What I see when I get a moment to pause and make a little sense of the world
Playing Through
Forty ways to celebrate the greatest event in history
Lent is the 40 days,
not counting Sundays, before Easter. These Scripture readings, fun
activities, discussion points and hymns to read or sing will help your
family focus on the most pivotal Christian truth: Christ died and rose
to save us from sin!
Link: MSNBC – Coffee may help protect against liver cancer.
A cup of joe a day reduces risk of disease, study finds.
Continue reading “Coffee May Help Protect Against Liver Cancer”
I want to take time this Lent to invite all of us, especially me, into a reflective time of paying special attention to God. I am thankful to Larry Thomas, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Issaquah, WA and leader of a retreat for the Wellspring Colleague Forum, for beginning my reflections on the helpful and humorous practices that shape our lives as fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Now for the spiritual aerobics to accompany our Lenten Luncheon. “Christian asceticism is not spiritual boot camp, but neither is it effortless. Learning when and how, to what, and to whom to give our yes or our no is a life long project” (M. Shawn Copeland, “Saying Yes and Saying No” @ PracticingOurFaith.com).
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one (Matthew 5:33-37, NRSV).
Memorize Ephesians 1:7-8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight (NRSV).
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (NIV).
Reflect on Ephesians 1:7-8
Link: David Kuo on why Bush’s faith-based initiative has floundered — Beliefnet.com.
David Kuo writes with passion about something I have watched wither on Washington’s vine. When I first heard about the faith-based initiative I was cautiously optomistic about the possibilities for the religious community to help shape the communities in which we live. Kuo helps explain why little has happened and exposes the secret … If you cannot appeal to my self-interest then those in power, whether left, right, or moderate, are not inclined to step in. You will want to check out Marvin Olasky’s, author of the phrase "compassionate conservative," shifting the blame to "anti-religious bigots, long-time nonprofit
recipients of federal funds, and officials who trust social service
professionals more than the mom-and-pop volunteers who typically make
the largest difference in inner cities" in his response "Its About Power." Of course the White House responded as well with Scott McClellan stating "We’ve Rallied the Armies of Compassion" and pointing to the obvious … its congress’ fault. Please …
Shooting from the Heart: Please, Keep Faith by David Kuo
Former Bush Aide: ‘Minimal commitment’ from the White House plus Democratic hostility hinder the faith-based plan.
Four years ago, while visiting a small urban charity, President Bush launched the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He called it "one of the most important initiatives" of his administration.
Memorize 1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (NRSV).
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (NIV).
Reflect on 2 Peter 2:24
Scripture: Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him’ " (Matthew 4:10, NRSV).
Observe the Context: In reading Matthew 4:1-13 we see Jesus emerging from the Jordan river’s baptismal waters and being led into wilderness. After 40 days of going without food and water Jesus is said to be "famished" (an understatement for sure!). The Evil One (diabolos in the Greek) or Satan comes to Jesus and tempts him saying "if you are the Son of God, then …." These words remind the reader that only 40 days earlier "a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased’ " (Matthew 3:17). Satan comes at Jesus at a moment of weakness (when he is famished) and simultaneously compliments him on his strength (you are the Son of God). Jesus responds by rejecting Satan with answers that reside in the Torah (see Deuteronomy 6-8) and choosing to worship only the LORD our God.
Apply the Text to My Life: Jesus is tempted in the ways I am tempted and usually fall. When "I am tired, I am weak, and I am worn" the Evil One tempts me and most often I want to fix it for myself, rather than let Jesus "lead me on to the light" (from Thomas Dorsey’s "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," The United Methodist Hymnal, #474). But the Evil One also comes and says such great things about me … and I don’t want the words to stop flowing. Jesus offers me the answer in verse 10: "Away with you, Satan" and "worship only the Lord" I reject Satan by depending on God’s Word ("thy word is lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path," Psalm 119:105) and worshipping God (and not the idols of self or others). There is no big red easy button here (where is Staples when I need them) … I have to depend on and worship God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, watch over me as I move through this week that I may learn to depend on you and you alone. Teach me to worship you in solidarity with others who seek sustenance in your embrace. Indeed teach me to love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength and my neighbor as myself. Hear my prayer lifted in the Name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
SOAP = Scripture, Observation, Application, & Prayer
Front Porch Reflections 
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