Sunday, October 30, 2016

Sunday Supplication - We Are Following Jesus

Lord God, we give you thanks for the Holy Scriptures you inspired to be written for our learning. Help us to hear them, read them, mark them, and learn them. Help us to take them in so deeply and apply them so personally that we become more and more able to live for you and hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your promise to forgive and purify us. Forgive us our sins. Renew us by your Spirit. Show us how to act, think, and live as Christ.  And as you have forgiven us, make us merciful and ready to forgive those who have sinned against us.

Help us, O Lord, to know and understand the love of Jesus. Help us to experience it. Help us to share it. Help us live out love in such a way that it becomes clear to all around us that we are following Jesus.

It’s in his name that we pray these things. Amen.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Thursday Thinking - Election Anxiety

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear; or about your country, who wins an election..."  That's not an exact quote, but I think it works pretty well.

David Brooks has written a new piece about this year's anxiety-riddled election season. Take some time to read it and then calm down.



The Epidemic of Worry
by David Brooks

We’ve had a tutorial on worry this year. The election campaign isn’t really about policy proposals, issue solutions or even hope. It’s led by two candidates who arouse gargantuan anxieties, fear and hatred in their opponents.

As a result, some mental health therapists are reporting that three-quarters of their patients are mentioning significant election-related anxiety. An American Psychological Association study found that more than half of all Americans are very or somewhat stressed by this race.

CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING...

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Wednesday Words - A Letter in October


Dawn comes later and later now,
and I, who only a month ago
could sit with coffee every morning
watching the light walk down the hill
to the edge of the pond and place
a doe there, shyly drinking,

then see the light step out upon
the water, sowing reflections
to either side—a garden
of trees that grew as if by magic—
now see no more than my face,
mirrored by darkness, pale and odd,

startled by time. While I slept,
night in its thick winter jacket
bridled the doe with a twist
of wet leaves and led her away,
then brought its black horse with harness
that creaked like a cricket, and turned

the water garden under. I woke,
and at the waiting window found
the curtains open to my open face;
beyond me, darkness. And I,
who only wished to keep looking out,
must now keep looking in.

“A Letter in October” by Ted Kooser, from Weather Central
Copyright © 1994 by Ted Kooser.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Tuesday Tome - Book Club Week 3

Our third session of this book club will be next Monday, October 31. You are welcome to join us.

BOOK SELECTION:  
You Are What You Love by K. A. Smith

WHEN:
Five Mondays at 8:00pm

WHERE:
Valley Christian Church Office

READING & MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday, October 31, 8:00pm - Chapter 4
Monday, November 7, 8:00pm - Chapter 5
Monday, November 14, 8:00pm - Chapters 6-7




PURCHASE THE BOOK AT AMAZON

Publisher's Description...
You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavors are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship. 

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Sunday Supplication - Your Upward Calling

Almighty and merciful God, we want to be your faithful people and we want to serve you and honor you through our lives. We ask you to make this possible by your grace and guidance. Help us to press forward. Lift us up when we stumble. And help us to run to win the prize of your upward calling.

Lead us away from temptation. Free us from selfishness and pride. Give us the honesty and humility to recognize our need for your grace and mercy. Forgive us our sins and make us ready to forgive others.

Thank you, O God, for providing for our needs. Give us the wisdom and humility to recognize your provision. Give us hearts that are generous toward others. Make us ready and willing to help those in need. And may your grace and provision in our lives always result in us being more gracious and generous as we follow in the way of Christ.

Through Him, we pray. Amen.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Thursday Thinking - The Christian Responsibility

I appreciated this short but thoughtful post on Peter Enns' blog...


A QUICK THOUGHT ABOUT 
TRUE CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY 
IN VOTING FOR A PRESIDENT
Posted by PeteEnns on October 17, 2016

I’ll make this short. 
 
In a public lecture given in 2011, N. T. Wright (“Kingdom and Cross”—which I make my Bible intro students watch every year) talks about the American Evangelical tendency to get tied up with power and place false hope in the political system.

The true Christian responsibility, Wright reminds us, is not to align with power, but to critique it prophetically in all its forms, to remind the powerful that no matter how powerful they are, they answer to the Creator.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that Christians are not to be involved in the political process. It only means that they acknowledge that no political process or candidate is ever the source of hope because no candidate is ever free of corruption. A prophetic critique is the Christian responsibility and always needed...

KEEP READING



Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Wednesday Words - Autumn


A touch of cold in the Autumn night—
I walked abroad,
And saw the ruddy moon lean over a hedge
Like a red-faced farmer.
I did not stop to speak, but nodded,
And round about were the wistful stars
With white faces like town children.

“Autumn,” by T. E. Hulme, from The Imaginist: Modern Poetry in Miniature (ed. William Pratt) © Copyright 2008.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Tuesday Tome - Book Club

Our second session of this book club will be next Monday, October 24. You are welcome to join us.

BOOK SELECTION:  
You Are What You Love by K. A. Smith

WHEN:
Five Mondays at 8:00pm

WHERE:
Valley Christian Church Office

READING & MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday, October 24, 8:00pm - Chapter 3Monday, October 31, 8:00pm - Chapter 4
Monday, November 7, 8:00pm - Chapter 5
Monday, November 14, 8:00pm - Chapters 6-7




PURCHASE THE BOOK AT AMAZON

Publisher's Description...
You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavors are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship. 

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Sunday Supplication - The Interests of Others

O God, we are so thankful for your mercy and love. We thank you for your Son, Jesus, and for the life and salvation he has made possible for us. Help us, as part of your Church, to be a living demonstration of your power to save and transform and renew. Make us a true community of grace.

Forgive us our sins. Help us to turn away from darkness and to love the light. Make us willing and able to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Help us to think, speak, and act in ways that restore lives, nurture relationships, create peace, and bring honor to you.

Thank you, O God, for Jesus, who did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself and became a servant. Help us, like him, to reach across barriers, to welcome the weak, to serve, and to look to the interests of others.

It’s in His name that we pray all these things. Amen.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Thursday Thinking - Truth to Trump

Christianity Today magazine, the news flagship for evangelical Christians in America, has released an editorial by Andy Crouch denouncing Donald Trump and reproaching evangelical Christians who support his candidacy for president. It's a bold, historic, and prophetic piece that I welcome. Why it has taken CT so long to finally take a stand and state the obvious is perplexing and disappointing to me. As they say, better late than never, but sooner than later would have been more commendable.

SPEAKING TRUTH TO TRUMP
by Andy Crouch / October 10, 2016

As a non-profit journalistic organization, Christianity Today is doubly committed to staying neutral regarding political campaigns—the law requires it, and we serve our readers best when we give them the information and analysis they need to make their own judgments.

We can never collude when idolatry becomes manifest, especially when it demands our public allegiance.

Just because we are neutral, however, does not mean we are indifferent. We are especially not indifferent when the gospel is at stake. The gospel is of infinitely greater importance than any campaign, and one good summary of the gospel is, “Jesus is Lord.”

The true Lord of the world reigns even now, far above any earthly ruler. His kingdom is not of this world, but glimpses of its power and grace can be found all over the world. One day his kingdom, and his only, will be the standard by which all earthly kingdoms are judged, and following that judgment day, every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, as his reign is fully realized in the renewal of all things.

The lordship of Christ places constraints on the way his followers involve themselves, or entangle themselves, with earthly rulers.
YOU'RE JUST GETTING STARTED...
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Wednesday Words - Reading the Big Weather

Mornings we see our breath. Weeds
sturdy for winter are waiting down
by the tracks. Birds, high and silent,
pass almost invisible over town.

Time, always almost ready
to happen, leans over our shoulder reading
the headlines for something not there. “Republicans
Control Congress”— the year spins on unheeding.

The moon drops back toward the sun, a sickle
gone faint in the dawn; there is a weather
of things that happen too faint for the headlines,
but tremendous, like willows touching the river.

This earth we are riding keeps trying to tell us
something with its continuous scripture of leaves.

"Reading the Big Weather," by William Stafford, from Scripture of Leaves.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Tuesday Tome - New Book Club Starts Next Monday

I'll be starting a new book club on Monday night, October 17. Let me know if you'd like to join our group.

BOOK SELECTION:  
You Are What You Love by K. A. Smith

WHEN:
Five Mondays at 8:00pm

WHERE:
Valley Christian Church Office

READING & MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday, October 17, 8:00pm - Chapters 1-2
Monday, October 24, 8:00pm - Chapter 3
Monday, October 31, 8:00pm - Chapter 4
Monday, November 7, 8:00pm - Chapter 5
Monday, November 14, 8:00pm - Chapters 6-7




PURCHASE THE BOOK AT AMAZON

Publisher's Description...
You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavors are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship. 

Sunday, October 09, 2016

Sunday Supplication - Saving Works of Mercy

Almighty and everlasting God, you have revealed your grace and glory in this world through your son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for your mercy and ask that you complete your saving works of mercy in our world. Help your Church in all places to persevere with steadfast faith. Shape and use each of us as we find our place and purpose in your Church.

You know our weaknesses and you understand our limitations.  Our sins and failures are no secret or surprise to you. And yet, you are faithful to forgive, you are ready to renew, you are able to lift us up, and you call us to press forward in Christ. In the same way, help us to forgive, to encourage, and to bless others. You are gracious and merciful to us, and we ask you to make us gracious and merciful to others.

Help us, O God, to seek you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Show yourself to us through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Help us to desire and delight in your will and to walk in your ways to the glory of your Name.

Through Christ, we pray. Amen.

Friday, October 07, 2016

Friday Favorites - Camping with Tyler and the Grands

Spending the day at the cabin with my son, Tyler, and his three boys.
Bad weather made us choose Wisconsin over Itasca.  :-)

Thursday, October 06, 2016

Thursday Thinking - Proverbial Wisdom


A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
    but the lips of the wise protect them.
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
    but the folly of fools is deception.
 Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.
The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.
There is a way that appears to be right,
    but in the end it leads to death.
Even in laughter the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief.
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,
    and the good rewarded for theirs.
The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.
The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
– Proverbs 14:3-18


Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Wednesday Words - Conversation of Leaves


The leaves were falling from the great oak at the meadow’s edge. They were falling from the trees. One branch of the oak reached high above the others and stretched far out over the meadow. Two leaves clung to its very tip.

“It isn’t the way it used to be,” said one leaf to the other.

“No,” the other leaf answered. “So many of us have fallen off to-night we’re almost the only ones left on our branch.”

“You never know who’s going to go next,” said the first leaf. “Even when it was warm and the sun shone, a storm or a cloudburst would come sometimes, and many leaves were torn off, though they were still young. You never know who’s going to go next.”

“The sun seldom shines now,” sighed the second leaf, “and when it does it gives no warmth. We must have warmth again.”

“Can it be true,” said the first leaf, “can it really be true, that others come to take our places when we’re gone and after them still others, and more and more?”

“It is really true,” whispered the second leaf. “We can’t even begin to imagine it, it’s beyond our powers.”

“It makes me very sad,” added the first leaf.

They were silent for a while. Then the first leaf said quietly to herself, “Why must we fall?…”

The second leaf asked, “What happens to us when we have fallen?”

“We sink down….”

“What is under us?”

The first leaf answered, “I don’t know, some say one thing, some another, but nobody knows.”

The second leaf asked, “Do we feel anything, do we know anything about ourselves when we’re down there?”

The first leaf answered, “Who knows? Not one of all those down there has ever come back to tell us about it.”

They were silent again. Then the first leaf said tenderly to the other, “Don’t worry so much about it, you’re trembling.”

“That’s nothing,” the second leaf answered, “I tremble at the least thing now. I don’t feel so sure of my hold as I used to.”

“Let’s not talk any more about such things,” said the first leaf.

The other replied, “No, we’ll let be. But– what else shall we talk about?”

She was silent, but went on after a little while, “Which of us will go first?”

“There’s still plenty of time to worry about that,” the other leaf assured her. “Let’s remember how beautiful it was, how wonderful, when the sun came out and shone so warmly that we thought we’d burst with life. Do you remember? And the morning dew, and the mild and splendid nights….”

“Now the nights are dreadful,” the second leaf complained, “and there is no end to them.”

“We shouldn’t complain,” said the first leaf gently. “We’ve outlived many, many others.”

“Have I changed much?” asked the second leaf shyly but determinedly.

“Not in the least,” the first leaf assured her.

“You only think so because I’ve got to be so yellow and ugly. But it’s different in your case.”

“You’re fooling me,” the second leaf said.

“No, really,” the first leaf exclaimed eagerly. “Believe me, you’re as lovely as the day you were born. Here and there may be a little yellow spot but it’s hardly noticeable and only makes you handsomer, believe me.”

“Thanks,” whispered the second leaf, quite touched. “I don’t believe you, not altogether, but I thank you because you’re so kind, you’ve always been so kind to me. I’m just beginning to understand how kind you are.”

“Hush,” said the other leaf, and kept silent herself for she was too troubled to talk anymore.
Then they were both silent. Hours passed.

A moist wind blew, cold and hostile, through the tree tops.

“Ah, now,” said the second leaf, “I…..” Then her voice broke off. She was torn from her place and spun down.

Winter had come.


Bambi: A Life in the Woods, by Felix Salten
Excerpt of Chapter VIII

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Tuesday Tome - You Are What You Love

I'll be starting a new book club on Monday night, October 17.

BOOK SELECTION:  
You Are What You Love by K. A. Smith

WHEN:
Five Mondays at 8:00pm

WHERE:
Valley Christian Church Office

READING & MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday, October 17, 8:00pm - Chapters 1-2
Monday, October 24, 8:00pm - Chapter 3
Monday, October 31, 8:00pm - Chapter 4
Monday, November 7, 8:00pm - Chapter 5
Monday, November 14, 8:00pm - Chapters 6-7




PURCHASE THE BOOK AT AMAZON

Publisher's Description...
You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavors are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship. 

Sunday, October 02, 2016

Sunday Supplication - Before Us and Behind Us

Dear Lord, we pray that your grace will always direct us and go before us and follow us in all we are, in all we say, and in all we do. We pray that your grace will shape and motivate us that we may continually be given to good works.

Father God, we humbly recognize our need for forgiveness and restoration. In our weakness and selfishness, we often fail each other, fail ourselves, and fail you.  We also recognize the hope and power we have in Christ.  Raise us and transform us by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Forgive us our sins, and make us ready and able and quick to forgive others, even as you forgive us.

Lead us into truth, O God. Show us your ways. Teach us to follow your lead. Help us to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Our hope is in you all day long. Help us to be faithful followers of Jesus and help us to become more like him each day.

It's in his name that we pray. Amen.