Saturday, May 24, 2008

Galatians 3:23-29 - God lives in community

Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29

Summary: We are all children of God. It doesn't matter if we are Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, we all belong to Christ.

Thoughts: This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday. The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) has always been one of the pieces of the Christian faith that I had to believe totally on faith. I have a Masters Degree in Mathematics and it is difficult to be told that 3 equals 1. I can't comprehend it. But I can understand that the Trinity is a community. That God lives in community in the Trinity. And so God sets an example for us to live in community, with God and with all other humans, and with creation. No exceptions.

Prayer: God the father, please remind us that you created the world and we should care for it as we would our own offspring. God the son, help us to remember that you came to earth to tell us about the coming of the reign of God, or the dream of God. And God the spirit, help us to always be awared of your presence and all that we can do with your help. Help us to awake each day determined to advance the dream of God so that this world will be a place where all can flourish. Amen.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Acts 16:6-10 - Taken where you do not want to go

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Summary: This scripture is about some of Paul's travels. He wants to go to several places that the Holy Spirit will not let him go. Then he has a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for him to go there. Paul goes because he believes that God has called them to proclaim the good news to them.

Thoughts: God refuses to let Paul go to several places that he thinks he should go. And then God sends him somewhere he wasn't planning to go. What I like about this story is Paul's response. He doesn't seem to question what God is trying to tell him. When will I get to the point that I know for sure that it is God telling me where to go or not to go? How do I discern the source of the voice telling me that I need to go somewhere? Sometimes God's voice is very clear to me. Other times, it's not until I look back on the decision that I see God's hand in my choice. I long to be like Paul and have more certainty in my life. But, certainly, Paul wasn't always clear either. I need to learn to give it time and space.

Prayer: Please God, give me a better ability to discern your will in my life. I pray, as I do almost constantly, to be able to hear and see and feel your will for my life more closesly. Give me the quiet space to be able to discern more clearly. Amen.