(31) So do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?" or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' 'Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." Mathew 6:31, 33-34
Jesus was a man before his time. He knew we'd be faced with financial worries and storms, that would test and try us. Before the world ever heard of the Dow Jones, Bernie Madoff, or Lehman Brothers, Jesus warned that there would be great distress in the "last days" brought on by unscrupulous people.
What he didn't tell us to do was dig a hole in the backyard, hide our remaining assets and become glued to Cnn and CNBC Closing Bell to track every investment, loss and wager so that we lose sleep over it. He did not suggest we seek the advice of a financial planner, or even the ear of a trusted friend, and rehash our circumstances. What he told us to do was "seek first the Kingdom,and his righeousness."
We all know that the kingdom that Jesus spoke of was not a building constructed by human hands but represented God's kingdom in heaven. However, just what did Jesus mean when he commanded us to 'seek his righteousness?'
The word "righteous" is a noun and comes from the Middle English rightwise (right-wise), from Old English rihtwis - riht ("just", "fair") + wis ("way", "manner"). The adjective "righteous" means "right-wise", meaning, morally upright and just. The noun "righteousness" (Old English riht-wis-nes = "right-way-ness") referred to "being just and fair", "being morally upright".
Since the life of Jesus reflected sterling examples of good and righteousness, I hold him to be the authority. Throughout his ministry he went about "doing good," (Acts 10:38) which included healing, ministering to others, and other acts of provision. Never once did Jesus doubt God's ability to provide for him. Never once did he hold back from giving his all- to the point of death.
So by example, Jesus was actually telling us to strive for moral cleanliness, and that which is right and just with our fellowman. One can seek the kingdom by acting and living in a way pleasing to God, but asking for the Holy Spirit, studying His word, and attending worship services was not enough. If we were to do as "The Great Teacher" did, we were to embrace our fellowman- in all of his needs and help to provide for those needs, regardless of our own.
My dad was a very colorful character. With all of his imperfections he understood this at a very base level. Regardless of the fact that he had 8 mouths to feed, a sickly wife, and mounting medical bills, he always managed to fit an extra plate at the table. He would dig deep into his pockets and pull out whatever he had for anyone in need. He instilled in us a drive to share everything we had with anyone who asked- or didn't ask, but merely appeared to need. Sure there were probably those who have taken advantage of us, but looking back, I can see God's hands on our life with provisions that never seemed to dry up.
My mother had a saying "Your father would will give anyone the shirt off his back...the only problem is that it's MY shirt!" To which my father would answer "It's not Your Shirt, it's God' Shirt... and I don't see you living on the streets."
Clearly, despite my dad's imperfections, he understood God's grace, and instilled in me a deep understanding of HIS generosity. My dad never let me forget that God's abundance filled my kitchen cabinets to overflow despite the fact that I was an unworthy peon in the scheme of things.
So during these time of financial stress and uncertainty, I will cast my cares upon Jehovah. I will strive to follow the Master's lead and continue to hold out my hand to others. I refuse to consider the ramifications of the economy, nor do I contemplate bleak futures.
'The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.' I have only to look on the faithfulness of my God to be reminded that 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Praying for My Enemies: A Gift to Myself
"You have heard that it is said, "Love they neighbor and hate your enemy, " But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... " Matthew 5:43-45
There was a time I believed this to be an impossible task. It was not that I seethed with anger and hostility- on the contrary, I was overcome with grief and longing for having been isolated and made the scapegoat for my family's emotional & alcohol problems. Then too, the beliefs of the religious organization I'd left commanded that my family- my parents as well as all 3 brothers and 2 sisters, and their progeny, have no association with me, nor with that of my infant daughter and husband.
I raised my children without benefit of anyone's help. I am babysitter, nurturer, teacher, emotional healer, as well as spiritual head. My husband, although a good man, does not share my devotion. He is learning, but for me, it is life. So, I was left, not with feelings of rage or hatred- but of abysmal hopelessness.
Something threatens to die within all humankind when you lose, or never have, the love and affection of your family. It's such a primal need that research has shown that a baby, left untouched, will develop serious illnesses and most likely die.
It was a wise friend who came to me one day and set me straight. He told me I was killing myself- that as much as I had been forced to endure, I had to learn to let go so healing could begin. Indeed, I'd been diagnosed with Cancer and I wasn't getting any better.
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)
I've hear it said that: "Acid always eats it's own container," It also leaks out onto all other relationships and disrupts their stability. Without my knowledge, my attitudes and fears, along with the brainwashing I'd received by being a member of the cult, threatened to infect every area of my life. I had to consciously choose to wrap up my feelings, tie them in a knot, and lay them at the feet of the Master. Only then would I be free to accept the gift of peace that Jesus offered. Only then would I be able to share that gift.
My miracle did not come in a night or a day when I awoke to find the burden of pain suddenly lifted. It was a conscious decision to embrace forgiveness and love rather than bitterness and resentment. Just as Jesus "decided" to lovingly offer himself for our sins, I relinquished hold over the negative emotions that prevented me from being all I could be in His eyes. I entrusted my feelings to God and learned to forgive the unforgivable.
And I am so glad I did. Over the years I've established loving relationships with the very ones who had come against me. For those who have not learned kindness, I pray that they will experience the joy of the Christ. Sick with their own toxic emotions, they have turned the acid and bitterness upon themselves and are captive to their own emotions. I will not give up on these people- I will continue to offer up my prayers for these with the hope that someday, they too can receive the gift of forgiveness, and learn to pass it on.
There was a time I believed this to be an impossible task. It was not that I seethed with anger and hostility- on the contrary, I was overcome with grief and longing for having been isolated and made the scapegoat for my family's emotional & alcohol problems. Then too, the beliefs of the religious organization I'd left commanded that my family- my parents as well as all 3 brothers and 2 sisters, and their progeny, have no association with me, nor with that of my infant daughter and husband.
I raised my children without benefit of anyone's help. I am babysitter, nurturer, teacher, emotional healer, as well as spiritual head. My husband, although a good man, does not share my devotion. He is learning, but for me, it is life. So, I was left, not with feelings of rage or hatred- but of abysmal hopelessness.
Something threatens to die within all humankind when you lose, or never have, the love and affection of your family. It's such a primal need that research has shown that a baby, left untouched, will develop serious illnesses and most likely die.
It was a wise friend who came to me one day and set me straight. He told me I was killing myself- that as much as I had been forced to endure, I had to learn to let go so healing could begin. Indeed, I'd been diagnosed with Cancer and I wasn't getting any better.
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14)
I've hear it said that: "Acid always eats it's own container," It also leaks out onto all other relationships and disrupts their stability. Without my knowledge, my attitudes and fears, along with the brainwashing I'd received by being a member of the cult, threatened to infect every area of my life. I had to consciously choose to wrap up my feelings, tie them in a knot, and lay them at the feet of the Master. Only then would I be free to accept the gift of peace that Jesus offered. Only then would I be able to share that gift.
My miracle did not come in a night or a day when I awoke to find the burden of pain suddenly lifted. It was a conscious decision to embrace forgiveness and love rather than bitterness and resentment. Just as Jesus "decided" to lovingly offer himself for our sins, I relinquished hold over the negative emotions that prevented me from being all I could be in His eyes. I entrusted my feelings to God and learned to forgive the unforgivable.
And I am so glad I did. Over the years I've established loving relationships with the very ones who had come against me. For those who have not learned kindness, I pray that they will experience the joy of the Christ. Sick with their own toxic emotions, they have turned the acid and bitterness upon themselves and are captive to their own emotions. I will not give up on these people- I will continue to offer up my prayers for these with the hope that someday, they too can receive the gift of forgiveness, and learn to pass it on.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Jesus and the Blind Man
Luke 18:35-43
35 ) "As Jesus approached Jericho,a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36) When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37)They told him "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38) He called out. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 39) Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40) Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "41) What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. 42) Jesus said to him,"Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it they also praised God.
I find this passage to be absolutely incredible. First, because buried beneath the turmoil and frenzy of the crowd that most certainly would have followed Jesus into Jericho, amidst the cacophony of street merchants and the curious, Jesus actually isolated the voice of a single man and heard his plea.
Secondly, because, as paragraph 40 says, Jesus did something amazing. He stopped. The son of God stopped. He actually halted his journey and responded to the outcry of someone he'd never met before- and who'd never known him. He was willing to detour his journey for a mere man, putting his needs above his own.
No doubt, the blind man had heard of the miraculous Jesus and was familiar with his lineage, for he proclaimed: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" It's interesting to note that Jesus waited for the blind man to take the initiative and reach out to him- proclaim his faith by giving word to it. So, when Jesus heard the man call his name, he responded immediately by ordering the blind man be brought to him- Jesus met the blind man where he was.
This paints such a clear picture of Jesus as a loving and concerned Shepherd. It reminds me that, regardless of what situation I find myself in, Jesus will stop what he's doing to respond to my needs just as a loving parent would. He steps in to offer support and guidance even when all others have abandoned us. He meets us where we are, regardless of how young or old our faith, and he responds accordingly.
He stopped. The Son of God stopped. Now that's a miracle!
35 ) "As Jesus approached Jericho,a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36) When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37)They told him "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38) He called out. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 39) Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40) Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "41) What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. 42) Jesus said to him,"Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it they also praised God.
I find this passage to be absolutely incredible. First, because buried beneath the turmoil and frenzy of the crowd that most certainly would have followed Jesus into Jericho, amidst the cacophony of street merchants and the curious, Jesus actually isolated the voice of a single man and heard his plea.
Secondly, because, as paragraph 40 says, Jesus did something amazing. He stopped. The son of God stopped. He actually halted his journey and responded to the outcry of someone he'd never met before- and who'd never known him. He was willing to detour his journey for a mere man, putting his needs above his own.
No doubt, the blind man had heard of the miraculous Jesus and was familiar with his lineage, for he proclaimed: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" It's interesting to note that Jesus waited for the blind man to take the initiative and reach out to him- proclaim his faith by giving word to it. So, when Jesus heard the man call his name, he responded immediately by ordering the blind man be brought to him- Jesus met the blind man where he was.
This paints such a clear picture of Jesus as a loving and concerned Shepherd. It reminds me that, regardless of what situation I find myself in, Jesus will stop what he's doing to respond to my needs just as a loving parent would. He steps in to offer support and guidance even when all others have abandoned us. He meets us where we are, regardless of how young or old our faith, and he responds accordingly.
He stopped. The Son of God stopped. Now that's a miracle!
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