Let's Live in the Light of God

Today our group received a note from one of our members who has moved away.Although there are over six hundred miles between us, we still stay in touch and share with each other, especially when we need prayer. Her oldest son is now a First Lieutenant in the Army and his wife is expecting in March. He is being deployed to Iraq for a year, but he will try to arrange for leave for the birth of the baby. Our friend's words: "Please join us as we pray more than worry. We are very proud of him, and pray for the safety of his entire unit. Please also join us as we pray for the safety of our 3 nephews who are also serving in our military." Whether we are Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or subscribe to any other ideology we recognize that in the end these are the sons and daughters of our friends and neighbors, and we must pray for their safe return.

As a parent I cannot imagine the anxiety and fear that the parents of our servicemen and women must feel. Nor can I imagine the emotions of those children as they face such danger. I wonder if they can imagine the pride and thanks that we feel? We must stay connected and support each other the best we can, and we are so thankful to be able to have so many tools to do just that.

Isaiah 2 (The Message) -Climb God's Mountain

^1-5 The Message Isaiah got regarding Judah and Jerusalem: There's a day coming when the mountain of God's House
Will be The Mountain—
solid, towering over all mountains.
All nations will river toward it,
people from all over set out for it.
They'll say, "Come,
let's climb God's Mountain,
go to the House of the God of Jacob.
He'll show us the way he works
so we can live the way we're made."
Zion's the source of the revelation.
God's Message comes from Jerusalem.
He'll settle things fairly between nations.
He'll make things right between many peoples.
They'll turn their swords into shovels,
their spears into hoes.
No more will nation fight nation;
they won't play war anymore.
Come, family of Jacob,
let's live in the light of God.

Lord, until the day comes when we can climb your Mountain and live in Your light, watch over our sons and daughters. Protect them, be with our families and be with us. Amen

A New Focusing Prayer

Still summer so you are to be subjected to ramblings and musings. If you have been following this blog then perhaps you will recall the post from June 12 about embracing the mystery of God. This week I got to peer through the mystery and see why I have had some of the experiences I have had, they all came together. The realization was amazing, but also a bit sad.

A Bible Study group I belong to has been watching a video based largely on the book of Acts about the relationship between Peter and Paul. I already knew some of the story, but one point that really stood out this time around was the contrast between Paul's efforts to follow The Great Commission through his work with the Gentiles, and James' and the church's efforts to keep Christianity for themselves by imposing Jewish law on the Gentiles before recognizing them as Christians. If I remember correctly, nearly 16 years after the crucifixion Paul was being beaten and stoned while proclaiming the Good News, while James and the others remained in hiding in Jerusalem. It seemed they were seeking to keep the church for themselves, tightly closed and exclusive.

The other day I was standing in line at the grocery store and overheard a conversation I really didn't want to. You know how it is, two people talking a little more loudly than they should. I tried reading the magazine covers, focusing on getting my goodies onto the conveyor, but just like passing a car wreck I couldn't help myself. One person was incensed at the way the pastor had given communion the previous week, but the other didn't seems to really care one way or the other. The one who did care seemed very well intentioned but at the same time very selfish, wanting everything the way he thought it should be.

And then it hit me - the intersection of my experiences. You know, that unknowable reason for having the experiences I have had? The complainer in the grocery store wanted things to remain static and safe and controllable. From the Bible Study movie I felt that was much the same way James and the early church felt. If we keep it for ourselves, it is known, it is safe, and we are saved. And just as I was about to jump into chastising I felt a really sharp stick in my conscience. I hate when that happens... I am just as guilty of complaining about things. I always seem to know how things should have been done or how they shouldn't. Of course, those in charge should know the right way (read:My Way) to do things and work accordingly. If they don't, well then, they are just... not up to the task? Am I up to the task? Am I doing what I should be doing? OK, so here is my prayer for at least the next couple of days:

Lord, when I come across something I don't like, instead of complaining remind me to ask why I am having that experience. What is the message you are trying to send me? Is the detail that I'm worried about really all that important? Am I doing Your will, or am I placing my own personal preferences above all else? And Lord, if you need to sharpen that stick you use on my conscience because it's getting dull, then sharpen away. Keep me focused on YOUR will, not mine. Amen.