Matthew 19:1-10
Youth often carry the silent voice in divorce. When families experience breakdown in the system individuals and families may benefit from "talk" therapy for the psychological health of those concerned. Thirty-two years of training in psychotherapy has produced a natural willingness to listening. On a recent flight, the silent voice of a youth leaving her father in the south to return to her mother in the north spoke.
She is as beautiful as the morning on a sunny day. Youth covers her. Excitement glows in each smile. When she speaks it is a refreshing sound in the midst of memories. Remember bathing in youth? To recall the warm waters of youth may comfort an aging soul. Thirty-six years removed from the experience of youth, God has so perfected existence as to allow memories in this soul to produce awe.
Here I am in the air of existence still soaking in the joy of yesterday. It is nice listening to the new expressions of youth. Flying from one city to another, I listened. I heard her pain in response to parental divorce. Would it make a difference, if she stated to her parents what she has longed to say? What is the cost of her silence?
Is it alright? Really! Is it alright to be silent. The cost of silence may be lower than the price of speaking out of order. Parents, like youth, believe their lives are their own. The impact therefore on even the most beautiful of children is a cost too often paid by the youth. I only imagine what it is like.
My parents made it through the arguments and fights. Surely, there was cost to my emotions on the roller coaster of their ups and downs. Yet, I never had to become spent on the matter of divorce. Beyond the emotional, what could this adorable young lady have on her list of cost? Could her cost be equal to that borne by so many? Now, a few years into divorce I heard her say she is “spent” on the divorce. Tired of the drama, no doubt. She endures the cost in communication, recreation, rituals, routines, finances, education, emotions, intellectual dining, etc. She cries to get off the battle field.
So, parents, who care, end the war. Retire from the battle of divorce wars. Learn appropriate ways to share the expense of the cost. An investment in adjusting the system in light of the divorce, may allow rough relations to be transformed. Start with the mirror image. Look in the mirror and see you. Pray that through the course of time, the image will reveal the God in you. Live in the image of God. An image of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Remembering Lonnie McLeod
Psalm 27
Many hopes departed the earth, when the Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod died. October 25, 2009. While preparing his Sunday sermon heart failure claimed Lonnie's last breathe.
My first and only visit to the home of Lonnie and Jackie McLeod came earlier this year. We returned from the Unification Theological Seminary commencement ceremony in Barrytown, NY. Lonnie had his driver stop at a diner on our way home, and we each ordered breakfast food. It was my treat, since Lonnie was providing the transportation home.
The commencement was made superb by Dr. Moon, when she stated her forecast for the seminary. The bacon and eggs with homemade potatoes were yummy. However, what I experienced at Lonnie's house was so unexpected, it completed the day. Showing me his latest memorabilia of Tiger Woods, Lonnie thought collectibles would be the icing on our trip. Then, it became clear that he was a friend of the retired football star Jim Brown. I would argue that Jim Brown is the best all around athlete of my life time. So, Lonnie said the next time Jim visited he would arrange for us to have a conversation over lunch or dinner. Mr. Brown could enhance our urban ministries with his insights into the mindset of gang members. Many hopes and dreams are laid to rest, since Lonnie has departed.
My last communication with Dr. McLeod following our interview on his television broadcast. I was the last of three interviews that night. Rarely do I revisit an interview. However, there must be a copy of our final hour with my name on it. He declared it one of the best interviews he has produced. I am sure he indicated the same to the others as well. The time flew as our like minds discussed changing the world. When leaving the studio, we had our final talk. Our walk to the subway included comments on his love for Jackie, laughter about his children, and his hopes for life. I listened as he gave me encouragement. His last words were: "Thanks for sharing your mind." I responded: "Thanks, Doc, for enriching minds."
Midnight on Sunday, October 25th, I shook and came to stillness, when I heard that Lonnie McLeod had left this world. A heart pacer recently replaced gave way. Lonnie is gone. On the weekend to follow, we would witness a gathering of strangers meeting in commonality, because in some sphere of time life had been shared with Lonnie McLeod. The game of life is over for Lonnie. He amazing smile leaves memories as he soars in eternity.
Remembering Lonnie McLeod is noting the genius of a theologian, preacher, pastor, friend, brother, and leader. He served as Dean of the the New York Extension Campus of the Unification Theological Seminary during the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Our dreams of developing the ideal seminary for world peace and reconciliation are not buried. They have not died. In fact, they are inflamed. In speaking to Rev. L W Hardaway, we came to conclude that the legacy must go forth. It is grounded on a firm foundation.
In remembering Lonnie, we shall remember the Ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, who inspired our friend. We will teach love of God and neighbor as the sincere expression of love of self. We are going to respect the lives of people of God from every walk of life. We are going to rejoice in caring for people and their freedom of expressions, especially religious freedom. We are going to share empathy and listening to children of God as we build unity in the midst of diversity. As sure as we breathe unto death, we are going to do ... the will of God.
October 31, 2009, we attended the service of remembrance. I walked away having remembered Lonnie McLeod and his living legacy under the inspiration of the spirit of peace. I vow to work faithfully for the cause of World Peace. Let peace continue with you and me. Thus, come along ... let us live on ...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear our voices of remembrance . . . Amen.
Many hopes departed the earth, when the Rev. Dr. Lonnie McLeod died. October 25, 2009. While preparing his Sunday sermon heart failure claimed Lonnie's last breathe.
My first and only visit to the home of Lonnie and Jackie McLeod came earlier this year. We returned from the Unification Theological Seminary commencement ceremony in Barrytown, NY. Lonnie had his driver stop at a diner on our way home, and we each ordered breakfast food. It was my treat, since Lonnie was providing the transportation home.
The commencement was made superb by Dr. Moon, when she stated her forecast for the seminary. The bacon and eggs with homemade potatoes were yummy. However, what I experienced at Lonnie's house was so unexpected, it completed the day. Showing me his latest memorabilia of Tiger Woods, Lonnie thought collectibles would be the icing on our trip. Then, it became clear that he was a friend of the retired football star Jim Brown. I would argue that Jim Brown is the best all around athlete of my life time. So, Lonnie said the next time Jim visited he would arrange for us to have a conversation over lunch or dinner. Mr. Brown could enhance our urban ministries with his insights into the mindset of gang members. Many hopes and dreams are laid to rest, since Lonnie has departed.
My last communication with Dr. McLeod following our interview on his television broadcast. I was the last of three interviews that night. Rarely do I revisit an interview. However, there must be a copy of our final hour with my name on it. He declared it one of the best interviews he has produced. I am sure he indicated the same to the others as well. The time flew as our like minds discussed changing the world. When leaving the studio, we had our final talk. Our walk to the subway included comments on his love for Jackie, laughter about his children, and his hopes for life. I listened as he gave me encouragement. His last words were: "Thanks for sharing your mind." I responded: "Thanks, Doc, for enriching minds."
Midnight on Sunday, October 25th, I shook and came to stillness, when I heard that Lonnie McLeod had left this world. A heart pacer recently replaced gave way. Lonnie is gone. On the weekend to follow, we would witness a gathering of strangers meeting in commonality, because in some sphere of time life had been shared with Lonnie McLeod. The game of life is over for Lonnie. He amazing smile leaves memories as he soars in eternity.
Remembering Lonnie McLeod is noting the genius of a theologian, preacher, pastor, friend, brother, and leader. He served as Dean of the the New York Extension Campus of the Unification Theological Seminary during the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Our dreams of developing the ideal seminary for world peace and reconciliation are not buried. They have not died. In fact, they are inflamed. In speaking to Rev. L W Hardaway, we came to conclude that the legacy must go forth. It is grounded on a firm foundation.
In remembering Lonnie, we shall remember the Ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, who inspired our friend. We will teach love of God and neighbor as the sincere expression of love of self. We are going to respect the lives of people of God from every walk of life. We are going to rejoice in caring for people and their freedom of expressions, especially religious freedom. We are going to share empathy and listening to children of God as we build unity in the midst of diversity. As sure as we breathe unto death, we are going to do ... the will of God.
October 31, 2009, we attended the service of remembrance. I walked away having remembered Lonnie McLeod and his living legacy under the inspiration of the spirit of peace. I vow to work faithfully for the cause of World Peace. Let peace continue with you and me. Thus, come along ... let us live on ...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear our voices of remembrance . . . Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Adversity Has An End
Job 42
"God will not place on you more than you can bare." That phase has been around as long as breathe has been in this life. The interpretation of it may vary from person to person. The essence of the statement remains the same - adversity has an end.
I have spent some pain shaking days in a neighboring state to New York City. It has been so accessible by public transportation. Going through difficulties and working through it all has been challenging. The challenge was made least cumbersome by the ways and means to retreat and rekindle. A debt of gratitude is due to the members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, who support their pastor in days of pain. There will be more adversity to face, before the complete turn around. This I have been assured of going through the preparation time. The difference having been on retreat is that of being ready now.
It took days of going back to the basics with limited cell phone use or computer access. It took praying through the day and some sleepless nights. Stepping away from the burden that holds me down was the best part of the treatment plan. Internal debates were welcomed. Glances at the past were permissible. Visions of the future built confidence.
Excellent days shall come. One day the adversity shall cease. Until that day my run on song of praise shall be: "My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord." What are you taking for the pain in your life? What have you grounded your faith in during the storms of life? I recommend taking time to return on earth to our Lord, before going eternally to God. Try the basics of stealing away to converse with the Lord.
Surely the adversary will remain active during such time. It may even appear that evil is winning. Yet, we know the ending of the story, when our trust is in the God of glory. Trust in the restoration power of our Lord. God is more than able. The Lord is our promise keeper. When all has failed and the enemy encamps against us, turn around and seek the face of God. "God is watching us."
During three weeks of constant praying, I uttered to myself the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." The recipe in times of facing adversity has within it a repentance in daily prayer to the God of restoration. When we follow the recipe, we know excellent days shall come.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and heal us. Amen.
"God will not place on you more than you can bare." That phase has been around as long as breathe has been in this life. The interpretation of it may vary from person to person. The essence of the statement remains the same - adversity has an end.
I have spent some pain shaking days in a neighboring state to New York City. It has been so accessible by public transportation. Going through difficulties and working through it all has been challenging. The challenge was made least cumbersome by the ways and means to retreat and rekindle. A debt of gratitude is due to the members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, who support their pastor in days of pain. There will be more adversity to face, before the complete turn around. This I have been assured of going through the preparation time. The difference having been on retreat is that of being ready now.
It took days of going back to the basics with limited cell phone use or computer access. It took praying through the day and some sleepless nights. Stepping away from the burden that holds me down was the best part of the treatment plan. Internal debates were welcomed. Glances at the past were permissible. Visions of the future built confidence.
Excellent days shall come. One day the adversity shall cease. Until that day my run on song of praise shall be: "My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord." What are you taking for the pain in your life? What have you grounded your faith in during the storms of life? I recommend taking time to return on earth to our Lord, before going eternally to God. Try the basics of stealing away to converse with the Lord.
Surely the adversary will remain active during such time. It may even appear that evil is winning. Yet, we know the ending of the story, when our trust is in the God of glory. Trust in the restoration power of our Lord. God is more than able. The Lord is our promise keeper. When all has failed and the enemy encamps against us, turn around and seek the face of God. "God is watching us."
During three weeks of constant praying, I uttered to myself the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land." The recipe in times of facing adversity has within it a repentance in daily prayer to the God of restoration. When we follow the recipe, we know excellent days shall come.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and heal us. Amen.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Living A Love Centered Life
Ephesians 5:21-33
Evelyn was in tears today. It was not the first time she has cried. It will not be the last time she cries. It happened to be one of the times she cries for Michael, who died last week. While planning the time of remembrance, we faced the reality of love and certainty of lost.
In the midst of tears she spoke to me of her husband. "Michael", she said, "was a nice man, husband, and father. You would have enjoyed meeting him." Michael bore the character of a child of God. When the time comes to deliver his eulogy of Wednesday, the words will reflect knowledge of him. I met him today through a loving wife. A middle age woman, who was living a love centered life with Michael.
Michael loved Evelyn unconditionally. He would give unto her his whole heart. His illness brought on the most challenging times of their love. Even in sickness he dedicated himself to working for the benefit of the children and his wife, until he could move from the bed. Unto death did part, he was solid as a rock. A testimony to living a love centered life.
What happens when we merge a love centered life with a Christ centered life? Pray about it. Really. I would like to know your thoughts on the matter. The only difference may be in church attendance and membership. You think? You see, we can believe in Christ, yet not center our lives in the Lord. Centering in Christ asks for more than love of God and neighbor. A Christ centered life is lived in the body of Christ - the Church. I am not talking about any particular church, even though all persons are welcome to join Metropolitan Community UMC. I am speaking beyond a building and encouraging worship and fellowship among believers. Faith sharing in praise to the glory of God is what this word is about.
When we get right now to it, the essence of love is in remembrance on the daily. Every day remembering love that flows from God to us, and us to God that is to nurture the love we share between each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and teach us to love. Teach us to really love into eternity. Amen.
Evelyn was in tears today. It was not the first time she has cried. It will not be the last time she cries. It happened to be one of the times she cries for Michael, who died last week. While planning the time of remembrance, we faced the reality of love and certainty of lost.
In the midst of tears she spoke to me of her husband. "Michael", she said, "was a nice man, husband, and father. You would have enjoyed meeting him." Michael bore the character of a child of God. When the time comes to deliver his eulogy of Wednesday, the words will reflect knowledge of him. I met him today through a loving wife. A middle age woman, who was living a love centered life with Michael.
Michael loved Evelyn unconditionally. He would give unto her his whole heart. His illness brought on the most challenging times of their love. Even in sickness he dedicated himself to working for the benefit of the children and his wife, until he could move from the bed. Unto death did part, he was solid as a rock. A testimony to living a love centered life.
What happens when we merge a love centered life with a Christ centered life? Pray about it. Really. I would like to know your thoughts on the matter. The only difference may be in church attendance and membership. You think? You see, we can believe in Christ, yet not center our lives in the Lord. Centering in Christ asks for more than love of God and neighbor. A Christ centered life is lived in the body of Christ - the Church. I am not talking about any particular church, even though all persons are welcome to join Metropolitan Community UMC. I am speaking beyond a building and encouraging worship and fellowship among believers. Faith sharing in praise to the glory of God is what this word is about.
When we get right now to it, the essence of love is in remembrance on the daily. Every day remembering love that flows from God to us, and us to God that is to nurture the love we share between each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and teach us to love. Teach us to really love into eternity. Amen.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:27
The mission of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, New York is shared often, at least weekly by way of the bulletin. This local church accepts the biblical image of the Church as a "body of Christ." Individual members join collectively to form unity in the midst of diversity.
Adopting a Pauline theology, members of MCUMC are challenged to pool their individual gifts into a practical love of all. Centering on Jesus Christ in worship, prayers are lifted for spiritual growth, and the development of ministries (in-reach and outreach) that address the needs of persons, society, and faith communities. Focusing of God as Creator and Redeemer, worshippers gather for praise in thanksgiving with supplication for continued compassion.
The essential task is to spread divine love. Divine love is expressed through acts of compassion. Members are taught that the desirable outcome of all actions has to do with the well-being of people of God. Therefore, on every age-level and through all areas of the local church the following acts should be manifested:
The mission of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, New York is shared often, at least weekly by way of the bulletin. This local church accepts the biblical image of the Church as a "body of Christ." Individual members join collectively to form unity in the midst of diversity.
Adopting a Pauline theology, members of MCUMC are challenged to pool their individual gifts into a practical love of all. Centering on Jesus Christ in worship, prayers are lifted for spiritual growth, and the development of ministries (in-reach and outreach) that address the needs of persons, society, and faith communities. Focusing of God as Creator and Redeemer, worshippers gather for praise in thanksgiving with supplication for continued compassion.
The essential task is to spread divine love. Divine love is expressed through acts of compassion. Members are taught that the desirable outcome of all actions has to do with the well-being of people of God. Therefore, on every age-level and through all areas of the local church the following acts should be manifested:
- Acts of kindness. In the tradition of the Methodist Movement, we teach persons to "do no harm." This is the first step of three in the heritage of the teaching of John Wesley regarding principles of Christian living. Persons of faith place their unwavering trust in the grace of God. Non-violence is an auto discipline, not a conceived thought of ideal living. Acts of kindness involves following Jesus Christ into the lives of people. Trusting in God the giving of life for the mission of Jesus in the world is the faithful privilege of the disciple. Learning from Jesus as acts are done with intentional avoidance of harm or evil of any kind to self and others. The violence and complexity acknowledged in the world poses a challenge to the walk of disciples. The cost of discipleship has been paid by Jesus, and His disciples step in the world free to follow the ways of Jesus. The price of living in accord with Jesus has been paid in full. Therefore, disciples of Jesus are challenge by the world, yet by faith (radical to the ways of world) can live without doing harm. Christian living is leaping in the acts of kindness toward all. May the lives we live speak, even in silence, the ways of Jesus.
- Acts of generosity. The second of the traditional Methodist way of following Jesus has an intentional means of doing good. A universal application of gentleness and respect of anyone and anything challenges the child of God to practice positive regard for people of God. Throughout the world disciples of Christ are to love all, even enemies. Acts of generosity carries positive means of doing good and goodness toward people. Hospitality and good is expectations of persons in membership, who follow the path of Jesus and the directives of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist way. This is a challenging way to live in servant hood. The rendering of Christian service can even be an expression of thanksgiving. Witnessing to faith in Jesus, disciples share their generous actions in response to the Word of God found in Holy Scripture. Living to the ways of God in life, followers of Jesus are instrumental in spreading the love of God through acts of generosity. Within and beyond the facilities of the church, disciples of Jesus live for the healing, guiding, transforming, and loving of humanity into ways of holiness.
- Acts of love. The third step in the Methodist rules of discipleship is to always love God. Loving God is giving all to the will of God. The mind, heart, body, and soul are returned to the ways of Jesus in the world as a means of fulfillment. Life at its best is lived respecting, listening, caring, and empathizing into the lives of people of God. Loving God with all of being is to also love neighbors as God has loved all. Jesus taught His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. The disciples of Christ are known by the love they have for one another. It is impossible to love God, and not love the creation of God. Staying in love with God is the best thing disciples could ever do. Loving God is more than faith in the beyond earthly life experience or belief in the existence of the Source of life beyond life as known on earth. Loving God is attending to the ordinances of God, as Wesley stated. A Wesleyan way of living is a daily walk in the way of Jesus through spiritual disciplines. These three rules are made plan in the writings of Rueben P. Job's book on "Three Simple Rules." Most encouraging is the power of prayer. Prayer as a means of grace and daily discipline is life transforming.
The Body of Christ is challenged to transform the world by transforming the lives of people of God in the world. Body Builders for Christ (BB4C) are committed to living and loving as followers of Jesus. Join us in our mission. Digest the fruit of Spirit. Step into the Methodist way. Its kind, good, and filled with the love of God.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and lead us into radical discipleship. Amen.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Marion Sumpter
John 14:3
We gathered on August 28, 2009, at 10:00 AM to remember the life and death of Marion Sumpter. Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church was the location of our worship service. People came in compassion for Marion, who believed Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. The service, while speaking to the living, was held due to Marion and God.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 acknowledges that "dust (the body) returns to the ground, and the soul (breath) returns to the God, who gave it." We came in realizing the death of Marion's body, yet recognizing that "though she died, yet shall she live." This is stated because the human body met the cessation of life, but her soul was believed to be acceptable to the Infinite One - God.
While this truth may bring an image of life beyond death, it does not end grief felt given the lost of human life. What are we to do in response to death and dying? Here are four recommendations:
We gathered on August 28, 2009, at 10:00 AM to remember the life and death of Marion Sumpter. Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church was the location of our worship service. People came in compassion for Marion, who believed Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. The service, while speaking to the living, was held due to Marion and God.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 acknowledges that "dust (the body) returns to the ground, and the soul (breath) returns to the God, who gave it." We came in realizing the death of Marion's body, yet recognizing that "though she died, yet shall she live." This is stated because the human body met the cessation of life, but her soul was believed to be acceptable to the Infinite One - God.
While this truth may bring an image of life beyond death, it does not end grief felt given the lost of human life. What are we to do in response to death and dying? Here are four recommendations:
- Communicate with ears of compassion. God hears prayers. By faith we embrace this divine blessing. In addition, human beings yearn for the compassionate ears of friends, relatives, associates, and others to listen with love and without unnecessary advice. Pure love of hearing in good times and in bad times. Death may be one of the worst times, even when loved ones appeared ready to die and cross over the threshold of eternity. Compassionate communication requires the art of listening to grief in others.
- Respectful closeness with the touch of love. God's love is comforting. Seek the comfort of God through supportive and respectful people. Human touch offered in the right manner eases pain. Void of abuse. Void of persons entering the space of vulnerability. The touch of empathy may be assuring ... A touch that speaks volumes about care gives meaning in silent voice. Reaching out with touch in times of grief may yield empathetic love at its best.
- Allow time to cry. Crying does not have to be bad. It may be healthy to cry in the safety of empathetic people. When crying without shame or undo stress, monitor the grief process in the comfort zone of persons who care.
- Accept the reality of time. All things in time. Ecclesiastes gives a summary to time in the third chapter of the Old Testament text. It reveals a time to be born, a time to love, a time to plant, a time to sew, a time to build up, a time to war, a time to die ... a time of peace, a time to weep ... a time to mourn, a time to embrace ... a time to laugh ... a time to dance.
In waiting, we have and do not have. We have the assurance of eternal life, while we await the time of crossing over the way of death. Our time will come. When death comes, may life continue with God.
Marion Sumpter was remembered. May we be remembered ... too.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and remember us, when death comes, and life continues. Amen.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Senator Ted Kennedy Died
Ecclesiastes 12:7
We will face death. The cessation of life is assured. Unless the Savior comes and raptures the people of God before our last breath, we will die.
The news media announced: SENATOR TED KENNEDY DIED. I recall being in my third grade class, when the announcement of the death of President John F. Kennedy came. I was watching the coverage of a victory speech by Senator Robert F. Kennedy, when moments later the news media reported that he had died from the violent attack on his life. On the morning of August 26, 2009, the announcement came that the final of four brothers born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kennedy had died. Each death different, yet similar. Joseph, the eldest son and first to face death, was killed in war. Teddy was the only one of the brothers to see life and death as a process born out in length of time void of death by human hands. He died of cancer, which is still an infectious ill to be conquered in human medicine. Like his brother, the Senator that fought for health care, civil rights, education, and fair treatment of all people faced the end of life.
I never stood in the office of his brothers. However, visiting his office was a high time during one of my visits to the Capitol. My younger daughter found in some of her Washington, DC experiences Teddy Kennedy to be the man of interest and intelligence often attributed to him. I was wounded and deeply sorrowed at the death of his brothers. I was young and so immature in faith, when learning of their demise. While human loss still saddened me in the death of "the lion of the senate" as he has been referred to, I rejoice in the mature belief that Senator Edward M. Kennedy conquered death, because he was not consumed by it. He lived until he died. Reports from his "loving wife" - Vicki states that until his final day, he arose out of bed each day. I believe in facing death on yesterday, his soul arose from the bed to live everyday in eternity.
Many will speak now of his immeasurable contributions. He will be laid to rest near his four brothers, who made their marks as to earn a place in Arlington Cemetery outside of Washington, DC. Fitting for each, for sure, and none having given more time in the capitol of these United States of America than Ted Kennedy. All tributes will be well deserved and prayerfully well made. I have read the remarks of two great leaders - The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and President Barack Obama. In both I heard words of appreciation to the Kennedy legacy in the fight for human rights. I encourage you to read them both. They are historical statements of a historic life.
History cannot record the final story. The final story is beyond the time of history. History reports what has been "his story". What history cannot capture is the records of his eternity. We can only speak in hope of knowing for ourselves an eternity free of discord and filled with peace. I end in the same hope for the souls of all children of God, who came to believe and preceded us into everlasting existence. Live on Teddy Kennedy, live on!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and save our lives. Amen.
We will face death. The cessation of life is assured. Unless the Savior comes and raptures the people of God before our last breath, we will die.
The news media announced: SENATOR TED KENNEDY DIED. I recall being in my third grade class, when the announcement of the death of President John F. Kennedy came. I was watching the coverage of a victory speech by Senator Robert F. Kennedy, when moments later the news media reported that he had died from the violent attack on his life. On the morning of August 26, 2009, the announcement came that the final of four brothers born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kennedy had died. Each death different, yet similar. Joseph, the eldest son and first to face death, was killed in war. Teddy was the only one of the brothers to see life and death as a process born out in length of time void of death by human hands. He died of cancer, which is still an infectious ill to be conquered in human medicine. Like his brother, the Senator that fought for health care, civil rights, education, and fair treatment of all people faced the end of life.
I never stood in the office of his brothers. However, visiting his office was a high time during one of my visits to the Capitol. My younger daughter found in some of her Washington, DC experiences Teddy Kennedy to be the man of interest and intelligence often attributed to him. I was wounded and deeply sorrowed at the death of his brothers. I was young and so immature in faith, when learning of their demise. While human loss still saddened me in the death of "the lion of the senate" as he has been referred to, I rejoice in the mature belief that Senator Edward M. Kennedy conquered death, because he was not consumed by it. He lived until he died. Reports from his "loving wife" - Vicki states that until his final day, he arose out of bed each day. I believe in facing death on yesterday, his soul arose from the bed to live everyday in eternity.
Many will speak now of his immeasurable contributions. He will be laid to rest near his four brothers, who made their marks as to earn a place in Arlington Cemetery outside of Washington, DC. Fitting for each, for sure, and none having given more time in the capitol of these United States of America than Ted Kennedy. All tributes will be well deserved and prayerfully well made. I have read the remarks of two great leaders - The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and President Barack Obama. In both I heard words of appreciation to the Kennedy legacy in the fight for human rights. I encourage you to read them both. They are historical statements of a historic life.
History cannot record the final story. The final story is beyond the time of history. History reports what has been "his story". What history cannot capture is the records of his eternity. We can only speak in hope of knowing for ourselves an eternity free of discord and filled with peace. I end in the same hope for the souls of all children of God, who came to believe and preceded us into everlasting existence. Live on Teddy Kennedy, live on!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and save our lives. Amen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Solitude
John 6:15
Jesus in his wisdom went away from the crowd, and had time in solitude. What is solitude, and what happens in solitude? Those of us wanting to be like Jesus want to know about solitude. Solitude is a place. A place where personal awareness may be captured. A place where the experience of God may be personal. A place of communion. Feasting with the Holy in a place called solitude. For Jesus, according to John 6:15 there was a time of departure unto a mountain to be away from the crowd. He drifted away from the doing of things. Having met the physiological needs of people, Jesus sought to be in solitude, alone in holiness. How do I know he was in holiness, because holiness was in him. There is no place of unholiness for the Holy, when the Holy is in solitude.
Where do you go, when you desire holiness? The Word in John 6 reminds us that we are to follow Jesus for the right reasons. The reasons being spiritual more than physiological. Sure the Lord is able to provide for our needs of shelter, food, and clothing. We are taught that as the eye of God is on the sparrow, the Lord watches over us. Jesus lifts up unto us as a greater purpose for being in His entourage, which is feasting on the spiritual manna. He institutes a call to feed on him, and drink of his blood. The institution of the Eucharist in John 6 brings to our full awareness the responsibility of abiding in Christ and having Christ abide in us.
The Holy Table or holy rail or altar is a place of solitude. Partaking of the Holy Eucharist around the holy table is a place of communion. A place where God may be encountered or experienced in a way that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation. A spiritual awe comes through when you lay your burdens at the rail of communion, and pick up your food of reconciliation. It is there in holiness that you are fed that you may feed again. You are not required to be the preparer or the primary source of giving in solitude. In solitude you are cared for, so that you may come out of solitude and give care to the people of God.
Thus, solitude as personal as it is with God can never be rationale for solitary Christianity. No, no, no it is not a personal religion with no need for fellowship or discipleship. It is much more than a trip as a lone spiritual ranger or non-participant church pew warmer. Solitude is the place of fueling. It is the spiritual station that is as important to soul as the gasoline station is to an automobile. In solitude you are filled up not to stay at the station or hold on to the fuel. You are to come out of solitude filled and rekindled so that you may keep your charge to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do you feel the need for rekindling? Do not go on vacation from God. God never vacations from you. Rather come into solitude, so you may be loved by God, in order to spread the love of God unto others. Any time you are feeling the need for more loving, journey back into solitude to be refueled, in order to go back out of solitude and love every body.
What happens in solitude may be a personal experience, but it is an experience where you come out sharing a personal witness of a personal encounter, which may change from self serving personals into life giving spirituals for all concerned. It inspires the love of every person, because in solitude your heart is strangely warmed that you may strangely love even the stranger among and strangest of the people of God. People come from every walk of life. They crowd into the city seemingly never to sleep. They are all around at all times, day and night. The challenge is to find solitude, and come out introducing God to the multitude.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, meet us in solitude, so that we may be strengthened to reach the multitude. Amen.
Jesus in his wisdom went away from the crowd, and had time in solitude. What is solitude, and what happens in solitude? Those of us wanting to be like Jesus want to know about solitude. Solitude is a place. A place where personal awareness may be captured. A place where the experience of God may be personal. A place of communion. Feasting with the Holy in a place called solitude. For Jesus, according to John 6:15 there was a time of departure unto a mountain to be away from the crowd. He drifted away from the doing of things. Having met the physiological needs of people, Jesus sought to be in solitude, alone in holiness. How do I know he was in holiness, because holiness was in him. There is no place of unholiness for the Holy, when the Holy is in solitude.
Where do you go, when you desire holiness? The Word in John 6 reminds us that we are to follow Jesus for the right reasons. The reasons being spiritual more than physiological. Sure the Lord is able to provide for our needs of shelter, food, and clothing. We are taught that as the eye of God is on the sparrow, the Lord watches over us. Jesus lifts up unto us as a greater purpose for being in His entourage, which is feasting on the spiritual manna. He institutes a call to feed on him, and drink of his blood. The institution of the Eucharist in John 6 brings to our full awareness the responsibility of abiding in Christ and having Christ abide in us.
The Holy Table or holy rail or altar is a place of solitude. Partaking of the Holy Eucharist around the holy table is a place of communion. A place where God may be encountered or experienced in a way that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation. A spiritual awe comes through when you lay your burdens at the rail of communion, and pick up your food of reconciliation. It is there in holiness that you are fed that you may feed again. You are not required to be the preparer or the primary source of giving in solitude. In solitude you are cared for, so that you may come out of solitude and give care to the people of God.
Thus, solitude as personal as it is with God can never be rationale for solitary Christianity. No, no, no it is not a personal religion with no need for fellowship or discipleship. It is much more than a trip as a lone spiritual ranger or non-participant church pew warmer. Solitude is the place of fueling. It is the spiritual station that is as important to soul as the gasoline station is to an automobile. In solitude you are filled up not to stay at the station or hold on to the fuel. You are to come out of solitude filled and rekindled so that you may keep your charge to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do you feel the need for rekindling? Do not go on vacation from God. God never vacations from you. Rather come into solitude, so you may be loved by God, in order to spread the love of God unto others. Any time you are feeling the need for more loving, journey back into solitude to be refueled, in order to go back out of solitude and love every body.
What happens in solitude may be a personal experience, but it is an experience where you come out sharing a personal witness of a personal encounter, which may change from self serving personals into life giving spirituals for all concerned. It inspires the love of every person, because in solitude your heart is strangely warmed that you may strangely love even the stranger among and strangest of the people of God. People come from every walk of life. They crowd into the city seemingly never to sleep. They are all around at all times, day and night. The challenge is to find solitude, and come out introducing God to the multitude.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, meet us in solitude, so that we may be strengthened to reach the multitude. Amen.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bread of Life
John 6:24-35
Faced with opposition, Jesus states his claim for faith. Through faith persons are able to have their physical and spiritual needs met by the grace of God.
Picture the faces of those following Jesus to Capernaum, when Jesus called them out as following for wrong reasons. Jesus tells them to work for the bread that endures forever. Seeking signs of where and how to find the bread, the people had to be more amazed when Jesus announced: "I am the bread of life." (v.35)
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement and primary source of Wesleyan theology, believed in Jesus Christ. Wesley grounded his faith in the Jesus being the Son of God, who died for the sins of believers.
I am a believer, are you? I am into the what of life these days. I want to know what is being done, what the plans are, and what people believe. When it comes to the faith it is easy as breathing to state what I believe. It is because I live it, and pray it daily. I have written it in creative ways, but the origin is rooted in Church history. What I believe is deep in the "Apostle Creed", the historic confession of the Christian church.
My daily bread consist of faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I pray the Lord's Prayer, the Apostle Creed, the prayer of David, the prayer of Jeremiah, and personal prayers each morning and through the day as I pray. It feds my soul, when I read the Bible and talk to God. I feast on the Word. Being nourished in the word I pray throughout the day. Oh yes, Jesus is the bread of life. With the bread of life I have strength for the living of these days on earth, and manna for the eternal life. Praying in the name of Jesus is better than fast food. God hears and answers in a hurry. So, yes, I believe. Do you believe?
I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe in the Holy Spirit. By believing I come to enjoy the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, and peace propel me to the best of life. Come eat the fruit with me. Come and enjoy the refreshing water. No longer being spiritually dehydrated, we sing and shout to the glory of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, fed us the spiritual food that we may believe. Amen.
Faced with opposition, Jesus states his claim for faith. Through faith persons are able to have their physical and spiritual needs met by the grace of God.
Picture the faces of those following Jesus to Capernaum, when Jesus called them out as following for wrong reasons. Jesus tells them to work for the bread that endures forever. Seeking signs of where and how to find the bread, the people had to be more amazed when Jesus announced: "I am the bread of life." (v.35)
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement and primary source of Wesleyan theology, believed in Jesus Christ. Wesley grounded his faith in the Jesus being the Son of God, who died for the sins of believers.
I am a believer, are you? I am into the what of life these days. I want to know what is being done, what the plans are, and what people believe. When it comes to the faith it is easy as breathing to state what I believe. It is because I live it, and pray it daily. I have written it in creative ways, but the origin is rooted in Church history. What I believe is deep in the "Apostle Creed", the historic confession of the Christian church.
My daily bread consist of faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I pray the Lord's Prayer, the Apostle Creed, the prayer of David, the prayer of Jeremiah, and personal prayers each morning and through the day as I pray. It feds my soul, when I read the Bible and talk to God. I feast on the Word. Being nourished in the word I pray throughout the day. Oh yes, Jesus is the bread of life. With the bread of life I have strength for the living of these days on earth, and manna for the eternal life. Praying in the name of Jesus is better than fast food. God hears and answers in a hurry. So, yes, I believe. Do you believe?
I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe in the Holy Spirit. By believing I come to enjoy the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, and peace propel me to the best of life. Come eat the fruit with me. Come and enjoy the refreshing water. No longer being spiritually dehydrated, we sing and shout to the glory of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, fed us the spiritual food that we may believe. Amen.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Saving Grace
Titus 2:11-15
Prevenient grace is referring to the unmerited favor of God, which is present before we know of the existence of grace, and current when the sufficiency of grace moves from the unknown to being known. It is constant there as in common grace that is available for the saved and the unsaved. The difference in the participants has to do with once made known prevenient grace marks the awareness of divine love beyond limitations. Having to do with grace freely given, what does it have to do with Titus?
Paul, according to the above Scripture, trains Titus in "saving grace." Titus has not to work for the grace, but work in response to the grace. The means of grace is there for Titus and all men, who come to believe in the acts of God as seen in Jesus the Christ. Titus is encouraged to "speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." (v.15)
I am saved by the grace of God. My years on earth have found me guilty of numerous acts of disobedience. While my sins are not worthy of coverage in the local, national, or international newspapers, the measure of them is no less than that of murders, adulterers, thieves, etc. Some times I thought I was not in error for my sins, and would have debated even God on the matter. No doubt I would want to convince God that it is only logical that I act as a human with physiological needs not always met inside the church. Needs that are not fed by the Book or through sacred prayers from the best of prayer warriors, if I ignore them.
I was driving onto the Robert F. Kennedy bridge in New York City on a nice warm summer day. While nearing the toll booth, I desired to ease into another lane, not uncommon in NYC. I do not own an e-zpass, a prepaid token to cross the bridge. An aggressive driver refuse to allow me to move over without a scene. He begin to yell over at me as he gave me his middle finger. Oh boy, stupidity loves company. So, I accomodated the partner in bad behavior and indignant attitude. I could have ignored him. I had just read a few hours earlier my devotion from Titus 3. I knew better than to involve myself in foolish disputes and useless chattered with the obvious bad day "nutty" fellow. But, I had jogged and felt like a child ready to knock the wind out of someone. Let me tell you, I threw him back a finger that did not mean what his meant. I meant for him to pull over so that I could knock his chattering block off.
I put on my biker gloves, so as to make them boxing gloves and told him to wait on the outside of the bridge. I was not thinking of any weapon beyond my fist in his mouth and eyes, and foot ... Well, you get the nature of my anger. I just was not going to have any "dissing" on me that day. I had all I was going to have from disrespectful people, and it was time to get it on. Well, he went through the toll booth first and like a jack rabbit was off so fast I could not catch him. I had to laugh later, because the devotional Word was not enough to refrain my childish nonsense or my low frustration tolerance, but God's grace remained sufficient.
Grace is available to everyone, but not acceptable to everyone. Point of prevenient grace is that known or unknown, received or rejected, accepted or denied grace is still grace. We should seek the understanding of grace, and not "cheapen" it. Grace reduced in value loses transformation power. Human beings are lost without the awareness of grace, and tend to minimize grace. Grace is too often misunderstood as a gift with no required reciprocity.
Now I understand why Mother would say: "To whom much is given, much is required." Free grace requires reaction by human beings. God is the preeminent stockholder of grace. Investing unlimited and unconditional love, God seeks a responsible uplifting joy from the recipients of grace. John Wesley reflecting on such would not disregard works. No, he would place works in the proper position. We work not for grace, but in response to the grace of God, Christian desires to be in obedience to God.
On the Kennedy bridge or 125th street in Harlem or wherever in creation, remember that north, south, east, and west the grace of God is the best. It is a grace that sustains, and once known to us we should put away childish behavior. Ignore attitudes of negative having a bad day, while lifting a crook finger fools. It is not worth the jail time to whip them. Give God the praise for grace, and ask that the same grace that saved your soul for heaven, save your mind and heart for the living of heaven on earth. In other words, do not respond to disrespectful people with a "I will whip you attitude." No, turn them over to Jesus. Then turn up the music and sing: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ..."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy and grace us with self-control. Amen
Prevenient grace is referring to the unmerited favor of God, which is present before we know of the existence of grace, and current when the sufficiency of grace moves from the unknown to being known. It is constant there as in common grace that is available for the saved and the unsaved. The difference in the participants has to do with once made known prevenient grace marks the awareness of divine love beyond limitations. Having to do with grace freely given, what does it have to do with Titus?
Paul, according to the above Scripture, trains Titus in "saving grace." Titus has not to work for the grace, but work in response to the grace. The means of grace is there for Titus and all men, who come to believe in the acts of God as seen in Jesus the Christ. Titus is encouraged to "speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." (v.15)
I am saved by the grace of God. My years on earth have found me guilty of numerous acts of disobedience. While my sins are not worthy of coverage in the local, national, or international newspapers, the measure of them is no less than that of murders, adulterers, thieves, etc. Some times I thought I was not in error for my sins, and would have debated even God on the matter. No doubt I would want to convince God that it is only logical that I act as a human with physiological needs not always met inside the church. Needs that are not fed by the Book or through sacred prayers from the best of prayer warriors, if I ignore them.
I was driving onto the Robert F. Kennedy bridge in New York City on a nice warm summer day. While nearing the toll booth, I desired to ease into another lane, not uncommon in NYC. I do not own an e-zpass, a prepaid token to cross the bridge. An aggressive driver refuse to allow me to move over without a scene. He begin to yell over at me as he gave me his middle finger. Oh boy, stupidity loves company. So, I accomodated the partner in bad behavior and indignant attitude. I could have ignored him. I had just read a few hours earlier my devotion from Titus 3. I knew better than to involve myself in foolish disputes and useless chattered with the obvious bad day "nutty" fellow. But, I had jogged and felt like a child ready to knock the wind out of someone. Let me tell you, I threw him back a finger that did not mean what his meant. I meant for him to pull over so that I could knock his chattering block off.
I put on my biker gloves, so as to make them boxing gloves and told him to wait on the outside of the bridge. I was not thinking of any weapon beyond my fist in his mouth and eyes, and foot ... Well, you get the nature of my anger. I just was not going to have any "dissing" on me that day. I had all I was going to have from disrespectful people, and it was time to get it on. Well, he went through the toll booth first and like a jack rabbit was off so fast I could not catch him. I had to laugh later, because the devotional Word was not enough to refrain my childish nonsense or my low frustration tolerance, but God's grace remained sufficient.
Grace is available to everyone, but not acceptable to everyone. Point of prevenient grace is that known or unknown, received or rejected, accepted or denied grace is still grace. We should seek the understanding of grace, and not "cheapen" it. Grace reduced in value loses transformation power. Human beings are lost without the awareness of grace, and tend to minimize grace. Grace is too often misunderstood as a gift with no required reciprocity.
Now I understand why Mother would say: "To whom much is given, much is required." Free grace requires reaction by human beings. God is the preeminent stockholder of grace. Investing unlimited and unconditional love, God seeks a responsible uplifting joy from the recipients of grace. John Wesley reflecting on such would not disregard works. No, he would place works in the proper position. We work not for grace, but in response to the grace of God, Christian desires to be in obedience to God.
On the Kennedy bridge or 125th street in Harlem or wherever in creation, remember that north, south, east, and west the grace of God is the best. It is a grace that sustains, and once known to us we should put away childish behavior. Ignore attitudes of negative having a bad day, while lifting a crook finger fools. It is not worth the jail time to whip them. Give God the praise for grace, and ask that the same grace that saved your soul for heaven, save your mind and heart for the living of heaven on earth. In other words, do not respond to disrespectful people with a "I will whip you attitude." No, turn them over to Jesus. Then turn up the music and sing: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ..."
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy and grace us with self-control. Amen
Friday, July 17, 2009
What Do You Think?
Matthew 18:10-14
Church pastors are concerned about people. If persons become inactive, a pastor prays for healing. Pastors and active laypersons desire for inactive members to return to Christian service. There are ways of ushering inactive members back to active ministry. Yet, too many ideas pale in desirable outcomes. Yes, I mean pale and not fail.
The late Rev. Dr. Bryan Crenshaw instructed me to minister from my heart. He said: "The only failure we have is not to try." I love the Church and the opportunities of ministry presented in the local church. Deep in me is a desire for all people to know Christ, attend church, commit to daily prayer, join in Christian service, return tithes to the ministry of God, and witness to the love of Jesus. If there are persons inactive in a local church, we should invite them back into service. What do you think?
Recently, I re-read a book from the Stephen Ministry Series, a lay caregiving training in ministries, which addresses "ministry to inactives. It is a good reading from a very outstanding ministry. Not familiar with it? Well, allow me to wet your appetite. You may like it, and decide to delve for more. The book speaks of 17 keys to effective ministry to inactive members. It defines inactive ministry as "Christian love: caring through Christian loving - its a process." You are encouraged to engage in the process, while leaving the results to the control of God. What are the keys? Check them out below.
Church pastors are concerned about people. If persons become inactive, a pastor prays for healing. Pastors and active laypersons desire for inactive members to return to Christian service. There are ways of ushering inactive members back to active ministry. Yet, too many ideas pale in desirable outcomes. Yes, I mean pale and not fail.
The late Rev. Dr. Bryan Crenshaw instructed me to minister from my heart. He said: "The only failure we have is not to try." I love the Church and the opportunities of ministry presented in the local church. Deep in me is a desire for all people to know Christ, attend church, commit to daily prayer, join in Christian service, return tithes to the ministry of God, and witness to the love of Jesus. If there are persons inactive in a local church, we should invite them back into service. What do you think?
Recently, I re-read a book from the Stephen Ministry Series, a lay caregiving training in ministries, which addresses "ministry to inactives. It is a good reading from a very outstanding ministry. Not familiar with it? Well, allow me to wet your appetite. You may like it, and decide to delve for more. The book speaks of 17 keys to effective ministry to inactive members. It defines inactive ministry as "Christian love: caring through Christian loving - its a process." You are encouraged to engage in the process, while leaving the results to the control of God. What are the keys? Check them out below.
- Fulfill the needs of persons. Show inactive members that we care about their needs.
- Genuinely care for people. Do not visit inactive members with your own agenda. Find out how the household is doing, because you care.
- Demolish communication by letter. Send them newsletters, bulletins, and other mailings of the church given to active members. However, do not single them out with an inactive member notation.
- Contact people personally. Allow them to feel the love and care.
- Listen. Do not lecture.
- Enjoy!
- Avoid Defensiveness.
- Accept anger.
- Don't ask for money.
- Keep an open mind.
- Look for recurrent themes.
- Bring Back feedback.
- Make changes, because God has not completed our congregation.
- Let your presence be an invitation.
- Educate everyone in many ways of hospitality.
- Train a few to visit, and more than church staff, include laity.
- Focus on process, not results. What are your desirable outcomes? Process compassion, so as listen with empathy, caring, and respect.
Pray over the above and take to FRANS (visiting friends, relatives, associates, neighbors, and significant others) with the compassion of God.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and bring back each ONE. Amen.
METS Theology
Romans 10:5-21
John Wesley taught a theology of grace. He wrote about salvation, and the disciplines we learn through the church being means of grace toward entire salvation. What is it all about?
I have never met a human being, who could give the ultimate reality of the entire understanding of God. I sense that Wesley is correct in his teaching of entire salvation coming in death. In other words, our journey is incomplete until we make it home. Allow me the joy of expressing a theology within a baseball diamond. After all, this is July and the MLB All-Star Game was on Tuesday. Besides that, this is the season when James Loney, nephew of my sister-in-law Minnie Loney Rouse, is kicking as the first baseman for the LA Dodgers (best team in baseball). Alright NY Mets fan, I know that I reside in Harlem, south of the Yankees and northwest of the Mets, so check this out. I will term the following: "METS THEOLOGY."
Please note that I am not forsaking the family, however, for I am speaking of Methodist Theology. I want to begin by labeling the bases in between two dugouts. Of course, the playing field belongs to God, so the "good" home team is in the right dugout, and the "not so good" visitors occupy the left dugout. Each player must understand that there is a free agent component. You could transfer to the other team as a matter of "free will." As for me and my house, thank God, we are staying with the home team.
You are on one team or the other by virtue of creation. Born into life, and born again living the life. Some persons have the opportunity to be bat boys or girls, while maturing and learning the game of life. However, persons should not remain spectators. The action is on the playing field. Let the saints in the church triumphant (eternity), who compose the great cloud of witnesses enjoy the spectators' seats.
Now, consider the diamond. Suffice for now laboring the bases on the field of grace:
Questions: The closing questions are from you to me...
John Wesley taught a theology of grace. He wrote about salvation, and the disciplines we learn through the church being means of grace toward entire salvation. What is it all about?
I have never met a human being, who could give the ultimate reality of the entire understanding of God. I sense that Wesley is correct in his teaching of entire salvation coming in death. In other words, our journey is incomplete until we make it home. Allow me the joy of expressing a theology within a baseball diamond. After all, this is July and the MLB All-Star Game was on Tuesday. Besides that, this is the season when James Loney, nephew of my sister-in-law Minnie Loney Rouse, is kicking as the first baseman for the LA Dodgers (best team in baseball). Alright NY Mets fan, I know that I reside in Harlem, south of the Yankees and northwest of the Mets, so check this out. I will term the following: "METS THEOLOGY."
Please note that I am not forsaking the family, however, for I am speaking of Methodist Theology. I want to begin by labeling the bases in between two dugouts. Of course, the playing field belongs to God, so the "good" home team is in the right dugout, and the "not so good" visitors occupy the left dugout. Each player must understand that there is a free agent component. You could transfer to the other team as a matter of "free will." As for me and my house, thank God, we are staying with the home team.
You are on one team or the other by virtue of creation. Born into life, and born again living the life. Some persons have the opportunity to be bat boys or girls, while maturing and learning the game of life. However, persons should not remain spectators. The action is on the playing field. Let the saints in the church triumphant (eternity), who compose the great cloud of witnesses enjoy the spectators' seats.
Now, consider the diamond. Suffice for now laboring the bases on the field of grace:
- Prevenient Grace is the batters box.
- Justifying Grace is first base. (Some would argue for it being second base)
- Regenerating Grace is second base. (Some would argue for it to be first base)
- Sanctifying Grace is third base.
- Glorifying Grace is home plate.
Questions: The closing questions are from you to me...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Yesterday Has Gone
Romans 7:1-6
Yesterday has gone, so has my anniversary of marriage. I married Connie on of July 16, 1977. Thirty-two years have gone, since that warm summer day in Camden, South Carolina. There are accumulations of numerous things from years gone by. I have discovered in time that within a day everything gained can be wiped away in a flash. Gone.
Seven months prior to being married in 1977, a fire destroyed most of my belongings. Well, everything went up in smoke, except the clothing I wore, the car I drove, and whatever I did not leave in the trailer. In the fire were jewelry, pictures, televisions, exercise equipment, etc. Yes, they were "gone with the wind." In the midst of the ashes there was a Bible that the fire burnt not one cover or page. Smoke surrounded the Word of God, but could not burn or destroy it. Even I was amazed.
More amazing today is the fact that yesterday is gone. In the wind there are things that have blown through the years. I guess you may say they are "gone with the wind." There is something from the teachings of Christ that can never be taken from us. It is like the Word of God in the midst of the flaming fire, protected through the rage. Salvation remains. Life granted by the gracious act of God in Christ is still mine, yours, and indeed ours.
Here I sit in New York City alone, and yesterday is gone. It is a new day. Rest escapes me. There is a surge of life within me speaking to the urgency of now. Now is the time to live in the Spirit. Now is the time to discover the fullness of life. Now is the time to take hold of forever. Now is the time, when salvation remains to lead me home to rest.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us newness of life, and let it be eternal. Amen.
Yesterday has gone, so has my anniversary of marriage. I married Connie on of July 16, 1977. Thirty-two years have gone, since that warm summer day in Camden, South Carolina. There are accumulations of numerous things from years gone by. I have discovered in time that within a day everything gained can be wiped away in a flash. Gone.
Seven months prior to being married in 1977, a fire destroyed most of my belongings. Well, everything went up in smoke, except the clothing I wore, the car I drove, and whatever I did not leave in the trailer. In the fire were jewelry, pictures, televisions, exercise equipment, etc. Yes, they were "gone with the wind." In the midst of the ashes there was a Bible that the fire burnt not one cover or page. Smoke surrounded the Word of God, but could not burn or destroy it. Even I was amazed.
More amazing today is the fact that yesterday is gone. In the wind there are things that have blown through the years. I guess you may say they are "gone with the wind." There is something from the teachings of Christ that can never be taken from us. It is like the Word of God in the midst of the flaming fire, protected through the rage. Salvation remains. Life granted by the gracious act of God in Christ is still mine, yours, and indeed ours.
Here I sit in New York City alone, and yesterday is gone. It is a new day. Rest escapes me. There is a surge of life within me speaking to the urgency of now. Now is the time to live in the Spirit. Now is the time to discover the fullness of life. Now is the time to take hold of forever. Now is the time, when salvation remains to lead me home to rest.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us newness of life, and let it be eternal. Amen.
Peace With Justice
Ephesians 6:15
Have on your walking shoes? Will you walk for world peace? Such questions could very well come from the mouth of Danny Garcia. Danny is ... "The Global Walker." He has walked over 25,000 miles around the world. He has been on this journey for over 12 years. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Rev. Garcia recently came walking north to south through New York City. He walked five consecutive days from the "Community House of Prayer (C-HOP)" at Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church (MCUMC) in Harlem to the "Chinatown Partnership" in lower Manhattan of New York City. His mission? Well, he has set out to raise $30,000.00 for the travel expenses for the Alumni Ensemble of the world renown Boys Choir of Harlem, who accepted an invitation to represent the United States in the human rights and dignity festival in China within the month of October in 2009.
Several of us joined him on Friday, July 10th for the 10 mile "Walk for World Peace". The desirable outcome is for financial contributions to be sent to: Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, 1975 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10035. Designate your donations for the "Travel to China." Your support will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated. One of the members walking on Friday was Ben Chaney, the brother of James Chaney, a "freedom rider" murdered during the civil rights movements of the 60s. You may view the story in the movie/documentary on the "Mississippi Burning." Ben struck the importance of the civil rights movement today, when he announced his new initiative calling for freedom of political prisoners.
Put on your shoes, we are going to walk all over the earthly kingdom of God until freedom rings. Come to our C-HOP on the 3rd Saturday each month at 10 AM, and walk for peace with justice. Formerly the Pastor's Walk, people are invited to join us at C-HOP and walk to another United Methodist Church in Harlem on our "Community Walk" for Peace with Justice. Carrying a World Peace Pole donated through the efforts of Danny Garcia, the senior pastor of MCUMC will lead walkers on a peaceful walk through the local community. There is no stopping us now. We are walking for peace; we are walking for justice; we are walking for unity; we are walking for health; we are walking for the choir "to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony"; we are walking in response to the Spirit of AGAPE.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin ... Amen.
Have on your walking shoes? Will you walk for world peace? Such questions could very well come from the mouth of Danny Garcia. Danny is ... "The Global Walker." He has walked over 25,000 miles around the world. He has been on this journey for over 12 years. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Rev. Garcia recently came walking north to south through New York City. He walked five consecutive days from the "Community House of Prayer (C-HOP)" at Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church (MCUMC) in Harlem to the "Chinatown Partnership" in lower Manhattan of New York City. His mission? Well, he has set out to raise $30,000.00 for the travel expenses for the Alumni Ensemble of the world renown Boys Choir of Harlem, who accepted an invitation to represent the United States in the human rights and dignity festival in China within the month of October in 2009.
Several of us joined him on Friday, July 10th for the 10 mile "Walk for World Peace". The desirable outcome is for financial contributions to be sent to: Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, 1975 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10035. Designate your donations for the "Travel to China." Your support will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated. One of the members walking on Friday was Ben Chaney, the brother of James Chaney, a "freedom rider" murdered during the civil rights movements of the 60s. You may view the story in the movie/documentary on the "Mississippi Burning." Ben struck the importance of the civil rights movement today, when he announced his new initiative calling for freedom of political prisoners.
Put on your shoes, we are going to walk all over the earthly kingdom of God until freedom rings. Come to our C-HOP on the 3rd Saturday each month at 10 AM, and walk for peace with justice. Formerly the Pastor's Walk, people are invited to join us at C-HOP and walk to another United Methodist Church in Harlem on our "Community Walk" for Peace with Justice. Carrying a World Peace Pole donated through the efforts of Danny Garcia, the senior pastor of MCUMC will lead walkers on a peaceful walk through the local community. There is no stopping us now. We are walking for peace; we are walking for justice; we are walking for unity; we are walking for health; we are walking for the choir "to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony"; we are walking in response to the Spirit of AGAPE.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin ... Amen.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
House of Prayer
Isaiah 56:7
There is not much that I remember about August 1, 1964. That was the day my Papa (paternal grandfather) was carried to a cemetery on the outskirts of Orangeburg, South Carolina. The funeral service was too brief, and the burial too short. There is nothing following the burial that I recall, but from the moment I walked up the stairs of Trinity Methodist Church, 191 Boulevard, NE, Orangeburg, South Carolina for the funeral service my mind was focused on no one else except my human lost.
I had my own private ceremony that day. I do recall tuning in to hear "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" - Papa's favorite song. No one else mattered that day, not even my father and his crying sisters or my somber Granny Rouse. I am told that Rev. Matthew D. McCollom, Papa's friend and neighbor, preached. I was nine years old, and my best friend had died. I was determined not to cry on that day, because I promised Papa I would not cry. You see, on the day Papa died, God told me through the Spirit that Papa was okay, and I would be okay. When we left that House of Prayer, I got in the undertaker's car with whom ever, looked out of the window and just sung to myself, Papa's favorite song.
Papa was remembered by someone as "The Reverend Hiram Bishop Rouse, son of the late Hiram and Sarah Scipio Rouse ... born in Darlington, South Carolina. At an early age Reverend Rouse was converted and joined the Siloh Methodist Church. In 1939, he was admitted into the South Carolina Conference and pastored the following charges: Bethel-Ebenezer, Springville, St. John-Cades, Pageland, Ruffin, Camden Circuit, Macedonia, Hardeeville and Appleton. Reverend Rouse was known for his spiritual and fervent messages and his generosity. Before joining the South Carolina Conference he organized, built and placed into the membership of the North Carolina Conference a congregation ("in Lumberton, NC").
Rev. Rouse is survived by Mrs. Geneva B. Rouse, his devoted wife; three daughters, mesdames Rosa R. LeSane ("since deceased") and Addie R. Inman ("since deceased") of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Miss Ghussan Rouse of Orangeburg; three sons, Hiram Rouse ("missing since the late 40s") of Florida, Reverend B. C. Rouse (died on 2/19/2003), pastor of Wesley Methodist Church, Columbia, S.C., and Jesse Rouse ("since deceased") of Orangeburg; one sister, Mrs. Sallie R. Jenkins ("since deceased") of Effingham, S.C.; two brothers Reverend B. J. Rouse ("since deceased") of Lumber Bridge, N.C., and Reverend J.B. Rouse ("since deceased"), pastor of the Tatum charge of the Florence District. Also one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lula W. Rouse ("died on April 15, 2002") of Columbia and a son-in-law, Ambross Inman ("since deceased") of Brooklyn, N.Y, a host of other relatives and friends."
That was it. That was all written, of couse, I have added notes of deaths that followed in years. What was wrong with them? Did they not know that I was his best friend? His "Boy"? I mean, come on, get with it, give me the props for being the favorite grandchild of one of my grandparents, since the others favored everyone. Just kidding!
Our parents and grandparents were good about loving us all, and making sure we were all favored. I was lost in the reality of the day. Papa was gone. His remains laid to rest in grave far away from where life would take me, yet forever close to wherever I would go. I sit here tonight during what some may call an early morn in Harlem, New York and that day, his grave, and all my memories of him before that day are with me in this House of Prayer - Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church. Why am I thinking of him? Could it be that this is the month that he died? Could it be because his wife, yet alive has a birthday on 26July, the week of his death? Could be that the last time I saw him alive was on July ..., when he lifted from his bed and cried out: "Boy, what are you doing here, Boy!"? Those would be his last words he ever spoke on earth, I learned in 1983 while pastor in Dillon, SC. The male nursing assistant who was there to witness the special privilege granted to me as a 9 year old grandson, lived two blocks from the parsonage of St. Stephens UMC during my tenue as pastor. He recalled observing the event and how they were amazed that my grand father spoke. Cancer had Papa in a coma, but he awaken just a moment for me, but never again.
I do not know the answer to my question of why I am still here. However, I can tell you this: I am glad I stayed in the House of Prayer tonight. Since it is now 1:20 AM into 16July, which has another story for another time, and my cell phone is alarming, I am going home.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear us in the House of Prayer. Amen.
There is not much that I remember about August 1, 1964. That was the day my Papa (paternal grandfather) was carried to a cemetery on the outskirts of Orangeburg, South Carolina. The funeral service was too brief, and the burial too short. There is nothing following the burial that I recall, but from the moment I walked up the stairs of Trinity Methodist Church, 191 Boulevard, NE, Orangeburg, South Carolina for the funeral service my mind was focused on no one else except my human lost.
I had my own private ceremony that day. I do recall tuning in to hear "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" - Papa's favorite song. No one else mattered that day, not even my father and his crying sisters or my somber Granny Rouse. I am told that Rev. Matthew D. McCollom, Papa's friend and neighbor, preached. I was nine years old, and my best friend had died. I was determined not to cry on that day, because I promised Papa I would not cry. You see, on the day Papa died, God told me through the Spirit that Papa was okay, and I would be okay. When we left that House of Prayer, I got in the undertaker's car with whom ever, looked out of the window and just sung to myself, Papa's favorite song.
Papa was remembered by someone as "The Reverend Hiram Bishop Rouse, son of the late Hiram and Sarah Scipio Rouse ... born in Darlington, South Carolina. At an early age Reverend Rouse was converted and joined the Siloh Methodist Church. In 1939, he was admitted into the South Carolina Conference and pastored the following charges: Bethel-Ebenezer, Springville, St. John-Cades, Pageland, Ruffin, Camden Circuit, Macedonia, Hardeeville and Appleton. Reverend Rouse was known for his spiritual and fervent messages and his generosity. Before joining the South Carolina Conference he organized, built and placed into the membership of the North Carolina Conference a congregation ("in Lumberton, NC").
Rev. Rouse is survived by Mrs. Geneva B. Rouse, his devoted wife; three daughters, mesdames Rosa R. LeSane ("since deceased") and Addie R. Inman ("since deceased") of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Miss Ghussan Rouse of Orangeburg; three sons, Hiram Rouse ("missing since the late 40s") of Florida, Reverend B. C. Rouse (died on 2/19/2003), pastor of Wesley Methodist Church, Columbia, S.C., and Jesse Rouse ("since deceased") of Orangeburg; one sister, Mrs. Sallie R. Jenkins ("since deceased") of Effingham, S.C.; two brothers Reverend B. J. Rouse ("since deceased") of Lumber Bridge, N.C., and Reverend J.B. Rouse ("since deceased"), pastor of the Tatum charge of the Florence District. Also one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lula W. Rouse ("died on April 15, 2002") of Columbia and a son-in-law, Ambross Inman ("since deceased") of Brooklyn, N.Y, a host of other relatives and friends."
That was it. That was all written, of couse, I have added notes of deaths that followed in years. What was wrong with them? Did they not know that I was his best friend? His "Boy"? I mean, come on, get with it, give me the props for being the favorite grandchild of one of my grandparents, since the others favored everyone. Just kidding!
Our parents and grandparents were good about loving us all, and making sure we were all favored. I was lost in the reality of the day. Papa was gone. His remains laid to rest in grave far away from where life would take me, yet forever close to wherever I would go. I sit here tonight during what some may call an early morn in Harlem, New York and that day, his grave, and all my memories of him before that day are with me in this House of Prayer - Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church. Why am I thinking of him? Could it be that this is the month that he died? Could it be because his wife, yet alive has a birthday on 26July, the week of his death? Could be that the last time I saw him alive was on July ..., when he lifted from his bed and cried out: "Boy, what are you doing here, Boy!"? Those would be his last words he ever spoke on earth, I learned in 1983 while pastor in Dillon, SC. The male nursing assistant who was there to witness the special privilege granted to me as a 9 year old grandson, lived two blocks from the parsonage of St. Stephens UMC during my tenue as pastor. He recalled observing the event and how they were amazed that my grand father spoke. Cancer had Papa in a coma, but he awaken just a moment for me, but never again.
I do not know the answer to my question of why I am still here. However, I can tell you this: I am glad I stayed in the House of Prayer tonight. Since it is now 1:20 AM into 16July, which has another story for another time, and my cell phone is alarming, I am going home.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and hear us in the House of Prayer. Amen.
Blessings In South Bronx
Matthew 5
There are blessings in the Bronx of New York City. One of them is by way of Kirstin and her friends. I want you to send donations to assist them in a project of ministry that is worth supporting. Kirstin Edwards grew up on the outskirts of Philly. She always had an interest in attending New York University, because of her love for inner city kids. Why not Philly? Well, it was to close to home, and of course, there is just something about the city that never sleeps - New York City. When she first came to NYC, she lived for eight months in Manhattan, and then decided to move to South Bronx. Her friends read a book named "Irresistible Revolution", and then read the book of Matthew in the Bible and thought: "What if we give this way - unconditionally."
I came to know of them in the most unusual way. A group of college students from South Carolina, my home state, came to New York for a week on a mission trip through the Wesley Foundation - campus ministry of the United Methodist Church. They work out of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY where I am the senior pastor. One of the projects in urban ministry that they undertook was to do cleaning in a local church, which is across the street from where Kristin lives with three friends. Connie, who is one of the neighbors, ran into the college students from South Carolina during their clean up time at the local church. When she informed Kirstin of the new contact, the next week Kirstin was in my office with a plan for sincere ministry in a church facility that is in dire need of repair. Within two weeks, we held the prayer vigil in front of the local church in the South Bronx and reclaimed the area and the facilities for God.
We want you to join us in prayer, and also in the work of repair. Kirstin and friends have had a professional to inspect the facilities and provide an estimate of monies needed to repair the local church. We are going to need $500,000.00 dollars. I know we are going to receive the funds, and I believe that you are going to be a donor. What I don't know is who all the donors will be. Help me. Send in your comments with information concerning yourself as you mail your donations to: "A House On Beekman", 321 Beekman Avenue, Apt 2, Bronx, NY 10454. c/o Kirstin Edwards.I know, you want to know the name of the church, more about it, and why I am motivated to be involved, right?
Well, I am going to want you to reach your on conclusion about the involvement, so that you, too, may become involved. However, as for me it is just the right thing to do for what I do, when I sense a call from God. God called me from the luxury of living in Greenville, South Carolina, the beloved city of my birth to serve the people of God in Harlem, NY at a church in need of revitalization and reengineering among other things. I came on December 1, 2003, and we are moving along at turtle pace, but moving toward our desirables. I believe that one way to help your self is to help others. So, when the college students came with an urgent call to ministry in the Bronx, it became a good means for us to help ourselves by helping another church that is in worst condition then our facilities. We are not far behind, but we are moving ahead. Being Christians we cannot forge ahead and leave others crying to come along with us behind. You can find out about Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, 1975 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10035 online, if you desire.
However, this is not directly about us, it is about Kirsten and the people of God helping the children of God in the South Bronx. So, google Kirsten Edwards on facebook, then read the words of Kirstin and view the damage that has been done to the facilities. In addition, get in touch with these motivated students, who coming out of the comfort of living with means, in order to provide means for others to have the opportunities they have been privileged to live. Beyond the means of living in comfort is their desire for the children to know life in Christ. Check it out!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and save all children. Amen.
There are blessings in the Bronx of New York City. One of them is by way of Kirstin and her friends. I want you to send donations to assist them in a project of ministry that is worth supporting. Kirstin Edwards grew up on the outskirts of Philly. She always had an interest in attending New York University, because of her love for inner city kids. Why not Philly? Well, it was to close to home, and of course, there is just something about the city that never sleeps - New York City. When she first came to NYC, she lived for eight months in Manhattan, and then decided to move to South Bronx. Her friends read a book named "Irresistible Revolution", and then read the book of Matthew in the Bible and thought: "What if we give this way - unconditionally."
I came to know of them in the most unusual way. A group of college students from South Carolina, my home state, came to New York for a week on a mission trip through the Wesley Foundation - campus ministry of the United Methodist Church. They work out of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY where I am the senior pastor. One of the projects in urban ministry that they undertook was to do cleaning in a local church, which is across the street from where Kristin lives with three friends. Connie, who is one of the neighbors, ran into the college students from South Carolina during their clean up time at the local church. When she informed Kirstin of the new contact, the next week Kirstin was in my office with a plan for sincere ministry in a church facility that is in dire need of repair. Within two weeks, we held the prayer vigil in front of the local church in the South Bronx and reclaimed the area and the facilities for God.
We want you to join us in prayer, and also in the work of repair. Kirstin and friends have had a professional to inspect the facilities and provide an estimate of monies needed to repair the local church. We are going to need $500,000.00 dollars. I know we are going to receive the funds, and I believe that you are going to be a donor. What I don't know is who all the donors will be. Help me. Send in your comments with information concerning yourself as you mail your donations to: "A House On Beekman", 321 Beekman Avenue, Apt 2, Bronx, NY 10454. c/o Kirstin Edwards.I know, you want to know the name of the church, more about it, and why I am motivated to be involved, right?
Well, I am going to want you to reach your on conclusion about the involvement, so that you, too, may become involved. However, as for me it is just the right thing to do for what I do, when I sense a call from God. God called me from the luxury of living in Greenville, South Carolina, the beloved city of my birth to serve the people of God in Harlem, NY at a church in need of revitalization and reengineering among other things. I came on December 1, 2003, and we are moving along at turtle pace, but moving toward our desirables. I believe that one way to help your self is to help others. So, when the college students came with an urgent call to ministry in the Bronx, it became a good means for us to help ourselves by helping another church that is in worst condition then our facilities. We are not far behind, but we are moving ahead. Being Christians we cannot forge ahead and leave others crying to come along with us behind. You can find out about Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, 1975 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10035 online, if you desire.
However, this is not directly about us, it is about Kirsten and the people of God helping the children of God in the South Bronx. So, google Kirsten Edwards on facebook, then read the words of Kirstin and view the damage that has been done to the facilities. In addition, get in touch with these motivated students, who coming out of the comfort of living with means, in order to provide means for others to have the opportunities they have been privileged to live. Beyond the means of living in comfort is their desire for the children to know life in Christ. Check it out!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and save all children. Amen.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
What is the Meaning of the Life of Michael Jackson
Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 130
Do not be confused. I really do want you to study the meaning of Matthew 1:18-25 as an establishment of the life work of Jesus in associating with major figures and events in the history of Israel. In likeness reflect on the life of Michael Jackson in association with major entertainers and concerts in our historical times.
In the womb, Jesus was commissioned to save people from sins, manifest the presence of God, identify with the great King David, establish the role of the church, and model how we may participate in Slavic glory.
I found it interesting and humorous that Brooke Shields spoke of how she and Michael Jackson had to become adults early in life, but found the way to be kids with each other. Cute, too, was her statement of teasing him about "being a slacker", in that she started at 11 months, and he started at the age of five years old. Yet, there is nothing funny about the young star, Michael Jackson, being "gone too soon" at the age of 50 years of life on earth.
What does it mean to know Michael Jackson? Along side Michael being called the "King of Pop" during his life on earth and the "Greatest Entertainer" to ever live in his death, there remains controversy over the life-style he lived. It is amazing that the young man, who amazed us with his gifts, graces, and talent would be psychoanalyzed by non-professionals and professionals alike, especially in his death. What is the purpose of theories, and what is it that needs to be known about Michael now? We may look into his historic past. However gone are the opportunities to know his current experience of self-reflection or his perspective of others’ views of him. Yet, we may not rest until we come to terms with Michael's life lived and life beyond death in the context of his being, if not "the greatest", at the least among the greatest of entertainers to live among us, and give of himself to us.
I propose we cease with the personality theories of Mr. Michael Jackson. In reality, the psychic conclusions may never match the actual conclusions of the meaning of Michael’s life. This is true in part because he will have a different essentiality for those who know him and others who think they know and most who would like to know him. What we could do in unity is soak in his brilliant music, performances, contributions, and ways of orientating us into one world with one love for one people.
Ethics must guide what “ought to be” concluded as the meaning of the life of Michael Jackson. In terms of civil rights, may it be right to conclude that Michael represents the ideal of achieving what you conceive and believe. He is a model for planning and working hard. He prayerfully followed the star, “no matter how hopeless, no matter how far” and reached his destination. Will you, will we?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, thank you for the life of Michael Jackson, forever and ever. Amen
Do not be confused. I really do want you to study the meaning of Matthew 1:18-25 as an establishment of the life work of Jesus in associating with major figures and events in the history of Israel. In likeness reflect on the life of Michael Jackson in association with major entertainers and concerts in our historical times.
In the womb, Jesus was commissioned to save people from sins, manifest the presence of God, identify with the great King David, establish the role of the church, and model how we may participate in Slavic glory.
I found it interesting and humorous that Brooke Shields spoke of how she and Michael Jackson had to become adults early in life, but found the way to be kids with each other. Cute, too, was her statement of teasing him about "being a slacker", in that she started at 11 months, and he started at the age of five years old. Yet, there is nothing funny about the young star, Michael Jackson, being "gone too soon" at the age of 50 years of life on earth.
What does it mean to know Michael Jackson? Along side Michael being called the "King of Pop" during his life on earth and the "Greatest Entertainer" to ever live in his death, there remains controversy over the life-style he lived. It is amazing that the young man, who amazed us with his gifts, graces, and talent would be psychoanalyzed by non-professionals and professionals alike, especially in his death. What is the purpose of theories, and what is it that needs to be known about Michael now? We may look into his historic past. However gone are the opportunities to know his current experience of self-reflection or his perspective of others’ views of him. Yet, we may not rest until we come to terms with Michael's life lived and life beyond death in the context of his being, if not "the greatest", at the least among the greatest of entertainers to live among us, and give of himself to us.
I propose we cease with the personality theories of Mr. Michael Jackson. In reality, the psychic conclusions may never match the actual conclusions of the meaning of Michael’s life. This is true in part because he will have a different essentiality for those who know him and others who think they know and most who would like to know him. What we could do in unity is soak in his brilliant music, performances, contributions, and ways of orientating us into one world with one love for one people.
Ethics must guide what “ought to be” concluded as the meaning of the life of Michael Jackson. In terms of civil rights, may it be right to conclude that Michael represents the ideal of achieving what you conceive and believe. He is a model for planning and working hard. He prayerfully followed the star, “no matter how hopeless, no matter how far” and reached his destination. Will you, will we?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, thank you for the life of Michael Jackson, forever and ever. Amen
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22
The Holy Spirit ushered in new birth, according to Acts 2. A few followers of Christ, including eleven of the original twelve and the added one had a life changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. The experience gave life to the Christian church. The power of the Word brought in numerous converts on the same day from various cultures hearing in their own language. In one sweep thousands joined.
There are local churches today having similar accounts of church growth. The Word is preached and soul winning is accomplished. The church grows in thousands. Still there are those with very little growth in numerical count, yet small in membership they are experiencing spiritual growth. The hope of the mission of Christ has always been to win souls, so we cannot discount the importance of membership growth numerically or spiritually.
The great commission has to do with going to the uttermost parts of the world and making disciples of people, while baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In this view the mission is to win souls for the building of the Kingdom of God with numerous persons. We must never ignore the commission of bringing persons to Christ. The need and purpose of the church is for more than growth in number of persons, it has to deal with spiritual development. John 6:54-69 is clear on the fact that some who become disciples will reject the teachings of Christ, refusing the Eucharist, and complain in disbelief of the meaning of the Body of Christ. Still the Church is to be built on the confession of faith maintained by the faithful, who believe and know the Son of God.
The difference between leaving and staying is believing. And in believing living with authority given through the Holy Spirit. This authority is described by Paul as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, alone, gives us the power to live in love. The only way to fulfill the will of God is to become love inspired, driven, and propelled. Without love, we are just religious people looking for physiological satisfaction to get our shout on - making noise. The fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of love in joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through the experience of the Holy Spirit we become strong, secure, patient, orderly in conduct, good in character, humble, and victorious.
Living in the Holy Spirit, we remain constant in moving forth in the will of God. We have no fear of the law, because we lay our all at the throne of God, so as to be filled with the love of God. Come and experience the life freeing gift of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus, Son of God, feed us the fruit of the spirit. Amen.
The Holy Spirit ushered in new birth, according to Acts 2. A few followers of Christ, including eleven of the original twelve and the added one had a life changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. The experience gave life to the Christian church. The power of the Word brought in numerous converts on the same day from various cultures hearing in their own language. In one sweep thousands joined.
There are local churches today having similar accounts of church growth. The Word is preached and soul winning is accomplished. The church grows in thousands. Still there are those with very little growth in numerical count, yet small in membership they are experiencing spiritual growth. The hope of the mission of Christ has always been to win souls, so we cannot discount the importance of membership growth numerically or spiritually.
The great commission has to do with going to the uttermost parts of the world and making disciples of people, while baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In this view the mission is to win souls for the building of the Kingdom of God with numerous persons. We must never ignore the commission of bringing persons to Christ. The need and purpose of the church is for more than growth in number of persons, it has to deal with spiritual development. John 6:54-69 is clear on the fact that some who become disciples will reject the teachings of Christ, refusing the Eucharist, and complain in disbelief of the meaning of the Body of Christ. Still the Church is to be built on the confession of faith maintained by the faithful, who believe and know the Son of God.
The difference between leaving and staying is believing. And in believing living with authority given through the Holy Spirit. This authority is described by Paul as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, alone, gives us the power to live in love. The only way to fulfill the will of God is to become love inspired, driven, and propelled. Without love, we are just religious people looking for physiological satisfaction to get our shout on - making noise. The fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of love in joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through the experience of the Holy Spirit we become strong, secure, patient, orderly in conduct, good in character, humble, and victorious.
Living in the Holy Spirit, we remain constant in moving forth in the will of God. We have no fear of the law, because we lay our all at the throne of God, so as to be filled with the love of God. Come and experience the life freeing gift of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus, Son of God, feed us the fruit of the spirit. Amen.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Speaking The Truth
Proverbs 15:22-23
Everybody needs somebody, sometimes. Mary expects the truth to be spoken to her by all within her intimate circle of friends. She would love to have everyone in the world tell her the truth with each message, at least messages to her. However, she is old enough to know that even her dearest friends may not always speak the truth. At issue is her emotional strength, and her own consistent voice in speaking the truth.
People tend to be guarded. They guard their emotions, and try to protect the emotions of their friends, especially those with whom they share love. Mary is like many persons in the world, who want the truth, but crumble in it. Things go wrong, when we crumble. With every lie uncovered more truth is needed. It is not the truth of the matter of the lie that will heal and cure the issues caused by the original untruth. No. What is needed in the uncovering of a lie is the emotional truth and mental unveiling of thoughts in the moment of discovery. How do you feel? What do you think? When and how are you going to respond? Truth cannot be gained from evidence of the past, no matter how many facts are given. Historical facts are like drapers on a baby, they may be changed to clean up the necessary. The importance of truth is in the currency of the moment. Where do we stand on this matter now? Truth is to be found in the actuality of honesty bathed in righteousness on the spot of reality lived before us.
This is not to say facts are to be ignored. It is to say that we can never be assured of facts we have not personally lived. We live the facts we are making. We walk by faith in revealed facts others have lived. Facts are always left to interpretation. The current moment requires speaking the truth, so that each moment of living carries with it the essentials of living in the times we are living. Mary wants the truth, but Mary in the moments of time, too often holds the truth within and speaks in silence what needs to be spoken in verbal voice. Mary is you, and very much resembles the me in female form.
We hold on to our feelings and thoughts often to prevent hurt and pain. We appear to others to be passive, when we are actually loading our guns for an aggressive attack. There are ways to prevent the onslaught of war. One way is through the intelligent means of education. Another is what former President of the United States-George W. Bush called "The Intelligent Design." Whatever will get you there, take the leap of faith, and come to appreciate assertiveness over passive aggressiveness or aggression.
The founder of the lay caring-giving ministry named Stephen Ministries wrote a book titled - "Speaking the Truth in Love." In his book, he elaborates on assertiveness, and the need to be trained in the use of "speaking the truth in love." Christians are encouraged to follow the teachings of Christ, which has to do with doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Mary wanting the truth spoken to her, must be willing to not only speak the truth to others, but she has to be able to handle the truth spoken with the same love she desires to impart. There is the matter at heart. Can we be honest with each other with sacrificial love? Sacrifice our need for facts, and accept our need for honest relationships in the here and now.
Facts are needed for courtroom lawsuits. Love is need for faithful relationships. May we receive the wisdom of counsel that enables us to speak truth without harm to others or ourselves. May we have the serenity and courage necessary to accept the unchangeable and ability to change the changeable. The rule of thumb is to speak what is helpful, and flush the harmful. Speaking the truth, be it Mary or Luonne, requires love, in order to be Christian.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, help us to care for one another with love. Amen.
Everybody needs somebody, sometimes. Mary expects the truth to be spoken to her by all within her intimate circle of friends. She would love to have everyone in the world tell her the truth with each message, at least messages to her. However, she is old enough to know that even her dearest friends may not always speak the truth. At issue is her emotional strength, and her own consistent voice in speaking the truth.
People tend to be guarded. They guard their emotions, and try to protect the emotions of their friends, especially those with whom they share love. Mary is like many persons in the world, who want the truth, but crumble in it. Things go wrong, when we crumble. With every lie uncovered more truth is needed. It is not the truth of the matter of the lie that will heal and cure the issues caused by the original untruth. No. What is needed in the uncovering of a lie is the emotional truth and mental unveiling of thoughts in the moment of discovery. How do you feel? What do you think? When and how are you going to respond? Truth cannot be gained from evidence of the past, no matter how many facts are given. Historical facts are like drapers on a baby, they may be changed to clean up the necessary. The importance of truth is in the currency of the moment. Where do we stand on this matter now? Truth is to be found in the actuality of honesty bathed in righteousness on the spot of reality lived before us.
This is not to say facts are to be ignored. It is to say that we can never be assured of facts we have not personally lived. We live the facts we are making. We walk by faith in revealed facts others have lived. Facts are always left to interpretation. The current moment requires speaking the truth, so that each moment of living carries with it the essentials of living in the times we are living. Mary wants the truth, but Mary in the moments of time, too often holds the truth within and speaks in silence what needs to be spoken in verbal voice. Mary is you, and very much resembles the me in female form.
We hold on to our feelings and thoughts often to prevent hurt and pain. We appear to others to be passive, when we are actually loading our guns for an aggressive attack. There are ways to prevent the onslaught of war. One way is through the intelligent means of education. Another is what former President of the United States-George W. Bush called "The Intelligent Design." Whatever will get you there, take the leap of faith, and come to appreciate assertiveness over passive aggressiveness or aggression.
The founder of the lay caring-giving ministry named Stephen Ministries wrote a book titled - "Speaking the Truth in Love." In his book, he elaborates on assertiveness, and the need to be trained in the use of "speaking the truth in love." Christians are encouraged to follow the teachings of Christ, which has to do with doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Mary wanting the truth spoken to her, must be willing to not only speak the truth to others, but she has to be able to handle the truth spoken with the same love she desires to impart. There is the matter at heart. Can we be honest with each other with sacrificial love? Sacrifice our need for facts, and accept our need for honest relationships in the here and now.
Facts are needed for courtroom lawsuits. Love is need for faithful relationships. May we receive the wisdom of counsel that enables us to speak truth without harm to others or ourselves. May we have the serenity and courage necessary to accept the unchangeable and ability to change the changeable. The rule of thumb is to speak what is helpful, and flush the harmful. Speaking the truth, be it Mary or Luonne, requires love, in order to be Christian.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, help us to care for one another with love. Amen.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Living In Denial, Saved By Grace
Mark 14:66-72
The likes of him she thought she would never meet. He had mastered the teachings of the Master Teacher and Redeemer. His words flowed with the truth of agape. It got her attention. She knew he was the one. So, she called him out.
He could not escape, but he could deny. He denied their relationship. Right there on the spot, he denied their relationship. A relationship so intimate. A relationship so divine. A relationship create, not made. A relationship for the ages, not the moment. He denied even knowing the One who had given life to his loins and new birth to his soul. Why?
What was the nature of his fear? What was there to fear losing? Oh, right, he would lose his right to speak of a relationship he denied? He would lose his work, and life occupation that soared beyond imagination from the power of the love he denied, right? He would lose his so-called friends or fellow ethnic buddies, whose love had already saved him, right? Oh, may be he would lose he historic witness or his precious now or anticipated coming fame, right?
She called him out. Witnessed as being one of them by others, he still denied the greatest love of life. You may be vain enough to think this is about you. Are you? I admit, it sounds a lot life me. But its not a story of you or me. Yet, it is the story of every Peter, who denies Jesus, the lover of our souls. Peter denied him. In denying his relationship with Jesus, Peter placed at risk his earthly life, and his soul. Human beings are risk takers, for sure. However, denial is not the end of the story for Peter, and may it not be for us.
True love forgives. In fact, true love warns us of our pending need to deny the relationship. True love even desires the denial for the sake of a purpose greater than our willingness to die. More important than affirming or confirming the earthly relationship is the need to give affirmation to the eternal relationship. No matter how much we love on earth, our love is finite. God, alone, is infinite. We are to live as we live for God, Players.
That is right. We live as live for God. In God is the one true and undeniable relationship. It is the one for which true love forgives, when our soul is at stake. We are too often living in denial. Thank God we are saved by grace. This grace undeserved is so divine.
Can you hear Peter? Can you hear me? Can you hear you saying: "Oh Love of my life, forgive my denial?" Can you hear love saying: "Forgiven, for you know not what you do?"
Saved by grace, living in denial! Living in denial, saved by grace!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive the souls of denial. Amen
The likes of him she thought she would never meet. He had mastered the teachings of the Master Teacher and Redeemer. His words flowed with the truth of agape. It got her attention. She knew he was the one. So, she called him out.
He could not escape, but he could deny. He denied their relationship. Right there on the spot, he denied their relationship. A relationship so intimate. A relationship so divine. A relationship create, not made. A relationship for the ages, not the moment. He denied even knowing the One who had given life to his loins and new birth to his soul. Why?
What was the nature of his fear? What was there to fear losing? Oh, right, he would lose his right to speak of a relationship he denied? He would lose his work, and life occupation that soared beyond imagination from the power of the love he denied, right? He would lose his so-called friends or fellow ethnic buddies, whose love had already saved him, right? Oh, may be he would lose he historic witness or his precious now or anticipated coming fame, right?
She called him out. Witnessed as being one of them by others, he still denied the greatest love of life. You may be vain enough to think this is about you. Are you? I admit, it sounds a lot life me. But its not a story of you or me. Yet, it is the story of every Peter, who denies Jesus, the lover of our souls. Peter denied him. In denying his relationship with Jesus, Peter placed at risk his earthly life, and his soul. Human beings are risk takers, for sure. However, denial is not the end of the story for Peter, and may it not be for us.
True love forgives. In fact, true love warns us of our pending need to deny the relationship. True love even desires the denial for the sake of a purpose greater than our willingness to die. More important than affirming or confirming the earthly relationship is the need to give affirmation to the eternal relationship. No matter how much we love on earth, our love is finite. God, alone, is infinite. We are to live as we live for God, Players.
That is right. We live as live for God. In God is the one true and undeniable relationship. It is the one for which true love forgives, when our soul is at stake. We are too often living in denial. Thank God we are saved by grace. This grace undeserved is so divine.
Can you hear Peter? Can you hear me? Can you hear you saying: "Oh Love of my life, forgive my denial?" Can you hear love saying: "Forgiven, for you know not what you do?"
Saved by grace, living in denial! Living in denial, saved by grace!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive the souls of denial. Amen
Results of Building the Body of Christ
Ephesians 1:22,23
Ephesians is known as the letter of the Apostle Paul to the church of Ephesus. Scholars disagree as to who really authored the words. Still we can rest assure that God had stake in it. Why? Because the ability to communicate is of God, and the wisdom of the message is too divine to be human void of God. Disagree? Well, read your own blog.
I teach from Ephesians as the manual for building the body of Christ - The Church. So, the importance of the author is minimal to the importance of the message. The Christian Church is an institution birthed at Pentecost, according to the New Testament Scripture. It is to be known as consisting of all regenerated souls, each redeemed by the Blood of Christ and transformed by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 5:25, we learn that Christ loved the Church, and gave his life for it.
Yes, he died that the Church might become His Body on earth, which He heads from Heaven. As members of the Church, we are called out from the system of the world. We are called to be body builders for Christ. Strengthening the body of Christ yields results all may appreciate. We live for the making of the Kingdom of God on earth.
The results of building the body of Christ are:
Ephesians is known as the letter of the Apostle Paul to the church of Ephesus. Scholars disagree as to who really authored the words. Still we can rest assure that God had stake in it. Why? Because the ability to communicate is of God, and the wisdom of the message is too divine to be human void of God. Disagree? Well, read your own blog.
I teach from Ephesians as the manual for building the body of Christ - The Church. So, the importance of the author is minimal to the importance of the message. The Christian Church is an institution birthed at Pentecost, according to the New Testament Scripture. It is to be known as consisting of all regenerated souls, each redeemed by the Blood of Christ and transformed by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 5:25, we learn that Christ loved the Church, and gave his life for it.
Yes, he died that the Church might become His Body on earth, which He heads from Heaven. As members of the Church, we are called out from the system of the world. We are called to be body builders for Christ. Strengthening the body of Christ yields results all may appreciate. We live for the making of the Kingdom of God on earth.
The results of building the body of Christ are:
- Repentance. The Church was birthed, according to Acts 2:38, with Peter calling for persons to repent and become disciples in the Body of Christ.
- Salvation. Regenerated persons coming by way of the new birth, Acts 2:47, added to the Church. Building the body of Christ yields new members into the local churches, and increase number of saved souls in the world.
- Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, Son of God, who has mercy and grace for the repenting soul.
- Baptism. We baptize in the tradition of the Trinity, Acts 2:38, as a means of grace for the acknowledgement of God's initiative in cleansing us from sin, ushering in justification and sanctification for righteous living.
- Love. Jesus said by this love you have for one another they will know you are my disciples, John 13:35 reminds us. In the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus taught that the disciples who love as He loves are His friends. "What a friend we have in Jesus."
- Continuance. In accord with Acts 2:42, a final result of building the Body of Christ is the recycling of the doctrines. We teach each to reach each. Each generation is to be taught to reach each soul of their day, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost from Jerusalem to Samaria to Judea unto the uttermost parts of the world.
There is it. Our exercise in the Spiritual Fitness Center is to turn around from bad habits unto good living. Soaking in the fountain of life, lifting one another, and caring for the soul of all, we march on teaching the love of Christ by faith. We live hoping for a better world on earth as it is in heaven.
I got it, do you have it?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and open our spiritually blinded eyes. Amen.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Preparing The Way
Malachi 3-4:4
In the 80's and 90's of the 20th century, Connie and I often spoke to youth together. She has this profile of characters, which she can call up from within at the drop of a dime. Very meaningful and fitting for modernizing the points of Scripture. Very much a home run in speaking to the youth of the day. In fact, the inner child of most adults would come to life, when she spoke. Her characters became hits for our evangelizing discourse.
Her characters are designed to reach into the heart and soul of the hearers. She would bring them forth to drive home the point of my homily on Scripture or some times prepare the way for my sermon. We decided who was to prepare the way through praying together, and trusting the spiritual response in both of us. Interesting how God intervened, in that, after time in prayer we would be on one accord as to who should prepare the way, and who would bring the point to the cross.
In most instances, she would point out the discouraging, disappointing, and damaging matters of growing up in changing times. Issues of molestation, parental abuse, peer pressure, etc. While I sought to issue a call to come to Jesus, who has been waiting for you to come as you are. We both viewed our purpose as being the same: "PREPARING THE WAY" for a life with Christ.
A few years ago, I decided that we would not tag team again. It was not a call from God or our praying together, but a decision of my own to encourage the full expression of the validity of our mission. There was no justification in it. It was more of a Nike - "Just Do It!", then a God - "Come to Jesus!" "Then where," as you should ask, "is the validity of the mission in that decision?"
The validity of the Christian mission is not to be found in such human decision. It should always be known by the decision that God made, and we should follow every step of the way. It is the decision that men and women, boys and girls, are to be made disciples of Christ, and baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Salvation is about coming to Christ. Salvation has nothing to do with having our way, because God is not Burger King, but Jesus is the Prince of peace. Our mission? No, it is the Christian mission that guides the moments in existential proclamation of the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever.
My decision has not stopped the power of hope in the characters given Connie, and shall not hinder the faith-sharing within me. We march forth as Christian soldiers not by my order. No, no. We press on toward the mark of the higher calling, because we have always done it for one reason alone - we are "preparing the way" for coming to Jesus Christ, the only Savior.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, here we are, save us! Amen.
In the 80's and 90's of the 20th century, Connie and I often spoke to youth together. She has this profile of characters, which she can call up from within at the drop of a dime. Very meaningful and fitting for modernizing the points of Scripture. Very much a home run in speaking to the youth of the day. In fact, the inner child of most adults would come to life, when she spoke. Her characters became hits for our evangelizing discourse.
Her characters are designed to reach into the heart and soul of the hearers. She would bring them forth to drive home the point of my homily on Scripture or some times prepare the way for my sermon. We decided who was to prepare the way through praying together, and trusting the spiritual response in both of us. Interesting how God intervened, in that, after time in prayer we would be on one accord as to who should prepare the way, and who would bring the point to the cross.
In most instances, she would point out the discouraging, disappointing, and damaging matters of growing up in changing times. Issues of molestation, parental abuse, peer pressure, etc. While I sought to issue a call to come to Jesus, who has been waiting for you to come as you are. We both viewed our purpose as being the same: "PREPARING THE WAY" for a life with Christ.
A few years ago, I decided that we would not tag team again. It was not a call from God or our praying together, but a decision of my own to encourage the full expression of the validity of our mission. There was no justification in it. It was more of a Nike - "Just Do It!", then a God - "Come to Jesus!" "Then where," as you should ask, "is the validity of the mission in that decision?"
The validity of the Christian mission is not to be found in such human decision. It should always be known by the decision that God made, and we should follow every step of the way. It is the decision that men and women, boys and girls, are to be made disciples of Christ, and baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Salvation is about coming to Christ. Salvation has nothing to do with having our way, because God is not Burger King, but Jesus is the Prince of peace. Our mission? No, it is the Christian mission that guides the moments in existential proclamation of the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever.
My decision has not stopped the power of hope in the characters given Connie, and shall not hinder the faith-sharing within me. We march forth as Christian soldiers not by my order. No, no. We press on toward the mark of the higher calling, because we have always done it for one reason alone - we are "preparing the way" for coming to Jesus Christ, the only Savior.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, here we are, save us! Amen.
Redemptive Love
Read: Exodus 12-14
"A Day of Hope" is a health community project in ministry from the faith community perspective, and a project in prevention and awareness from the medical community perspective. A day is set annually by members of the Building Bridges, Building Knowledge, and Building Health (BBKH) Coalition to hold a massive health fair in East Harlem. It is a day of redemptive love!
The annual event is purposed for addressing health disparities among people of African and Latino ethnicity in the United States of America. It is documented that these ethnic groups have been disadvantaged in prevention and treatment of particular maladies, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc. Equal treatment in light of ethnicity is a social reality that requires 21st century priority in health care and pastoral care. New York City is a multicultural magnet for the world, and it is necessary that we redeem the people who have been neglected and abused in our health care services. People with all backgrounds: race, religion, age, sexual orientation, class, immigration status, veterans and others with disabilities are in need of equality in care giving. What shall we do?
Children of Israel, we discover in the book of Exodus, were redeemed by the power of love. They were liberated from Egypt and brought through the Red Sea, because agreements were fulfilled in spite of difficulties. The illnesses and natural disasters that rocked Egypt passed over the people of faith, so that they were led beyond the sea of challenge to become a covenant people of God. Today, we are challenged to cross the sea of ethnicity into a wilderness of family diversities. Our current Moses, such as Tiger Woods, President Barrack Obama, etc., bring a pleasant uniting force of compassion for their respective professions and people of the world. Such love is redemptive. It is not to be known by sources of discrimination, but positive associations.
The positive associaitions in BBKH are producing acts of kindness that may be duplicated around the world. We are starting in "our own backyard" as to free ourselves from discrimination and prejudice behaviors by the power of redemptive love. You are invited to join in this movement of redemption. For more information, call Yvonne Hartnett at 212-289-6157.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us freedom from discrimination and heal all people. Amen.
"A Day of Hope" is a health community project in ministry from the faith community perspective, and a project in prevention and awareness from the medical community perspective. A day is set annually by members of the Building Bridges, Building Knowledge, and Building Health (BBKH) Coalition to hold a massive health fair in East Harlem. It is a day of redemptive love!
The annual event is purposed for addressing health disparities among people of African and Latino ethnicity in the United States of America. It is documented that these ethnic groups have been disadvantaged in prevention and treatment of particular maladies, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc. Equal treatment in light of ethnicity is a social reality that requires 21st century priority in health care and pastoral care. New York City is a multicultural magnet for the world, and it is necessary that we redeem the people who have been neglected and abused in our health care services. People with all backgrounds: race, religion, age, sexual orientation, class, immigration status, veterans and others with disabilities are in need of equality in care giving. What shall we do?
Children of Israel, we discover in the book of Exodus, were redeemed by the power of love. They were liberated from Egypt and brought through the Red Sea, because agreements were fulfilled in spite of difficulties. The illnesses and natural disasters that rocked Egypt passed over the people of faith, so that they were led beyond the sea of challenge to become a covenant people of God. Today, we are challenged to cross the sea of ethnicity into a wilderness of family diversities. Our current Moses, such as Tiger Woods, President Barrack Obama, etc., bring a pleasant uniting force of compassion for their respective professions and people of the world. Such love is redemptive. It is not to be known by sources of discrimination, but positive associations.
The positive associaitions in BBKH are producing acts of kindness that may be duplicated around the world. We are starting in "our own backyard" as to free ourselves from discrimination and prejudice behaviors by the power of redemptive love. You are invited to join in this movement of redemption. For more information, call Yvonne Hartnett at 212-289-6157.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us freedom from discrimination and heal all people. Amen.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Eye: 'I'"
Read Acts 8:30-31
On a "Community Walk", we stopped to enter one of our local historical tourist promotion companies. Inside they have on the wall, the world shortest poem written by Muhammad Ali, the famous United States of America former heavyweight champion of boxing. Ali authored: "Me:We". How profound? I was reminded of our visit, when I asked my assistant to interpret my poem titled "Eye" with only a one word content - "I". I warned that it was based on my existential philosophical anxiety with the here and now.
Before I take you into the turning of my philosophical into the theological by my assistant, imagine the anxiety of Phillip going into a village of people hated by the Jews and proclaiming the good news of Christ. What about the eunuch of Ethiopia, seeing Phillip running to over take his chariot as he was reading from the book of Isaiah? As you catch a glimpse into their thoughts, are you not really into your thoughts, faced with similar circumstances? In the making of all interpretations is comes down to what the "I" thinks.
Now, I wrote my assistant: "Here is my philosophy of this week found in the content of my poem titled Eye: 'I'. ... you as hearer of my existential anxiety decipher my depth of meaning." Three hours later the response came: "It sounds like Ali's 'Me:We.' But, 'Eye: I' makes me think of our 'third eye', being the spirit/soul truly being and seeing who we are."
So on point. I went on to give the original thought that led to "Eye." Check it out, then tell me what you see in the eye of your mind. "Interesting," I went on to write, "dynamic. You just rewrote or wrote a new version, because my content was only 'I', but I named it 'Eye,' in that the original meaning has to do with 'all ever seen' in a person, called I. Therefore, the me of each of us is examined. Yes, you are right, its the human eyes and the eye of the soul looking at 'I.'" Continuing I wrote: "I like that you recalled Ali's 'Me:We.'" Wonder what that brother of Islam was thinking?
Think, what is the "I" discovered in your mirror, and in your soul? I hear the eunuch, and understand the "I" seeking guidance. How can "I" understand, unless someone guides me. At birth from the warmth of Mother's cradle, I was blind to the understanding of what I was seeing until she taught me from her lap the meanings of our ethnicity and eternity. My parents guided me to the Holy Spirit by way of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the "All Seeing Eye" that abides within me, as "I" abide in God. There it is. "I" seeks to know and express who I am.
Thus, in essence, "I" is the great "I AM." Let those who have the "Eye" to see, seek the understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray! This is written to encourage you to come to know who you are through prayer. That you may discover God in the discovery of you. In this life, may we surrender freedom of will to the guidance of God. I pray, we will.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us the wisdom we seek. Amen.
On a "Community Walk", we stopped to enter one of our local historical tourist promotion companies. Inside they have on the wall, the world shortest poem written by Muhammad Ali, the famous United States of America former heavyweight champion of boxing. Ali authored: "Me:We". How profound? I was reminded of our visit, when I asked my assistant to interpret my poem titled "Eye" with only a one word content - "I". I warned that it was based on my existential philosophical anxiety with the here and now.
Before I take you into the turning of my philosophical into the theological by my assistant, imagine the anxiety of Phillip going into a village of people hated by the Jews and proclaiming the good news of Christ. What about the eunuch of Ethiopia, seeing Phillip running to over take his chariot as he was reading from the book of Isaiah? As you catch a glimpse into their thoughts, are you not really into your thoughts, faced with similar circumstances? In the making of all interpretations is comes down to what the "I" thinks.
Now, I wrote my assistant: "Here is my philosophy of this week found in the content of my poem titled Eye: 'I'. ... you as hearer of my existential anxiety decipher my depth of meaning." Three hours later the response came: "It sounds like Ali's 'Me:We.' But, 'Eye: I' makes me think of our 'third eye', being the spirit/soul truly being and seeing who we are."
So on point. I went on to give the original thought that led to "Eye." Check it out, then tell me what you see in the eye of your mind. "Interesting," I went on to write, "dynamic. You just rewrote or wrote a new version, because my content was only 'I', but I named it 'Eye,' in that the original meaning has to do with 'all ever seen' in a person, called I. Therefore, the me of each of us is examined. Yes, you are right, its the human eyes and the eye of the soul looking at 'I.'" Continuing I wrote: "I like that you recalled Ali's 'Me:We.'" Wonder what that brother of Islam was thinking?
Think, what is the "I" discovered in your mirror, and in your soul? I hear the eunuch, and understand the "I" seeking guidance. How can "I" understand, unless someone guides me. At birth from the warmth of Mother's cradle, I was blind to the understanding of what I was seeing until she taught me from her lap the meanings of our ethnicity and eternity. My parents guided me to the Holy Spirit by way of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the "All Seeing Eye" that abides within me, as "I" abide in God. There it is. "I" seeks to know and express who I am.
Thus, in essence, "I" is the great "I AM." Let those who have the "Eye" to see, seek the understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray! This is written to encourage you to come to know who you are through prayer. That you may discover God in the discovery of you. In this life, may we surrender freedom of will to the guidance of God. I pray, we will.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant us the wisdom we seek. Amen.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Intentional Peace Movement
Read: Colossians 1:9-14
John Wesley is said to be the founder of a Movement for the people called Methodists in search of the Scriptural way of salvation and a life of holiness. As a member of the holy club, he studied in the tradition of piety, so as to find inner peace and divine grace. He lead a movement for peace in the world by the grace of God through Christian Perfection.
In America, they have too often been identified in a negative light as the "Moonies." Why? Because they follow the vision given to the founder of the Unification Movement, Sun Myung Moon, who at the age of sixteen was said to have heard from Jesus that he had been chosen to fulfill the special mission of establishing God's Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Led by Moon the Unificationists have a movement for world peace through the Divine Principle of Holy Marriages in God-centered families.
Another controversial project in ministry is that of Dr. Hans Kung of Chicago, a Swiss Catholic priest, theologian, and prolific author, who has been President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic. I wrote Professor Kung in 1991 seeking permission, which he granted, to use his work on a new world ethic as I found and developed a new congregation within the United Methodist denomination. An intentional start of a racially inclusive congregation for the purpose of racial reconciliation. Professor Kung leads a movement of peace through the new world ethic establishing unity in the midst of diversity.
The calling on my life for a ministry of reconciliation came at the age of five while in Hartsville, SC, and again at the age of 12 in Bowman, SC, then finally at the age of sixteen in Kingstree, SC. However, beyond the personal is the reality of the urgency of now in our lives to lift high the cross of the 2nd Adam - Jesus Christ, and recall the fall of the 1st Adam, so that we can impact the world with the need to join the intentional peace movement. It is a movement for the establishment and maintenance of world peace, in accordance with the will of God. It is not new with my calling or your calling or the works of Hans Kung or Sun Myung Moon or John Wesley. With every paradigm shift worth following is the core esentiality of the will of God.
What is the willl of God for your life? Discover it and you may abide in the intentional peace movement. Ignore it and we may never know peace with justice.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and grant us peace. Amen
John Wesley is said to be the founder of a Movement for the people called Methodists in search of the Scriptural way of salvation and a life of holiness. As a member of the holy club, he studied in the tradition of piety, so as to find inner peace and divine grace. He lead a movement for peace in the world by the grace of God through Christian Perfection.
In America, they have too often been identified in a negative light as the "Moonies." Why? Because they follow the vision given to the founder of the Unification Movement, Sun Myung Moon, who at the age of sixteen was said to have heard from Jesus that he had been chosen to fulfill the special mission of establishing God's Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Led by Moon the Unificationists have a movement for world peace through the Divine Principle of Holy Marriages in God-centered families.
Another controversial project in ministry is that of Dr. Hans Kung of Chicago, a Swiss Catholic priest, theologian, and prolific author, who has been President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic. I wrote Professor Kung in 1991 seeking permission, which he granted, to use his work on a new world ethic as I found and developed a new congregation within the United Methodist denomination. An intentional start of a racially inclusive congregation for the purpose of racial reconciliation. Professor Kung leads a movement of peace through the new world ethic establishing unity in the midst of diversity.
The calling on my life for a ministry of reconciliation came at the age of five while in Hartsville, SC, and again at the age of 12 in Bowman, SC, then finally at the age of sixteen in Kingstree, SC. However, beyond the personal is the reality of the urgency of now in our lives to lift high the cross of the 2nd Adam - Jesus Christ, and recall the fall of the 1st Adam, so that we can impact the world with the need to join the intentional peace movement. It is a movement for the establishment and maintenance of world peace, in accordance with the will of God. It is not new with my calling or your calling or the works of Hans Kung or Sun Myung Moon or John Wesley. With every paradigm shift worth following is the core esentiality of the will of God.
What is the willl of God for your life? Discover it and you may abide in the intentional peace movement. Ignore it and we may never know peace with justice.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and grant us peace. Amen
Monday, April 13, 2009
In The Morning, When I Rise
Read Matthew 28:1-10
Early in the morning, when I would rise, I could smell the sausage, hear the bacon popping, count on honey-baked ham with scrambled eggs and buttermilk pancakes or biscuits covered in syrup being served with love. Mother's breakfast was a homecoming favorite. I enjoyed her cooking. It was food sopping good.
Early the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to dress the crucified body of Jesus within the tomb. Behold, what followed the disruption of the earth at the murder of Jesus was an angelic presentation of love. God had cooked up a homecoming feast for his favored. They rejoiced to see that Jesus had arose from the grave. Oh, what a morning, when the sun returned to shine. He lives!
Easter forever reminds me that as sure as death is to come, there is the joy of the resurrection. I have died to many things in life. At the point of death, I have thought there was no chance that such would ever be again. For example, the death of love in relationships. How many times have human beings found reality in the on again, off again love stories. We, too often, live soap opera lives. What's your story line?
In the end, when all comes to rest, and only one resurrection remains for me - give me Jesus. When my eyes roll back and life on earth cease to be, give me Jesus. When the sun refuse to shine for me, and night seems my eternity, give me Jesus. In the after life, may there be a morning light for me. In that morning, when I rise, give me Jesus. Why?
I have found Jesus here on earth to be more than a historical figure teaching and preaching. I found Jesus in a faith experience of blessed assurance. I lived the Jesus experience. My entire life has been given to the assurance that God blessed the world through the experience of Jesus. And, it has been worth my living to die from sin, in order to live again and again in the glory of salvation. So, when I come to die to rise for the final time, I want the entire salvation experience of Jesus.
Thus, in the morning, when I rise, give me what I know to be real and life sustaining. Give me Jesus!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, we want you, now and forever. Amen
In the end, when all comes to rest, and only one resurrection remains for me - give me Jesus. When my eyes roll back and life on earth cease to be, give me Jesus. When the sun refuse to shine for me, and night seems my eternity, give me Jesus. In the after life, may there be a morning light for me. In that morning, when I rise, give me Jesus. Why?
I have found Jesus here on earth to be more than a historical figure teaching and preaching. I found Jesus in a faith experience of blessed assurance. I lived the Jesus experience. My entire life has been given to the assurance that God blessed the world through the experience of Jesus. And, it has been worth my living to die from sin, in order to live again and again in the glory of salvation. So, when I come to die to rise for the final time, I want the entire salvation experience of Jesus.
Thus, in the morning, when I rise, give me what I know to be real and life sustaining. Give me Jesus!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, we want you, now and forever. Amen
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Deity of Christ
Mark 1:21-28
Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Some say that he is a human being, who came with three offices: prophet, priest, and king. They speak of him as teacher, savior, and ruler of the universe. What do you say of Jesus?
Jesus is the primary figure in Christian evangelism. He is the source of our communicating from one searcher to another where to find the answer. Persons coming to know him as Savior hunger for the manna of his teachings. In this sense, Jesus is the Biblical personality that becomes central to our understanding of God. He is not the current existential experience of God, but the primary source for our understanding the experience of God in our existence, here and now, and in the anticipation of abundant life beyond this space in time.
How can you tell if you know Jesus of Nazareth? Answering the following questions will give you a measure of your understanding of Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Some say that he is a human being, who came with three offices: prophet, priest, and king. They speak of him as teacher, savior, and ruler of the universe. What do you say of Jesus?
Jesus is the primary figure in Christian evangelism. He is the source of our communicating from one searcher to another where to find the answer. Persons coming to know him as Savior hunger for the manna of his teachings. In this sense, Jesus is the Biblical personality that becomes central to our understanding of God. He is not the current existential experience of God, but the primary source for our understanding the experience of God in our existence, here and now, and in the anticipation of abundant life beyond this space in time.
How can you tell if you know Jesus of Nazareth? Answering the following questions will give you a measure of your understanding of Jesus Christ.
- Have you studied the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments? If you have not studied the entire Bible, you probably need to learn more before you can really know Jesus of Nazareth.
- When was the last time you read through the Bible in accordance with suggested Scriptural readings? If more than two years, you may need more structured daily reading of the Bible.
- Is Jesus Christ at the center of your life or does your life center around other matters? If you are not centered on Christ, get to know our Lord.
- Have you been baptized into the Christian faith or reaffirmed your baptism within the last two years? Baptism is a means of grace to experience God.
- What is the most glorious event to happen in your life? Salvation is to be found in the sacrificial life of Jesus.
One means of grace in getting to know Jesus of Nazareth is to confront the understanding of him through the Bible. However, it is not the only means of grace. In the Wesleyan tradition, the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are means of grace for the encounter of our Lord through the acts consecrated by Jesus. He was baptized in the Jordan River by John. He instituted the Lord's Supper during his last supper with the apostles in the Upper Room.
Mark provides for us a look into the prophetic role of Jesus of Nazareth, who came to teach with the authority beyond the ability of the scribes. We may never be able to recapture the actual meaning of the original message from Mark. It has so many interpretations. There is one truth that can be assured from it, which is found in knowing Jesus by any means - Jesus has life transforming teachings. I have come to appreciate the deity of Christ by way of the teachings of Jesus. Only God can so teach an unlearned like me. He rules!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, teach and guide me! Amen.
Divine Silence
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
A time of stillness is to be treasured. During such time, we may hear more than we are heard. In Jonah we are given a message indicating that the word of the Lord came to him a second time, which instructed him to stop what he was during and get up to go to Nineveh, a great city, and proclaim the word of the Lord. Jonah walked miles in a day to get to the city, and entered crying out that in 40 days the city would be overthrown. However, the people of the city responded in belief by fasting and wearing sackcloth . . . God heard them in their acts of repentance and changed his mind about the destruction and did not cause harm to them. The people of Nineveh, a great city, were not so busy or so loud as not to hear the word of God from one, who traveled from miles away to bring the message from God.
In 2004, I traveled a days' journey by car from New York City to South Carolina. It was my first return to teach at Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, South Carolina after I had moved on December 1, 2003 from Greenville, SC to Harlem, NY. In the classroom there was no television or radio. We did not have a guest artist or professional entertainer. No one carried on conversation to disrupt the process of teaching. In fact, before any word was given on the subject matter for the theological students, I wanted us to hear a word from God. I had prepared to teach, but I was not prepared to precede God, so I requested silence. I did not ask for silent prayer, but silence. It was to be a time of just listening. We heard the wind outside, cars passing by, students beyond the doors talking, and even the whistling of another professor. Not one person reported hearing God, so we went into silent prayer.
The difference was in a time of silence, I did not ask for a focus on God. Just asked everyone to be in silence, and after a period of time speak to what they heard during the time of silence. However, reflecting on the time of silent prayer, everyone had something to say about speaking to God or what they heard from the Lord during their time of praying in silence. That day "divine silence" was born in my mind and soaked my soul. Divine silence is time spent listening to God, but more than hearing it is a time to be heard. A time of clarity of mind, moments of open heart, and soul searching before coming out with critical reflection - theology.
Let's tell God what we have heard and believe by the way we live. It is through our relationship with the Divine that our actions for the coming days, weeks, and months are to be developed. Having heard the word of God, turn to God in doing, speaking, and living. Someone once said: "Actions speak louder than words." May the acts of our lives speak the power of the divine silence that guides our living. Pray with me in the still of the night.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, be reflected in the living of our being, so the change in our cities reflect the forgiveness of God. Amen.
A time of stillness is to be treasured. During such time, we may hear more than we are heard. In Jonah we are given a message indicating that the word of the Lord came to him a second time, which instructed him to stop what he was during and get up to go to Nineveh, a great city, and proclaim the word of the Lord. Jonah walked miles in a day to get to the city, and entered crying out that in 40 days the city would be overthrown. However, the people of the city responded in belief by fasting and wearing sackcloth . . . God heard them in their acts of repentance and changed his mind about the destruction and did not cause harm to them. The people of Nineveh, a great city, were not so busy or so loud as not to hear the word of God from one, who traveled from miles away to bring the message from God.
In 2004, I traveled a days' journey by car from New York City to South Carolina. It was my first return to teach at Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, South Carolina after I had moved on December 1, 2003 from Greenville, SC to Harlem, NY. In the classroom there was no television or radio. We did not have a guest artist or professional entertainer. No one carried on conversation to disrupt the process of teaching. In fact, before any word was given on the subject matter for the theological students, I wanted us to hear a word from God. I had prepared to teach, but I was not prepared to precede God, so I requested silence. I did not ask for silent prayer, but silence. It was to be a time of just listening. We heard the wind outside, cars passing by, students beyond the doors talking, and even the whistling of another professor. Not one person reported hearing God, so we went into silent prayer.
The difference was in a time of silence, I did not ask for a focus on God. Just asked everyone to be in silence, and after a period of time speak to what they heard during the time of silence. However, reflecting on the time of silent prayer, everyone had something to say about speaking to God or what they heard from the Lord during their time of praying in silence. That day "divine silence" was born in my mind and soaked my soul. Divine silence is time spent listening to God, but more than hearing it is a time to be heard. A time of clarity of mind, moments of open heart, and soul searching before coming out with critical reflection - theology.
Let's tell God what we have heard and believe by the way we live. It is through our relationship with the Divine that our actions for the coming days, weeks, and months are to be developed. Having heard the word of God, turn to God in doing, speaking, and living. Someone once said: "Actions speak louder than words." May the acts of our lives speak the power of the divine silence that guides our living. Pray with me in the still of the night.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, be reflected in the living of our being, so the change in our cities reflect the forgiveness of God. Amen.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Abundant Life
Read John 11: 21-27 and Romans 6: 1-13.
I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
The abundant life is a spiritual witness to the love of God. It is not determined by human circumstance. It is directed by the Holy Spirit. In order to live the abundant life, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ. While some may argue that there is more than one way to obtain eternal life, I confess that I only know one way...Jesus! According to John 3:15, Jesus states that whosoever believes in Him "shall not perish but have eternal life."
Abundant life is more than victory over physical death. It is living victoriously over human conditions: poverty, illnesses, death, etc. In our current daily deportment, Christians walk by faith, not by sight. Therefore, our situations, though difficult at times, cannot defeat us because we believe God is always bringing us through.
We encouraged our children to live the abundant life. Ciona is the youngest of my biological children. The lady is a theologian, who never attended seminary. Her street life was limited to giving out bread to the homeless with Lanecia, her older sister, and myself on the streets of Greenville, SC. However, I would not label it "street theology." Akin to the radical theology of love highlighted in the living of Martin Luther King, Jr, I call Ciona a theologian of the heart.
At the age of six years, she wanted to have a ministry to persons with HIV/AIDS; she challenged me as to why I was not a pastor in a church with Blacks and Whites (all God's people); and she vowed to give all beyond her needs to the poor. Tears pouring from her face at the age of 29 years, she still calls for her cognitive processing father to remember the emotions of the heart. "People," she says, "should be respected for what they feel. There is no place for discounting and devaluing the emotions felt in children. Parents need to awaken to thinking about what it may feel like to tell a child you do not care about their feelings. God is not telling us to 'just get over it'. God cares too much to say place your mind over your heart and get on with it. God offers us grace to merge the feelings of the heart with the wisdom of the mind, so that we keep the faith while hoping in the future good. It is with this faith that we work on through the tears with our eyes on the prize."
I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
The abundant life is a spiritual witness to the love of God. It is not determined by human circumstance. It is directed by the Holy Spirit. In order to live the abundant life, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ. While some may argue that there is more than one way to obtain eternal life, I confess that I only know one way...Jesus! According to John 3:15, Jesus states that whosoever believes in Him "shall not perish but have eternal life."
Abundant life is more than victory over physical death. It is living victoriously over human conditions: poverty, illnesses, death, etc. In our current daily deportment, Christians walk by faith, not by sight. Therefore, our situations, though difficult at times, cannot defeat us because we believe God is always bringing us through.
We encouraged our children to live the abundant life. Ciona is the youngest of my biological children. The lady is a theologian, who never attended seminary. Her street life was limited to giving out bread to the homeless with Lanecia, her older sister, and myself on the streets of Greenville, SC. However, I would not label it "street theology." Akin to the radical theology of love highlighted in the living of Martin Luther King, Jr, I call Ciona a theologian of the heart.
At the age of six years, she wanted to have a ministry to persons with HIV/AIDS; she challenged me as to why I was not a pastor in a church with Blacks and Whites (all God's people); and she vowed to give all beyond her needs to the poor. Tears pouring from her face at the age of 29 years, she still calls for her cognitive processing father to remember the emotions of the heart. "People," she says, "should be respected for what they feel. There is no place for discounting and devaluing the emotions felt in children. Parents need to awaken to thinking about what it may feel like to tell a child you do not care about their feelings. God is not telling us to 'just get over it'. God cares too much to say place your mind over your heart and get on with it. God offers us grace to merge the feelings of the heart with the wisdom of the mind, so that we keep the faith while hoping in the future good. It is with this faith that we work on through the tears with our eyes on the prize."
I confess, in my mind, I only know Jesus as the way, the truth, and the light. However, in my heart, I want to be like Jesus. I want to live life in such abundance that I give as the Good Samaritan or the woman at the well or Peter and Paul, or Muhummad Ali or Malcolm X or Alex English, etc. I want to give as Jesus gave, my life for the life of all. My mind says, "hell no", but my heart transforms my mind into a heavenly chorus that sings: "Lord, I want to be like Jesus, in my heart." Medger Evers, Martin Luther King, Jr, James Chaney, and many more gave their lives for us. "Lord, I want to be like Jesus, in my heart." Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Al Sharpton, President Barack H. Obama, and more place their lives on the line for us. Lord, I want to be like Ciona, who is filled with a heart of abundant love, like Jesus. Let me give abundantly.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, help me to live the abundant life through abundant love. Amen.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Where Shall We Begin...
Read: Matthew 2:1-12; and Acts 17:23
"THE UNKNOWN GOD"
We begin 2009 with an understanding of God. God is viewed in the tri-personal nature. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three distinctive persons of our God. The only God, who is above all and in all, is with us. Emmanuel!
We speak of the invisible Godhead as the Father. God in the real sense has not been seen by human eyes. The only exceptions has been declared in the Son, Jesus, our Lord, who is spoken of in John 1:18 as having been in the bosom of the Father.
Jesus is viewed as the Son of God, and is in all the fullness of the Father manifested in the flesh. Many have come to understand by faith what we have been centuries removed from as human beings. However, the Holy Scriptures give witness through followers of the teachings of Jesus that the Son was the existence of God in humanity. Jesus was human, yet divine.
The Holy Spirit is the realization of God acting upon believers, and convicting us of sin while guiding the believer into all truth. So today, we shall begin with the reception of the Holy Spirit - God.
The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed in the New Testament. The current desire is for the members and friends of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, New York to engage in the study of the Trinity. Through this study it is hoped that each person will experience God.
What a powerful year this shall be. In the beginning, we experience the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the end, our experience of God sustains us.
Come, experience God with us!
Agape!
"THE UNKNOWN GOD"
We begin 2009 with an understanding of God. God is viewed in the tri-personal nature. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three distinctive persons of our God. The only God, who is above all and in all, is with us. Emmanuel!
We speak of the invisible Godhead as the Father. God in the real sense has not been seen by human eyes. The only exceptions has been declared in the Son, Jesus, our Lord, who is spoken of in John 1:18 as having been in the bosom of the Father.
Jesus is viewed as the Son of God, and is in all the fullness of the Father manifested in the flesh. Many have come to understand by faith what we have been centuries removed from as human beings. However, the Holy Scriptures give witness through followers of the teachings of Jesus that the Son was the existence of God in humanity. Jesus was human, yet divine.
The Holy Spirit is the realization of God acting upon believers, and convicting us of sin while guiding the believer into all truth. So today, we shall begin with the reception of the Holy Spirit - God.
The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed in the New Testament. The current desire is for the members and friends of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, New York to engage in the study of the Trinity. Through this study it is hoped that each person will experience God.
What a powerful year this shall be. In the beginning, we experience the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the end, our experience of God sustains us.
Come, experience God with us!
Agape!
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