"All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds[b] to all, as any had need. "(Acts 2:44-45)
Many times I hear people telling me about how they live a "biblically based" lifestyle. I then point out passages like this one and the crickets take over.
Realistically in our country this rarely works. Communes do happen, but anything that smells of communism doesn't. And this frankly seems to be communism at its purest.
Most of us cannot fathom selling all our possessions and distributing to all who had need. I think this is partially because we fear being in need ourselves. Also we've become to cynical about people who receive aid really needing it or not.
But the early church had no such concerns. Of course they were also a smaller group then now. But our voracious need for things and a fierce independent streak, make this almost impossible.
Too bad really. I think not keeping up with the economic, materialistic rat race might be a relief.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Reflection for April 25, 2017
" But God raised him up, having freed him from death,[c] because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. "(Acts 2:24)
There are many things that can hold power over us. I've never thought of death as one of them. I can see how fear of death might have power over me, but it doesn't. I'm not afraid of dying. I see it as a midlife crisis, albeit a big one.
If death held me in its power I wouldn't be able to live. I might be breathing but I would not be enjoying life. The resurrection of Jesus which we Christians celebrate each Sunday and especially during these 50 days of Easter is what gives us that freedom. A freedom to live, not to be reckless but to still enjoy the good things God has given us, and to be in right relationship with God and each other.
And it is also that resurrection power that should free us from the other negatives that try to maintain power over us.
Blessings,
Ed
There are many things that can hold power over us. I've never thought of death as one of them. I can see how fear of death might have power over me, but it doesn't. I'm not afraid of dying. I see it as a midlife crisis, albeit a big one.
If death held me in its power I wouldn't be able to live. I might be breathing but I would not be enjoying life. The resurrection of Jesus which we Christians celebrate each Sunday and especially during these 50 days of Easter is what gives us that freedom. A freedom to live, not to be reckless but to still enjoy the good things God has given us, and to be in right relationship with God and each other.
And it is also that resurrection power that should free us from the other negatives that try to maintain power over us.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, April 24, 2017
Reflection for April 24, 2017
" But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”(Acts 2:13)
I haven't personally been drunk since August of 1990. I'm not much of a drinker. I do have a beer once in a while, but not very often. This is not a moral thing for me, just a choice.
That statement, what are you, drunk? whenever you do something strange is funny to me. What I recall about overindulging in alcohol is that it tends to amplify the mood the drunk was in. So happy drunks just get over happy, which by the way can get annoying, mad drunks can get violent, that too is really annoying, and sad drunks get sadder.
The apostles were accused of being drunk when everyone else could suddenly understand what they were saying. I've never noticed clarity coming from being drunk. But when we don't understand something we might look for a cop out excuse.
When we talk about God in ways that make sense to others powerful things can happen. We will always encounter cynics, but we're better off spending our time with those to whom the message is beginning to make sense.
Blessings,
Ed
I haven't personally been drunk since August of 1990. I'm not much of a drinker. I do have a beer once in a while, but not very often. This is not a moral thing for me, just a choice.
That statement, what are you, drunk? whenever you do something strange is funny to me. What I recall about overindulging in alcohol is that it tends to amplify the mood the drunk was in. So happy drunks just get over happy, which by the way can get annoying, mad drunks can get violent, that too is really annoying, and sad drunks get sadder.
The apostles were accused of being drunk when everyone else could suddenly understand what they were saying. I've never noticed clarity coming from being drunk. But when we don't understand something we might look for a cop out excuse.
When we talk about God in ways that make sense to others powerful things can happen. We will always encounter cynics, but we're better off spending our time with those to whom the message is beginning to make sense.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Reflection for April 23, 2017
" And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles."(Acts 1:26)
2 years ago at this time I was involved in two search processes. I had been in 30 others during the year. While I wasn't always a finalist there were a couple of times that the lot could have fallen on me and didn't. I feel blessed that when the lot did fall on me eventually and am fully convinced that God's hand was guiding this.
But I know all to well the feeling of being Joseph called Barsabbas. The privilege of being considered and yet not ultimately chosen. That feeling is not unique to clergy. Anyone who has pursued a job has known what it is like to not get it, even when you'd be really good at it.
We don't hear anything about Joseph Barsabbas after this. I wonder if he continued in ministry? What did God do with him?
Blessings,
Ed
2 years ago at this time I was involved in two search processes. I had been in 30 others during the year. While I wasn't always a finalist there were a couple of times that the lot could have fallen on me and didn't. I feel blessed that when the lot did fall on me eventually and am fully convinced that God's hand was guiding this.
But I know all to well the feeling of being Joseph called Barsabbas. The privilege of being considered and yet not ultimately chosen. That feeling is not unique to clergy. Anyone who has pursued a job has known what it is like to not get it, even when you'd be really good at it.
We don't hear anything about Joseph Barsabbas after this. I wonder if he continued in ministry? What did God do with him?
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Reflection for April 22, 2017
"They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”(Acts 1:11)
I'm pretty sure that all of us at one time or another have been caught staring off into space. Perhaps being told that our heads are in the clouds. And I know that if we'd witnessed what the disciples witnessed we'd spend time staring as well.
Why do we spend time looking toward heaven? Part of it is because we are in awe of what we may have seen. Another part is to detach from our surroundings for a moment and try to think of something else.
I can certainly appreciate that need in both ways. But eventually you got to come back to reality and get on with life.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm pretty sure that all of us at one time or another have been caught staring off into space. Perhaps being told that our heads are in the clouds. And I know that if we'd witnessed what the disciples witnessed we'd spend time staring as well.
Why do we spend time looking toward heaven? Part of it is because we are in awe of what we may have seen. Another part is to detach from our surroundings for a moment and try to think of something else.
I can certainly appreciate that need in both ways. But eventually you got to come back to reality and get on with life.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, April 21, 2017
Reflection for April 21, 2017
"In the Lord have I taken refuge; how then can you say to me, 'Fly away like a bird to the hilltop.'"(Psalm 11:1)
Well today was day 2 of the new normal for Gail and I. Our second doctor's appointment and while the course ahead gets clearer there is still some unknowns that in the days ahead we will have to go through more tests to get the final pieces of the plan.
There is a part of me that would love to just run away. Fly like a bird anywhere. But that isn't what I'll do. I need to be that strong rock for Gail, to be the partner who promised to be with her for better or worse, rich or for poor, IN SICKNESS and in health. I also know that I can't do this alone. I will be leaning heavily on the prayers and support of family and friends and we've received so much from last night through today.
And it is also because I have taken refuge in the Lord, that those prayers and good wishes do not go in one ear and out the other, but form that solid foundation under me and that I know will sustain me through this journey and keep me as a steady support for Gail.
All of us need our support systems, I'm thankful for the one's God has blessed me with, most especially God's presence with me each and every day.
Blessings,
Ed
Well today was day 2 of the new normal for Gail and I. Our second doctor's appointment and while the course ahead gets clearer there is still some unknowns that in the days ahead we will have to go through more tests to get the final pieces of the plan.
There is a part of me that would love to just run away. Fly like a bird anywhere. But that isn't what I'll do. I need to be that strong rock for Gail, to be the partner who promised to be with her for better or worse, rich or for poor, IN SICKNESS and in health. I also know that I can't do this alone. I will be leaning heavily on the prayers and support of family and friends and we've received so much from last night through today.
And it is also because I have taken refuge in the Lord, that those prayers and good wishes do not go in one ear and out the other, but form that solid foundation under me and that I know will sustain me through this journey and keep me as a steady support for Gail.
All of us need our support systems, I'm thankful for the one's God has blessed me with, most especially God's presence with me each and every day.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 20, 2017
"Surely, you behold trouble and misery; you see it and take it into your own hand."(Psalm 10:14)
Last night my family was given very hard news, Gail's biopsy came back and was found to be cancer. That is a call no family ever wants to hear. We are not the first nor will we be the last to hear such news. We were told to make an appointment with an oncologist and a breast surgeon ASAP. After getting past the intial shock, we began to make the phone calls and appointments. And in this era of online stuff the oncologist our doctor said to call had an appointment today and so the journey begins.
I know God beheld our trouble and misery and took it into his hands. Our children were there and we were surrounded by the love of family. God's guidance was clear in leading us to know how to use the gifts given in technology and to not let our trouble and misery paralyze us.
I know that God will continue to hold us in the palms of his hand as we take this journey into the unknown. That knowledge walking hand in hand with the love and support of the family and friends God has gifted us with will be a true gift.
Blessings,
Ed
Last night my family was given very hard news, Gail's biopsy came back and was found to be cancer. That is a call no family ever wants to hear. We are not the first nor will we be the last to hear such news. We were told to make an appointment with an oncologist and a breast surgeon ASAP. After getting past the intial shock, we began to make the phone calls and appointments. And in this era of online stuff the oncologist our doctor said to call had an appointment today and so the journey begins.
I know God beheld our trouble and misery and took it into his hands. Our children were there and we were surrounded by the love of family. God's guidance was clear in leading us to know how to use the gifts given in technology and to not let our trouble and misery paralyze us.
I know that God will continue to hold us in the palms of his hand as we take this journey into the unknown. That knowledge walking hand in hand with the love and support of the family and friends God has gifted us with will be a true gift.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 19, 2017
"Their malice turns back upon their own head; their violence falls upon their own scalp."(Psalm 7:17)
We all know the saying you reap what you sow. I have found that to be generally true, though there are always exceptions to every rule. I suppose that is why I try to treat people the way I wish to be treated. Why I try to refrain from being angry most of the time. I'm not 100% successful at this but I will say that I feel much mote contentment in life not having my life ruled by malice and violence, since when I am angry I never feel right and in fact probably do more damage to myself than to the person I'm angry with.
Eventually an angry person's anger catches up with them directly or indirectly, same thing with people prone to violence.
When our positive and respectful treatment of others comes back to us in kind what a blessing it is. It never feels like a blow to the head.
Blessings,
Ed
We all know the saying you reap what you sow. I have found that to be generally true, though there are always exceptions to every rule. I suppose that is why I try to treat people the way I wish to be treated. Why I try to refrain from being angry most of the time. I'm not 100% successful at this but I will say that I feel much mote contentment in life not having my life ruled by malice and violence, since when I am angry I never feel right and in fact probably do more damage to myself than to the person I'm angry with.
Eventually an angry person's anger catches up with them directly or indirectly, same thing with people prone to violence.
When our positive and respectful treatment of others comes back to us in kind what a blessing it is. It never feels like a blow to the head.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 18, 2017
"My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long?"(Psalm 6:3)
Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster of a day. We had such a great Easter Day at Church and yesteray all of our children and my parentsjoined us to spend time together in over a year. But yesterday morning Gail and I headed to the Breast Center for a biopsy to a large mass that was obvious to the touch and clearly shown on a mammogram.
At this point we know nothing beyond that. While the biopsy will eventually tell us something you don't get immediate results, and lumps in breasts are sometimes not a good sign. I know that I need to be patient and wait. To not play "what if" games in my mind. But there is a part of me that is a tad terrified, though my shaking is not physically obvious. I don't know how long we'll have to wait for the results, but I hope it is not to long. Because as Tom Petty once sang "the waiting is the hardest part."
Blessings,
Ed
Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster of a day. We had such a great Easter Day at Church and yesteray all of our children and my parentsjoined us to spend time together in over a year. But yesterday morning Gail and I headed to the Breast Center for a biopsy to a large mass that was obvious to the touch and clearly shown on a mammogram.
At this point we know nothing beyond that. While the biopsy will eventually tell us something you don't get immediate results, and lumps in breasts are sometimes not a good sign. I know that I need to be patient and wait. To not play "what if" games in my mind. But there is a part of me that is a tad terrified, though my shaking is not physically obvious. I don't know how long we'll have to wait for the results, but I hope it is not to long. Because as Tom Petty once sang "the waiting is the hardest part."
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 17, 2017
"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; early in the morning I make my appeal and watch for you."(Psalm 5:3)
I admit that I'm a morning person. I always have been. Once I'm up, I'm up. I don't know how much past 7 am I could actually sleep. Today like most Monday-Fridays I got up at 5 am, I get dressed, feed the cats and head out to the gym. The gym is actually a part of my prayer time. I do have my headphones on and my "hard rock/heavy metal" playing to tune out the other distractions, but my brain and my hear are also conversing with God, wrestling with that weeks sermon, praying about what is coming up that day and asking for God's guidance.
You might think the music and concentrating on the exercising might work against this, but it doesn't. Since I believe God is listening 24/7 the question for all of us is what time are we willing to start our end of the conversation?
Blessings,
Ed
I admit that I'm a morning person. I always have been. Once I'm up, I'm up. I don't know how much past 7 am I could actually sleep. Today like most Monday-Fridays I got up at 5 am, I get dressed, feed the cats and head out to the gym. The gym is actually a part of my prayer time. I do have my headphones on and my "hard rock/heavy metal" playing to tune out the other distractions, but my brain and my hear are also conversing with God, wrestling with that weeks sermon, praying about what is coming up that day and asking for God's guidance.
You might think the music and concentrating on the exercising might work against this, but it doesn't. Since I believe God is listening 24/7 the question for all of us is what time are we willing to start our end of the conversation?
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 16, 2017
"I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety."(Psalm 4:8)
Happy Easter, (I know that was last week remember I'm catching up and besides Easter is a season not a day!) It was a long week for me and my fellow clerics throughout the world. But one that was also very exhilerating. What I noticed was that I had no problem falling asleep each day.
Perhaps it was because at the end of each day I lay down in peace knowing that I had offered up my best to God that day in leading worship, preaching the Gospel etc. I didn't have to review what worked or didn't. I don't time how long it takes me to fall asleep, but it seems fast.
I know in part that it is a sense of doing my best to fulfill what God needed me to do each day. And there is that satisfaction of sensing God's presence in what we do that at the end of the day we think well done good and faithful servant. Bring on the next day.
Blessings,
Ed
Happy Easter, (I know that was last week remember I'm catching up and besides Easter is a season not a day!) It was a long week for me and my fellow clerics throughout the world. But one that was also very exhilerating. What I noticed was that I had no problem falling asleep each day.
Perhaps it was because at the end of each day I lay down in peace knowing that I had offered up my best to God that day in leading worship, preaching the Gospel etc. I didn't have to review what worked or didn't. I don't time how long it takes me to fall asleep, but it seems fast.
I know in part that it is a sense of doing my best to fulfill what God needed me to do each day. And there is that satisfaction of sensing God's presence in what we do that at the end of the day we think well done good and faithful servant. Bring on the next day.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 15, 2017
"Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?"(Psalm 2:1)
I usually pay some attention to what is going on globally, probably not as much as I should. But with a son serving in the Navy, the saber rattling that I'm seeing makes me nervous. Certainly the leader of North Korea seems to like to run his mouth and act with more bravado than he should. But are his threats empty? I hope so.
Our country last week launched 59 tomahawk missiles into Syria and dropped the "mother of All Bombs on Afghanistan. We were in an uproar over the chemical weapon attack in Syria and the continued battle with ISIL. I wonder if those are just empty threats?
Wars and carnage come when nations get in an uproar. Wars happen and innocent people die because of empty threats, being responded to.
I pray for the President, I pray for all the leaders of the world, that they might find a way around being in an uproar and muttering threats empty or full.
Blessings,
Ed
I usually pay some attention to what is going on globally, probably not as much as I should. But with a son serving in the Navy, the saber rattling that I'm seeing makes me nervous. Certainly the leader of North Korea seems to like to run his mouth and act with more bravado than he should. But are his threats empty? I hope so.
Our country last week launched 59 tomahawk missiles into Syria and dropped the "mother of All Bombs on Afghanistan. We were in an uproar over the chemical weapon attack in Syria and the continued battle with ISIL. I wonder if those are just empty threats?
Wars and carnage come when nations get in an uproar. Wars happen and innocent people die because of empty threats, being responded to.
I pray for the President, I pray for all the leaders of the world, that they might find a way around being in an uproar and muttering threats empty or full.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 14, 2017
"38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?"(Luke 24:38)
Today is Good Friday (okay it actually isn't because I'm trying to catch up) and I've spent the day practically in church related activities since 9 am until 9 pm.
One of the activities of the day was walking with a cross through town and praying at different stops for the various businesses and public places. While I did this last year for the first time, I tried something different this year, I walked the walk wearing my cassock. I don't know why I was scared to do this, but I was a little nervous. Perhaps I spent too much energy worrying about the reaction of people to that, never mind that I'm leading a group through town carrying a fairly large cross.
It is amazing to me what can cause us to doubt and to be frightened. Sometimes being cautious is prudent, but it can also be paralyzing. I love how often Jesus tells us to not be afraid, frightened or scared. When I trust in his presence those fears are often unfounded.
Blessings,
Ed
Today is Good Friday (okay it actually isn't because I'm trying to catch up) and I've spent the day practically in church related activities since 9 am until 9 pm.
One of the activities of the day was walking with a cross through town and praying at different stops for the various businesses and public places. While I did this last year for the first time, I tried something different this year, I walked the walk wearing my cassock. I don't know why I was scared to do this, but I was a little nervous. Perhaps I spent too much energy worrying about the reaction of people to that, never mind that I'm leading a group through town carrying a fairly large cross.
It is amazing to me what can cause us to doubt and to be frightened. Sometimes being cautious is prudent, but it can also be paralyzing. I love how often Jesus tells us to not be afraid, frightened or scared. When I trust in his presence those fears are often unfounded.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 13, 2017
"They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”(Luke 24:32)
In the previous reflection I wrote about our faith experience being something that touches us deep within ourselves. The road to Emmaus passage really gets to the heart of it.
Have you ever read something or been to a lecture that just stirred your heart. You begin to see the connections to your own life, and you feel empowered to do something, to improve yourself, and the motivation is real.
When our intellects and emotions are working in harmony great things happen. When we are on our own faith journeys our personal road to Emmaus it can be truly amazing.
I know that each time I read some passage of scripture I often find something new to deepen my faith with. I know it is even more exciting when my faith journey is joined by others.
Blessings,
Ed
In the previous reflection I wrote about our faith experience being something that touches us deep within ourselves. The road to Emmaus passage really gets to the heart of it.
Have you ever read something or been to a lecture that just stirred your heart. You begin to see the connections to your own life, and you feel empowered to do something, to improve yourself, and the motivation is real.
When our intellects and emotions are working in harmony great things happen. When we are on our own faith journeys our personal road to Emmaus it can be truly amazing.
I know that each time I read some passage of scripture I often find something new to deepen my faith with. I know it is even more exciting when my faith journey is joined by others.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 12, 2017
"But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them."(Luke 24:11)
Trying to explain how one's faith impacts your life to another person can be a challenge. This may be true even when speaking with someone of faith. Our experiences of Jesus and the power of his resurrection our unique to us. So it isn't so hard to imagine other people finding it to be "nice," but perhaps not convinced.
We know however that the resurrection is not an idle tale. It may not be provable but we know it to be true. All's we can do is share our experience and let God do the rest.
Blessings,
Ed
Trying to explain how one's faith impacts your life to another person can be a challenge. This may be true even when speaking with someone of faith. Our experiences of Jesus and the power of his resurrection our unique to us. So it isn't so hard to imagine other people finding it to be "nice," but perhaps not convinced.
We know however that the resurrection is not an idle tale. It may not be provable but we know it to be true. All's we can do is share our experience and let God do the rest.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 11, 2017
"And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts."(Luke 23:48)
The last movie that I went to see, I left wondering why I had gone to see it. It was pointless, gratuitous in its violence, and ultimately I should have left beating my breast too.
We as a culture are often attracted to the macabre. We'll slow down and look at a car wreck, if there's a fire truck we'll watch a building burn. We can watch endless news clips of disasters. We may even get caught up in a mob mentality.
But when the initial rush is over and we realize how we have not actually made the situation better, and in fact have just lost a part of our life that we aren't getting back.
Blessings,
Ed
The last movie that I went to see, I left wondering why I had gone to see it. It was pointless, gratuitous in its violence, and ultimately I should have left beating my breast too.
We as a culture are often attracted to the macabre. We'll slow down and look at a car wreck, if there's a fire truck we'll watch a building burn. We can watch endless news clips of disasters. We may even get caught up in a mob mentality.
But when the initial rush is over and we realize how we have not actually made the situation better, and in fact have just lost a part of our life that we aren't getting back.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Reflection for April 10, 2017
" He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:43)
Over the weekend a dear friend and musical mentor died. David Diehl was my youth choir director here at St. Luke's. I credit him for instilling in me a love for singing. He also was a second father to me, often showing up to my Little League games and talking sports with me.
My theology of resurrection is nourished by the words of Jesus to the thief quoted above. I know there are passages of scripture that point to having to wait for a final trumpet call, but those passages do not inform me.
I like to meditate and take comfort in the fact that Dave and many others upon their death are with Jesus in paradise.
Blessings,
Ed
Over the weekend a dear friend and musical mentor died. David Diehl was my youth choir director here at St. Luke's. I credit him for instilling in me a love for singing. He also was a second father to me, often showing up to my Little League games and talking sports with me.
My theology of resurrection is nourished by the words of Jesus to the thief quoted above. I know there are passages of scripture that point to having to wait for a final trumpet call, but those passages do not inform me.
I like to meditate and take comfort in the fact that Dave and many others upon their death are with Jesus in paradise.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 9, 2017
" But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. "(Luke 23:28)
Today is Palm/Passion Sunday, we will be reading the whole story of Jesus' passion. Each Gospel has it's own unique take on the Passion, in Luke the above verse is one of them.
Often we can look at our current situation and just want to cry. Yet the real tears might rightfully be shed for those who come after us. How often do we speak of worrying about what kind of world we are leaving for our children? And yet very little other than hand wringing occurs. Rarely are steps taken to try and change direction.
Jesus invites us to focus more on the what comes later than to get stuck in the here and now. That's not easy to do, especially if the here and now is quite overwhelming.
Blessings,
Ed
Today is Palm/Passion Sunday, we will be reading the whole story of Jesus' passion. Each Gospel has it's own unique take on the Passion, in Luke the above verse is one of them.
Often we can look at our current situation and just want to cry. Yet the real tears might rightfully be shed for those who come after us. How often do we speak of worrying about what kind of world we are leaving for our children? And yet very little other than hand wringing occurs. Rarely are steps taken to try and change direction.
Jesus invites us to focus more on the what comes later than to get stuck in the here and now. That's not easy to do, especially if the here and now is quite overwhelming.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Reflection for April 8, 2017
" That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies."(Luke 23:12)
As a child I had friends that one day we would be best buddies, the next day hating each other, and then back to being buddies again. I will say that I generally keep my friends, and I rarely an at enmity with others. So I've never had someone that I consider an enemy.
I do know that there are people that I call friends who at a surface level people would think I have nothing in common with, but somehow I try to transcend differences and seek a common place, even if that place is just mutual respect of each other's dignity.
Sometimes our opinion of a person can change because we or they have changed. Sometimes we can become friends because of strange shared interest. I'm not sure that mocking something or someone makes for the best friendships.
Blessings,
Ed
As a child I had friends that one day we would be best buddies, the next day hating each other, and then back to being buddies again. I will say that I generally keep my friends, and I rarely an at enmity with others. So I've never had someone that I consider an enemy.
I do know that there are people that I call friends who at a surface level people would think I have nothing in common with, but somehow I try to transcend differences and seek a common place, even if that place is just mutual respect of each other's dignity.
Sometimes our opinion of a person can change because we or they have changed. Sometimes we can become friends because of strange shared interest. I'm not sure that mocking something or someone makes for the best friendships.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, April 10, 2017
Reflection for April 7, 2017
"But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed."(Luke 22:60)
There are times that I actually feel sorry for Peter. I can only imagine how hard he tried to get out of the jam he found himself in. Three times he denies Jesus, and his denials get stronger each time, as the heat of the moment keeps getting hotter.
I don't know what you're talking about, denial of knowledge is sometimes real. Somebody may say something to you that you really don't know what they are talking about. But it is just as possible that this is a stall or a deflection, hoping that the knowledge you do have won't come to light.
But eventually the cock does crow and we wind up being confronted by a worse reality.
Blessings,
Ed
There are times that I actually feel sorry for Peter. I can only imagine how hard he tried to get out of the jam he found himself in. Three times he denies Jesus, and his denials get stronger each time, as the heat of the moment keeps getting hotter.
I don't know what you're talking about, denial of knowledge is sometimes real. Somebody may say something to you that you really don't know what they are talking about. But it is just as possible that this is a stall or a deflection, hoping that the knowledge you do have won't come to light.
But eventually the cock does crow and we wind up being confronted by a worse reality.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, April 7, 2017
Reflection for April 6, 2017
" In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground."(Luke 22:44)
I work out regularly so I understand sweat. The harder I work the more I sweat. There are other things I do regularly that don't cause me to literally sweat and praying is one of them.
I can imagine though having a figurative sweat while praying. A nervous energy, something so stressful that prayer seems to be the only thing I can do about it.
We can be told "don't sweat it." Meaning of course don't get yourself worked up about something. For Jesus staring death in the face that was not going to happen, he sweated it, literally and figuratively, but took it to a place of prayer.
It is his example in our own times of stress that we should follow.
Blessings,
Ed
I work out regularly so I understand sweat. The harder I work the more I sweat. There are other things I do regularly that don't cause me to literally sweat and praying is one of them.
I can imagine though having a figurative sweat while praying. A nervous energy, something so stressful that prayer seems to be the only thing I can do about it.
We can be told "don't sweat it." Meaning of course don't get yourself worked up about something. For Jesus staring death in the face that was not going to happen, he sweated it, literally and figuratively, but took it to a place of prayer.
It is his example in our own times of stress that we should follow.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 5, 2017
" But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves."(Luke 22:26)
Who's the greatest? Seems to always be the question. Sometimes it can be a discussion about a certain field. But sometimes it can be in house too. There is something within our nature that wants to be the greatest, the most powerful, etc. And yet the reality is that everyone can't be the greatest.
Jesus reframes what it means to be the greatest. That power and authority isn't measured by what you can do, but by how you work with others. The greatest leaders might be those who know how to not draw attention to themselves. It is counter intuitive for sure.
It is hard to be great when you're to busy trying to be the first in line all the time.
Blessings,
Ed
Who's the greatest? Seems to always be the question. Sometimes it can be a discussion about a certain field. But sometimes it can be in house too. There is something within our nature that wants to be the greatest, the most powerful, etc. And yet the reality is that everyone can't be the greatest.
Jesus reframes what it means to be the greatest. That power and authority isn't measured by what you can do, but by how you work with others. The greatest leaders might be those who know how to not draw attention to themselves. It is counter intuitive for sure.
It is hard to be great when you're to busy trying to be the first in line all the time.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Reflection for April 4, 2017
"6 So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present."(Luke 22:1-13)
Being betrayed I would think is one of the lowest experiences. Low because it probably cost you dearly and was done by someone you trusted. Betrayal in front of others is hard enough, when the betrayer doesn't want witnesses even worse.
I have been fortunate to have not been betrayed so far. Let down yes, but never thrown under a bus. I hope I haven't done it to anyone unintentionally. I certainly have never intentionally done so.
We don't know if Judas was ever forgiven, or if he forgave himself. We know what that betrayal cost Jesus. Divine plan or not, it still sucks.
Blessings,
Ed
Being betrayed I would think is one of the lowest experiences. Low because it probably cost you dearly and was done by someone you trusted. Betrayal in front of others is hard enough, when the betrayer doesn't want witnesses even worse.
I have been fortunate to have not been betrayed so far. Let down yes, but never thrown under a bus. I hope I haven't done it to anyone unintentionally. I certainly have never intentionally done so.
We don't know if Judas was ever forgiven, or if he forgave himself. We know what that betrayal cost Jesus. Divine plan or not, it still sucks.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for April 3, 2017
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly,"(Luke 21:34)
Be aware of your surroundings is advice that is often given this day. As a Boy Scout the motto was Be prepared. Jesus invited the disciples to be on guard.
None of these things mean to be afraid. None are an invitation to stop living life. There is an invitation to steer clear of things that can distract us and only amp up or paranoia.
A care free life is one where we don't get bogged down by worries, or allow outside forces to numb us, or to squander our resources, but it is also one where you are alert to what is happening outside and inside of oneself. We may still have surprises in life, and not always positive ones, but we can't let the fear of that possibility stop us dead in our tracks.
Blessings,
Ed
Be aware of your surroundings is advice that is often given this day. As a Boy Scout the motto was Be prepared. Jesus invited the disciples to be on guard.
None of these things mean to be afraid. None are an invitation to stop living life. There is an invitation to steer clear of things that can distract us and only amp up or paranoia.
A care free life is one where we don't get bogged down by worries, or allow outside forces to numb us, or to squander our resources, but it is also one where you are alert to what is happening outside and inside of oneself. We may still have surprises in life, and not always positive ones, but we can't let the fear of that possibility stop us dead in our tracks.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Reflection for April 2, 2017
“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” (Luke 21:9)
Living in the world of 24/7 news cycles a day hardly goes past when we don't hear of wars, insurrections, natural disasters, or just people being cruel to each other. It is hard to not cave in to despair or to be terrified to leave your own home.
Sadly this is nothing new, we just are bombarded with information now, so that it seems to be right at our doorstep. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not make immune from these events, nor does it guarantee my safety. It does give me the ability not to give in to despair.
Are these signs of the end times? I don't think so. And the Bible tells me that's not my concern. And while I will continue to pray for wars to the cease and the innocent victims of our inhumanity.
Blessings,
Ed
Living in the world of 24/7 news cycles a day hardly goes past when we don't hear of wars, insurrections, natural disasters, or just people being cruel to each other. It is hard to not cave in to despair or to be terrified to leave your own home.
Sadly this is nothing new, we just are bombarded with information now, so that it seems to be right at our doorstep. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not make immune from these events, nor does it guarantee my safety. It does give me the ability not to give in to despair.
Are these signs of the end times? I don't think so. And the Bible tells me that's not my concern. And while I will continue to pray for wars to the cease and the innocent victims of our inhumanity.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Reflection for April 1, 2017
" In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.”(Luke 20:33)
I have actually had this question asked of me twice. Fortunately the persons asking were sincere, they really wanted to know. The first lady to ask was my grandmother. She was married twice, my first grandfather past away and she remarried my other grandfather. After he died she asked me who she would be with in heaven. She believed in the resurrection. She had some notion that she would be reunited with those who have gone before. But was concerned who she would be with.
My answer was who would you want to be with. I didn't want an answer though I think I know which one. But I think she was also concerned that who she chose might not have chosen her. And there in I had to explain my theology of heaven. That each of us has our own room. In that room are the people and things that were important to us. Those people may have their own room as well. Heaven for me is not a big city were you keep running into people.
It isn't about the pecking order of marriage in heaven, but a joyful reunion with those we love.
I don't mind answering sincere questions. For Jesus this question was asked from an attempted gotcha.
Blessings,
Ed
I have actually had this question asked of me twice. Fortunately the persons asking were sincere, they really wanted to know. The first lady to ask was my grandmother. She was married twice, my first grandfather past away and she remarried my other grandfather. After he died she asked me who she would be with in heaven. She believed in the resurrection. She had some notion that she would be reunited with those who have gone before. But was concerned who she would be with.
My answer was who would you want to be with. I didn't want an answer though I think I know which one. But I think she was also concerned that who she chose might not have chosen her. And there in I had to explain my theology of heaven. That each of us has our own room. In that room are the people and things that were important to us. Those people may have their own room as well. Heaven for me is not a big city were you keep running into people.
It isn't about the pecking order of marriage in heaven, but a joyful reunion with those we love.
I don't mind answering sincere questions. For Jesus this question was asked from an attempted gotcha.
Blessings,
Ed
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