Scriptures for September 6
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 149
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Some people worship where the scriptures of the day are integrated into a service that is an "ordered unity." For example, see http://www.lasierraliturgy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=57 where this type of service happens each Sabbath.
If you could attend that kind of service, it would provide an occasion for you to focus on the week's worship scriptures--as part of the day's total worship experience. You would be doing this together with other worshippers who are doing the same. Being with the scriptures this way, as act of worship, would be part of a reverent and coordinated service that helps a person actually worship.
One way to prepare for worship is to receive the week's worship scriptures as spirit and life--for yourself. This blogspot encourages you to do that each week. See http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html for a few simple suggestions about how to receive the scriptures as spirit and life for yourself. After you have received the scriptures as spirit and life for yourself, you are prepared to compare notes with others who are doing the same thing; and you are more prepared for the next church worship service.
If you don't have a place to worship where the service is an ordered unity, and where the week's scriptures are an integrated part of worship, you can still benefit from this exercise. You can also begin to talk with people who may be able to help a worship service like that happen as a part of the total program at your church.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
"Continuing steadfastly in prayer" speaks to me today about my prayer to You for receptivity. The heart-to-Heart receptivity I seek is not something I ask for just once. It's a prayer I continue in, steadfastly. My heart connected to Your Heart and receiving Your Word as spirit and life--this is what I continue to seek in steadfast prayer right now.
Exodus 12:1-14
"You shall keep it (the LORD's Passover) as a feast by an everlasting ordinance." (vs. 14)
Maybe the LORD's Passover isn't as "done away with" as some think. What if the meaning, the heart and soul, in the LORD's Passover were comprehended? What if those who claim to have Jesus instead of that Old Testament event, discovered Jesus more profoundly and fully in that Old Testament event? Or put another way, what if Jesus encompasses and surpasses, instead of replacing, this everlasting ordinance? What if this everlasting ordinance were meant to help today's Christian discover more of the depths of the mystery of God's Love in Jesus Christ?
It also occurs to me that an everlasting ordinance may be called for because the people of God need to revisit the hard and earthy, as well as transcendent, realities in this account over and over--forever. Who could kill a spotless yearling lamb, without great pain. Who can begin to comprehend the pain--most of all in the heart of God--that this everlasting ordinance exposes. Who can comprehend to any significant degree, without many approaches to this everlasting ordinance, how the Love of God is expressed in every part of the LORD's Passover. It takes time and repetition; it takes an everlasting ordinance to enter and participate in this life-giving, Love-giving mystery.
Psalm 149
"He will beautify the humble with salvation." (vs. 4)
That makes a person want to have a humility checkup! Which person or organization is prepared to provide such a checkup? Humility, like beauty, can often be in the eye of the beholder. Just being agreeable and not making waves may be enough to cause me to pass a humility checkup in some settings. The verse says it's the LORD who beautifies with salvation. Wouldn't the LORD also be the best one to ask about humility? I can ask the LORD about humility, then listen and look for the ways it begins to unfold. Asking the LORD, then listening to those who are sent to help, is different than choosing a right person or organization to ask.
Praise (vs. 1)
Sing to the LORD a new song (vs. 2)
Rejoice in (vs. 2)
Be joyful (vs. 2)
Praise with dance (vs. 3)
Sing praises with timbrel and harp (vs. 3)
Be joyful (vs. 5)
Sing aloud on their beds (vs. 5)
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth (vs. 6)
Vibrant, fully engaged, exuberant!
Romans 13:8-14
"...now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed." (vs. 11)
"...put on the armor of light." (vs. 12)
"...put on the Lord Jesus Christ." (vs. 14)
Salvation moves closer through the centuries from the Exodus (before that from Adam) to the Psalmist (Psalm 149:4) to Paul (Romans 13:11). Now (in Paul's day) that Jesus has lived, died and lives again, our salvation is nearer.
What about in 2008? Is our salvation nearer than in Paul's day? Are we closer or further away from a full appreciation for Jesus Christ? How does salvation get nearer to an individual or a group? Verse 11 is about salvation being nearer than when we first believed. Nearness has to do with growth or development in believing and trusting.
The nearness of salvation (how close, real and realized it is) has to do with the "putting on" of verse 12 and 14, doesn't it? The more Light we are immersed in, the more Light that fills us--the closer salvation is. The more we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, the closer salvation is.
Major events in salvation history have moved us nearer to the consummation at the glorious coming of Christ. Believing, trusting and putting on the Light, our Lord Jesus Christ, also move salvation nearer to God's people every day.
Matthew 18:15-20
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Receiving August 30, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for August 30
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Part I -Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
If you have been visiting this blog, you know its purpose is to invite people to receive the Word as spirit and life. Studying, analyzing, and discussing all have their place. But this blog is not about those activities.
There is a time to simply receive the Word as the spirit and life it is. This blog is about doing that.
If some parts of the week's worship scriptures don't seem to you like spirit and life, simply let go of those parts and receive the parts that you do recognize as spirit and life. It may just be a word or phrase that is life for you. Receive that word and phrase. Let it be spirit and life in you.
There are some simple suggestions for receiving the week's worship scriptures as spirit and life at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
After receiving for yourself, you can compare with others who are doing the same. The spirit and life others have received from the same scriptures may increase the ways the scriptures are spirit and life for you.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
Guardian of my heart
save me from the ways
I divide my own heart
attending to part, and
neglecting part
of who I am in You.
Forgive me for returning like I do
to long-familiar ways that
hinder and hurt, ways of
head dominion and heart neglect.
Forgive me.
Meet me again in
my undivided, undefended heart.
There, with You, is my hope of
receiving Your Word
as spirit and life.
Exodus 3:1-15
As I receive this whole passage, it strikes me how visible and audible God is here. Moses saw and heard. This wasn't Moses thinking up a strategy for freeing the Israelites and then attributing his strategy to God.
"Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." (vs. 5)
"Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God." (vs. 6)
When the encounter with God is realized to the place of being visible and audible, when a person actually sees and hears, then what? How does a person respond?
Does the absence of visible and audible presence of God mean that my response to God's presence may or should be different?
"'I AM has sent me to you.'" (vs. 14)
I AM is present in every time and place, and also in every circumstance.
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Give thanks
call upon
make known
sing to
sing psalms
talk of
glory in
let hearts rejoice
seek
remember
"He sent Moses His servant..." (vs. 26)
This is a wonder and marvelous work of God, an expression of God's holiness and strength, and the judgments of God's mouth.
Romans 12:9-21
"Love... Overcome evil with good." (vss. 9-21)
If I receive verses 9-21 as a list of behavioral "shoulds" and "oughts," I'll miss the spirit and life in them. If, instead, I see in these verses evidences or glimpses of how love expresses itself, then they are more likely to be spirit and life.
Love is bigger and better than these verses reveal, of course, but these are some beautiful glimpses into love. The previous eleven chapters in Romans have shown me the love of God that is beyond my best or wildest imagination; and Romans has shown me how to receive and be received into that love. Now at the end of the book, I'm given some pointers that will help me realize that Love is in me and I in Love.
Matthew 16:21-28
"'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!'" (vs. 22)
"'You are not mindful of the things of God..." (vs. 23)
What a dialog of love this was!
The impulse of love, as humans know love, is to spare the loved one from rejection, mistreatment and suffering. The impulse of divine love goes beyond that and into depths and mystery that aren't easy to follow. The things of God include suffering many things and dying and rising (vs. 21). And, the things of God are worked out, or realized, in the followers of Jesus by taking up Jesus' Cross, by losing one's life for Jesus' sake, and by anticipating Jesus' coming in glory (vss. 24-27).
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Part I -Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
If you have been visiting this blog, you know its purpose is to invite people to receive the Word as spirit and life. Studying, analyzing, and discussing all have their place. But this blog is not about those activities.
There is a time to simply receive the Word as the spirit and life it is. This blog is about doing that.
If some parts of the week's worship scriptures don't seem to you like spirit and life, simply let go of those parts and receive the parts that you do recognize as spirit and life. It may just be a word or phrase that is life for you. Receive that word and phrase. Let it be spirit and life in you.
There are some simple suggestions for receiving the week's worship scriptures as spirit and life at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
After receiving for yourself, you can compare with others who are doing the same. The spirit and life others have received from the same scriptures may increase the ways the scriptures are spirit and life for you.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
Guardian of my heart
save me from the ways
I divide my own heart
attending to part, and
neglecting part
of who I am in You.
Forgive me for returning like I do
to long-familiar ways that
hinder and hurt, ways of
head dominion and heart neglect.
Forgive me.
Meet me again in
my undivided, undefended heart.
There, with You, is my hope of
receiving Your Word
as spirit and life.
Exodus 3:1-15
As I receive this whole passage, it strikes me how visible and audible God is here. Moses saw and heard. This wasn't Moses thinking up a strategy for freeing the Israelites and then attributing his strategy to God.
"Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." (vs. 5)
"Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God." (vs. 6)
When the encounter with God is realized to the place of being visible and audible, when a person actually sees and hears, then what? How does a person respond?
Does the absence of visible and audible presence of God mean that my response to God's presence may or should be different?
"'I AM has sent me to you.'" (vs. 14)
I AM is present in every time and place, and also in every circumstance.
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Give thanks
call upon
make known
sing to
sing psalms
talk of
glory in
let hearts rejoice
seek
remember
His deeds
wondrous works
holy name
strength
face
marvelous works
wonders
the judgments of His mouth.
The Psalmist is urging me, urging us, to somehow take in, realize, or grasp, who God is and what God has done--and to respond in ways appropriate to God's being and doing!
"He sent Moses His servant..." (vs. 26)
This is a wonder and marvelous work of God, an expression of God's holiness and strength, and the judgments of God's mouth.
Romans 12:9-21
"Love... Overcome evil with good." (vss. 9-21)
If I receive verses 9-21 as a list of behavioral "shoulds" and "oughts," I'll miss the spirit and life in them. If, instead, I see in these verses evidences or glimpses of how love expresses itself, then they are more likely to be spirit and life.
Love is bigger and better than these verses reveal, of course, but these are some beautiful glimpses into love. The previous eleven chapters in Romans have shown me the love of God that is beyond my best or wildest imagination; and Romans has shown me how to receive and be received into that love. Now at the end of the book, I'm given some pointers that will help me realize that Love is in me and I in Love.
Matthew 16:21-28
"'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!'" (vs. 22)
"'You are not mindful of the things of God..." (vs. 23)
What a dialog of love this was!
The impulse of love, as humans know love, is to spare the loved one from rejection, mistreatment and suffering. The impulse of divine love goes beyond that and into depths and mystery that aren't easy to follow. The things of God include suffering many things and dying and rising (vs. 21). And, the things of God are worked out, or realized, in the followers of Jesus by taking up Jesus' Cross, by losing one's life for Jesus' sake, and by anticipating Jesus' coming in glory (vss. 24-27).
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Receiving August 23, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for August 23
Exodus 1:8 - 2:10
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
This blog spot is a weekly invitation to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself. Doing this is different than just reading the scriptures. It is also different than studying the scriptures.
When we receive the Word as spirit and life we enter into a willing receptivity. This begins with prayer for willing receptivity. We seek a kind of receptivity that increases and flourishes, more and more all the time.
Then we receive (more than just read) letting the spirit and life be real and realized. This way of engaging the Scripture is prayer continued. Doing this often and patiently we begin to recognize a difference between "working with" or "figuring out" the text, and simply receiving. Receiving, with a sense of the life and spirit in it, is a graced and blessed experience. This experience is available to all who are willing.
Simple steps for entering into this spiritual exercise are provided at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
After receiving for yourself, compare notes with others who are doing the same. Compare notes primarily for the purpose of continuing and expanding your receptivity to the Word as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
Your Word is spirit and life. Enable me to receive it as the spirit and life it is. Please cause my feelings and thoughts to all serve receptivity right now. I confess that I let feelings and thoughts become hindrances. Please change my feelings and thoughts into servants of receptivity.
Exodus 1:8 - 2:10
"So she called his name Moses, saying, 'Because I drew him out of the water.'" (2:10)
The water was a river.
Also, this week's Psalm shows that the water is circumstances that threaten to swamp or drown our soul. Consider the waters Moses was drawn out of: The Israelites had been favored in Joseph's day. Then political changes brought a new king who didn't "know Joseph." Then came affliction (but the more they afflicted them the more they multiplied and grew [1:12]). More intense affliction followed. Then came the king's order for newborn boys to be killed. Favor turned to affliction that turned to more intense affliction that led to a death sentence for newborn boys. Those were threatening waters.
Psalm 124
"'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side...
Then the waters would have overwhelmed us...'" (vss. 1-2, 4)
Having the LORD on their side did not prevent the Israelites from suffering; it prevented them from being overwhelmed by suffering. Our impulse is to pray for escape (and to praise God when escape happens). However, what we need to pray for even more than escape is the quality and completeness of surrender to, and union with, God that will take us through the waters that would otherwise drown our soul.
God-given escape is praiseworthy and delightful. Pure and complete surrender to God and union with God in suffering goes beyond that. It takes us into the mystery where grief and joy mingle.
Romans 12:1-8
"...present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." (vs. 1)
Presenting my body as a living sacrifice involves letting go of my will in favor of God's will. The "simple" and supremely challenging prayer that makes it possible to be either a living or dying sacrifice is: "Not as I will but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Qualifiers like "I know it's Your will for this or that to happen or not happen" destroy this prayer and prevent us from being either a living or dying sacrifice. An unqualified "Not as I will but as You will" is the way to become a living sacrifice.
"And do not be conformed to this world..." (vs. 2)
Being conformed to this world affects our experience of power. If we are conformed to this world, it will affect how we get power, and how we use it or are subject to it.
"that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (vs. 2)
Living sacrifices who are transformed rather than being conformed to this world (and its way with power) are " this way" in order to prove what is the will of God. They don't sacrifice themselves to nothing, or because sacrifice is somehow noble. They sacrifice themselves to God's will. They are immersed in God's will and testimony to its power and desirability. Consider how different this is than being a representative or interpreter of God's will.
Matthew 16:13-20
"'You are the Christ, the son of the living God.'" (vs. 16)
Today we hear things like, "This person is the greatest Olympian of all time." Or "This person is our party's candidate for President of the United States." What's it like for us to hear or relay those kinds of acknowledgements or confessions?
What was it like for Peter to look into the face of Jesus of Nazareth and say, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." How can I let my heart "be there" with Peter, confessing that? How can I be there with Peter, receiving Jesus for who He is?
"Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ." (vs. 20)
Don't tell. Just when Peter had really Big News to share, he's told not to tell! Jesus is not to be known as the conquering Christ. He is to be known first and fully as the suffering Savior. Instead of conquering by power, He entered into unspeakable suffering and powerlessness.
Exodus 1:8 - 2:10
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
This blog spot is a weekly invitation to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself. Doing this is different than just reading the scriptures. It is also different than studying the scriptures.
When we receive the Word as spirit and life we enter into a willing receptivity. This begins with prayer for willing receptivity. We seek a kind of receptivity that increases and flourishes, more and more all the time.
Then we receive (more than just read) letting the spirit and life be real and realized. This way of engaging the Scripture is prayer continued. Doing this often and patiently we begin to recognize a difference between "working with" or "figuring out" the text, and simply receiving. Receiving, with a sense of the life and spirit in it, is a graced and blessed experience. This experience is available to all who are willing.
Simple steps for entering into this spiritual exercise are provided at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
After receiving for yourself, compare notes with others who are doing the same. Compare notes primarily for the purpose of continuing and expanding your receptivity to the Word as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
Your Word is spirit and life. Enable me to receive it as the spirit and life it is. Please cause my feelings and thoughts to all serve receptivity right now. I confess that I let feelings and thoughts become hindrances. Please change my feelings and thoughts into servants of receptivity.
Exodus 1:8 - 2:10
"So she called his name Moses, saying, 'Because I drew him out of the water.'" (2:10)
The water was a river.
Also, this week's Psalm shows that the water is circumstances that threaten to swamp or drown our soul. Consider the waters Moses was drawn out of: The Israelites had been favored in Joseph's day. Then political changes brought a new king who didn't "know Joseph." Then came affliction (but the more they afflicted them the more they multiplied and grew [1:12]). More intense affliction followed. Then came the king's order for newborn boys to be killed. Favor turned to affliction that turned to more intense affliction that led to a death sentence for newborn boys. Those were threatening waters.
Psalm 124
"'If it had not been the LORD who was on our side...
Then the waters would have overwhelmed us...'" (vss. 1-2, 4)
Having the LORD on their side did not prevent the Israelites from suffering; it prevented them from being overwhelmed by suffering. Our impulse is to pray for escape (and to praise God when escape happens). However, what we need to pray for even more than escape is the quality and completeness of surrender to, and union with, God that will take us through the waters that would otherwise drown our soul.
God-given escape is praiseworthy and delightful. Pure and complete surrender to God and union with God in suffering goes beyond that. It takes us into the mystery where grief and joy mingle.
Romans 12:1-8
"...present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." (vs. 1)
Presenting my body as a living sacrifice involves letting go of my will in favor of God's will. The "simple" and supremely challenging prayer that makes it possible to be either a living or dying sacrifice is: "Not as I will but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Qualifiers like "I know it's Your will for this or that to happen or not happen" destroy this prayer and prevent us from being either a living or dying sacrifice. An unqualified "Not as I will but as You will" is the way to become a living sacrifice.
"And do not be conformed to this world..." (vs. 2)
Being conformed to this world affects our experience of power. If we are conformed to this world, it will affect how we get power, and how we use it or are subject to it.
"that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (vs. 2)
Living sacrifices who are transformed rather than being conformed to this world (and its way with power) are " this way" in order to prove what is the will of God. They don't sacrifice themselves to nothing, or because sacrifice is somehow noble. They sacrifice themselves to God's will. They are immersed in God's will and testimony to its power and desirability. Consider how different this is than being a representative or interpreter of God's will.
Matthew 16:13-20
"'You are the Christ, the son of the living God.'" (vs. 16)
Today we hear things like, "This person is the greatest Olympian of all time." Or "This person is our party's candidate for President of the United States." What's it like for us to hear or relay those kinds of acknowledgements or confessions?
What was it like for Peter to look into the face of Jesus of Nazareth and say, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." How can I let my heart "be there" with Peter, confessing that? How can I be there with Peter, receiving Jesus for who He is?
"Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ." (vs. 20)
Don't tell. Just when Peter had really Big News to share, he's told not to tell! Jesus is not to be known as the conquering Christ. He is to be known first and fully as the suffering Savior. Instead of conquering by power, He entered into unspeakable suffering and powerlessness.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A Christian Chapel
If you know about "having a dream," you'll know why I'm writing this. I "have a dream" for a Christian chapel in Tri-Cities, Washington, where I live.
There is already at least one generic hospital chapel here.
There are also chapels connected with specific Christian churches, to be used according to the denomination's guidelines.
But I haven't found a Christian chapel like I'm hoping for.
The chapel I hope for would be expressly Christian, and not specific to one denomination. While seated in the chapel, a person would be able to see (at eye level) a series of art on the walls around the room. This art would show the Cross as it has been portrayed since the beginning of Christianity.
The color, lighting, and other aspects of the room would all be chosen to serve reverence, prayerfulness and worship.
This Christian chapel would be available for use by individuals or groups. A small group or individual could schedule one-time or recurring events in the chapel and invite the public. Use would be approved by a Christian "mission group" that cares for the chapel. Use of the chapel would not involve approval by a particular denomination. This kind of chapel would serve all Christians and also interested people who may not currently be Christians.
If you, or someone you know, shares a similar dream, please let me know. Or if you have suggestions for how to help this dream be realized, let me know. You can respond to this post, or you can send an email to charistis@owt.com
There is already at least one generic hospital chapel here.
There are also chapels connected with specific Christian churches, to be used according to the denomination's guidelines.
But I haven't found a Christian chapel like I'm hoping for.
The chapel I hope for would be expressly Christian, and not specific to one denomination. While seated in the chapel, a person would be able to see (at eye level) a series of art on the walls around the room. This art would show the Cross as it has been portrayed since the beginning of Christianity.
The color, lighting, and other aspects of the room would all be chosen to serve reverence, prayerfulness and worship.
This Christian chapel would be available for use by individuals or groups. A small group or individual could schedule one-time or recurring events in the chapel and invite the public. Use would be approved by a Christian "mission group" that cares for the chapel. Use of the chapel would not involve approval by a particular denomination. This kind of chapel would serve all Christians and also interested people who may not currently be Christians.
If you, or someone you know, shares a similar dream, please let me know. Or if you have suggestions for how to help this dream be realized, let me know. You can respond to this post, or you can send an email to charistis@owt.com
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Receiving August 16, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for August 16
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Why do I keep inviting you, week after week, to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself? Because it is spirit and life! Because each child of God can come directly to God in the Word. There are many, many words about the Word--in sermons, devotionals, seminars, and in writing that's published on the Internet and in books, magazines and other resources. All words about the Word are secondary. The Word itself is primary. You will know best how to benefit from words about the Word, when you participate in the spiritual discipline of receiving the Word itself--as spirit and life--for yourself.
The following provides suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html It isn't necessary for you to understand or explain every word in each scripture. But it is necessary, more necessary than eating physical food, to receive the Word, being open to what you recognize as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures
Prayer for receptivity
Present to You, God, with all my heart. Free hearted, full hearted. That's my desire. Forgive the times I come gingerly, with a partial heart, a partial presence. Heart and presence affect the receptivity I seek--so much. In this prayer I seek the quality of heart, presence and receptivity You want me to have.
Genesis 45:1-15
"God sent me before you to preserve life." (vs. 5)
"God sent me before you..." (vs. 7)
"It was not you who sent me here, but God." (vs. 8)
Being sent by God was such a keynote in Joseph's life, and he emphasized it by repeating it three times.
"He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (vs. 8)
The man God sent was sold as a slave, imprisoned and tested (Psalm 105:17-19) and later became father to pharaoh, lord and ruler. When did a prayer of surrender and powerlessness apply for Joseph?
When he was in the pit before he was sold to the Ishmaelites and taken to Egypt?
When he was in chains in prison in Egypt?
When he was father to Pharaoh, lord, and ruler?
Was Joseph any less powerless as lord and ruler than he had been in the pit and in prison?
Psalm 133
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!" (vs. 1)
What a great Psalm for the sons of Jacob!
How good and pleasant it is for each brother, and for all of them together!
How good and pleasant it is for their dad!
How good and pleasant it is for their descendants!
Dwelling together in unity--what a pebble to drop in the pond of humanity. How the ripples extend out to families and nations, forever.
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
"For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all." (vs. 32)
It's not disobedience, that He might reject and punish.
It's disobedience, that He might have mercy.
The truth is disobedience, and the truth is mercy. Those are companion truths that bare the human heart, and the divine heart.
Matthew 15:21-28
"...a woman of Canaan... cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!'" (vs. 22)
The ways of His mercy are deep, unsearchable and past finding out. The One who commits all to disobedience in order to have mercy on all (Romans 11:32) uses ways past finding out (Romans 11:33). His way of responding to this woman of Canaan illustrates that. And the results are faith and mercy that shine forever.
Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Why do I keep inviting you, week after week, to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself? Because it is spirit and life! Because each child of God can come directly to God in the Word. There are many, many words about the Word--in sermons, devotionals, seminars, and in writing that's published on the Internet and in books, magazines and other resources. All words about the Word are secondary. The Word itself is primary. You will know best how to benefit from words about the Word, when you participate in the spiritual discipline of receiving the Word itself--as spirit and life--for yourself.
The following provides suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html It isn't necessary for you to understand or explain every word in each scripture. But it is necessary, more necessary than eating physical food, to receive the Word, being open to what you recognize as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures
Prayer for receptivity
Present to You, God, with all my heart. Free hearted, full hearted. That's my desire. Forgive the times I come gingerly, with a partial heart, a partial presence. Heart and presence affect the receptivity I seek--so much. In this prayer I seek the quality of heart, presence and receptivity You want me to have.
Genesis 45:1-15
"God sent me before you to preserve life." (vs. 5)
"God sent me before you..." (vs. 7)
"It was not you who sent me here, but God." (vs. 8)
Being sent by God was such a keynote in Joseph's life, and he emphasized it by repeating it three times.
"He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (vs. 8)
The man God sent was sold as a slave, imprisoned and tested (Psalm 105:17-19) and later became father to pharaoh, lord and ruler. When did a prayer of surrender and powerlessness apply for Joseph?
When he was in the pit before he was sold to the Ishmaelites and taken to Egypt?
When he was in chains in prison in Egypt?
When he was father to Pharaoh, lord, and ruler?
Was Joseph any less powerless as lord and ruler than he had been in the pit and in prison?
Psalm 133
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!" (vs. 1)
What a great Psalm for the sons of Jacob!
How good and pleasant it is for each brother, and for all of them together!
How good and pleasant it is for their dad!
How good and pleasant it is for their descendants!
Dwelling together in unity--what a pebble to drop in the pond of humanity. How the ripples extend out to families and nations, forever.
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
"For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all." (vs. 32)
It's not disobedience, that He might reject and punish.
It's disobedience, that He might have mercy.
The truth is disobedience, and the truth is mercy. Those are companion truths that bare the human heart, and the divine heart.
Matthew 15:21-28
"...a woman of Canaan... cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!'" (vs. 22)
The ways of His mercy are deep, unsearchable and past finding out. The One who commits all to disobedience in order to have mercy on all (Romans 11:32) uses ways past finding out (Romans 11:33). His way of responding to this woman of Canaan illustrates that. And the results are faith and mercy that shine forever.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Receiving August 9, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for August 9
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28
Psalm 105:1-8, 16-22, 45c
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
My hope is that you will receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself, and then compare notes with others who are doing the same. The following provides suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures
Prayer for receptivity
Being receptive is a gift given, a gift to be loved and grown into. Thank you God for this gift. Please enable me to grow into this gift. Make my heart soft, strong, and responsive in receiving Your Word as spirit and life.
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28
"'Look, this dreamer is coming!'" (vs. 19)
"...'We shall see what will become of his dreams!'" (vs. 20)
A dream--where it comes from, how it's shared, what becomes of it--stands out for me as something to ponder.
And, of course, the account that flows through all of these verses invites a person to get acquainted with these siblings and their striving. There is glaring meanness and hatred (how could they be that way!) surpassed by values or virtues ("he is our brother and our flesh"). And the worst and best in these siblings is far surpassing by providence, which doesn't prevent conflict or suffering.
Psalm 105:1-8, 16-22, 45c
"You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!" (vs. 6)
That's plural. It wasn't just Joseph that was chosen.
"He sent a man before them--Joseph--who was sold as a slave." (vs. 17)
Consider what might be involved in being sent by God.
"Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the LORD tested him." (vs. 19)
The word of the LORD as hope; the word of the LORD as test. Is it any less spirit and life in either case?
"Remember the LORD's marvelous works which he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth." (vs. 5)
It is a wonder and a marvelous work that God would choose that bunch of siblings, do with them what He did, and specifically send Joseph, and do with him as He did.
"Praise the LORD!" (vs. 45)
Psalm 105 comes out praise.
In his book about praying the psalms (Answering God), Eugene Peterson points out that the whole thing, the whole book of Psalms, comes out praise in Psalm 150. That everything in the Psalms (and the Psalms are wide and deep territory) comes out praise is a great, great reality. It takes everything together to give fullness and power to praise. If we skim off what we find pleasant, focus on desirable outcomes, and select this or that favorite verse, our praise will be feeble at best.
Romans 10:5-15
"For with the heart one believes unto righteousness." (vs. 10)
With the heart one believes. Some say it's with reason (how you think). Some say it's with emotion (how you feel). But this verse says it's with the heart. The rest of Scripture and life show that heart is the center of the whole person. It can take some time and intention to move belief into the heart. But it's an essential move into life and spirit.
""How shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!'" (vs. 15)
And don't forget what "being sent" may involve!
Matthew 14:22-33
"Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him." (vs. 33)
Consider the wind, the waves, and the alternating fear and amazement in verses 22-33. There were depths and heights, depths and heights in quick succession. This account includes being real about fear, and also having fear surpassed.
The outcome is worship. The outcome is worship! That is an outcome to love every day for the rest of life here, and hereafter!
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28
Psalm 105:1-8, 16-22, 45c
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
My hope is that you will receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself, and then compare notes with others who are doing the same. The following provides suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures
Prayer for receptivity
Being receptive is a gift given, a gift to be loved and grown into. Thank you God for this gift. Please enable me to grow into this gift. Make my heart soft, strong, and responsive in receiving Your Word as spirit and life.
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28
"'Look, this dreamer is coming!'" (vs. 19)
"...'We shall see what will become of his dreams!'" (vs. 20)
A dream--where it comes from, how it's shared, what becomes of it--stands out for me as something to ponder.
And, of course, the account that flows through all of these verses invites a person to get acquainted with these siblings and their striving. There is glaring meanness and hatred (how could they be that way!) surpassed by values or virtues ("he is our brother and our flesh"). And the worst and best in these siblings is far surpassing by providence, which doesn't prevent conflict or suffering.
Psalm 105:1-8, 16-22, 45c
"You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!" (vs. 6)
That's plural. It wasn't just Joseph that was chosen.
"He sent a man before them--Joseph--who was sold as a slave." (vs. 17)
Consider what might be involved in being sent by God.
"Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the LORD tested him." (vs. 19)
The word of the LORD as hope; the word of the LORD as test. Is it any less spirit and life in either case?
"Remember the LORD's marvelous works which he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth." (vs. 5)
It is a wonder and a marvelous work that God would choose that bunch of siblings, do with them what He did, and specifically send Joseph, and do with him as He did.
"Praise the LORD!" (vs. 45)
Psalm 105 comes out praise.
In his book about praying the psalms (Answering God), Eugene Peterson points out that the whole thing, the whole book of Psalms, comes out praise in Psalm 150. That everything in the Psalms (and the Psalms are wide and deep territory) comes out praise is a great, great reality. It takes everything together to give fullness and power to praise. If we skim off what we find pleasant, focus on desirable outcomes, and select this or that favorite verse, our praise will be feeble at best.
Romans 10:5-15
"For with the heart one believes unto righteousness." (vs. 10)
With the heart one believes. Some say it's with reason (how you think). Some say it's with emotion (how you feel). But this verse says it's with the heart. The rest of Scripture and life show that heart is the center of the whole person. It can take some time and intention to move belief into the heart. But it's an essential move into life and spirit.
""How shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!'" (vs. 15)
And don't forget what "being sent" may involve!
Matthew 14:22-33
"Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him." (vs. 33)
Consider the wind, the waves, and the alternating fear and amazement in verses 22-33. There were depths and heights, depths and heights in quick succession. This account includes being real about fear, and also having fear surpassed.
The outcome is worship. The outcome is worship! That is an outcome to love every day for the rest of life here, and hereafter!
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