Wednesday, October 25, 2023

“Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.” (James 4: 1 3, The Message Bible)

               Some thoughts while wars wage…

                I have seen some nasty church fights in my time, especially when I was an Area Minister for the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. A lot of my time was spent refereeing, mediating, separating sides, arbitrating. Pastor versus congregants.  Congregational splits; for example, over the use of contemporary music and guitars and drums.  Deep divides between the combatants. No love. No mercy, No forgiveness. No tolerance. People acting out the worse behaviour possible. Loss of trust in each other. Criticisms flying. Accusations made. Divided churches. No good outcome.

              On one occasion, a parishioner was demanding that I do something about their pastor. I told the person that she might not like what I might do. She replied, “Good. Then, we will have some one to blame.”

   And to be totally honest, during my pastoral stints, I could cause a good church controversy as well as anyone. I was once accused of delighting in causing a big stink. I didn’t, but I also never backed away from those who disagreed with me. It made life interesting.

                It must all make Jesus weep.

                The church to which James is writing is in a self-inflicted mess. There are deep divisions between the rich and the poor. There is gossip and back-biting. Some ignore the poor and their needs.  They talk a good game in regards to their Christian faith but their actions don’t support their faith. There is a lot of pushing and shoving for privileges and prestige. There are negative judgments of each other. We could be describing the congressional GOP in the United States these days but sadly we are describing a church.

                James writes a very blunt letter, no holds barred. In our text from James 4, he hits the nail on the head. Everybody is fighting for what they want and have no consideration for what anyone else wants.  Everybody wants their own way.  Selfishness runs rampant. They will go to any ends and any means to get what they want. It’s all about themselves.  And when people are only out for themselves, there will be the inevitable quarrels, nasty disagreements, and brokenness. All will suffer.

                It is true in churches. It is true in families. It is true in politics. It is true in global affairs.

                James offers a solution: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”  (James 4: 7 -10, New Living Translation)

                Get right with God. Put others ahead of yourself. Love one another.

                Jesus put it this way: “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29 -31, NLT)

                Why is this so hard? Why do we twist and bend these core values of how-to live in unity and harmony with each other?

                “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.” (Romans 12: 16, TMB)

                Let there be peace on earth, for heaven’s sake!

                “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3: 14, NLT)

                Amen to that!

 Dale

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2, New Living Translation)

                 When the world ends, it would seem that we will all look very pretty with clean hair  and smell even nicer if my recent shopping trip to the drug store means anything.

                Susan needed some new shampoo as part of my shopping list.  She asked for a particular brand-name. It is mind-boggling that a whole aisle is given over to hair products. Over half of that is given over to various makes of shampoos. Apparently, humankind is obsessed about their hair. There are specific shampoos for every hair style, every hair colour, every hair condition and more. Dozens and dozens. Just to wash one’s hair.

                I had to ask a floor-clerk for help to find the brand I was looking for. But then, I discovered that there were almost a dozen different scents to choose from in this brand alone. Yikes! It is a big responsibility to have to decide what one wants his wife to smell like. Au naturel (sounds dangerous). Heavenly (seemed appropriate for a minister’s wife).  Wildflower. Cherry. Tropical. Blush (what does blush smell like? I’m afraid to find out.) My favourite – sweetie.  In the end, I got her plain, old regular. I like the way my wife smells now, as is, thank you very much.

                The apostle Paul makes a few references to the sweet smell of Christianity. “Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” (2 Corinthians 2:16, The Message Bible). Paul also says it is a scent that not everyone enjoys. And I will admit, sadly, that sometimes the Church stinks at doing what it should be doing - loving and acting in and through that Love of Christ. But I digress…

                I am not sure that I know what Love smells like, anymore than I know what “blush” smells like. But Paul suggests that it is akin to the aroma of sacrifice. Not bulls or lambs, but the sacrifices which comes from good works, which arise through our efforts of service and stewardship, through our works for peace and justice, through acts of compassion and human kindness.

                “Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself too seriously- take God seriously.”  (Micah 6: 7 -8, TMB)

                Paul says much the same in 1 Corinthians 13, “If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.” (v. 3, TMB)

                Without Love, we just stink up the joint.

                Paul wrote about the very practical gifts that the church in Philippi sent him while he was in prison. “The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 18 -20, TMBN)

                People around us should be able to breathe in the sweet-smelling fragrance of Christ’s Love as we live in his Name. Not the bitter smells of hatred, judgment, exclusion, hypocrisy, arrogance, superiority but we should aim to give off the pleasant aroma of Love in our words, deeds, attitudes and behaviour.

                Smell you later!

 Dale

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17. New Living Translation)

                What a crazy dream, I had last night.

                No, not the recurring one where I realize that I have forgotten my sermon manuscript back at the house when I arrive at some church to preach.  And there isn’t enough time to go back and get it. So, I have to preach “off the cuff”. That’s more of a nightmare, of sorts.

                I am not prone to having religious or spiritual dreams. Like, maybe - almost never. But there I was in a crowd of people. I think it was a sporting event. We were all cheering. But all of a sudden, a message from somewhere interrupted our sporting cheers, the one simple word, “Praise!” It began to take over the mood of the crowd. Before long, everyone spontaneously grabbed their neighbour’s hand and lifted their arms together to the sky and began shouting in a unified voice, “Praise!” I had the feeling that this was happening throughout the world. Then I woke. I was left with the strong feeling that this was supposed to be topic of my blog today.

                This verse immediately came to mind as well. “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9 -11, NLT)

                Old men dream dreams, indeed.

                Perhaps my subconscious was being influenced by the terrible events in Israel and Palestine. My soul is weary of conflicts, wars, violent hatred, the inhumanity, the brutality that is in the world. Enough is enough, already. Maranatha, Lord Jesus. Pease come Lord Jesus, and put an end to this stupidity and evil.

                Help us, Jesus. Put all of humanity on the same pages of peace, love, peace and unity.  Help us to create a spirit of unselfish mutuality, unbridled compassion for one another, unjudgmental respect despite whatever differences we may have between us.  Help us to unite behind your name to bring peace and good will to all of humankind. May your kingdom come!

                The stuff of dreams, I suppose.

                It is hard for the world to give in to the ways of Jesus. Jesus is right when he said that the Way is narrow.  It is narrow because we clutter the entrance to the Way with too much sinful garbage and blockages. We try to bully our way through the entry way. We elbow others out of the Way. We push and shove. We put up barriers so that others can’t get through.

                “Come back, God—how long do we have to wait? And treat your servants with kindness for a change. Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long. Make up for the bad times with some good times; we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime. Let your servants see what you’re best at - the ways you rule and bless your children.” (Psalm 90: 13 -15, The Message Bible)

                Old men dream dreams!

                “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is a faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

Dale

 Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5: 20, New Living Translation) 

               Along the line of smoky hills
               The crimson forest stands,
               And all the day the blue-jay calls
               Throughout the autumn lands.

                If you are close to my generation, it is very likely that you were taught this poem in elementary school. Probably, you had to memorize it. I know that I did. 

                Now by the brook the maple leans
                With all his glory spread,
                And all the sumachs on the hills
                Have turned their green to red. 

                The poem came to mind as we were driving to our daughter’s home on Sunday. The sun was shining and the Fall colours were gorgeous. The reds and oranges were especially vivid. And like the poem iterates, the sumac alongside of the road had turned to a deep crimson red. We took a more scenic route just to revel in the colours of a balmy Autumn afternoon.

                This time of year evokes our praise and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving weekend is upon us just at the right time. It has been a challenging summer for us, but just the same, I feel the need to let it go, for a while anyway, and find strength and hope in an attitude of thanksgiving. I may not be a farmer who has brought in a bumper crop from the fields, but I have experienced a harvest of good things from the world and mostly from the people, family and friends, who surround me.

                I could complain, I suppose; criticize, protest, fuss, whine, even despair but to what avail? And yet, sometimes, I do. Where is that going to get me?  Rather, I would be like the Psalmist: "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”  (Psalm 28:7, NLT)

                There are so many who are worse off than I am or ever will be. Yet I have seen joy and thanksgiving well up from these people. I remember a homeless man who showed up at the Christmas meal at the Mission in Ottawa. He started telling us how grateful and fortunate he was that he had a roof over his head for the night, a great meal and a pair of new socks. He abounded in thanksgiving. It was stunning! “Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.” (1 Timothy 4: 5, The  Message Bible)

                “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.” (Philippians 3:1, NLT) To me, rejoicing is another way of saying ‘Be thankful.’  Thanksgiving in the face of adversity is a defiant, bold, counter-intuitive act. Such thanksgiving indicates that we have put our trust in God and we won’t be defeated; we won’t give up; we won’t give in to despair and hopelessness. It is more than just counting our blessings but a courageous  declaration of faith and  conviction.

                “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...   No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8: 35 -37, NLT)

                And for this reality and truth, I am truly and deeply thankful.  May you be also, this Thanksgiving.

Dale

 

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4: 5 -6, The Message Bible)

                Make the most of every opportunity.

                Since I retired several years ago, I sometimes wonder whether I have been making the most of every opportunity.  There seems to be a vast, out-of-proportion sitting in my big, blue recliner with my nose stuck in a computer or occasionally in a book. But for a few rare moments, i.e., when called to fill-in as a hospital chaplain or preach somewhere or maybe this blog, I can’t say that I have been contributing much to the welfare of the world around me. My well-worn, all-too-comfortable, blue recliner calls to me. Its siren call is very alluring. Sloth – thy name is Laz-y-Boy.

                Making the most of every opportunity is challenging.

                Jesus told parables about the necessity for being alert and ready for opportunities to serve. “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning…” (Luke 12:35, New Living Translation) According to these stories, it is up to each of us to be alert, prepared, ready and able to respond to the sudden and surprising appearance of the Messiah in our world. You never know when or where he might show up, “as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Luke 12: 36, NLT)

                Indeed, his well-known parable about the sheep and the goats in Matthew’s Gospel helps us to understand what making the most of every opportunity is all about while alerting us to his Messianic presence.

                “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25: 34 -26, TMB)

                Jesus  Christ appears, not only just at the End of the Story, but he shows up wherever there is an opportunity to do good in this world. Jesus shows up, not in his glimmering, Sunday-go-to meeting, white-robed Jesus’ clothes, but in in his rugged, practical, everyday, work clothes, calling us to join him in his Kingdom work.

                Right now, truth be told, my service is “looking after” Susan while we live with the challenge of her cancer. She is doing quite well, all things considered, no pain, and her meds seem to have slowed down any progress.  It’s a loving joy to serve her.

                What opportunity do you have to serve the Lord? It doesn’t have to be big, glamourous, showy or life-changing. “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42, NLT) I fill up Susan’s glass of water every night before she goes to bed. No biggie – but it helps.

                Look, there’s Jesus now. “So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, TMB)

Dale

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

“As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.” (Acts 8: 36 -37, The Message Bible)

               On our family Messenger chat-site, our adult children have been complaining about the trials and tribulations of bath times for their own young children. It takes a lot of wheedling and coaxing. They resort to bribes like new water toys, goggles, etc. to persuade them to get in the tub. They play silly games – gas bubble games are particularly enjoyed, if you get my drift. But as I understand it, it can be a frustrating, tortuous, lengthy process for all involved before ears are clean and necks are scrubbed. All children go through this stage at one time or another.

                Philip, a leader in the church, feels led by the Spirit to travel on a wilderness road where he encounters an important court official of the court of the queen of Ethiopia. The man is sitting in his chariot, trying to make some sense out of the scripture he is reading. He had been in Jerusalem and now was returning home. He appears to have been a proselyte to Judaism. Philip invites himself into the chariot to help the eunuch understand what he was reading.   “The eunuch said, ‘Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.” (8: 35, TMB)

                Then, when the eunuch spied a stream, he stopped his chariot and asked, “Why can’t I be baptized?”  There was absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t and couldn’t. “They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.”

                Consider the eunuch’s question. Apply it to yourself perhaps. Why can’t I be baptized?  I am not meaning just the meaningful and expressive act of being baptized by water, but I am also meaning what is preventing you from a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ? Are you fighting it? Resisting it? Perhaps, you think it pointless or unnecessary.  Perhaps, you have been already baptized, ritually, in some way, but now the “water” seems a little cold and murky. It takes a lot for you to feel  clean and spotless.  So, one way or another, we make excuses for our lack of baptismal spirit, for resisting the Love of Christ in our lives.  We have all sorts of excuses, complaints, issues, struggles with the whole idea of plunging into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

                One part of this story that is sometimes overlooked is the fact that the Ethiopian was a eunuch. Some might argue that “people like him” should not be allowed in the fold. He wasn’t “normal” enough.  But the Good News, here, is the Love of Christ is all-inclusive. There are no exceptions.  And once an individual makes the decision to engage Jesus, intentionally and decisively, there are no restrictions or limitations on whom the Church recognizes as a brother or sister in Christ.

                Baptism is a symbolic expression of the life we gain in relationship with Jesus Christ. The rite itself is not grace but points to God’s Grace through Christ. “By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” (Galatians 3:26 -27, TMB)

                So, get wet! There is nothing preventing you from making that decision or living out that decision for Christ. Plunge into this relationship with mind, body and soul. Use water if you prefer as part of your proclamation and declaration. But let nothing get in the way between you and Jesus.

                “The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus’ resurrection before God with a clear conscience. Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He’s standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.” (1 Peter 3: 21-22, TMB)

                Splish, splash!

 Dale

               

               

 Wednesday, September 13, 2023

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good. Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; but he turns his back on those who do evil things.”  (1 Peter 3:8, The Message Bible)

                I really miss having a dog around the house. There is always something life-affirming about a cold nose and furry belly and those big eyes. Now is not the time for another dog in our lives, but life is always better with a dog.  (If you’re a cat person, well, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt but I’m sure it’s the same.)

                One of my favourite daily comic strips is Pearls Before Swine. One of last week’s strips connects with my thoughts about dogs. The ever-optimistic, idealistic Pig is asked what his set of beliefs were. Pig responds: “Don’t judge. Don’t brag. And greet everyone you know like it’s the first time you’ve seen them in ten years.” When asked where did he learn all that, he responds, “My dog.” Then he adds, “If she founds a church, I’ll join it.”

                Amusing, for sure. But the unconditional love from a dog is a lesson for us, especially if we follow Jesus Christ. He did found a community of believers who were and are commanded to love one another as he has loved us.

                I am baffled that this community of believers which we call Church cannot get this right, not just some of the time, but all of the time. Our standard of conduct, the New Testament in particular, overflows with the sort of counsel we read in our text from 1 Peter. Our faithful heroes be they Jesus, Paul, Peter, John exhort and insist on love-based behaviour, words and attitudes. “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                Yet, sadly, some Christians limit their love, narrow  their love, prevent others from accessing their love.  They barely define who are lovable. Some Christians are hostile toward people who are different.  But there should be no room in our lives for anything but the standard of Jesus’ Love, affirmation, inclusion and blessing toward those whom we encounter. Even enemies merit this Love.

                And again, it bears repeating from Peter.  “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                We don’t get to choose whom we love. “Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.”

                Just this week, a truck driver cut me off and I stopped just in time. I was not, shall we say, very charitable toward him as I honked and then rolled down my window to give him a piece of my mind. Afterwards, the thought dawned on me what if I, someday, met this man coming into church, and he recognized me, what would he think of my behaviour and words?

                No exceptions! Loving everyone is not easy; takes effort; takes discipline; takes mindfulness; takes practice. Which is probably why there is so much in the Bible which addresses the need for making such an intentional effort. Otherwise, we might forget, or try to rationalize our behaviour, or become lazy and ineffectual or worse, hypocritical. Even our pets have to be trained for their best behaviour. So too, we Christians seem to need constant reinforcement of the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31, New Living Translation)

                No exceptions! Ever!

Dale