Scriptures for November 1, 2008
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
By reading Part I of previous posts (for example, click September to view Part I in September posts) you can review the comments about receiving the Word as spirit and life.
Also, at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
there are basic suggestions for receiving the Word as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Please, God, increase my capacity
not just to ask questions,
but to contain answers,
and to contain what you give
that is better than answers to my questions.
Make me receptive
like soft, moist soil
where Your Word really can
sprout and grow.
Make me soft and moist--hospitable to
life and spirit.
Revelation 7:9-17
"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (vss. 9-10)
The scene in verses 9 through 17 is immense!
No one could number how many people there are in the great multitude that comes from all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues. It's a completely diverse and completely inclusive multitude.
This diverse and inclusive multitude is standing "before the throne and before the Lamb."
The throne and the Lamb are the gathering force, the unifying power, that draws the diverse and inclusive, numberless multitude.
What happens at the throne is worship.
I wonder what experience I have had that can help me "tune in" to this immense scene? I've never stood with a small or large group before a throne. I've seen pictures of coronations or inaugurations. But this is much more than a coronation or inauguration, as much more as divine is more than human.
When by grace, and the Spirit's guidance, we do begin to tune in to this immense scene, we discover something in addition to worship. The One on the throne also dwells among the numberless diverse and inclusive multitude: "And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them." (vs. 15) And "The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters."
It's a stretching experience to even imagine this immense, wonder-filled scene. It calls for the capacity to touch, or at least reach toward the divine. We need to cross a threshold into reverence and worship. Then, stretched and humbled out of numbness, we are prepared to gratefully receive the One who is not only transcendent-beyond-our-wildest-imagination, but also endearing and close, dwelling among us. And we are prepared to be shepherded by the Lamb who gives us living waters, and wipes the tears from our eyes. The great tribulation hurts every one in that numberless multitude, and the Lamb-Shepherd comforts each of them.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
"...and saved him out of all his troubles." (vs. 6)
Compare the great tribulation of Revelation 7.
"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them." (vs. 7)
In Revelation 7 it's the numberless multitude all around the throne, then God dwelling with them; here it's the angel of the LORD all around those who fear God.
1 John 3:1-3
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (vs. 1a)
Each person in the whole numberless multitude is a child of God. They are the children of God, who are shepherded by the Lamb.
"...the world does not know us." (vs. 1b)
Compare the great tribulation in Revelation 7 and the troubles of Psalm 34.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (vs. 3)
Compare washing robes and making them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
Matthew 5:1-12
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God." (vs. 8)
Each of the beatitude characteristics prepares the people in the numberless multitude to be there with each other worshipping God.
The pure in heart characteristic is closely related to 1 John 3:3. Purity enables the individuals in the numberless multitude to see and value the One on the throne, and the Lamb-Shepherd.
Purify myself as He is pure. Blessed are the pure in heart. Let the importance of purity sink in! There's a vitally important connection between purity and seeing God.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Receiving October 25, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for October 25, 2008
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Recall how many ways you have learned to talk and write. How we express ourselves is important from birth on. There never comes a time when we can't learn to express ourselves in better ways--ways that benefit us and others.
Now recall how many ways you have learned to receive. Did parents (and other relatives), teachers, and friends say as much to you about receiving? How we receive is important from birth on. There never comes a time when we can't learn to receive in better ways--ways that benefit us and others. But receptivity (what it is, and how we do it well) doesn't seem to get much attention.
You can change that. You can give receptivity the attention it needs. You can choose to come as a receiver to the Word that is spirit and life. At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some "starter" suggestions for how to do this.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Let receptivity continue to become all You, God, want it to be in me.
I want to receive Your Word as the spirit and life it is.
Let this happen again, now. And let it happen more fully, more freely, than it has before.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
"And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days." (vs. 8a)
If each of the following (an Israelite contemporary of Moses) were to have written a page or two about Moses, what might that page or two have contained?
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands." (vs. 17)
This Psalm is identified as "A Prayer of Moses the man of God."
At what time(s) and in what ways can you imagine God responding to this prayer of Moses (before or after Moses expressed the prayer)?
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." (vs. 4)
Consider the following profile of leadership that is in these verses:
Matthew 22:34-46
"Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him..." (vs. 35)
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them... 'If David then calls Him "Lord," how is He his Son?'" (vs. 45)
Piece by piece, question by question, a leader is constructed in the minds and hearts of the followers. Piece by piece, question by question a leader is resisted or accepted by the people. Consider how the peoples' questions, and how Jesus' questions served this dynamic.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Recall how many ways you have learned to talk and write. How we express ourselves is important from birth on. There never comes a time when we can't learn to express ourselves in better ways--ways that benefit us and others.
Now recall how many ways you have learned to receive. Did parents (and other relatives), teachers, and friends say as much to you about receiving? How we receive is important from birth on. There never comes a time when we can't learn to receive in better ways--ways that benefit us and others. But receptivity (what it is, and how we do it well) doesn't seem to get much attention.
You can change that. You can give receptivity the attention it needs. You can choose to come as a receiver to the Word that is spirit and life. At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some "starter" suggestions for how to do this.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Let receptivity continue to become all You, God, want it to be in me.
I want to receive Your Word as the spirit and life it is.
Let this happen again, now. And let it happen more fully, more freely, than it has before.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
"And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days." (vs. 8a)
If each of the following (an Israelite contemporary of Moses) were to have written a page or two about Moses, what might that page or two have contained?
- A child
- A teenager
- Young parents
- A middle-age Israelite
- An Israelite about the same age as Moses was when he died.
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands." (vs. 17)
This Psalm is identified as "A Prayer of Moses the man of God."
At what time(s) and in what ways can you imagine God responding to this prayer of Moses (before or after Moses expressed the prayer)?
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." (vs. 4)
Consider the following profile of leadership that is in these verses:
- Our coming to you was not in vain
- We were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict
- Our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit
- We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel
- We did not please men, but God
- We did not use flattering words, nor a cloak for covetousness
- We did not seek glory from men
- We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children we longed for you affectionately
- We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives
- You had become dear to us
Matthew 22:34-46
"Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him..." (vs. 35)
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them... 'If David then calls Him "Lord," how is He his Son?'" (vs. 45)
Piece by piece, question by question, a leader is constructed in the minds and hearts of the followers. Piece by piece, question by question a leader is resisted or accepted by the people. Consider how the peoples' questions, and how Jesus' questions served this dynamic.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Receiving October 11, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for October 11, 2008
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
As a review, or for the first time, I invite you to read Part I of my September 28 post (click on September at the left). Those who visit this blog are always invited to receive the Word as spirit and life. That comes first. Then compare notes with others who do the same. Here are suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Not grasping, but receiving.
Not trying to make Your Word into what I want it to be, or into
what I think You want it to be.
Receiving isn't grasping.
Receiving is letting.
Letting Your Word be spirit and life.
Letting Your Holy Spirit clear the way in my heart so Your Word can
settle there as the spirit and life it is.
Please, God, increase my receptivity.
Exodus 32:1-14
“…Moses delayed…” (vs. 1)
As I read these 14 verses, I think How could they ever say that; How could they ever do that; How could Aaron, of all people, go along with them? I react that way, and then I realize this reaction isn’t taking me where I need to go. I’m more likely to touch the heart of the people and Aaron and most of all Moses and God when I consider what this situation seemed like to them. Take just the word “delay.” It must have had huge power for them, to the point of seeming unbearable. Has delay ever felt unbearable to me?
I shift to this way of responding not to condone sin, but in order to realize that ordinary people now, as well as then, do glaringly wrong things when circumstances come to the place of seeming unbearable.
There were a lot of people, and also Aaron their interim leader, who thought they were doing what the circumstance called for. If I don’t try to comprehend what it was like for them, I am much more likely to be drawn into responses that, in my very different life circumstances, still parallel theirs.
“…let Me alone…” (vs. 10)
Amazing. Imagine God saying to Moses, “Let Me alone.” What does that say about the place of Moses in God’s life?
Moses could have heard what I read in verse 10 as (1) relief from circumstances that were getting way out of hand, and (2) assurance of a very bright future. It must have appealed to Moses to have the pain of the past gone and to be given a pain-free future. After all, the people were guilty and he was innocent. Why not just start over again? Moses might have given in to what seemed unbearable, and “gone with” what seemed right, or at least “understandable,” under the circumstances. But he didn’t. These are Your people, God. Why should the Egyptians say you brought them out here to kill them? Remember (I can’t leave You alone, instead I must ask you to remember!) remember what you swore by Your own self to your servants. You have already promised descendants as the stars of heaven. Don’t make of me another great nation. Please fulfill Your original promise. You and Your love are more powerful than these unbearable-seeming circumstances. I can’t leave You alone about this.
“‘They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them.’” (vs. 8)
It is so troubling to realize how human it is to “turn aside quickly.” The Children of Israel way back then aren’t the only ones guilty of this. When I turn aside quickly, it’s a call for me to stop and renew my heart’s awareness of what my turning aside causes in the heart of God—Father, Son and Spirit.
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
“Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people.” (vs. 4)
I can't leave You alone about this, remember!
Philippians 4:1-9
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (vs 8)
My sin must be recognized for what it is and confessed. Then, through forgiveness I’m returned to the compassionate heart of God where I’m prepared to meditate on things true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy.
Matthew 22:1-14
“‘So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
‘So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” and he was speechless.’” (vss. 10-12)
It wasn’t that the king saw a bad man there, he saw a man who did not have on a wedding garment.
The wedding garment and my willingness to wear it; I come from reading this parable today realizing there is always more to ponder about the wedding garment and my willingness to wear it.
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
As a review, or for the first time, I invite you to read Part I of my September 28 post (click on September at the left). Those who visit this blog are always invited to receive the Word as spirit and life. That comes first. Then compare notes with others who do the same. Here are suggestions for how to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Not grasping, but receiving.
Not trying to make Your Word into what I want it to be, or into
what I think You want it to be.
Receiving isn't grasping.
Receiving is letting.
Letting Your Word be spirit and life.
Letting Your Holy Spirit clear the way in my heart so Your Word can
settle there as the spirit and life it is.
Please, God, increase my receptivity.
Exodus 32:1-14
“…Moses delayed…” (vs. 1)
As I read these 14 verses, I think How could they ever say that; How could they ever do that; How could Aaron, of all people, go along with them? I react that way, and then I realize this reaction isn’t taking me where I need to go. I’m more likely to touch the heart of the people and Aaron and most of all Moses and God when I consider what this situation seemed like to them. Take just the word “delay.” It must have had huge power for them, to the point of seeming unbearable. Has delay ever felt unbearable to me?
I shift to this way of responding not to condone sin, but in order to realize that ordinary people now, as well as then, do glaringly wrong things when circumstances come to the place of seeming unbearable.
There were a lot of people, and also Aaron their interim leader, who thought they were doing what the circumstance called for. If I don’t try to comprehend what it was like for them, I am much more likely to be drawn into responses that, in my very different life circumstances, still parallel theirs.
“…let Me alone…” (vs. 10)
Amazing. Imagine God saying to Moses, “Let Me alone.” What does that say about the place of Moses in God’s life?
Moses could have heard what I read in verse 10 as (1) relief from circumstances that were getting way out of hand, and (2) assurance of a very bright future. It must have appealed to Moses to have the pain of the past gone and to be given a pain-free future. After all, the people were guilty and he was innocent. Why not just start over again? Moses might have given in to what seemed unbearable, and “gone with” what seemed right, or at least “understandable,” under the circumstances. But he didn’t. These are Your people, God. Why should the Egyptians say you brought them out here to kill them? Remember (I can’t leave You alone, instead I must ask you to remember!) remember what you swore by Your own self to your servants. You have already promised descendants as the stars of heaven. Don’t make of me another great nation. Please fulfill Your original promise. You and Your love are more powerful than these unbearable-seeming circumstances. I can’t leave You alone about this.
“‘They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them.’” (vs. 8)
It is so troubling to realize how human it is to “turn aside quickly.” The Children of Israel way back then aren’t the only ones guilty of this. When I turn aside quickly, it’s a call for me to stop and renew my heart’s awareness of what my turning aside causes in the heart of God—Father, Son and Spirit.
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
“Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people.” (vs. 4)
I can't leave You alone about this, remember!
Philippians 4:1-9
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (vs 8)
My sin must be recognized for what it is and confessed. Then, through forgiveness I’m returned to the compassionate heart of God where I’m prepared to meditate on things true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous and praiseworthy.
Matthew 22:1-14
“‘So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
‘So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” and he was speechless.’” (vss. 10-12)
It wasn’t that the king saw a bad man there, he saw a man who did not have on a wedding garment.
The wedding garment and my willingness to wear it; I come from reading this parable today realizing there is always more to ponder about the wedding garment and my willingness to wear it.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Receiving October 4, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for October 4, 2008
Exodus 20:1-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
In art class one year we drew a plant. It took several days to finish. I sat in the same place each class period, and the plant did too. But, the plant didn't remain the same. I was so focused on my drawing that it came as a kind of puzzle or even surprise when my carefully lined-up drawing didn't stay lined up. The plant didn't stay the same each session. Right in front of my eyes the plant was moving! I guess I thought it took longer for a living plant to move. Perhaps I thought it'd "stay put" like a good model so I could finish my drawing! But the plant kept growing all the time I was trying to draw it. It was alive. And my drawing wasn't alive, however good my drawing was. That experience occurs to me as I consider again today that the Word of God is life and spirit. We interact differently with living things than we do with objects that are not alive.
This blog encourages you to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself, and also to compare notes with others who are doing the same. If you are fortunate enough to worship weekly where the scriptures are an integrated part of the service, you will be all the more prepared for worship because you have first received the Word as spirit and life for yourself.
At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some simple suggestions to help you receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
I pray for receptivity.
The kind you, God, want me to have.
Receptivity in my heart of hearts and from there in my whole being.
Enable me to receive your Word into a heart that is open, soft and strong--vibrantly alive in You.
Exodus 20:1-20
"God spoke all these words..." (vs. 1)
This morning my husband showed me some splendid NASA photos of space. I'm so feeble at "taking in" what I'm looking at in those fabulous displays of light, color, shapes--breathtaking cosmic art. It's overwhelming grandeur to love and also to stand back from in awe.
It occurs to me that these words from God in Exodus 20 are like that. They are overwhelming glimpses into incomprehensible space also--the space where the light and color and shapes and dynamics of love are born to be splashed in glory through the whole universe. These are words to love and also to stand back from in wonder, reverence and awe.
These words are simple enough to accept and walk in--like I accept and walk in the sunlight. But I can't comprehend or exhaust their beauty and significance and affect any more than I can comprehend and exhaust the beauty of those NASA space pictures I was looking at this morning.
"Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off." (vs. 18)
"And Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.'" (vs. 20)
Actual encounter with the fear-inspiring size and power of the Words combines with the fact that they are measured, compassionate and available Words.
"...that His fear may be before you" reminds me again that I need to let go of fear that is negative, fear that is born of a divided and distant heart, and receive in its place a holy, life-giving fear of God. Doing this puts me in touch with life and Love like nothing else can.
Psalm 19
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork." (vs. 1)
See how the Psalmist sets the perfect law of the LORD in the context of the heavens, the firmament! I have never seen the connection between verses 1-6 and 7-11 like I do today. Those NASA pictures were timed just right this morning! To love the Law is huge, like taking in the wonders of the heavens and firmament, and the law and the love of it are to us like the daily, life-giving path of the sun (vss. 5-6).
converting the soul
making wise the simple
rejoicing the heart
enlightening the eyes (vss. 7-8)
When this is happening, we can know we're receiving the Law as the grace and power of divine Love that it is.
Philippians 3:4b-14
"...that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith."
(vs. 9)
To gain or "take in" Christ. Is Christ small enough for me to take in? Space is beyond my comprehension; I can't take in space. The Law is beyond my comprehension; I can't take in the Law. Can I take in Jesus Christ? In Christ is God finally small enough for me to manage? Actually, in Christ God is humble and holy beyond my imagination, farther even beyond my comprehension than space or the Law. In Christ God is available, yet never, never less grand or less of a cause for holy fear than are space and Sinai. Christ is a telescope into glory not a tradeoff for it.
Matthew 21:33-46
"Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir, Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.' So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him." (vss. 37-39)
He is cast out and dies to me unless He is both the compassionate available One AND ALSO the infinitely incomprehensible One who surpasses the glory revealed in space and at Sinai.
Exodus 20:1-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
In art class one year we drew a plant. It took several days to finish. I sat in the same place each class period, and the plant did too. But, the plant didn't remain the same. I was so focused on my drawing that it came as a kind of puzzle or even surprise when my carefully lined-up drawing didn't stay lined up. The plant didn't stay the same each session. Right in front of my eyes the plant was moving! I guess I thought it took longer for a living plant to move. Perhaps I thought it'd "stay put" like a good model so I could finish my drawing! But the plant kept growing all the time I was trying to draw it. It was alive. And my drawing wasn't alive, however good my drawing was. That experience occurs to me as I consider again today that the Word of God is life and spirit. We interact differently with living things than we do with objects that are not alive.
This blog encourages you to receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself, and also to compare notes with others who are doing the same. If you are fortunate enough to worship weekly where the scriptures are an integrated part of the service, you will be all the more prepared for worship because you have first received the Word as spirit and life for yourself.
At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some simple suggestions to help you receive the Word as spirit and life for yourself.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
I pray for receptivity.
The kind you, God, want me to have.
Receptivity in my heart of hearts and from there in my whole being.
Enable me to receive your Word into a heart that is open, soft and strong--vibrantly alive in You.
Exodus 20:1-20
"God spoke all these words..." (vs. 1)
This morning my husband showed me some splendid NASA photos of space. I'm so feeble at "taking in" what I'm looking at in those fabulous displays of light, color, shapes--breathtaking cosmic art. It's overwhelming grandeur to love and also to stand back from in awe.
It occurs to me that these words from God in Exodus 20 are like that. They are overwhelming glimpses into incomprehensible space also--the space where the light and color and shapes and dynamics of love are born to be splashed in glory through the whole universe. These are words to love and also to stand back from in wonder, reverence and awe.
These words are simple enough to accept and walk in--like I accept and walk in the sunlight. But I can't comprehend or exhaust their beauty and significance and affect any more than I can comprehend and exhaust the beauty of those NASA space pictures I was looking at this morning.
"Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off." (vs. 18)
"And Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.'" (vs. 20)
Actual encounter with the fear-inspiring size and power of the Words combines with the fact that they are measured, compassionate and available Words.
"...that His fear may be before you" reminds me again that I need to let go of fear that is negative, fear that is born of a divided and distant heart, and receive in its place a holy, life-giving fear of God. Doing this puts me in touch with life and Love like nothing else can.
Psalm 19
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork." (vs. 1)
See how the Psalmist sets the perfect law of the LORD in the context of the heavens, the firmament! I have never seen the connection between verses 1-6 and 7-11 like I do today. Those NASA pictures were timed just right this morning! To love the Law is huge, like taking in the wonders of the heavens and firmament, and the law and the love of it are to us like the daily, life-giving path of the sun (vss. 5-6).
converting the soul
making wise the simple
rejoicing the heart
enlightening the eyes (vss. 7-8)
When this is happening, we can know we're receiving the Law as the grace and power of divine Love that it is.
Philippians 3:4b-14
"...that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith."
(vs. 9)
To gain or "take in" Christ. Is Christ small enough for me to take in? Space is beyond my comprehension; I can't take in space. The Law is beyond my comprehension; I can't take in the Law. Can I take in Jesus Christ? In Christ is God finally small enough for me to manage? Actually, in Christ God is humble and holy beyond my imagination, farther even beyond my comprehension than space or the Law. In Christ God is available, yet never, never less grand or less of a cause for holy fear than are space and Sinai. Christ is a telescope into glory not a tradeoff for it.
Matthew 21:33-46
"Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir, Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.' So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him." (vss. 37-39)
He is cast out and dies to me unless He is both the compassionate available One AND ALSO the infinitely incomprehensible One who surpasses the glory revealed in space and at Sinai.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Receiving September 27, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for September 27, 2008
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
As you "take in" the Word, prepare to enjoy it and savor it, and if you don't, prepare to benefit from it anyway. It's life and spirit you are taking in as you receive the Word. There are some simple suggestions for how to do this at http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Prayer for Receptivity
Your Word as spirit and life is something for my heart to take in. God, You know I've been taught more, a lot more, about thinking things through than about hearting things through. Give me a receptive heart, please. Show me how to cooperate so my heart will be more and more receptive.
Exodus 17:1-7
"...there was no water for the people to drink." (vs. 1)
"Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" (vs 3)
"So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, 'What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!'" (vs. 4)
Consider the words and tone of what the children of Israel said (vs. 3).
Then consider the words and tone of what Moses said (vs. 4).
A why question full of judgment and blame, and coming from the head, is so much different than a cry of distress and expression of need.
What might the people have said to God instead of what they said to Moses?
How might their words have sounded if they were being "obedient to the point of death" (see this week's Philippians passage)?
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
"He split the rocks in the wilderness,
And gave them drink in abundance like the depths.
He also brought streams out of the rock,
And caused waters to run down like rivers." (vss. 15, 16)
Fearing death by thirst and then having abundant streams of water flow from the rock--this is very different than having plenty of water the whole time.
Philippians 2:1-13
Consolation in Christ
comfort of love
fellowship of the Spirit
affection and mercy (vs. 1)
These are words associated with feelings. Then the following verses connect these words with the mind. Verses 5-8 show that the ultimate in humility and obedience are the focus. Having the mind (Greek nous) of Christ is about something more than intellectual functioning. This passage invites a lot of growth in wholeness, a lot of appreciation of every aspect of being.
Matthew 21:23-32
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Receiving September 20, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for September 20, 2008
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Study it. Analyze it. Discuss it. Whatever you do with the Word, don't fail to receive it as spirit and life. Receiving God's Word as spirit and life is what this blog is about. Part I of each post encourages you, the reader, to first of all receive the week's worship scriptures as spirit and life for yourself. There are suggestions for how to do this at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Exodus 16:2-15
"But what are we, that you complain against us?" (vss. 7, 8)
What are we? Are we strong enough to have brought you here? Are we able to keep you from hunger? What are we? You need to understand what your leaders are, and what your leaders are not and can never be.
"...I will rain bread from heaven for you." (vs. 4)
"...At evening you shall know that the LORD has brought you out..." (vs. 6)
"And in the the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD..." (vs. 7)
Knowing the LORD's deliverance. Seeing the LORD's glory. These connect with receiving physical food. Consider how meal time and spiritual nurture time--continually increased capacity for knowing and seeing God--how these can be integrated more meaningfully for you and those you love.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
Study it. Analyze it. Discuss it. Whatever you do with the Word, don't fail to receive it as spirit and life. Receiving God's Word as spirit and life is what this blog is about. Part I of each post encourages you, the reader, to first of all receive the week's worship scriptures as spirit and life for yourself. There are suggestions for how to do this at: http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place for you to compare notes)
Exodus 16:2-15
"But what are we, that you complain against us?" (vss. 7, 8)
What are we? Are we strong enough to have brought you here? Are we able to keep you from hunger? What are we? You need to understand what your leaders are, and what your leaders are not and can never be.
"...I will rain bread from heaven for you." (vs. 4)
"...At evening you shall know that the LORD has brought you out..." (vs. 6)
"And in the the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD..." (vs. 7)
Knowing the LORD's deliverance. Seeing the LORD's glory. These connect with receiving physical food. Consider how meal time and spiritual nurture time--continually increased capacity for knowing and seeing God--how these can be integrated more meaningfully for you and those you love.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Life and vitality flow from the Psalms, and doing what the Psalms invite draws us into life and vitality. In connection with this week's other scriptures, this becomes an invitation to more fully, deeply, and exuberantly enter into knowing and seeing the LORD.
Philippians 1:21-30
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (vs. 21)
This is powerful freedom and hope to love and assimilate more every day!
Matthew 20:1-16
"Is your eye evil because I am good?" (vs. 15)
This is a question to spend some time with!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Receiving September 13, 2008, worship scriptures
Scriptures for September 13
Exodus 14:19-31
Psalm 114
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
This blog is a weekly invitation for you to receive the week's scriptures as spirit and life. Words received as spirit and life are quite different than words received as, for one example, words to be puzzled over or debated. Best and most of all, the Word is spirit and life. We can choose to received it as the spirit and life it is. At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some simple suggestions for doing this.
After you receive for yourself, when the spirit and life of the Word are fresh in your own being, then you can compare with others who are also receiving the Word as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
You, God, far beyond me;
You, God, within me, closer than my very breath.
You not ignored;
You received.
Receptivity that opens me to You and to Your Word as spirit and life,
this is my prayer right now.
Exodus 14:19-31
"And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other." (vss. 19, 20)
The same Angel of God is darkness and light. Other contrasts in this passage include:
divine and human
the sea into dry land
saving and destroying.
"So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians..." (vs. 27)
The Israelites and their leader were trusting the One who was defending them, not their own judgment or strategies or warfare. That doesn't mean the Israelites and Moses weren't fully involved! It must have stretched their endurance and faith immensely! But they did not overthrow the Egyptians.
Psalm 114
"Judah became His sanctuary,
And Israel His dominion." (vs. 2)
Endearing and comforting! Amazing also. The Psalmist frequently says God is our refuge. In this case Judah is His sanctuary. Imagine Judah as a place of refuge for God. Imagine!
"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob." (vs. 7)
Romans 14:1-12
"Receive one who is weak in the faith,
but not to disputes over doubtful things." (vs. 1)
Ah! What a keynote!
"For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord." (vss. 7, 8)
This time a little picture may help. This passage is about a group, or "community" of people, who are held together by living to the Lord. They are to each faithfully focus on and account to the Lord. It is not by agreeing, or by having the same degree of faith, or by eating the same way, or by any other form of sameness that they show their love to each other and to God. It is by living to the Lord. Consider the arrows by the two triangles. At the left, the primary emphasis is on the interaction between the people at point A and the people at point B. In the second triangle the primary emphasis is on the interaction between A people and God, and between B people and God. Ponder the two ways. As I ponder the two ways, I see potential for beautiful, strong, endearing connections when the primary emphasis is on the interaction between A people and God, and between B people and God. And one of the wonderful outcomes of this way is that the A people and the B people help each other with their primary interaction with God, instead of trying to make each other think, act and be the same. It moves the whole dynamic out of "disputes over doubtful things" and into life-giving experience with God and each other. I'm hearing Paul say that individuals and groups within the Christian church are to live to the Lord and support others in doing the same. That's what needs to be worked out, or "faithed" out, not sameness.
"For it is written:
'As I live, says the LORD,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." (vss. 11, 12)
The passage ends strongly emphasizing individual accountability to God. Keep each believer's union with God primary; and then life among believers falls into place. The essential priority of individual accountability to God becomes a stronger uniting power than sameness ever could be. In fact, accepting and entering into that essential priority is the secret of strong, lasting, loving community.
Matthew 18:21-35
"'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'" (vs. 33)
It occurs to me, especially after receiving the Romans passage, that the servant's response to the King is the essential starting, or pivotal, point. Had the King's servant gotten that right, he would have treated his own servant differently. The decisive interaction in this parable is between the servant and the King. This is what, in turn, shaped the interaction between the two servants.
Exodus 14:19-31
Psalm 114
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
Part I - Receiving the Word as spirit and life for yourself
This blog is a weekly invitation for you to receive the week's scriptures as spirit and life. Words received as spirit and life are quite different than words received as, for one example, words to be puzzled over or debated. Best and most of all, the Word is spirit and life. We can choose to received it as the spirit and life it is. At http://charistis.blogspot.com/2008/03/receiving-word-as-spirit-and-life.html there are some simple suggestions for doing this.
After you receive for yourself, when the spirit and life of the Word are fresh in your own being, then you can compare with others who are also receiving the Word as spirit and life.
Part II - Reflections on this week's scriptures (one place to compare notes)
Prayer for receptivity
You, God, far beyond me;
You, God, within me, closer than my very breath.
You not ignored;
You received.
Receptivity that opens me to You and to Your Word as spirit and life,
this is my prayer right now.
Exodus 14:19-31
"And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other." (vss. 19, 20)
The same Angel of God is darkness and light. Other contrasts in this passage include:
divine and human
the sea into dry land
saving and destroying.
"So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians..." (vs. 27)
The Israelites and their leader were trusting the One who was defending them, not their own judgment or strategies or warfare. That doesn't mean the Israelites and Moses weren't fully involved! It must have stretched their endurance and faith immensely! But they did not overthrow the Egyptians.
Psalm 114
"Judah became His sanctuary,
And Israel His dominion." (vs. 2)
Endearing and comforting! Amazing also. The Psalmist frequently says God is our refuge. In this case Judah is His sanctuary. Imagine Judah as a place of refuge for God. Imagine!
"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob." (vs. 7)
Romans 14:1-12
"Receive one who is weak in the faith,
but not to disputes over doubtful things." (vs. 1)
Ah! What a keynote!
"For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord." (vss. 7, 8)
This time a little picture may help. This passage is about a group, or "community" of people, who are held together by living to the Lord. They are to each faithfully focus on and account to the Lord. It is not by agreeing, or by having the same degree of faith, or by eating the same way, or by any other form of sameness that they show their love to each other and to God. It is by living to the Lord. Consider the arrows by the two triangles. At the left, the primary emphasis is on the interaction between the people at point A and the people at point B. In the second triangle the primary emphasis is on the interaction between A people and God, and between B people and God. Ponder the two ways. As I ponder the two ways, I see potential for beautiful, strong, endearing connections when the primary emphasis is on the interaction between A people and God, and between B people and God. And one of the wonderful outcomes of this way is that the A people and the B people help each other with their primary interaction with God, instead of trying to make each other think, act and be the same. It moves the whole dynamic out of "disputes over doubtful things" and into life-giving experience with God and each other. I'm hearing Paul say that individuals and groups within the Christian church are to live to the Lord and support others in doing the same. That's what needs to be worked out, or "faithed" out, not sameness.
"For it is written:
'As I live, says the LORD,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.'
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." (vss. 11, 12)
The passage ends strongly emphasizing individual accountability to God. Keep each believer's union with God primary; and then life among believers falls into place. The essential priority of individual accountability to God becomes a stronger uniting power than sameness ever could be. In fact, accepting and entering into that essential priority is the secret of strong, lasting, loving community.
Matthew 18:21-35
"'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'" (vs. 33)
It occurs to me, especially after receiving the Romans passage, that the servant's response to the King is the essential starting, or pivotal, point. Had the King's servant gotten that right, he would have treated his own servant differently. The decisive interaction in this parable is between the servant and the King. This is what, in turn, shaped the interaction between the two servants.
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