Dec. 31

Snap Out of It

Since we spent most of 2008 digesting bad and even worse news involving Wall Street, it is appropriate to end 2008 with by borrowing something from the weekend leading to the failure of Lehman Brothers. 

Rolling up to the meetings at around the same time was Goldman's chief, Mr. Blankfein. A Goldman aide, referring to days of meltdowns and meetings, carped to Mr. Blankfein: "I don't think I can take another day of this." Mr. Blankfein retorted: "You're getting out of a Mercedes to go to the New York Federal Reserve -- you're not getting out of a Higgins boat on Omaha Beach," he said, referring to the World War II experience of a former Goldman head. "So keep things in perspective."

Yes, please keep things in perspective.  The new year is upon us. What lies ahead? Who among us knows? I am sure 2008 has chastened us in many ways especially about where we put our trust and how "good" we may feel about ourselves.  As believers, we should be on the leading the direction and dialogue of the world.  Maybe this period we are going through to correct obvious excesses will put us, as a church and as a people, on the right path with God. Put your trust in something that is pure, uncorruptible, and eternal. See you in the new year.

Hebrews 12:10-11
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Dec. 30

Elder Brother, Elder Brother, What do you See?

Today's devotional is inspired by two books.  The first being Dr. Tim Keller's latest penned work, The Prodigal God, and another, Eric Carle, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?  All apologies to Sally Lloyd-Jones and her wonderful works, but the latter book is easier to read to my kids after a long day.  During this wonderful time of vacation, I was able to read through more of The Prodigal God and realized after a few chapters into the book, that it is a refresher course since over the years I have heard Tim walk through this.  It reinforced how much we need the Gospel each day.  It is a reminder that our prayer to God should be, 'oh what a sinner I am and thank you for your Grace' rather than 'I am glad I am not that sinner.'  Reading through the book reminds me and all of us that we probably gravitate to either the elder brother or the younger brother.  Is there a better response than being the judgemental and works-oriented yet ungrateful elder brother? Is there a better role to play than to be the foolish, free spirit and irreverent younger brother?  What should the responses be? Clearly, we never see ourselves in the father's position because He is about unconditional love.  I know my kids are very young, but even now, they sometimes say things that reflect the younger brother - usually when they don't like what they are being told.  It is certainly a reminder that God gives us these scenarios, not so much to test us but to give us an opportunity to be like the father in the parable and not like the elder or younger brother. 

Luke 15:11-32 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to [1] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [2] 22 But the father said to his servants, [3] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

 

Dec. 29

A lost art?

We are ending up the year in a few days. Most of us are seeing the last Christmas/holiday cards trickling in this week.  We were unprepared for the busyness of this December so my family did not send out a paper Christmas card for the first time since, well, since I can remember. We sent out a e-card for the new year instead.  Before I married, I religiously sent out Christmas cards because it is a valuable "art" to convey our thoughts.  Nothing is more powerful than taking the time to show you care by dropping a personalized note or letter to someone. Especially with the advent of the Internet and mobile communication devices.  Each year, I keep count of cards that we send out and cards that come in.  Outgoing cards were always greater than incoming cards.  Last year, we received a record 73 cards.  This year, we have received only 52 cards so far.  What does this 29% drop off mean other than I have too much time on my hands?  Maybe it is that we are too busy to commit a few hours to putting pen to paper and thinking of a customized saying?  As we end the year, let's take time to make it a goal (not a New Year's resolution) to communicate God's love to others who will come into our lives in 2009.  That would be a sad thing to miss in the new year of our Lord.

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Dec. 18

Rolling stones

We are only a few days from Christmas and from the new year.  What a wonderful time to boldly say, "Merry Christmas"!  We should have the gumption to proudly proclaim that as believers.  We can be sensitive to our friends of different faiths or of no faith by following up that with a quick happy holidays too don't you think? When else during the year can other people "advertize" on our savior's behalf, even it is questionable or gaudy?  When you see a tree, can you not discuss the Faith tradition you have?  Is not the story about a supernatural birth in the middle east some 2000 years ago a cause for celebration? Can you deny that this event has had the most impact on humankind in so many ways? People will try to mute or distort the message and we have to be there to proclaim the beauty, wonder, and awe of the birth of baby Jesus.   No, and we should always be ready to daily praise God, welcome his presence daily into our lives, and proclaim his kingship over all things we see and cannot see. 

Luke 19:39-40 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you", he replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

 

Dec. 16

Hard to digest

It is quite amazing. Just when you think the shenanigans are over, another pops out.  Of course I am referring to Mr. Bernard Madoff, who is referred to as The Most Hated Man in New York, in today's New York Post headline.  This man may have, alone with others, concocted the largest alleged ponzi scheme in history.  That is ponzi as in a scam and not the leather wearing tough guy from the sitcom Happy Days.  So this man, a pillar of the community, carried out this alleged charade for several decades.  And in the wake of this financial disaster, another one upon many we have seen in the past two years, we see more than the super rich being blindsided and affected.  This man counted many endowments of charities and universities among his investors.  Some very worthwhile charities have been shut down or incapacitated and in the end, the constituents, who can ill afford to lose such services, will suffer.  Nursing homes, adoption services, and services to orphans, and holocaust victims' agencies.  Many of the super rich who have been affected by this alleged scheme have "nothing" left to give to charity.  Most have a lifestyle they need to downsize now.  Hard to handle the magnitude of this scheme. Hard to trust this pillar of the community.  What would you say to this most hated man in New York, and beyond?  What does Jesus say about these people who sin against you and society?

Luke 17:3-4 So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you 7 times in a day, and 7 times comes back to you and says, "I repent,", forgive him.

 

Dec. 15

Your Banquet

This certainly is the time to think about service as not a feel good response to the season but as a life-long response to the love of Christ.  As believers, we can rightfully and joyfully celebrate the festivities and the atmosphere surrounding the recognized birth date of our savior Jesus.  We need to remember this desire to help those who are less fortunate each day and throughout the year.  As we live out our faith each day and remember that we who were poor, depraved, and not deserving God's mercy, have a place at the God's banquet table.  Along those lines, the entrepreneurs fellowship tonight will hold its December meeting with a call for all of us to respond to the growing need in a way that encourages engagement in the community.  We are holding an auction that will benefit the Redeemer Diaconate so that it can use the funds to meet the needs of those who are in the Redeemer community.  Bless all those who will pray and participate in this auction. To get more information, please contact jc @ lazylizard DOT net or Calvin @ Redeemer DOT com.    

Luke 13:13-14 "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Dec. 12

Feelings

This time of year is usually a joyous one as we celebrate our Savior.  We also look back at the year and reflect and look ahead to what the new year may bring. It goes without saying that some of us have experienced a gamut of emotions during this eventful year.  What did you feel when Bear Stearns, AIG, and Lehman Brothers teetered and tottered?  How did you react to the war in Georgia, the attacks in Mumbai, the backpage status of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our deteriorating economy, the election, and the collapse (albeit not as spectacular as in 2007) of the Mets.  Anxious, bubbly, cranky, depressed, elated, etc.?  Did these events inspire hope for better things to come, or more confidence in the Lord's plan for His people?  We know there will be troubles and challenges.  Certainly the Bible makes this clear.  So the next time we hear something, it is not be oblivious or to ignore it but to say, "yes, we are human and live in a broken world, but this Christmas season is a season to remember that all events lead to the eternal victory through our risen savior.  A savior was in human form and walked amongst us and felt the emotions we felt.  One who came from the Father and reassures us in this broken world.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Dec. 11

Stripped Away

Today's devotional title may be appropriate for a renovation show on HGTV about the joy and exciting process of wallpaper removal.  It actually has to do with meeting God.  On His terms.  All of us come to God in different circumstances according to His perfect plan.  Some come to Christ in an emotional and dramatic manner while others do so  "uneventfully".  It is clear that our Savior meets us where we are and on His terms.  We can only come fully to Christ when we have readily put aside our own selfish desires and plans.  We can only take on Him, who is perfect, and live by the Spirit when we are ready to turn over everything to Him.  Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to strip away those things you do not need?  Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Life Together, says that you need to come to Him in prayer each day by letting Scripture guide your prayers and by doing so, the prayers will lead you and not the other way around.  True this process, you can have your heart change.  

1 Peter 4:7 Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Dec. 10

Gifts

Psalm 112 begins with Praise the Lord. A right thing to do.  The Psalm speaks of a believer who fears the Lord, delights in His commands and a myriad of other topics - wealth, riches, justice, righteousness and so on.  It also says to not fear bad news.  A timely thing right now but something to always hold true to.  This Psalm seems to be speaking about our stewardship.  Are we fellowshipping with the Lord and being good stewards of everthing?  During this Advent season, as we reflect on Christ, there is an emphasis on how we, who have many, should give to those who have less or none.  The entrepreneurs fellowship group at Redeemer has decided to have an auction (offline and online) to raise funds for the church's Diaconate so that they can meet the needs of many in our community.  So, if you have the inclination, please contact Jonathan Cousar or me with your ideas to help those who are in need.  

Psalm 1: Praise the Lord.  9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.

 

 

Dec. 9

Silence is golden (sometimes)

Silence can be deafening.  A long period of silence can hurt a relationship and sometimes it can be helpful. As some of you may know, the Center for Faith & Work's volunteer leaders and staff has been reading Bonhoeffer's Life Together this year.  It has been helpful to many of us in examing our relationship with Him and with others.  In keeping with the theme of the Gospel in the Community at Redeemer, we have been sharing our insights from the readings on a monthly basis.  We are onto Chapter 3, the Day Alone.  Bonhoeffer states that 'the Word comes not to the chatterer but to him who holds his tongue.'  True.  If all we do as Christians is only to come before God to share a list of greivances or requests then we worship Santa Claus or if we conform God to fit into our tiny little plans, then He is a stepford God (to paraphrase Tim Keller).  Therefore, we need to come before Him in silence to know His word and His plan for us. This practice of silence is liberating.  It is worthwhile. Let's try it. Yours truly, a reformed chatterer.

Ecclesiastes 3:7b There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

Dec. 8

Playing favorites

Friday evening I watched the football team of my undergraduate alma mater, the State University of NY at Buffalo, beat the previously undefeated team from Ball State (ranked 12th in the U.S.) to become the Mid-American Conference Champions.  After the game, Buffalo's coach was asked how he felt.  Coach Gill said, 'speechless'.  Then he said, 'I thank the Lord Jesus Christ who we found favor with.' I have met him once and by all accounts, he is a devout Christian man but it begs the question.  "Did God not favor those dejected players on the losing team?" I bring this up because sometimes we think that God only favors us if we do something "successfully".  Do we find favor with God merely in "good" times or in "gifts"?  Is God not favoring us when we are between jobs, just broke up with a loved one, struggling with our businesses, or facing a hard situation, or just extremely busy with no end in sight? On the other hand, as we watch the world unfold do we wonder if we can do more to help others see the relevancy and wonder of Jesus Christ? Sometimes, God does not let us do more until His Spirit moves before us.  Each day, you still have to stay in shape, pick up the football and practice.  Come, toss the ball and let's play.

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Dec. 5

A Pulse

Last night I attended a committee meeting for my school district's board of education.  These meetings are held primarily in the fall and winter to find qualified prospective members for the board of our school district.  I don't really know the other committee members well.  Most members have children who are older than my two wee ones.  If you are not involved in sports, fundraisers, and other school functions, you really do not know many other parents.  When the meeting ended, one mother asked me to consider joining the PTA after it came up during the meeting that my oldest was going to be in Kindergarten next fall.  I told them I was not sure I was qualified or if it was too early for me to get involved.  She said, 'you're a man and we need a man on the PTA.'  Talk about minimal requirement! It made me laugh.  I said, 'I'd consider it.'  It did make me think about the requirements for other areas of our lives.

Imagine if God just picked His people based on such minimal requirements.  I mean where would that leave His word? Using ordinary people with no preset qualifications? That would be interesting!  Now, wouldn't that?  

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations."

 

Dec. 4

A Little While

I spend a good part of my day speaking and listening to alot of people.  Part of the job and my ENFJ personality (Thanks Myers-Briggs!)  A lot of people, smarter than I, have commented that the tough times are here.  Some pundits think we will see some improvement in the middle of 2009, others think longer.  Of course, if history is a guide, the Japanese real estate bubble burst in the early 1990's may be the best comparison we have to our current situtation.  The Japanese economy did not recover until a decade later.  Who knows when the economy recovers but isn't that question sort of irrelevant to believers? It is not supposed to be easy being a Christian. These "tough" times help us, as a Church and as individuals, see where our strength is and to see how we may have strayed.  Is our hope in our heavenly Father or somewhere else?  It is easy to be a cheerful Christian when our net worth is up, our job is secure, our family and friends have all they want (thanks to easy credit in some cases), and even strangers are friendly or not hostile in the streets..."oh, excuse me while you walk and look down to play with your phone or blackberry and nearly head butt me!"  Hmmm. So, when things go "bad" or "really, really bad" what are we do first?   What did Jesus say about our current situation?  nothing different than what we have always gone through and will have to go through "a little while".

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world".

 

Dec. 3

The Day with Others

Steve Garber, of the Washington Institute, loves using film and music clips as part of his chats about the importance and influence of culture in our lives.  He likes to cite contemporary artists along with the Luther and Calvin.  This year, the Center for Faith & Work chose Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" for all our leaders to study together.  Choosing this work by a minister and co-conspirator to assassinate Hitler during world war II had nothing to do with Tom Cruise's soon-to-be released movie, Valkyrie, which revolves around the same topic.  On this past Monday evening, about twenty something leaders gathered to not read chapter two The Day with Others but to experience it.  We all gathered to open in worship (surrounded by candlelight) using our voices and accompanied only by a drum.  As our faces were illuminated by the flickering candelights, we sang a few songs, read Psalms 4 and 5, and offered up our inner thoughts to our Father in Heaven. Bonhoeffer talks about needing to read through the Psalms, to personalize it, to understand how we are to wake up in the morning and how we approach the Father.  After that time of worship, we broke off into smaller groups to discuss Bonhoeffer's interpretation of how work and prayer need to be in concert and how we are created to work/be productive.  How do we handle the mundaneness or difficulty of our work ("it") and relate that to prayer and ultimately to our relationship with God, the Father ("thou")?  Each group delved into how the current economic riptide may shift how we and other members in the Redeemer Community view their jobs.  We need to be theologically grounded and ready to meet those questions or just to be good listeners.  These leaders' meetings are meant for everyone who is invested in CFW and know you would have enjoyed it. Give me a call, let me know how u r doing. Love and peace.

Judges 5:31 "be as the sun when he goes forth in his might".  The early morning belongs to the Church of the risen Christ.

Dec. 2

Who will stand in the Gap?

Would you know this person?  He came from a broken home in the projects in New York City.  His mother abandoned him and his 2 siblings to live a few blocks away to feed her drug habit.  His father was in and out of prison and came home to inflict more pain and turmoil.  His mother, who promised to take him and siblings back if he achieved good grades in school never did and subsequently died of a drug overdose.  He quit high school 2 credits shy of graduation and fell into a troubled lifestyle and eventually homelessness.  One evening, he and his friend were stopped by pistol wielding gang members.  Prepared to die, he and his friend were "rescued" when police happened to show up.  After that incident, something made him approach his local Catholic League to ask for a job.  Then he was referred to a workforce development program where he learned soft skills, the importance of education, responsibility.  He was mentored by caring people and then given an internship at Merrill Lynch where he currently works.  I met this person and heard his story today.  Someone stood in the Gap for him.  There is someone who has stood in the Gap for you.  His name is Christ.  What are you planning to do today after you have had your coffee and your fill of the depressing news? Come join us and make an impact on people's lives.  With Love and Faithfulness.

Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV) "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

 Dec. 1

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Peggy Noonan wrote a neat piece for the Saturday Wall Street Journal.  In her article, she talked about how we can give Thanksgivings even during these difficult times.  She observed that as you walk around the neighborhoods nothing seems to look different. People milling about, drinking their coffee, giggling, socializing, shopping, running errands.  But if you read the glaring headlines - Great Depression II and Financial Meltdown -- sell papers and grab more eyeballs but quite frankly, the statistics do not imply anything near that.  The great depression saw unemployment rates over 20% and people selling pencils and apples for 25 cents.  Currently, unemployment is over 6%, mortgage rates are 5%, many companies are actually making money outside of finance, housing, and autos. Yes, there are people losing their jobs, suffering from food insecurity, experiencing homelessness, violence, and other wants so remember how fortunate we are to be under God's favor.  Let us give thanks as we begin December and find the beginning of the Advent season one to give thanksgiving in all circumstances as we meet the needs of those outside our circle of friends.  Let's reach out to those we never have done so before, not because we can, but because He rescued us.

Psalm 116:8-9 For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.