Wednesday, December 14, 2011

the importance of nothing

a verse or two

“Dead flies can make a whole bottle of perfume stink, and a little stupidity can cancel out the greatest wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 10: 1 ”

Spiritual Walk and Musings: The importance of nothing. 

In the video clip we see in church today – the couple grieving find some form of healing in finding a purpose as to why their child died. Finding a sense of purpose is a very strong western worldview – of needing to find purpose in whatever we do or in the events that happen. An example of this is the book by Rick Warren, 40 Days of Purpose – it is hugely popular. But I want to challenge this kind of thinking. In some cultures a person can sit all day, perhaps three days in the shade by the road and watch the world go by and that is not considered a waste of time. In the west we need to learn to have times of no purpose – not even relational purpose. We need to be able to have times of achieving nothing, to learn to just be, and to do nothing......and in that to not even try to hear God – but to just be quiet.........and do nothing.

And in that doing nothing God might speak because finally we are silent and so therefore we can hear. But God might or might not speak and that does not matter; what matters is we do nothing. What matters is we be still to do nothing, not for any reason or sense of achievement. In fact we be still to not even be still – instead we just are still and do nothing.

In that time of doing nothing we might see the pink of a flower that we could have missed by being busy. We might notice the tear in the eye of our neighbour and from that we can offer love – but not right then because right then we need to do nothing. We might smell the air and smile because we are alive and that smell takes us back to a happy memory.........or we might cry because that memory hurts and we miss the person whom we shared that smell with. We might sense nothing and get frustrated at wasting time – why? What is wrong with wasting time? Who made up the rule we should not waste time – could it be they were wrong?

Can I encourage folk of St. David’s to be good at doing nothing? If we cannot be still for a prolonged time and do nothing at all except feel our heart beat and hear our breathing – we probably have emotional health issues and we need to learn to do nothing. What is it you are scared of if you do nothing?

Something to do: Do Nothing.

Just breath and smile with your eyes closed or open.

To Ponder and Pray: Pray a prayer of silence.

Don’t not be Presbyterian and don’t be Presbyterian. Just pray nothing.........be silent.........let your silence pray.........

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Charmed or challenged

a verse or two
“[Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

Spiritual Walk and Musings: a familiar Bible story from a different viewpoint.

We used the following blurb last year—it is some thoughts by Peter Graystone in his book 365 Ways to Make a Difference on the story of the Widows Mite. It offers a good alternative way to ponder this morning’s Bible reading and sermon.

“Have a look at this incident through the eyes of a well-off community. It is about a widow who loved God. She had nothing in worldly terms. And yet everything she had, she was prepared to give to him. Through these eyes it is an inspiring story of deep inner devotion. We should have a love for God and a generosity toward him as profound as that.

Now have a look at the same story through the eyes of a poor community. It is about a religious institution that had no qualms about how much suffering it caused. It increased its own wealth by charging the temple tax regardless of people's ability to pay.

So heartless was it that a destitute woman was made to pay an entire penny - everything she owned. Through these eyes it is a crushing indictment of a church that no longer protected the poor, but exploited them. We should examine ourselves and the running of our churches rigorously.

It is unsettling when you see a familiar Bible story from a new viewpoint, isn't it! To whom do these stories belong - rich communities or poor communities? Depending on how you answer, Jesus words will leave you either charmed or challenged.”

Something to do: Charmed or challenged:

“Cut a piece of paper to the size of a credit card. On it write 'charmed' or 'challenged' or both words, or some other phrase that describes your personal response to this powerful story. Put it in your wallet so that you are reminded of what you feel now from time to time when you are about to spend money.”

To Ponder and Pray: Words of praise from the Asian Women's Resource Centre for Culture and Theology

In the midst of hunger and war
  we celebrate the promise of plenty and peace.
In the midst of doubt and despair
  we celebrate the promise of faith and hope.
In the midst of sin and decay
  we celebrate the promise of salvation and renewal.
In the midst of death on every side
  we celebrate the promise of the living Christ.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

closer than your next breath

a verse or two

"For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38—39

A Prayer of Confidence—Psalm 16.

1 Protect me, O God;
   I trust in you for safety.
2 I say to the Lord, You are my Lord;
   all the good things I have come from you.
3 How excellent are the Lord's faithful people!
   My greatest pleasure is to be with them.
4 Those who rush to other gods
   bring many troubles on themselves.
   I will not take part in their sacrifices;
   I will not worship their gods.
5 You, Lord, are all I have,
   and you give me all I need;
   my future is in your hands.
6 How wonderful are your gifts to me;
   how good they are!
7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me,
   and in the night my conscience warns me.
8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence;
   he is near, and nothing can shake me.
9 And so I am thankful and glad,
   and I feel completely secure,
10 because you protect me from the power of death.
   I have served you faithfully,
   and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.
11 You will show me the path that leads to life;
   your presence fills me with joy
   and brings me pleasure forever. 


Spiritual Walk and Musings: No fear of Sheol. 

At the time of David when Psalm 16 was written the common thought was that at death people went down to Sheol, to the world of the dead. A half-life kind of shadowy existence, like being in a swamp, never again able to fully enjoy the good of this life. A place where they were "removed from the light of God".

Today some scholars think Psalm 16 was written by a sick person who recovered and was glad they didn’t do down to Sheol—this tends to be the thinking of scholars who are biased against belief in the resurrection. As part of their argument they say belief in resurrection was not Jewish thinking until around 200 years before Christ. Other scholars disagree saying the idea of resurrection was common much earlier—they point to various Psalms as proof. For example Ps16 was written by someone dying—who because of their own deep relationship with God, they knew even in death they would not be separated from God and hence they had no fear of Sheol—God would save them and be with them and they with God.

This is a truth for us—in the now be encouraged to walk close with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

                Be they not strangers to you;
                          but may you know them 

                                    closer than your next breath. 

Something to do: God is good.

This spring, when looking at the flower which come from the dead looking branch, the new plant or flower that comes from the dead looking seed or bulb – see the new life, in a different form – and know that God is good.

To Ponder and Pray: a prayer from Palm 73.

23 Yet I am always with you;
   you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
   and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
   And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

we work together

a verse or two:

"Saint Paul said “the one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose...We work together as partners who belong to God”. 1Cor 3:8–9

A POEM: Our Fair

Our Fair date’s getting closer so we are on the prowl.
We hope you will give willingly with a smile and not a growl.
We all can do our little bit, with time or things to sell.
And if we all co-operate we know it will turn out well.
With plants or sweets and baking, a book pre-read with joy
Something for a while elephant, for craft or a pre-loved toy.
Some can donate ingredients. Others will set up or clean,
Making the tea, pikelets or “snags”.
Join forces and see what we mean.


Written by Annette Waters

Spiritual Walk and Musings: As per the poem.

One of the things I like about our fair is the way we all work together on the one thing. Normally during the year, week by week we all do so many different things...and they all add up to a big whole...but many of these things are in done isolation. You’d be amazed at the coming and goings at St. David's, cars parked there with people doing this or that—sometimes there is cross over but think of all the various groups and ministries within the church. There are a lot of people doing a lot of different this and that.

Of course weekly, on a Sunday, we come together to worship but many of the other things are not so corporate. I know the fair is hard work but I sense a good feeling of satisfaction among those involved. And it seems to me, even though it is hard work—people really do enjoy the being together, working together. So everyone, be encouraged and I hope you enjoy the church fair.
Something to do: As per the poem.

Find that stuff, bake those goodies, tell your neighbours.

To Ponder and Pray: As per the poem.

With a lot of folk coming through the hall, pray they see not just the stuff for sale but us. And pray that in seeing us they see Jesus Christ.

Pray our smiles are real and our eyes shine an acceptance and Godliness that is contagious. Pray that the little things we do to let people know who we are, where we worship, and what we do, pray they result in a harvest for the kingdom of God.

Most of pray that love is who we are, what we do and what is sensed.
God Bless
Jon

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

divorce

a verse or two

"I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little." Philippians 4:11-12

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Divorce.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about divorce this week. Ummm ….. things between Vivienne and I are fine although we do have our moments…normally my fault. Actually I’ve been pondering divorce because in Mark chapter 10, the section where Jesus is questioned about divorce seemed to be the hardest part to preach on. Hence today’s sermon and the following articles are around the theme of divorce.

I wonder if one of the hardest long term things about the death of a spouse is loneliness in the evening. And I wonder how many individuals within a current marriage are in fact lonely in the evening for various reasons (explore those reasons). And I wonder then if in that loneliness, one might start looking at grass on the other side of the fence (and yet when they get to the other side of the fence they realise it wasn’t that green). Let us learn to be like Paul who was content in all things (Phil 4:11 – 12). Those of us who have our partner still with us, spoil them rotten with your love – romance and all – don’t take them for granted. And for those of us who are alone and lonely during the evening – remember – one is never too old to get married.

Something to do: Go on a date.

Flowers, chocolate, candlelight, soft music and why not some poetry from the Songs of Songs………

To Ponder and Pray: A prayer for the lonely.

Lord, we stop to think of those who for various reasons cannot go out on a date. In their loneliness, be with them; may your spirit be a balm that heals. May you be Christ the friend in a time of need; and during that lonely season……Lord…...may your presence be felt. Amen.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

to show mercy

a verse or two

"The Lord said to Abram, Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you. I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing."
Gen 12: 1 – 2

A Psalm (Ps 105:8 – 15)

[God] is mindful of his covenant forever,
of the word that he commanded,
for a thousand generations,
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying,
'To you I will give the land of Canaan
as your portion for an inheritance.'
When they were few in number,
of little account, and strangers in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account, saying,
'Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.'

Spiritual Walk and Musings: A covenant with Abraham.

It was with sadness this week I heard the news the CEO of Apple has had to step down due to illness. I’ve never owned any “Apple” gadget like an iPod or iPad or iPhone, but I do admire how Steve Jobs could take his dreams and ideas and make them into reality– that is not an easy thing to do. (Although I am sick of Apple’s preoccupation with patent lawsuits against other gadget companies – but that could be a USA thing.)

When it was first announced that Steve Jobs was ill several years ago, if I remember correctly what I read back then, because of his wealth and influence he was able to receive medical treatment that was only available to an elite few – so modern and ground breaking was the treatment. And so it is sad it seems the treatment didn’t work. What is even sadder though is how many people die each day unjustly because our wealthy western lifestyle limits medical help to those where simple basic medical care could help tremendously. This lament is not against Apple or Steve Jobs but more how we in the west are so comfortable, comfortable to the exclusion of others’ well being. Why not muse on what Peter Graystone has to say on similar issues but allow the muse to wander back to things here in Richmond and New Zealand.

“Some four thousand years ago in a city in present-day Iraq there was a curious disturbance. In this place of many gods, each with its own controllable idol, one wealthy man claimed to have had a remarkable revelation. It was that there is only one God, and that he is invisible.

So convinced was he of this discovery that he was prepared to leave his comfortable home and set off on a nomadic journey to a land which the God he worshipped told him was to be the dwelling of his unborn descendants…[read Ps 105: 8 – 15 and]… see what God achieved so that this fragile group could be established as the people of God. People were protected even though they were 'few in number'; a home was found for landless and 'wandering' people; 'oppressed' people were given protection; powerful people who acted unjustly were 'rebuked'.

When God's blessing is given to any group in the world these are the signs that accompany it. They were evident when the Hebrews were a weak and humble tribe; they need to be evident in every nation, humble or powerful, that claims to worship the same God today.”
[copied from 365 Ways to Make a Difference by Peter Graystone]

Something to do: Some listening, thinking and reading.

Listen with extra attention to the news this week and bring to mind places in the world where a strong group appears to be oppressing a weak one. With the above Bible reading in mind, ponder God's attitude on these issues: Are those who are few in number made secure? Are landless people sure of a home? Are oppressed people protected? Are powerful people who do not live by these standards receiving the rebuke they deserve? And regarding issues here in NZ, why not read the article by Susan Guthrie and Gareth Morgan entitled “Rot at Centre of Modern Economics”, published on Tuesday Aug 23, 2011 in the NZ Herald (try their website). Again ponder it all with Ps 105: 8—15 as a paradigm of God’s way.

To Ponder and Pray: to show mercy.

Lord God of history, may those who have known what it is to receive mercy be convicted of the need to show mercy, so that all who are weak may rejoice in your protection. Amen.

Monday, August 22, 2011

some good news

a verse or two

"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" Genesis 1:2b

A PCANZ Media Release:

On Sunday 14 August 2011 Presbyterian church-goers gave more than $70,000 – 365 $200 New World Supermarket vouchers – to homes in part of the red zone on the east side of Christchurch.

“The vouchers were given out to homes with no strings attached”, says the Rev Martin Stewart. “The homes are all in an area perceived as not needing help, so they hadn’t received much.”

After their regular Sunday church service, 130 people from St Stephen’s Presbyterian in Bryndwr, St Giles in Papanui and St Mark’s in Avonhead, went door-to-door to share the vouchers with people whose resources have been stretched more thinly than their own.

Martin says that “going over to that side of the city was sobering. There were many sad stories of struggle and wondering what is next. Without exception those who handed out the vouchers were touched by the welcomes they received”.

The Rev Martin Stewart, the driving force behind the project and minister of St Stephen’s and moderator of the Presbyterian Church’s Presbytery of Christchurch, says, “$70,000 was raised, some donated by people from here but most from far off places like Scotland … and Auckland! Foodstuffs offered a discount enabling us to purchase even more vouchers”.

The idea for the vouchers came in April, Martin says, when Highgate Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, (Martin was formerly the minister there) gave him and his wife Anne money to distribute in Christchurch “as we saw fit. The next day we gave the first $1000 of that money to a young family we did not know, and that we had heard life was tough for, in the damaged Avon loop area. I wrote about it on my blog and then someone from Wellington sent $15,000 – it soon ballooned to $70,000. It has been like witnessing the miracle of the loaves and the fishes right before our eyes”.

Martin says in many ways 365 vouchers to 365 homes is barely touching the need out east in Christchurch city. “It really is like we have only got a little bit of play-lunch to share and there are 5000 people hungry. But we sense that we are not alone in this enterprise. We believe that Jesus’ ‘kingdom of God’ is in this and we simply don’t know what kind of ripple of hope the vouchers will generate in the lives of the people we share them with. We are sure something good will come of it and that in a multitude of ways people who receive vouchers will pay it forward in some way.” [article from the PCANZ website]

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Focus on the good – not the road kill.

Last Sunday, the drive over to Takaka to preach at St. Andrews was spectacular, snow on Mt Arthur, the clear day, spring about to pop out its head, the calm of Tasman Bay. On the journey as I was taking in the vista at times I’d look on the road and see some road kill. It got me thinking. With all the bad news in the world, like the London riots, it’s like the media are preoccupied with road kill more than the beautiful vista. The media seems fascinated by exploring maggots and squashed intestines. Think of the story above with 365 vouchers given out. The same week of the riots around the world millions of people loved God and their neighbour and did far more good than any harm done that week. Be encouraged to look at the good – not the road kill.

Something to do: Does the good outweigh the bad?

I encourage you to reflect on the past year – yep that includes the earthquakes, Pike River Mine and all the other things. I wonder if even after the intensity of the grief and pain, which during certain moments must have been virtually unbearable – I wonder if when looking at the full 12 months, we notice how God’s grace far outweighed the bad things. Spend time this week focusing on the good of the past 12 months. I think you might be surprised.

To Ponder and Pray: A short prayer of thanks.

Dear Lord – even though much news is grim – your spirit is moving over the earth, going to and fro, working, healing, and enabling good – even if people don’t know it. We praise you oh God that we are not alone.

Friday, August 12, 2011

to belong

a verse or two

"For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!" Matthew 10: 29 - 31

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Oh to belong.

Well, the smouldering tensions have finally erupted. It was timely for Dr Donna Swift to publish her research on violence among girls – although scarily that violence is within our community here in Nelson. I hope and pray that that research and seeing what has happened in London and Norway will help the shakers and movers get real with some of the issues and not play a blame game. Rather may we all help the alienated belong!

In other parts of Europe a similar time bomb is waiting to go off with a lot of youth being disillusioned with who they are; with what the haves have and the have not’s don’t; and the never ending question of “where do I belong...who am I”. An example of this is in Germany where third and fourth generation German born Turks are feeling displaced with nowhere to belong. Due to satellite TV they speak Turkish and identify with Turkish culture and so are not really considered part of Germany, but because their parents were born in Germany they are not wanted back in Turkey either – and so where do they belong? Similar issues are happening in the Pacific Island and Korean communities here in NZ.

To belong is so important. To be connected is vital. I wonder if sometimes people text in public not to say anything to the person they are texting but so people walking past will see they are connected, have friends and belong.

For me, one of the best things about God is I belong. God knows the number of hairs (or not) on my head, I am his child, belong to his family and when I allow God to commune with me – it is deep, it is satisfying, it is sweet, it fills within me something that even the best food or U2 music can never fill. With God one knows they belong. And at St. David’s we belong, we are God’s sons and daughters; we are part of a family that is not only worldwide but one that transcends time.

The context of the Bible reading above is for Christ’s disciples to not worry when being given a hard time for their faith. It would seem to me faith in God is a very belonging thing – yet often we are too frightened to share that good news, and yet, that very good news helps the alienated belong and in the act of us sharing it we then too belong at a deeper level.

Something to do: Help people belong.

At St. David's we ARE helping people belong – but we still should ask – is there more we can do? If we are to help the alienated belong, we have to accept them as they are – their dress, their mannerisms, their language, their music, their smoking...... we are to love and we are the ones that should make the changes.

To Ponder and Pray: Pray for restorative justice and not retribution or punitive justice....

One concern I have is for just justice to those involved in the riots. Why is it bankers who caused a different kind of violence a few years ago get a golden handshake ("The best way to rob a bank is to own one.") but going by the tone of words from the British PM and London Mayor it would seem the young looters (who stole a lot less) will be strung up – why don’t they get a golden handshake for pointing out societal problems. Surely the crimes by the banking / commercial sector were worse than the youths. Pray to the God of justice, that the justice will be fair – because at the moment it looks like politics and power plays will prevail and only alienate a group of people who already feel as if they don’t belong.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

to help our neighbour

a verse or two

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet'; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10

Spiritual Walk and Musings: To help our neighbour.

After I got back from the Hanmer Springs Presbytery gathering, the headline news on the radio last Friday was the NZ dollar going down and the share market doing it’s thing. I must admit it was good to be away for a few days from all the so called “news” because I question if the dollar doing its thing is really headline news? Of course the dollar would go down sooner or later, and does it really matter? I’m thinking of this in the light of Jesus’ teachings which suggest we ought to prioritise other things over material things; of Jesus’ words describing how storing up stuff that will rust or that moths will destroy is rather pointless.

Surely the famine in the Horn of Africa is much more important and should be on the news more than it is (and in ways that are helpful and informative instead of sensationalist ways that just leave us more numb to it all). To all St. David’s folk, is there something you can do to help regarding the famine? I know I’m just spinking but perhaps we could all fast for a couple of days and the money saved by not buying food could be sent to an aid organisation.

On the Bible reading above, Peter Graystone says the following. “Here are two dangerous questions: 'Have I obeyed all the commandments?' and 'Who is my neighbour?' The first is dangerous because it is possible to think that we have fulfilled our duty toward God by deciding, 'I have obeyed enough.' But the question God wants us to address is, 'Have I loved enough?' and to that we can never answer yes.

The second is dangerous because once we have worked out who our neighbour is, it is tempting to go on to ask, 'Therefore who isn't my neighbour?' When Jesus loved the world to the uttermost it went beyond rules and commandments, and it did not stop until it encompassed every human of all times and places. That is the extent of the love which we are called to copy. Daunting!”

Something to do: Give help towards the 12 million people starving in the Horn of Africa.

Why not visit someone in church who has the internet and then together over coffee (Fair Trade stuff mind you), explore websites like Oxfam, TEAR Fund, World Vision or Christian World Service and see how you can help – because it does help. (Our Church website has links to some of these aid agencies http://stdavidschurch.co.nz.)

To Ponder and Pray: For the Horn of Africa.

See the insert in today’s Parish News. It has answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, a list of prayer points and a written prayer. Take it home and knock hard on God’s door!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Who killed Christ?

a verse or two

7 I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep.8 All others who came before me are thieves and robbers...Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture.10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness. John 10: 7 – 10

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Did the Jews kill Jesus?

I’ve just watched Jesus: The Cold Case by Bryan Bruce. And I think he is way too simplistic in saying that it was Pilate who did the deed. Look around at life, look at the reasons for events, think of the other crimes Bruce explores. Think to the tragic events in Norway. Things can’t be explained away with just one simple answer. In the case of Norway some people will want simple answers – but life is complicated. Why does Bruce not mention Jesus being questioned by Herod? And to say “the Jews” didn’t do it. Which “Jews” does Bruce mean? I know Jewish folk who would never do something like kill someone but Jesus really did upset the Jewish religious leaders of his day. He really did put a spanner in the works of the people who had power and didn’t want to lose it.

So it is way too simplistic to say it was Pilate only. It was in fact a strange mixture of circumstances, a God ordained mixture. There were the religious Jewish leaders worried about losing power – Jesus was becoming a threat to them (and add to that internal politics of the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees – both against each other and personal agendas by individuals within each group, think of the power which Caiaphas had); then there was Pilate, the Roman Governor, wanting to keep control of things (especially from zealots and trouble makers) – for Pilate – his role in the crucifixion is complicated series of events that lead to the outcome, and he was facing pressure from Rome; and then there was Jesus himself – he knew his hour was near, he knew he was God the Son – God incarnate (and not just a peasant Jewish lad). The amazing thing is that with all this complicated mixture of events including just the normal politics of the day, the normal cause and effects of the day, in the end it was still God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s decision if he would or would not die. And so God the Son prayed in the garden of Gethsemane – “Father not my will but yours”. Jesus was struggling with the terror of being a good man dying too young; struggling with the foreknowledge of how painful crucifixion was; and also the responsibility of the weight of it all, knowing this death was an atoning death, a death that would atone for sin committed by all people.

Who killed Christ? A complex mixture of people, but more so, it was our sin, our selflessness, our pride, our doubt. And God died freely so that we might have life, life in all its fullness.

Something to do: Re-read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion.

In the documentary Jesus: The Cold Case, I found the idea there were no eyewitnesses to Jesus’ crucifixion absurd. Go and read the account. Mary and John were there – right to the end! To say there were no eyewitnesses is poor scholarship. Something else I thought unprofessional early in the programme was to say was how Golgotha was only about 3 meters wide. The landscape around civilisation changes a lot in 2000 years – to believe that a rock formation is now how it was 2000 year ago is naïve. Likewise there is no problem with putting a cross into rock, a crow bar and slave could fix that in no time and once the hole was dug, it made a perfect strong foundation to place a cross time and time again. Only poor thinking would suggest they would dig a new hole for each crucifixion. I think this showed early in the documentary a tendency to make strange and wild speculation about things (that were not really that important) to try and undermine years of quality scholarship. There was also a tendency to seek unbalanced information that would agree only with Bruce's own ideas and therefore let him push his own agenda.

To Ponder and Pray: Jesus taught Love.

I don’t know about you but I was not brought up to hate Jewish people (or people of other faiths) and I was brought up in a Christian home. Yet Bruce seemed to be implying Christians are a hate filled lot. Sadly some followers of Christ are stuck in a rut of hate, but not all. Throughout history much more good has been done in the name of Christ than bad—a zillion times over. No doubt the gospel writers would be disappointed that over the centuries some people have used the gospel writings (and other Old and New Testament writings) to justify evil. But that does not mean what was written was incorrect; instead it means that all too often we interpret the Bible to suit our own life style instead of a life of obedience in following Christ.

Do pray against religious intolerance and against hate towards other faiths. Jesus taught Love, love even for enemies. And pray we live our lives for Christ and not ourselves.

Friday, July 29, 2011

the Father speaking

a verse or two

"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. A selection from John 14: 9 - 14

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Recall God the Father speaking to you.

I encourage you to reflect on times past when God the Father has spoken to you. To a time when you heard his voice, his words and he spoke into your life. Recall that moment. What has happening? What was the Father saying? What was the Father’s tone? What was the Father like? What were the words He said? Were they words of judgement or encouragement and love?

The more I reflect on the moments when the Father has clearly spoken to me – they have not been words of judgement or of telling off. They have been words of encouragement and building up.

So I wonder if we judge ourselves way too hard…way too much. And God wants us to slow down and hear His words of love, His words of building us up. He wants us to hear his words of acceptance.

I remember one day when at university I was running late and rushed down to the dining room, grabbed my breakfast and was about to eat and say grace when I realised I had not said hello to God that day. So I said “sorry, I forgot to say good morning” (or words to that effect – this was over 20 years ago). I do remember hearing very clearly God the Father’s voice saying to me to not worry about it, it was fine. I don’t remember the exact words but I do remember the tone of love, acceptance and encouragement and I remember it was in words that made sense to me and not in Hebrew or 1611 high English.

Can I encourage everyone here at St. David’s to remember and know that God the Father’s love for each one of you is much, much, much more than even the most articulate preacher could ever describe. God loves you.

Something to do: Read and think.

Sometime this week make time to read John 14: 9 – 14 a few times. And then think about what it means for your life right here and now. What does it mean for you, your family, and your neighbours? I don’t think there is a secret formula here for prayer. I think the issue is knowing Jesus and the Father are one and that we can sit on God’s lap and talk with Him – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

To Ponder and Pray: The Lord’s Prayer.

James Smith notes that the Lord’s Prayer gives a glimpse into the nature of God. Read the prayer and note how it demonstrates that God is present, pure, powerful, provides, pardons and protects. I encourage you all to sit on God’s lap and spend time with him in prayer knowing that He welcomes you with open arms.

Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:9 – 13 (NRSV)

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Traditions and Commandments

a verse or two

" 6 Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: These people, says God, honour me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. 7 It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws! Mark 7: 6 - 7

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Traditions and Commandments.

Today will be another sermon based on the notes from my recent study leave so let’s muse on Mark. In chapter seven I keep coming back again and again to Jesus confronting the Pharisees and teachers of the Law over their Traditions and Commandments. How the “religious leaders” of the day were using religious rules, not for the betterment of people and society but for themselves and to give themselves a loophole out of doing the right thing. (Another thing they were doing wrong was pushing human tradition above the word of God).

A question I ask is: how do we do that kind of thing at the moment? How are we pushing religious traditions / concepts that in fact hinder the betterment of people and society? One idea could be when we claim Jesus is coming back really, really, really, really soon, instead of just plain old ‘soon’. I say this because it can be used as an excuse to not get involved and think hard on societal issues. Instead there a temptation to bury one’s head in the sand hoping Jesus will appear and solve the problems magically, when what He really wants is for us to take the Kingdom into that situation. God’s wisdom is for all parts of life.

Another idea: some might argue that no Sunday trading was a way the church used to push Traditions and Commandments and that is it was in fact an old fashioned ideal and unhelpful. Well, as I see it, people are nowadays working nearly 24/7 – what has happened to the 40 hour working week? It could be argued that quality of life has lessened and is now shallower with Sunday trading. Keeping Sunday free of most shopping and allowing it to be a family day with more rest and relational activity would benefit society. (It’s interesting how the idea of Sabbath rest is not an old fashioned human tradition but rather one from scriptures, Sabbath rest is a gift to us from God).

Something to do: Make a list.

Write down some of the subtle things that we do that might seem to be following “the law” but are in fact not in “the spirit of the law” (and are in fact a human tradition based on incorrect interpretation of scripture).

To Ponder and Pray: Faith beyond the church walls.

Jesus accused the leaders of naming some things as sacred and therefore they didn't need to give those "sacred" things to those in need. It would seem to me that we make some things sacred, and sometimes hold onto things that God would say, “hey let it go”… “give it away”…“use that gift I gave you”.

Ponder this – what is God saying to you right now? Sometimes I wonder if false humility is one of those things we use to stop us taking our faith beyond the church walls, eg. when God is saying ‘you can do such and such,’ (like speaking in public for example), we hold back saying to ourselves “because it’s not within a church context I will not speak”, and all the while God is saying “you have the wisdom for that situation – go for it”.

Dear Lord, help us to live our faith outside the church’s four walls.
So Lord, give us the words, give us the heart and let us share your good news.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Be expectant

a verse or two

" 1 Jesus left that place and went back to his hometown...Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed...What wisdom is this that has been given him? How does he perform miracles? 3 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary...And so they rejected him."
From Mark chapter 6

Spiritual Walk and Musings: We can trust the scriptures.

Reading Mark 6: 1 – 6 often leads to preaching on ‘a prophet is not listened to in their own town’. Yet what caught my attention this time round is when reading between the lines, the idea of Jesus doing miracles was something very unexpected, the people in the town where he grew up had never seen him do this kind of thing ever before.

I can remember reading scholars who lambast the authenticity of the Bible saying that the church in the first few centuries kept out writings that should have been included in the Bible. I’ve read some of these “Gnostics writings”, like stories saying when Jesus was a child he would do magical tricks and the like (including raising a dead bird back to life). And so on reading Mark 6: 1 – 6, I find it interesting the folk of Jesus’ home town did not expect him to do any tricks or miracles. It’s as if when they saw him grow up – he never did any then and so why should he now? This idea seems to prove the ‘Gnostic gospels’ were in fact inferior and fanciful, and validates the wisdom of the church councils to keep the Gnostic writings out of the Bible.

And for me this proves (once again) that the sceptical scholars who discredit the Bible were indeed biased in their opinion and not open to the possibility of a living God. A living God who loves humankind – loves humankind so much that the gospels we ended up with are in fact authentic so we can know that God is not a monster who has left us blind. The Bible tells us enough to be able to have a friendship with Him and know that He is love.

Something to do: Some miracle counting.

Read through Mark 6 and take note of all the healings and miracles (and not just Jesus’ ones). Spend some time pondering that the Jesus who lived in the Bible times and healed is the same Jesus who heals today. And ponder that not only Jesus preformed miracles in Mark chapter six – his followers did. Umm – if I recall correctly – we are his followers too!

To Ponder and Pray: Be expectant.

What is scary about Mark 6: 1 – 6 is the way that when no one expected any miracles not many happened (just a few healings). Could it be if we don’t expect any miracles to happen, we will have the same problem? Conversely if we start to expect miracles, then they will become frequent. This is a challenge to all of us – let us be expectant.

Lord – work on our hearts so they become expectant
instead of the typical kiwi complacent.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

the sweetness of grapes

A Poem: The Bunch of Grapes

Joy, I did lock thee up: but some bad man hath let thee out again:
And now, me thinks, I am where I began
Seven years ago: one vogue and vain, One air of thoughts usurps my brain.
I did toward Canaan draw; but now I am
Brought back to the Red sea, the sea of shame.

For as the Jews of old by God's command travelled, and saw no town:
So now each Christian hath his journeys spanned:
Their story pens and sets us down.
A single deed is small renown.
God's works are wide, and let in future times;
His ancient justice overflows our crimes.

Then have we too our guardian fires and clouds; Our Scripture-dew drops fast:
We have our sands and serpents, tents and shrouds;
Alas! our murmurings come not last.
But where's the cluster? where's the taste
Of mine inheritance? Lord, if I must borrow,
Let me as well take up their joy, as sorrow.

But can he want the grape, who hath the wine? I have their fruit and more.
Blessed be God, who prospered Noah's vine,
And made it bring forth grapes good store.
But much more him I must adore,
Who of the law's sour juice sweet wine did make,
Even God himself, being pressed for my sake.

George Herbert (1593-1633)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: the sweetness of grapes

“Paul was at the end of his life's journey and wrote to Timothy: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7). We all will arrive there someday. As Herbert says in today's poem, this is a journey not unlike Israel's exodus across Sinai. But instead of pillars of cloud and fire to guide us, we have Scripture and the Spirit; in place of manna we have the Word of God; sand and serpents vex us in the common troubles and ills of life; and life seems as temporary as a tent. And yes, like Israel, we murmur almost from beginning to end.

Have you ever asked, "OK, Lord, where is the reward? What is in this for me? You gave Israel that huge cluster of grapes as an incentive to continue the journey into the Promised Land. How about giving me something like that?" This is not uncommon. At such times it is prudent to remember that you are not living in Old Testament times. Since the advent, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers' rewards are not physical.

This is why Herbert makes a distinction between the grapes and the wine. God was "pressed" on the cross in the person of Jesus Christ. Our reward in this age is the sweet taste of that which Jesus accomplished there. The human journey today is much the same as in past millennia. The difference is that we may enjoy the ineffable effects of redemption.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

From Jon: I don't fully agree with the comment “believers' rewards are not physical”. I would think that such things as the sweetness of grapes, the smell of a newly bathed baby, the sound of beautiful music – all point to a crescendo of that which Christ won for us and we would be remiss to not enjoy them now. I wonder if in spring one day, the whole church should have a yummy evening meal in the hall and then with full stomachs watch the movie ‘Babette's Feast’.

Something to do: Eat some grapes.

Take the scooter (or car or bike or by foot), purchase a small bunch of grapes and make your way down to the cemetery. Enjoy the sweet flavour while wandering among the graves. Sense the contrast – that while in this life there is bitter pain and grief there is also sweetness. As you enjoy the sweet flavours let it be a picture of that which Christ won on the cross. Let the sweetness be a reminder that there are more good days than bad. Let the sweetness remind you that the Kingdom of God is now but also not fully yet, that the best is both now and the best is still to come. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: We will follow you Lord.

Jesus, our master and friend,
we promise to follow your way,
seek your truth
and live by the example of your life.
Strengthen us by your love,
so that we may be faithful to our promise.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Tolerance

A Poem: On the Late Massacre in Piedmont

Avenge, 0 Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones
Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold,
Even them who kept thy truth so pure of old
When all our fathers worshiped stocks and stones,

Forget not: in thy book record their groans

Who were thy sheep and in their ancient fold
Slain by the bloody Piemontese that rolled
Mother with infant down the rocks. Their moans
The vales redoubled to the hills, and they
To Heaven. Their martyred blood and ashes sow
O'er all th' Italian fields where still doth sway

The triple tyrant: that from these may grow

A hundredfold, who having learnt thy way
Early may fly the Babylonian woe.

by John Milton (1608-1674)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Tolerance.

“In this poem Milton decries the killing of several Christians known as the Waldensians. This sect had lived in the Italian Alps since the twelfth century. They supposedly had religious liberty. But in 1655 the Roman Catholic ruler of the Piedmont trampled their freedom by sending troops to slaughter many of their members.

At this time in history there was tremendous tension between Roman Catholics and Protestants. Milton, a leading Protestant in England, voiced his protest against this slaughter. Speaking for his countrymen, Milton confessed that the English (in the twelfth century) had still been Roman Catholics who worshiped wooden and stone statues, while the Waldensians carried on the true faith. Now (in the seventeenth century) as Protestants, the English were free from "the triple tyrant" (the pope, who supposedly had authority over heaven, earth, and hell). The irony is that the Waldensians, who had come under the pope's sword, were martyrs liberated to heaven—way above his control.

In the last lines Milton prays that the martyrs' seed will multiply a hundredfold, producing many more new believers, who will know the truth and thereby escape "the Babylonian woe." That woe is the destruction of Babylon as depicted in Revelation 18, which Protestants in Milton's day understood to mean the destruction of Rome.

From this sad scene in Christian history, depicted so poignantly by Milton, let us learn tolerance for other Christians—especially those who are most different from us.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

Something to do: Look at a flower.

I’m writing this in the first week of June, but perchance winter still has not come our way, why not go outside and look for a confused flower that already thinks it is spring. Pluck it, smell it, admire it, feel the texture, the colour – each intricate part, each beautiful petal making the whole. Did you know that within St. David’s there are many different textures and flavours and petals and colours and nuances of faith in Jesus Christ? We desperately need each other to make that well formed flower named St. David’s. We desperately need the other churches in our community to make that flower – the church of Richmond Waimea…...…and so on and so on we all need each other. While admiring that flower – pray for the church worldwide and local. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: Unite us Lord

God, you loved the world so much that you gave your Son.
We will give ourselves in worship and service to you.
Bind us together in that fellowship of love
which unites us to you, Our Father,
through the Son
and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Do you tell others the story?

A Poem: I Love To Tell The Story.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God's own Holy Word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

by Arabella Catherine Hankey (1834-1911)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Do you tell others the story?

Arabella Catherine Hankey became extremely sick, she was confined to a year of bed rest. During this long, lonely period, she wrote two substantial poems. The first poem was "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." The second poem, printed in part here, was "I Love to Tell the Story." Both poems were later turned into hymns.

In this poem, Hankey overflows with exuberant joy and delight in one special privilege: She can proclaim the story of God's salvation! This is good news for all who will hear and accept it. It is also good news for those who have never heard it and for those who need to hear it again and again. It is food for those who hunger and thirst for God.

The gospel is spiritual food for those who preach it as well. Recall the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. The disciples had gone into town looking for food. Jesus stayed by the well, where he encountered the woman. There he preached the gospel to her, and she drank in this living water. Although Jesus was physically hungry, as he preached he was nourished. The disciples wondered who had fed Jesus when he refused to eat the food they brought him. But Jesus explained to them that he was "fed" by doing the will of his Father. As Christ's example shows us, nothing is more satisfying than proclaiming the Good News.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

Something to do: Tell others the story.

I encourage all St. David’s folk to think through and write down your own testimony (your personal story of Jesus Christ in your life, and what it means to you and why it’s important). Then prayerfully share your story with those you love so they can hear the Good News. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: Messengers of Light

Loving God
As in Christ, you came into the world
to bring light and peace,
kissing the earth with love, with hope , with life,
so we, loving God, would be messengers of light:
light where the world is dark,
and joy where the world is sad.
In Christ’s name. Amen