What keeps us together?

Daily Reading – February 27, 2021

Philippians 4:4-9

I knew it was probably a bad idea; I had been warned to be careful. I couldn’t help myself though, and I needed to experiment. I took the container, and I opened it up. I put a little drop on my index finger then rubbed it together with my thumb. Initially, it didn’t seem to do anything, but that soon changed. My fingers truly were sticking together after all. Superglue was not to be messed with, and I needed to do something. I quickly separated my fingers before the glue finished hardening on my fingers, but I learned a lesson.

I was a kid that was trying to figure out whether the advertisements about how powerful the glue was were true or not. It seems as if perhaps they were. In the future, if I wanted to glue two things, I now knew how to accomplish it. It is too bad that there isn’t a substance like that for people. If there was only something that we could use or take that would help us stay together and form strong relationships. Paul seems to be wrestling with the difficulty of keeping people together in his letter to the people of Philippi in today’s scripture reading.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s letter focuses on the importance of unity in the church of Philippi. One of the issues that he sees is that people are allowing stress, anxiety, and worry to overwhelm them. Paul’s solution is not super glue, but instead, it is prayer and staying connected with God. Paul believes that the peace of God will be a fruit of that practice with guard their hearts and keep them together. They will learn to focus on the important things and trust in God to help them through the difficult moments.

Look around you and realize that there are so many things that cause us stress and worry. The anxiety does make us vulnerable to isolation and disunity. What if we took Paul’s advice? Let’s spend time in prayer and humility before God. When we realize that we don’t have all the answers and we can trust in God to see us through, God will give us his peace. It is a fullness and completeness that will comfort and protect us. This is what I want and this is what I want for you. Join me in prayer today, won’t you?

How do you see it?

Daily Reading – February 26, 2021

Luke 12:22-34

I am certain that I couldn’t be the only one that made that mistake. It is an easy enough thing to do if you are not given instructions. I remember the first time that I had a pair of binoculars to use. I think that I was trying to see a bird in a tree that was at a distance. I put the binoculars up to my face, and instead of seeing the bird up[ close, the bird seemed even farther away than I knew that it was. Because I had used the binoculars backward it had a microscopic instead of magnifying effect on what I was seeing.

Life can be like that for us sometimes as well. How we view something can be all about our perspective. In today’s reading, Jesus is reminding us that when we spend our time looking at the world worrying then we miss what truly matters and we accomplish nothing of substance. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”

Worry is often just focusing on things that haven’t happened yet and more often than not, won’t happen. What would it look like for you to release the worry in your life and to begin to look at the world in a new way? How would it feel if you turned your concerns over to God and took each moment as a blessing and an opportunity given to you by God?

Take time today and think of all the things that you have worried about in the last year that have NOT happened and think about all the time that has been wasted in that worry. It’s time to look at the world in a new way. Let’s start today.

Weekly Mass (I remember)

Daily Reading – February 25, 2021

Matthew 6:5-13

My memory is not the best anymore, but I think that I could still do it. It has been quite a few decades since I went to weekly Mass as a Roman Catholic. Yet, I am pretty sure that I still remember the format of the Mass. I am certain I would know when to stand, sit, and kneel. I believe that I would be able to give the proper responses to prayers and still recite “The Lamb of God” for instance. It is like muscle memory at some point, after all the actions and words were repeated week after week for years.

As the years go by, I take comfort in those rituals that were ingrained in me at such a young age. Yet, I am also aware that my ability to repeat these rituals does not mean that they have the same impact on me now. I am constantly reminded that it is easy for my brain to slip into Autopilot mode and to say or do things and not really be engaged in them at all. Reading today’s scripture, we see Jesus was warning people about just this very fact, “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. “

Jesus’ words are a reminder; that we need to be intentional with our prayer, worship, and scripture study. It can’t be just something that we do and not engage ourselves in fully. God’s desire for us is to have a real relationship with God, not one filled with platitudes and meaningless routines. What changes do you need to make in your time with God? What is needed to ensure that you are engaging with God? Make those changes…today.

Of course…

Daily Reading – February 24, 2021

Luke 11:1-13

A couple of nights ago as we were getting ready for bed, Ginny and I were talking about somethings that were weighing on my mind. I laid it out and then she said something that humbled me quickly. She asked me, “Are you praying about it?” I mean it was a simple question with what should be an easy answer. I assured her that I was, but I then spent a lot of time thinking about the question.

Was I really praying about it?

How is my prayer life?

Is God listening?

Is what I am going through even worth praying about?

These are just some of the questions that I wrestled with and soon, I was struggling to sleep as I was obsessing with my prayer life. I would like to say that this was an unusual occurrence for me. After all, I am a pastor, and if I should have a handle on anything it should be my spiritual life. Yet, Ginny’s question was a reminder from God that perhaps I have been neglecting that more than I should be. In today’s reading, we hear Jesus talking about the hows and whys of praying.

“When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. May Your holy nation come. *What You want done, may it be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the bread we need everyday. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not let us be tempted.’” 

Of course, prayer is important for you and it is important for me. I realize now that I need to prioritize my time with God. I want to see the world as Jesus does. I want to see the need just as Jesus does. I also need to rely on my time with God just as Jesus did. Pray for me today. I will pray for you as well.

It’s natural…but

Daily Reading – February 23, 2021

Romans 13:8-10

Pixar and Disney partnered together and produced some great movies. One of those movies was called “Finding Nemo.” The movie was a story about a father and a virtual stranger partnering together to find Nemo, a missing fish. Fish? Oh yeah, that’s right for those of you that have been living under a conch shell (get it), the movie is an animated movie, and the main characters are fish. It is amusing, touching, and poignant, all those things you expect when Pixar and Disney come together.

In the movie, there is a roving bunch of seagulls that show up at inopportune times and repeat the same word over and over again. Mine! That is the only thing the birds say, and it is always when they see something and want to claim it or eat it. The seagulls have a single-minded focus, and it is a selfish one. They are amusing to watch but let’s be fair, we probably can see ourselves in them. We all tend to want what we want. It is a selfish streak that we are seemingly born with. It is a cute thing perhaps to see in an animated seagull and to an extent in children but not so much in adults. We are supposed to be different, but it is not often easy.

In the reading today, we read the words of Paul as he lets the church of Rome know how they are supposed to be living and what they are supposed to be shooting for in their daily lives. “You must love your neighbor as yourself. Anyone who loves his neighbor will do no wrong to him.”  It is not an easy mark to attain, but yet it is something that we are called to strive to achieve. We need to consider the welfare of others and try to ensure that we are not harming them as we benefit ourselves.

Are there things in your life that you are wrestling with today? Maybe actions that you are taking or things that you are planning that would hurt a brother or a sister? What would it look like for you to give it to God today and ask for God’s help in conquering what you are struggling with? Let’s pray for each other today. Let us pray that we love and not injure and that we lift up and not alienate.

Watching

Daily Reading – February 20, 2021

Luke 10:21-24

It was at the moment that she turned the aisle that I saw my bride in her wedding dress for the first time. It was done this way “back in the good old days.” Wedding traditions have changed in the time that I have been a pastor. In most weddings, there is now something that is called the reveal. It is where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. It is a way for a lot of the pictures to take place before the ceremony and allows the bride and groom more time with their guests at the reception. It makes a lot of sense.

The moment where a bride and groom see each other then becomes a more private moment. It may also serve as a reminder that in any relationship there need to be those moments where we reveal ourselves in transparent ways to others. It is the only way that we can know someone completely. We need to share who we are, what we care about, and what makes our hearts sing. Our relationship with God is like that as well. When we spend time with God, we learn more about what matters to God as God reveals more to us. We see the heart of God in new ways.

Jesus tells us in the reading today, ” No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” What has God revealed to you? Do you know the heart of God? Do you see what God sees when looking at the world? Are you ready to reveal yourself to God in new ways?

Let’s get started.

Where can I find it?

Daily Reading – February 19, 2021

Luke 10:17-20

Recently some friends have shared with us an exciting discovery. We were visiting them, and they brought out some cookies for us to try as we were watching television. They were Nutter Butters, and I am a long-time fan of that type of cookie. However, these were different. These cookies were Double Nutty Nutter Butters. They had TWICE the filling as a Nutter butter, and I was in heaven. I think the word joy could describe how I felt as I began to eat way more than my share of the offered cookies.

However, the joy soon turned to sadness as I realized that I had eaten too many cookies, and we had all eaten the whole package. I went from feeling joyous to feeling a little queasy. I would suggest that is how life often goes. The feelings we have ebb and flow and depend on so many transient-type things. Yet, in today’s reading, we see that Jesus is helping the disciples find where real and lasting joy can come from.

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Joy comes from God and Joy comes from knowing that we are part of the community of God according to Jesus. This is not fleeting, and in this fact, we can find lasting peace and Joy. Knowing that because of God and because of our relationship with God, we have a joy beyond measure. Don’t you want to feel that joy? Maybe it is time to put down the cookie, or whatever else you are trying to find joy in, and focus on God. Today. Right now. Let’s do it.

Not me but we

Daily Reading – February 18, 2021

Luke 10:1-12

I have learned many lessons in my time in ministry, but the most important lesson is that I am not in this alone. There was a time when I became convinced that I had to ensure that things got done. I believed that since God called me, the burden to accomplish various tasks was on me and me alone. Over the years, many good people took the time to show me that my view of Gospel work was wrong.

This past weekend, my wife and I went shopping for things that we needed to get a couple of projects done for Lent at the church. Last night, I watched as two groups of people took the germ of an idea that I had and brought it to life. It was an incredible reminder that God had called each of us. The sharing of the story of Jesus is vital, but it is just as vital that we carry the load together.

In today’s reading, we are reminded that Jesus wants us to go on this journey as a team, “He sent them out two together to every city and place where He would be going later. Jesus said to them, ‘There is much grain ready to gather. But the workmen are few. Pray then to the Lord Who is the Owner of the grain-fields that He will send workmen to gather His grain. ‘ ”  Together we are called to go, and together we are called to share.

It is such a blessing to know that we are not in this alone and that God has given us people to care on and to rely on daily. Who are you called to care for today? Who has God called to care for you?

There’s always something

Daily Reading – February 17, 2021

Luke 9:51-62

It should be easy to decide; after all, we have to answer the same question every day. There are so many answers to the question, and really, none of them would be wrong. Yet, the answer seems elusive at times. My wife and I often try to claim that we picked the night before and that it isn’t our turn to decide. Yup, you figured it out, I am sure. The question we struggle with is, “What’s for dinner?”
Now not all questions have such a multitude of answers. Sometimes the answers are “yes” or “no” but that doesn’t mean the question is any easier to answer. In today’s reading, Jesus leaves us wrestling with an unspoken question, “Will you follow Jesus today?” Jesus encounters a young man who seemingly wants to follow Jesus but asks if he can bury his father first, Jesus replies directly, “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the people who are dead bury their own dead. You go and preach about the holy nation of God.’ ”
Every day, we are faced with the same question that the young man faces, will we follow Jesus? There is always going to be something that is competing for our time. Sometimes those things that we are facing will be inconsequential, but other times they will be very important. Yet, the decision is one that must be dealt with every single day.

How will you answer today?

 

Mr Irrelevant

Daily Reading – February 16, 2021

Luke 9:46-50

The NFL has conducted a draft for eligible football players since 1936, and every year someone had been the last player picked in the draft. In 1976, the last player selected in the draft was a man by the name of Kelvin Kirk. Kelvin Kirk received the name “Mr. Irrelevant”. This title was coined by a man by the name of Paul Salata and soon the idea grew into a cottage industry. Each year the title would be given to the last person picked in the draft. There would soon be trophies, parades, and publicity that would be given to the new Mr. Irrelevant each year. The person who for years who had been an afterthought in the draft, now had become so much more. Mr. Irrelevant would become very relevant indeed.

Maybe you know how it feels to be irrelevant. Perhaps you have felt disregarded at work, home, church, or with friends. If you have felt this way, take a moment and read today’s scripture. Jesus has a word for you. It is a word of hope. It is a word that reminds us that no matter what the world may think, we need to remember that we matter to God. You matter.

“He said to the followers, ‘Whoever receives this child in My name, receives Me. Whoever receives Me, receives Him Who sent Me. The one who is least among you is the one who is great.’ “

Go into today and know…you matter.