Living Generously

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The Rock and the Rainbow as Promises of God

Jesus lived generously.  He gave himself easily to others.  When a religious leader asked him to heal his sick daughter, Jesus immediately started towards his home and eventually healed her (Mark 5:21-43).   When Jesus saw the hungry crowd, he took what his group of disciples had and fed 5,000 people (Mark 4:30).  He graciously gave of himself as he blessed little children and invited the rich man to join his school of discipleship (Mark 10:13-17).  Ultimately Jesus gave his very life for all humanity.  Jesus lived graciously and creatively, never fearful of his choices to give.  He has become the rock of our salvation, the culmination of God’s creative promise in the rainbow to redeem the world (Genesis 9:15).

Gracefulness, generosity and creativity are interrelated and form key elements of a Godly character.  Seth Godin, author and speaker, wrote,

Fear.  It creates anger and selfishness.  They sit together, supporting each other, as inseparable as red, orange, and yellow on the spectrum.

Generosity, creativity, and gracefulness are at the other end in a similar cluster.  If you seek to be creative, start by being generous.  Like blue, indigo and violent, they live together.

At which end of the spectrum do you reside?  When have you experienced grace and generosity together?

Lord Jesus, thank for your never-ending spring of life. Show me the path to generosity and gracefulness.

Impulsive Trust

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Even after preaching yesterday on Peter’s slippery stroll across the Sea of Galilee, I am still contemplating whether the story paints Peter as a model disciple or a counter-example to avoid.  Certainly Peter’s character of being impulsive is frequently mentioned in the Bible.  For example, when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Peter at first refused to have his feet washed, then asked to have his entire body (John 13:6-10).  Pete seemed to speak first and think later.

In the boat, I think Simon Peter blurted out his request without really taking time to think about it.  His mouth was engaged before his brain.  Jesus had given him his nickname of Cephas, which is Aramaic for Petra or Peter, which is the Greek word for “Rock.”  Rocks can be fairly dense and do not usually float.  Peter discovered this when he walked towards Jesus.  His mind caught up with his impulses and he sank.  Still he knew the author of his life, so as he sank like a rock, he called out to the Jesus, “Lord, save me.”   That impulsive cry was the right one, for Jesus lifted him out of the chaos of the sea and into the lifeboat of faith.

Peter’s impulsive behavior is something with which I can identify.  Yesterday, after outdoor worship was finished and people were greeting one another, I impulsively raised my voice and asked all to sing, “Happy Birthday” to my future daughter-in-law, Maggie Thomas, who was visiting.   Only afterwards did I stop to think whether this was something she might appreciate.   I have been known to shout, “Amen!” during a colleague’s sermon or to impulsively drag a confirmation student to help with a lesson.  Sometimes the impulses are great; other times an embarrassment.  

Shortly after his walk on the water, Jesus quizzed the disciples as to his identity.  He asked them first what the word on the street was.  The disciples responded, “Some people think you are John the Baptist returned from the dead, others think you are one of the Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah or Elijah.”  Then Jesus asked, “Who do you think I am?”  Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matt 17:13-16)  There is the model of impulsive trust that I want to follow.

Have you ever experienced an impulsive expression of faith?

Lord Jesus, rule the impulses of our hearts as well as the reflections of our minds.

Walkin’ on Water

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Even Kids Like Peter's Walk

Jesus walking on the water is a familiar miracle (Matthew 14, Mark 6 and John 6).   In Matthew’s version not only Jesus walks on the waves, but Peter asks to join him.   Many Christian pastors and authors see Peter’s actions as a Christian model of what discipleship and trust means.  John Ortberg wrote a book called, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.  He writes,

Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee towards Jesus.  In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, “Come”?  Out on the risky water of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God.

I remember preaching an ordination sermon that basically said the same thing.  I preached about our need to take risks, climb out of our comfort zone and step in the liquid uncertainty of life.  But I am beginning to have second thoughts about that being the sole interpretation of the story. The great thing about scripture is its ability to call forth new insights and wisdom.

After all, Peter sinks beneath the waves and needs to be rescued by Jesus.  Peter is chastised for his doubts, not the disciples who stayed in the boat.   And when Jesus and Peter step into the boat, the wind stops and all is calm.

The ship was an ancient symbol of the church, the community of faith.  At the beginning of the story, Jesus compelled the disciples to enter the boat and head to the other side (Matthew 14:22).   At the end of the story those in the boat worshipped him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).   I am beginning to wonder, “Should Peter simply have stayed in the boat?”   What do you think?

Do you think Peter’s actions are a model of discipleship or a distraction from Jesus?

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are always ready to rescue me whenever I begin to slip beneath the waves.

In Our Midst

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At Camp Wapogasset this week, a college-age counselor spoke during chapel about the significance of Christian community.   She evoked the camp theme “In Our Midst,” based on Jesus’ promise, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20.  The counselor spoke of the challenges her family faced when her father was laid off from his job and had to search 18 months for a new job in a different state.  She knew that God was giving her strength through the Christian community she experienced on staff at Camp Wapogasset. Her words in turn gave hope and life to those who listened, including me.

Near the end of her talk she quoted from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, Life Together, in which Bonhoeffer described his work to build a confessing Lutheran Seminary in Nazi Germany.

But God has put this Word into the mouth of men in order that it may be communicated to other men. When one person is struck by the Word, he speaks it to others. God has willed that we should seek and find His living Word in the witness of a brother, in the mouth of man. Therefore, the Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him.  He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as a bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation.  p. 23

Campers Enjoy Community

God has created us to be in community, but we often resist it.  Our American culture celebrates the rugged individualist who creates success by his or her self: the self-made man or woman.  Yet I cannot be fully human without being connected to others.  God made me to be with others, with my faults and inconsistencies as well as my strengths and gifts.   Only in community with other Christians do I fully experience the vibrant life of faith in Jesus.

I am so thankful the children and youth have the opportunity to experience Christian community, with all its joys, sorrows, sweat and discomfort through mission trips and Bible camp. Remember, wherever two or three are gathered in his name, Jesus is in our midst.

In what ways or places have you experienced authentic Christian community?

Lord Jesus, show me the path that leads me to community with others.

Rain Down Your Love

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Campers Smiles Tell It All

I am at Camp Wapogasset near Amery, WI with 40+ campers.  Yesterday and today have had frequent thunderstorms.  We lost electrical power this morning and had to eat breakfast in the dark.  The kids have not been able to play the big outdoor games nor swim.  Yet the staff has been creative seeking ways for the youth to be active and positive.  Afterall, the theme of the week is community in Christ and this kind of adversity can build stronger bonds of friendship and faith.

This morning for chapel the kids raced in prior to a downpour.  The staff had connected a generator to the sound system so that the kids could sing praise and hear scripture.  They had the youth movin’ and groovin’ to contemporary praise songs.  The skit centered on Matthew 25 and how Jesus comes to us through the needs of others.  Benny gave a short talk about how Jesus was able to work through his disability for God’s glory.  The love of
God was raining down all around.

How do you handle challenges when your expectations are not met?

Lord Jesus, work in my life today, through any challenges or rain.

Racing towards our Goals

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Human psychology baffles me often, but one thing I know is that having a clear goal makes me work harder.  A recent goal for me has been to reestablish my running routine after a year’s break due to injury.  This morning I was able to run 5 miles in 45 minutes, which is close to my daily running routine of two years ago.  Now that I have reached this goal, I am looking for my next one.

For me a road race is a great goal for me.  I know that I will not be ready for another marathon for at least a year, so I have chosen to run a race on Saturday, September 17, the Run for a Mission, sponsored by the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul.    I am inviting all runner and walkers to join me for the 5K or 10K run in Shoreview. Volunteers are also welcomed and all proceeds go to help the homeless in St. Paul.

Goals are not only beneficial in physical exercise, but in spiritual disciplines as well.  To have a daily time of prayer and devotional reading is a great goal to focus your time with God.  Set apart 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening to seek companionship with the Creator of the Universe, who cares about you.  Perhaps you leave 10 minutes earlier for work or you seek 15 minutes quiet after putting the children in bed. Mine is the first 20 minutes in my office to seek God’s guidance for the day, and compassion in all my personal encounters.   Jesus took time early in the day to pray to his Papa in heaven.  

In the morning , while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place to pray. Mark 1:35

Jesus prays at Gethesmane by artist He Qi

At the end of his ministry, he took time to pray in the Garden.  Jesus modeled the Vibrant Life of Faith for us today.

I am off to Camp Wapogasset  to be with nearly 50 campers from Resurrection. Thanks for all the prayer support.

What goals are you setting this week, month, year?

Lord Jesus, I seek to be your disciple this day.  Help me to seek goals that please you and your kingdom. Amen

REI and Stewardship

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REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) has to be one of my favorite stores.  I truly need to button up my wallet before I enter because of all the backpacking, hiking, camping, biking, and skiing equipment they have.  I started buying REI equipment when their only store was in Seattle and I would take the ferry from Bremerton to gaze upon all the possibilities.  I still use an REI down sleeping bag that I purchased more than forty years ago.

So it caught my attention this week when I rediscovered  that part of REI’s mission is stewardship.  “REI’s passion for the outdoors runs deep. Our core purpose is to inspire, educate and outfit people for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.”  Now the word stewardship has often gotten a bad rap in churches, because it often becomes a code word for “fundraising” or worse “begging for money.”  But with REI the word is cool because they recognize that the magnificent outdoors that their customers enjoy must be maintained for future generations.  None of us “own” these landscapes, but rather we are to be stewards or managers of creation for others.

They see it as a sound business decision, because without the protection and care of the wilderness, their business will decline.  REI even produces an annual stewardship report which

measures progress toward our goals to operate a sustainable business. It also tracks our broader efforts to ensure that the next generation has a connection to the natural places we all enjoy.

Stewardship is a biblical concept in which as creatures of God we recognize that God is the true owner of all creation. We have responsibility to care for the earth. The psalmist praises God for this gift,  “God, you have given human beings dominion over the works of your hands” (Psalm 8:5).  Dominion is not domination, but responsible care and oversight, or in a word: stewardship.

A few years ago I went on a hike with my son to a renowned alpine lake.  The gorgeous setting beneath a large peak had been photographed many times.  However when we reached it, the beauty had lost much of it luster from overuse.  Toilet paper, trash and half-chopped trees littered the lake side.  Good stewardship had been neglected.  I saw then why REI wants to restore it.

How are you a steward of God’s creation?

Lord Jesus, teach me to be a good steward of my wealth, time, relationship and gifts.

Joyful Noise Sounds Great

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 O come, let us sing to the LORD;
 let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
 let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
 Psalm 95:1-2

Worship Team from Resurrection Lutheran Church

Music has such a joyful, liberating power.  When we sing in worship it starts deep within us and then spreads and fills the whole room.  Many of us love to sing; I see it on faces as worshippers sing praise to God.  That is what draws many of people to Sunday worship–the joyous worship of our God.  I am so thankful for Resurrection’s worship team who faithfully and joyous lead us in song each week.

But joyous worship is not limited to contemporary Christian music. Singing praises to God is as ancient as the Bible.  One of the oldest pieces of song is from the exodus, when the Israelites escaped the Egyptian chariot army as they fled across the Red Sea.

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord, “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” Exodus 15:1

The earliest church continued the Hebrew practice of singing praise to God.  Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus, “but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts” (Ephesians 3:19).  Throughout the centuries, the church has used song as a primary means of worship.  Singing praises to God unites our heart with God’s heart.

Music has a way of touching and stirring our emotions that words cannot do alone.  You can experience it at a concert, whether it is U2 or the Vienna Boys’ Choir.  The power of song is a gift God gives us to express ourselves, whether we can carry a tune or not.  After all, the psalmist commands us to make a joyful NOISE to God.   Let us make some NOISE today!

What is one of your favorite hymns or spiritual songs?

Lord Jesus, help me make a joyful noise of praise to you this day.

Names Matter

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Oh Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
Psalm 8:1

My parents named me John Vincent Keller.  John comes from the Hebrew name, Jonathan (I Samuel 13), which means gift of God.  My middle name is from my father, Vincent Keller, and comes from the same root as victorious or winner.  So my name gives me a certain amount of pride: I am a gift of God and a winner.  Then to keep me in my proper place my last name, Keller, is the German word for basement or cellar.  I need to remember my humble roots.

Names are significant in the Bible because they are not just tags that differentiate one person from another.  Names carry meaning and significance, essential characteristics of a person.  The Lord God revealed his name to Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked him for it: I am who I am.  (Exodus 3:14).  The Hebrew root of this is YHWH and means to be present or to be encountered.   Another translation of YHWH could be I will be present where I will be present, a reflection of God’s promise to be near us and yet free to be God.  Names reveal character.

Jesus is also given a special name.  In Hebrew his name is Yeshua, which means God saves or rescues.  His father Joseph is told to give this name to Jesus because he will rescue his people from their sin (Matthew 1:21).   Later during his ministry, Jesus will rename Simon, the brother of Andrew, to be Peter or Petra (Greek) which is Rock.  Simon Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah is the rock upon which the church is built (Matthew 16:16-18).  Names matter.

I think of that when I walk into Resurrection Lutheran Church.  This congregation is named for the wondrous historical event, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. With Jesus’ resurrection comes the promise that we too shall rise.  We begin the resurrected life here on earth when we die and rise with Jesus in our baptism.  Resurrection begins as we trust, live and serve God.  Our congregation’s name matters because it reminds us of the Vibrant Life of Faith in Christ.

In what ways do you call upon “the name of the Lord?”

Lord Jesus, thank you for fulfilling your calling to rescue us from our sin.

Witnessing to God’s Power

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Clif Christopher’s book “Whose Offer Plate is It?” offers challenging insight into what motivates people to give to their local congregation.  In the chapter titled, “Do we really have to compete?”  Clif examines how churches need to consider the competition for people’s charitable giving.   People no longer give automatically to the church.  We are all inundated with opportunities to give to good, meaningful charities and nonprofits.  Clif argues that church member and friends need a convincing case that their money will affect lives in and through their congregation.  He writes,

 

People need to hear our life-changing stories and be helped to understand how their dollars are creating positive change in the lives of people in ways that other institutions could not do.  If we want to argue that we are a great place for people to feed the hungry, then World Vision or Oxfam will beat us every day because they are experts at feeding the underprivileged.  We, however, are the one place whose mission it is to bring people into the life-changing relationships with Jesus Christ. Share with people how this place helps bring the power of the Holy Spirit into broken and grief-stricken lives.  Point out how those who were without direction came to find direction and a new life through the church.  Compete on that field and you will be chosen.  

WE ARE THE ONE PLACE
 whose mission is to bring people
 into life-changing relationships with
Jesus Christ. 

The people in our pew (or chair) are asking “Why should I choose the church over World Vision or Oxfam or Boy Scouts or the university or the hospital?”  We must be prepared on a daily basis to boldly answer the question, and if we cannot easily do it, then we must get busy changing our church. 

I am thankful that Resurrection has such stories of personal transformation.  We need to discover ways to share these stories with the wider community.

Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses” Acts 1:8.

Do you have a story that bears witness to Jesus’ power and love

Lord Jesus, thank you for my congregation that bears witness to your grace and mercy.