Who gave Jacob to the spoiler, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they would not walk, and whose laws they would not obey?
Yesterday, our daughter-in-law, Emily, gave birth to our second grandchild, Paul Fain Hanscom:
http://www.hanscomfamily.com/?p=14455
Our Parish is trying to reduce its energy profile, both collectively and individuallly. The innocence of any newborn, not just Paul, reminds us, politics aside, there is no such thing as a victimless crime. Whatever we do on our walk to Jerusalem is either for or against God. It is God for whom we act or against whom we have sinned, and our actions will have future consequences for such innocents as Paul, as, with or without God, our actions have consequences.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Isaiah 42:5-7
Thus says the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
This is from what is known as "The First Servant Song." In total, it affirms God's glorious victory and that God is creator of all and source of life. God has called Israel to bring light to nations groping in darkness.
As we walk to Jerusalem, these words can be seen as our "marching orders."
This is from what is known as "The First Servant Song." In total, it affirms God's glorious victory and that God is creator of all and source of life. God has called Israel to bring light to nations groping in darkness.
As we walk to Jerusalem, these words can be seen as our "marching orders."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Isaiah 40:31
... but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Next to the "valley of death" verse in Psalm 23, this may be the most famous "walking verse" in the Hebrew Scriptures. The word which translates "wait" doesn't mean we're to be passive, and do nothing until God does. It is an active term, and connotes we're to walk on in confidence, knowing God will not desert us. Our faith, regardless of circumstance, is an active faith.
Next to the "valley of death" verse in Psalm 23, this may be the most famous "walking verse" in the Hebrew Scriptures. The word which translates "wait" doesn't mean we're to be passive, and do nothing until God does. It is an active term, and connotes we're to walk on in confidence, knowing God will not desert us. Our faith, regardless of circumstance, is an active faith.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Nice Quote
The circumstances of our lives are another medium of God’s communication with us. God opens some doors and closes others.... Through the wisdom of our bodies, God tells us to slow down or reorder our priorities. The happy coincidences and frustrating impasses of daily life are laden with messages. Patient listening and the grace of the Spirit are the decoding devices of prayer. It is a good habit to ask, What is God saying to me in this situation? Listening to our lives is part of prayer.
- Marjorie J. Thompson
Soul Feast
- Marjorie J. Thompson
Soul Feast
Isaiah 35:8-10
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people, no traveler, even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come upon it, they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
What a contrast to Monday's reading - here, when Zion is restored, even fools won't go astray!!! God is our redeemer and ransomer, and the land upon which we walk is like a paradise, like a walled garden full of beauty and rest. There is singing instead of sorrow and sighing. All creation will see God's glory. And, little is asked of us but to walk the Holy Way.
What a contrast to Monday's reading - here, when Zion is restored, even fools won't go astray!!! God is our redeemer and ransomer, and the land upon which we walk is like a paradise, like a walled garden full of beauty and rest. There is singing instead of sorrow and sighing. All creation will see God's glory. And, little is asked of us but to walk the Holy Way.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Isaiah 8:11-13
For the Lord spoke thus to me while His hand was strong upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: Do not call conspiracy all that this people call conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears, or be in dread. But the Lord of Hosts, Him you shall regard as holy; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.
There is little to be added here. God's ways are not the ways of human beings, and we should keep this always in mind as we walk to Jerusalem. God can either be a sanctuary or a stumbling-rock for us, depending on out choice.
There is little to be added here. God's ways are not the ways of human beings, and we should keep this always in mind as we walk to Jerusalem. God can either be a sanctuary or a stumbling-rock for us, depending on out choice.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Isaiah 3.16-17
The Lord said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks, glancing wantonly with their eyes, mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet, the Lord will afflict with scabs the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will lay bare their secret parts.
This sound misogynistic, but God is equally hard toward the men of Jerusalem. This verse teaches us it is not enough just to walk, but we need to walk rightly.
This sound misogynistic, but God is equally hard toward the men of Jerusalem. This verse teaches us it is not enough just to walk, but we need to walk rightly.
St. James the Greater, Patron of Pilgrims
Tradition holds St, James preached the Gospel in Spain before returning to Judea, where he was killed by Herod. His body was, legend says, miraculously transported back to Spain. In art, St. James is often depicted as a pilgrim carrying a staff and a bottle of water and dressed in heavy walking boots, a cloak, and a large hat.
Protect Polar Bear Habitat
We are called to be good stewards of the creation. This little video is a reminder to all of us to do all that we can to reduce our carbon footprint and thereby protect this polar ice pack that we have been "walking on" for several weeks.
This Week's Meditation
Matthew 4: 8-10
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
***********************
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.
This week, let this verse resonate for a day or two and then ponder this question:
What is your mission/vocation/work in life?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Walking Song for the Next Week
How wonderful it is to walk with God
How wonderful it is to walk with God
Along the road that holy men have trod;
How wonderful it is to hear Him say:
Fear not, have faith, ’tis I who lead the way!
How wonderful it is to talk with God
When cares sweep o’er my spirit like a flood;
How wonderful it is to hear His voice,
For when He speaks the desert lands rejoice!
How wonderful it is to praise my God,
Who comforts and protects me with His rod;
How wonderful to praise him every hour,
My heart attuned to sing His wondrous power!
How wonderful it is to fight for God,
And point poor sinners to the precious blood;
How wonderful it is to wield His sword
’Gainst sin, the enemy of Christ, my Lord!
How wonderful ’twill be to live with God
When I have crossed death’s deep and swelling flood;
How wonderful to see Him face to face
When I have fought the fight and won the race!
How wonderful it is to walk with God
Along the road that holy men have trod;
How wonderful it is to hear Him say:
Fear not, have faith, ’tis I who lead the way!
How wonderful it is to talk with God
When cares sweep o’er my spirit like a flood;
How wonderful it is to hear His voice,
For when He speaks the desert lands rejoice!
How wonderful it is to praise my God,
Who comforts and protects me with His rod;
How wonderful to praise him every hour,
My heart attuned to sing His wondrous power!
How wonderful it is to fight for God,
And point poor sinners to the precious blood;
How wonderful it is to wield His sword
’Gainst sin, the enemy of Christ, my Lord!
How wonderful ’twill be to live with God
When I have crossed death’s deep and swelling flood;
How wonderful to see Him face to face
When I have fought the fight and won the race!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Isaiah 2.3
Many people shall come and say, "Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths."
This is a deceptive verse. It looks straightforward, but the writer, known as "1st Isaiah," is taking Judah to task for their rebellion and religious superficiality against God. He is telling them they are ignoring the consequences of past rebellious behavior. Judah can, of course, repent and return; however, should they not, the consequences will be destruction [and, since we have the good fortune of hindsight, this is what occurred]. Jerusalem, toward which we are walking, is lamented for its sin.
What this section is saying is, even with all this, God will not give up. Out of the destruction will come a time, a "new age" [before this became a trite catchword] wherein God's reign will be recognized by all and there will be peace.
God will not give up. There will be peace. That's good news.
This is a deceptive verse. It looks straightforward, but the writer, known as "1st Isaiah," is taking Judah to task for their rebellion and religious superficiality against God. He is telling them they are ignoring the consequences of past rebellious behavior. Judah can, of course, repent and return; however, should they not, the consequences will be destruction [and, since we have the good fortune of hindsight, this is what occurred]. Jerusalem, toward which we are walking, is lamented for its sin.
What this section is saying is, even with all this, God will not give up. Out of the destruction will come a time, a "new age" [before this became a trite catchword] wherein God's reign will be recognized by all and there will be peace.
God will not give up. There will be peace. That's good news.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Proverbs 3.23-24
Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down [or lie down] you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.
This is part of a section which contains an admonition followed by six prohibitions. The admonition is not to let God's wisdom, knowledge and understanding escape from our sight and for us to keep sound wisdom and prudence. If we do that, the Writer tells us, ... the Lord will be [our] confidence ...
This is part of a section which contains an admonition followed by six prohibitions. The admonition is not to let God's wisdom, knowledge and understanding escape from our sight and for us to keep sound wisdom and prudence. If we do that, the Writer tells us, ... the Lord will be [our] confidence ...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Proverbs 2.20
Therefore walk in the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the just.
The word "therefore" is one of the most important words in the Bible, oddly enough, and appears a lot, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. It is a word which keep us grounded, keeps our spirituality from just being "within" and helps us to take it "without."
The word "therefore" is usually in a formula something as this:
God has done X; therefore we should do Y.
That is certainly the formula here - the writer is saying: God has given us the benefit of wonderful wisdom, protection, and understanding; therefore our response on our walk to Jerusalem should be right behavior in thought and deed.
God is always the actor; therefore, we are always the reactor. That is actually Good News.
The word "therefore" is one of the most important words in the Bible, oddly enough, and appears a lot, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. It is a word which keep us grounded, keeps our spirituality from just being "within" and helps us to take it "without."
The word "therefore" is usually in a formula something as this:
God has done X; therefore we should do Y.
That is certainly the formula here - the writer is saying: God has given us the benefit of wonderful wisdom, protection, and understanding; therefore our response on our walk to Jerusalem should be right behavior in thought and deed.
God is always the actor; therefore, we are always the reactor. That is actually Good News.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Proverbs 2.6-8
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
Any who complain Religion is nothing but "pie in the sky by and by" has never read Proverbs, with its practical, down-to-earth advice on daily living. This can be seen in this short selection. The wisdom God gives to those who walk to Jerusalem is not for its own sake [what my grandfather would call "book learning"], or even for the sake of the individual alone [though the individual is certainly included], but for justice and preservation for all.
Any who complain Religion is nothing but "pie in the sky by and by" has never read Proverbs, with its practical, down-to-earth advice on daily living. This can be seen in this short selection. The wisdom God gives to those who walk to Jerusalem is not for its own sake [what my grandfather would call "book learning"], or even for the sake of the individual alone [though the individual is certainly included], but for justice and preservation for all.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
This is a thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies. The Psalmist has gone to the Temple courts to offer thanks.
When we think of deliverance, it might be easy to want God to rid us of our enemies. God, being God, could do this, but it would violate one of God's great gifts to us - our free will. Humans would be robots programmed by God.
Our deliverance on our walk to Jerusalem is far better than a no-peace, forced upon us by taking away our freedom [however badly we use it]. Our deliverance is God's steadfast love and faithfulness, knowing God answers when we call, God increases the strength of our soul, and God regards the lowly but is distant from the haughty.
And, mostly, our deliverance is knowing we are not left to ourselves:
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever ...
This is a thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies. The Psalmist has gone to the Temple courts to offer thanks.
When we think of deliverance, it might be easy to want God to rid us of our enemies. God, being God, could do this, but it would violate one of God's great gifts to us - our free will. Humans would be robots programmed by God.
Our deliverance on our walk to Jerusalem is far better than a no-peace, forced upon us by taking away our freedom [however badly we use it]. Our deliverance is God's steadfast love and faithfulness, knowing God answers when we call, God increases the strength of our soul, and God regards the lowly but is distant from the haughty.
And, mostly, our deliverance is knowing we are not left to ourselves:
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever ...
Monday, February 4, 2008
If I am God's Beloved .....
then what are we looking for?
I was talking to someone today, telling them about walking through the bookstore the other day and perusing the "New Age" spirituality aisle -- one of my favorites for years. There in front of me, between wicca, astrology, "new age thought", buddhism, sufi, hindu, philosophy, etc. are ever guru's answers on how to have "it" -- whatever 'it' is. I had to kinda laugh when, the last few times I've stood there looking for a new book to read, I've heard this voice in my head telling me to go home and write my own.
I take this a couple different ways:
first, maybe it's time I wrote my own spiritual journey down....or updated the one I started twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, after reading one of Shirley MacLaine's books, I decided that all she was doing was writing her random musings and travels for others to relate to ... how was my journey any different than hers? Okay, well, mine takes place in the midwest and in various spots on this continent, not experiencing Masai warriors and adventures in Tibet. But how is that any different spiritually?
second, why do I keep looking outside myself for answers? What can Sylvia Brown, John Edward, The Secret, or Blavatsky tell me that I don't already have deep in my core? All I'm doing is helping them buy their next BMW, and I'm going into debt to buy bookshelves to house all these books! (LOL)
But if I can only go within and embrace the fact that to God, I am beloved, perfect in my imperfection; just fine the way I am... I can quit worrying about the next "it" book, the next outfit, or my kitchen for that matter. I know that I am exactly where the Universe thinks I should be ... on my path to connect to the Infinite.
I was talking to someone today, telling them about walking through the bookstore the other day and perusing the "New Age" spirituality aisle -- one of my favorites for years. There in front of me, between wicca, astrology, "new age thought", buddhism, sufi, hindu, philosophy, etc. are ever guru's answers on how to have "it" -- whatever 'it' is. I had to kinda laugh when, the last few times I've stood there looking for a new book to read, I've heard this voice in my head telling me to go home and write my own.
I take this a couple different ways:
first, maybe it's time I wrote my own spiritual journey down....or updated the one I started twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, after reading one of Shirley MacLaine's books, I decided that all she was doing was writing her random musings and travels for others to relate to ... how was my journey any different than hers? Okay, well, mine takes place in the midwest and in various spots on this continent, not experiencing Masai warriors and adventures in Tibet. But how is that any different spiritually?
second, why do I keep looking outside myself for answers? What can Sylvia Brown, John Edward, The Secret, or Blavatsky tell me that I don't already have deep in my core? All I'm doing is helping them buy their next BMW, and I'm going into debt to buy bookshelves to house all these books! (LOL)
But if I can only go within and embrace the fact that to God, I am beloved, perfect in my imperfection; just fine the way I am... I can quit worrying about the next "it" book, the next outfit, or my kitchen for that matter. I know that I am exactly where the Universe thinks I should be ... on my path to connect to the Infinite.
Psalm 119.45
I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
Some might find the precepts of God limiting; it is just the opposite. Just as children long for structure and guidelines in order to understand their freedom, so do we, as Children of God. Having a framework for life allows us to walk at liberty.
Some might find the precepts of God limiting; it is just the opposite. Just as children long for structure and guidelines in order to understand their freedom, so do we, as Children of God. Having a framework for life allows us to walk at liberty.
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