a society where everyone defines their own "right and wrong." [i.e. Judges 17:6, Jeremiah 11:8; 44:15-16] Eventually there is no moral standard, no commitment to the welfare and care of others, and the foundation of their society decays and crumbles. Ecclesiastics 11:9 reminds us that there will be an accounting for each one's actions and choices. 

Zechariah 7:9-10 tells us, This is what the Lord of Heaven desires; "Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other." 

And the apostle Paul instructs us to not just consider our own interests but to remember to consider the welfare of others (Philippians 2:4).

We have a precious privilege and responsibility as Americans. We can be heard. We can make a difference. Our voice is important. We have the ability to shape the context of our culture. Before we consider what laws and lawmakers we will choose on November 4, lets spend a few moments consider the Will and Purposes of The Law-Giver. Before we cast our vote this year, lets make an effort as followers of Christ, to prayerfully consider if our vote is reflecting the One we serve.

Compassionate Voting

Henri Nouwen wrote:

The Church often wounds us deeply. People with religious authority often wound us by their words, attitudes, and demands. Precisely because our religion brings us in touch with the questions of life and death, our religious sensibilities can get hurt most easily. Ministers and priests seldom fully realize how a critical remark, a gesture of rejection, or an act of impatience can be remembered for life by those to whom it is directed.



There is such an enormous hunger for meaning in life, for comfort and consolation, for forgiveness and reconciliation, for restoration and healing, that anyone who has any authority in the Church should constantly be reminded that the best word to characterize religious authority is compassion. Let's keep looking at Jesus whose authority was expressed in compassion.


As we prepare for the coming election, let us remember that as beloved children of God, we need to strive to walk (and vote) in love; and to not allow any bitterness, divisiveness, or evil intentions to creep into our hearts, our minds, our words, and our actions. [See Ephesians 5:1ff]. We have the opportunity to stand for our beliefs, to influence the direction of our country, and to impact future generations by our choices. But as we do so, let's also remember that we are called to reflect and represent the love of God; and even as we make our stand, we do so in love, gentleness, and always with a heart of reconciliation -- bringing peace to our neighbors by showing and offering them the Peace of God with us... Immanuel.

Faith and Politics

Below is a recent article by Jim Wallis (author of God's Politics). Food for thought as we head into this very important election. 

Why Faith at the Conventions Matters (by Jim Wallis)

I am now in Denver for the Democratic National Convention, and I will be in the Twin Cities next week for the Republican National Convention. I am speaking at both about the moral issues the faith community believes are important -- among them poverty, the environment and climate change, a consistent ethic of life, strong families, pandemic diseases, human trafficking, war, and peace. The Democrats are, for the first time, having "faith forums" to discuss those issues, and I will be moderating two of those forums -- one on the meaning of "the common good," a central religious concept. There will also be issues forums at the Republican Convention on the connections between faith and politics, which I am looking forward to participating in next week. At both conventions, the media is showing great interest in the connection between religion and the election, and that's the other reason I will be at both places.

The proper relationship between faith and politics is a critical issue. In recent decades, religion has often been used, and even abused, by politics and politicians. There is now a legitimate backlash to the exploitation and "politicizing" of religion among many in the churches -- especially a new generation. But the backlash could also lead to a new form of the old private piety or a new communal piety -- that the only important relationship is the one between "me and God" or in the churches' "service" to their own communities (an improvement over mere personal piety, but far short of the biblical call to justice).

Politics is important. Wilberforce could not have ended the slave trade in England without politics. And it would not have been enough for Christians to just not have slaves. Martin Luther King could not have achieved the victories of civil rights without politics. It would not have been enough for the churches to just disavow segregation. (In fact, as King reminded us, the most segregated hour in America was and still is 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings). Gandhi could not have freed India from colonialism, nor could Nelson Mandela have ended apartheid in South Africa without politics. Politics is supposed to be about the common good, about the moral values we want to guide our civic life, even though the practice of politics often makes many people cynical.

But politics is broken in America, as I have often said. And it will take social movements, with clear spiritual values, to change politics in America. That is what genuine revivals have always done -- changed hearts and changed society. And that is still my best hope.

There are many people of faith here at this convention in Denver, as there will also be in the Twin Cities. The important thing for us as people of faith at both conventions is to make sure that our "politics" are more "prophetic" than "partisan." As I have continually repeated, God is not a Republican or a Democrat, and people of faith belong in no party's political pocket. The danger at both conventions is that religion will be exploited -- again -- this time by both sides. So I will be reporting to you on how that goes, whether the people of faith who are here are able to offer that prophetic role that faithfulness requires, that would hold politics accountable to real moral values, and would offer the best hope of social change. Stay tuned.

The Genesis Directive: Be Fruitful (Part 2)

The Apostle Paul tells us that in order to produce the Spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and  self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) we must continually and consistently  "walk in the Spirit."

What does it mean to "walk in the Spirit"? Basically it means to choose who or what motivates and activates our emotions, thoughts, and actions. It means to begin to be conscious of how we are choosing to live each moment, and what (or who) is determining those choices. Our lives are not lived in random motion – we are constantly listening to our internal “director” or “direction finder.” Like the new “never lost” GPS systems in cars; that voice that directs you to “turn right in 2.3 miles” or informs you that “I’m recalculating your route. Make a legal u-turn as soon as possible” when you’ve made a wrong turn.

We too have “internal direction guides.” The scriptures call them the flesh, the enemy, and the Holy Spirit. The desires of the flesh distract us from producing the good fruit by causing us to focus only on our own wants and appetites. We become self-centered and produce shriveled fruit that leaves us hungry and empty. The deceptions of the enemy betrays our fruitfulness and poisons and perverts the fruit of our lives, resulting in hollow, sour, and often harmful produce. Only the Spirit of God leads us into true fruitfulness -- fruit that satisfies our souls and blesses others.  To walk in the Spirit means to choose to listen to and then follow THAT voice which is based in God's Word and Will.

How do we know which voice we are listening to? By paying attention! By taking a few moments at the end of each day to review the choices we have made during the day, we will begin to discover the patterns that provoke our feelings and actions. Who do we tend to listen to when we are tired, stressed, or lonely? What initiates our words when we are feeling insecure or unsure? What motivates us when we are sure, confident, and able? Who is in control when we are angry, upset, or frustrated? And how did those choices makes us feel at the end of the day? ? Learning our patterns enables us to become more aware in the moment of the voice we are listening to and the direction we are following.

Paul told the Galatians that we can generate the works of the flesh (sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness…) or the fruit of the Spirit. God’s first blessing was not to “work and multiply” but to “be fruitful and multiply.” Let's begin to pay closer attention to our own GPS system -- God's Productive Spirit!

The Genesis Directive: Be Fruitful

God's first blessing for man and womankind is the directive of fruitfulness. It was the first blessing He gave to Adam and Eve, and after the flood, the first blessing to Noah and his family (See Genesis 1:28-29 and 9:2). 

"Be fruitful and multiply."

What does it mean for us today to be fruitful and to multiply? Is it merely about reproducing or can we discern a deeper blessing from these words? The New Testament tells us that the fruit God desires from our lives is the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23.) But the production of this fruit cannot be done on our own --fruit does not spontaneously produce itself. The Apostle Paul tells us that this fruit must first be planted by and in the Spirit of God, and then we must be determined to walk in that Spirit.

What kind of fruit are we producing in our lives? Are we feeding, tending, and growing the fruit of God's Spirit? The scriptures tell us that the directive to be fruitful is God's blessing to His children. Our lives and the lives of those around us are blessed and changed by this kind of fruitfulness. How might the world look different to the next generation if THIS fruit became our primary crop?

The Genesis Directive: Part 1

The first chapter of the Bible is the story of creation. The creation of all things: the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all means of creatures by the spoken Word of God. Then God intentionally created humankind from the substance of the earth and His own breath, (See Genesis 2:7) in His own image, according to His own likeness, with the position of dominion -- caretaker and authority -- over all other life:  "over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."   Genesis 1:26

Humankind's position on our planet is one of authority and caretaker. Adam's first job according to Genesis 2:1, was to name and identify all other creatures. Genesis 1:27 - 30, spells out specifically God's intended role for humankind.

So God created humankind  in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 

Our earth and the condition of its inhabitants is testimony of how conscientiously we have served our created position. What can we do today to restore, refresh, or replenish our precious planet? It's our job!

Check out Robyn's new B.L.E.S.S.E.D. devotions at Blessed to Believe!

"Speak, for Your servant is listening."

Eli understood that the LORD was calling the boy. He told Samuel, "Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’" 1 Samuel 3:8,9

When was the last time you heard God? Really heard Him? In Hearing God Through the Year, Dallas Willard writes “that the same Spirit who delivered the Scriptures to holy men of old speaks today in the hearts of those who gather around the written Word to teach and to learn.” Dr. Willard suggests that you list people you can talk to about how they hear God in their lives.

If we truly believe that God created us so that He could have a relationship with us, how then can we possibly think He would not want to speak to us? Who do you know that hears God on a regular basis? Consider treating them to a Starbucks and then listen to what they have to say!

Seven Filters, part 2

Proverbs 6:16-19 says, 

There are six things that the Lord hates, 

seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that hurry to run to evil, 

a lying witness who testifies falsely,  

and one who sows discord in a family.

Therefore, is it reasonable to conclude that:

There are six things that the Lord loves, 

seven that are a delight to Him? 

Humble eyes, a truthful tongue,

and hands that reach out to help, 

a heart that considers righteous plans,

feet that hurry to run to goodness, 

an honest witness who testifies truthfully,

and one who sows peacefulness in a family.

At the end of the day, how do your actions measure up?

Food for thought during a fasting season!

Seven Filters

Proverbs 6:16-19 says, 

There are six things that the Lord hates, 

seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes, a lying tongue

and hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that hurry to run to evil, 

a lying witness who testifies falsely, 

and one who sows discord in a family.

This season of Lent and self-examination offers us a good opportunity to look at how our perspective (eyes), words (tongue), actions (hands and feet), attitude (heart), and character (witness) measure up. When we filter our day through this Proverb, it is easy to see if we have spent our time well -- pleasing God; or if we have fallen into habits and behavior patterns that displease Him.

Food for thought during a fasting season! 

Test of the Flesh

The journey of Christ in the wilderness was a time of testing and a time of discipline. Jesus’ first challenge by Satan was a “test of the flesh,” a challenge of self identity and physical comfort. Satan challenged Jesus to prove who he was by demonstrating his ability to satisfy his own physical hunger. Jesus’ response was to remind the evil one that humankind is more than physical need and ability.

How do we follow Jesus’ example in breaking the physical bonds by which we identify so strongly? Two ways are fasting and anonymous giving. One helps us break the strong draw of our physical appetite by intentionally depriving ourselves of physical comfort; the other helps us break the lure of self-prowess by selflessly, and quietly giving away those things that we hold dear.

Both of these disciplines help us recognize what it means—and feels like – to depend on God’s Providence.

Book suggestion: The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice' by Tony Campoloa & Mary Albert Darling

Lent: Five Weeks until Easter

In the desert, Jesus faced physical discomfort. Hunger and thirst. Ironic, The Bread of Life Himself without physical sustenance. Scripture tells us that the Devil came to Jesus in the wilderness to test Him,

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Luke 4:3

The enemy used Jesus’ physical condition to test His personal identity. If you are the Son of God – prove it! Prove who you are by showing what you can do for yourself.

An interesting test. The test of “flesh.” Prove who you are by the standard of how well you can take care of your own needs. If we can provide for ourselves, then surely we are independent. If we can buy big houses, fancy cars, designer clothes, then surely we are successful. “Don’t help me, I can do it by myself” is one of the first things toddler’s learn to say. “I can tie my shoes all by myself now” – it proves I’m a big girl!

Jesus’ answer to Satan was,

"It is written: 'People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4

In refusing to satisfy His own physical needs, Jesus is telling us that the true standard of who we are and what we need is not based in the physical realm. It isn’t about what we have or what we can do on our own. It isn’t about meeting all of our needs by ourselves. Who we are is based on whose we are, and therefore real sustenance is not about what we can provide for ourselves, but what God wants to give us.

How do we break this mind-set of trying to prove ourselves by showing how well we can provide for our own needs? One way is by going without… giving up, or better yet, anonymously giving away those very things by which we have been defining ourselves, and by turning our awareness and thankfulness to what God is giving us today.

Lent & the Spiritual Disciplines

Henri Nouwen once wrote, “In the spiritual life, the word ‘discipline’ means ‘the effort to create some space in which God can act’… if we create space in which God can act and speak, something surprising will happen. You and I are called to these disciplines if we want to be disciples.”

I have a passion for reading the writings and biographies of the early church Fathers and Mothers. I am always moved and filled with wonder at their capacity to know, hear, and follow God’s voice in their lives. Yet, I am also often left feeling a bit melancholy. Why, I wonder, if God does not change,* if indeed He is the same today as yesterday, then why do I not have that same degree or intensity of relationship with Him as those great Patriarchs and Matriarchs?

Could it be that they lived lives with much more space for God in them? Fasting, solitude, penitence, giving, serving… were all regular parts of their lives. In my life, they are very limited experiences only. Christ spoke of “when you give, when you fast, when you serve…” never if. The example of Christ at the beginning of the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke shows us the disciplines of solitude and fasting that Christ intentionally practiced – after His baptism yet before the beginning of His public service.

The practices of Spiritual Disciplines should therefore be the result of and response to our recognized dedication and devotion to God, and their purpose is to prepare us for and lead us to the path of service. We should not practice these disciplines for their own sake, but for the purpose of being prepared, tested, and empowered for God’s purposes for His Church, His Children, and His Creation.

The season of Lent offers us the opportunity to intentionally set aside time in our day for God to work in unexpected ways.

*(See Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)

Book suggestion: The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Lent, Self Sacrifice, and Finding Joy

Literally meaning “Springtime,” the observation of “Lent” – a liturgical season traditionally marked by the practices of penitence, fasting, sacrifice, giving, and prayer – takes place during the forty days preceding Easter. Unfortunately, in recent times, this important time of Spiritual Discipline has either become “ritualized” into a near empty or superficial time of giving up chocolate, or pizza, or some bad habit… or ignored altogether. What a pity – because this truly can be a time of deep association with the journey of Christ through the wilderness.

Henri Nouwen defines Spiritual Disciplines as “creating a space in your life for God to work.” Intentionally stopping our routine, and seeking an experiential time with the Holy Presence.

The point of fasting, self denial, or “giving something up” isn’t about performing a ritual, or proving one’s stamina, the point is to realize how preoccupied and dependent we have become on the things of this world – at the cost of our spiritual awareness. The awareness that Christ is indeed the ONE thing we truly need. Christ's journey through the wilderness tested what He relied on most, who He trusted implicitly, and how He would fulfill His purposes.

In the desert Christ was faced with the choice between earthly food and heavenly sustenance,

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered, "It is written; 'People do not live on bread alone.'" Luke 4:1-4

The choice between earthly prestige and Divine priority,

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours."

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" Luke 4:5-8

And the choice between being humanly spectacular or being heavenly significant,

The devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Luke 4:9-12

After enduring this time of testing, angels came to attend to His needs (see Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). When was the last time angels tended to your needs – could it be that when we depend solely on physical provision we miss the blessing of authentic spiritual sustenance?

This Lenten season, I encourage you to travel the path of Jesus in the wilderness. Dare to be tended by angels.

Book Suggestion: Bread and Wine, Readings for Lent and Easter; Orbis Press.

Super Tuesday (Part 3)

But I say to you…

“You have heard it said… but I say to you …”

In this way, Jesus began to communicate His policies. The way it had been vs. the way it should be. The old kingdom vs. the Kingdom come. Earthly thinking vs. Heavenly truth.

In the book of Matthew [5:21-45] we are told that Jesus gathered His followers and went to a hillside, sat down (no dramatic posturing), and began to explain the way of His government.

You have heard it said, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

You have heard it said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

You have heard it said, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' But I say to you, do not swear an oath at all … All you need to say is simply 'Yes,' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the
evil one.

You have heard it said, an ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

We have heard many things said during this campaign. What do you think Jesus would have to say?

Check out the link to this week's book suggestion: God's Politics, Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis.

Super Tuesday (Part 2)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6

I wonder what Jesus’ "political" platform would be? How would Jesus campaign? Would He be a Republican or a Democrat, or would He stay Independent? Maybe He would start His own “Illumination” party!

As we consider which candidate we will cast our ballot for next Tuesday, we listen to their words, we watch their actions, and we examine their pasts. Jesus’ words were always clear,

• “I have come to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, give light to those who are in darkness, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim God’s favor upon His children." (Luke 4:18-19)
• "Those who follow me must deny their own desires and take up their cross” (Mark 8:34)
• “If you want to follow me you must sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21)
• “Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the forgotten and take care of the stranger, visit the prisoners” (See Matthew 25: 34-46)

His actions were always consistent with His words, and His past record was eternally evident! Jesus’ “platform” is still the foundation of His Kingdom come. As His followers, as members of His Party, we are responsible for its continuation. As we consider our vote for next Tuesday, let’s consider the Kingdom agenda and vote accordingly.

Check out the link to this week's book suggestion: God's Politics, Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis.

SUPER TUESDAY!

The primaries are coming to California! Super Tuesday is less than a week away. Polls, pundits, and predictions abound everywhere. Who do we vote for? Who can we trust? We listen to the speeches, the promises, the “politicking,” and wonder. As I talk to friends, relatives, even strangers in line behind me in the check out lane, it strikes me that who we favor has much to do with what we fear.

We fear enemy attack and favor strong military candidates.
We fear economy plunge and favor strong economic package candidates.
We fear women and favor men.
We fear men and favor a woman.
And on and on and on…

But where is our hope? God tells us in Isaiah 49:23 that “those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” David, the great King of Israel wrote,

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)

ONLY God can be our true Protector and Provider. As we consider casting our vote next Tuesday, let’s NOT be driven by fear, but by hope and prayer, and vote for the man or woman whom we believe best represents God's purposes for our time.

Check out the link to this week's book suggestion: God's Politics, Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis.

A Poem

I just couldn't resist posting this poem that someone emailed me today. Food for thought -- and prayer!

JUDGE NOT

I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven's door.

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights, nor its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven

Who made me sputter and gasp--

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics, and the trash...

There stood that kid from seventh grade

Who swiped my lunch money twice.

Next to him was my old neighbor

Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought,

Would be rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?

I'd love to hear Your take.

How'd all these sinners get up here?

God must've made a mistake."

"And why's everyone so quiet,so somber?

Please, give me a clue."

"Hush, child," said He, "they're all in shock;

No one thought they'd be seeing you."

JUDGE NOT.

The Spiritual Work of Gratitude

Henri Nouwen wrote:

To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives-the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections-that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only truly grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment. As long as we keep dividing our lives between events and people we would like to remember and those we would rather forget, we cannot claim the fullness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for. Let's not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.

Let's remember this year to look for the "God Presence" in all our moments, circumstances, transitions, relationships, and events. And let's try to filter our perceptions and focus through a lens that remembers that in all things and at all times we are experiencing life as God's beloved children.

Resolutions You Can Keep (Part 8)

Reap
This year, try something new for the New Year! Instead of trying to change some habit or situation, consider allowing the Spirit of God to change YOU! Let God’s Spirit bring new life, new perspective, and new power into who you are! Reflect on how serious you are about what you believe. Resolve to make yourself available to however God wants to transform you. Renew your spiritual excitement and energy. Reconnect with the One who made you and loves you, and commit to the work of reconciliation with those He gave His life for. Recognize the cost of transforming growth in your life, and then... reap the new life!

Restore what has been faded or lost
Experience His “with-you” Presence and Power
Accept His abundance in your life
Produce the fruit of a transformed life!

Lord, help me to make each day of this year a transforming opportunity. Show me what needs to be restored, experienced, accepted or produced in my life that will glorify You and show the world how Good and Wonderful life with You can be. Amen

Happy New Year!

Resolutions You Can Keep (part 7)

Recognize
One more step is absolutely necessary if we are really going to embrace the transformed life. We must be ready and willing to recognize the cost of being transformed!

Jesus said that there are three things that will prevent us from truly following Him: relationships, comfort, and possessions! “If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don't begin until you count the cost... no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.” Luke 14:26-28, 33

Note that Jesus does not say you should not, or, you ought not be my disciple. Three times, He says that you CANNOT be His disciple if you will not count and agree to the cost of discipleship! Jesus’ words are very clear, we cannot be true disciples if relationships, comfort, or things are a greater influence on our life than He is!

• When we put our relationships with other people above or outside of our obedience to Christ, we prevent ourselves and those relationships from being all they can be and from reflecting His priorities and love!

• To take up your own cross you must be willing to let go of everything else. When we are not willing to be uncomfortable – or unconventional – we limit the changes that God wants to bring into our lives! Change can be scary and sometimes painful – it can mean giving up things and ways that we have become accustomed to; but if we want to live the greater life, the life of significance, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and let God use everything we have, including our relationships, pleasures and possessions.

• When we are not willing to honestly count and accept the cost, we are not ready to be truly transformed. If you want to go the distance, you need to know the cost of the trip, and be ready to pay it!

But there is one more cost to recognize, the cost of not choosing discipleship. Dallas Willard writes,

“Nondiscipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God’s over-riding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil…Nondiscipleship costs you exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring (John 10:10). The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him…”

Lord, I accept the cost. Lord Christ, You are more precious to me than any thing. You are dearer to me than any other relationship. Your Kingdom come is more important to me than any dream or goal I may have of my own. The cost is worth it. You are worth everything. Amen

Be sure to check out Robyn's Thoughts @ http://robynhenk.blogspot.com for updated book suggestions, daily scripture reading, and more! Happy New Year

Resolutions You Can Keep (Part 6)

Reconcile:
Once we determine to continually reconnect with God throughout our day, then we must decide to take the necessary steps to reconcile not only ourselves with others, but to work at reconciliation between all human beings. 2 Corinthians 5:18 tells us that through Jesus, we have been given personal peace with God, as well the responsibility of bringing that peace to others. Transformation that truly reflects and glorifies Christ in our world requires dedication to this ministry of reconciliation.

We must begin to build bridges of peace by:

1. Building and repairing personal relationships. The Apostle Paul wrote that as far as it depends on us, we are to do whatever is possible to live at peace with everyone. (See Romans 12:18). Not just those who agree with you, not just those who look or sound like you. Not just those who think the same way, vote the same way, dress the same way – or even pray the same way. No, everyone. And we are to do everything we can to make this possible. For many of us, this means that it is time to take any and all steps necessary to forgive, heal, and release past hurts; as well as to confess and ask forgiveness for those whom we have hurt.

2. Identifying and eliminating division and barriers between people groups. "Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) “We” vs. “them” – “tribal” thinking. It goes to the root of our human identity. We cluster into groups and subgroups. “We” are always right, and “ours” is always the right way. But the Bible says that in Christ we have a NEW identity, and with that a new association. One people, one family! We have been given the ministry of bringing all mankind -- and thier "uniqueness" -- into that family! (See 2 Corinthians 5).

3. Committing to pray for the unity of all mankind. I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

What do you truly believe about the power of prayer? The proof is in the practice! I recently read a devotional by an amazing man of peace who has dedicated his life to working with and for the cause of the persecuted. He writes, (because of the nature of his work I will keep his name anonymous),

Have you ever prayed for terrorists in Al-Qaeda or Hamas or Taliban or Islamic Jihad or Hezbollah? Let's be more specific. Have you ever prayed for Osama bin Laden?… If you say you did not pray, then "Is that the reason Osama is what he is-because we didn't pray?" Can we pray him into the kingdom? Or can we neutralize his hatred and effectiveness by prayer? Let's go on a prayer offensive! Let's contest with the devil for the soul of the man, not with military might but with the Gospel. After all, God is in the business of transforming lives.

These are strong words, challenging words, transforming words. How important is praying for the unity and salvation of all mankind to you? How important was it for Christ? He gave His life for it.

Lord show me who I need to be reconciled with. Help me to take the steps necessary to do this in a healthy and godly way. Show me what barriers I need to begin to remove in my family, community, church, and world. Unite and empower the prayers of all believers for the peace of all mankind. Amen

Be sure to check out Robyn's Thoughts @ http://robynhenk.blogspot.com/ for book suggestions, daily scripture reading, and more! Happy New Year.