The text above that makes up this title comes from Proverbs 18: 21.
In the NRSV, it is written as:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)
In the Message, it is written as:
Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21)
Today's actions are most assuredly the actions of a disturbed individual or group. The little we know at this time is that the boy who did this was rambling and extremely disturbed. While you cant stop folks like them from acting in destructive and violent ways, we can and must stop contributing to it.
Lately, we have had a lot of words floating around that dehumanize or call for violence against those that are different/disagree/speak out against a perceived majority or cultural group. For minds that are looking for something to latch onto, these words act as both a beacon and a call to action. These words motivate them and they dwell on them. These words lead people to go into churches and shoot doctors, crash planes into buildings, and finally shoot little girls who were there to see her congresswoman.
What is worse is that when we dont speak against these words or those that say them, we cover ourselves in the blood of the actions these words breed. When we give them a pass, we cover ourselves in the blood these words spill. Because words precede deeds. Words are the kindling.
Therefore, We must choose what words we use and whose words we listen to and repeat. WE must hold not only ourselves, but the speakers of these words accountable. We must stand and say no this isnt acceptable. When they say others have done it in the past, we must say SO WHAT we wont do it anymore.
In the end, like in the prayer of Francis of Assisi, we choose life or death. For me, I choose life.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Epiphany 2011
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
----
A thought...
The Wise men had a star to point out where Jesus was and even they got it wrong. They went looking in the centers of power for God, but God was out amongst his people. We need to remember that God isnt in temples or places of power but there amongst us.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
----
A thought...
The Wise men had a star to point out where Jesus was and even they got it wrong. They went looking in the centers of power for God, but God was out amongst his people. We need to remember that God isnt in temples or places of power but there amongst us.
Friday, December 31, 2010
CREDO: God Created the World
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth,”
I believe that God created the Heavens and the Earth. I don’t believe that it all came to be by chance without design. It might be easy to label me as either a Creationist or an Intelligent Designer, but hear me out for my reasons. You can decide for yourself after you hear where I am coming from.
I have worked at a game company for nearly 8 years. In that time, the company I work for has developed and enhanced virtual worlds. In these worlds, they have laid out the ground; planted trees and animals; placed people and even developed a sky dome. They have even laid out the “physics” that the world operates under. In that time, I have seen designers, programmers and others painstakingly create a world that people can move and talk and interact with. Every aspect of that world was built with an intelligence guiding it and shaping it. There are aspects of that world that get written out and new ones applied still leaving the old code/graphic there but made dormant or hidden.
Given this, I cant deny to God that which we are learning to do in some small way.
I believe that God created the universe with intelligent design, no more than we are learning to do.
Now, I don’t believe that the world is less than 10,000 years old. I frankly don’t know how old it is, but I think God is a designer of consummate skill. Recently, I read a book by Francis S. Collins called The Language of God. He worked on the human genome project. We carry within us the language of all of creation. This to me isn’t a failing of God’s, but incredible foresight. The history of our planet doesn’t discount God existing, but confirms that he can design and build in the software that makes us who we are our eventual form. Every aspect of creation hearkens to an order that shows us more than randomness at its core.
I believe that God created the Heavens and the Earth. I don’t believe that it all came to be by chance without design. It might be easy to label me as either a Creationist or an Intelligent Designer, but hear me out for my reasons. You can decide for yourself after you hear where I am coming from.
I have worked at a game company for nearly 8 years. In that time, the company I work for has developed and enhanced virtual worlds. In these worlds, they have laid out the ground; planted trees and animals; placed people and even developed a sky dome. They have even laid out the “physics” that the world operates under. In that time, I have seen designers, programmers and others painstakingly create a world that people can move and talk and interact with. Every aspect of that world was built with an intelligence guiding it and shaping it. There are aspects of that world that get written out and new ones applied still leaving the old code/graphic there but made dormant or hidden.
Given this, I cant deny to God that which we are learning to do in some small way.
I believe that God created the universe with intelligent design, no more than we are learning to do.
Now, I don’t believe that the world is less than 10,000 years old. I frankly don’t know how old it is, but I think God is a designer of consummate skill. Recently, I read a book by Francis S. Collins called The Language of God. He worked on the human genome project. We carry within us the language of all of creation. This to me isn’t a failing of God’s, but incredible foresight. The history of our planet doesn’t discount God existing, but confirms that he can design and build in the software that makes us who we are our eventual form. Every aspect of creation hearkens to an order that shows us more than randomness at its core.
New Year: New Commitment
Hi
2011 is the year I am committing to writing more here and posting more here. I need to find a way to express the voice in me that is talking and it will be here I hope to do it.
I am going to start the year with looking at some of the homilies of St.John Chrysostom. After that I am going to explore and comment on other works and develop my faith.
Also over the year, I will do a series of posts called CREDO. These will outline where I am on my faith and what I believe. My posts will touch on history, have politics, critique society because I think that is what an active faith does.
My goal is to do 200 posts in 2011. I invite your comments and feedback. Only by questioning our faith daily can we hope to grow in it and grow with each other.
2011 is the year I am committing to writing more here and posting more here. I need to find a way to express the voice in me that is talking and it will be here I hope to do it.
I am going to start the year with looking at some of the homilies of St.John Chrysostom. After that I am going to explore and comment on other works and develop my faith.
Also over the year, I will do a series of posts called CREDO. These will outline where I am on my faith and what I believe. My posts will touch on history, have politics, critique society because I think that is what an active faith does.
My goal is to do 200 posts in 2011. I invite your comments and feedback. Only by questioning our faith daily can we hope to grow in it and grow with each other.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell."
"When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk 'till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell."
"When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk 'till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Walter Rauschenbusch - Quotes and Thoughts On
Rauschenbusch is one of the luminaries of the Social Gospel Movement. He lived from 1861 till 1918 and was a Baptist Minister. Some of the quotes he has that have really struck me are:
"Christianity is by its nature revolutionary."
"Because the Kingdom of God has been dropped as the primary and comprehensive aim of Christianity, and personal salvation has been substituted for it, therefore men seek to save their own souls and are selfishly indifferent to the evangelization of the world. "
"Christ died to substitute love for selfishness as the basis of human society."
"The Kingdom of God is not a matter of getting individuals to heaven, but of transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven."
These quote embody some of the concepts that I have been dwelling on over the last few months. He is well worth a read if you can find some of his stuff online. I know Google books has a couple books scanned in.
"Christianity is by its nature revolutionary."
"Because the Kingdom of God has been dropped as the primary and comprehensive aim of Christianity, and personal salvation has been substituted for it, therefore men seek to save their own souls and are selfishly indifferent to the evangelization of the world. "
"Christ died to substitute love for selfishness as the basis of human society."
"The Kingdom of God is not a matter of getting individuals to heaven, but of transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven."
These quote embody some of the concepts that I have been dwelling on over the last few months. He is well worth a read if you can find some of his stuff online. I know Google books has a couple books scanned in.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Living Not Dying
We are often more pre-occupied with the Death of Jesus than His Life. Jesus didn't come to die, He came to show us how to Live. It is because of His Life that he was executed. His life's actions and message is why he was murdered. Simply put, the message of Easter isn't about the death of Jesus, but the Life of Jesus. He Lives means that more than he conquered death it means His Life matters more than his death. His Life was victorious over death and goes on.
We have come more to hallow Jesus suffering and death than his Life, which I don't believe is what God wanted. The Apostles realized it was Jesus life that mattered and that is what transformed the ancient world. It was a life lived that meant death had lost its sting, the grave its victory because a life lived as Jesus did transcended death and the grave. This is why they went out of the Upper Room and preached and changed the world. This is why they didn't run from death when it came and it is why they were murdered. They embraced the Life of Jesus and lived it wholly. For this they earned the same punishment as Jesus and the same reward.
2 Timothy 3: 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Jesus' death had to happen, but it wasn't the purpose of his life. Similarly, it wasn't the death that changed the world but the Resurrection. The salvation of the world is with the Living Christ, not the dead Jesus. It is that Living Christ which transformed Saul into Paul. It is that Living Christ who speaks to us still and calls us to follow.
Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
We have come more to hallow Jesus suffering and death than his Life, which I don't believe is what God wanted. The Apostles realized it was Jesus life that mattered and that is what transformed the ancient world. It was a life lived that meant death had lost its sting, the grave its victory because a life lived as Jesus did transcended death and the grave. This is why they went out of the Upper Room and preached and changed the world. This is why they didn't run from death when it came and it is why they were murdered. They embraced the Life of Jesus and lived it wholly. For this they earned the same punishment as Jesus and the same reward.
2 Timothy 3: 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Jesus' death had to happen, but it wasn't the purpose of his life. Similarly, it wasn't the death that changed the world but the Resurrection. The salvation of the world is with the Living Christ, not the dead Jesus. It is that Living Christ which transformed Saul into Paul. It is that Living Christ who speaks to us still and calls us to follow.
Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter
Yeshua HaMashiach!
Iesus Christos!
Immanuel!
Joy rose this day and Love won! We have entered into the Kingdom of Our God! May we live in the Light of Our Savior all the days of our life!
Iesus Christos!
Immanuel!
Joy rose this day and Love won! We have entered into the Kingdom of Our God! May we live in the Light of Our Savior all the days of our life!
Friday, April 2, 2010
A thought for Good Friday 2010
Recently, I read that Christianity is the only major world religion whose Founder was tortured and executed by the established authority of his day.
The question arises how do we leave from recalling and remembering His suffering and agony for us and then go forth to do it others?
The question arises how do we leave from recalling and remembering His suffering and agony for us and then go forth to do it others?
Friday, March 26, 2010
A new twist on Matthew 22:15- 22
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to WASHINGTON, or not?’
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?
19 Show me the MONEY used for the tax.’ And they brought him a DOLLAR.
20 Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’
21 They answered, ‘WASHINGTON’S.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to WASHINGTON the things that are the WASHINGTON’S, and to God the things that are God’s.’
22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
So obviously my changes stand out in all CAPS. Here is a thought for Christians who complain that taxes are wrong. Hear the words of Jesus.
16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to WASHINGTON, or not?’
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?
19 Show me the MONEY used for the tax.’ And they brought him a DOLLAR.
20 Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’
21 They answered, ‘WASHINGTON’S.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to WASHINGTON the things that are the WASHINGTON’S, and to God the things that are God’s.’
22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
So obviously my changes stand out in all CAPS. Here is a thought for Christians who complain that taxes are wrong. Hear the words of Jesus.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Lenten Withdrawl
It seems so hard in our modern world to get into the Lenten space. So much is going on in the day to day, it is hard to find time for reflection. We talk about giving up, but sometimes I wonder if the solution isnt giving in. Giving into listening to God. Giving into finding quiet time. Giving into finding peace.
I have to make time to give into God, or how else am I going to get out of Lent into Easter.
I have to make time to give into God, or how else am I going to get out of Lent into Easter.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Scripture and Thought for Friday, January 16th
2345Luke 13: 1-5 "At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’"
What Jesus says here is that God doesnt single people out to punish them. I chose this verse in part to refute Pat Robertson and comments like his further. Death comes for each of us. It is the cost of life, but no person is singled out by God to die one way or another.
What Jesus says here is that God doesnt single people out to punish them. I chose this verse in part to refute Pat Robertson and comments like his further. Death comes for each of us. It is the cost of life, but no person is singled out by God to die one way or another.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Dear Pat Robertson...
If you cant say something comforting or helpful, dont say anything at all. Holding up a folktale and saying it is justification for a tragedy visited on millions is just not in the spirit of the Gospel.
You have with your greater position a responsibility to show the light of Christ. You need to show forth the Gospel message of love and care. Yes, Christ spoke truth even if it hurt, but this isnt the same as what you have done. Remember the words of Paul, all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. Also remember the words of our Redeemer, he that is without sin may cast the first stone. Following your reasoning and these words, we deserve all the pain that happens in our lives and that just isnt the case. Look at Job, he was just and right before God and he had horrible things happen. We live in a world where hurt and pain are the norm, we as followers of Christ have a duty to build a better world through the love given to us by our Redeemer. As the hymn says, They will know we are Christians by our love...not our judgement.
Let God do the judging as He wills. It is his purview, ours is to be the Light of Agape for a World in Darkness.
SojournerVA
You have with your greater position a responsibility to show the light of Christ. You need to show forth the Gospel message of love and care. Yes, Christ spoke truth even if it hurt, but this isnt the same as what you have done. Remember the words of Paul, all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. Also remember the words of our Redeemer, he that is without sin may cast the first stone. Following your reasoning and these words, we deserve all the pain that happens in our lives and that just isnt the case. Look at Job, he was just and right before God and he had horrible things happen. We live in a world where hurt and pain are the norm, we as followers of Christ have a duty to build a better world through the love given to us by our Redeemer. As the hymn says, They will know we are Christians by our love...not our judgement.
Let God do the judging as He wills. It is his purview, ours is to be the Light of Agape for a World in Darkness.
SojournerVA
Friday, July 17, 2009
Being Christian (Originally written on 6/15/04)
This is the first of a series of posts on my faith. I am a Christian. Yes, I was raised as a Christian, but my parents always said that I should follow where my faith lead me. Alot of it was rote till I hit college. I was sitting in a beginning theology class where we had to examine other faiths. Alot had really good things about them, but it struck me that true Christianity is different.
Christ calls on us to live; to love; to act. He doesnt say we should do X cause the law says so. Act out of love. Christ doesnt want us to do something cause he says we have to, but because we want to and will do it in an act of love. NOTE: I dont mean love the way people today mean, but back to the older concept of Agape. Love that gives of one's self. Love that means you care and accept people for who and what they are.
Too many Christians today are what I call Old Testament Christians. They want the God of Thunder and Retribution. They want a god of Vengence. Christ is not like that. Christ is about being an adult. He wants to act a certain way, but it is not about a carrot or stick. It is the way a person acts if they are an adult. We are responsible for each other and we are called to care for each other just like God cares for us. So many Christians, dont keep the love of Christ at the forefront. Christ did all that he did for love. None of us are perfect, but we are still loved and can love. The person that cant love; cant know God.
I have a bunch of friends who dont believe. They have been driven away from knowing Christ by people who have perverted the message or just dont understand it. It really hits me sometimes cause I care for them and want them to understand how important Christ is and how important believing is. We have a co-worker who has told them that they are going to hell cause they dont believe. On one hand he is right, but he typifies what the problem is. Rather than showing them that Christians can be caring loving people...he hits them with the you are going to hell thing. He wants to put to put faith in a box. You cant do that. I love and care for my friends, but I dont know how to get my point across to them. Dont toss out Christ because of how Christians act. God doesnt want us to fear him. He wants love. He did everything he has done because of love. That is what makes the difference from the Old and New Testament. The Old Testament is about talking to children..do this or else. The New is about I love you and want to help you live a happy and fulfilling life. Sometimes, I think that listening to people talk about Christianity it is as if they never opened the book and read it.
Anyway, this has rambled enough...
Christ calls on us to live; to love; to act. He doesnt say we should do X cause the law says so. Act out of love. Christ doesnt want us to do something cause he says we have to, but because we want to and will do it in an act of love. NOTE: I dont mean love the way people today mean, but back to the older concept of Agape. Love that gives of one's self. Love that means you care and accept people for who and what they are.
Too many Christians today are what I call Old Testament Christians. They want the God of Thunder and Retribution. They want a god of Vengence. Christ is not like that. Christ is about being an adult. He wants to act a certain way, but it is not about a carrot or stick. It is the way a person acts if they are an adult. We are responsible for each other and we are called to care for each other just like God cares for us. So many Christians, dont keep the love of Christ at the forefront. Christ did all that he did for love. None of us are perfect, but we are still loved and can love. The person that cant love; cant know God.
I have a bunch of friends who dont believe. They have been driven away from knowing Christ by people who have perverted the message or just dont understand it. It really hits me sometimes cause I care for them and want them to understand how important Christ is and how important believing is. We have a co-worker who has told them that they are going to hell cause they dont believe. On one hand he is right, but he typifies what the problem is. Rather than showing them that Christians can be caring loving people...he hits them with the you are going to hell thing. He wants to put to put faith in a box. You cant do that. I love and care for my friends, but I dont know how to get my point across to them. Dont toss out Christ because of how Christians act. God doesnt want us to fear him. He wants love. He did everything he has done because of love. That is what makes the difference from the Old and New Testament. The Old Testament is about talking to children..do this or else. The New is about I love you and want to help you live a happy and fulfilling life. Sometimes, I think that listening to people talk about Christianity it is as if they never opened the book and read it.
Anyway, this has rambled enough...
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