Hebrews 3:12-19
12Take care, brothers and sisters,* that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. 15As it is said, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’
16Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? 17But with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? 19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
***********************************************
We are raising a teenager. There should be no question in the mind of the reader as to why I picked this passage. Rebellious, deceitfulness, sin and disobedience are all very strong and harsh words that are contained within the framework of this passage. Either through our own actions as teens or those of our own teenager, all of these words could apply at one time or another during the course of our lives.
It is so easy to focus on the negative; “there are consequences for your actions,” and the like. The words from the passage say, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” As a parent, I am trying to find the goodness in each day and each action. I try (and am so far succeeding) in keeping the lines of communication open. We are all guilty of sin and our children are no exception. I sometimes struggle with the expectations that my husband and I have for our children. What I do believe in is my faith. I have faith that God will guide us as we guide our children. Sometimes I hear things from my fourteen year old in the context of conversation that I don’t really want to hear. What I have learned is that, I need to listen to all of the stuff that I don’t want to hear—in order to hear the things that I NEED to hear.
I truly believe that praise is the power that keeps one grounded and self aware. Find your children doing what you WANT them to do and praise them for it. Catch them doing something right. Wouldn’t it be great as adults, to have someone do the same for us? Even as adults, we can attempt to find the good in those around us and just mention it. A few words of praise go a very long way.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
2/26/2007
John 2:1-12
1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.
Consider in this story the simple joy of a family wedding and the wonder of a miracle. Imagine this wedding: the guests enjoying the food and wine, oblivious to the heat and the dust they kick up as they dance in celebration of this new marriage. Picture the concern of the host that the wine will run out; Mary, Mother of Jesus is concerned, too. She is that wonderful woman at the party who swoops in just when you need help the most. She makes a statement to her son; he interprets the question she is asking. I sense an irritation in his response. Perhaps he would prefer to be elsewhere. Perhaps he is bored with the drunk wedding guests. But Mary will not accept his irritable refusal. She makes a statement to the servants with obvious disregard for Jesus’ lack of interest in the wine problem. As she expects, Jesus does as his Mother has asked and only the servants know the truth.
Contemplating on this writing helps me consider deeds I do for others, even when I may not feel willing. Even when I think that what they ask is unnecessary, inappropriate or even stupid. To be available when one needs me, to say yes when one asks – that is the gift I intend to give today.
- LOS
1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.
Consider in this story the simple joy of a family wedding and the wonder of a miracle. Imagine this wedding: the guests enjoying the food and wine, oblivious to the heat and the dust they kick up as they dance in celebration of this new marriage. Picture the concern of the host that the wine will run out; Mary, Mother of Jesus is concerned, too. She is that wonderful woman at the party who swoops in just when you need help the most. She makes a statement to her son; he interprets the question she is asking. I sense an irritation in his response. Perhaps he would prefer to be elsewhere. Perhaps he is bored with the drunk wedding guests. But Mary will not accept his irritable refusal. She makes a statement to the servants with obvious disregard for Jesus’ lack of interest in the wine problem. As she expects, Jesus does as his Mother has asked and only the servants know the truth.
Contemplating on this writing helps me consider deeds I do for others, even when I may not feel willing. Even when I think that what they ask is unnecessary, inappropriate or even stupid. To be available when one needs me, to say yes when one asks – that is the gift I intend to give today.
- LOS
Saturday, February 24, 2007
2/24/2007
Titus 3:1-15
3 -->Maintain Good Deeds -->
3Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water* of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is sure.
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, 11since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. 12 -->Final Messages and Benediction -->
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. 14And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.*
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works... How often do we insist on any action of ourselves or others? If we insist we are sure! Are you sure--really certain? Today for my reflection I am passing on a request to you all in which I have full confidence. The US Postal system has issued stamps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The typical book runs $7.40, but the benefit book runs $8.00--a 60 cent premium which will fund needed research to find a cure. If the whole run of stamps sells out $35 million will be raised. So resolve to get a book of breast cancer stamps today. Your investment may be small but the message will be clear in the money raised and all who see and receive these stamps. It is a good work worth doing! I insist on it!
bds
3 -->Maintain Good Deeds -->
3Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water* of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is sure.
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, 11since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. 12 -->Final Messages and Benediction -->
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. 14And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.*
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works... How often do we insist on any action of ourselves or others? If we insist we are sure! Are you sure--really certain? Today for my reflection I am passing on a request to you all in which I have full confidence. The US Postal system has issued stamps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The typical book runs $7.40, but the benefit book runs $8.00--a 60 cent premium which will fund needed research to find a cure. If the whole run of stamps sells out $35 million will be raised. So resolve to get a book of breast cancer stamps today. Your investment may be small but the message will be clear in the money raised and all who see and receive these stamps. It is a good work worth doing! I insist on it!
bds
2/23/2007
Hello everyone and I'm sorry to be late. Friday I volunteered at the Middle School in the morning, worked for school for two hours in the afternoon before helping out my daughter's teammate with a ride to the swim meet, helping as a timer at the swim meet, then taking my other daughter to a school dance.
And if I sound like I'm complaining I'm not -- it was just my life on Friday. In fact, it give me a good start for my reflection for Lent. See, I learned years ago, when I was a single mom, to be grateful for my aggravations. Especially during this time of year, I'm trying to remember daily how blessed I am to have these aggravations.
Anyone remember the shipwreck off the coast of New York more than ten years ago that killed and injured dozens of Asian people trying to sneak into the U.S.? Those who survived were imprisoned. I was working the newsdesk the day that happened -- yet another weekend of overtime I was working for the summer, trying to make ends meet to pay the mortgage. I felt very put upon. It dawned on my that day that there were women my age on that ship; women who were willing to risk their lives for the PRIVILEGE of my mortgage. They paid to be crammed onto an unsafe ship for the mere chance of being able to work overtime on weekends and pay the bills. I clearly remember thanking God for my "problems" that day.
A second epiphany for me happened on the way to work one morning when Emily and Rosie were very tiny. It was a typical early morning with toddlers; the kind where you have to gently wrestle them to the ground to put on socks; feed them; make special day-care lunches with no-choke sized food; label their diapers, etc. Rosie had grape juice that morning and threw it up in the back of the car. So as I'm driving to work, I started cursing my life again; my circumstances; my problems.
As I drove from the day care center to my office, still muttering profanity about my situation, I saw something that shut me up forever: another mother from the day care center, transporting her toddler to school for the day. But this mom is confined to a wheelchair; has no use of her legs and little use of her arms. Her little girl sat on her mother's lap in this motorized wheelchair, zipping down the sidewalk, holding her lunchbox.
I promised God that morning I would shut up already.
Now, I must confess, I fall into the trap of getting hyper-aggravated and feeling sorry for myself when days like yesterday befall me. Life is aggravating. People are slow at the grocery store. People drive like idiots. Teenagers forget to tell you when the dance ends.
I'm trying, though, during this Lenten season, to continue to give thanks for my problems. God hasn't given me any problems without giving me the means to solve them. My aggravations are blessings, and I'm trying very hard to remember to give thanks for them.
Blessings to Everyone,
Mary
Back to Top
And if I sound like I'm complaining I'm not -- it was just my life on Friday. In fact, it give me a good start for my reflection for Lent. See, I learned years ago, when I was a single mom, to be grateful for my aggravations. Especially during this time of year, I'm trying to remember daily how blessed I am to have these aggravations.
Anyone remember the shipwreck off the coast of New York more than ten years ago that killed and injured dozens of Asian people trying to sneak into the U.S.? Those who survived were imprisoned. I was working the newsdesk the day that happened -- yet another weekend of overtime I was working for the summer, trying to make ends meet to pay the mortgage. I felt very put upon. It dawned on my that day that there were women my age on that ship; women who were willing to risk their lives for the PRIVILEGE of my mortgage. They paid to be crammed onto an unsafe ship for the mere chance of being able to work overtime on weekends and pay the bills. I clearly remember thanking God for my "problems" that day.
A second epiphany for me happened on the way to work one morning when Emily and Rosie were very tiny. It was a typical early morning with toddlers; the kind where you have to gently wrestle them to the ground to put on socks; feed them; make special day-care lunches with no-choke sized food; label their diapers, etc. Rosie had grape juice that morning and threw it up in the back of the car. So as I'm driving to work, I started cursing my life again; my circumstances; my problems.
As I drove from the day care center to my office, still muttering profanity about my situation, I saw something that shut me up forever: another mother from the day care center, transporting her toddler to school for the day. But this mom is confined to a wheelchair; has no use of her legs and little use of her arms. Her little girl sat on her mother's lap in this motorized wheelchair, zipping down the sidewalk, holding her lunchbox.
I promised God that morning I would shut up already.
Now, I must confess, I fall into the trap of getting hyper-aggravated and feeling sorry for myself when days like yesterday befall me. Life is aggravating. People are slow at the grocery store. People drive like idiots. Teenagers forget to tell you when the dance ends.
I'm trying, though, during this Lenten season, to continue to give thanks for my problems. God hasn't given me any problems without giving me the means to solve them. My aggravations are blessings, and I'm trying very hard to remember to give thanks for them.
Blessings to Everyone,
Mary
Back to Top
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
2/22/2007
Titus 1:1-16
56 -->Titus -->THE LETTER OF PAUL TO -->Titus -->1 -->Salutation -->
1Paul, a servant* of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began— 3in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour,
4 To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share:
Grace* and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
5 -->Titus in Crete -->
5 I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: 6someone who is blameless, married only once,* whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. 7For a bishop,* as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; 8but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. 9He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; 11they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. 12It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said,‘Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons.’ 13That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. 15To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Grace and peace to you from God... greeting and blessing; a wonderful embrace to offer. Then Paul goes on to all the sordid spiritual house keeping of the Cretan community. And we are left behind to put this imperfect world in order. Yet no one is perfect. We all have flaws. Our struggle is to get perspective on this physical world with a spiritual frame of reference. When we are honest with ourselves we recognize our own bias and can adapt. If we take a few seconds to breathe, to think-- before speaking or acting-- we can be more positive, more welcoming. We too will enjoy this peace and be instruments of grace.
So today at least once I resolve to stop, breathe deeply, and change course. I will extend a smile or hand ...grace and peace to you...
bds
56 -->Titus -->THE LETTER OF PAUL TO -->Titus -->1 -->Salutation -->
1Paul, a servant* of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began— 3in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour,
4 To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share:
Grace* and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
5 -->Titus in Crete -->
5 I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: 6someone who is blameless, married only once,* whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. 7For a bishop,* as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; 8but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. 9He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; 11they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. 12It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said,‘Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons.’ 13That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. 15To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Grace and peace to you from God... greeting and blessing; a wonderful embrace to offer. Then Paul goes on to all the sordid spiritual house keeping of the Cretan community. And we are left behind to put this imperfect world in order. Yet no one is perfect. We all have flaws. Our struggle is to get perspective on this physical world with a spiritual frame of reference. When we are honest with ourselves we recognize our own bias and can adapt. If we take a few seconds to breathe, to think-- before speaking or acting-- we can be more positive, more welcoming. We too will enjoy this peace and be instruments of grace.
So today at least once I resolve to stop, breathe deeply, and change course. I will extend a smile or hand ...grace and peace to you...
bds
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
02/21/2007
21 February 2007
Ash Wednesday
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,and on a day of salvation I have helped you."
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
For now is the acceptable time; Lent has begun. We are being called to a holy life now, today, right here, right now! Lent is a time away from the world and all the hubbub and noise that overfills our days. In this season we strip away the accumulated debris of the year, of all the years. We have the gifts of endurance, knowledge, and kindness--how can I use them today for the benefit of someone else? We benefit from genuine love and are alive with God's spirit--let me trust in the power of God to succeed! Commit today to 40 days of trying to pray with renewed vigor. Take up some new discipline or "give up" some old stumbling block in order to grasp the real life of the Spirit. Look inward now to faith and live with outward confidence and purpose. My earthly life is a precious gift lent to me to share wisely; now is the appointed time! bds
Ash Wednesday
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,and on a day of salvation I have helped you."
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
For now is the acceptable time; Lent has begun. We are being called to a holy life now, today, right here, right now! Lent is a time away from the world and all the hubbub and noise that overfills our days. In this season we strip away the accumulated debris of the year, of all the years. We have the gifts of endurance, knowledge, and kindness--how can I use them today for the benefit of someone else? We benefit from genuine love and are alive with God's spirit--let me trust in the power of God to succeed! Commit today to 40 days of trying to pray with renewed vigor. Take up some new discipline or "give up" some old stumbling block in order to grasp the real life of the Spirit. Look inward now to faith and live with outward confidence and purpose. My earthly life is a precious gift lent to me to share wisely; now is the appointed time! bds
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