There is a fine line between showing mercy and fighting for justice. When is it that we show mercy or fight for justice? What are the situations when we choose mercy over fight for justice. We as individuals always hope we are at the end of a mercy decision, but yet we impose the fight for justice upon others, or just the fight, period.
There is a story about this very thing, mercy verses fight for justice. A woman did not follow the Mosaic law and was actually caught as we would say, "red handed" while breaking the law. It doesn't really matter what law was broken, however a group of people wanted to fight for justice. Justice said, "Stone Her!" They brought her to be judged by the ultimate judge. Surely, he will fight for justice? Right? The group gave all the reasons why justice should happen. He sat with no emotions drawing in the sand, listening. As the group had finished with their pleas, He stood up and profoundly made their accusations toward her relatable toward them. He made a connection in humanity, and showed mercy. Not just mercy to the woman, but mercy to the accusers also. Interesting, isn't?
My personality is instinctively to "Flip Tables/ Fight for Justice." Great quality, right? Most of the time I think so...actually I would say 98% of the time, I think so. (Bluntness is not a quality I lack.) Until I am "Flipping Tables," yet should be showing mercy, so that I too can receive mercy. Mercy means I have to reflect on why I too need it. Yuck!! It means I have to relate to another. It means I am not perfect. It means humanity is connected.
Remember the 98% of the time I think "Flipping Tables" is a great quality, I just realized what that really means is I need mercy 98% of the time. Ugh... I now will sit the table back down. Maybe the next time I feel the urge to grab a table, I will force myself to just start drawing in the sand.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Saturday, November 25, 2017
"Perplexed"
I have a bit of a confession. I like puzzles. I like the problem solving. I like trying to figure out the right piece, shape, numbers, or patterns. It is my nerd factor in my life. We got the boys a Perplexus game one year. If you have never seen one it's a ball with ramps, turns, and twists to get to point A to point B without dropping the little ball off of all the challenges. (Goggle it, then get one.) Biggest challenge in the whole game/ puzzle is yourself. Isn't that how it always is? You are the challenge. We give our what-about and what if statements, then we freeze. We stay in the same place with no movement when we are in a time and space of existence of constant movement.
Think about that for a minute. Nothing that has been created has non-movement. The earth continually moves without us even realizing it. Blood floods through our veins without us thinking about it. I could continue to go on, but you get the point. When things stop moving they die. Life has a rhythm to it. All life, all movement has a rhythm to it. People who succeed, no matter the success, do so because they do not stop solving the problems.
The 'devil' in the Bible belt gets a lot of credit for the mess-ups in life. Statements like," The devil made me do it. It is the devil at work in their life." That is very contrary to the actual word of God. I am not the devil's handy-work, never was. I never belonged to the devil. The Bible says, "The THIEF comes to steal, kill, and destroy." A thief takes what is not rightfully theirs. So how does a thief steal, kill, and destroy? Stops movement by uses yourself. Why? Because that the only way to get you out of rhythm of life...
Today, I listened to a minister say, "Stop praying for tables and chairs. That is not God's business, that's your business. God's business is I will give you the tree." I am learning waiting for the table and chairs has only created non-movement. Ouch, ouch... if I... if we... continue to wait on the table and chairs the next thing to come is death, non-movement, and no rhythm to what we have been created to be.
Think about that for a minute. Nothing that has been created has non-movement. The earth continually moves without us even realizing it. Blood floods through our veins without us thinking about it. I could continue to go on, but you get the point. When things stop moving they die. Life has a rhythm to it. All life, all movement has a rhythm to it. People who succeed, no matter the success, do so because they do not stop solving the problems.
The 'devil' in the Bible belt gets a lot of credit for the mess-ups in life. Statements like," The devil made me do it. It is the devil at work in their life." That is very contrary to the actual word of God. I am not the devil's handy-work, never was. I never belonged to the devil. The Bible says, "The THIEF comes to steal, kill, and destroy." A thief takes what is not rightfully theirs. So how does a thief steal, kill, and destroy? Stops movement by uses yourself. Why? Because that the only way to get you out of rhythm of life...
Today, I listened to a minister say, "Stop praying for tables and chairs. That is not God's business, that's your business. God's business is I will give you the tree." I am learning waiting for the table and chairs has only created non-movement. Ouch, ouch... if I... if we... continue to wait on the table and chairs the next thing to come is death, non-movement, and no rhythm to what we have been created to be.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
"NO CHEAP GRACE"
Early mornings are always the quietest around the house. It is a great time to read or write. No one in this house is an earlier-bird like our new pup Charlee, however Luke David (my son) and myself definitely come in a close second. This morning I started reading The Boston Declaration. It is a declaration made by over 300 theologians to challenge the corruption of modern day Christianity.
As I read it, I seemingly started to get fired up. Yet, the house is so quiet. No one to preach to but my internal-self and Charlee, which is too busy with peanut butter and her kong. Whoever made that thing, thank you! In the article they quoted Mark 8:36, "What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul." Interesting scripture to use to denounce modern Christianity. The "WHOLE WORLD" has always been taught as all "sinfulness natures" here in the Bible belt. If you were to ask most in this area they would say "WHOLE WORLD" would mean to fit in what Christian calls sinners, and far from saints, or believers. "WHOLE WORLD" in these parts of the country look like this, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, other religions than Christianity, women, poor, those who struggle with addictions, and anyone of color other than white. Don't talk to them, socialize with them, or spend time with them, because they might just rub off on you like a virus. The only time you are around them is to talk Jesus-ese for them to be "Saved." Typically anyone that disagrees with that statement is White and especially White males. NEWS FLASH!!
In shouting agreement to The Boston Declaration, the Good News of the Gospel is radical inclusivity. Not to power over individuals or control them. Modern Christianity enables hate. Hate for people of color, other religions, other cultures, LGBTQ, sexism, and anyone that could be vulnerable in society. God so loved the world...which means everything in it. Foundation of Christianity is LOVE. If a belief system that is masked in hate, yet claims love, but does not produce love...my friends that is far from Jesus. My Grace was a costly one. It wasn't cheap. It is not just Grace that fits a certain, size, shape, or color. It is Grace for ALL that believe. I am part of the WHOSOEVER. I want to teach my boys, my family, and my community, that ALL people you encounter are part of the WHOSOEVER too. That's how we change the world, and that's how we denounce modern Christianity and replace it with Christ. THE GOOD NEWS. No cheap GRACE, nothing but the best has been given.
As I read it, I seemingly started to get fired up. Yet, the house is so quiet. No one to preach to but my internal-self and Charlee, which is too busy with peanut butter and her kong. Whoever made that thing, thank you! In the article they quoted Mark 8:36, "What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul." Interesting scripture to use to denounce modern Christianity. The "WHOLE WORLD" has always been taught as all "sinfulness natures" here in the Bible belt. If you were to ask most in this area they would say "WHOLE WORLD" would mean to fit in what Christian calls sinners, and far from saints, or believers. "WHOLE WORLD" in these parts of the country look like this, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, other religions than Christianity, women, poor, those who struggle with addictions, and anyone of color other than white. Don't talk to them, socialize with them, or spend time with them, because they might just rub off on you like a virus. The only time you are around them is to talk Jesus-ese for them to be "Saved." Typically anyone that disagrees with that statement is White and especially White males. NEWS FLASH!!
In shouting agreement to The Boston Declaration, the Good News of the Gospel is radical inclusivity. Not to power over individuals or control them. Modern Christianity enables hate. Hate for people of color, other religions, other cultures, LGBTQ, sexism, and anyone that could be vulnerable in society. God so loved the world...which means everything in it. Foundation of Christianity is LOVE. If a belief system that is masked in hate, yet claims love, but does not produce love...my friends that is far from Jesus. My Grace was a costly one. It wasn't cheap. It is not just Grace that fits a certain, size, shape, or color. It is Grace for ALL that believe. I am part of the WHOSOEVER. I want to teach my boys, my family, and my community, that ALL people you encounter are part of the WHOSOEVER too. That's how we change the world, and that's how we denounce modern Christianity and replace it with Christ. THE GOOD NEWS. No cheap GRACE, nothing but the best has been given.
Monday, November 20, 2017
"Walking Dead"
Yesterday I was at a funeral, it is never a pleasant thing to do, but we do it out of respect and love for the ones left behind. It is amazing to me the only difference in life and death is one breath, one heart beat. What a small difference? As I sat there on the platform, looking out to those who mourn, I thought to myself this is not quite fair. Here we all are stuck in life, while the loved one gets glorious death. Isn't that what it is? Isn't really what all "Christians" want? Death? To see Jesus? To see God? No one ever really fights for their death, but they fight for their life. We get plagued by cancers, tumors, strokes, heart-attackes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and then just plain ole' accidents. We fight.
I once watched a God-fearing lady, you know the 'let me just sit at your feet' kind, hear the news, "You will not walk again. You will lose your foot. You do not have much time left." Do you know it's been about 3 years, and she was kicked out of Hospice care, because she just would not die. She can move and has her feet. I watched as she got the news sing hymns about her Jesus. You can't help, but feel a little cheated. She was so close to that glorious death. However, she was chosen to be part of the "Walking Dead." It is not just a crazy show with great make-up artist.
I am learning more and more we humans have things so backwards and that we just miss it. Miss what? The whole point in and of our journeys. We put value on things that do not matter, and neglect what does. I am learning my instinct of original thought typically is contrary to how God views almost everything. I have been taught and pounded into my head the don'ts and dos, the good and the bad of behavior of Christianity, and quite frankly found most of it hypocrisy. I have watched Ministers use crafty manipulation for gains in money, clout, and reputation while neglecting forgiveness, confession, restoration all of which is the basis of Christianity. So we fight for life, not death. Death comes with forgiveness, confession, and restoration. No longer is the view set for my gain. Life is totally "MY and ME" statements, but the minute my choice, becomes death...I show mercy. I forgive. I confess wrongs. I seek restoration. I become among the "WALKING DEAD."
Whether it is in this life or the next, Death is what I seek. A glorious death. Now that's crazy talk, you say. You're right it is...but just like yesterday as I stood reading an obituary to those that were mourning. I realized the words I was reading were words of a glorious death which in-turn brought so much life. The loved one who passed was part of the "Walking Dead." Most did not even realize it, because our views are so contrary to God's views.
I once watched a God-fearing lady, you know the 'let me just sit at your feet' kind, hear the news, "You will not walk again. You will lose your foot. You do not have much time left." Do you know it's been about 3 years, and she was kicked out of Hospice care, because she just would not die. She can move and has her feet. I watched as she got the news sing hymns about her Jesus. You can't help, but feel a little cheated. She was so close to that glorious death. However, she was chosen to be part of the "Walking Dead." It is not just a crazy show with great make-up artist.
I am learning more and more we humans have things so backwards and that we just miss it. Miss what? The whole point in and of our journeys. We put value on things that do not matter, and neglect what does. I am learning my instinct of original thought typically is contrary to how God views almost everything. I have been taught and pounded into my head the don'ts and dos, the good and the bad of behavior of Christianity, and quite frankly found most of it hypocrisy. I have watched Ministers use crafty manipulation for gains in money, clout, and reputation while neglecting forgiveness, confession, restoration all of which is the basis of Christianity. So we fight for life, not death. Death comes with forgiveness, confession, and restoration. No longer is the view set for my gain. Life is totally "MY and ME" statements, but the minute my choice, becomes death...I show mercy. I forgive. I confess wrongs. I seek restoration. I become among the "WALKING DEAD."
Whether it is in this life or the next, Death is what I seek. A glorious death. Now that's crazy talk, you say. You're right it is...but just like yesterday as I stood reading an obituary to those that were mourning. I realized the words I was reading were words of a glorious death which in-turn brought so much life. The loved one who passed was part of the "Walking Dead." Most did not even realize it, because our views are so contrary to God's views.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
"Good Neighbor"
Ok, so I am going to tell on myself. News flash, I do not like everyone. I have been told, and read however, I am suppose to. "Christians, followers of Jesus" are suppose to, but I don't. There are those that get on my nerves!! The ones that have no personal space that could count your nose hairs as they stand in front of you. The ones that have no inside voice that you run from when you see them coming. The ones who wear perfume that the smell could raise the dead. Those. Guilty!
I own it. Give me the homeless, give me the dirty, give me the poor, give me the sick, but I will run from the "Norm" crazies every time. "Love your neighbor, " I hear in my subconscious, but do I have to? I do not want to. What did Jesus do with these "Norm" crazies? He healed the sick. He gave to the poor. He gave community to those with no community. Where were the "Norm" crazies? Oh, that's right...He made them DISCIPLES. (Sigh)
I need a little more Mr. Rodger's in my life. "Won't you be my neighbor?" Or more State Farm, "Like a good neighbor State Farm is there." I must invest in others, not just serve others. Ouch. I might as well make it real. No sugar coating it. He is looking for me to show difference. Anyone can serve. Anyone can make a choice to do good things in service. I can hate the world, but pass out soup at the local pantry.
"Love your neighbor, as yourself." To be the Good Neighbor I must first love ME. "Love is patient, love is kind." Sometimes, I forget to just be the Good Neighbor to myself, so that I can tackle the "Norm" crazies. When I love me, it is easier to love them...Make me a disciple. Only the "Norm" crazies can be one.
Monday, November 13, 2017
"Not It"
It is funny in this life, we for some crazy reason believe we have it all figured out. We get so close to what we think is the destination, then suddenly change in direction, or maybe change in how we are traveling. "His ways are higher than my ways," Right? That's what I have been taught. That's what Isaiah said in the Bible. Who can argue with that? Certainly I do not want to, but I do. I do by my grumbling, I do by being unforgiving, I do in resentment, I do with bitterness, and I do by shooting poison right out of my mouth.
Who is in charge of this crazy journey, that at times tosses me this way and that? Well, I can give the expected answer of course, God. If I allow it. I am very much learning the tosses have typically absolutely nothing to do with God, and ALL to do with me. The struggle of the "toss" is me constantly looking out the window while on this journey of life, and whipping the wheel around and saying, "Let's go There!" Knowingly, it was never the intended destination. Then I get upset, hurt, angry, when God takes back control when I wanted my way, not His way. I see the destination, and it looks great from here. It is when God says, "We are going left." But I see a beach on the right. The beach is irresistible to me. Why make me pass the beach? You know how much I love it there!! So I whip the wheel and go to the beach. I put my feet in the sand and then jump into the ocean, loving every minute of it. Yet then I walk out of the water with a rash. A RASH are you kidding me!! As I walk off the beach, my head low, then I hear, "I know you love the beach but this is not the destination." There is only one Creator and I am not it.
Today, I am reminding myself continually, "NOT IT." Tag your, "IT" God. "NOT IT, I AM NOT IT."
Who is in charge of this crazy journey, that at times tosses me this way and that? Well, I can give the expected answer of course, God. If I allow it. I am very much learning the tosses have typically absolutely nothing to do with God, and ALL to do with me. The struggle of the "toss" is me constantly looking out the window while on this journey of life, and whipping the wheel around and saying, "Let's go There!" Knowingly, it was never the intended destination. Then I get upset, hurt, angry, when God takes back control when I wanted my way, not His way. I see the destination, and it looks great from here. It is when God says, "We are going left." But I see a beach on the right. The beach is irresistible to me. Why make me pass the beach? You know how much I love it there!! So I whip the wheel and go to the beach. I put my feet in the sand and then jump into the ocean, loving every minute of it. Yet then I walk out of the water with a rash. A RASH are you kidding me!! As I walk off the beach, my head low, then I hear, "I know you love the beach but this is not the destination." There is only one Creator and I am not it.
Today, I am reminding myself continually, "NOT IT." Tag your, "IT" God. "NOT IT, I AM NOT IT."
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