Reflections (gifts given)

A bishop from an earlier age, had a great way with words.  Attributed to him was an affirmation that "God has woven (fill in your quest) into the fabric of creation."
Translated: In God's good creation the gifts of grace and spirit have been woven into the very fabric of God's work. 
Further translation: The answers to our questions have been woven into the fabric of God's creation.
I have many mentors who have invested in my life.  Bob Tuttle, Jr. is my theological mentor.  Cecil Williamson is my ministry mentor.  Jimmy Buskirk is my pastoral mentor.  It was Dr. Buskirk who I recall stating that "God put the quinine in the tree before we came along and discovered it." 
God has woven into the fabric of creation the answers to our hopes and dreams.  They are present.  We have the privilege of discovery.
What are you looking for today?  Our minds race to the battle to treat, cure, and prevent Covid-19.  If what I propose is accurate, the answer has been woven into the very fabric of creation since God spoke and the worlds came into being.  We have some of the brightest people on earth working around the clock to find the cure for Covid-19.  I believe the answer is provided by God.  I pray God grant expedited discovery of the cure for this virus.
The prayer is for God to bless those researchers and scientists with divine wisdom and knowledge as they work to discover God's answer.
There may be other things on your mind today.
What do you long to discover that God's has wonderfully woven into the fabric of creation?
The challenge of job lose?
The tension of being home all the time?
The diminishing funds in your pension?
How to avoid getting sick?
How to get well!
How to walk through challenges?
How to live into God's future?
How to discover that God really is present and with me?
Whatever your question, know that God makes a way.
When God completed that initial work of creation, God said "very good".  God would have surveyed the wonder of creation, the beauty (picture those beautiful places you have visited), the awe, the colors, the scents of a glorious creation.  And I believe God wove many unseen particles into the beautiful tapestry of creation.
Today, make a discovery!  Discover some of God's perfect goodness in the midst of life.  Your life!
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (Live today - Thrive tomorrow)

I heard a Christian leader use this idea.  Live today to thrive tomorrow.  It was a quote from someone but I can't recall who.  So, not my original idea (actually I do not have original ideas) but offer some thoughts on how this works out.
Live today.  Today is the day God sets before you.  Certainly you have hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.  The future (where God also dwells) draws you.  But do not neglect the moment.  How you develop and form your life (by the Spirit fashioning you today) will lead to how you thrive tomorrow. 
Paul says, "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain."  (Philippians 1:21).  To fully live, live in Christ.
Some hints to help us along that way.  Welcome the risen Lord Jesus Christ into your heart.  You may have said a pray of accepting Jesus decades ago. (or yesterday).  Refresh your relationship with Christ today.
I actually began my day with opening my heart and welcoming Jesus into my life.  I gain a fresh awareness of forgiveness and grace in my life.  I am reminded that I have the living God in me.  For me to live is Christ.
You belong to Jesus and now you have the opportunity to offer your living to him and his honor. 
For me, this begins with prayer.
I pray the Lord's Prayer multiple times during the day.  Recently I got a new thought about the prayer Jesus taught.  In its immediate context Jesus was teaching his disciples, a small group, to pray.  He uses the word "our" in the prayer.  "Our" - belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people..."
Then Jesus leads his disciples in the prayer.
You belong to Jesus.  You are asking him to teach you to pray.  Now you join with Jesus in prayer.  "Our Father..."
Today you may live more fully when you realize you are actually praying with (and living with) Jesus Christ.
Prayers like this will form you.  You will find your attention going more to God and the things of God than the news and grim statistics related to the coronavirus. 
You will be making new discoveries about yourself and about life.  What is being formed in you today will lead to your thriving tomorrow.
I am not exactly what thriving tomorrow is going to look like for each of us, but I am convinced that we are people with "hope and a future". (Jeremiah 29:11)
We live by faith in the eternal, loving God, who calls us into relationship with Himself.
Live today - Thrive tomorrow.
This is the day the  Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (The Stories of Jesus)

"Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear; things I would ask him to tell me if he were here: scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, stories of Jesus, tell them to me."
If we were live together in church today, children would be walking through the church waving palm branches.
"Into the city I'd follows the children's band, waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand."
We did take pictures of some of our children with their homemade palm branches as they waved them from their home to our hearts.
The stories of Jesus.
One Palm Sunday, when we served in Raymore, I brought in an accompaniment for the children.  That was the time we had a live donkey walk in our procession.  It worked fine, but have not pushed my luck since.
Some who take note of my actions could tell you stories of my anxiousness as the children processed through the worship service, once, twice, three times...They would note my foot tapping.  They would note me checking the time.  They would note my impatience.  Gotta have time to preach!  Then it was discovered that if they would simply toss me a Cadbury egg, all would be well.  How's that for a story?
Today I think about the stories of Jesus.
We read the stories of Jesus in the Bible.
We also hear the stories of Jesus in songs of faith.
I have an affinity toward "contemporary Christian music".  I have been drawn to and blessed by new forms of worship since the 1980's. 
I also realize that the foundation for worship music came from the hymns of the church.  What also feeds my soul is good old Southern Gospel Music.
Tell me the Stories of Jesus.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.
How Great Thou Art.
Blessed Assurance.
I'll Fly Away.
The Old Rugged Cross.
Victory in Jesus.
Amazing Grace.
When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.
Because He Lives.
The Lighthouse.
It is Well With My Soul.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
Pass Me Not.
Great is Thy Faithfulness.
This list could go on and on.  Add to your list.  Music has a way of touching our hearts with the stories of Jesus.
For this season things are different.  We are not gathering face to face, but we still meet heart to heart.  Covid-19 is an ever present threat.  We take it seriously and practice safety measures.  But Covid-19 will not define our lives and who we are.  Someday the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 will be relegated to a few paragraphs in a Wikipedia article.  It will be the object of a scientific article in a journal only a specific group will read.  It will be stories we tell future generations.  But it will not compare to the Stories of Jesus.
Today I am thankful for the stories of Jesus written on my heart in so many ways.
May a story of Jesus be written on your heart today.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (Pie)

Yesterday I referenced my running days.  One of the main reasons for my commitment to exercise is PIE.  I like pie.
Cherry, Apple, and Peach pie!
Meringue Pie - Lemon, chocolate,
Cream Pie - Chocolate, banana, coconut, sour cream raisin (ok, some won't think that sounds good but it is)
How about Gooseberry, blackberry and mincemeat?
Then there are cobblers - blackberry (again, yes), peach.
Don't forget Apple crisp (one of Cindy's best), peach crisp.
Pie.
And cake is fine as well.  Angel Food, Chocolate, red velvet...
I like cupcakes.
I like other desserts. 
If I ate all this I would be in bad shape.  But these things tend to bring me joy and comfort.  Of course, that is within reason.  Too much of a good thing will mess you up.
I was thinking about my "pie" philosophy and how it relates to my new daily life. 
Sometimes I need something that is tart.  I need a challenge.  I need to be moved beyond my comfort zone.  I need to face certain realities and how they form my actions.  Tart. Lemon Meringue, Gooseberry.
Sometimes I need comfort.  I need to be encouraged.  I need a reminder that things are never as troubling as they seem at the moment.  Comfort. Cherry, Apple, Peach.
Sometimes I need a lighter load.  Angel Food cake.
Sometimes I need something hearty.  I need to dive in and get to work.  Mincemeat?  (Ok. Most of you are not interested, but believe me, it is good.)
Sometimes I need spirituality. (That is really my main thing but it is not the only piece of life) This is a good reason to lay off the "Devils Food" and stay with Angel Food!
Sometimes I need a generous portion of good news and hope.  So I turn to Gooseberry which no one else around me likes, so I can eat it all.)
Sometimes I need to limit my intake, especially of news and statistics.  A cupcake is good.
Well, this makes me hungry.  It also reminds me that I need balance.  I can't only feast on dessert!  I need fruit and vegetables.  I am looking for ways to notice all that is going on as we sit down in our virtual fellowship and more so, our family relationships. 
Please pass some meat.  Would you pass the potatoes?  I'll have some of that corn casserole.  I would love that fruit salad.
Some butter and jelly for your roll?
Water for me.
And when the meal is complete - when the day is past and it is time to rest - clean your plate.  Clean the table.  But oh yes.  Keep your fork.  Leave room for dessert!
Find joy today.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (One Step at a Time)

When I was younger I was a regular runner.  At this stage in life I run little but I still carry some lessons learned through the years.
For example, I discovered a technique (it was really a mindset) for running up hills.  The steeper the hill the more challenging it was to crest the top and complete the run.
There was a big hill in Raymore I used to finish with.  There was a hill in Joplin that I ran up toward the end of my run.  I actually learned how to train by running up those hills.
What I discovered that helped me was to not look at the top of the hill.  I learned to keep my eyes right in front of me.  I watched where the next step would land.  I could keep my eyes about five or ten feet out.
There were advantages to that.  I was less likely to trip over something if I had my eyes on the immediate rather than the finish.  I was less likely to step in a hole and hurt myself, if I kept my eyes on the next step rather than the last step.
There were other advantages.  If I went somewhere and found myself running in a new place where I did not know the terrain, it was always best to keep my eyes right in front of me rather than picking out a spot at the top of the hill to run toward.  In new places you could crest your hill only to find another one you did not anticipate.
That reminds me of the book "Canoeing the Mountains", when the Lewis and Clark expedition crested the first line of the Rocky Mountains, expecting to find a nice descent and path to the ocean, only to find more mountains as far as the eye could see.  The good news is, they adapted.
Back to running.
I learned to focus on one step at a time.  I began to realize that as I practiced one step at a time I would always end up on top of the hill. 
Can you see where this is heading?
We will best live through the caronovirus pandemic by taking one step at a time.  Certainly, it is important to be strategic and make plans, but don't pick out a spot at the top of the hill and focus on that.  There may be another you do not see.  Rather, take a step - a day - at a time.
Jesus teaches us a lesson that may be applied here.  Matthew 6:25-34 instructs us to not be worried ... about life, food, drink, clothes.  God reveals His providing nature in creation.  God provides for birds and grass.  Guess what, you are much dearer to the heart of God than anything else in creation.
So, here is the step to take.  "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."  When you do that you have the invitation and Spirit empowered ability, to trust God for all the things of life.
Jesus concludes with a good reminder.  "Do not worry about tomorrow (the top of the hill); for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day (your next step) has enough trouble of its own.
Today put your focus on now.  You know that the future lies ahead and we are going to come through this.  By looking too far ahead you will create an unhealthy impatience.  If you convince yourself this will be over within a few days you are missing the point.  Buy by living fully each day, you will navigate the season well.
A next step - give thanks.  I am thankful for prayer time this morning.  I am thankful for the opportunity to read the Bible today.  I am thankful for being able to walk in a drizzle.  I am thankful for Cream of Wheat.  I am thankful for family and friends.  I am thankful that as I write this Cindy is doing her step by step study.  This could go on and on.  Be thankful for something as a next step today.
Another step.  Pay attention.  Be aware of reality.  Be aware of what causes you anxiety. 
Another step.  Seek God and His perfect ways.
Another step.  Seek God's righteousness.  (When you seek it, your find it, and it becomes you.)
Another step.  Do not indulge yourself with needless worry.  (Figure it out).
Another step.  Overcome the little troubles and do not create bigger ones in your imagination.
Live today as fully as God empowers you.  Live today as graciously as God enables you.  Live today as lovingly as Jesus loves you.
Step by step you gain.  Step by step you know God is with you.  Step by step you are now closer to overcoming than when you began to read this.
This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (Writing Your Story)

Saul of Tarsus spent the first portion of his life writing a story of deep devotion to his Jewish faith and how that was lived out.  Then came a period of "crisis".  The news about the resurrection of Jesus was spreading quickly.  People were believing in this resurrected Jesus.  Saul acted according to his history.  He was becoming a chief persecutor of this new "sect". 
Then everything changed.  While on the way to carry out his orders, the risen Jesus appeared to him on the way to Damascus. (Acts 9)
From there he grew into the new name of Paul.  From there he wrote a new story of his life that endures to the present time.
What story are you writing?  What is the story of your life that you want to tell 10 years or 20 years, or more, from now? 
We are not underestimating the seriousness of the caronavirus, Covid-19.  We know that many are sick.  Many are dying.  Many are at risk.  But we also note that the vast majority of us will live through this crisis and have stories to tell.  What story will you write that will be your message going well into the future?
Some may have a story of hoarding toilet paper.  In light of this entire episode that will seem pretty small.  I don't think I want to tell kids and grandkids about the time during a world-wide crisis that I managed to keep plenty of toilet paper.
Some may make decisions today that will result in stories motivated by fear and anxiety. 
Some may make decisions today that will result in stories of yielding to temptation.
I could go on and one. 
Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, when speaking to the question of whether a business should be considered essential, offered the test.  If you have to ask, it is probably not essential.
If you are considering some action today, and have to ask if it is helpful, hurtful, useful, good or bad, you should probably stay away from the contemplated action.
Let me be very direct.  If you are thinking about being unfaithful to a loved one, that is a bad idea.  That is really not a story you want to tell to succeeding generations.  What story are you writing?
I am writing a story of spending more time with Cindy and finding joy in doing so!  I am actually trying to be helpful. (Not sure how successful that will be, but...)
I'll keep going.  If you are finding yourself yielding to frustration and anxiety, and wondering if life is worth living, stop, pray, call someone.  You may write a new story that will not be devastating to succeeding generations.
Give it some thought.  Write your story today.
Write a story that will seem heroic to succeeding generations.
Write a story of self-sacrifice without complaints, that will cause succeeding generations to take note.
Write a story of courage that will inspire succeeding generations.
Write a story of patience that will encourage succeeding generations.
Write a story of love that will endure through succeeding generations.
Paul wrote a new story.  You may write a new story as well.
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve

Reflections (On Courage)

Is your courage contrived or inspired?
I ask myself this question often.  I have been asking myself this question more lately!  We find ourselves facing the uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus with different moods.  Sometimes our feelings change in a matter of minutes.  One minute I am seeing beyond the immediate and reaching for the new possibilities that are coming.  Then I get bogged down with statistics.  I face the hard times we anticipate seeing over the next couple of weeks.  Through it all I seek to be courageous.
Is my courage inspired by the Living God whose Spirit dwells in me?  Is my courage inspired by Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, the one who is totally faithful?
Is my courage contrived?  Am I merely trying to convince myself that things will be ok?  (Or fill in whatever form that takes with you.)
We have the capability of stirring up courage, inspiration and enthusiasm.  I remember a junior high football game.  It was a rainy week day afternoon.  We rode the bus to Sherwood High School to play a junior high football game. 
In the locker room before we were to take the field the coach fired us up.  We were a bunch of eighth and ninth graders jumping around, hitting each other on the shoulder pads, and yelling so the walls shook. 
Then the coach walked back into the locker room and told us the game had been cancelled due to the rain and the field conditions.  (I figure they did not want to waste the field on a junior high game and were saving it for the big boys.)  Our enthusiasm - our courage - faded as quickly as it had been contrived.
That may be a reach.  However, I am not interested in walking through this season, trying to convince myself that "I got this".  I am not willing to share thoughts with you that are merely the result of my own contrived courage. 
There is something better. 
Courage is inspired.  Paul wrote in  Colossians 2:27.  "...God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Here is where your courage comes from.  Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You are free from trying to contrive courage.  Simply tap into the fact that through faith Jesus Christ lives in you.  He is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You do not have to "be strong" for others.  You have Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You do not have to have all the right answers, insights, and grasp of all that is before us.  You have Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You do not have to try and make everyone think you are OK.  The fact is it is OK to not be ok.  You have Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You do not need to contrive courage.  It is fine to admit anxious thoughts and feelings.  A new found honesty with our souls may be an outcome of this time.
You have inspired courage.  It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Your courage is light in darkness.
Your courage is hope in despair.
Your courage is faith in doubt.
Your courage is joy in sorrow.
Your courage is -- Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Let faith arise!  Let courage come forth?  It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
And no one is coming into the midst of your inspired courage and say "game off".  This is "game on" time and as people united with one another and held by Jesus Christ, we live courageously.
Contrived courage fades quickly.  Inspired courage sustains us through life.
It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.
steve