Babylon

The books of Daniel and Revelation tell us of things yet to come. It is not much that is surprising given the history of devastation and war in our world. We are asked to be prepared by repenting of our sinful nature, believing in the love of God and salvation through Jesus, and living a life of service to others. All easy things to do. Except for the constant barrage of the anti- religious, self serving people who think they do no wrong, it is easy to live a God fearing life. Well, except for the competition to live lavishly or even comfortably, it is easy to serve others. Also, the ridicule from the people who think Jesus is a fable, and the teasers who think going to church is for nerds, it gets a little tense to keep up good habits. And in addition, there are those who are judgemental and pious that make us feel unworthy. Daniel reminds us that we are holy vessels. Those who defile us are messing with a powerful God that will bring them down. I have seen this and yet they still don't get the picture and try to blame others. I have done it myself. So, does God punish us? Can love punish? Do we punish ourselves. The answer is easy. Our response to any situation is far more important than the actual event. Go therefore before the cloud of witnesses.

Universal Truth

Historically, people pride themselves on their accomplishments, from monetary success to the germination of a seed. When things work in our favor, we like to think we did it ourselves without the inspiration or help of nature or anyone else. Yet, there are so many factors that could have prevented our success. People and the power of nature support most everything that gives us fulfillment. Millions of us believe that it goes beyond that. God, the creator, father of the heavens and our own little speck of earth, is divinely involved. The proof of this is abundant, and yet invisible to those who don't want to believe. Historically, many intellectuals and scientific men have tried to explain the idea of God and the life and influence of Jesus. Plato, Jefferson, Schweitzer concluded that there is something beyond our understanding that is a driving force in our lives. Galileo, Da Vinci, Edison also concurred that there is a super natural power that exceeds human strength and control. These men and many more tried to fit the life of Jesus into their way of thinking. As we look into the purpose of our lives and of Jesus, there can be only one conclusion. Jesus told the truth and we must continue to seek the truth even as it becomes more bizarre to our way of thinking in society today. Jesus asks us to go beyond our human instincts. Love our enemies, may be the hardest command, and Jesus made plenty of enemies by breaking traditions. We too can go against conventions and need to do so when they tempt us to focus on hedonism. Could we give up "beauty products", "anesthesias", and "entertainments" for a healthier life. It would be a more spiritual and natural life. Cold turkey anyone?

Looking for a New Church

Now that I am in South Carolina, I need to find a new church. There are plenty of Baptist, several Catholic, and even some Lutheran Churches. I admit I really like the Praise Music in the new and modern church services. I like learning new songs. Even though I have old favorites I am not fond of the dirges. And I have never liked mournful funeral services. Celebration on Sundays is my favorite way to go. I do repent everyday in prayer, and confess my fears and shortfalls. I want to find a church that is actively helping people in the community and feels like a big family. The music and message is important. But, putting Christian principals into action is my main focus. I started by asking neighbors where they go. One invited me to go with them, so I look forward to that. Several people came to my aid when I was stung by a wasp. They are now family to me, and I hope to connect with them more. As I meet people everyday, I think how fun it is to make new friends- that is how church should be as well. Let's see how it goes in the next few weeks. I love the freedom to choose my own church.

North American Lutheran Church

A new expression of the Lutheran Church was formed. This is presumably a response to the ELCA now accepting homosexual people to be ordained as pastors. The new church seeks to remain close to Biblical teachings and practices of the Lutheran Confessions since the Reformation of Medieval days. It would be ideal if all pastors, ministers, fathers, rabbis, and even parishioners were like Jesus - perfect and without sin. Well, we know that there are pastors who are: adulterers, robbers, idolaters, covetors, murderers, glutenous sinners. Some have been fired from their duties and some have been forgiven or keep their passions a secret. So, would we allow gay people to be pastors if they confessed that their passion was a sin? No sin is worse than the other in God's eyes. How can we possibly attempt to find people pure enough to be our pastors? And, how many people would be left in the churches if they had to repent and give up their sinful ways, or be unwelcome to be a part of the congregation. We have given up: dress code, eating rituals, hours of worship, daily prayer, holy festival days, and Hebrew liturgy that was part of Jesus Sabbath training. Jesus did start some of the break away from ritual by working on the Holy day, eating with prostitutes and tax collectors, and mocking the religious leaders who were mired in tradition. So, if we are to follow Biblical teaching, we might have to choose between the old and new testament rules. Jesus commissioned us to all be baptised and minister to others. He died so all of us sinners would not be punished for our passions. We struggle to control our hormones and desires for lustful and material pleasures. Churches were not to be formed to group people by religious thoughts that judged and excluded others. They are to be sanctuaries for the needy and a community gathering place to promote love of humankind and worship of the creator of all good things.

Comfort

The life of Jesus was not a comfortable one by our standards. Americans would give little respect to anyone who emulated Jesus' lifestyle. Hippies may have come close, but were regarded as "free love" and drug induced carefree people. Jesus appeared to be without material possessions, but still had a mother and presumably a home. He spoke of loving one another and even your enemies, which is a message of peace. He spoke of giving to Cesar what is Cesar's, which is a message of cooperation with government. He healed and helped people immediately when they asked, even on the Sabbath- and miraculously raised people from death when he arrived too late. We should all be so lucky as to have Jesus as a friend. But then, he tells us that there will be division in the family if we follow his ways. There will be pain and suffering if we carry his yoke. There will be martyrdom if we take up the cross. Not a good sales pitch. Yet there are millions of followers in every country. Jesus does not promise physical comfort. He promises spiritual peace. He asks us to speak up and shake things up, knowing we will have opposition and risk everything. He does not promise prosperity and material wealth, even though we continue to crave it. He promises heavenly happiness. Does eternal mystery give us incentive to do what is right and honest and helpful to others? Not very often. Altruism is not rare, but it does have its rewards. Christianity was not meant to be comfortable or profitable or peaceful. Christ has power that is incredible and offers us an opportunity to strengthen our initiatives and outcomes when we engage in Christian behavior.

Talents

Use your talents, practice and improve your talents, or bury them. The problem is to recognize your talents and have enough confidence to develop and use them. Everyone has a gift, and we all have the gift of criticizing others and how they use their abilities. I may want to express myself and write creatively, but have a thorn in my side with spelling. How can I then reach others if the focus will always be on my mistakes? This block is self imposed but fortified by the negative comments of others. So, maybe I should develop a different talent. I like to sing and bring joy to people through entertaining them. My vocal ability is limited through hearing impairment and I know I am "pitchy" at times. I like to paint, but it is expensive and my ability there is simplistic at best. I like to garden, but I am overwhelmed by the weeds and biting bugs. I love teaching others, but I do not like to deal with bad manners and unruly behavior. I love sports, but at my current age I don't expect to achieve any victory in competition, so coaching is an option even though my children have grown. Maybe I could teach painting to small groups, and I can sing to the aged and infirmed who no longer can get out. Ah, level of ability and judgement from others should not put a damper on activity. If we have a passion and interest, there is a place to use it. If we can't be the best at something , so what. Even the best have their records broken, or are replaced by the new and younger version. Use your talents. Listen to those who help you discover yourself with their encouragement and wisdom. Talent does increase with practice and it is HARD WORK. Ability does not appear overnight and the results don't last without constant vigilance and perseverance. Love gives us strength and determination to achieve. The point of the result is to be productive in the continuum of life. If we each contribute to the community, that life is rich and full of a peaceful and contented spirit.

Good Samaritan

When I left the grocery store on a hot summer day with two cloth "green bags" that I reuse when I shop, I was approached by a young woman. It looked as though she was waiting by my car and perhaps looking in for something. She said, "excuse me, I wonder if you could help me?" And with a vulnerable sound in her voice, I listened as she explained her troubles. I started to feel vulnerable as I remembered that my next door neighbor had her purse stolen in this very same parking lot. I started to tune her out instead of asking how I could help. Her story was flimsy. Car trouble, using all their money for repairs, on their way to another state. Crap! Was I the Levi or the Samaritan? I chose not to believe her when she asked for any spare money had. I said, " Sorry, I don't have any left." And as I got in my car, I watched her go to a van with a man sitting inside. I did not feel good. Did they need me and I refused? Would they take advantage of someone else if I just left. Then of course the next day is the sermon about the parable Jesus told when asked, "Who is our neighbor?" How often do we help others when there is a risk to our own safety? How often do we help only to be duped by some mooch or thief? The sermon was focused on Us being the victim in need of help. There is always help to be had is we ask and trust. Our opportunities to help others are myriad. Unfortunately, giving aid can be dangerous and hurtful. People will demand more of you each time you offer assistance. We want to make our own decisions and be in control of our disbursements. While the vultures are waiting as well as the vulnerable needy, we have to sort through the applications and requests to figure out sometimes in a moment's notice, who will receive our benevolence. I would love to be the person who can give something to everyone who has a need. We are bombarded with requests from charity and research and must choose which are important to us. The Good Samaritan took a risk. We are to be like him, but what is the rest of the story. Was he later beaten and taken advantage of, or kept under a protective shield? Did his children fight over he possessions while he was left alone and aging under a strangers care, or did he give everything away to those less fortunate? Did the Samaritan support the "neighbor" for the rest of his life? Was the poor man grateful to be rescued by an enemy from a heathen country? We can help until it hurts and we are at risk, but we should not be foolish.