I've been getting better, but I have a long way to go.
We've started some recycling; but we need to do more.
Since this area is NOT progressive when it comes to things like recycling, our personal efforts will become even more challenging when we move to our new home in a more rural setting. Currently there is a recycling center nearby. Soon we'll have to weigh the environmental cost of taking things to be recycled against the benefit of recycling -- one big special trip, or take what we can when it's not too far out of the way.
Another part of going green is using the motorcycle whenever I'm able. I get twice the gas mileage and it's more fun, but I can only carry what fits in the saddlebags or I can strap onto the back. I sure enjoy a nice long ride on the bike, but now I also think about the necessity of that ride and its environmental impact. I suppose I could exchange every mile not driving the car for a mile of pleasure riding, but that becomes more of a carbon neutral thing for personal pleasure than a green thing for environmental benefit.
Truth be told, there will probably be days when Chris will want me to take a day long pleasure ride so she can have the house to herself!
I'll be planting some trees this year (hopefully dozens). That's a big environmental plus.
We also hope to plant lots of flowers for the benefit of the birds and bees, and a garden for our own use. Eventually I'd like to have our own hives.
I've previously written that we plan on using solar power. The property sits high and also almost always has a nice breeze, so a small wind turbine or two is a possibility. (But not the kind that spews toxic gases or causes cancer. 😉)
I'm using less single use plastic and trying to keep a reusable cup for coffee or water handy, and I'm not using straws at restaurants. We gave reusable metal straws to the kids (and us) as stocking stuffers for Christmas.
I try to use my own reusable bags at the grocery store and need to buy some reusable produce bags.
Is anyone else working on being more green in the coming year?
What things are you doing to help heal the earth?
John
Monday, December 30, 2019
Saturday, December 28, 2019
2020 Vision
Not as in 20/20 vision, but as in "What will I see in 2020?"
Some time ago I wrote that my vision had improved as I've gotten older. Because of the people I've been exposed to over the past year, I'm also starting to see better.
I'm seeing people that were once invisible to me.
I'm seeing injustices that went unnoticed by me.
I'm seeing my own privilege where I once took it for granted.
I'm seeing that most people don't really expect more than to be treated with kindness.
I'm seeing that for some people, kindness is a way of life
...and for some, it is not.
I'm seeing more of what was always right in front of me.
What will you see in 2020?
John <><
Some time ago I wrote that my vision had improved as I've gotten older. Because of the people I've been exposed to over the past year, I'm also starting to see better.
I'm seeing people that were once invisible to me.
I'm seeing injustices that went unnoticed by me.
I'm seeing my own privilege where I once took it for granted.
I'm seeing that most people don't really expect more than to be treated with kindness.
I'm seeing that for some people, kindness is a way of life
...and for some, it is not.
I'm seeing more of what was always right in front of me.
What will you see in 2020?
John <><
Thursday, December 26, 2019
What's Next?
It's the morning after Christmas and even though we still have a weekend gathering ahead of us, it is time to start thinking about 2020.
I don't know that I have any real resolutions or goals in mind for the coming year, but there are a few things I'd like to do and a few things I'd like to do better. I suppose I should take a look at the successes and failures of 2019, but I'm pretty content to leave them in the past and move forward.
I'm just jotting down a few things as they pop into my head this morning. I'll have figure out the actual plans later. We have become more "green" in 2019 and I'd really like for that to continue. I've managed to reduce the use of single use plastics and will continue to look for ways to reduce plastic use. We've also done more recycling this year and I hope to continue that in 2020.
We'll be moving into our new home in a couple of months and I have hopes of using the land for a small (at first) garden and to plant some fruit trees. I've never been much of a gardening guy so it will take some work and some learning when it comes to harvesting and preserving our produce.
I've bought two books to help with new home projects. One is on solar power and one is on beekeeping. I have a feeling I'm in for a busy (and hopefully, productive) 2020.
One of the things that I did manage to do in 2019 was to read more books for pleasure. I am enjoying that and hope to do more of it. As much as I really like the feel of a good book, the part of me that wants to be more conscientious about the environment says that I should continue using an e-reader. Besides, it's both more convenient and less expensive. I can always use the library for an actual book.
Those are just a few things that I'm thinking about for 2020. I also need to be more focused on writing -- and not just blogging. I do have a couple of book ideas, but haven't gone past that and maybe a first chapter or two.
I'll have to see what 2020 brings for Out of My Hat. This is my 200th post for 2019 -- a new record! My previous high was 187 posts in 2017. I think my recent 56 day streak was also a record.
I may try to get back to more meaningful posts and opinions. Lately the blog has become more of a personal journal. That works for me. It's a bit therapeutic and helps me keep things organized in my head. I've also found that thinking before I write has helped me to think before I speak. When you write stupid things you have the opportunity to edit before posting. You don't get that chance when you say stupid things. I think blogging has helped me to say fewer stupid things.
What about you?
Any plans or goals for 2020?
John <><
I don't know that I have any real resolutions or goals in mind for the coming year, but there are a few things I'd like to do and a few things I'd like to do better. I suppose I should take a look at the successes and failures of 2019, but I'm pretty content to leave them in the past and move forward.
I'm just jotting down a few things as they pop into my head this morning. I'll have figure out the actual plans later. We have become more "green" in 2019 and I'd really like for that to continue. I've managed to reduce the use of single use plastics and will continue to look for ways to reduce plastic use. We've also done more recycling this year and I hope to continue that in 2020.
We'll be moving into our new home in a couple of months and I have hopes of using the land for a small (at first) garden and to plant some fruit trees. I've never been much of a gardening guy so it will take some work and some learning when it comes to harvesting and preserving our produce.
I've bought two books to help with new home projects. One is on solar power and one is on beekeeping. I have a feeling I'm in for a busy (and hopefully, productive) 2020.
One of the things that I did manage to do in 2019 was to read more books for pleasure. I am enjoying that and hope to do more of it. As much as I really like the feel of a good book, the part of me that wants to be more conscientious about the environment says that I should continue using an e-reader. Besides, it's both more convenient and less expensive. I can always use the library for an actual book.
Those are just a few things that I'm thinking about for 2020. I also need to be more focused on writing -- and not just blogging. I do have a couple of book ideas, but haven't gone past that and maybe a first chapter or two.
I'll have to see what 2020 brings for Out of My Hat. This is my 200th post for 2019 -- a new record! My previous high was 187 posts in 2017. I think my recent 56 day streak was also a record.
I may try to get back to more meaningful posts and opinions. Lately the blog has become more of a personal journal. That works for me. It's a bit therapeutic and helps me keep things organized in my head. I've also found that thinking before I write has helped me to think before I speak. When you write stupid things you have the opportunity to edit before posting. You don't get that chance when you say stupid things. I think blogging has helped me to say fewer stupid things.
What about you?
Any plans or goals for 2020?
John <><
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Advent 2019: Christmas Eve, Day 24
Luke 24
The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen.
Jesus appears to the disciples, opens their eyes to the scriptures, and ascends into heaven.
At the beginning of Luke's gospel, he wrote that he had been following the events surrounding Jesus for some time. He had spoken with the eyewitnesses and checked out their stories. He wrote these things down and sent them to Theophilus so that he could know that the things he'd been hearing about Jesus were true and the things that he had been taught about the Messiah had been fulfilled in Jesus.
Mathematician Peter Stoner and some of his students worked to calculate the odds of one person being able to fulfill just eight of the messianic prophesies.You can read their results here.
I began this Advent series through the 24 chapters of Luke's gospel so that we could better get to know Jesus and decide for ourselves -- Is Jesus the Son of God? and Is Jesus worth following?
It is possible to answer the first question "I still don't know," and yet answer the second question with a "Yes!"
I truly believe that the more you follow him, the better you will come to know the character and love of God.
From the statistics provided by Google, I know that not many readers have followed along with this daily journey. My guess would be that the few that have are already believers. Whatever the case may be and however you choose to celebrate Christmas, I wish you peace, joy, and love.
Merry Christmas
John <><
The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen.
Jesus appears to the disciples, opens their eyes to the scriptures, and ascends into heaven.
At the beginning of Luke's gospel, he wrote that he had been following the events surrounding Jesus for some time. He had spoken with the eyewitnesses and checked out their stories. He wrote these things down and sent them to Theophilus so that he could know that the things he'd been hearing about Jesus were true and the things that he had been taught about the Messiah had been fulfilled in Jesus.
Mathematician Peter Stoner and some of his students worked to calculate the odds of one person being able to fulfill just eight of the messianic prophesies.You can read their results here.
I began this Advent series through the 24 chapters of Luke's gospel so that we could better get to know Jesus and decide for ourselves -- Is Jesus the Son of God? and Is Jesus worth following?
It is possible to answer the first question "I still don't know," and yet answer the second question with a "Yes!"
I truly believe that the more you follow him, the better you will come to know the character and love of God.
From the statistics provided by Google, I know that not many readers have followed along with this daily journey. My guess would be that the few that have are already believers. Whatever the case may be and however you choose to celebrate Christmas, I wish you peace, joy, and love.
Merry Christmas
John <><
Monday, December 23, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 23, Day 23
Luke 23
Summary
Even though the Jewish council was able to execute their own laws and carry out their own discipline, under Roman rule they did not have the authority to sentence someone to death. To secure a death sentence, Jesus was taken before the Roman governor, Pilate.
Pilate found nothing to warrant conviction and sent Jesus to the Jewish king, Herod.
Herod mocked Jesus as king and ended up returning him to Pilate. Pilate gives in to the pressure and threats of the Jewish council and sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.
At the crucifixion
One criminal asks to be remembered
One Centurion proclaims Jesus' innocence
One member of the Jewish council cares for the body.
My take away
Growing up in the Roman Catholic church I always believed that Jesus died for this sins of the world. I just never really connected that to Jesus dying for me! As an evangelical the emphasis was always on personal salvation and somehow I forgot that Jesus' atonement was for everyone. Just as the ancient Israelites added to make the Law more restricting and burdensome, modern day evangelicals (Catholics, too) have added rules to make salvation more difficult and burdensome.
What if Jesus truly is God and his death truly atones for the sins of all mankind?
What if his "Father, forgive them..." was for all of us?
What if there is nothing that we can do to add to or take away from God's grace and mercy?
What if God loves the people that I don't love as much as he loves me?
What if the God of the universe is bigger and better than the god of my belief?
What if I don't need to have all of the answers to love God and to love others?
What if I just start loving and see what questions get answered along the way?
John <><
Summary
Even though the Jewish council was able to execute their own laws and carry out their own discipline, under Roman rule they did not have the authority to sentence someone to death. To secure a death sentence, Jesus was taken before the Roman governor, Pilate.
Pilate found nothing to warrant conviction and sent Jesus to the Jewish king, Herod.
Herod mocked Jesus as king and ended up returning him to Pilate. Pilate gives in to the pressure and threats of the Jewish council and sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.
At the crucifixion
One criminal asks to be remembered
One Centurion proclaims Jesus' innocence
One member of the Jewish council cares for the body.
My take away
Growing up in the Roman Catholic church I always believed that Jesus died for this sins of the world. I just never really connected that to Jesus dying for me! As an evangelical the emphasis was always on personal salvation and somehow I forgot that Jesus' atonement was for everyone. Just as the ancient Israelites added to make the Law more restricting and burdensome, modern day evangelicals (Catholics, too) have added rules to make salvation more difficult and burdensome.
What if Jesus truly is God and his death truly atones for the sins of all mankind?
What if his "Father, forgive them..." was for all of us?
What if there is nothing that we can do to add to or take away from God's grace and mercy?
What if God loves the people that I don't love as much as he loves me?
What if the God of the universe is bigger and better than the god of my belief?
What if I don't need to have all of the answers to love God and to love others?
What if I just start loving and see what questions get answered along the way?
John <><
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 22, Day 22
Luke 22
What is going on in the dark of this Holy Night?
It is Passover, a Sabbath Day, a day to remember when the Angel of Death passed over the children of Israel as they were captive in Egypt. The marking of lamb's blood on the door post would save the household.
On this holy night of remembrance, Jesus was arrested, tried and beaten. It was done in secret because the religious leaders feared the crowds. They spent so much time criticizing Jesus for his good works on the Sabbath; now they were secretly conducting a trial to find Jesus guilty and have him crucified.
The plot to kill Jesus and the process they used to bring it about was dark and full of deception. If Jesus had done anything deserving of arrest and execution, they would have done it in the open. They didn't. This is important because his innocence is important.
The Passover worked for the religious rulers to do their deed while the public was in their homes and unaware of what was taking place.
It also worked for God as he showed his Son as the sacrificial lamb that would give life to save us all.
John <><
What is going on in the dark of this Holy Night?
It is Passover, a Sabbath Day, a day to remember when the Angel of Death passed over the children of Israel as they were captive in Egypt. The marking of lamb's blood on the door post would save the household.
On this holy night of remembrance, Jesus was arrested, tried and beaten. It was done in secret because the religious leaders feared the crowds. They spent so much time criticizing Jesus for his good works on the Sabbath; now they were secretly conducting a trial to find Jesus guilty and have him crucified.
The plot to kill Jesus and the process they used to bring it about was dark and full of deception. If Jesus had done anything deserving of arrest and execution, they would have done it in the open. They didn't. This is important because his innocence is important.
The Passover worked for the religious rulers to do their deed while the public was in their homes and unaware of what was taking place.
It also worked for God as he showed his Son as the sacrificial lamb that would give life to save us all.
John <><
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 21, Day 21
Luke 21
Summary
Jesus begins with a quick reminder that the true value of a gift is based on what the giver has to give. Maybe something to keep in mind this season.
But then he gets into some pretty serious warnings. He predicts the destruction of the temple -- turns out it was about the future destruction of the glorious building as well as the soon to be destruction of his body (yeah, that temple). Jesus warns of coming wars and persecution and the destruction of Jerusalem (when the temple was destroyed).
He talks about the coming of the Son (second coming?) and gives a cryptic picture of a fig tree and the passing of a generation. He also warns his followers to be ready.
My take away
Some of the things Jesus talked about have happened. He was killed. The temple was destroyed. Jerusalem was overthrown, and there have been wars -- one after another for centuries.
Some bible scholars say that the fig tree represents Israel. When Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, they believe it set the time clock for the beginning of the end. That's been 71 years -- about the time of a generation.
Personally, I've been taught so much crap by bible scholars that I pretty much think they make up stuff that sounds good and lets them hang a nice diploma on their wall and collect a decent paycheck.
Do I think end time stuff is important? Not as much as you might think.
I think being prepared for the end time is important because that can come for each one of us at any moment. I do believe that Jesus came to live with us to teach us about God and God's great love for us as much as he came to die for us. While eternal life in heaven may be the end goal, I believe there is great joy in looking forward to heaven because of your love for God rather than looking at heaven as an alternative to hell, which is a place that you fear.
I believe that living a life of loving God and loving others (all others) is a joy in itself. I believe it is a foreshadowing of the joy we will experience when we are free of these earthly bodies and better able to see life as the eternal souls that we truly are.
As I have gotten older, I enjoy the Christmas season less each passing year. Don't get me wrong -- I love exchanging gifts and getting together with family and friends. But I tire of the charade that this is about the birth of a savior. There is nothing that the lights, the greenery, the shopping, the parties, the ugly sweaters, or even the gifts have to do with the birth of Jesus. I think we should celebrate the season with love and gifts because we love one another and we love celebrating that love.
I also think we should celebrate God's love for us. It is a truly amazing thing to think that Our Creator loves us so much that he would become like us so that we can know him, know that he loves us, and know that we can love him, too. That is a celebration that needs to go far beyond a single day. It should be celebrated in the way we live every day.
Sorry if I'm a bit of a Scrooge. I often feel the part of a bah-humbug type of character.
We are still a few days away from Dec 25. However you celebrate the day, I wish you joy.
And for today, I hope that you will celebrate that God loves you, that Jesus lived so that you can know that, and that he died so that we can have eternal life with him.
More tomorrow.
John <><
Summary
Jesus begins with a quick reminder that the true value of a gift is based on what the giver has to give. Maybe something to keep in mind this season.
But then he gets into some pretty serious warnings. He predicts the destruction of the temple -- turns out it was about the future destruction of the glorious building as well as the soon to be destruction of his body (yeah, that temple). Jesus warns of coming wars and persecution and the destruction of Jerusalem (when the temple was destroyed).
He talks about the coming of the Son (second coming?) and gives a cryptic picture of a fig tree and the passing of a generation. He also warns his followers to be ready.
My take away
Some of the things Jesus talked about have happened. He was killed. The temple was destroyed. Jerusalem was overthrown, and there have been wars -- one after another for centuries.
Some bible scholars say that the fig tree represents Israel. When Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, they believe it set the time clock for the beginning of the end. That's been 71 years -- about the time of a generation.
Personally, I've been taught so much crap by bible scholars that I pretty much think they make up stuff that sounds good and lets them hang a nice diploma on their wall and collect a decent paycheck.
Do I think end time stuff is important? Not as much as you might think.
I think being prepared for the end time is important because that can come for each one of us at any moment. I do believe that Jesus came to live with us to teach us about God and God's great love for us as much as he came to die for us. While eternal life in heaven may be the end goal, I believe there is great joy in looking forward to heaven because of your love for God rather than looking at heaven as an alternative to hell, which is a place that you fear.
I believe that living a life of loving God and loving others (all others) is a joy in itself. I believe it is a foreshadowing of the joy we will experience when we are free of these earthly bodies and better able to see life as the eternal souls that we truly are.
As I have gotten older, I enjoy the Christmas season less each passing year. Don't get me wrong -- I love exchanging gifts and getting together with family and friends. But I tire of the charade that this is about the birth of a savior. There is nothing that the lights, the greenery, the shopping, the parties, the ugly sweaters, or even the gifts have to do with the birth of Jesus. I think we should celebrate the season with love and gifts because we love one another and we love celebrating that love.
I also think we should celebrate God's love for us. It is a truly amazing thing to think that Our Creator loves us so much that he would become like us so that we can know him, know that he loves us, and know that we can love him, too. That is a celebration that needs to go far beyond a single day. It should be celebrated in the way we live every day.
Sorry if I'm a bit of a Scrooge. I often feel the part of a bah-humbug type of character.
We are still a few days away from Dec 25. However you celebrate the day, I wish you joy.
And for today, I hope that you will celebrate that God loves you, that Jesus lived so that you can know that, and that he died so that we can have eternal life with him.
More tomorrow.
John <><
Friday, December 20, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 20, Day 20
Luke 20
Summary
Jesus has had enough of the constant opposition of the religious establishment. They try to trap him with a simple question, but Jesus knows they will use any answer against him. Rather than answering their question, he asks them a question they are afraid to answer. Since they won't answer his question, he doesn't answer theirs.
But them Jesus tells a parable about God, Israel, how they treated the prophets, and how they will treat his son. The Pharisees know he is talking about them, but they are too afraid of the people to say anything. Instead, they try to trap him into saying something against Caesar. When that fails, the other religious sect, the Sadducees, have their go at him.
The Sadducees don't even believe in the resurrection but try to trap him with an unlikely event. Jesus basically says they don't know what they're talking about.
Then Jesus warns the people about religious leaders that are full of donkey dung. (Still a fair warning today.)
My take away
My biggest take away is Jesus teaching that we have focused on the physical aspect of our lives and know nothing of the spirit world. Maybe we need to think about our eternal being more and worry less about the physical being. We have a preoccupation with our sexuality and the sexuality of others and Jesus says that our souls are genderless. Maybe we should focus more on just loving each other.
John <><
Summary
Jesus has had enough of the constant opposition of the religious establishment. They try to trap him with a simple question, but Jesus knows they will use any answer against him. Rather than answering their question, he asks them a question they are afraid to answer. Since they won't answer his question, he doesn't answer theirs.
But them Jesus tells a parable about God, Israel, how they treated the prophets, and how they will treat his son. The Pharisees know he is talking about them, but they are too afraid of the people to say anything. Instead, they try to trap him into saying something against Caesar. When that fails, the other religious sect, the Sadducees, have their go at him.
The Sadducees don't even believe in the resurrection but try to trap him with an unlikely event. Jesus basically says they don't know what they're talking about.
Then Jesus warns the people about religious leaders that are full of donkey dung. (Still a fair warning today.)
My take away
My biggest take away is Jesus teaching that we have focused on the physical aspect of our lives and know nothing of the spirit world. Maybe we need to think about our eternal being more and worry less about the physical being. We have a preoccupation with our sexuality and the sexuality of others and Jesus says that our souls are genderless. Maybe we should focus more on just loving each other.
John <><
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 19, Day 19
Luke 19
Summary
Jesus again reminds us that even the people we think are beyond redemption are not too far from God's love and are able to be saved.
This next parable has often troubled me. The harsh landowner doesn't fit the merciful, loving father that Jesus talks about. So what gives?
The thing that I wonder about is the first part where it says that he told the parable because they thought the kingdom was going to appear immediately. Was the parable to say if it was the way you think it is, it might play out like this? Or is God really going to slaughter all who don't recognize him?
I don't know.
Yep, that's my answer. I don't know.
Jesus enters the city for the final time, weeps over Jerusalem, and cleanses the Temple.
My take away
This is it.
Jesus enters Jerusalem and will teach in public a few more times before the end comes.
Is he the one? Does Jesus fulfill the prophecies about the coming Messiah? Is he the Savior of the world?
Let's continue tomorrow and see.
John <><
Summary
Jesus again reminds us that even the people we think are beyond redemption are not too far from God's love and are able to be saved.
This next parable has often troubled me. The harsh landowner doesn't fit the merciful, loving father that Jesus talks about. So what gives?
The thing that I wonder about is the first part where it says that he told the parable because they thought the kingdom was going to appear immediately. Was the parable to say if it was the way you think it is, it might play out like this? Or is God really going to slaughter all who don't recognize him?
I don't know.
Yep, that's my answer. I don't know.
Jesus enters the city for the final time, weeps over Jerusalem, and cleanses the Temple.
My take away
This is it.
Jesus enters Jerusalem and will teach in public a few more times before the end comes.
Is he the one? Does Jesus fulfill the prophecies about the coming Messiah? Is he the Savior of the world?
Let's continue tomorrow and see.
John <><
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 18, Day 18
Luke 18
Summary
Today's summary is in single sentences for each part of the chapter.
Be persistent and consistent in your prayers.
Be humble or be humbled.
The kingdom of God belongs to those with no social standing.
Eternal life is easier than you think, but the most difficult thing to do.
Jesus has to die.
When someone's eyes are opened, we need to rejoice and praise God.
My take away
As we get closer to the time of Jesus' death, the lessons seems to have more urgency. He teaches to pray and keep praying. So often we think God knows what I need. Jesus says pray anyway. He reminds us to be humble before God and people.
Children had no standing in that culture. They were worth less than a good working donkey or ox. But Jesus says that the kingdom of God belongs to them. Be humble. The kingdom belongs to the lowly.
Following Jesus isn't hard. It's giving up the stuff that gets in our way that is difficult.
Open your eyes and see.
This Advent exercise is to help us recognize who Jesus is and if following him is a good idea.
It certainly appears that his teachings are pretty good, but some might argue that we need to get what we can when we can. The teaching of Jesus assumes an afterlife and I realize that not everybody believes that.
But is Jesus God?
Is it necessary to acknowledge that?
Is having our eyes opened as easy as asking Jesus to restore our sight?
John <><
Summary
Today's summary is in single sentences for each part of the chapter.
Be persistent and consistent in your prayers.
Be humble or be humbled.
The kingdom of God belongs to those with no social standing.
Eternal life is easier than you think, but the most difficult thing to do.
Jesus has to die.
When someone's eyes are opened, we need to rejoice and praise God.
My take away
As we get closer to the time of Jesus' death, the lessons seems to have more urgency. He teaches to pray and keep praying. So often we think God knows what I need. Jesus says pray anyway. He reminds us to be humble before God and people.
Children had no standing in that culture. They were worth less than a good working donkey or ox. But Jesus says that the kingdom of God belongs to them. Be humble. The kingdom belongs to the lowly.
Following Jesus isn't hard. It's giving up the stuff that gets in our way that is difficult.
Open your eyes and see.
This Advent exercise is to help us recognize who Jesus is and if following him is a good idea.
It certainly appears that his teachings are pretty good, but some might argue that we need to get what we can when we can. The teaching of Jesus assumes an afterlife and I realize that not everybody believes that.
But is Jesus God?
Is it necessary to acknowledge that?
Is having our eyes opened as easy as asking Jesus to restore our sight?
John <><
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 17, Day 17
Luke 17
Summary
Watch yourself! Don't fall into temptation. And don't be the one to lead others into temptation.
Forgive others; always forgive others, even if it's repeatedly.
When his disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith, he basically says, "You increase your faith!" That's an inside job.
Jesus reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves. God is the Master, we are not.
Be grateful.
The kingdom isn't what you think it is.
My take away
We have created a god that is in our image rather that recognizing that God has created us in his image. We have placed ourselves higher than we ought to, thinking that we deserve a seat at the Master's table. And because we have this distorted image of God, we also have a distorted image of his kingdom.
Be careful.
John <><
Summary
Watch yourself! Don't fall into temptation. And don't be the one to lead others into temptation.
Forgive others; always forgive others, even if it's repeatedly.
When his disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith, he basically says, "You increase your faith!" That's an inside job.
Jesus reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves. God is the Master, we are not.
Be grateful.
The kingdom isn't what you think it is.
My take away
We have created a god that is in our image rather that recognizing that God has created us in his image. We have placed ourselves higher than we ought to, thinking that we deserve a seat at the Master's table. And because we have this distorted image of God, we also have a distorted image of his kingdom.
Be careful.
John <><
Monday, December 16, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 16, Day 16
Luke 16
Summary
I think chapter 16 could be summarized in a single phrase:
More parables and teaching that we choose to ignore
My take away
Jesus teaches that there is a big difference between the things of this world and the things that are of importance to God. We actually demonstrate how well we take care of spiritual matters by the way we take care of earthly matters. We demonstrate which (earthly things or heavenly things) have a greater priority and which is our master.
Verse 18 is a favorite to ignore by those that rant about the sanctity of marriage while they themselves are divorced, remarried, and living (by this standard) in an adulterous relationship.
Hypocrite much?
Then Luke returns to Jesus teaching about materialism and how we can let the good things of life blind us to the more important things like loving and caring for people that are in need.
I struggle with this.
I don't think of myself as wealthy or living an extravagant lifestyle. But working with those in need of life's basics like food and shelter certainly makes me re-examine how I use my resources.
How am I different from the rich man?
We're building a nice home on several acres while hundreds of people in our city have no shelter.
We have food in our pantry and money in our bank account while kids and their parents will go hungry today.
Is the fate of the rich man going to be my fate?
Hmmm...
No wonder we choose to ignore these parables and teachings.
John <><
Summary
I think chapter 16 could be summarized in a single phrase:
More parables and teaching that we choose to ignore
My take away
Jesus teaches that there is a big difference between the things of this world and the things that are of importance to God. We actually demonstrate how well we take care of spiritual matters by the way we take care of earthly matters. We demonstrate which (earthly things or heavenly things) have a greater priority and which is our master.
Verse 18 is a favorite to ignore by those that rant about the sanctity of marriage while they themselves are divorced, remarried, and living (by this standard) in an adulterous relationship.
Hypocrite much?
Then Luke returns to Jesus teaching about materialism and how we can let the good things of life blind us to the more important things like loving and caring for people that are in need.
I struggle with this.
I don't think of myself as wealthy or living an extravagant lifestyle. But working with those in need of life's basics like food and shelter certainly makes me re-examine how I use my resources.
How am I different from the rich man?
We're building a nice home on several acres while hundreds of people in our city have no shelter.
We have food in our pantry and money in our bank account while kids and their parents will go hungry today.
Is the fate of the rich man going to be my fate?
Hmmm...
No wonder we choose to ignore these parables and teachings.
John <><
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 15, Day 15
Luke 15
I'm not sure if I can fit this into the format that I've been using so I'll just combine the summary and my take away into one writing today.
We have three familiar parables about something that was lost, the sacrifice made in the search, and the celebration when the lost thing was found.
The shepherd secured the ninety-nine sheep and set off (probably at the end of the day) to find the lost sheep.
The woman thoroughly cleaned her house in search of a lost coin.
And an old man waited and watched for the return of a wayward son.
This all started because Jesus was ministering to (meeting the needs of) people that Pharisees felt were of no value. They were sinners and tax collectors. The stories Jesus told are to help us understand that God values others (and us) differently than we do.
Perhaps it's just because I've been spending time with people that are unsheltered and have real food insecurity, but I am beginning to value things differently than I used to. I've been exposed to people that express gratitude for the simplest of things -- like rejoicing over finding a simple coin.
Right now these parables teach me more than lessons of something lost and found. As life is teaching me about the value of people and things, I'm finally seeing that Jesus has been trying to teach me those lessons all along.
Damn, I'm such a slow learner!
I realize this is probably a far different take than you get from this reading. It is very different than I've ever had from it, too. And it may not be theologically sound, but neither am I (or so I've been told).
John <><
I'm not sure if I can fit this into the format that I've been using so I'll just combine the summary and my take away into one writing today.
We have three familiar parables about something that was lost, the sacrifice made in the search, and the celebration when the lost thing was found.
The shepherd secured the ninety-nine sheep and set off (probably at the end of the day) to find the lost sheep.
The woman thoroughly cleaned her house in search of a lost coin.
And an old man waited and watched for the return of a wayward son.
This all started because Jesus was ministering to (meeting the needs of) people that Pharisees felt were of no value. They were sinners and tax collectors. The stories Jesus told are to help us understand that God values others (and us) differently than we do.
Perhaps it's just because I've been spending time with people that are unsheltered and have real food insecurity, but I am beginning to value things differently than I used to. I've been exposed to people that express gratitude for the simplest of things -- like rejoicing over finding a simple coin.
Right now these parables teach me more than lessons of something lost and found. As life is teaching me about the value of people and things, I'm finally seeing that Jesus has been trying to teach me those lessons all along.
Damn, I'm such a slow learner!
I realize this is probably a far different take than you get from this reading. It is very different than I've ever had from it, too. And it may not be theologically sound, but neither am I (or so I've been told).
John <><
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 14, Day 14
Luke 14
Summary
Again Jesus is found violating the Sabbath law by doing good and healing a man. The Pharisees are afraid to answer him or confront him about their stance.
Then Jesus teaches in two parables. The first is about guests at a wedding feast and Jesus reminds us to be humble. He teaches that if we honor ourselves, others will cause us to be humbled. If we humble ourselves, others will exalt us.
The second parable is from the perspective of the host. Jesus says we should do good for those that can't repay us.
Because they didn't get it, Jesus teaches that there will be those that are invited to a great feast that choose not to go. They will find excuses and place higher priority on other tasks or events and miss out on a great feast.
Jesus again reminds us that following him may not be easy. There will be people we love that will not want to follow him and we will have to choose -- stay with them or move on without them. We may need to set aside old behaviors and habits that will be difficult. We may have to change our way of thinking (repent) and unlearn what we have been taught and relearn life from a Jesus perspective.
It isn't going to be easy so consider well if following Jesus is for you.
My take away
Passages like this trouble me. I spent a lot of years teaching people (both adults and kids) that heaven was as simple as raising your hand and saying a magical prayer. Far too many churches teach something similar. Getting people to say they'll follow Jesus seems to be more important than teaching them how to follow Jesus.
And even when we teach them how, we teach them to follow rules rather than to follow Jesus.
I do pray that God will send someone to fix my messes. In my heart and in my head I believe that God wouldn't let my failures keep somebody else from the blessings that are waiting for them.
This Advent exercise is to help us to know Jesus; to be able to look at a record of his life and to know that he is God in human form. While most of my readers share similar beliefs, I know there are a couple of atheists and readers of different faiths. In yesterday's reading, Jesus said that the kingdom of God includes everyone. All of the birds gather in the tree; the leaven works its way through the entire loaf.
2019 has been an interesting year. Some will say I've regressed and fallen away from God. Personally, I feel closer to God than I have ever felt. And I feel closer to people, too. I am learning to see God in them. I am learning the lessons that Jesus teaches in today's reading -- to be humble, to give where no reciprocation is expected, to value people above rules.
And it hasn't always been easy.
I wonder what 2020 will have for me.
John <><
Summary
Again Jesus is found violating the Sabbath law by doing good and healing a man. The Pharisees are afraid to answer him or confront him about their stance.
Then Jesus teaches in two parables. The first is about guests at a wedding feast and Jesus reminds us to be humble. He teaches that if we honor ourselves, others will cause us to be humbled. If we humble ourselves, others will exalt us.
The second parable is from the perspective of the host. Jesus says we should do good for those that can't repay us.
Because they didn't get it, Jesus teaches that there will be those that are invited to a great feast that choose not to go. They will find excuses and place higher priority on other tasks or events and miss out on a great feast.
Jesus again reminds us that following him may not be easy. There will be people we love that will not want to follow him and we will have to choose -- stay with them or move on without them. We may need to set aside old behaviors and habits that will be difficult. We may have to change our way of thinking (repent) and unlearn what we have been taught and relearn life from a Jesus perspective.
It isn't going to be easy so consider well if following Jesus is for you.
My take away
Passages like this trouble me. I spent a lot of years teaching people (both adults and kids) that heaven was as simple as raising your hand and saying a magical prayer. Far too many churches teach something similar. Getting people to say they'll follow Jesus seems to be more important than teaching them how to follow Jesus.
And even when we teach them how, we teach them to follow rules rather than to follow Jesus.
I do pray that God will send someone to fix my messes. In my heart and in my head I believe that God wouldn't let my failures keep somebody else from the blessings that are waiting for them.
This Advent exercise is to help us to know Jesus; to be able to look at a record of his life and to know that he is God in human form. While most of my readers share similar beliefs, I know there are a couple of atheists and readers of different faiths. In yesterday's reading, Jesus said that the kingdom of God includes everyone. All of the birds gather in the tree; the leaven works its way through the entire loaf.
2019 has been an interesting year. Some will say I've regressed and fallen away from God. Personally, I feel closer to God than I have ever felt. And I feel closer to people, too. I am learning to see God in them. I am learning the lessons that Jesus teaches in today's reading -- to be humble, to give where no reciprocation is expected, to value people above rules.
And it hasn't always been easy.
I wonder what 2020 will have for me.
John <><
Friday, December 13, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 13, Day 13
Late morning blog today. I read Luke 13 earlier, but didn't want to rush through posting. I decided to wait until after Breakfast Venues. Now I'm sitting at a local Starbucks and ready to write. I feel a little bad about being at Starbucks, but I have money on gift cards that I need to use. I guess I could patronize local coffee shops when at home and use my Starbucks cards on the road.
In any case we are at the half way point in our daily journey through Luke's gospel.
Luke 13
Today I've kind of combined the summary and my take away.
Here it is.
Once again, Jesus is teaching that we have to change our way of thinking (repent). The consequences of life are just that -- consequences of life. Bad things don't just happen to sinners, and really bad things don't just happen to really bad sinners.
And again, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaching that people are more important than rules. And certainly more important than the animals they cared for on the same Sabbath!
Jesus also redefines the kingdoms of God. They (and we) have this idea that the kingdom of God is made up of only the good and righteous ones. But according to Jesus, the kingdom of God includes everyone -- all the birds of the air, all of the leaven in the bread.
We need to change the way we think (repent).
Walking with Jesus isn't easy. And yet he invites us to walk with him anyway.
Jesus laments over those that don't understand that God loves everybody and wants us to love them, too.
We may have to change how we think.
We may have to repent.
John <><
In any case we are at the half way point in our daily journey through Luke's gospel.
Luke 13
Today I've kind of combined the summary and my take away.
Here it is.
Once again, Jesus is teaching that we have to change our way of thinking (repent). The consequences of life are just that -- consequences of life. Bad things don't just happen to sinners, and really bad things don't just happen to really bad sinners.
And again, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaching that people are more important than rules. And certainly more important than the animals they cared for on the same Sabbath!
Jesus also redefines the kingdoms of God. They (and we) have this idea that the kingdom of God is made up of only the good and righteous ones. But according to Jesus, the kingdom of God includes everyone -- all the birds of the air, all of the leaven in the bread.
We need to change the way we think (repent).
Walking with Jesus isn't easy. And yet he invites us to walk with him anyway.
Jesus laments over those that don't understand that God loves everybody and wants us to love them, too.
We may have to change how we think.
We may have to repent.
John <><
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 12, Day 12
Luke 12
Summary
There's really so much to unpack that I kind of dislike the format I've chosen for this daily devotion for Advent. I need to do a more in depth type of study or a daily devotion to cover passages or single lessons vs an entire chapter. But that would be for another series or a different blog.
If Jesus was to use today's vernacular he would have said, "The Pharisees are gaslighting."
We get the hypocrisy part. We have plenty of that from our leaders today, both in the religious world and the political one. The Pharisees were both.
Jesus warns them not to be afraid of the threats of men, but to do what's right in God's eyes.
He encourages them to stand with him and promises the Holy Spirit will speak through them as they defend their position and faith.
Jesus then spends some time cautioning them about how much we worry. He teaches that the things we worry about aren't that important to God. We worry about the things of this life and God is more concerned with our spiritual lives. Jesus tells them (and us) to worry about getting the kingdom things right and God will take care of meeting our day to day needs.
Don't worry.
Be ready to meet God -- always be ready.
Jesus says that following him will be hard. People will be against us for doing so. Some of those people will be members of our own families. Expect that, and follow him anyway.
My take away
Of all the really good stuff here, my favorite is at the end.
Jesus says, "You know what is right. Do it!"
Okay, so that's not exactly what he said and I probably shouldn't have put it in quotation marks, but you get the idea. He says don't bother with a judge. If you've done wrong, make it right.
Even though there is much to learn here, I think this one lesson is the key.
If you tie it together it might go something like this:
Beware of leaders with an agenda.
Don't be fearful.
Stand with Jesus and he will stand with you.
Don't worry. Seek after the Kingdom of God. God will take care of your needs.
It's not going to be easy. People you love will be against you.
You know what is right. Do it!
John <><
Summary
There's really so much to unpack that I kind of dislike the format I've chosen for this daily devotion for Advent. I need to do a more in depth type of study or a daily devotion to cover passages or single lessons vs an entire chapter. But that would be for another series or a different blog.
If Jesus was to use today's vernacular he would have said, "The Pharisees are gaslighting."
We get the hypocrisy part. We have plenty of that from our leaders today, both in the religious world and the political one. The Pharisees were both.
Jesus warns them not to be afraid of the threats of men, but to do what's right in God's eyes.
He encourages them to stand with him and promises the Holy Spirit will speak through them as they defend their position and faith.
Jesus then spends some time cautioning them about how much we worry. He teaches that the things we worry about aren't that important to God. We worry about the things of this life and God is more concerned with our spiritual lives. Jesus tells them (and us) to worry about getting the kingdom things right and God will take care of meeting our day to day needs.
Don't worry.
Be ready to meet God -- always be ready.
Jesus says that following him will be hard. People will be against us for doing so. Some of those people will be members of our own families. Expect that, and follow him anyway.
My take away
Of all the really good stuff here, my favorite is at the end.
Jesus says, "You know what is right. Do it!"
Okay, so that's not exactly what he said and I probably shouldn't have put it in quotation marks, but you get the idea. He says don't bother with a judge. If you've done wrong, make it right.
Even though there is much to learn here, I think this one lesson is the key.
If you tie it together it might go something like this:
Beware of leaders with an agenda.
Don't be fearful.
Stand with Jesus and he will stand with you.
Don't worry. Seek after the Kingdom of God. God will take care of your needs.
It's not going to be easy. People you love will be against you.
You know what is right. Do it!
John <><
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 11, Day 11
Luke 11
Summary
If I were to put a title to this summary it might be something like Jesus Faces His Critics.
After the initial passage where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray and that we should ask God for what we need, Jesus goes on to deal with those that are critical of his good deeds.
When Jesus casts out demons they say he does it by demonic power. Jesus sets them straight on that and gives them some other good lessons as well. Jesus chastises them for following the letter of The Law but neglecting justice and love. He warns them that doing so is not what God intended or desires of us. When criticized, the Pharisees seek to destroy him.
My take away
People haven't changed much in 2000 years.
When criticized, we still get defensive about our beliefs and go on the attack against anything or anyone that questions us. What could have happened if they would have listened to Jesus and examined both what he said and how they acted?
Is it possible that what we believe is wrong?
Even if what we believe is right, do our actions truly reflect that?
The Pharisees had become so enamored with The Law that it became the object of their worship in place of God. Have we done something similar?
How does grace/mercy/love show in what we say and do?
The prophet Micah says that we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
How's that working for you?
John <><
Summary
If I were to put a title to this summary it might be something like Jesus Faces His Critics.
After the initial passage where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray and that we should ask God for what we need, Jesus goes on to deal with those that are critical of his good deeds.
When Jesus casts out demons they say he does it by demonic power. Jesus sets them straight on that and gives them some other good lessons as well. Jesus chastises them for following the letter of The Law but neglecting justice and love. He warns them that doing so is not what God intended or desires of us. When criticized, the Pharisees seek to destroy him.
My take away
People haven't changed much in 2000 years.
When criticized, we still get defensive about our beliefs and go on the attack against anything or anyone that questions us. What could have happened if they would have listened to Jesus and examined both what he said and how they acted?
Is it possible that what we believe is wrong?
Even if what we believe is right, do our actions truly reflect that?
The Pharisees had become so enamored with The Law that it became the object of their worship in place of God. Have we done something similar?
How does grace/mercy/love show in what we say and do?
The prophet Micah says that we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
How's that working for you?
John <><
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 10, Day 10
Luke 10
Summary
The chapter begins with Jesus sending disciples out to announce that he is coming. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey and teaches them to trust that God will provide for them. They return with great stories to tell of the blessings they have received.
As Jesus continues to teach in parables, he tells the story of The Good Samaritan. I've written about this parable in the past. If you'd like to hear my take on it, here's the link to that post.
This chapter ends with a reminder that sometimes the most important work is learning what Jesus is teaching.
My take away
The 72 that were sent out were able to accomplish great things in the power of The Holy Spirit. Jesus tells them that what they have done isn't as important as knowing that God loves them.
John <><
Summary
The chapter begins with Jesus sending disciples out to announce that he is coming. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey and teaches them to trust that God will provide for them. They return with great stories to tell of the blessings they have received.
As Jesus continues to teach in parables, he tells the story of The Good Samaritan. I've written about this parable in the past. If you'd like to hear my take on it, here's the link to that post.
This chapter ends with a reminder that sometimes the most important work is learning what Jesus is teaching.
My take away
The 72 that were sent out were able to accomplish great things in the power of The Holy Spirit. Jesus tells them that what they have done isn't as important as knowing that God loves them.
John <><
Monday, December 09, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 9, Day 9
Luke 9
Wow!
There's a lot here, too much to simply summarize. Perhaps the biggest thing is that people are really starting to wonder and make decisions about who they believe Jesus really is.
Read it for yourself. Maybe you'll want to share your own summary. I'm going to just leave you with a thought that might ruffle a few feathers.
My take away
The Jewish Scripture is our Old Testament. God speaks to them (us, too) through The Law and through the prophets. On numerous occasions, Jesus corrected them on their interpretation of The Law. I don't believe that The Law (from God) was wrong, but there was much that was added to it. I don't believe that the prophets were wrong, but their messages may not have been properly received or recorded.
In the transfiguration, God clears things up.
Moses -- representing The Law, and Elijah -- representing the prophets, appear with Jesus -- the Son of God.
A voice speaks from the clouds and says, " This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him."
The voice didn't command them to listen to Moses and The Law, nor did it command them to follow Elijah and the prophets. It's as if the purpose of The Law and the prophets was to bring us to God through Jesus.
The Law and the prophets have fulfilled their purpose.
Jesus is here.
Listen to him.
John <><
Wow!
There's a lot here, too much to simply summarize. Perhaps the biggest thing is that people are really starting to wonder and make decisions about who they believe Jesus really is.
Read it for yourself. Maybe you'll want to share your own summary. I'm going to just leave you with a thought that might ruffle a few feathers.
My take away
The Jewish Scripture is our Old Testament. God speaks to them (us, too) through The Law and through the prophets. On numerous occasions, Jesus corrected them on their interpretation of The Law. I don't believe that The Law (from God) was wrong, but there was much that was added to it. I don't believe that the prophets were wrong, but their messages may not have been properly received or recorded.
In the transfiguration, God clears things up.
Moses -- representing The Law, and Elijah -- representing the prophets, appear with Jesus -- the Son of God.
A voice speaks from the clouds and says, " This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him."
The voice didn't command them to listen to Moses and The Law, nor did it command them to follow Elijah and the prophets. It's as if the purpose of The Law and the prophets was to bring us to God through Jesus.
The Law and the prophets have fulfilled their purpose.
Jesus is here.
Listen to him.
John <><
Sunday, December 08, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 8, Day 8
Luke 8
Summary
Luke begins by specifically mentioning there are women among Jesus's closest disciples.
Jesus teaches in parables, explains why he teaches in parables, and explains the parables.
Jesus shows how we (humans) see family and how God (spirit) sees family.
Jesus shows his authority over nature (physical world), over demons (spiritual world), and ultimately over life (eternal world)!
My take away
Luke is laying out a pretty solid case that Jesus is the Messiah -- the chosen one.
Jesus views people differently than the culture around him. While that culture saw women as mere property, they were valued and supportive members of his followers. Those that were unclean and therefore unable to be a part of the community, he made them clean and restored their dignity and human value.
Jesus showed himself to be the authority over nature, over spirits and even over life and death.
Who could do this?
God could do it.
Is Jesus God? Is he the Son of God?
Hmmm...
John <><
Summary
Luke begins by specifically mentioning there are women among Jesus's closest disciples.
Jesus teaches in parables, explains why he teaches in parables, and explains the parables.
Jesus shows how we (humans) see family and how God (spirit) sees family.
Jesus shows his authority over nature (physical world), over demons (spiritual world), and ultimately over life (eternal world)!
My take away
Luke is laying out a pretty solid case that Jesus is the Messiah -- the chosen one.
Jesus views people differently than the culture around him. While that culture saw women as mere property, they were valued and supportive members of his followers. Those that were unclean and therefore unable to be a part of the community, he made them clean and restored their dignity and human value.
Jesus showed himself to be the authority over nature, over spirits and even over life and death.
Who could do this?
God could do it.
Is Jesus God? Is he the Son of God?
Hmmm...
John <><
Saturday, December 07, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 7, Day 7
Luke 7
Summary
Jesus's good works are becoming known and people are beginning to call him one that has been sent by God. Jesus finds great faith in a commander of a local Roman force. By the power of the centurion's faith, his servant is healed from a distance and Jesus never even goes to his house.
Then Jesus comforts a mourning widow by raising her dead son to life. Not only was she mourning her son's death; she was mourning her existence as she was about to be destitute and without any means of support.
The followers of John the Baptist come to ask (for John), "Are you the One or should we look for another?"
Jesus commends John and tells about his prophesy.
And then Jesus teaches about sin debt and forgiveness.
My take away
Jesus is a life giver.
He heals, restoring health to the Centurion's servant.
He revives, bringing the widow's son back to life.
He forgives, giving eternal life to our souls.
John <><
Summary
Jesus's good works are becoming known and people are beginning to call him one that has been sent by God. Jesus finds great faith in a commander of a local Roman force. By the power of the centurion's faith, his servant is healed from a distance and Jesus never even goes to his house.
Then Jesus comforts a mourning widow by raising her dead son to life. Not only was she mourning her son's death; she was mourning her existence as she was about to be destitute and without any means of support.
The followers of John the Baptist come to ask (for John), "Are you the One or should we look for another?"
Jesus commends John and tells about his prophesy.
And then Jesus teaches about sin debt and forgiveness.
My take away
Jesus is a life giver.
He heals, restoring health to the Centurion's servant.
He revives, bringing the widow's son back to life.
He forgives, giving eternal life to our souls.
John <><
Friday, December 06, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 6, Day 6
Luke 6
Summary
Students take your seats. Class is in session!
Jesus is about to start teaching in earnest. The Law wasn't given to burden us; it was given to bless us. Jesus shows them how they have perverted the Law to the point that they have made it a sin to do good!
Then Jesus lays it out about who is blessed and who needs to watch out.
And he tells us to love -- everybody!
The people that hate you -- love them.
Your enemies -- love them.
People that use you and abuse you -- love them, too.
Don't judge if you don't want to be judged.
Don't condemn if you don't want to be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Be generous and you will be blessed in good measure.
Have a good heart. Live a good life. You will be known by the life you live. Good people bear good fruit. Bad people don't. Jesus says to trust him on this. Do what he teaches and you'll be okay.
My take away
Remember on Day 4 when I said the demons always recognize and obey Jesus?
Here Jesus asks the question, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?"
Hmmm...
I guess that is the real question, isn't it?
Could it be that the Jews had crafted God to be a god made in their own image?
Could it be that their idea of god was so far from God's true nature that they were unable or unwilling to recognize him when he came to them?
Is it possible that we have the same problem? That we want a god that hates the same people we hate and judges the same way we judge?
Maybe the lessons Jesus taught a couple thousand years ago are still worth looking at today.
Hmmm...
Is he Lord?
Maybe we'll find more information/evidence as we continue day by day.
John <><
Summary
Students take your seats. Class is in session!
Jesus is about to start teaching in earnest. The Law wasn't given to burden us; it was given to bless us. Jesus shows them how they have perverted the Law to the point that they have made it a sin to do good!
Then Jesus lays it out about who is blessed and who needs to watch out.
And he tells us to love -- everybody!
The people that hate you -- love them.
Your enemies -- love them.
People that use you and abuse you -- love them, too.
Don't judge if you don't want to be judged.
Don't condemn if you don't want to be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Be generous and you will be blessed in good measure.
Have a good heart. Live a good life. You will be known by the life you live. Good people bear good fruit. Bad people don't. Jesus says to trust him on this. Do what he teaches and you'll be okay.
My take away
Remember on Day 4 when I said the demons always recognize and obey Jesus?
Here Jesus asks the question, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?"
Hmmm...
I guess that is the real question, isn't it?
Could it be that the Jews had crafted God to be a god made in their own image?
Could it be that their idea of god was so far from God's true nature that they were unable or unwilling to recognize him when he came to them?
Is it possible that we have the same problem? That we want a god that hates the same people we hate and judges the same way we judge?
Maybe the lessons Jesus taught a couple thousand years ago are still worth looking at today.
Hmmm...
Is he Lord?
Maybe we'll find more information/evidence as we continue day by day.
John <><
Thursday, December 05, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 5, Day 5
Luke 5
Summary
It's go time!
Things start happening and Jesus starts teaching. Or maybe it's the other way around.
The beginning of the chapter finds Jesus teaching from a fishing boat. When he finishes teaching, he puts a major exclamation point to his words by telling the boat owner (Simon Peter) to try one more time for a catch and fills two boats full of fish. It's as if he was saying, "If anyone is wondering if I am sent from God, let me show you something."
Peter, his brother Andrew, and their partners James and John, all leave their boats and their business behind to follow Jesus.
Jesus continues to heal and to teach and to raise a few eyebrows along the way. The religious leaders seem to be more concerned with why he heals and how he heals than recognizing the power by which he heals. They even call into question who he heals and chooses to hang around with.
My take away
Jesus is just getting started and he is gaining credibility. Already crowds are beginning to follow him for the miracles. But with the miracles come lessons about how much God loves them (us). God even loves the ones that some would tell us are unlovable. While it might be said that we are unworthy of God's love, God doesn't see it that way.
God created us in his image and God loves us just as he created us. Because we are God's creation, we are worthy of God's love.
John <><
Summary
It's go time!
Things start happening and Jesus starts teaching. Or maybe it's the other way around.
The beginning of the chapter finds Jesus teaching from a fishing boat. When he finishes teaching, he puts a major exclamation point to his words by telling the boat owner (Simon Peter) to try one more time for a catch and fills two boats full of fish. It's as if he was saying, "If anyone is wondering if I am sent from God, let me show you something."
Peter, his brother Andrew, and their partners James and John, all leave their boats and their business behind to follow Jesus.
Jesus continues to heal and to teach and to raise a few eyebrows along the way. The religious leaders seem to be more concerned with why he heals and how he heals than recognizing the power by which he heals. They even call into question who he heals and chooses to hang around with.
My take away
Jesus is just getting started and he is gaining credibility. Already crowds are beginning to follow him for the miracles. But with the miracles come lessons about how much God loves them (us). God even loves the ones that some would tell us are unlovable. While it might be said that we are unworthy of God's love, God doesn't see it that way.
God created us in his image and God loves us just as he created us. Because we are God's creation, we are worthy of God's love.
John <><
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 4, Day 4
I'm getting a late start this morning, sorry.
Luke 4
Summary
Luke 4 begins with Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. The story is the same as in Matthew's gospel but there is a different order. I don't know which is correct or if it really matters. After this incident with Satan, Jesus begins his ministry of spreading the Good News.
He returns to his hometown, enters the synagogue, and tells them that the prophesy of Isaiah was fulfilled that day in their presence.
But they know him. Some even say, "Wait a minute. Isn't this Joseph's kid?"
No honor for a prophet in his hometown, right?
Jesus moves on and casts out demons, heals many sick people, and spreads the news that God loves them and wants a relationship that can't be found in The Law.
My take away
There are two things that really jump out at me.
The first is that the demons always recognize him as the Son of God and obey him. I wonder why we don't.
The other has to do with the encounter between Jesus and Satan (Lucifer).
Their are three Archangels named in the Bible.
Michael is the angel that seems to appear and speak on behalf of God the Father.
Gabriel does the same for God the Holy Spirit.
But Old Testament scholars recognize The Angel of the Lord as Jesus himself, not as an archangel that serves him. Is Lucifer (now called Satan) the archangel that was created to serve Jesus but has now become his antagonist, believing himself to be equal with or better than Jesus?
We all know Satan as a powerful fallen angel, but this adds a personal conflict to the battle between Satan and Jesus.
Hmmm... ?
John <><
Luke 4
Summary
Luke 4 begins with Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. The story is the same as in Matthew's gospel but there is a different order. I don't know which is correct or if it really matters. After this incident with Satan, Jesus begins his ministry of spreading the Good News.
He returns to his hometown, enters the synagogue, and tells them that the prophesy of Isaiah was fulfilled that day in their presence.
But they know him. Some even say, "Wait a minute. Isn't this Joseph's kid?"
No honor for a prophet in his hometown, right?
Jesus moves on and casts out demons, heals many sick people, and spreads the news that God loves them and wants a relationship that can't be found in The Law.
My take away
There are two things that really jump out at me.
The first is that the demons always recognize him as the Son of God and obey him. I wonder why we don't.
The other has to do with the encounter between Jesus and Satan (Lucifer).
Their are three Archangels named in the Bible.
Michael is the angel that seems to appear and speak on behalf of God the Father.
Gabriel does the same for God the Holy Spirit.
But Old Testament scholars recognize The Angel of the Lord as Jesus himself, not as an archangel that serves him. Is Lucifer (now called Satan) the archangel that was created to serve Jesus but has now become his antagonist, believing himself to be equal with or better than Jesus?
We all know Satan as a powerful fallen angel, but this adds a personal conflict to the battle between Satan and Jesus.
Hmmm... ?
John <><
Tuesday, December 03, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 3, Day 3
Luke 3
Summary
Straight up
This is a weird chapter. I'm not sure what's going on other than it seems that Luke feels like this stuff needs to be included so the later stuff makes more sense, but he hurries through it as if it isn't really what he wants to write about. The prophesied ministry of John the Baptist is kind of a big deal. The message of John is the same as what Jesus will soon be preaching.
Luke is so set on getting on with the story of Jesus that he gives a little foreshadowing about a future interaction between Herod and John as he talks about John's imprisonment and then adds an "Oh yeah, and Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came on him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, 'This is my son and I am well pleased.' "
Then, because genealogy is important to the Jews and the prophesy of the Messiah, Luke gives the genealogy from Joseph to Adam.
My take away
Although there is much to learn about John the Baptist, Luke reminds me of an old preacher friend that always talks fast. When asked why he talks so fast, he says it's because he can't wait to get to the end because he knows how it turns out and it's really good!
In the next chapter, Luke dives right into the ministry life of Jesus. I know he was thinking, "Listen up, Theophilus! It's about to get good!"
Ooh! I can't wait for tomorrow!
John <><
Summary
Straight up
This is a weird chapter. I'm not sure what's going on other than it seems that Luke feels like this stuff needs to be included so the later stuff makes more sense, but he hurries through it as if it isn't really what he wants to write about. The prophesied ministry of John the Baptist is kind of a big deal. The message of John is the same as what Jesus will soon be preaching.
Luke is so set on getting on with the story of Jesus that he gives a little foreshadowing about a future interaction between Herod and John as he talks about John's imprisonment and then adds an "Oh yeah, and Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came on him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, 'This is my son and I am well pleased.' "
Then, because genealogy is important to the Jews and the prophesy of the Messiah, Luke gives the genealogy from Joseph to Adam.
My take away
Although there is much to learn about John the Baptist, Luke reminds me of an old preacher friend that always talks fast. When asked why he talks so fast, he says it's because he can't wait to get to the end because he knows how it turns out and it's really good!
In the next chapter, Luke dives right into the ministry life of Jesus. I know he was thinking, "Listen up, Theophilus! It's about to get good!"
Ooh! I can't wait for tomorrow!
John <><
Monday, December 02, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 2, Day 2
Luke 2
Summary
The second chapter of Luke is the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke's account is different than Matthew's account in several ways. They are not conflicting stories. They are just written from different perspectives and for different purposes. Most of the Christmas pageants we see and many pf the Christmas songs we sing are combinations of the two accounts.
Since Luke is writing to his friend about the life of Jesus and the stories he has heard, Luke doesn't tell of the Magi, the escape to Egypt, or the death of Herod. Luke just tells the Jewish things of importance -- the circumcision, the purification offering (two turtle doves in case you were wondering where that came from), the temple visit at age 12, and the desperate return to find Jesus sitting with the teachers in the temple.
My take away
I think my favorite part of this story is the very last verse --
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."
As Jesus grew up, he learned. Verse 51 says he was submissive to his parents. He was a good kid. He was obedient, and people liked him. We seldom think of Jesus having to grow up. Our only images of him are as a baby or as a man. There is just this one reference to Jesus growing up.
Nobody ever wonders if he went through a terrible twos stage or he was difficult to patty train. Did he have crushes on teen aged Jewish girls? Was he a good big brother? Did he have the normal fights with siblings as he grew in wisdom and stature?
While the announcement of his birth by angels in chapter one certainly speaks to his deity, it is this story in chapter two that helps me remember his humanity and his ability to truly empathize with us.
I don't know why or even if that was important to Theophilus, but it was apparently worthwhile to Luke.
I wonder why.
John <><
Summary
The second chapter of Luke is the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke's account is different than Matthew's account in several ways. They are not conflicting stories. They are just written from different perspectives and for different purposes. Most of the Christmas pageants we see and many pf the Christmas songs we sing are combinations of the two accounts.
Since Luke is writing to his friend about the life of Jesus and the stories he has heard, Luke doesn't tell of the Magi, the escape to Egypt, or the death of Herod. Luke just tells the Jewish things of importance -- the circumcision, the purification offering (two turtle doves in case you were wondering where that came from), the temple visit at age 12, and the desperate return to find Jesus sitting with the teachers in the temple.
My take away
I think my favorite part of this story is the very last verse --
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."
As Jesus grew up, he learned. Verse 51 says he was submissive to his parents. He was a good kid. He was obedient, and people liked him. We seldom think of Jesus having to grow up. Our only images of him are as a baby or as a man. There is just this one reference to Jesus growing up.
Nobody ever wonders if he went through a terrible twos stage or he was difficult to patty train. Did he have crushes on teen aged Jewish girls? Was he a good big brother? Did he have the normal fights with siblings as he grew in wisdom and stature?
While the announcement of his birth by angels in chapter one certainly speaks to his deity, it is this story in chapter two that helps me remember his humanity and his ability to truly empathize with us.
I don't know why or even if that was important to Theophilus, but it was apparently worthwhile to Luke.
I wonder why.
John <><
Sunday, December 01, 2019
Advent 2019: Dec 1, Day 1
Welcome to the Church season of Advent. Advent means coming and is a preparation for celebrating the coming of the Christ Child. I should probably confess that I've always thought it was kind of stupid since Jesus actually came 2000 years ago. As a Catholic kid going to a Catholic elementary school you do what everybody else does and accept the explanations as solid. At some point, some of us begin to wonder about what we've been taught because it doesn't make much sense.
Why would we prepare for the coming of Jesus when he came centuries ago?
Honestly, I still have some questions about that, but I sort of get the more spiritual meaning behind it all.
This year, I'm going to work through the 24 chapters of The Gospel According to Luke -- one chapter per day, in preparation for Christmas 2019. If you'd like to read along I plan on posting a link to the corresponding chapter and a brief summary or takeaway from my perspective. Don't expect it to be an in-depth bible study. It will be more of a devotional type reading, although it will be a little longer than most daily devotions.
Here we go...
Luke, chapter 1
Summary
Chapter 1 is a long chapter and there is so much more than a one day post. Luke begins with an explanation of why he is writing this account. He is writing to a friend (thought to be the governor of Antioch at the time) that seems to be wondering about the things he has heard concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
Luke's account (appropriately) begins before the birth of Jesus. It tells of the birth of the prophesied forerunner to the promised Messiah. It tells of the angelic visit to Zechariah and the coming miracle birth of John the Baptist. The angel proclaims that John will go before the coming Messiah in the power and spirit of the prophet Elijah to prepare the people for his arrival.
Then comes another angelic appearance, this one to the young woman that will give birth to Jesus.
My take away
I think this is a perfect beginning to the Advent season. Just as God sent a messenger to the Jews to let them know that the long awaited Savior was on his way, we can examine the prophesies and the life of Jesus to see if he truly is the Messiah and worthy of our worship and following.
Also -- I think John probably had it tough as a kid. Old parents and high expectations with predetermined lifelong restrictions -- no wonder he was a little weird!
John <><
Why would we prepare for the coming of Jesus when he came centuries ago?
Honestly, I still have some questions about that, but I sort of get the more spiritual meaning behind it all.
This year, I'm going to work through the 24 chapters of The Gospel According to Luke -- one chapter per day, in preparation for Christmas 2019. If you'd like to read along I plan on posting a link to the corresponding chapter and a brief summary or takeaway from my perspective. Don't expect it to be an in-depth bible study. It will be more of a devotional type reading, although it will be a little longer than most daily devotions.
Here we go...
Luke, chapter 1
Summary
Chapter 1 is a long chapter and there is so much more than a one day post. Luke begins with an explanation of why he is writing this account. He is writing to a friend (thought to be the governor of Antioch at the time) that seems to be wondering about the things he has heard concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
Luke's account (appropriately) begins before the birth of Jesus. It tells of the birth of the prophesied forerunner to the promised Messiah. It tells of the angelic visit to Zechariah and the coming miracle birth of John the Baptist. The angel proclaims that John will go before the coming Messiah in the power and spirit of the prophet Elijah to prepare the people for his arrival.
Then comes another angelic appearance, this one to the young woman that will give birth to Jesus.
My take away
I think this is a perfect beginning to the Advent season. Just as God sent a messenger to the Jews to let them know that the long awaited Savior was on his way, we can examine the prophesies and the life of Jesus to see if he truly is the Messiah and worthy of our worship and following.
Also -- I think John probably had it tough as a kid. Old parents and high expectations with predetermined lifelong restrictions -- no wonder he was a little weird!
John <><