Easter People (from April 22, 2017)
Every Easter, and some days in-between, I find myself humming a little song I learned as a teenager. “Every morning is Easter morning, from now on (from now on), every day is Resurrection Day, the past is over and gone…”
This year, my humming began after reading Pastor Cory Dahl’s Faith Perspective article from last weekend. My remembrance of the words and melody brought me back to the person who taught it to me. I looked for her name online, and found this: “Morrison, Tracie M. age 43 of Rosemount. Tracie died peacefully surrounded by love. July 8, 2016.” I looked further and found one of the last things she posted on her Facebook account: “The Lord is good to us. We accept GREAT things! Isn’t [he] cool. It’s Easter!!!!!”
I don’t know what every day of her life was like. I’m sure that when I met her as an 18 year-old, she had plenty of worries about her future. I’m also sure that near the end, as a relatively young woman with a terminal illness, she thought about what she was leaving behind. But, more pronounced than those profoundly normal and expected concerns, from my perspective her life was bracketed by a faith that trusted the power of Jesus Christ rising from the dead! Her voice was powerful, loud and raspy…and, nothing much seemed to change in the way she pushed through life…death…and into eternity.
I suppose that’s the way life is when every morning is Easter morning, and every day is a day to start fresh and new. As Martin Luther writes about baptism, “the Old Adam in us should…daily…be drowned…and a new man should daily emerge and arise…” This isn’t a commentary about the power of water baptism, but about the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Romans 6:4 says, “We were buried with Him…in order that, just as Christ was raised…we too may live a new life.”
The cross is bare and the tomb is vacant, but neither of them lose their significance unless we deny the power of Christ to forgive and remove sin. Today is a day to start again. Tomorrow will be likewise. Christ died in the past so that we can have a future worth living.
"Good-bye guilt, good-bye fear, good riddance! Hello Lord, hello sun! I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun!”
Thursday, August 24, 2017
A Boy...and His Birds
A Boy…and His Birds (from June 3, 2017)
Said the robin to the sparrow, 'I would really like to know
why those anxious human beings rush around and worry so."
Said the sparrow to the robin, 'Friend, I think that it must be
that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."
I was walking around in my back yard the other day, surveying my limited real estate and considering the creatures that live on it. The charcoal grill was fired up and the wind was calm for a moment. As thoughts of the day strolled through my mind, I mused: “I’m just a boy with a brat. And a beer. And some birds.”
Yes, birds. We are now co-owners (with our neighbors) of 8 chickens…half of which are contributing back to society with their egg production, while the others just eat food and poop in the yard. They’re not too complicated, but they are like children in that they both require our attention and garner our affection. They’re unlike children in that they may be eaten, if necessary.
What started as a simple assessment of my life got complicated quickly. “Just a boy” is just part of a much larger scenario, and I didn’t even get to family and work! Suddenly, the idea of somehow stripping down your life, and living “off the land” or “off the grid” sounds so good, pure and right, doesn’t it?
Dear friends, when you walk around, surveying the real estate that is your life – do you remember your Creator? You will always be busy, there will never be enough time and your brain will always be full when you put yourself in God’s role, and forget that you are one of His creatures under His care. When you’re anxious, overwhelmed or worried, Jesus says, “Look at the birds…” (Matthew 6:26).
Seriously, just look at them. If you don’t have any in your yard, come over and look at mine. They don’t frown or sweat. They don’t smile or laugh. They may not worry, but they also don’t know joy. God has created US with the capacity to worry, yes…but, also to know the unspeakable joy of being cared for, loved and rejoiced over with singing. We have great value in the eyes of the One who made us.
“Cast your anxiety upon the Lord, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Said the robin to the sparrow, 'I would really like to know
why those anxious human beings rush around and worry so."
Said the sparrow to the robin, 'Friend, I think that it must be
that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."
I was walking around in my back yard the other day, surveying my limited real estate and considering the creatures that live on it. The charcoal grill was fired up and the wind was calm for a moment. As thoughts of the day strolled through my mind, I mused: “I’m just a boy with a brat. And a beer. And some birds.”
Yes, birds. We are now co-owners (with our neighbors) of 8 chickens…half of which are contributing back to society with their egg production, while the others just eat food and poop in the yard. They’re not too complicated, but they are like children in that they both require our attention and garner our affection. They’re unlike children in that they may be eaten, if necessary.
What started as a simple assessment of my life got complicated quickly. “Just a boy” is just part of a much larger scenario, and I didn’t even get to family and work! Suddenly, the idea of somehow stripping down your life, and living “off the land” or “off the grid” sounds so good, pure and right, doesn’t it?
Dear friends, when you walk around, surveying the real estate that is your life – do you remember your Creator? You will always be busy, there will never be enough time and your brain will always be full when you put yourself in God’s role, and forget that you are one of His creatures under His care. When you’re anxious, overwhelmed or worried, Jesus says, “Look at the birds…” (Matthew 6:26).
Seriously, just look at them. If you don’t have any in your yard, come over and look at mine. They don’t frown or sweat. They don’t smile or laugh. They may not worry, but they also don’t know joy. God has created US with the capacity to worry, yes…but, also to know the unspeakable joy of being cared for, loved and rejoiced over with singing. We have great value in the eyes of the One who made us.
“Cast your anxiety upon the Lord, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Land of the (Sorta) Free
Land of the (Sorta) Free (from July 6, 2017)
I used to think that personal freedoms ended where somebody else's begin. Like, I can smoke a cigar (which I find rather barfy, actually) unless I'm standing in the vicinity of another who would rather not be experiencing it in a second hand way.
That's pretty narrow. What about when I smoke a bunch of cigars at one time, or for a lifetime, resulting in sickness that requires medical attention? Am I free to do that, or do I have responsibility to my family, friends and employer to take better care of myself?
E pluribus unum. From many, one. The unofficial motto of the United States reminds us of the bigger picture. We are individuals with great freedoms, but the question and debate shouldn't be about where those freedoms end...but, about what the purpose of being free really is.
What you choose to do in your personal freedom affects the larger whole, and you are not free to disregard that.
I realize that the Biblical connection to this is normally about the Body of Christ, and that there is "one body with many parts" (1 Corinthians 12), and that we may not belittle or mistreat other parts of that body. I also know many would say that Christians shouldn't expect the rest of the world to operate that way.
Dear friends, I don't expect the fallen world to behave according to God's design, but should that stop us from striving to follow the best model out there? The model given and demonstrated by God Himself? "Love your neighbor" hasn't been revoked, revised or limited in some new way, has it? The God of the Bible wants His church to live out this calling...even in a world that doesn't recognize His voice.
Love is sometimes reduced to caring FOR the neighbor in times of need. But, caring ABOUT your neighbor also makes sense. How do your seemingly personal choices affect others? How do you as individuals impact the group or community?
Being free gives you the opportunity to love. In the land of the free, be brave enough to care for and about your neighbor. It's practically a revolutionary concept once again.
I used to think that personal freedoms ended where somebody else's begin. Like, I can smoke a cigar (which I find rather barfy, actually) unless I'm standing in the vicinity of another who would rather not be experiencing it in a second hand way.
That's pretty narrow. What about when I smoke a bunch of cigars at one time, or for a lifetime, resulting in sickness that requires medical attention? Am I free to do that, or do I have responsibility to my family, friends and employer to take better care of myself?
E pluribus unum. From many, one. The unofficial motto of the United States reminds us of the bigger picture. We are individuals with great freedoms, but the question and debate shouldn't be about where those freedoms end...but, about what the purpose of being free really is.
What you choose to do in your personal freedom affects the larger whole, and you are not free to disregard that.
I realize that the Biblical connection to this is normally about the Body of Christ, and that there is "one body with many parts" (1 Corinthians 12), and that we may not belittle or mistreat other parts of that body. I also know many would say that Christians shouldn't expect the rest of the world to operate that way.
Dear friends, I don't expect the fallen world to behave according to God's design, but should that stop us from striving to follow the best model out there? The model given and demonstrated by God Himself? "Love your neighbor" hasn't been revoked, revised or limited in some new way, has it? The God of the Bible wants His church to live out this calling...even in a world that doesn't recognize His voice.
Love is sometimes reduced to caring FOR the neighbor in times of need. But, caring ABOUT your neighbor also makes sense. How do your seemingly personal choices affect others? How do you as individuals impact the group or community?
Being free gives you the opportunity to love. In the land of the free, be brave enough to care for and about your neighbor. It's practically a revolutionary concept once again.
Forests and Trees
Forests and Trees (from February, 2017)
I’m okay with dreams. I’m okay with the grandiose,
head-in-the-clouds optimism of the perpetually young-at-heart and hopeful. I
admire those who think they can change the world, because you know what? Maybe
they can. So what if they try, and fail? At least they tried. At least there
was a chance.
But, every dream starts somewhere smaller than the full
reality. Every forest starts with a tree. And, one tree has value, even if it’s
not part of a larger configuration of vegetation.
These existential thoughts come to mind as I see our nation
torn. The Presidential election is behind us, but many questions remain in
front of us. Let’s be mindful of the little things.
I admit to not paying attention to all things political. I
don’t know all the reasons people love or hate President Obama. I believe that
he desired and aspired to do good things. I just think that he & Michelle
and others like them, could find themselves doing powerful things as normal
citizens. He could just show up somewhere…some neighborhood or city…and make a
huge difference – in one place at a time.
This is where seeing the trees instead of the forest can be
okay. The dream of affecting a whole nation, or a planet is great! But, even in
the Great Commission from Jesus’ own lips, His followers are sent first to
Jerusalem (Sturgeon Bay)… then Judea (Door County), Samaria (Kewaunee County)
and beyond.
“Where do we start this HUGE TASK, Jesus?” Where do we start
telling and loving? Right here. Start where you are. Start with the seemingly
insignificant. Start with a seed. There's so much to do that it can be
overwhelming unless we break it down to a per-tree level...unless we make it
about a person, a family, or a neighborhood.
We hear at times how we can’t or aren’t seeing “the forest
for the trees.” That is, we don’t see the bigger picture or the greater good,
and get bogged down by the parts of the whole. But, looking at too much can be
overwhelming, and it’s okay to let God be the God of all creation, while each
of us deals with the smaller gardens that He’s entrusted to our particular
care.
Forest: Jesus Christ was sent and given up to death for the
sins of the whole world – of all space and time.
Tree: Jesus Christ had dinner with sinners, drew close to the sick and defended the accused.
Tree: Jesus Christ had dinner with sinners, drew close to the sick and defended the accused.
Tree: My neighbor 2 doors down needs somebody to shovel her
driveway in the winter, and to check in on her once in a while.
Go ahead with your pie in the sky, but baking a pie for the
neighbor without a working kitchen should be where you start.
Go ahead and dream of what could be. But, don’t wait for all
the pieces to fit just right. Chasing that glimmer of hope can begin as a
sparkle in your neighbor’s eye when you care for the needs of their body or
spirit.
In the name and the Spirit of Jesus!
Pastor James Gomez
Look Up, Charlottesville
Look Up
“I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” – Charlotte Bronte
O Charlottesville, you aren’t a huge city, but our eyes are on you this week. Many are looking, and some are seeing the pain, fear and anger that are the human responses to hate and tragedy. As I am among those looking in, I find myself wondering about you…where are your eyes looking?
When you look forward, do you see plans and protests to bring meaning to life? Are there terrific solutions yet to come and answers to life’s deepest questions? Are you waiting and hoping for evolutionary change to overcome “jogger rage” and the like?
When you look backward, you discover the roots of enmity and strife between people groups: pride & selfishness, the same things that cause neighbors to fight over how often the lawn should be mowed. Striving for greatness, America isn’t any further from the traps and snares of the past…and isn’t any closer to a peaceful society today than 50 or 150 years ago.
O Charlottesville, I beg of you to humble yourselves and look upward! Your help does not come from human understanding and striving. It does not come from laws that forbid hateful behavior. True help is not just being more kind and loving, or tolerant or trying harder! Looking up directs your affections to the throne and the radiant face of God Almighty, who is looking right back at the creatures He loves.
Psalm 121 – I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
People have discovered, overcome and solved so much, but the human condition is one that only God can redeem. O Charlottesville, and other cities big and small, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near!” (Isaiah 55) Looking up, you won’t see hatred, but love; you won’t see tragedy, but comfort; you won’t see yourself, but the One in whose image you were made.
Shalom!
Pastor James Gomez
“I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” – Charlotte Bronte
O Charlottesville, you aren’t a huge city, but our eyes are on you this week. Many are looking, and some are seeing the pain, fear and anger that are the human responses to hate and tragedy. As I am among those looking in, I find myself wondering about you…where are your eyes looking?
When you look forward, do you see plans and protests to bring meaning to life? Are there terrific solutions yet to come and answers to life’s deepest questions? Are you waiting and hoping for evolutionary change to overcome “jogger rage” and the like?
When you look backward, you discover the roots of enmity and strife between people groups: pride & selfishness, the same things that cause neighbors to fight over how often the lawn should be mowed. Striving for greatness, America isn’t any further from the traps and snares of the past…and isn’t any closer to a peaceful society today than 50 or 150 years ago.
O Charlottesville, I beg of you to humble yourselves and look upward! Your help does not come from human understanding and striving. It does not come from laws that forbid hateful behavior. True help is not just being more kind and loving, or tolerant or trying harder! Looking up directs your affections to the throne and the radiant face of God Almighty, who is looking right back at the creatures He loves.
Psalm 121 – I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
People have discovered, overcome and solved so much, but the human condition is one that only God can redeem. O Charlottesville, and other cities big and small, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near!” (Isaiah 55) Looking up, you won’t see hatred, but love; you won’t see tragedy, but comfort; you won’t see yourself, but the One in whose image you were made.
Shalom!
Pastor James Gomez
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