Philippians 3:19-4:1

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” vs. 1

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians–it was a regular thing in his life–but this time it seemed serious. He was awaiting trial and wasn’t sure how that would go. In those days, prisoners could receive visitors, letters, and gifts and Paul had gotten all of those things from the little congregation that had sprung up after his visit some years before. He’d heard the usual gossip and knew that he was being prayed for–and he was exceedingly grateful. In his response, his joy was unrestrained–he didn’t know what would happen to him but he did know that they were remaining faithful to what he had taught. As he wrote he offered advice and counsel, but more than anything he let them know the depth of his love. He still hoped to be able to see them again and give hugs, but if that would be impossible he encouraged them to stand firm in Christ Jesus. We know what that is like. Each of us have crossed paths with folks through the years, become separated, and are grateful when we at least can get a newsy Christmas letter. Some of these people may have had a large impact on our faith lives, and what a blessing it is for everyone when we can reconnect with words of affirmation and love. So let’s do it!

Thought for the Day: Who can I bless with a love letter today?

Philippians 3:17-19

“Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” vs. 17

No matter what our background in the faith, no matter how strong our commitment to Christ, we all have to crawl out of bed in the morning, pause for a cup of coffee, and then figure out how we’re going to use all the hours we have at our disposal through the day. And if we’re at all serious about our faith, we’ll have at least some desire to live in a way that brings glory to God. We know that our thoughts, words, and deeds have significance both for ourselves and for others. So how do we decide what to do? Paul knew that people were thinking such things in Philippi and he gave some bold advice. “Join in imitating me,” he said, “and watch those who are living like me!” His words are instructive. Sometimes the best way to learn how to walk in the Way of Jesus is to watch someone who is on the journey with you, particularly if that person seems to know the path. There really is no better way to learn how to live than by watching and imitating someone who does it well. And if they happen to stumble occasionally, that’s all the better. It would be horrible if they were perfect! All of us learn more from failures than we do successes! And just think, someday we might even be the one that people are watching!

Thought for the Day: Who is my model for Christlike living?

March 10

Some of you may have heard that I’ll be going with a group of travelers to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan to complete the trip I was leading in March of 2020 when COVID 19 forced the closure of Israeli and Palestinian borders. I said then that one day we’d finish but I didn’t realize it would be two years! So tomorrow we leave–and the preparations have been a journey in themselves. We’ve had our vaccinations, negative COVID tests, filled out the entry forms for Israel, and have made appointments for another COVID test as soon as we arrive. Then we head for quarantine at a hotel in Netanya to wait for our negative results.

I do want you to know that the meditations will keep coming while I’m away, and I’ll also be doing a daily blog on www.desertgraces.com. If you want you can sign up and follow along–it’ll come to you at your email address. Elaine and I return on March 24 and I certainly invite your prayers!

Steve

Psalm 27:9-14

“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” vss. 13-14

Sometimes as we read the psalms it seems as though the writer of a particular psalm was living under the proverbial black cloud. There were enemies on every side and even family members could not be trusted. Everywhere the psalmist turned it seemed as though people were plotting violence against him. In such situations most of us are likely to feel deep depression and maybe even wonder if God has turned against us. But this psalmist is cut from a different cloth! In spite of facing multiple adversaries, he says to the world, “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” He doesn’t long for the sweet bye-and-bye–he may not have even believed in life after death–but he is convinced that if he opens up his eyes he will see God’s goodness every single day. It’s faith like this that allows us to live with smiles in our hearts even when tears blur our vision. The Divine Presence is not at a distance, nor is it something we have to wait for. God is with us now, an accompanying presence that gives courage and hope. So it was in the days of old, so is it now as our world seeks stability in the midst of insanity and lust for power.

Thought for the Day: What is it like to live under a black cloud?

Psalm 27:1-8

“Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.”

The psalmist was no stranger to war and its devastating consequences. The city of Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed regularly and its residents were accustomed to seeing foreign armies camped on the surrounding hills and refugees flooding into the city. In recent weeks we’ve seen this same ugly scene unfold in our time as the people of Ukraine have had to deal with invading troops and massive destruction in their cities. Many of them have likely turned to the psalms for guidance and comfort, and it may be that some have found reason for confidence in their reassuring verses. What’s disconcerting is that their attackers have also been diligently praying; their priests have been imploring God for success in their forces’ brave “defense” against the encroaching allied forces of Europe! That’s the way it is with us; when war comes the natural inclination is always to demonize the opposition. While we still have no idea how this conflict is going to find any kind of resolution, we are having plenty of opportunities for prayer. It’s a scary time for our world. Things could easily spin out of control–and of course our hearts go out to those who are the true victims of what has happened. The ones who suffer the most seldom are the ones responsible for the horror! May God hear their prayers!

Thought for the Day: How has this conflict affected me?

Genesis 15; 7-12, 17-18

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…’” vs 18

The Hebrews thought of themselves as a covenant people; they had an agreement with God that went all the way back to Abram, the first of their patriarchs. It had been symbolized by the cutting in two of three sacrificial animals by Abram, who then separated the pieces and laid them on the ground. That night in a dream he saw a flaming torch pass between the pieces. This was the “cutting” of the covenant between the Lord and the Hebrews. Not only would they be the Chosen People, they would ultimately receive a huge land grant. It’s this promise that has caused enormous difficulty as Jews and Arabs have struggled for domination in Israel and Palestine. Some Jews say that all the land is theirs, it was given by the Lord to Abram; Palestinians of course have a different perspective. They’ve been living on the land since even before the Hebrews arrived. Some argue that it’s ridiculous to say God actually gave the land to the Jews–it’s just one of their religious beliefs. Of course there is really only one logical solution. Both groups need to learn to respect the heritage of the other and figure out a way to share the land. Whether that will happen seems improbable! Followers of Jesus will do all they can to work for peace and justice for all!

Thought for the Day: What’s the biggest obstacle to peace in the Holy Land?

Genesis 15:1-6

“And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” vs. 6

Abram is a significant figure for both Jews and Muslims. Both religions point to him as a mighty Semetic patriarch, some would say the first quasi-historical figure to appear in the ancient stories of scripture. He was born in the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia but began a nomadic search for a new homeland, traveling through most of the Middle East in the process. The stories that were passed on about his exploits describe an adventurer, a gifted man who was able to accumulate flocks and herds along the way. He could be decisive in battle and deceptive in negotiations, but as the years passed he lamented the lack of an heir, especially since the Lord had promised that he would be the father of a great nation. But Abram believed; he trusted the promise, and this became his defining attribute for all the generations that followed. Muslims and Christians alike remember his faith, and the apostle Paul in particular, used him to show the centrality of faith, rather than works, in a believer’s life. We likely all know people like this, folks who make their share of mistakes as they wander and search; they can have a variety of occupations and even dysfunctional families. But the one thing that they have in spades is faith–come hell or high water, they have learned to always put their trust in the Lord. And they are blessed!

Thought for the Day: Who for me has been a model of faith?

Luke 4:9-14

“Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’’ vs. 12

Jesus had already received affirmation of God’s love following his baptism. It was an experience that he could never forget–and now a voice was telling him to ask for more, just in case he’d misunderstood the first time. We know what that’s like. As humans it’s never enough to be told something once, and if our lover has said “You’re the one,” we reason that it surely wouldn’t hurt to want to hear it again. That’s even true in our relationship with God. We love being told over and over again that we are loved. But it’s a different matter when we start testing God, saying things like, “If you really love me, God, heal my friend,” or “If you really love me, Jesus, let me make this putt!” Those little tests come quickly to our minds when we need something or are in a tight spot, and they make a mockery of our faith relationship. They turn God into our servant, a kind of divine genie who we expect to respond to our every perceived need. The truth is that our relationship with God is secure, and it will never go away. We are all beloved children and no demons, sicknesses, not even death, can separate us from that love. We may or may not have our prayers answered, and we learn to live with both responses without losing faith. Our friends may die and we’ll certainly miss putts but God keeps on loving us no matter what.

Thought for the Day: When have I put God to the test?

Luke 4:1-8

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” vss. 1-2a

Following his life-changing experience with the Divine after his baptism, Jesus didn’t immediately begin his ministry. For one thing, he probably didn’t have a clear idea of what that mission would entail–there were no job descriptions for the work of a Messiah, just a few assorted references in the scriptures–all lacking details. Without direction he followed the impulses of the Spirit that had captured him at the river and headed off into the mountainous maze of gulches and ravines that lay to the west. It’s a parched treeless territory, a place where, according to popular belief, the demons made their home. There, like some prophets before him, Jesus sorted out his options, what Luke calls temptations. Each seemed to reveal a kind of internal doubt: was his experience authentic? Was he really the beloved Son of God? Those thoughts are common to any person of faith. Does my baptism really make a difference? Or, more basically, is God real? Such wrestling is a part of the faith journey, a wondering that is essential to developing strong convictions. It’s no fun to hang out with demons, but we are still led to do it! The song “Borning Cry” puts it well: after receiving faith, “in a blaze of light (we) wander off to find where demons dwell.” The good news is that this is the work of the Spirit, and we are never alone.

Thought for the Day: What was my wilderness like?

Romans 10:8b-13

“because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” vs. 9

In his effort to help the Romans understand that salvation is by God’s grace Paul describes what happens as a person comes to faith. It’s really simple, a matter of confession and belief–nothing more is required. And everyone is included, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Unfortunately many Christians have turned his gracious words into spiritual laws that tend toward exclusion. According to their understanding, humans are eternally separated from God by sin, Jesus is the only way to salvation, and only individuals who receive him as Lord and Savior can personally experience the love of God. While all these assertions are backed by scattered scripture verses, when rigidly applied they create a world of insiders and outsiders. The message that Jesus brought was not formulaic, i.e. the four steps needed to get unbelievers through the pearly gates. That isn’t even close to what he taught! His intention was to proclaim the unconditional love of God to all that he encountered–Paul’s words were an extension of his. He believed with all his heart that the good news of life and salvation was for all people. No one is excluded. Will some refuse to believe? Can they refuse the gift of salvation? Of course, but it’s still theirs! They are still loved by God!

Thought for the Day: Why are spiritual laws appealing?