John 2
In summary --
This is the first miracle of Jesus' public ministry. He turns water into wine!
I find this miracle story very interesting. The miracle itself does not seem to glorify God. The persons benefiting from the miracle are unaware that it has happened. The only people that are aware of it are some friends of Jesus and the servants that filled the water jars -- and who is going to believe their story?
So why this miracle? How does this fit into the gospel narrative?
Could it be something as simple as Jesus (as a grown man of around 30 years old) was simply honoring the wish of his mother?
It was probably the wedding of a relative or close family friend. Most of the people lived in poverty, but weddings were to be a big celebration. If they ran out of wine, it would be embarrassing to the point of humiliation for the family. Mary (Mom) comes to him and only says they are out of wine. Even though Jesus plays it off, she tells the servants (in front of Jesus) to do whatever he tells them to do.
And Jesus obeys.
His disciples see and understand that this is more than a mere man, and they follow him.
It's really a pretty simple lesson.
The chapter goes on to talk about Jesus trashing the people that are making money by selling animals for sacrifices at the temple. This wasn't a simple service for those that had to travel. It was a part of the temple corruption and Jesus was furious about profaning the Holy Place. He then makes the prophetic claim about destroying this temple (his body) and raising it up in three days.
My favorite verse --
It's the very last verse of the chapter.
25 ...and (he) needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
Jesus knows us. He knows our depravity. He knows our struggles. He knows our needs.
And he loves us anyway.
Something to think about --
Jesus' closest disciples saw a miracle.
The people at the temple asked for a sign.
What do you need to be able to trust and follow Jesus?
Don't be afraid of your doubts. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Jesus knows you.
And he loves you ... just the way you are!
John <><
Sunday, January 06, 2019
Saturday, January 05, 2019
John, Chapter 1
John 1 <= (Click to read)
In summary --
Jesus (the Word) has always been.
He was in the beginning.
He is God.
Jesus became a human and became the light in a dark world.
He brought hope to the hopeless, but the world did not recognize him.
(Most Jews were expecting a conquering king that would deliver them from their earthly oppressors, not the kind of savior that would deliver them from the spiritual oppression of sin.)
John (the Baptist, not John the apostle and author of this book) prepares the way for Jesus by telling of his coming and preaching repentance (turning away from sin and towards God).
Jesus is baptized by John.
The Holy Spirit of God descends upon him and Jesus begins his earthly ministry by calling others to follow him.
My favorite verse --
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
The blood of the sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament was offered to make an atonement for their sins. The word atonement is derived from a Hebrew word that means to cover over. In John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God, he ups the stakes and says that this Sacrificial Lamb will do more than cover the sins of the people; He will do away with their sins!
Something to think about --
The baptism of a follower of Jesus is largely a symbolic thing. However, I truly believe that it is also a significant part of a believer's life, testimony, and ministry. Jesus' earthly ministry began with his public baptism. I believe that it was more than symbolic for Jesus. I believe Jesus was giving an example to be followed. It is my personal belief that if we are to be truly effective in our service to The Kingdom of God, we should make a public declaration of our faith through a believer's baptism.
For my students --
If you are a follower of Jesus and have not been baptized, please talk to one of us (Julie, Rob, Ellen, or me) about baptism.
If you are still trying to figure out what following Jesus is all about, be sure to ask us and challenge us with your questions.
Note:
I think this is the format I'll be using -- summary, favorite verse, something to think about, and possibly a challenge for our students.
This won't be an in depth breakdown of the chapter, but more of a daily devotion kind of thing.
If you'd like to see something else, leave me a comment.
John <><
An additional note:
Although our daily reading challenge starts tomorrow, Jan 6, I will be posting each day's devotion a day ahead so it is ready for students that want to begin their day with this reading.
In summary --
Jesus (the Word) has always been.
He was in the beginning.
He is God.
Jesus became a human and became the light in a dark world.
He brought hope to the hopeless, but the world did not recognize him.
(Most Jews were expecting a conquering king that would deliver them from their earthly oppressors, not the kind of savior that would deliver them from the spiritual oppression of sin.)
John (the Baptist, not John the apostle and author of this book) prepares the way for Jesus by telling of his coming and preaching repentance (turning away from sin and towards God).
Jesus is baptized by John.
The Holy Spirit of God descends upon him and Jesus begins his earthly ministry by calling others to follow him.
My favorite verse --
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
The blood of the sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament was offered to make an atonement for their sins. The word atonement is derived from a Hebrew word that means to cover over. In John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God, he ups the stakes and says that this Sacrificial Lamb will do more than cover the sins of the people; He will do away with their sins!
Something to think about --
The baptism of a follower of Jesus is largely a symbolic thing. However, I truly believe that it is also a significant part of a believer's life, testimony, and ministry. Jesus' earthly ministry began with his public baptism. I believe that it was more than symbolic for Jesus. I believe Jesus was giving an example to be followed. It is my personal belief that if we are to be truly effective in our service to The Kingdom of God, we should make a public declaration of our faith through a believer's baptism.
For my students --
If you are a follower of Jesus and have not been baptized, please talk to one of us (Julie, Rob, Ellen, or me) about baptism.
If you are still trying to figure out what following Jesus is all about, be sure to ask us and challenge us with your questions.
Note:
I think this is the format I'll be using -- summary, favorite verse, something to think about, and possibly a challenge for our students.
This won't be an in depth breakdown of the chapter, but more of a daily devotion kind of thing.
If you'd like to see something else, leave me a comment.
John <><
An additional note:
Although our daily reading challenge starts tomorrow, Jan 6, I will be posting each day's devotion a day ahead so it is ready for students that want to begin their day with this reading.
Friday, January 04, 2019
About the Gospel of John
I thought I'd take a few moments to write a little about The Gospel According to John.
It will serve as a bit of an introduction to the 21 days that begin on Sunday.
John's gospel is a little different from the other three gospels. More than just recording the teachings and the activities of Jesus, John's writing is more focused on making clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. I have to say that as a new reader of the Bible (many years ago), I didn't care for John's story. I said that John was a women's writer -- too much flowery, poetic kind of stuff:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
I was more a fan of Mark's writing; the kind of writing that gets right to the point. Mark has no birth story, no back story. You are reading to find out about the life and teaching of Jesus -- here it is!
But as I followed the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I realized something. In their writings you can learn what Jesus taught. You can see that Jesus felt the pain and suffering of the crowds. You can begin to love others as yourself. You can end up believing that Jesus is a really wise man that teaches truth and harmony, but something is missing.
John's focus on Jesus as God gives power to all of the gospels. Understanding that God became man is almost unbelievable. How could there be that much love for us lowly humans? Later (in one of his letters) it's John that tells us that God is love.
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
He is both man and God.
As we read through the gospel of John, keep this in mind -- God became man (Jesus) so that we might know Him. Jesus (as a man) became the lawful sacrifice for all of mankind.
God didn't die.
Sunday morning -- John 1
John <><
#GiveEmHeaven
It will serve as a bit of an introduction to the 21 days that begin on Sunday.
John's gospel is a little different from the other three gospels. More than just recording the teachings and the activities of Jesus, John's writing is more focused on making clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. I have to say that as a new reader of the Bible (many years ago), I didn't care for John's story. I said that John was a women's writer -- too much flowery, poetic kind of stuff:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
I was more a fan of Mark's writing; the kind of writing that gets right to the point. Mark has no birth story, no back story. You are reading to find out about the life and teaching of Jesus -- here it is!
But as I followed the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I realized something. In their writings you can learn what Jesus taught. You can see that Jesus felt the pain and suffering of the crowds. You can begin to love others as yourself. You can end up believing that Jesus is a really wise man that teaches truth and harmony, but something is missing.
John's focus on Jesus as God gives power to all of the gospels. Understanding that God became man is almost unbelievable. How could there be that much love for us lowly humans? Later (in one of his letters) it's John that tells us that God is love.
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
He is both man and God.
As we read through the gospel of John, keep this in mind -- God became man (Jesus) so that we might know Him. Jesus (as a man) became the lawful sacrifice for all of mankind.
God didn't die.
Sunday morning -- John 1
John <><
#GiveEmHeaven
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
I Resolve to Evolve
Yeah, sure there are things that I need to do -- old habits that need to be set aside and new routines that need to be established. It's weird that we can pick a date on a calendar that inspires us to get started on those things that we just as easily could have started any day last month or last year.
None the less, that day is today and is as good a day as any to resolve to do better in the coming year. Here are a few things that I hope to improve on:
First are the normal better health resolutions -- more exercise, better diet, lose weight, yada, yada.
If you want to follow my progress on those, go to my other blog -- Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy)
Then there are the self improvement/be a better person sort of things.
In problem solving we are often told to look at the big picture. I think I need to spend more time paying attention to the little things --
the little things at home and in my marriage; taking better care of Chris and our household.
the little things in my extended family; paying attention to the achievements and the hurts of others.
the little things in our environment (doing my small part),
the little things in our community and the people that seem to get lost in the big picture.
I really don't know how any of this will look in 2019. I just get the sense that I need to be a better me. I need to listen more and talk less. I need to see more of what is going on around me. I need to do more for others.
It's not like I think the John of January 1, 2019 sucks or is a terrible person, but the truth is -- he isn't that great of a guy, either. So my simple resolution for 2019 is to grow. I resolve to evolve.
What's yours?
John <><
None the less, that day is today and is as good a day as any to resolve to do better in the coming year. Here are a few things that I hope to improve on:
First are the normal better health resolutions -- more exercise, better diet, lose weight, yada, yada.
If you want to follow my progress on those, go to my other blog -- Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy)
Then there are the self improvement/be a better person sort of things.
In problem solving we are often told to look at the big picture. I think I need to spend more time paying attention to the little things --
the little things at home and in my marriage; taking better care of Chris and our household.
the little things in my extended family; paying attention to the achievements and the hurts of others.
the little things in our environment (doing my small part),
the little things in our community and the people that seem to get lost in the big picture.
I really don't know how any of this will look in 2019. I just get the sense that I need to be a better me. I need to listen more and talk less. I need to see more of what is going on around me. I need to do more for others.
It's not like I think the John of January 1, 2019 sucks or is a terrible person, but the truth is -- he isn't that great of a guy, either. So my simple resolution for 2019 is to grow. I resolve to evolve.
What's yours?
John <><
Monday, December 31, 2018
Going back to The Gospel According to John
Quite some time ago I went through a daily reading of The Gospel according to John and posted my thoughts on this blog. Beginning next Sunday (Jan 6), I'll be doing it again; this time with our Venues' high school students. We'll do one chapter per day for 21 days.
I haven't yet worked out the format of my daily summaries.
I'm thinking something along the lines of:
an overall summary of the chapter
something that caught my attention
my favorite verse or part of the chapter
and a question or challenge inspired by the day's reading
I also haven't decided if I'll look back at my old posts. While that might be helpful, I'm also thinking that looking at each chapter with a fresh approach might serve the students in a better fashion.
I want to invite you to join us.
If you already read your Bible on a daily basis, perhaps you'd consider adding a chapter a day.
If you don't read the Bible regularly, this will be a relatively simple way to begin to look at the life of Jesus and what he teaches us.
For non-Christians or non-Bible readers, I generally read the ESV (English Standard Version).
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) and The Message (MSG) are also good for nontraditional readers. YouVersion.com or BibleGateway.com are a couple of sites where you can choose your translation of choice for reading. Both have apps you can download to your phones.
Perhaps 2019 will be a year that we can each draw closer to God. As we each grow closer to God, we also grow closer to one another.
John <><
I haven't yet worked out the format of my daily summaries.
I'm thinking something along the lines of:
an overall summary of the chapter
something that caught my attention
my favorite verse or part of the chapter
and a question or challenge inspired by the day's reading
I also haven't decided if I'll look back at my old posts. While that might be helpful, I'm also thinking that looking at each chapter with a fresh approach might serve the students in a better fashion.
I want to invite you to join us.
If you already read your Bible on a daily basis, perhaps you'd consider adding a chapter a day.
If you don't read the Bible regularly, this will be a relatively simple way to begin to look at the life of Jesus and what he teaches us.
For non-Christians or non-Bible readers, I generally read the ESV (English Standard Version).
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) and The Message (MSG) are also good for nontraditional readers. YouVersion.com or BibleGateway.com are a couple of sites where you can choose your translation of choice for reading. Both have apps you can download to your phones.
Perhaps 2019 will be a year that we can each draw closer to God. As we each grow closer to God, we also grow closer to one another.
John <><
Friday, December 28, 2018
Opinionated, but not unkind.
My goal for 2019 will be to share my thoughts and opinions in a way that is not unkind.
I know that has often not been the case in the past, and I'm sure that it will be challenging in the future. But we do need to be able to share differing opinions without alienating everyone that thinks differently than we do.
One of the things I'll be doing is asking more questions:
How did you arrive at that opinion?
Where did you hear that? or What is your source?
Have you considered that (an opposing view) might also be valid?
If you had new information, would you be open to changing your mind?
I want discussions rather than arguments. I want us to be less influenced by what people say and more informed by knowing the facts. I want for us to be motivated by knowledge rather than intimidated by fear.
I know that we all bring our own biases to the table and are often more interested in information that confirms our position rather than information that challenges our beliefs. Admitting that we have been wrong, misinformed, or that there may be a better way is difficult, but necessary if we are to evolve as a society and solve the common problems that we face.
I'm asking you to join me in this cause -- at least in your comments or responses to this blog or on my other social forums. I'm also encouraging you to do so on your social forums, including personal interactions (real conversations with people). We are better than the hateful examples often being set by politicians and the media.
I am not going to be silent, nor am I asking you to be silent.
I am expecting us to be kind.
And I am giving you permission to call me out when I cross the line.
Let's make 2019 a year of kindness.
John <><
I know that has often not been the case in the past, and I'm sure that it will be challenging in the future. But we do need to be able to share differing opinions without alienating everyone that thinks differently than we do.
One of the things I'll be doing is asking more questions:
How did you arrive at that opinion?
Where did you hear that? or What is your source?
Have you considered that (an opposing view) might also be valid?
If you had new information, would you be open to changing your mind?
I want discussions rather than arguments. I want us to be less influenced by what people say and more informed by knowing the facts. I want for us to be motivated by knowledge rather than intimidated by fear.
I know that we all bring our own biases to the table and are often more interested in information that confirms our position rather than information that challenges our beliefs. Admitting that we have been wrong, misinformed, or that there may be a better way is difficult, but necessary if we are to evolve as a society and solve the common problems that we face.
I'm asking you to join me in this cause -- at least in your comments or responses to this blog or on my other social forums. I'm also encouraging you to do so on your social forums, including personal interactions (real conversations with people). We are better than the hateful examples often being set by politicians and the media.
I am not going to be silent, nor am I asking you to be silent.
I am expecting us to be kind.
And I am giving you permission to call me out when I cross the line.
Let's make 2019 a year of kindness.
John <><
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Warning! Warning! Warning! Political rant ahead!
I know. I'm supposed to be taking a break from political posts and things that divide us.
But dammit, this government shutdown is bullpoop!
The toddler tantrums have got to stop!
POTUS is like the bratty kid throwing a fit in the Walmart toy section because somebody responsible is saying, "No!"
"I want my wall! I want my wall!"
"We can't afford a wall right now. Maybe next time."
"But I want it! I'm not going anywhere until I get it!"
And the tantrum goes on...
...and on
...and on.
Sheesh!
As a former federal employee that was considered an essential service -- that means you worked without pay -- this is no fun.
I've read many ignorant comments (I can say that because these people don't know what the #*@! they're talking about) that mention they'll get paid later. That is true, especially since the senate passed a resolution to that effect, but it's not that simple and it is not pain free.
Does it make any fiscal sense to say, "Just come in and do your job for free. We'll pay you eventually."
Or even worse -- "We're going to pay you later. Go home, do nothing that benefits the government, and when we've decided that we can budget the money we will pay you as if you were actually working."
For those that say it's no big deal, they're going to get their money -- try buying groceries or paying bills with that kind of reasoning. You can't.
Another thing that most people don't realize (even many federal employees) -- there is no approved leave for essential employees during a shutdown. (This was the case when I worked. I doubt that it's changed.)
You took Christmas Day off to be with your family? -- Sorry. Leave is cancelled. Now you get to work!
Planned a family vacation during the kids' Christmas break? -- All vacation plans are canceled. Too bad if you can't get your money back!
Sick today? Winter flu? Puking and diarrhea? -- Sorry, no sick leave.
Yep, the leave you've earned and scheduled is unavailable during a shutdown.
And this is only about the hundreds of thousands of federal employees!
What about the millions of people that rely on the services that will no longer be available?
Back to the toddler tantrum...
If a congressperson proposed spending $5 billion for education, or infrastructure, or any other new spending, they would be asked to show where that money is going to come from. Why isn't anybody asking where the money for this ridiculous wall is going to come from?
We've reduced our income (tax cut), kept up our spending, and now we're going to spend more money that we don't have for a wall that experts say isn't a very good way to address immigration issues and does little to obstruct drug trafficking.
"But I want it! I want it!"
What happened to the fiscal conservatives?
Why aren't they opposing this stupid wall?
Why are they afraid to tell the toddler NO?
When will some leader (do we have any?) in the Republican party realize that this is not normal and do something about it?
The White House has a rotating staff with several key positions vacant.
The POTUS is getting foreign policy advice from foreign governments and criticizing his own advisers.
The POTUS is criticizing the very law enforcement agencies that he is in charge of.
This post has nothing to do with criminal investigations, ethics violations, poor morals or the fact that I do not like Trump.
This is about poor government and the people that are leading the way.
I'd better stop now.
Before I get ugly.
John
But dammit, this government shutdown is bullpoop!
The toddler tantrums have got to stop!
POTUS is like the bratty kid throwing a fit in the Walmart toy section because somebody responsible is saying, "No!"
"I want my wall! I want my wall!"
"We can't afford a wall right now. Maybe next time."
"But I want it! I'm not going anywhere until I get it!"
And the tantrum goes on...
...and on
...and on.
Sheesh!
As a former federal employee that was considered an essential service -- that means you worked without pay -- this is no fun.
I've read many ignorant comments (I can say that because these people don't know what the #*@! they're talking about) that mention they'll get paid later. That is true, especially since the senate passed a resolution to that effect, but it's not that simple and it is not pain free.
Does it make any fiscal sense to say, "Just come in and do your job for free. We'll pay you eventually."
Or even worse -- "We're going to pay you later. Go home, do nothing that benefits the government, and when we've decided that we can budget the money we will pay you as if you were actually working."
For those that say it's no big deal, they're going to get their money -- try buying groceries or paying bills with that kind of reasoning. You can't.
Another thing that most people don't realize (even many federal employees) -- there is no approved leave for essential employees during a shutdown. (This was the case when I worked. I doubt that it's changed.)
You took Christmas Day off to be with your family? -- Sorry. Leave is cancelled. Now you get to work!
Planned a family vacation during the kids' Christmas break? -- All vacation plans are canceled. Too bad if you can't get your money back!
Sick today? Winter flu? Puking and diarrhea? -- Sorry, no sick leave.
Yep, the leave you've earned and scheduled is unavailable during a shutdown.
And this is only about the hundreds of thousands of federal employees!
What about the millions of people that rely on the services that will no longer be available?
Back to the toddler tantrum...
If a congressperson proposed spending $5 billion for education, or infrastructure, or any other new spending, they would be asked to show where that money is going to come from. Why isn't anybody asking where the money for this ridiculous wall is going to come from?
We've reduced our income (tax cut), kept up our spending, and now we're going to spend more money that we don't have for a wall that experts say isn't a very good way to address immigration issues and does little to obstruct drug trafficking.
"But I want it! I want it!"
What happened to the fiscal conservatives?
Why aren't they opposing this stupid wall?
Why are they afraid to tell the toddler NO?
When will some leader (do we have any?) in the Republican party realize that this is not normal and do something about it?
The White House has a rotating staff with several key positions vacant.
The POTUS is getting foreign policy advice from foreign governments and criticizing his own advisers.
The POTUS is criticizing the very law enforcement agencies that he is in charge of.
This post has nothing to do with criminal investigations, ethics violations, poor morals or the fact that I do not like Trump.
This is about poor government and the people that are leading the way.
I'd better stop now.
Before I get ugly.
John
Friday, December 21, 2018
Winter
At 4:23PM CST the sun will reach the Tropic of Capricorn and slowly begin it's journey back towards the northern Tropic of Cancer.
Winter will officially arrive in the northern hemisphere; summer for my family and friends on the southern half of the globe. Our short days and long nights will begin to turn around and those that suffer from enduring the seasonal darkness can begin to hope for brighter (and longer) days.
Here at home, it's beginning to feel like Christmas. We are getting together with the kids tonight for our family Christmas gift exchange and I am really looking forward to it. We will have our Christmas family meal on Sunday. Monday the kids will disperse to home and other family and Chris and I will be home alone for Christmas Day.
I think I like the idea of Christmas with the family before Christmas Day rather than after. In the past few years we've had our family exchange over the New Year's holiday. I feel like I'm looking forward to the peacefulness of Christmas morning and the restfulness that will come with knowing the celebration is finished.
We will celebrate Christmas with our Venues community on Christmas Eve. We'll attend one service and volunteer to help out during the other.
I'm kind of liking the smaller Christmas of this year. I can't really say why; I just am.
I expect to post again before the season is over, but if I don't (or if you don't stop by for a few days), I do want to wish my readers a very Merry Christmas. May your days be filled with peace and hope and love.
John <><
Winter will officially arrive in the northern hemisphere; summer for my family and friends on the southern half of the globe. Our short days and long nights will begin to turn around and those that suffer from enduring the seasonal darkness can begin to hope for brighter (and longer) days.
Here at home, it's beginning to feel like Christmas. We are getting together with the kids tonight for our family Christmas gift exchange and I am really looking forward to it. We will have our Christmas family meal on Sunday. Monday the kids will disperse to home and other family and Chris and I will be home alone for Christmas Day.
I think I like the idea of Christmas with the family before Christmas Day rather than after. In the past few years we've had our family exchange over the New Year's holiday. I feel like I'm looking forward to the peacefulness of Christmas morning and the restfulness that will come with knowing the celebration is finished.
We will celebrate Christmas with our Venues community on Christmas Eve. We'll attend one service and volunteer to help out during the other.
I'm kind of liking the smaller Christmas of this year. I can't really say why; I just am.
I expect to post again before the season is over, but if I don't (or if you don't stop by for a few days), I do want to wish my readers a very Merry Christmas. May your days be filled with peace and hope and love.
John <><
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
I don't want (nor need) another family
No.
You are not my family.
And maybe you don't want to be.
First I should say that I am blessed with a great family.
With one exception (my wife), I didn't get to choose any of them.
You don't get to choose family.
While I have been blessed with a family that is very loving and gets along well, not everyone feels the same about their family. I know many people that despise their siblings, have been abandoned by parents, or just hate being around certain relatives. For them, there are no fun holiday gatherings or enjoyable family reunions. In fact, such get togethers can be the most stressful times of the year and avoiding them can be just as stressful from the guilt and shame that comes from such decisions.
I tend to think of my other people clusters as communities.
And it may be true that I don't get to choose each member of those communities, but I get to choose my involvement with each group, or within each group.
Because I have a wonderful family, I don't need another "family."
If I had a poor family experience, I probably wouldn't want another "family."
I place great value on those that I have chosen to be my friends and a part of my community.
And I am honored to be chosen to be a part of the communities of others.
I don't usually tell people that say "We're like family" or something similar, "No, we're not."
I get what they mean and let it go (sort of). In my head, I might be thinking, "No, we're not."
I think it's weird we assume that everyone else identifies with things in the same way we do.
We talk of a family as if every family is a loving and healthy unit. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
We refer to God as Father. But what about the person that was beaten or sexually abused by their father? Maybe that image of God doesn't work for them.
I know that people can get upset with political correctness and think that others are too sensitive about the way things are said, but if we want others to really hear and understand our message, isn't it our responsibility to choose words and imagery that they can relate to in a positive way?
Just a thought.
John <><
You are not my family.
And maybe you don't want to be.
First I should say that I am blessed with a great family.
With one exception (my wife), I didn't get to choose any of them.
You don't get to choose family.
While I have been blessed with a family that is very loving and gets along well, not everyone feels the same about their family. I know many people that despise their siblings, have been abandoned by parents, or just hate being around certain relatives. For them, there are no fun holiday gatherings or enjoyable family reunions. In fact, such get togethers can be the most stressful times of the year and avoiding them can be just as stressful from the guilt and shame that comes from such decisions.
I tend to think of my other people clusters as communities.
And it may be true that I don't get to choose each member of those communities, but I get to choose my involvement with each group, or within each group.
Because I have a wonderful family, I don't need another "family."
If I had a poor family experience, I probably wouldn't want another "family."
I place great value on those that I have chosen to be my friends and a part of my community.
And I am honored to be chosen to be a part of the communities of others.
I don't usually tell people that say "We're like family" or something similar, "No, we're not."
I get what they mean and let it go (sort of). In my head, I might be thinking, "No, we're not."
I think it's weird we assume that everyone else identifies with things in the same way we do.
We talk of a family as if every family is a loving and healthy unit. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
We refer to God as Father. But what about the person that was beaten or sexually abused by their father? Maybe that image of God doesn't work for them.
I know that people can get upset with political correctness and think that others are too sensitive about the way things are said, but if we want others to really hear and understand our message, isn't it our responsibility to choose words and imagery that they can relate to in a positive way?
Just a thought.
John <><
Monday, December 17, 2018
My Community
I'm starting to feel more a part of the community at The Venues Church. It feels like we've been attending and serving at The Venues for longer than a year, but I think last Christmas Eve was only the third or fourth time we went there.
Last Thursday was The Venues Christmas party.
Friday night we were out with two other couples from The Venues to listen to another Venues friend sing at a local place.
Sunday was church.
Today (Monday) I had breakfast with The Venues' student coordinator.
Tomorrow our small group meets for dinner, study, and visiting (fellowship, if you want to be churchy about it).
I don't know if we'll be going to the Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, but I will be back at The Downtown Venues on Thursday night and serving at the Breakfast Venues on Friday morning.
I am getting to know more people and we greet each other by name and with handshakes or hugs.
I find myself wanting to be around Venues people and am always inspired and motivated by their drive to serve others.
Sunday morning, this graphic was displayed during the worship service.
If you can't read it, it says that so far this year we have helped 48,611 people, worked 13,942 service hours, and worked 170 different service events!
One of the things that strikes me about these numbers is how specific they are. It didn't say we've helped nearly 50,000 people (to sound better) or generalize it to more than 48,000. But it counts each person and gives value to each life we impact and relationship we try to build.
Loving and serving individual people is what we do and what we encourage all followers of Jesus to do.
Each life -- every life -- is of value.
If you've ever felt like you don't fit in, like you have no community, or if you just feel like you've been set aside and forgotten, you would do well to spend some time listening to Pastor Phillip's message from yesterday. You can find it here.
YOU are of value!
John <><
Last Thursday was The Venues Christmas party.
Friday night we were out with two other couples from The Venues to listen to another Venues friend sing at a local place.
Sunday was church.
Today (Monday) I had breakfast with The Venues' student coordinator.
Tomorrow our small group meets for dinner, study, and visiting (fellowship, if you want to be churchy about it).
I don't know if we'll be going to the Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, but I will be back at The Downtown Venues on Thursday night and serving at the Breakfast Venues on Friday morning.
I am getting to know more people and we greet each other by name and with handshakes or hugs.
I find myself wanting to be around Venues people and am always inspired and motivated by their drive to serve others.
Sunday morning, this graphic was displayed during the worship service.
If you can't read it, it says that so far this year we have helped 48,611 people, worked 13,942 service hours, and worked 170 different service events!
One of the things that strikes me about these numbers is how specific they are. It didn't say we've helped nearly 50,000 people (to sound better) or generalize it to more than 48,000. But it counts each person and gives value to each life we impact and relationship we try to build.
Loving and serving individual people is what we do and what we encourage all followers of Jesus to do.
Each life -- every life -- is of value.
If you've ever felt like you don't fit in, like you have no community, or if you just feel like you've been set aside and forgotten, you would do well to spend some time listening to Pastor Phillip's message from yesterday. You can find it here.
YOU are of value!
John <><
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