All Saints (2)

(note: the pictures are a portion of the basement wall in my parents house where my father painted on the family tree in his last years, I think of it as a list of saints, some with dirty hands and messy basements, but saints non the less)

Matthew 5:1-12

In a world that is often cruel
I find myself on the outs

Not making the buck
(Blessed are you)
not having the things
I am told I must have
To be me
(Blessed are you)
and in the fast flowing lanes of this world
I am often in the slow lane
Stopping occasionally to smell the flowers
And see the creation
God had made
(Blessed are you)
and when the bus stops
and I never get the good seat
because I am helping someone who is having trouble
with old age
or weak limbs
I wonder at those who do
(Blessed are you)
---- and Christ said
---- let the little children come onto me
---- and forbid them not
---- for to such belongs the Kingdom of God
(Blessed are you)

All Saints

Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are we
Blessed in the midst of God’s love
Blessed in the midst of our world
Blessed in what we feel
See
Do
Blessed
Even in the times we find it hard
To see
The blessing
Even then
We can know ourselves
As the children of God
Especially then
We can know
See
Feel
God’s presence in our lives
Blessed
God’s love in our lives
Given by the One
Who came to save
Blessed are you
In the name of Christ

Who are all these people?

Sunday November 2nd, Revelation 7: "9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Part of Jesus’ ministry on earth was to reach out and draw new people into the kingdom, and the task of the disciples was to announce that he Kingdom was near. That message, that ministry, landed Jesus and the disciples in a great deal of hot water. By and large, the church doesn’t want new people, it might like more people who are just like us, but not new people who might change the way we respond to God’s love. We tend to like the arrangement of us and them. When you start inviting the “them” in then the next thing you know the “us” have to face change. Other languages are spoken on our street corners. Other foods are cooked and served in our restaurants, other music, thoughts, ideas and problems begin to invade our sensibilities. In order to include these “others” we have to change even though it is our church or our country. I think that was God’s plan all along. The Saints help us see that God vision of the Kingdom through the clouded vision of our own version of the Kingdom.

It's the vision thing

Monday November 3rd, Revelation 7: 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This is a part of the final vision that gives us a glimpse of what a God centered world would look like. After all our wheeling’s and dealings over the ages, I think we have ask the question, how are we doing on accomplishing this vision for the kingdom in which we live here and now? This is not just a vision to read about in the book of Revelation, or to plan for in some future heaven up there somewhere. It is a vision of what we, the children of God, are to be about here and now, in this kingdom, on this earth, with these people. There are more than a few warnings, as in the sheep and the goats, along the way that points to the consequences of not working on this vision to help keep us on the right path. So with all that in mind, how are we doing? Personally? Culturally? Nationally?

They will know we are Christians by our love

Tuesday November 4th, 1st John 3: 1 Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don't know who we are. Sunday November 2nd was All Saints Sunday. When you think of the saints in your life, who are they? I don’t mean the ones officially recognized by the church, I mean the ones who brought to you the idea that Jesus Love You and let you know that the kingdom is right here with you. Was it a Grandma or Grandpa? Was it an Aunt or Uncle? Maybe it was someone whose name you can’t even remember. Jesus Loves me this I know for God’s people tell me so (the song says the Bible tells us, but the reality is that it is the people of God). Most often how they tell us is not by the words they say but by the love they show. You are a saint of God, what do you show? Don’t forget, Saints vote, so read the rest of the meditations for the week, or the Gospel lesson for the week, Matthew 5:1-12, and VOTE!!!

Holy Surprises

Wednesday November 5th, 1st John 3: 2 My dear friends, we are already God's children, though what we will be hasn't yet been seen. But we do know that when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is. With our children, many of us play the game of “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Perhaps we should rephrase that a bit to say “What does God want you to be when you grow up, what wonderful gifts and talents has God already given you for your journey?” For the adults, what plan do you think God had for you back then? From where you are at now, what plan do you think God has for you now and in the future? How have you been called to go about “being” a child of God in all that it means? What we will be in the fullness of the kingdom has not yet been made known, and what we are called to be is ever unfolding. It is kind of exciting when you thing about it. Every time we think we have turned “the” corner we find God standing at the next bend in the road calling us on. Life is full of surprises and when you ride with God at your side, they become holy surprises. Living into your Holy Surprises is the thing of saints.

this "Little" light of mine

Thursday November 6th, Matthew 5: 3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. As a person gets up in years and looks back over their lives, they are sometime amazed at the times when God seemed most present in their times gone by. Often these were times when things were not going so well. Does that mean that God does not want things to go well for us? Not at all. What it does mean is that when things are going well we tend to become so busy shining our own light, we forget that Christ is the light of the world and the source of light in our lives. Sometimes we even forget that outside of ourselves there is another light altogether, a light for all people. But the darkness in our lives is just an illusion. These are simply the times when our own light is either dim or almost out. And these are the times when we can look back and see that we truly are bathed in the light of Christ all the time, throughout all of our life. We just tend to forget when our own light has a little glimmer to it.

Care for and Cared for

Friday November 7th, Matthew 5: 7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind and love you neighbor as yourself. This is the how we live out “the kingdom is near” in our lives. When we care for others, we find ourselves cared for. When we, out of fear or anxiety or simply selfish pride, care only for ourselves, looking out for good old, “number one”, we find the big holes in our lives just waiting to be filled, with, …. Caring for others and in the process, God. Kind of funny the way that works.

Peacemakers

Saturday November 8th, Matthew 5: 9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. Who was your peacemaker teacher, the one who taught you that you don’t get someone to stop hitting by hitting them? I don’t see anything in Jesus writings about blessed are the war makers, it is the peace makers who get the Lord’s attention. I think that is because we are created in God’s image and Jesus taught us that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Our call is for peace, not war. There seems to be a large learning curve on that one.

John 8:31-36

Reformation Day

The little child cried
Looking at the father
And the spilt milk
--one
----more
------time
cried for fear that she had again offended
simply by being
--the
----little
------child
and the fathers arms went around her
and held her
and loved her
loving not the spilt milk
but cleaning the mess
and drying the tears
in love
you are my child because of who you are
and who I am
and in trying not to spill the milk
you live out what my child is
and does
soar my child
soar with the freedom
that comes with knowing who you are
soar with the freedom
to spill milk
and know who you are
soar to the freedom of love
that together
we may soar

Luther’s Small Catechism revised

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

There is only one God.

What does this mean for us?
God should be first and foremost in our lives, more important than anything else. (Exodus 32)

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

Do not swear or misuse God’s name.

What does this mean for us?
We are to respect and love God and not to use the name of God to pump ourselves up, bring others down or practice deceit. We should however call upon God in all aspects of our lives and thank God always for all we have. (Leviticus 24:10-16)

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

Keep Sabbath Time.

What does this mean for us?
We are to live in connection with God and set aside time to be with God. Even when busy lives tear us away from Sunday worship, it is important for your spiritual health to find other ways and times to stay connected to God’s love, God’s word and God’s people. (Luke 10:38-42)

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Show Honor and Respect for parents and those in authority.

What does this mean for us?
We are called to live our lives in such a way that our lives show honor and respect for our parents and those in authority. Even when you disagree be the best God has called you to be in your family and authority relationships and do not let negativity rule the day. (Luke 2:41-2)

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

Do not take another’s life from them.

What does this mean for us?
We are called to love all of creation and out of self-giving love, care for others and the environment in which they live. We are called to honor all of life and to offer dignity and respect for all life’s stages. Be creative and loving as you find ways to support all of life’s needs. (Genesis 4:1-16)

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

Show respect for your relationships.

What does this mean for us?
We are to love one another in our prayers, words and deeds, especially those special relationships in our lives in ways that honor those relationships. We are also to work for health, and to help legitimize the relationships of others God has created and called good. (2 Samuel 11)

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

Do not take what does not belong to you.

What does this mean for us?
We are to respect our Brothers and Sisters in Christ so that we do not take things from them or find ways to rip them off, sell them false junk, deceive or entice them to purchase those things they don’t need. We are also called to help others maintain and protect their jobs and property. (Joshua 7:1)

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT

Do not lie about your friends and neighbors ether in the court or on the street.

What does this mean for us?
We are to show respect for one another so we do not spread false information about them, but rather do our best to put the most positive construction on all we say about one another. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. (Luke 22:54-62)

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT

You should not crave your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean for us?
We are to respect our God and our Neighbor such that we do not try to swindle others out of their house or property, but help them keep it up and in good shape.

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT

You should not lust after your neighbors spouse or family members or any of your neighbors things.

What does this mean for us?
We are to be respectful around our neighbors family and belongings and conduct ourselves in such a way that help them maintain long term loving and healthy relationships and lifestyles.

II. THE CREED

The First Article

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?
I believe that God has created me and all that exists. God has given me and still preserves my body and soul with all their powers. God provides me with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all I need from day to day. God also walks with me in times of danger and guards me from every evil path. God does out of loving and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not always deserve it. Therefore I am called to continually offer thanks and praise and service to God and God’s creation. This is most certainly true.

The Second Article

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ—true Son of God from all eternity, and true man, born of the Virgin Mary—is my Lord. At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and doomed person. Jesus has freed me from the power of sin, death, and the devil—not with the riches of this world, but with his precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. All this Christ has done that I may have the honor to be called a child of God, live with Christ in the Kingdom here and in the Kingdom to come, and live a life of service and everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. I know that for me and for all humanity Christ is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

The Third Article

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?
I believe that I all I have is a gift from God and that I cannot even by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. But through the grace of God the Holy Spirit has called, and continues to call me through the Gospel, enlighten me with grace gifts, and sanctifies me daily and keeps me in a life of faith. In the same way, the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies all creation and the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in faith. In this Christian church day after day the Holy Spirit fully forgives my sins and the sins of all. On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and give us the grace gift of eternal life in Christ. This is most certainly true.

III. THE LORD'S PRAYER

God of Heaven, Holy is your name. Let your Kingdom come and your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us what we need for today and forgive our sins as we go forth and forgive the sins of others. Help us avoid temptation and keep us out of the clutches of evil. For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory belong to you alone, and to you forever. Amen!!

God of Heaven,

What does this mean?
Here God encourages us to believe that God is truly rules over all of heaven and all of earth and we truly are God's children. We therefore are to live in a loving relationship and pray to God with all of our life in complete confidence just as children speak to and live in a loving relationship with their family.

THE FIRST PETITION

Holy is Your Name.

What does this mean?
God's name certainly holy in and of itself, but we ask in this prayer that we may keep it holy in our lives.

When does this happen?
God's name is hallowed whenever God's Word is taught without deceit and we as the children of God live in harmony with God’s word and God’s kingdom. Help us to do this heavenly Lord! But we dishonor God when we live lives contrary to the Word of God. Help us avoid this heavenly Lord!

THE SECOND PETITION

Let Your Kingdom Come.

What does this mean?
God's kingdom comes and surrounds us even without our praying for it, but we ask in this prayer that we may live in total awareness that the Kingdom is near.

When does this happen?
God's kingdom comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit and that same Spirit calls us to live life here on earth fully aware that the Kingdom is near and to live longing for the fulfillment of the Kingdome to come in its eternal fullness.

THE THIRD PETITION

and your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.

What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is a reality even without our prayer, but we ask in this prayer that it we may live fully aware that God’s will is done among and also through us.

When does this happen?
God's will is done when evil in the world, and in our hearts, is overcome with the love and grace of God. God’s will is done when the Kingdom is announced in word and deed and people hear and live in presence of the Good news. And God’s will is done when God strengthens our faith and keeps us firm in God's Word as long as we live. And God’s will is done when we live as a child of God in loving harmony with all of God’s creation. This is God's gracious good will.

THE FOURTH PETITION

Give us what we need for today.

What does this mean?
God provides for this world all that is needed every day even without prayer, but we ask in this prayer that God will help us to realize this and to receive that which we need with thanksgiving and work toward a just distribution of God’s gifts in this world.

What is meant by "what we need for today"?
This includes everything needed for this life, such as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family, an orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good name, and true friends and neighbors and a healthy earth.

THE FIFTH PETITION

and forgive our sins as we go forth and forgive the sins of others.

What does this mean?
We ask in this prayer that God would not hold our sins, those we are aware of and those we are not, those we commit by doing and those we commit by not doing enough, against us. And we thank God for the gift of grace by which we receive our much needed forgiveness. We also commit to do our part and heartily forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

THE SIXTH PETITION

Help us avoid temptation.

What does this mean?
We ask in this prayer that God would watch over us and help keep us from sliding into the temptation to live self centered and sinful lives. We ask God to help us keep our focus on God and God’s calling in our lives to live as a child of God. And we pray that even though we are often tempted and often fall that God would continue to guide us and help us to live as we are called to live in this world and will be with God forever in the world to come.

THE SEVENTH PETITION

and keep us out of the clutches of evil

What does this mean?
We ask in this inclusive prayer that God would keep us from all that would bring harm to our selves or to others in this wonderful creation and in our last hour would take us in the glorious kingdom to be with God forever.

THE DOXOLOGY

For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory belong to you alone, and to you forever. Amen!!

What does "Amen" mean?
Amen means Yes, Yes, Yes!!! And we say Amen because we live in the certainty of God’s loving grace and know that God is with us, and hears us always.

Luther’s Small Catechism

I am trying to come up with a more modern version of Luther's small Catechism, this is what I have so far. I would like to make this a combined effort. If you have any suggestions, send them to me at bollerud@gci.net I will play around with them and post any good suggestions on Monday the 20th. I am also looking for suggestions for the rest of the small catechism, so if you have something good, let me know and I will share it with others here.

Pastor Dan

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
There is only one God.

What does this mean for us?

God should be first and foremost in our lives, more important than anything else. (Exodus 32)

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
Do not swear or misuse God’s name.

What does this mean for us?

We are to respect and love God and not to use the name of God to pump ourselves up, bring harm to others or practice deceit. We should however call upon God in all aspects of our lives and thank God always for all we have. (Leviticus 24:10-16)

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
Keep Sabbath Time.

What does this mean for us?

We are to live in connection with God and set aside time to be with God. Even when busy lives tear us away from Sunday worship, it is important for your spiritual health to find other ways to stay connected to God’s love, God’s word and God’s people. (Luke 10:38-42)

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
Show Honor and Respect for parents and those in authority.

What does this mean for us?

We are called to live our lives in such a way that our parents and those in authority would be pleased. Even when you disagree be the best God has called you to be in your family relationships. (Luke 2:41-2)

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
Do not take another’s life from them.

What does this mean for us?

We are called to love all of creation and out of self-giving love, care for others and the environment in which they live. Be creative and loving as you find ways to support all of life’s needs. (Genesis 4:1-16)

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
Show respect for your relationships.

What does this mean for us?

We are to love one another in our prayers, words and deeds, especially those special relationships in our lives in ways that honor those relationships. We are also to work for health and to help legitimize the relationships of others God has created and called good. (2 Samuel 11)

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
Do not take what does not belong to you.

What does this mean for us?

We are to respect our Brothers and Sisters in Christ so that we do not take things from them or find ways to rip them off, sell them false junk or things they don’t need. We are also called to help them maintain and protect their jobs and property. (Joshua 7:1)

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
Do not lie about your friends and neighbors ether in the court or on the street.

What does this mean for us?

We are to show respect for one another so we do not spread false information about them, but rather do our best to put the most positive construction on all we say about one another. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. (Luke 22:54-62)

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
You should not crave your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean for us?

We are to respect our God and our Neighbor such that we do not try to swindle others out of their house or property, but help them keep it up and in good shape.

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
You should not lust after your neighbors spouse or family members or any of your neighbors things.

What does this mean for us?

We are to be respectful around our neighbors family and belongings and conduct ourselves in such a way that help them maintain long term loving and healthy relationships and lifestyles.

The Reformation Polka

by Robert Gebel
[Sung to the tune of "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious"]

Chorus:Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation

Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!

Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!

Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;

While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa

Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,

I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,

I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:

"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!

Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;

The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.

"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,

"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,

By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.

Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,

Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,

And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;

The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets her chance,

So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

My God??

I don't care what side you are on, this is just plain wrong!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdzji2C54

Matthew 22:15-22

What is this
In God we trust? Stuff
As if
We really trust in god
My party yes
The army yes
As long as they don’t question me
The people, yes
As long as they vote the right way
But
In god
We trust
Forget it man
No way
I mean
That would mean change
Not just who is in charge
But how we do things
We would be forced to face
Honesty
Integrity
No way will that work
No way will in God we trust work
In this world
In What god do we trust?
Self?
Time?
Talent?
Self preservation?
What god do we trust in?
Give me the coin
Oh
I see
In God we trust
In GOD
We are asked to
Set the priorities
In our life
Set the priorities
That will guide us
And live
In God
Trusting
In that God we claim to trust

Just sing

Sunday October 19th, Psalm 96: 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, praise the Lord’s name; proclaim the Lord’s salvation day after day. 3 Declare the Lord’s glory among the nations, and the marvelous deeds among all peoples. Do you go through the day singing? I do and it drives my wife nuts. I don’t actually sing, which might be part of the problem, I sort of breathe the melody, forming different notes in my head, and making an annoying sound in hers. Once she knows I am singing and not having a heart attack, she is better with it, and I can go on in my joy. It is sort of like a meditation, a mindful presence, letting the words, the sounds, the thoughts, the being, swirl around in my head in prayer. Sing to the Lord a new song, an old song, any song that tells of the wonders of the Lord. And spend you day, living in prayer and mindful presences with you God.

Cyrus!?! Cyrus who!?!

Monday October 20th, Isaiah 45: 1-7 God's Message to his anointed, to Cyrus, whom he took by the hand To give the task of taming the nations, of terrifying their kings— He gave him free rein, no restrictions: "I'll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road. I'll break down bronze city gates, smash padlocks, kick down barred entrances. I'll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables— Confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Cyrus was not a man of God, Cyrus was an opportunists. God however used Cyrus and led him to bring freedom to the Israelites held in captivity in Babylon. Whether you believe in God or not, God is in charge, even of you. God’s plan will prevail, end of story. There are failings and wonderings in our lives, but God is in charge. So if God can use Cyrus, and if so much of the Old Testament praise is heaped on Cyrus, why do we have such trouble honoring those who, by our standards are outside the faith, for their faith? Perhaps it is because in the back of our minds, we might just think we are in charge. Ha!! Fat chance!!! God is in charge.! Our job is to learn to live with that. When we do, we get a glimpse of Heaven.

saying or doing

Tuesday October 21st, 1 Thessalonians 1: 7 You became an example for all the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 And because of you, the Lord's message has spread everywhere in those regions. Now the news of your faith in God is known all over the world, and we don't have to say a thing about it. I wonder if they became an example because of what they thought, what their theology was, what they said, or what they did? My money would be on what they did, that is what most people read. Being a child of god is about changed lives, not changed thoughts or changed theologies. It is the deeds that people read. What would cause someone to say about our church, because of you, the Lord’s message has spread and God is known all over the world?

small god, small life

Wednesday October 22nd, 1 Thessalonians 1: 9 Everyone is talking about how you welcomed us and how you turned away from idols to serve the true and living God. Most of us want our idols and our god. The only trouble is that if we have our idols, all we have is our god, not our God. God is about changed lives, god is about small lives.

Strange bedfellows!!

Thursday October 23rd, Matthew 22: 15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Strange bedfellows!! The Herodians were the supporters of the Roman occupation and were in favor of paying the tax, the Pharisees were popular with the people because the resisted paying the tax. Opposites united for a common purpose, to keep up the fight and get rid of the rabble rousing new guy. It is unclear who does the talking, but it also matters little, they are both trying to butter him up for the kill. Jesus is a threat to both their power bases. Their questions remind me of the political discourse where someone is asked a question and gives an unrelated political spin as an answer. Jesus, and the Kingdom offends both sides, just as the church should be willing to offend both sides of the political spectrum in today’s world.

Hot buttons

Friday October 24th, Matthew 22: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Take a hot button issue, add two opposite parties and one question, and you have potential trouble. Jesus responds with trouble of his own by naming what is happening. How often do we try to trap Jesus by claiming him for one side or the other in a debate. Jim Wallis ha a book and a blog (http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics) “God’s Politics, how the right gets it wrong and the left doesn’t get it” where you can get a bumper sticker that says “God is neither a Republican or a Democrat.” Bob Marley, the father of Ragee once said, "Me don' understand politics, me don' understand big words like "democratic socialism." What me say is what de Bible say, but because people don' read de Bible no more, dey tink me talk politics. Ha! It's the Bible what have it written and it strong, it powerful." Perhaps we need to “name” what de Bible say a bit more in our lives.

just give

Saturday October 25th, Matthew 22: 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." O my, how we hate to pay taxes. But name me one politician who has actually cut taxes. There have been politicians who have shifted taxes from the poor to the rich and from the rich to the poor, from local to national and from national to local, from government funded to private funded and from private funded to local funded, but no one has ever actually cut the cost of a civil society. So let’s finally cut the b.s. about cutting taxes and talk about what it cost to maintain a civil society. Let us talk about a society where roads are built and maintained, where children are educated and to what degree that would be a benefit to society, where health is maintained and to what benefit to society and how, where military is maintained at what level and for what purpose and at what cost to society and why. Let us have real conversations about real society. Our currency has the words on it, “In God We Trust.” Until we get to that point, all the rhetoric is b.s.

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Matthew 22:1-14

This gift of life
So busy
I have to slop the hog
Walk the dog
Wash the car
And drive very far
So busy
With this life you have given me
I just don’t have time
To live it
There is church work to do
Have to bring others into
My
Fold
I don’t have time
But thank you very much
Some other time perhaps
But who are all these people sitting in my pew
And how did they get in
And the music is different
Pot luck food not the same
I don’t know why you made life so hard Lord
Too much to do
I have to get ahead if I am to enjoy
This gift
Of life

OK to recieve

Sunday October 12th, Psalm 23: You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe. Sometimes as we go through life, things can get a bit scary. The financial situation is like that for many now, even though it might just be a good time to buy. In the midst of the dark times in life, we are not alone. One of the oddities of church work is the number of people who, during difficult times, disappear from church. Somehow we have communicated that it is fine to think you are OK but not so good if things are not going well, quite the opposite of the gospel. In this famous psalm, we hear that in the midst of the deepest darkest times in life, don’t be afraid, you are not alone. God is with you. God’s people are with you. Church is a place where it is ok to receive as well as a place to give.

sticks and carrots

Monday October 13th, Isaiah 25: 3 Therefore strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you. 4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. Both those nations who are your friends and those nations who are your enemies will be impressed and drawn to the act of caring. Funny how so few in politics get that. It really is kindergarten stuff, if you are nice, you will have friends, if you are mean, you won’t. The U.S. military budget for FY08 is slightly more than all the other military budgets in the world combined. Now I am not saying that we should not supply and pay our military well, I think we should, I also think that there needs to be some perspective, and placing this much emphasis on the stick over the carrot it not a good thing. Every great empire that has ever fallen in the history of the world has done so because they have overextend themselves militarily. An no, Reagan did not bring down the Soviet Union, it was the Soviet Union that brought down the Soviet Union. If we don’t switch our priorities from sticks to carrots, our financial crisis will be the least of our worries.

Help them the best you can

Tuesday October 14th, Philippians 4: 1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God. 2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges. 3 And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. Paul is working on the congregation. There are conflicts, people are not happy. Notice how it is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong, what is important is that they learn to get along even if they don’t agree, what a perfect bit of advice for a congregation. And, oh, yes, Syzygus, or Suzy, or Sally or Sam or George or whoever you happen to be, since you are right there, give them a hand a working things out. What I noticed in that was what was not said, Pastor so and so, fix it for them. It is not a matter of the pastor fixing, it is a matter of the congregation mediating, even if the mediation results in living with differences.

Christ displacing worry

Wednesday October 15th, Philippians 4: 6-7 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Let those things that cause you pain and worry be transformed into prayer, unless of course all you want to do is complain and wallow in the worry. Some are not after solutions, only attention. The next time someone comes to you will a whole list of ills, first ask about prayer, then pray with them.

I'm washing my hair that night

Thursday October 16th, Matthew 22: 1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' 5 "But they paid no attention and went off. It was not for want of an invitation, but rather the seeming importance of the mundane in life. I can’t make it to worship, I have to sleep in, go snow machining, spend time with the kids, go fishing, fix the car, work on the cabin, and on and on and on it goes. Bottom line, I am more important that thou, the thou being God. We live in a convenience society; there are forty different kinds of bread in the store and a hundred different kinds of candy. We are used to choosing this or that. Sometimes all those choices get in the way of what is important in life.

complacent

Friday October 17th, Matthew 22: 8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. This is the third story about the kingdom, the two sons, the tenants in the vineyard and now the wedding banquet, that deals with the kingdom for insiders and outsiders. The insiders have become too complacent, worship is not about God but about them. Sometimes we have the same problem in our congregations. Is it the church? The people? The culture?

are you ready?

Saturday October 18th, Matthew 22: 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. 13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen." We are saved by grace and what a glorious thing that is. God’s love working in our lives to bring about a better us in us. Sometimes however, all we want is a free ride, and we get it, just not where we want it to go. Sometimes even grace calls for a response.