Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon her.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Theresa Schiavo 1963-2005
Theresa Schiavo died today, 3/31/2005.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/30/05
John 15:1-11
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. These are powerful words. Some would have us believe that Jesus is just another teacher. What other teacher says this about himself?
Just as a branch cannot live apart from the vine, so we can do nothing apart from Jesus. We have no life apart from him.
Lord have mercy upon us.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. These are powerful words. Some would have us believe that Jesus is just another teacher. What other teacher says this about himself?
Just as a branch cannot live apart from the vine, so we can do nothing apart from Jesus. We have no life apart from him.
Lord have mercy upon us.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Keep hope alive
Jesse Jackson Prays With Terri Schiavo's Parents
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (AP) - The parents of Terri Schiavo met and prayed Tuesday with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who called her impending death "an injustice."
Amazing. I actually agree with something Jesse Jackson said. Where was he a week ago? I bet if Terri Schiavo were an African-American, the libs would change their tune.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (AP) - The parents of Terri Schiavo met and prayed Tuesday with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who called her impending death "an injustice."
Amazing. I actually agree with something Jesse Jackson said. Where was he a week ago? I bet if Terri Schiavo were an African-American, the libs would change their tune.
Hall of Shame
The new inductees to the Hall of Shame are:
Michael Schiavo - the man who is having his wife Terri, legally killed.
George Felos - the lawyer who thinks a women starving to death looks beautiful.
George Greer - the judge who is allowing the legal killing of Terri Schiavo.
The Florida Legislature - the body of government that ran for the hills and did not protect Terri Schiavo.
The Florida Supreme Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
The Federal District Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
The U.S. Supreme Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
Governor Bush - after exhausting all the legal remedies (so he says), did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
President Bush - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
Congratulations to the new members of the Hall of Shame.
Michael Schiavo - the man who is having his wife Terri, legally killed.
George Felos - the lawyer who thinks a women starving to death looks beautiful.
George Greer - the judge who is allowing the legal killing of Terri Schiavo.
The Florida Legislature - the body of government that ran for the hills and did not protect Terri Schiavo.
The Florida Supreme Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
The Federal District Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
The U.S. Supreme Court - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
Governor Bush - after exhausting all the legal remedies (so he says), did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
President Bush - did not protect the life of Terri Schiavo.
Congratulations to the new members of the Hall of Shame.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Collect for Pascha
Collect of the Day: Pascha
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in security and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in security and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Collect for Holy Saturday
Collect of the Day: Holy Saturday
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Culture of Death
Today is Good Friday. The day when we remember the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The people cried, "crucify him, crucify him!".
Today we also are watching the death of a disabled woman in Florida, Terri Schiavo. Some people are crying out, "just let her die in peace".
What can we learn from this? If nothing else, we live in a culture of death. Is it any wonder, when the society is trying to exclude any reference to God in the public square, that death is seen as a good thing? Since God is the source of life, if we exclude Him, we are excluding life. Death becomes the norm. If we take away the source of light, we become comfortable in the darkness.
What are we to do? I say, stand up for life. Stand up for Jesus. Stand up, Stand up, STAND UP!!!
The people cried, "crucify him, crucify him!".
Today we also are watching the death of a disabled woman in Florida, Terri Schiavo. Some people are crying out, "just let her die in peace".
What can we learn from this? If nothing else, we live in a culture of death. Is it any wonder, when the society is trying to exclude any reference to God in the public square, that death is seen as a good thing? Since God is the source of life, if we exclude Him, we are excluding life. Death becomes the norm. If we take away the source of light, we become comfortable in the darkness.
What are we to do? I say, stand up for life. Stand up for Jesus. Stand up, Stand up, STAND UP!!!
Collect for Good Friday
Collect of the Day: Good Friday
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Collect for Maundy Thursday
Collect of the Day: Maundy Thursday
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Collect for Wednesday in Holy Week
Collect of the Day: Wednesday in Holy Week
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Where are they?
Today, the Federal judge ruled that Terri Schiavo's feeding tube should not be reinserted. In affect, sentencing her to die.
Where are the ones who are always speaking about justice? They are silent.
Where are the ones who say they are concerned for the poor and helpless? They are silent.
The silence is deafening.
WAKE UP PEOPLE.
Where are the ones who are always speaking about justice? They are silent.
Where are the ones who say they are concerned for the poor and helpless? They are silent.
The silence is deafening.
WAKE UP PEOPLE.
Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week
Collect of the Day: Tuesday in Holy Week
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Collect for Monday in Holy Week
Collect of the Day: Monday in Holy Week
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, March 18, 2005
God is Great
Life in Death Valley
Unusual Rains Have Death Valley National Park Blooming
Isaiah 35:1-2 (ESV)
1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.
Our God is an awesome God!!
What's up with Florida
Over the last several years, the state of Florida has been the scene of some crazy news events.
1. Elian Gonzales, the six year old boy who survived the escape from Cuba, only to have Federal agents take him from his aunt's home at gunpoint and return him to Cuba.
2. The 2000 Presidential election and the famous hanging chads.
3. Terri Schiavo, the woman whose husband wants to kill by removing her feeding tube. Nothing seems to be able to stop the effort. Lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels are trying to intervene.
Is there something in the water or is the sun too hot?
1. Elian Gonzales, the six year old boy who survived the escape from Cuba, only to have Federal agents take him from his aunt's home at gunpoint and return him to Cuba.
2. The 2000 Presidential election and the famous hanging chads.
3. Terri Schiavo, the woman whose husband wants to kill by removing her feeding tube. Nothing seems to be able to stop the effort. Lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels are trying to intervene.
Is there something in the water or is the sun too hot?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick
An Irish Blessing in honor of St. Patrick.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Now boys...Please play nicely
Presiding Bishop: Primates “Out for Blood” at Meeting
The devil is a liar and the father of lies and the devil was certainly moving about Dromantine, the site of the primates’ meeting in Northern Ireland, the presiding Bishop said, according to accounts from several bishops who spoke to THE LIVING CHURCH on the condition that their names not be revealed. The primates were “out for blood,” Bishop Griswold told them.
Now Frankie, it's not nice to call your friends "the devil". Play nice.
Can't you boys just get along.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh; the Rev. Canon Bill Atwood, general secretary of the Ekklesia Society; the Rev. Canon Martyn Minns, rector of Truro Parish, Fairfax, Va.; the Rev. Canon David Anderson, president of the American Anglican Council; the Rev. Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian of the Diocese of South Carolina; and Diane Knippers, president of the Institute for Religion and Democracy, were singled out for opprobrium by the Presiding Bishop for their behind-the-scenes roles at Dromantine.
Duncan to Frankie: "Sticks and stones may break my bones........"
Seriously, Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of healing by the power of the Devil. I quess there is nothing new under the sun. Duncan and the others are in good company.
The devil is a liar and the father of lies and the devil was certainly moving about Dromantine, the site of the primates’ meeting in Northern Ireland, the presiding Bishop said, according to accounts from several bishops who spoke to THE LIVING CHURCH on the condition that their names not be revealed. The primates were “out for blood,” Bishop Griswold told them.
Now Frankie, it's not nice to call your friends "the devil". Play nice.
Can't you boys just get along.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh; the Rev. Canon Bill Atwood, general secretary of the Ekklesia Society; the Rev. Canon Martyn Minns, rector of Truro Parish, Fairfax, Va.; the Rev. Canon David Anderson, president of the American Anglican Council; the Rev. Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian of the Diocese of South Carolina; and Diane Knippers, president of the Institute for Religion and Democracy, were singled out for opprobrium by the Presiding Bishop for their behind-the-scenes roles at Dromantine.
Duncan to Frankie: "Sticks and stones may break my bones........"
Seriously, Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of healing by the power of the Devil. I quess there is nothing new under the sun. Duncan and the others are in good company.
Monday, March 14, 2005
WACKO Alert!!
Judge Says California Can't Ban Gay Marriage
I think this judge is a charter member of the We Are Crazy Kids Organization (W.A.C.K.O.)
Heaven help us.
I think this judge is a charter member of the We Are Crazy Kids Organization (W.A.C.K.O.)
Heaven help us.
Lent 5 - Raising of Lazarus
We heard again the story of the raising of Lazarus. I began to wonder, what was Lazarus doing during the time Jesus was in the grave. The scriptures do not mention him again.
I can imagine he may have been with his sisters, Mary and Martha, encouraging them by saying, "Hey, look at me. I was dead and now I live because of him. He promised to return in three days. Let's wait and see what happens." He may have been looking for the twelve to tell them the same thing. Since most of them had run away and were in hiding, he may not have found them to encourage them in there time of fear and despair. Or he may have met up with them in the upper room and said, "Hey look guys. He told us he would be killed and would return in three days. I'm here because of Him. Look at me and believe."
Again, we don't know, but I can only imagine. Lazarus would have had quite a story to tell of his time in the grave. I think it possible, one reason Jesus brought him back from the dead was to be an example to the others as to the power of God while Jesus was not with them. Those three days were probably very long ones, not knowing what would happen. But Lazarus would have been a living icon of what God can do.
I can imagine he may have been with his sisters, Mary and Martha, encouraging them by saying, "Hey, look at me. I was dead and now I live because of him. He promised to return in three days. Let's wait and see what happens." He may have been looking for the twelve to tell them the same thing. Since most of them had run away and were in hiding, he may not have found them to encourage them in there time of fear and despair. Or he may have met up with them in the upper room and said, "Hey look guys. He told us he would be killed and would return in three days. I'm here because of Him. Look at me and believe."
Again, we don't know, but I can only imagine. Lazarus would have had quite a story to tell of his time in the grave. I think it possible, one reason Jesus brought him back from the dead was to be an example to the others as to the power of God while Jesus was not with them. Those three days were probably very long ones, not knowing what would happen. But Lazarus would have been a living icon of what God can do.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/11/05
Rom 8:28-39 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These are the most comforting words to me. I can't add anything to them. Read them again and let it sink in.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These are the most comforting words to me. I can't add anything to them. Read them again and let it sink in.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/9/05
Rom. 8: 1- 11
Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I know this is Lent, but I must shout out, Hallelujah, Glory to God.
John 6: 27- 40
John 6:40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day."
Another shout out. Hallelujah, Glory to God.
Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I know this is Lent, but I must shout out, Hallelujah, Glory to God.
John 6: 27- 40
John 6:40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day."
Another shout out. Hallelujah, Glory to God.
Senate rejects Schumer amendment
Senate GOP Gains Victory on Abortion Vote
The Schumer amendment to the Bankruptcy Law was an obvious attempt to silence Pro-life demonstrators. The Republicans finally stood their ground and defeated Chuckie.
Thanks be to God.
The Schumer amendment to the Bankruptcy Law was an obvious attempt to silence Pro-life demonstrators. The Republicans finally stood their ground and defeated Chuckie.
Thanks be to God.
Just be quiet
Five mainline protestant leaders call Bush's 2006 budget 'unjust'
[Washington, D.C.] Leaders of five mainline Protestant denominations representing more than 20 million followers in the United States today called President Bush's 2006 federal budget "unjust."
I bet these same people are the first to invoke the "Separation of Church and State" any other time. Funny thing, they don't want the Ten Commandments posted in public, they don't want restrictions on abortion, but they want to tell the Feds how to spend other peoples money.
From me to them, "Just shut up". I'm sorry, to be more polite, "Just be quiet".
[Washington, D.C.] Leaders of five mainline Protestant denominations representing more than 20 million followers in the United States today called President Bush's 2006 federal budget "unjust."
I bet these same people are the first to invoke the "Separation of Church and State" any other time. Funny thing, they don't want the Ten Commandments posted in public, they don't want restrictions on abortion, but they want to tell the Feds how to spend other peoples money.
From me to them, "Just shut up". I'm sorry, to be more polite, "Just be quiet".
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/8/05
John 6: 16- 27
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"
26 Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."
Jesus feeds the 5000+. That evening, He walks on the sea during a storm. The crowd finds Him on the other side and wonders how He got there. We often judge the crowd in our 20/20 hindsight. I wonder what I would have done if I were there. Would I be amazed? Would I fall at His feet and worhsip Him? Would I join the crowd and ask for more in order to satisfy my belly? I don't know. I hope I would have heeded His words and worked for that which gives eternal life.
It doesn't really matter what I would have done if I was in the crowd, since I wasn't. It does matter what I do now, however. Lord, help me to follow you as you wish.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"
26 Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."
Jesus feeds the 5000+. That evening, He walks on the sea during a storm. The crowd finds Him on the other side and wonders how He got there. We often judge the crowd in our 20/20 hindsight. I wonder what I would have done if I were there. Would I be amazed? Would I fall at His feet and worhsip Him? Would I join the crowd and ask for more in order to satisfy my belly? I don't know. I hope I would have heeded His words and worked for that which gives eternal life.
It doesn't really matter what I would have done if I was in the crowd, since I wasn't. It does matter what I do now, however. Lord, help me to follow you as you wish.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Nightly News
I didn't see this on the nightly news. I wonder why not. Finally, some common sense.
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 7, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee signed a new law into effect Thursday that requires parental consent for girls under 18 years of age before having an abortion.Huckabee told legislators at a signing conference Thursday that the measure is another step in the protection of life. The Senate approved the bill, sponsored by Little Rock Republican Jeremy Hutchinson, last month by a 27-3 vote.“I just can’t comprehend a society where a child can get an abortion without a parent's permission, yet can’t get an aspirin at the school office without that permission,” said Republican Sen. David Bisbee in Senate debate of the bill last month, as reported by arkansasnews.com.Bisbee argued that, as a serious medical procedure, abortion occasionally ends in tragedy. “What do we say to those parents if that child dies? That we're sorry, we thought you might get upset? Here's her body?”
Friday, March 04, 2005
British Understatement
The Church of England Newspaper editorial regarding the Anglican Primates meeting:
Anglicans will be deeply grateful to the Primates for their wisdom and theological faithfulness at Newry. At last they have realised that they can actually take action, they are freed from the mantra that no action could be taken against maverick elements. The Anglican family has conducted itself with exemplary courtesy towards a divergent group, but at the end of the day no family can allow one member to destroy it. The Primates have decided, and not before time, to be Primates of the global family and to remove privileges from the wayward member. In sporting terms, the yellow card has been shown to ECUSA and her Canadian sister, a time for reflection has been called. The family as a whole can breathe again and relax now that the vexatious sisters have been sent away to reconsider their future. We sincerely hope that the three years out of the Anglican Consultative Council does indeed help.
(Emphasis mine)
So much for the famous british understatement.
Anglicans will be deeply grateful to the Primates for their wisdom and theological faithfulness at Newry. At last they have realised that they can actually take action, they are freed from the mantra that no action could be taken against maverick elements. The Anglican family has conducted itself with exemplary courtesy towards a divergent group, but at the end of the day no family can allow one member to destroy it. The Primates have decided, and not before time, to be Primates of the global family and to remove privileges from the wayward member. In sporting terms, the yellow card has been shown to ECUSA and her Canadian sister, a time for reflection has been called. The family as a whole can breathe again and relax now that the vexatious sisters have been sent away to reconsider their future. We sincerely hope that the three years out of the Anglican Consultative Council does indeed help.
(Emphasis mine)
So much for the famous british understatement.
Lectionary readings for 3/4/05
John 8:33-47
41 You are indeed doing what your father does.' They said to him, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.'
42 Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word.
44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
47 Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.'
I have often heard it said that everyone is a child of God. Jesus seems to be giving us a contrary view. Some are and some are not.
On the basic level of creation, we can say we are all children of God since He is our creator. However, Jesus is making a differentiation of the heart. Who does our heart belong to? Who owns our affections? The first commandment, Thou shalt love the Lord you God with your whole being. The second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Unfortunately, I don't have the wisdom or the insight to know who is and who is not a child of God on this level, as Jesus did. He knew the hearts of those He was speaking to and could make these statements. The Pharisee's certainly thought they were the children of God, but Jesus tells them otherwise. Since I can't know with 100% certainty, I guess my job is to treat everyone the same, as if they were a child of God. That way, if I error, I error on the side of good rather than the dark side. Have I come full circle?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
41 You are indeed doing what your father does.' They said to him, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.'
42 Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.
43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word.
44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
47 Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.'
I have often heard it said that everyone is a child of God. Jesus seems to be giving us a contrary view. Some are and some are not.
On the basic level of creation, we can say we are all children of God since He is our creator. However, Jesus is making a differentiation of the heart. Who does our heart belong to? Who owns our affections? The first commandment, Thou shalt love the Lord you God with your whole being. The second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Unfortunately, I don't have the wisdom or the insight to know who is and who is not a child of God on this level, as Jesus did. He knew the hearts of those He was speaking to and could make these statements. The Pharisee's certainly thought they were the children of God, but Jesus tells them otherwise. Since I can't know with 100% certainty, I guess my job is to treat everyone the same, as if they were a child of God. That way, if I error, I error on the side of good rather than the dark side. Have I come full circle?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Spirituality
A good read. Christianity Today has an interview with Eugene Peterson regarding Spirituality.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/3/05
John 8:21-32
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples;
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'
..."the truth will make you free." This is another one of Jesus' statements that is often quoted, or should I say misquoted. We never hear the beginning of His statement, "If you continue in my word". The Amplified Bible puts it this way, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.
So, it looks like there are some preconditions to knowing the truth. Abiding in, holding fast to, and living in accordance with the word of God.
Let me let you in on an inside secret. The truth is not a system of ideas that we give mental assent to. The Truth is a person. His name is Jesus. "I am the Way the Truth and the Life"... John 14:6
31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples;
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'
..."the truth will make you free." This is another one of Jesus' statements that is often quoted, or should I say misquoted. We never hear the beginning of His statement, "If you continue in my word". The Amplified Bible puts it this way, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.
So, it looks like there are some preconditions to knowing the truth. Abiding in, holding fast to, and living in accordance with the word of God.
Let me let you in on an inside secret. The truth is not a system of ideas that we give mental assent to. The Truth is a person. His name is Jesus. "I am the Way the Truth and the Life"... John 14:6
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Lectionary readings for 3/2/05
John 8:12-20
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'
This is a different metaphor to illustrate the same truth. Yesterday, Jesus was the living water. Today, He is the light of the world. Without Him, we are in darkness. With Him, we have the light of life.
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'
This is a different metaphor to illustrate the same truth. Yesterday, Jesus was the living water. Today, He is the light of the world. Without Him, we are in darkness. With Him, we have the light of life.
In Him there is no darkness at all,
the day and the night are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart Lord Jesus.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
High Court Ends Death Penalty for Youths
High Court Ends Death Penalty for Youths .......but it is still OK to kill the innocent unborn.
I don't get it.
I don't get it.
Lectionary readings for 3/1/05
John 7:37-52
37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,
38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, "Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water."'
The prophet Isaiah said that God would make streams in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Jesus is saying that He is the fulfillment of this promise. As he told the woman at the well , “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13, 14
From personal experience, I can say that nothing else satisfies the thirsting of the soul.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen
37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,
38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, "Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water."'
The prophet Isaiah said that God would make streams in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Jesus is saying that He is the fulfillment of this promise. As he told the woman at the well , “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13, 14
From personal experience, I can say that nothing else satisfies the thirsting of the soul.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen
St. David's Day
Welsh Flag
March 1st is St. David's Day, aka Dewi.
St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He doesn't get the press that St. Patrick does, but he is an important historical figure nonetheless. Since I am of Welsh heritage, here's one for Dewi.
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