" Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (Luke 20:22)
There are two things that are guaranteed in life, death and taxes. I haven't met too many people that like death and no one who likes taxes. In our country taxes are always a hot topic. Our politicians promise they will lower our taxes all the time. I honestly haven't seen mine go down. I must be in the wrong tax bracket.
I also know that there are things that my giving to the emperor pays for that I like. Making sure poor people are taken care. Having safe and clean water and food. Good schools and National Parks.
There are things that I'm not so keen about my taxes being used for as well. The sad part is I don't get to decide where the money goes.
I do know that taxes are a necessary evil and that in lowering income you then need to decide how you are lowering spending. And that is where "priorities" start to clash.
Since I'm willing to render to Ceasar, I hope Ceasar will do some work that is more in line with what God might want.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Reflection for March 30, 2017
" He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”(Luke 19:40)
People being silent are often hard to read. How do they actually feel? Have they been told to keep quiet? Are they afraid of what might happen if they spoke up.
There are things that happen that need people to speak up. To not be silent. We can't wait for stones to shout. But somehow God always seems to find a spokesperson or people to not keep silent when something needs to be said.
But often we find ourselves as silent as stones.
Blessings,
Ed
People being silent are often hard to read. How do they actually feel? Have they been told to keep quiet? Are they afraid of what might happen if they spoke up.
There are things that happen that need people to speak up. To not be silent. We can't wait for stones to shout. But somehow God always seems to find a spokesperson or people to not keep silent when something needs to be said.
But often we find ourselves as silent as stones.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Reflection for March 29,2017
" Pharaoh answered, “Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”(Genesis 50:6)
Today I officiated at the funeral of the parent of a friend from high school. It certainly wasn't my first funeral, but it is always a privilege to be invited into people's lives to help them in their time of grief. There weren't a lot of folks there but that was as the deceased wished it.
I always wonder about funeral plans. I haven't written mine out yet, but I should because you never know when they'll be needed. Death is one of the few things we are guaranteed in life. And a gift most of us could give our families is a planned out funeral. Even though the funeral is for the living, it is still a celebration of the deceased's life.
I know I will honor my parents wishes whatever they are, since they haven't shared them with me yet. And I feel certain that my sons will do the same for me and their mom as well.
We aren't called to dwell on death, but we are called to plan for it and then put it away until it is needed.
Blessings,
Ed
Today I officiated at the funeral of the parent of a friend from high school. It certainly wasn't my first funeral, but it is always a privilege to be invited into people's lives to help them in their time of grief. There weren't a lot of folks there but that was as the deceased wished it.
I always wonder about funeral plans. I haven't written mine out yet, but I should because you never know when they'll be needed. Death is one of the few things we are guaranteed in life. And a gift most of us could give our families is a planned out funeral. Even though the funeral is for the living, it is still a celebration of the deceased's life.
I know I will honor my parents wishes whatever they are, since they haven't shared them with me yet. And I feel certain that my sons will do the same for me and their mom as well.
We aren't called to dwell on death, but we are called to plan for it and then put it away until it is needed.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 28, 2017
" All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, blessing each one of them with a suitable blessing."(Genesis 49:28)
I'm not one that puts any real belief in horoscopes, fortune tellers, or facebook quizzes. They are fun for a good laugh. I doubt that anyone has ever at any point in my life made some future prediction about me. And I don't put much stock into a notion of destiny or predestination for that matter.
But I know that I've been prayed for and blessed by others. Relatives and friends do this for each other. So what would be a suitable blessing for me? I suppose it would be that each day I might be a blessing to someone. That I can perform my ministry to the best of my ability. That I might live fully into the vows I've made.
What would a suitable blessing be for you?
Blessings,
Ed
I'm not one that puts any real belief in horoscopes, fortune tellers, or facebook quizzes. They are fun for a good laugh. I doubt that anyone has ever at any point in my life made some future prediction about me. And I don't put much stock into a notion of destiny or predestination for that matter.
But I know that I've been prayed for and blessed by others. Relatives and friends do this for each other. So what would be a suitable blessing for me? I suppose it would be that each day I might be a blessing to someone. That I can perform my ministry to the best of my ability. That I might live fully into the vows I've made.
What would a suitable blessing be for you?
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Reflection for March 27, 2017
"They said, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be slaves to Pharaoh.” (Genesis 47:25)
There are times when someone seems to save us, but the price we have to pay for that "saving" may be more than we bargained for. The truth is we could probably never repay someone who has saved our lives.
The people of Egypt were saved from hunger by Joseph's good planning ahead to have something to offer them, but ultimately they sold everything they had including themselves and the only person who benefitted in the end was Pharaoh.
When we look to leaders to save us, we may be getting ourselves into a bondage that we didn't bargain for. Yet at the same time what can being in dire straits make us do that we might not normally do?
Blessings,
Ed
There are times when someone seems to save us, but the price we have to pay for that "saving" may be more than we bargained for. The truth is we could probably never repay someone who has saved our lives.
The people of Egypt were saved from hunger by Joseph's good planning ahead to have something to offer them, but ultimately they sold everything they had including themselves and the only person who benefitted in the end was Pharaoh.
When we look to leaders to save us, we may be getting ourselves into a bondage that we didn't bargain for. Yet at the same time what can being in dire straits make us do that we might not normally do?
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Reflection for March 26, 2017
" God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” (Genesis 46:2)
Recently our Lenten class talked about what we would say about God. And some of the folks shared how they had at some point in their lives heard God speak to them, audible, not just in their hearts.
At first I didn't think I'd ever had such an experience, but I later recalled that I was once wrestling and was losing my match and I heard a voice that said "he's high roll him." It wasn't my coach and I listened to the voice and did what it said and wound up hitting the move and ultimately winning the match.
Was that God? I can't say for sure, but I do believe that God can speak to us, often more to our hearts and minds than literally in our ears. But when that call comes will I or you be ready to say "Here I am." For me it would come down to does the voice know my name? Does it feel familiar? Having been in relationship with God my whole life, I feel pretty sure that I would know.
Blessings,
Ed
Recently our Lenten class talked about what we would say about God. And some of the folks shared how they had at some point in their lives heard God speak to them, audible, not just in their hearts.
At first I didn't think I'd ever had such an experience, but I later recalled that I was once wrestling and was losing my match and I heard a voice that said "he's high roll him." It wasn't my coach and I listened to the voice and did what it said and wound up hitting the move and ultimately winning the match.
Was that God? I can't say for sure, but I do believe that God can speak to us, often more to our hearts and minds than literally in our ears. But when that call comes will I or you be ready to say "Here I am." For me it would come down to does the voice know my name? Does it feel familiar? Having been in relationship with God my whole life, I feel pretty sure that I would know.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 25, 2017
" So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. "(Genesis 45:8)
A seminary colleague, Karen Campbell, once used a term that I've subsequently heard elsewhere, when God gives you lemons make lemonade. Another way to understand it is to put a positive spin on a negative situation. Looking for that "silver lining." All cliches I know, but they still hold true.
There are times when what we're going through doesn't make any sense. But in hindsight we can see what the reason was. It is also true that God has a way of sometimes using us for good even if it wasn't his plan to have us be in a bad place.
It is hard to see those silver linings or God's hand in something when we are feeling miserable. And yet if I believe in God's presence with me day in and day out, I can sometimes be surprised by what lies on the other end of the story.
Blessings,
Ed
A seminary colleague, Karen Campbell, once used a term that I've subsequently heard elsewhere, when God gives you lemons make lemonade. Another way to understand it is to put a positive spin on a negative situation. Looking for that "silver lining." All cliches I know, but they still hold true.
There are times when what we're going through doesn't make any sense. But in hindsight we can see what the reason was. It is also true that God has a way of sometimes using us for good even if it wasn't his plan to have us be in a bad place.
It is hard to see those silver linings or God's hand in something when we are feeling miserable. And yet if I believe in God's presence with me day in and day out, I can sometimes be surprised by what lies on the other end of the story.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, March 24, 2017
Reflection for March 24, 2017
16 And Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; here we are then, my lord’s slaves, both we and also the one in whose possession the cup has been found.”(Genesis 44:16)
Have you ever been caught in a mess of a situation? Part of a group and somebody does something stupid and suddenly the whole group is in trouble.
Someone probably tries to take the lead in getting out of it. But of course until it is clear what is actually happening no words will help.
In this case the whole thing was a set up. Joseph still playing his brothers. I doubt if I was them, I'd know what to say either. I suppose like Judah, I'd just turn it all over to God, and hope for the best.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever been caught in a mess of a situation? Part of a group and somebody does something stupid and suddenly the whole group is in trouble.
Someone probably tries to take the lead in getting out of it. But of course until it is clear what is actually happening no words will help.
In this case the whole thing was a set up. Joseph still playing his brothers. I doubt if I was them, I'd know what to say either. I suppose like Judah, I'd just turn it all over to God, and hope for the best.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Reflection for March 23, 2017
" With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there."(Genesis 43:30)
When was the last time you cried for joy? Most of the time when cry it is because of something painful. I can think of people who I might long to see again, but it won't happen on this side of my earthly pilgrimage. And knowing that can cause me to get a little misty eyed.
But there are people who are still alive that if and when I get to see them again, it isn't to hard for me to imagine weeping a little. Our bonds of affection are often stronger than we realize and weeping with joy is not really all that weird.
As a private person I probably like Joseph would take my weeping somewhere else. But I know this I'm quite capable of shedding tears.
Blessings,
Ed
When was the last time you cried for joy? Most of the time when cry it is because of something painful. I can think of people who I might long to see again, but it won't happen on this side of my earthly pilgrimage. And knowing that can cause me to get a little misty eyed.
But there are people who are still alive that if and when I get to see them again, it isn't to hard for me to imagine weeping a little. Our bonds of affection are often stronger than we realize and weeping with joy is not really all that weird.
As a private person I probably like Joseph would take my weeping somewhere else. But I know this I'm quite capable of shedding tears.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Reflection for March 22, 2017
" Then the man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, take grain for the famine of your households, and go your way."(Genesis 42:33)
Sometimes people just like to mess with your mind. They will feign being mad, or pretend to be doing something or being someone, while really heading in a different direction.
It can be unnerving, especially if you are feeling somewhat guilty. Joseph messes with his brothers in this way. A little payback, though they don't know it at the time.
I try not to mess with people this way. If I'm not actually mad, I don't pretend to be, and if I am, which isn't often, it is pretty clear.
Blessings,
Ed
Sometimes people just like to mess with your mind. They will feign being mad, or pretend to be doing something or being someone, while really heading in a different direction.
It can be unnerving, especially if you are feeling somewhat guilty. Joseph messes with his brothers in this way. A little payback, though they don't know it at the time.
I try not to mess with people this way. If I'm not actually mad, I don't pretend to be, and if I am, which isn't often, it is pretty clear.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 21, 2017
"He gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty[c] in the land of Egypt, and stored up food in the cities; he stored up in every city the food from the fields around it. "(Genesis 41:48)
Planning for the future is something all of us are encouraged to do. Look at the wide range of financial planners that advertise. Most of us know that we should but sometimes putting it into actual practice is hard.
In a perfect world I'd love to be able to put aside a certain amount of each paycheck. But bills, expected and unexpected seem to get in the way. And of course the longer you put it off the harder it is to get going.
Yet when we take the time when we have a little extra, to put it aside and not immediately use it, we might be better off when things get a little tight.
Easier said than done, I know.
Blessings,
Ed
Planning for the future is something all of us are encouraged to do. Look at the wide range of financial planners that advertise. Most of us know that we should but sometimes putting it into actual practice is hard.
In a perfect world I'd love to be able to put aside a certain amount of each paycheck. But bills, expected and unexpected seem to get in the way. And of course the longer you put it off the harder it is to get going.
Yet when we take the time when we have a little extra, to put it aside and not immediately use it, we might be better off when things get a little tight.
Easier said than done, I know.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Reflection for March 20, 2017
"But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison."(Genesis 40:14)
Have you ever done a kindness to someone? Helped them out of some jam, gave some sage advice, that proved helpful? We should do this, just because it is the right thing to do. And also if we really have the means or the knowledge to help.
Yet somehow I find that there is a part of me that hopes that if I were in a bind perhaps the same people would help me. Would they remember how I treated them and do likewise? Not necessarily right away, but perhaps at some point.
Often these returns take longer than we might hope. Perhaps we may have even forgotten about it ourselves. But when it does happen what a truly joy filled moment it is.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever done a kindness to someone? Helped them out of some jam, gave some sage advice, that proved helpful? We should do this, just because it is the right thing to do. And also if we really have the means or the knowledge to help.
Yet somehow I find that there is a part of me that hopes that if I were in a bind perhaps the same people would help me. Would they remember how I treated them and do likewise? Not necessarily right away, but perhaps at some point.
Often these returns take longer than we might hope. Perhaps we may have even forgotten about it ourselves. But when it does happen what a truly joy filled moment it is.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Reflection for March 19, 2017
" The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper."(Genesis 39:23)
There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in a good place. We like our jobs, the towns we live in, the people we associate with. And when things are going well we certainly sense God's presence with us.
There are times of course in life, when we don't love where we are, what we do or who we are with. The challenge is in those times to trust that God is still present with us.
Although Joseph found himself in jail, who he was and the way God used him for good continued. I'm sure there were other places he'd rather be, but the results were still the same.
I'm currently happy with all aspects of my life. But should something change in a not so positive way, I hope I can remember that God is still with me.
Blessings,
Ed
There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in a good place. We like our jobs, the towns we live in, the people we associate with. And when things are going well we certainly sense God's presence with us.
There are times of course in life, when we don't love where we are, what we do or who we are with. The challenge is in those times to trust that God is still present with us.
Although Joseph found himself in jail, who he was and the way God used him for good continued. I'm sure there were other places he'd rather be, but the results were still the same.
I'm currently happy with all aspects of my life. But should something change in a not so positive way, I hope I can remember that God is still with me.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Reflection for March 18, 2017
"He had another dream, and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” (Genesis 37:9)
All of us dream. While we sleep for sure. Sometimes I can recall my dreams, but unless they are funny, I rarely recall them. Usually I just remember my brain shutting them down and waking me up.
All of us daydream as well. Usually about what we'd like our future to be. Occasionally dreaming of perhaps happier times in our past. I know I can be guilty of doing those things.
Without dreams we can't process what's going on. Without dreams we can't imagine a future. Joseph's dreams didn't help him much in the beginning. They just seemed to strain an already volatile sibling rivalry.
Sometimes its good to share our dreams with others. They might help us see them through or at least ask us what we ate the night before. However there are times that we'd be better served keeping them to ourselves.
Blessings,
Ed
All of us dream. While we sleep for sure. Sometimes I can recall my dreams, but unless they are funny, I rarely recall them. Usually I just remember my brain shutting them down and waking me up.
All of us daydream as well. Usually about what we'd like our future to be. Occasionally dreaming of perhaps happier times in our past. I know I can be guilty of doing those things.
Without dreams we can't process what's going on. Without dreams we can't imagine a future. Joseph's dreams didn't help him much in the beginning. They just seemed to strain an already volatile sibling rivalry.
Sometimes its good to share our dreams with others. They might help us see them through or at least ask us what we ate the night before. However there are times that we'd be better served keeping them to ourselves.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, March 17, 2017
Reflection for March 17, 2017
" For their possessions were too great for them to live together; the land where they were staying could not support them because of their livestock."(Genesis 36:7)
One of my favorite cartoons growing up was School House Rock. There was one song called "Elbow Room."
One of my favorite cartoons growing up was School House Rock. There was one song called "Elbow Room."
It's sort of in are nation's DNA. But it is true all of us like space. Sometimes we get to a place where we need to separate from folks who we may love, because there's just not enough room for us to continue to grow, but hopefully not so far apart that the relationship dies.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Reflection for March 16, 2017
" And Isaac breathed his last; he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him."(Genesis 35:29)
Death is something none of us can avoid. Not only will we die at some point, but we will experience the death of beloved relatives and friends as we walk our earthly pilgrimage. As a priest, I have the privilege of walking with people as they say those goodbyes.
We all hope that at the end of our life it could be said that we were old and full of days. That we lived a good long life that was fulfilling. And that our family and friends would be present to bury us.
Jacobs journey back home leads him to be present at his father's death. When I drive up to see my parents I know that there will come a day when that drive is not just for some time with them. I hope it will be when they are old and full of days.
Blessings,
Ed
Death is something none of us can avoid. Not only will we die at some point, but we will experience the death of beloved relatives and friends as we walk our earthly pilgrimage. As a priest, I have the privilege of walking with people as they say those goodbyes.
We all hope that at the end of our life it could be said that we were old and full of days. That we lived a good long life that was fulfilling. And that our family and friends would be present to bury us.
Jacobs journey back home leads him to be present at his father's death. When I drive up to see my parents I know that there will come a day when that drive is not just for some time with them. I hope it will be when they are old and full of days.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 15, 2017
"just as the sons of Jacob came in from the field. When they heard of it, the men were indignant and very angry, because he had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done."(Genesis 34:7)
This chapter of Genesis is not one we read in church for obvious reasons. It is as Phyllis Trible would say a "text of terror." The outrage should be the rape itself, but it is more about purity of line and economics also.
I know that when someone mistreats any member of my family I get indignant and very angry too. I don't know how angry I'd be if an actual crime were to occur.
There are events in life, that should make us indignant and very angry, because they ought not to be done. It doesn't always have to involve an immediate family member, it can just be about the treatment of other members of the human family as well.
Blessings,
Ed.
This chapter of Genesis is not one we read in church for obvious reasons. It is as Phyllis Trible would say a "text of terror." The outrage should be the rape itself, but it is more about purity of line and economics also.
I know that when someone mistreats any member of my family I get indignant and very angry too. I don't know how angry I'd be if an actual crime were to occur.
There are events in life, that should make us indignant and very angry, because they ought not to be done. It doesn't always have to involve an immediate family member, it can just be about the treatment of other members of the human family as well.
Blessings,
Ed.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Reflection for March 14, 2017
"But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept."(Genesis 33:4)
Have you ever had a falling out with a friend or family member? I've been fortunate to have not experienced this, but I can imagine that it would be painful.
What might be even more painful is knowing that your paths may cross again. And the anticipation of how the person you feel estranged from will react to seeing you.
One can hope that it would be like Esau and there would be joy at seeing each other again, and letting the past be in the past. It could also go the other way. But sometimes the trust needs to be there to see the other person and see what God may do to the reunion.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever had a falling out with a friend or family member? I've been fortunate to have not experienced this, but I can imagine that it would be painful.
What might be even more painful is knowing that your paths may cross again. And the anticipation of how the person you feel estranged from will react to seeing you.
One can hope that it would be like Esau and there would be joy at seeing each other again, and letting the past be in the past. It could also go the other way. But sometimes the trust needs to be there to see the other person and see what God may do to the reunion.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 13, 2017
" Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak."(Genesis 32:24)
One of my favorite sports is wrestling. I was a wrestler in high school, albeit not a very good one, but somehow still loved the sport. Both of my sons wrestled, and I still follow their team, the Gateway Gators.
I will probably watch some of the NCAA wrestling tournament this week. There was even a time when I loved "professional wrestling."
So this story of Jacob wrestling touches my heart. I'm impressed that he achieved a draw, and came out blessed.
I also know that I often wrestle with questions, or problems that are not physical but mental. These wrestling often happen when I'm alone, and sometimes do keep me up past my bedtime.
The challenge is not to avoid those wrestlings, no matter how strong the "opponent."
Blessings,
Ed
One of my favorite sports is wrestling. I was a wrestler in high school, albeit not a very good one, but somehow still loved the sport. Both of my sons wrestled, and I still follow their team, the Gateway Gators.
I will probably watch some of the NCAA wrestling tournament this week. There was even a time when I loved "professional wrestling."
So this story of Jacob wrestling touches my heart. I'm impressed that he achieved a draw, and came out blessed.
I also know that I often wrestle with questions, or problems that are not physical but mental. These wrestling often happen when I'm alone, and sometimes do keep me up past my bedtime.
The challenge is not to avoid those wrestlings, no matter how strong the "opponent."
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 12, 2017
" and the pillar[g] Mizpah,[h] for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are absent one from the other."(Genesis 31:49)
There are people in my life who I am absent from for various periods of time. With my wife it is usually at a minimum 7 hours daily, because she works. I still hope that while she is at work the Lord will watch over us while we are apart. I have other family members that I don't see as often and I have friends some of whom I don't see for years, but I also hope that the Lord watches over them as well.
Laban statement to Jacob is not as loving. He's warning Jacob to think about what he does in relationship to Laban when they aren't together. Pretty much act towards me when we aren't face to face as you would if we were.
I hope that how I feel and act towards people is the same whether I'm with them or apart. And the fact that God sees those actions ought to make me keep those relationships in mind.
Blessings,
Ed
There are people in my life who I am absent from for various periods of time. With my wife it is usually at a minimum 7 hours daily, because she works. I still hope that while she is at work the Lord will watch over us while we are apart. I have other family members that I don't see as often and I have friends some of whom I don't see for years, but I also hope that the Lord watches over them as well.
Laban statement to Jacob is not as loving. He's warning Jacob to think about what he does in relationship to Laban when they aren't together. Pretty much act towards me when we aren't face to face as you would if we were.
I hope that how I feel and act towards people is the same whether I'm with them or apart. And the fact that God sees those actions ought to make me keep those relationships in mind.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Reflection for March 11, 2017
" So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” (Genesis 30:33)
Honesty and integrity are things that we look for in people. We hope we will find them present, but it isn't always the case. Honesty is always the best policy no doubt. Interestlingly in this case Jacob's honesty has a caveat.
He only took the speckled and spotted goats and black lambs. And while Laban his Uncle and boss tried to make sure there were none to be had, Jacob found away to create this type of sheep. So there was a little something up his sleeve.
He had to be a little ingenious to get around the treachery of another in order to keep his honesty. His "honesty" is often a bit muddied. And that can sometimes be true for us as well. How much of the truth are we willing to speak? How often do we leave ambiguous? The answer to those question is what we'll be judged by later.
Blessings,
Ed
Honesty and integrity are things that we look for in people. We hope we will find them present, but it isn't always the case. Honesty is always the best policy no doubt. Interestlingly in this case Jacob's honesty has a caveat.
He only took the speckled and spotted goats and black lambs. And while Laban his Uncle and boss tried to make sure there were none to be had, Jacob found away to create this type of sheep. So there was a little something up his sleeve.
He had to be a little ingenious to get around the treachery of another in order to keep his honesty. His "honesty" is often a bit muddied. And that can sometimes be true for us as well. How much of the truth are we willing to speak? How often do we leave ambiguous? The answer to those question is what we'll be judged by later.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 10, 2017
" When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. 27 Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” (Genesis 29:25-26)
I'm very grateful that I met my wife when and how I did. She was volunteering in the admissions office of her college and I was a new staff member. She watched my apartment while I was on the road recruiting and the then there's the rest of the story.
I say grateful, not only because I met Gail, but also that I don't have to try and navigate the dating scene these days. I'd be lousy at it and my vocation is not exactly one that makes starting a relationship easy, though I know people who have done it.
How did you meet your significant other, if you have one? I don't know that the biblical model as revealed in this passage would work anymore. But I know this that if someone is worth having in your life, it does take some work. And maybe that's what Jacob models for us.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm very grateful that I met my wife when and how I did. She was volunteering in the admissions office of her college and I was a new staff member. She watched my apartment while I was on the road recruiting and the then there's the rest of the story.
I say grateful, not only because I met Gail, but also that I don't have to try and navigate the dating scene these days. I'd be lousy at it and my vocation is not exactly one that makes starting a relationship easy, though I know people who have done it.
How did you meet your significant other, if you have one? I don't know that the biblical model as revealed in this passage would work anymore. But I know this that if someone is worth having in your life, it does take some work. And maybe that's what Jacob models for us.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, March 10, 2017
Reflection for March 9, 2017
" Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16)
I believe in God's immanence, you know that God is everywhere. I will also say that I have felt God's presence more strongly at various times and in various places.
I usually know or sense God's presence when I'm in church, especially one where people have gathered for worship. Though I can walk into a very beautiful church and sense God's presence even when I may be the only one in the building.
I have felt God's presence while being outdoors. Just enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds me, hearing the non man made noises and smelling the smells, tells me that God is present.
I sense God's presence when I witness people treating others kindly and with compassion. Sometimes in large ways more often in small.
I also know of God's presence even in places where it isn't so obvious. But I think to know God's presence you really have to know God.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 8, 2017
"Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, father? Bless me, me also, father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept."(Genesis 27:38)
Have you ever had someone take or get something that should have been yours. You know they didn't earn it. They may even have stolen your idea and gotten all the credit. It can be even worse when it is someone close to you. It isn't hard to understand why Esau wept.
The fact that Isaac, was so easily duped is also troubling, but he's never been a strong patriarch. That there could only be one blessing available is also sad.
I believe that God still blesses me even when I don't get something I believe I should have. I certainly have felt the pain of losing out to someone else and not being able to see what they had going for them that I didn't.
So like Esau, I too cry out, but I also continue to seek a blessing rather than wallow in self pity.
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever had someone take or get something that should have been yours. You know they didn't earn it. They may even have stolen your idea and gotten all the credit. It can be even worse when it is someone close to you. It isn't hard to understand why Esau wept.
The fact that Isaac, was so easily duped is also troubling, but he's never been a strong patriarch. That there could only be one blessing available is also sad.
I believe that God still blesses me even when I don't get something I believe I should have. I certainly have felt the pain of losing out to someone else and not being able to see what they had going for them that I didn't.
So like Esau, I too cry out, but I also continue to seek a blessing rather than wallow in self pity.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 7, 2017
" Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ "(Luke 19:20-21)
Playing it safe is something we do from time to time. We don't want to fail so we take no risks. The funny thing is that sometimes in playing it safe, the very thing we hope to avoid is in fact what happens.
Part of that is fear of the repercussions from failing. Someone that we respect or sadly maybe fear, might come after us or lose respect for us. And yet the same thing can happen when we don't even try.
When we don't use what we have, either materially or just in terms of talents or expertise we risk looking back and wondering why we squandered those opportunities.
When I look at my relationship with God, do I use the gifts given to me or am I afraid of God and therefore hold back. I actually believe God is more compassionate towards a well tried failure than a low risk success. But if you believe God to be a harsh judge, it's no wonder one might hold back.
Blessings,
Ed
Playing it safe is something we do from time to time. We don't want to fail so we take no risks. The funny thing is that sometimes in playing it safe, the very thing we hope to avoid is in fact what happens.
Part of that is fear of the repercussions from failing. Someone that we respect or sadly maybe fear, might come after us or lose respect for us. And yet the same thing can happen when we don't even try.
When we don't use what we have, either materially or just in terms of talents or expertise we risk looking back and wondering why we squandered those opportunities.
When I look at my relationship with God, do I use the gifts given to me or am I afraid of God and therefore hold back. I actually believe God is more compassionate towards a well tried failure than a low risk success. But if you believe God to be a harsh judge, it's no wonder one might hold back.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 6, 2017
"So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. "(Luke 19:4)
You may recall as a child or perhaps as a parent of a child, needing to be on someone's shoulders because you couldn't see. It is a very frustrating feeling when someone or many people taller than you.
Zaccheus was not going to get much sympathy or help with his dilemma. When you've made enough enemies, no one's going to give you a break. But there's a tree nearby and so up he goes.
The funny thing about a sycamore tree in that part of the world is it isn't very tall. Getting up that tree was not a struggle, but got him high enough to see and be seen.
Sometimes in order for us to see what we need to see we have to adjust our viewpoint a little. Not everything has to be a huge effort. But when we change our vantage point, we may be surprised what happens.
Blessings,
Ed
You may recall as a child or perhaps as a parent of a child, needing to be on someone's shoulders because you couldn't see. It is a very frustrating feeling when someone or many people taller than you.
Zaccheus was not going to get much sympathy or help with his dilemma. When you've made enough enemies, no one's going to give you a break. But there's a tree nearby and so up he goes.
The funny thing about a sycamore tree in that part of the world is it isn't very tall. Getting up that tree was not a struggle, but got him high enough to see and be seen.
Sometimes in order for us to see what we need to see we have to adjust our viewpoint a little. Not everything has to be a huge effort. But when we change our vantage point, we may be surprised what happens.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Reflection for March 5, 2017
He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”(Luke 18:27)
I always love when someone tells me that something is impossible. I might concede improbable, but never impossible. This is especially true for me when it comes to what God may and can do.
I certainly have limitations and there are things that are impossible for me, and also unadvisable for me to even attempt. But Jesus isn't talking about some sort of feat. He's talking about who can be saved. He turns the world view upside down, by showing that it isn't just rich people who are worthy of God's special blessing. As a matter of fact it is harder because they have so much to sacrifice.
We don't always know ahead of time what may be asked of us, and whether we can do it. But thanks be to God that even our feeblest efforts God can make into something amazing.
Blessings,
Ed
I always love when someone tells me that something is impossible. I might concede improbable, but never impossible. This is especially true for me when it comes to what God may and can do.
I certainly have limitations and there are things that are impossible for me, and also unadvisable for me to even attempt. But Jesus isn't talking about some sort of feat. He's talking about who can be saved. He turns the world view upside down, by showing that it isn't just rich people who are worthy of God's special blessing. As a matter of fact it is harder because they have so much to sacrifice.
We don't always know ahead of time what may be asked of us, and whether we can do it. But thanks be to God that even our feeblest efforts God can make into something amazing.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Reflection for March 4, 2017
"The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ "(Luke 18:11-12)
Is there a wrong way to pray? Well yes there is! And the above quote shows it. If our prayers begin by telling God how great we are in comparison with others, we're off to a bad start. When we feel pressed to remind God of all the great things we've done, we're off to a bad start.
God knows all that we've done, both the good and the not so good. We can move away from the more narcissistic prayers and more towards the help me where I need some work.
Blessings,
Ed
Is there a wrong way to pray? Well yes there is! And the above quote shows it. If our prayers begin by telling God how great we are in comparison with others, we're off to a bad start. When we feel pressed to remind God of all the great things we've done, we're off to a bad start.
God knows all that we've done, both the good and the not so good. We can move away from the more narcissistic prayers and more towards the help me where I need some work.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Reflections for March 3, 2017
" Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it."(Luke 17:33)
Lately my cell phone keeps getting calls from a "home security company." They keep offering me a free system, until I tell the automated voice that I don't own my home, then they go away.
We live in a time when security seems to be the word of the day. We are told that we should live in fear of someone or something. That we are powerless without some system to protect us. And that we should give our power away or some of our money to make us secure from these unnamed threats.
Jesus tells us that the opposite is true. That in attempting to make ourselves "secure" we actually lose our life. For me the warning is about again, living in fear of something that I need to be protected from, and as the fear and paranoia take over I stop enjoying being alive.
See I get to keep living when I choose to lose a life that is based on some false sense of security. I get to keep my iife when I lose the fear and paranoia. I get to keep my life when I put my trust in God and go about living my life in freedom.
Blessings,
Ed
Lately my cell phone keeps getting calls from a "home security company." They keep offering me a free system, until I tell the automated voice that I don't own my home, then they go away.
We live in a time when security seems to be the word of the day. We are told that we should live in fear of someone or something. That we are powerless without some system to protect us. And that we should give our power away or some of our money to make us secure from these unnamed threats.
Jesus tells us that the opposite is true. That in attempting to make ourselves "secure" we actually lose our life. For me the warning is about again, living in fear of something that I need to be protected from, and as the fear and paranoia take over I stop enjoying being alive.
See I get to keep living when I choose to lose a life that is based on some false sense of security. I get to keep my iife when I lose the fear and paranoia. I get to keep my life when I put my trust in God and go about living my life in freedom.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 2, 2017
" Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded?"(Luke 17:9)
All of us have been taught to say thank you. Thank you when someone gives us something or thank you when they do something for us. We call please and thank you "the magic words" for a reason. And it is also true that most of us like to be thanked. We may say no thanks are necessary, "just doing my job." But the reality is that we feel better about what we do, when we are thanked.
While being thanked is important, there are times when we are just doing what we are supposed to do, either because it is in the job description, or it is just the right thing to do.
So while Jesus may be indicating that we shouldn't expect to be thanked, I know that I try to make it a practice to do so, even if someone is just doing what they are paid to do. I do so mainly because I never know how that person's day is going, and perhaps that one positive word from me, that brief and perhaps unnecessary thank you, might make all the difference in the world to them.
Blessings,
Ed
All of us have been taught to say thank you. Thank you when someone gives us something or thank you when they do something for us. We call please and thank you "the magic words" for a reason. And it is also true that most of us like to be thanked. We may say no thanks are necessary, "just doing my job." But the reality is that we feel better about what we do, when we are thanked.
While being thanked is important, there are times when we are just doing what we are supposed to do, either because it is in the job description, or it is just the right thing to do.
So while Jesus may be indicating that we shouldn't expect to be thanked, I know that I try to make it a practice to do so, even if someone is just doing what they are paid to do. I do so mainly because I never know how that person's day is going, and perhaps that one positive word from me, that brief and perhaps unnecessary thank you, might make all the difference in the world to them.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for March 1, 2017
"He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ "(Luke 16:30)
Today is Ash Wednesday. A day when we are reminded of our mortality and our need for repentance in our lives.
All of us have something that we need to repent of. The degree of brokenness may vary but the healing is still the same. The question is always what would it take to get us to see what is going on with ourselves and repent and start over?
In the quote, the rich man believes that someone coming back from the dead would wake up his brothers to the brokenness of their lives. In Jesus' parable he says that won't work. If you don't already know what to do being scared straight won't work either.
The reminder all of us have is that Christ raising from the dead is the restart that we can choose to have. But we've always been pointed that way because scripture tells us this.
The chasm of us and them is still very real. Perhaps it is only through following Christ that we can hope to decrease the size of that chasm.
Blessings,
Ed
Today is Ash Wednesday. A day when we are reminded of our mortality and our need for repentance in our lives.
All of us have something that we need to repent of. The degree of brokenness may vary but the healing is still the same. The question is always what would it take to get us to see what is going on with ourselves and repent and start over?
In the quote, the rich man believes that someone coming back from the dead would wake up his brothers to the brokenness of their lives. In Jesus' parable he says that won't work. If you don't already know what to do being scared straight won't work either.
The reminder all of us have is that Christ raising from the dead is the restart that we can choose to have. But we've always been pointed that way because scripture tells us this.
The chasm of us and them is still very real. Perhaps it is only through following Christ that we can hope to decrease the size of that chasm.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Reflection for February 28, 2017
" No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”(Luke 16:13)
Tonight the President Trump will address both houses of Congress. Nothing new there. I won't be watching, not because of who is speaking, but because I never watch these things. I can catch the highlights or low lights depending on one's perspective, later. Much of what he will talk about leads to a discussion about prosperity in some form or another, and again that's not unique to him.
What I've noticed lately is how much of what has always driven our politics and our national psyche is economics. How much money rules our lives, defines who we are, and often leads to our own self worth. The drive to have wealth has always been problematic. We never really know when we have "enough." And we work ourselves silly to get that wealth only to have no energy left to enjoy it. I don't hate money, but I'm not a slave to it either. It is a sad necessity to live in this world, however I've found that my devotion to God has usually led to me having what I need.
Blessings,
Ed
Tonight the President Trump will address both houses of Congress. Nothing new there. I won't be watching, not because of who is speaking, but because I never watch these things. I can catch the highlights or low lights depending on one's perspective, later. Much of what he will talk about leads to a discussion about prosperity in some form or another, and again that's not unique to him.
What I've noticed lately is how much of what has always driven our politics and our national psyche is economics. How much money rules our lives, defines who we are, and often leads to our own self worth. The drive to have wealth has always been problematic. We never really know when we have "enough." And we work ourselves silly to get that wealth only to have no energy left to enjoy it. I don't hate money, but I'm not a slave to it either. It is a sad necessity to live in this world, however I've found that my devotion to God has usually led to me having what I need.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for February 27, 2017
" But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends."(Luke 15:29)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, or as Henry Nouwen called it the Parable of the Merciful Father, speaks to many of us. I have often when preaching on it asked people where they are in terms of birth order in their families. Are you the oldest? Perhaps the youngest. What if you're the middle child or an only child? How does this story resonate?
For me as the oldest child, I know I could easily identify with the older son. I know that kind of loyalty, not breaking the rules type of personality. I understand the hidden bitterness when others seem to get away with stuff, that I wouldn't have thought to do or have had the courage to do.
What I need to remind myself is that the overwhelming love and generosity of God towards others doesn't diminish God's love and generosity towards me.
Isn't that true in so much of life? Why do we always look to what we might lose if someone else gains? Instead of giving thanks for the wonderful gifts that we've been given, not out of reward for perfect behavior, but just because.
Blessings,
Ed
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, or as Henry Nouwen called it the Parable of the Merciful Father, speaks to many of us. I have often when preaching on it asked people where they are in terms of birth order in their families. Are you the oldest? Perhaps the youngest. What if you're the middle child or an only child? How does this story resonate?
For me as the oldest child, I know I could easily identify with the older son. I know that kind of loyalty, not breaking the rules type of personality. I understand the hidden bitterness when others seem to get away with stuff, that I wouldn't have thought to do or have had the courage to do.
What I need to remind myself is that the overwhelming love and generosity of God towards others doesn't diminish God's love and generosity towards me.
Isn't that true in so much of life? Why do we always look to what we might lose if someone else gains? Instead of giving thanks for the wonderful gifts that we've been given, not out of reward for perfect behavior, but just because.
Blessings,
Ed
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