Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: Nehemiah 8:9-12 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Observation: At first the people understood the message of God to be law, a form of rightful conviction. But then, at the leader’s promptings, they began to see the message of God as good news—a cause for “great rejoicing.”
Application: Lutherans, theologically, are bad news good news people. We see the bad news of our human condition/situation as good news in the sense that it drives us to rediscover our need for God and to rediscover the hope that is found in the crucified and risen Christ. I’m not sure if it’s a case of the bad news driving us to the good news or whether the good news enables us to face the bad news. But either way, we are neither idealistic (we can see that the world is a broken place and that we are broken people) nor pessimistic (through Christ God’s love has been poured out for us and life, not death, will have the final say). Instead we are realistic—Christ’s love and resurrected life trumps humanity’s self-centeredness and earthly death. Therefore we’re not afraid to face the law because we do so in light of the Gospel.
Nehemiah was written long before the earthly time of Jesus, but it’s interesting that some leaders, even back then, saw the law of God as good news—a cause for rejoicing.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see the beauty in all that you provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(readings today included: Nehemiah 7-8 and Acts 1)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The News
Scripture passage that caught my attention today: Luke 24:18-21 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.
Observation: News isn’t always well-known.
Application: Last night I was invited to be a pastoral presence early this morning at a local elementary school. A staff member had died suddenly and it was thought that perhaps a pastoral presence might be appreciated for staff and, possibly, students.
There was some question among a couple staff members as to how best to help the students process their grief. One thought having the students make a nice card might be helpful. Another staff member thought it might be better, after acknowledging what happened, to just go on about the day and help everyone function more normally, particularly since a good number of the students deal with relatively traumatic events on a somewhat daily basis anyhow (moving from house to house, parents in and out of jail, etc.)
I found both views interesting. I was later asked for my opinion by someone who had seen the discussion between the two staff members. I said that at first I thought the card was a good idea, but could then see the other person’s point as well. Given the circumstances many of the kids live with, at what point does one lift up one traumatic event above the rest?
I suppose the answer is when the event directly affects a significant number or percentage of the people.
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead qualifies as just such an event. The early followers of Jesus felt that everyone should know about his story. And so, ironically, they even endeavored to tell Jesus himself!
Prayer: Lord, thanks for the various experiences in life through which we learn. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Nehemiah 5-6, Psalm 146, Luke 24)
Observation: News isn’t always well-known.
Application: Last night I was invited to be a pastoral presence early this morning at a local elementary school. A staff member had died suddenly and it was thought that perhaps a pastoral presence might be appreciated for staff and, possibly, students.
There was some question among a couple staff members as to how best to help the students process their grief. One thought having the students make a nice card might be helpful. Another staff member thought it might be better, after acknowledging what happened, to just go on about the day and help everyone function more normally, particularly since a good number of the students deal with relatively traumatic events on a somewhat daily basis anyhow (moving from house to house, parents in and out of jail, etc.)
I found both views interesting. I was later asked for my opinion by someone who had seen the discussion between the two staff members. I said that at first I thought the card was a good idea, but could then see the other person’s point as well. Given the circumstances many of the kids live with, at what point does one lift up one traumatic event above the rest?
I suppose the answer is when the event directly affects a significant number or percentage of the people.
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead qualifies as just such an event. The early followers of Jesus felt that everyone should know about his story. And so, ironically, they even endeavored to tell Jesus himself!
Prayer: Lord, thanks for the various experiences in life through which we learn. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Nehemiah 5-6, Psalm 146, Luke 24)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Today's Workout
Warm-up followed by:
Set 1
8 Chin-ups with knee-ups, 25 Barbell Squats, 10 Spiderman Push-ups. Rest 1 minute, repeat.
Set 2:
15 1-leg stability ball curls, 10 Bench step-ups. Rest 30 seconds, repeat.
Set 3:
15 Side planks with leg-raises followed by 15 second side planks, 15 Bent-over dumb-bell Rows. Rest 30 seconds, repeat.
Set 4:
7 Hanging leg raises, 50 Cross-body mountain climbers. Rest 30 seconds, repeat. Done.
Set 1
8 Chin-ups with knee-ups, 25 Barbell Squats, 10 Spiderman Push-ups. Rest 1 minute, repeat.
Set 2:
15 1-leg stability ball curls, 10 Bench step-ups. Rest 30 seconds, repeat.
Set 3:
15 Side planks with leg-raises followed by 15 second side planks, 15 Bent-over dumb-bell Rows. Rest 30 seconds, repeat.
Set 4:
7 Hanging leg raises, 50 Cross-body mountain climbers. Rest 30 seconds, repeat. Done.
Multitasking for the kingdom
Scripture Passage that caught my attention today: Nehemiah 4:16-18a From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor; and the leaders posted themselves behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building the wall. The burden bearers carried their loads in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and with the other held a weapon. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built.
Observation: The rebuilders of the wall had to multitask.
Application: Personally I wish I didn’t have to multitask so often. It seems I could be much more efficient if I could devote my time and energy to one thing at a time. But that’s not the way life is for me at this stage. There are a zillion irons on the fire at once at church and there are a zillion irons on the fire at home. And so I’m often multitasking on church projects and home projects and combinations of the two.
I’m sure the people in Nehemiah’s day would have preferred to devote their energies to either working on the wall or defending the city rather than both at the same time. No such luck. Build with one hand and defend with the other was their only option. Consequently progress took longer than hoped but was still better than nothing. Over time they were actually able to see their progress and experience a certain satisfaction of accomplishment.
The race/experience of life is long, not short—more like a marathon than a sprint. Steady progress is the prize worth eying.
Prayer: Lord, we often think our world is the busiest. Not necessarily so. Challenges have existed for every generation. Help us progress as best we can in the generation in which you have placed us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings included: Nehemiah 3-4 and Luke 23)
Observation: The rebuilders of the wall had to multitask.
Application: Personally I wish I didn’t have to multitask so often. It seems I could be much more efficient if I could devote my time and energy to one thing at a time. But that’s not the way life is for me at this stage. There are a zillion irons on the fire at once at church and there are a zillion irons on the fire at home. And so I’m often multitasking on church projects and home projects and combinations of the two.
I’m sure the people in Nehemiah’s day would have preferred to devote their energies to either working on the wall or defending the city rather than both at the same time. No such luck. Build with one hand and defend with the other was their only option. Consequently progress took longer than hoped but was still better than nothing. Over time they were actually able to see their progress and experience a certain satisfaction of accomplishment.
The race/experience of life is long, not short—more like a marathon than a sprint. Steady progress is the prize worth eying.
Prayer: Lord, we often think our world is the busiest. Not necessarily so. Challenges have existed for every generation. Help us progress as best we can in the generation in which you have placed us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings included: Nehemiah 3-4 and Luke 23)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Opportunity in Crisis
Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Esther 4:15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
Observation: It must have been quite a day when Mordecai left the king’s palace in royal robes. And to think that, had the king not had distressing dreams that led to the revelation of Mordecai’s saving work, Mordecai would have been hung on the gallows long before dinner.
Application: My mind has been led in a lot of different directions in response to this passage. But now it’s time to focus.
It has been said: “crisis” is “opportunity riding the wind.” Put another way, some of the best ministry in life happens on the edges—on the edge of our energy, on the edge of our connections, on the edge of our ability, on the edge of our reach, on the edge of our training or influence or whatever. When we somehow think we can’t do one more cotton-pickin’ thing, right then and there we often encounter a sense of the holy—even if it is in our admission that we can’t take another step without some form of divine help and/or perspective.
And there is no hiding. Esther’s position in the palace could not insulate her from the impending disaster that forced her to take a life-or-death personal risk. Centuries later, we are all the better for it.
So it is with us. There is no place or position of real safety, but there is always opportunity. Opportunity to grow, to deepen, to further consider, to expand, to be courageous, to be graceful, to be humbled, to inspire, to really live, and, in faith—when the time comes—to die.
It’s not all pleasant, but it’s all good.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the perspective, faith, and example of Esther and Mordecai. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Esther 3-8, Luke 18)
Observation: It must have been quite a day when Mordecai left the king’s palace in royal robes. And to think that, had the king not had distressing dreams that led to the revelation of Mordecai’s saving work, Mordecai would have been hung on the gallows long before dinner.
Application: My mind has been led in a lot of different directions in response to this passage. But now it’s time to focus.
It has been said: “crisis” is “opportunity riding the wind.” Put another way, some of the best ministry in life happens on the edges—on the edge of our energy, on the edge of our connections, on the edge of our ability, on the edge of our reach, on the edge of our training or influence or whatever. When we somehow think we can’t do one more cotton-pickin’ thing, right then and there we often encounter a sense of the holy—even if it is in our admission that we can’t take another step without some form of divine help and/or perspective.
And there is no hiding. Esther’s position in the palace could not insulate her from the impending disaster that forced her to take a life-or-death personal risk. Centuries later, we are all the better for it.
So it is with us. There is no place or position of real safety, but there is always opportunity. Opportunity to grow, to deepen, to further consider, to expand, to be courageous, to be graceful, to be humbled, to inspire, to really live, and, in faith—when the time comes—to die.
It’s not all pleasant, but it’s all good.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the perspective, faith, and example of Esther and Mordecai. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Esther 3-8, Luke 18)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Today's Workout
Set 1: pullups, barbell romanian dead lifts, Barbell cleans, front squats, military press, back squats, Split squats. Rest 1 minute. repeat.
Set 2: Stability Ball 1-leg curls, bent-over dumbbell rows. Rest 30 seconds. Repeat.
Set 3: Push-up/Pike combo with feet on skateboard, cross-body mountain-climbers. Rest 30 seconds. Repeat. Done.
Set 2: Stability Ball 1-leg curls, bent-over dumbbell rows. Rest 30 seconds. Repeat.
Set 3: Push-up/Pike combo with feet on skateboard, cross-body mountain-climbers. Rest 30 seconds. Repeat. Done.
Stumbling.
Scripture passage that caught my attention today: Luke 17:1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come!
Observation: Jesus was realistic, but he also consistently expressed concern for those who are vulnerable and called for those in positions of influence and/or power to be servant-minded.
Application: On the one hand, we’re all human. There are parts of us that we don’t understand, don’t like, and may wish were different. On that level we’re all alike. To put in in Paul’s terms, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
On the other hand, for whatever reason, we occupy and exercise different positions of responsibility in society professionally and personally. For example, although it’s true that a teacher is no less a sinner than a student, teachers are not to intentionally lead students into unhealthy situations. Those with more influence/power in a relationship are to shepherd it wisely. If not, there is a price to be paid.
It seems that people most often fall into trouble when they fail to embrace their respective position(s) as part and parcel of who they are. We may be a parent and/or married or a representative of the people or a teacher or a spiritual leader or whatever. Some people say that we are more than what we do or what we are known for. That’s true. But what we do or what we are known for is part of who we are as well and neither can nor should be denied. In fact, the very remembrance and embracing of such realities can not only help keep us from stumbling, but more importantly, may well help prevent us from tripping up anyone else as well.
Prayer: Lord, yes, occasions for stumbling are sure to come. Help us avoid tripping up anyone else through our own clumsiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Esther 1-2, Psalm 150, and Luke 17)
Observation: Jesus was realistic, but he also consistently expressed concern for those who are vulnerable and called for those in positions of influence and/or power to be servant-minded.
Application: On the one hand, we’re all human. There are parts of us that we don’t understand, don’t like, and may wish were different. On that level we’re all alike. To put in in Paul’s terms, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
On the other hand, for whatever reason, we occupy and exercise different positions of responsibility in society professionally and personally. For example, although it’s true that a teacher is no less a sinner than a student, teachers are not to intentionally lead students into unhealthy situations. Those with more influence/power in a relationship are to shepherd it wisely. If not, there is a price to be paid.
It seems that people most often fall into trouble when they fail to embrace their respective position(s) as part and parcel of who they are. We may be a parent and/or married or a representative of the people or a teacher or a spiritual leader or whatever. Some people say that we are more than what we do or what we are known for. That’s true. But what we do or what we are known for is part of who we are as well and neither can nor should be denied. In fact, the very remembrance and embracing of such realities can not only help keep us from stumbling, but more importantly, may well help prevent us from tripping up anyone else as well.
Prayer: Lord, yes, occasions for stumbling are sure to come. Help us avoid tripping up anyone else through our own clumsiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Esther 1-2, Psalm 150, and Luke 17)
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