Please read and participate in the spiritual exercise at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
After you receive the April 5 scriptures, then let the following notes expand your receiving.
Prayer for receiving
Eyes that see, ears that hear, a heart open and vulnerable in Your presence. This is what I seek. Please enable me to receive Your Word as spirit and life.
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (selections and reflections)
"'...God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.'" (vs. 36)
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'" (vs. 37)
"Repent... be baptized... receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (vs. 38)
Sin. Conviction. Repentance. Baptism. Receiving the Holy Spirit. Salvation.
The way from to sin to salvation is complete and completely clear--in so few words.
It is an utterly simple matter of the heart. It is also profound. Each baptized person can ask: Was my baptism like that? Was it to-the-heart and complete? Whatever may, in retrospect, seem lacking is something that can still be added. Baptism begins what is culminating forever after! Revisit baptism, grow into baptism and the conviction, repentance, and reception of the Holy Spirit that go with baptism.
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 (selections and reflections)
"'O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!'" (vs. 4)
"You have loosed my bonds..." (vs. 16)
Verses 4 and 16 keep happening over and over: recognizing need and receiving freedom.
1 Peter 1:17-23 (selections and reflections)
"...conduct yourselves...in fear." (vs. 17)
Some explain it away saying fear doesn't mean fear. But I think fear does mean fear. What fear doesn't mean is neurotic anxiety and stress, or cowardice. These are impostors that keep me from conducting myself in fear. I'm not seeking or sharing a no-fear Christianity. Instead I'm seeking real fear that is fueled by knowing we were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold (so valuable! so useful!) but with the precious (far-beyond-price) blood of Christ. That is not something for easy familiarity.
Luke 24:13-32, 45-53 (selections and reflections)
"'Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?'" (vs. 26)
The Christ you were hoping for wouldn't have suffered these things? The Christ you wanted wouldn't have entered into His glory?
Are suffering and glory any more accepted today than when Jesus joined Cleopas and his companion on the way to Emmaus? Both suffering and glory take us beyond our comfort zone.
"And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." (vs 27)
"Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." (vss. 44, 45)
Jesus Christ is known and received through the whole Old Testament as well as New Testament.
The more complete my Christ, the more complete my faith, hope, love and worship.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Receiving March 29, 2008, worship scriptures
You are invited to receive the worship scriptures for next Sabbath or Sunday (March 29 or 30) as the case may be for you. Receiving is a simple and also many-splendored thing. Suggestions for how to receive the weekly worship scriptures are provided at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
The following notes are likely to mean more to you after you have received the scriptures for yourself.
Prayer for receiving
All that's been good, very good, about receiving in the past gives me hope for what receiving can become. Eyes that see; ears that hear; heart that claims. These are the receiving that I pray for. What do You want to highlight in Your Word today, God? That will be spirit and life for me.
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (Selections and reflections)
"...hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth..." (vs. 22)
I consider with more heart and awareness than before what it was like for the followers of Jesus to tell about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The astounding joy of His resurrection, and Pentecost that followed, turn into days of _______________. What is the very best word(s) to put in that blank? Spirit-filled proclamation. That's today's choice for filling in that blank.
"...you...crucified (Him)..." (vs. 23)
"...God raise (Him) up..." (vs. 24)
Patriarch and prophet "David says concerning Him..." (vss. 29, 30 and 25)
It's a bold bundle of a proclamation. The sin of those who crucified Him is clearly stated, but it is not the primary, and certainly not the ultimate, proclamation. Even the resurrection is not the isolated focus. What the patriarch and prophet David was and said is all taken up into the proclamation. The followers of Jesus were not just excitedly telling that He was dead and is now alive. That would surely have been more than enough, wouldn't it? No. Their proclamation spanned centuries, all time in fact and into eternity past and future. The Spirit-filled followers of Jesus didn't just focus on the magnificent miracle that brought unspeakable joy. The miracle and power of Jesus' resurrection was reverently wrapped in centuries of God's word and ways in David and all of God's prophets and heavenly ministers forever (see also Luke 24:25-27). After the resurrection and Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were taken into the crescendo and momentum--what human and heavenly witnesses to God's love and power had been proclaiming forever. It was a bold bundle of a proclamation that spanned all time and eternity--or it wasn't about Jesus of Nazareth.
Psalm 16 (Selections and reflections)
"I have set the LORD always before me..." (vs. 8)
Consider how David, Jesus, and Peter each set the LORD always before him. That's immense territory for reflection. Here's something from that reflection that seems especially relevant today: "...always before me" is forward movement. They each gathered the past into the present for the sake of moving into the future. They weren't going backward; they were claiming the full size and scope of the proclamation as they moved forward.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (Selections and reflections)
"kept by the power of God through faith..." (vs. 5)
"your faith, being much more precious than gold..." (vs. 7)
"Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory..."( vs. 8)
"receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls." (vs. 9)
The italics in these selections are mine.
These verses in 1 Peter show me that faith goes with and includes the following (eventually, if not simultaneously!):
+ power of God
+ rejoicing
+ praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
+ love for Jesus Christ
+ not seeing
+ salvation
+ joy inexpressible and full of glory
Faith is an amazing dynamic. Faith is born and thrives in the center of my whole being--in my Heart. There's a vital connection between my Heart and my faith. Both my Heart being healed and my healthy, growing faith express God's power. "...the power of God through faith..." Today these words from Peter connect the power of God and faith in a new way.
John 20:19-31 (Selections and reflections)
"'Peace be with you.'" (vs. 19)
"'Peace to you!'" (vs. 21)
"'Peace to you!'" (vs. 26)
Consider how much the followers of Jesus needed peace after His resurrection. They had the magnitude of the moment to cope with. They also had a great deal to reflect on; and to anticipate. What had happened and what was about to happen--these were big territories that could stir up a lot in, and among, them that wasn't very peaceful.
"'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (vs. 22)
"these (signs Jesus did) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (vs. 31)
The following notes are likely to mean more to you after you have received the scriptures for yourself.
Prayer for receiving
All that's been good, very good, about receiving in the past gives me hope for what receiving can become. Eyes that see; ears that hear; heart that claims. These are the receiving that I pray for. What do You want to highlight in Your Word today, God? That will be spirit and life for me.
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (Selections and reflections)
"...hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth..." (vs. 22)
I consider with more heart and awareness than before what it was like for the followers of Jesus to tell about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The astounding joy of His resurrection, and Pentecost that followed, turn into days of _______________. What is the very best word(s) to put in that blank? Spirit-filled proclamation. That's today's choice for filling in that blank.
"...you...crucified (Him)..." (vs. 23)
"...God raise (Him) up..." (vs. 24)
Patriarch and prophet "David says concerning Him..." (vss. 29, 30 and 25)
It's a bold bundle of a proclamation. The sin of those who crucified Him is clearly stated, but it is not the primary, and certainly not the ultimate, proclamation. Even the resurrection is not the isolated focus. What the patriarch and prophet David was and said is all taken up into the proclamation. The followers of Jesus were not just excitedly telling that He was dead and is now alive. That would surely have been more than enough, wouldn't it? No. Their proclamation spanned centuries, all time in fact and into eternity past and future. The Spirit-filled followers of Jesus didn't just focus on the magnificent miracle that brought unspeakable joy. The miracle and power of Jesus' resurrection was reverently wrapped in centuries of God's word and ways in David and all of God's prophets and heavenly ministers forever (see also Luke 24:25-27). After the resurrection and Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were taken into the crescendo and momentum--what human and heavenly witnesses to God's love and power had been proclaiming forever. It was a bold bundle of a proclamation that spanned all time and eternity--or it wasn't about Jesus of Nazareth.
Psalm 16 (Selections and reflections)
"I have set the LORD always before me..." (vs. 8)
Consider how David, Jesus, and Peter each set the LORD always before him. That's immense territory for reflection. Here's something from that reflection that seems especially relevant today: "...always before me" is forward movement. They each gathered the past into the present for the sake of moving into the future. They weren't going backward; they were claiming the full size and scope of the proclamation as they moved forward.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (Selections and reflections)
"kept by the power of God through faith..." (vs. 5)
"your faith, being much more precious than gold..." (vs. 7)
"Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory..."( vs. 8)
"receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls." (vs. 9)
The italics in these selections are mine.
These verses in 1 Peter show me that faith goes with and includes the following (eventually, if not simultaneously!):
+ power of God
+ rejoicing
+ praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
+ love for Jesus Christ
+ not seeing
+ salvation
+ joy inexpressible and full of glory
Faith is an amazing dynamic. Faith is born and thrives in the center of my whole being--in my Heart. There's a vital connection between my Heart and my faith. Both my Heart being healed and my healthy, growing faith express God's power. "...the power of God through faith..." Today these words from Peter connect the power of God and faith in a new way.
John 20:19-31 (Selections and reflections)
"'Peace be with you.'" (vs. 19)
"'Peace to you!'" (vs. 21)
"'Peace to you!'" (vs. 26)
Consider how much the followers of Jesus needed peace after His resurrection. They had the magnitude of the moment to cope with. They also had a great deal to reflect on; and to anticipate. What had happened and what was about to happen--these were big territories that could stir up a lot in, and among, them that wasn't very peaceful.
"'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (vs. 22)
"these (signs Jesus did) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (vs. 31)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Receiving March 22, 2008, worship scriptures
My hope is that you will receive the worship scriptures for yourself before you read this post. Suggestions for doing this are at Receiving the Word as spirit and life--a spiritual exercise.
Prayer for receiving
This morning preparing for receptivity feels something like building a nest and clearing out clutter all at once. It takes some "getting situated" in order to be receptive. But a table that tips every time I try to write, and a chair that's too low aren't what most needs situating. Even I realize that. Situate my heart, please God. Make my heart alert and eager in the best possible way. As I begin receiving, I pray You will increase my receptivity.
Jeremiah 31:1-6 (Selections and reflections)
"'I will be the God... and they shall be My people.'" (vs. 1)
Being claimed not just by a political ruler, but by divinity, by God. What is it really like to have an Ultimate, Beyond-Human Ruler, One we can trust and respect completely? One we can say this about: "This Ruler rules well." "I not only respect this Ruler, I worship this Ruler." God as Ruler of His people. All good politics are practice sessions for this God-and-God's-people state!
"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:
'Yes, I have loved you
with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness
I have drawn you.'" (vs. 3)
The more I can get my mind, rather my heart, around this verse, the more I will be able to receive the death and resurrection of Jesus the way He hopes I will.
Verses 4-6 show love expressed in rebuilding, in tambourine dances of joy, in planting, harvesting, and eating. In going up to Zion to this One who loves His people with everlasting love, and draws them with lovingkindness. This is the everlasting love of verse 3 set loose on the people of God who, in turn, become lovers of the God who loves them. There's joyous abandon in it. This is the Ultimate Love Story that all other love stories hint at.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Selections and reflections)
"The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation." (vs. 14)
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation
Is in the tents of the righteous;
...the LORD does valiantly." (vs. 15)
The LORD does valiantly. Today this is the driving force in this Psalm! Expand, expand heart of mine to take in more of just how valiantly the LORD does. Every valiant rescue ever accomplished or imagined among the human family hints at just how valiantly the LORD does!
He has become my salvation. He becomes my salvation again and more fully with each new and reverent, "Ah ha, now I see; now I get it." Life keeps presenting new occasions to say "In and beyond even this, He is my salvation."
"Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them." (vs. 19)
Not just occasional hard-earned glimpses, but gates open wide, please. Open the gates, and I'll go in and revel in righteousness. Enter with a fullness appropriate to valiant, saving righteousness.
Colossians 3:1-4 (Selections and reflections)
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (vs. 2)
This is the way to participate in the Ultimate Love Story.
"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (vs. 3)
Everlasting love is realized and worked out in this. This is how we receive and return valiant, everlasting love. Love that goes to and beyond death received from God; love that goes to and beyond death returned to God. The Lover and the loved are forever each other's.
"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (vs. 4)
The Love that conquered at the Cross will culminate in glory at His appearing. I am God, they are my people will finally be fully realized.
John 20:1-18 (Selections and reflections)
"...the disciples went away again to their own homes." (vs. 10)
"But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping..." (vs. 11)
Their grief was beyond comprehension. All other human grief hints at that grief. Some of them went away. Perhaps those who left felt there was nothing they could do about it anyway. One of them stayed with the grief, weeping at the tomb. In the midst of the deepest grief came the most astounding joy:
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him, 'Rabboni!'" (vs. 16)
All other human joy hints at that astounding joy.
Enter into the grief and joy of John 20:1-18.
Prayer for receiving
This morning preparing for receptivity feels something like building a nest and clearing out clutter all at once. It takes some "getting situated" in order to be receptive. But a table that tips every time I try to write, and a chair that's too low aren't what most needs situating. Even I realize that. Situate my heart, please God. Make my heart alert and eager in the best possible way. As I begin receiving, I pray You will increase my receptivity.
Jeremiah 31:1-6 (Selections and reflections)
"'I will be the God... and they shall be My people.'" (vs. 1)
Being claimed not just by a political ruler, but by divinity, by God. What is it really like to have an Ultimate, Beyond-Human Ruler, One we can trust and respect completely? One we can say this about: "This Ruler rules well." "I not only respect this Ruler, I worship this Ruler." God as Ruler of His people. All good politics are practice sessions for this God-and-God's-people state!
"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:
'Yes, I have loved you
with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness
I have drawn you.'" (vs. 3)
The more I can get my mind, rather my heart, around this verse, the more I will be able to receive the death and resurrection of Jesus the way He hopes I will.
Verses 4-6 show love expressed in rebuilding, in tambourine dances of joy, in planting, harvesting, and eating. In going up to Zion to this One who loves His people with everlasting love, and draws them with lovingkindness. This is the everlasting love of verse 3 set loose on the people of God who, in turn, become lovers of the God who loves them. There's joyous abandon in it. This is the Ultimate Love Story that all other love stories hint at.
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Selections and reflections)
"The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation." (vs. 14)
"The voice of rejoicing and salvation
Is in the tents of the righteous;
...the LORD does valiantly." (vs. 15)
The LORD does valiantly. Today this is the driving force in this Psalm! Expand, expand heart of mine to take in more of just how valiantly the LORD does. Every valiant rescue ever accomplished or imagined among the human family hints at just how valiantly the LORD does!
He has become my salvation. He becomes my salvation again and more fully with each new and reverent, "Ah ha, now I see; now I get it." Life keeps presenting new occasions to say "In and beyond even this, He is my salvation."
"Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them." (vs. 19)
Not just occasional hard-earned glimpses, but gates open wide, please. Open the gates, and I'll go in and revel in righteousness. Enter with a fullness appropriate to valiant, saving righteousness.
Colossians 3:1-4 (Selections and reflections)
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (vs. 2)
This is the way to participate in the Ultimate Love Story.
"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (vs. 3)
Everlasting love is realized and worked out in this. This is how we receive and return valiant, everlasting love. Love that goes to and beyond death received from God; love that goes to and beyond death returned to God. The Lover and the loved are forever each other's.
"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (vs. 4)
The Love that conquered at the Cross will culminate in glory at His appearing. I am God, they are my people will finally be fully realized.
John 20:1-18 (Selections and reflections)
"...the disciples went away again to their own homes." (vs. 10)
"But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping..." (vs. 11)
Their grief was beyond comprehension. All other human grief hints at that grief. Some of them went away. Perhaps those who left felt there was nothing they could do about it anyway. One of them stayed with the grief, weeping at the tomb. In the midst of the deepest grief came the most astounding joy:
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him, 'Rabboni!'" (vs. 16)
All other human joy hints at that astounding joy.
Enter into the grief and joy of John 20:1-18.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Receiving
There's a lot said about giving. Not so much about receiving. Perhaps receiving has been misunderstood as something selfish. Both giving and receiving can be tainted by selfishness. Each can also be unselfish.
When it comes to Scripture, it would be hard to over-state the necessity and value of receiving. In a way it's a no brainer. Everyone knows scripture must be received. Yet do we receive the way we need to? Receptivity may be the most assumed and under-developed of all the spiritual disciplines.
At this blog, you are invited to receive the weekly worship scriptures--directly and simply. You are invited to grow into what receiving can become. Your receptivity is primary. The March 9, 2008, post, "Receiving the Word as spirit and life--a spiritual exercise," offers suggestions for how to receive the worship scriptures.
After you receive the scriptures, you can use the notes provided here for sharing and comparing.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Charistis Website
See the Charistis website at http://www.charistis.org/ for a picture and word tour of the prepared environment called an atrium where children receive and respond to God.
The Charistis website also provides a pamphlet that introduces the practice of praying the Psalms and the Gospel, with the daily schedule for doing so. The people of God have been praying the Psalms for a very long time! This pamphlet shows how individuals and groups can join in this heritage of prayer.
The 2005 book Opening Into Worship and other resources about growing in worship are also introduced at the website.
The Charistis website also provides a pamphlet that introduces the practice of praying the Psalms and the Gospel, with the daily schedule for doing so. The people of God have been praying the Psalms for a very long time! This pamphlet shows how individuals and groups can join in this heritage of prayer.
The 2005 book Opening Into Worship and other resources about growing in worship are also introduced at the website.
Charistis Logo and Calligraphy
My continuing gratitude goes to Thomas Emmerson for the Charistis logo and calligraphy, which he prepared in 1994. Tom is Art Department Chair at Walla Walla University, http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/areas-of-study/undergraduate-programs/art/faculty/
He is also available at Walulapam Studio, Route 1, Box 145AA, Walla Walla, Washington 99362-9619, Phone/Fax (509) 529-8178.
He is also available at Walulapam Studio, Route 1, Box 145AA, Walla Walla, Washington 99362-9619, Phone/Fax (509) 529-8178.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Receiving March 15, 2008, worship scriptures
Suggestions for how to participate in this exercise are provided in the March 9, 2008, post titled Receiving the Word as spirit and life--a spiritual exercise
Scriptures for March 15 (or 16), 2008:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 3:5-11
Matthew 27:27-31, 45-54
A prayer for receiving these scriptures as spirit and life
Disappointment stirs up grief, and it casts a shadow of fear across the future. This disappointment can get in the way of my receptivity. It can make me grasp for pain relief in the worship scriptures. Worse, I might escape into these scriptures.
I might fight the disappointment, trying to make it go away somehow by some word from You.
I might avoid or deny the disappointment, trying to think about some word from You instead.
Without your special mercy God, disappointment will rob me of open-hearted receptivity.
With Your mercy, God, open-hearted receptivity will take me through and beyond disappointment.
Please give me the open-hearted receptivity I need in order to receive your Word as spirit and life.
Following are notes I made while doing what the participation notes invite you to do. Let my reflections help you receive the Word as spirit and life.
Isaiah 50:4-9a (Selections and reflections)
"He awakens My ear..." (vs. 4)
"And I was not rebellious,
Nor did I turn away." (vs. 5)
I didn't take the route of fight or flight. I didn't rebel, avoid, or deny.
"For the Lord GOD will help Me...
Therefore I have set My face like a flint..." (vs. 7)
Face like a flint with a heart that doesn't turn away.
"Let him (my adversary) come near Me." (vs. 8)
Imagine being able and willing to invite that.
"Surely the Lord GOD will help Me..." (vs. 9)
Psalm 31:9-16 (Selections and reflections)
"Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!" (vs. 9)
"For my life is spent with grief..." (vs. 10)
The size and nature of this trouble and grief are beyond comprehension; they threaten hope. The Cross takes me into hope-threatening grief, not around it.
Philippians 2:5-11 (Selections and reflections)
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..." (vs. 5)
The Isaiah 50 mind has an awakened ear, is not rebellious, doesn't turn away, is confident God will help, confronts the adversary, has a face like a flint.
"...obedient to... the death of the cross." (vs. 8)
The mind of Christ includes obedience to the death of the cross, the willingness to suffer.
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him..." (vs. 9)
God helped, just as Isaiah 5:7, 9 said He would. The promise claimed by faith is fulfilled. The path is through obedience to the cross. This is so full of grief as well as joy. The word of grief and joy is spirit and life. A word of just grief is not spirit and life. A word of just joy is not spirit and life.
Matthew 27:27-31, 45-54 (Selections and reflections)
"...gathered the whole garrison around Him." (vs. 27)
See Isaiah 50:8, Let my adversary come near.
"'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" (vs. 46)
Having the mind and heart of Christ in us includes this.
"Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit." (vs. 50)
Reverently listen for His loud voice as He died. The sound of His dying cry rolled through the earth's atmosphere and into the universe with intensity far beyond the loudest rolling thunder. Pondering the sound of His dying cry takes me to Psalm 29, all of it, and especially verses 3 and 4: "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The voice of the LORD is powerful..." (Revelation 1:15 and Revelation 19:6 also come to mind). Reverberations from his dying cry are deep and strong enough to set off an earthquake.
"...they feared greatly, saying, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'" (vs. 54)
Fear goes with the ability to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. How do we as individuals, and as congregations, foster the fear that goes with encountering Jesus as the Son of God? What does familiarity do to healthy fear? Does holy fear increase or decrease as decibel levels increase, or decrease into silence?
Scriptures for March 15 (or 16), 2008:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 3:5-11
Matthew 27:27-31, 45-54
A prayer for receiving these scriptures as spirit and life
Disappointment stirs up grief, and it casts a shadow of fear across the future. This disappointment can get in the way of my receptivity. It can make me grasp for pain relief in the worship scriptures. Worse, I might escape into these scriptures.
I might fight the disappointment, trying to make it go away somehow by some word from You.
I might avoid or deny the disappointment, trying to think about some word from You instead.
Without your special mercy God, disappointment will rob me of open-hearted receptivity.
With Your mercy, God, open-hearted receptivity will take me through and beyond disappointment.
Please give me the open-hearted receptivity I need in order to receive your Word as spirit and life.
Following are notes I made while doing what the participation notes invite you to do. Let my reflections help you receive the Word as spirit and life.
Isaiah 50:4-9a (Selections and reflections)
"He awakens My ear..." (vs. 4)
"And I was not rebellious,
Nor did I turn away." (vs. 5)
I didn't take the route of fight or flight. I didn't rebel, avoid, or deny.
"For the Lord GOD will help Me...
Therefore I have set My face like a flint..." (vs. 7)
Face like a flint with a heart that doesn't turn away.
"Let him (my adversary) come near Me." (vs. 8)
Imagine being able and willing to invite that.
"Surely the Lord GOD will help Me..." (vs. 9)
Psalm 31:9-16 (Selections and reflections)
"Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!" (vs. 9)
"For my life is spent with grief..." (vs. 10)
The size and nature of this trouble and grief are beyond comprehension; they threaten hope. The Cross takes me into hope-threatening grief, not around it.
Philippians 2:5-11 (Selections and reflections)
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..." (vs. 5)
The Isaiah 50 mind has an awakened ear, is not rebellious, doesn't turn away, is confident God will help, confronts the adversary, has a face like a flint.
"...obedient to... the death of the cross." (vs. 8)
The mind of Christ includes obedience to the death of the cross, the willingness to suffer.
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him..." (vs. 9)
God helped, just as Isaiah 5:7, 9 said He would. The promise claimed by faith is fulfilled. The path is through obedience to the cross. This is so full of grief as well as joy. The word of grief and joy is spirit and life. A word of just grief is not spirit and life. A word of just joy is not spirit and life.
Matthew 27:27-31, 45-54 (Selections and reflections)
"...gathered the whole garrison around Him." (vs. 27)
See Isaiah 50:8, Let my adversary come near.
"'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" (vs. 46)
Having the mind and heart of Christ in us includes this.
"Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit." (vs. 50)
Reverently listen for His loud voice as He died. The sound of His dying cry rolled through the earth's atmosphere and into the universe with intensity far beyond the loudest rolling thunder. Pondering the sound of His dying cry takes me to Psalm 29, all of it, and especially verses 3 and 4: "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The voice of the LORD is powerful..." (Revelation 1:15 and Revelation 19:6 also come to mind). Reverberations from his dying cry are deep and strong enough to set off an earthquake.
"...they feared greatly, saying, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'" (vs. 54)
Fear goes with the ability to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. How do we as individuals, and as congregations, foster the fear that goes with encountering Jesus as the Son of God? What does familiarity do to healthy fear? Does holy fear increase or decrease as decibel levels increase, or decrease into silence?
Receiving the Word as spirit and life--a spiritual exercise
This spiritual exercise focuses on each week's worship scriptures (http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/). These are provided in the liturgy at the La Sierra University Church 8:30 AM service. You can participate in this spiritual exercise by doing the following:
Pray for receptivity.
Jesus said His words are spirit and life (John 6:63).
Ask for the ability to receive the Word as spirit and life.
Read the scriptures for the day.
Notice which words or phrases stand out for you.
How might this passage be speaking to you, personally, and possibly through you for others?
If you were the one to share the meaning of one or more of the day's scriptures at the worship service, which would you choose? What would you want to say about the scriptures?
Make notes about what you receive in these Scriptures and what you might share with others.
My notes are provided here. Let the questions and possibilities in these notes serve you. My plan is to provide similar notes with each week's worship scriptures. Keep in mind that the goal for those who participate in this weekly exercise is not to think about the scriptures the way someone else does, or to "figure out what the scriptures mean," but to simply receive the Word directly as spirit and life. The goal is for each participant to engage the simplicity and depth of Scripture.
Who will benefit from these exercises?
As you participate in this spiritual exercise, remember that it's important to be receptive, and not try too hard to "get answers," or explain things. Be attentive, let the Holy Spirit influence you. Become aware of the difference between receiving and making a happening. Be prepared to love and deepen in what you receive.
Pray for receptivity.
Jesus said His words are spirit and life (John 6:63).
Ask for the ability to receive the Word as spirit and life.
Read the scriptures for the day.
Notice which words or phrases stand out for you.
How might this passage be speaking to you, personally, and possibly through you for others?
If you were the one to share the meaning of one or more of the day's scriptures at the worship service, which would you choose? What would you want to say about the scriptures?
Make notes about what you receive in these Scriptures and what you might share with others.
My notes are provided here. Let the questions and possibilities in these notes serve you. My plan is to provide similar notes with each week's worship scriptures. Keep in mind that the goal for those who participate in this weekly exercise is not to think about the scriptures the way someone else does, or to "figure out what the scriptures mean," but to simply receive the Word directly as spirit and life. The goal is for each participant to engage the simplicity and depth of Scripture.
Who will benefit from these exercises?
- Christians and others who want prayer and the Word of God to be increasingly meaningful to them.
- People who want to rely on the Holy Spirit and experience the simplicity and depth of prayer and Scripture in ways available to all.
- People from any life circumstance.
As you participate in this spiritual exercise, remember that it's important to be receptive, and not try too hard to "get answers," or explain things. Be attentive, let the Holy Spirit influence you. Become aware of the difference between receiving and making a happening. Be prepared to love and deepen in what you receive.
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