Faith or Faust

 Today, I was in a real good mood not knowing why perhaps it was a good nights sleep or maybe just not caring about troubles. It rained most of the day and it seemed like things at work were more chaotic than usual with many requests. Still nothing penetrated my inner spirit - it was a great day. I was not taking any drugs or anything but felt a little different. I think after going through a lot of trials it was just the light at the end of tunnel feeling. Spent last week in the hospital but I won't go into details just that it was not good. I had surgery and you know it was ok. The doctors and nurses kept asking me if I was in pain but honestly felt fine as they were cutting away. It was nice to have faith to rely on and especially when you need it.
  What is faith - to me . Perhaps it means something else to you. To me it is not just believing but experiencing , to go beyond what we think is possible. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Now I just took this from scripture but faith results in substance and evidence. If we practice faith it will produce substance - it could be a material thing, though I do not long for these. It means more to me to have peace of mind and balance than a new car or material wealth. Even though God has blessed us, it takes very little to make me happy. It is more important to focus on contentment than gain.  
 We had a large meeting the other day and there were over a hundred persons in the room, I was listening to some complaining. I had just gotten back from surgery the day before and quietly thought how some like to complain just for the sake of it. They hardly had a reason , after a few hours realized most of the grief we bring on ourselves, by setting goals that are worldly. My goal was not to complain for as long as possible, at the end of the day felt great- goal achieved.

 There was a man in literature who complained a lot, he was never satisfied. He ended up making a pack with the devil. His name was Faust as some of you may know. Faust wanted material wealth and power and would do anything to achieve this. In the end he was still not happy but was left with a debt he owed , his soul to the devil. It is important to note this was not just a story there are many Faust in this world- who make such pacts. They are never satisfied , one sign of a Faust is the complaining. They have the new car but complain about the trim or the gas mileage , well maybe they should have not bought a hummer. They complain about the heating bill but live in a three story home or about all the grass to mow, did you really need 5 acres. If you had a townhouse maybe you would have time to read your favorite novel and relax.

 In reality if we can get by with less and have peace of mind , we are better off. I am not saying do not get the things you need or even desire but have balance. Especially around the holidays which used to be about reflecting on Christ now it was turned into a spending frenzy by many. I can say we can easily get caught along with the crowds, I have been guilty of this also. Exercise control and contentment in the end when the mail comes it may just be a greeting card not a bill. My gift this week was just being here and am grateful for that. - peace.

The Eucharist - or Lords supper

 The Eucharist or Lords Supper as called by some is given as a sacrament at most churches , some at almost every service as in the Lutheran and Catholic services. Some churches less frequently but usually involves reading of scriptures , prayer and sometimes lay ministers are allowed to participate in handing out the sacraments.
 In the catholic faith it is believed that the wine is truly turned into the blood of Christ and the bread the actual body a belief called transubstantiation.  They believe also in this miraculous event that it remains in substance the body and blood of Christ.
 In the Lutheran faith it is believed the bread and wine are turned for that period of time the believer partakes only, if there is any leftover afterwards it was not used in the sacrament therefore it just remains normal bread and wine a practice call consubstantiation. Only what is consumed is of Christ.
 In Anabaptist it is only symbolic of the Lords Supper and nothing is actually mystically transformed.
Some believe that only the pastor or priest can perform the rite and decides who is worthy of partaking. Others believe it is open to all , and no one should be refused as an act of grace.
 The Lord says to do this as often as you like in remembrance of me. So, it is encouraged for us to take part in the sacraments as often as you like according to christian faith. I have a communion set and we sometimes have communion as a family at home, since my son has downs syndrome it allows him to join in at home, and practice the faith. He always folds his hands and says a prayer and I bless the sacraments being an ordained minister years ago , it also keeps me in practice. We enjoy having the sacraments at home and in church , if there are guest at home will ask them if they want to join in also.
 My only comment would be this concerning the various beliefs, does it matter if Christ is present in the bread or wine - to me it is more important that Christ resides in our hearts and minds. I do not doubt however that it is possible as God is omniscient to be present whenever or wherever he wants. So in that sense the bodily presence is possible in the Eucharist. Does a priest have a mystical power to perform the transformation - I guess we are all one with Christ if two or more agree and ask in His name then it is . Can a Catholic priest give absolution or a Lutheran minister - my faith is in Christ who died on the cross , his grace is sufficient to me. I would not want to feel like a caged bird waiting for a minister to hear my confession who says he or she has the keys to my cage to be free. God 's grace is sufficient for me , and the Holy Spirit continually cleanses me from sin. Some may need the help of a priest I do not know as never felt that way. I do know the sacraments give a sense of peace and have spiritual value, I believe should be practiced whenever we have occasion to, lets not get caught up in the mystical arguments but appreciate foremost that Christ is present in us.

Matthew 26
 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

The Trinity and the unity

  The Trinity has stood for ages the greatest mystery in Gods kingdom. Where does one begin to explain the most controversial subject in religion. The answers are in the scriptures we are told but yet- in interpretation it is left to the believer. The catholic differ from the orthodox on this view and actually split the east and the west churches on one word filioque. Often churches are split on trinitarian beliefs or not. In the catholic and many protestant beliefs the Holy Spirit emanates from the Father and the Son, in orthodox from the Father only. This schism was brought about by the Greek being interpreted into the Latin. The word filioque was added in the Latin and accepted by the catholic church. That single word caused an uproar in the Greek orthodox which held scripture to be unchangeable and they left the catholic body.
 When the Nicene creed was formed it was agreed by all that nothing would be changed from the original Greek under banishment or reprisal by anyone even a bishop or hierarchy. They had full justification for their action and thus left the west for a time to form their own orthodoxy or right way. Now there are some in protestant circles that believe in Jesus only, since Jesus said"I and the Father are one." Some also believe just in the Father because Jesus prayed to the Father and taught to pray in such a way in the Lords Prayer. The Holy Spirit was also said to have given birth to Jesus through Mary, so that leaves another often forgotten precept. So if Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, is the Son of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove at His baptism.
 The Islamic will say there is but one God , Allah the merciful. They are right God is one but we are also one united in Christ. Is not God omniscient ever present in all things, and can appear as He wishes. as a Spirit , as a man or even a dove or flame. He can even be a Word or create with just a thought. He is Almighty and yes he is merciful. Is his name Allah , in the ancient scriptures it states no one knows his name. He states I am who I am when asked by Moses, even Islam states no one can know his name and that Allah is just an adjective, as is Yahweh in the Jewish faith. In Christian faith we are told that the Son can reveal the Father to those he chooses - Matthew 11:27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”  I can say first hand this is true, that is what makes me study day and night otherwise I would just be a rebel like other men, the easy life to follow. The Lord is real, however he reveals himself but to me he came as holy, a consuming spirit , so much so that it was hard to be in his presence. Then he touched me without a word , the touch cleansed my soul ,it was only then could I behold his glory.
These are my words not ancient scripture.
 Jesus said"he would ask His Father to send the Holy Spirit" but Yet in the book of John Jesus breathed on the disciples and said receive ye the Holy Spirit. In Genesis the Spirit of God hovered over the waters and created the habitation of the world.
  Jesus was also part of creation in the beginning was God and the Word was with God. Many other verses place Jesus at creation. The word elohim was used a pluralistic word attributed to God. So, it is so The Father , the Son and the Holy Spirit are one and created as one. I guess it goes even further than that for Jesus said in John 17:21-22 That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.  Jesus is saying that we are also one with Christ. Many times Jesus spoke in a divine way , yet he was a man and when he died on the cross he said " Father why hast thou forsaken me." He felt a separation from the Father which is most profound of all. So they are one but each separate. As we are one in Christ but each separate this is the unity of the christian. We are also united in Christ that is even harder for the world to understand than the trinity.
 Except that when I was alone , the Holy Spirit came to me and I felt unclean, he touched me and then it was like we were one. I have felt that way ever since, even when praying to our Father who art in heaven. We are one in unity with Christ only when we may sin still being in the flesh there is a separation but he never leaves or forsakes us - he restores my soul keeping me forever in the palm of his hand. Just like Jesus felt that separation when he took upon himself our sin unto death and then he rose defeating sin and death. I feel confident this is our destiny to have eternal life in Christ.
 We will never fully understand  the trinity but this I understand fully and that is what matters- 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, restore, establish, strengthen, settle you. John 14:2  Jesus said"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. This is the word of the Lord -amen

The Orthodoxy and the Traditional

 Studying the various christian and non-christian beliefs it stuck like a pin what is the difference between an orthodox belief and a traditional one. The orthodox meaning right thinking , right  belief, a conformity or approved way of thinking. Yet , they accept the mystical - often seen as abnormal orthodox beliefs are one of  two brothers.  There is a fine line between the vain imagination and first hand experience of founding faith. In my belief first hand experience is always accepted above a soothsayer or even a book. It is surprisingly the same in orthodoxy- the only religious thinking that places firsthand knowledge above traditional. Yet in its very definition it supposed to be conformity. The pin that struck me, was that orthodoxy accepts revelation . First hand knowledge is a precept in the orthodox belief system.
 The traditional belief system is another of two brothers they will deny anything contrary to their belief even if it is touched, tasted or seen firsthand by someone. Traditional thinking is actually contrary to revelation, and even if a person is told black is white , or a man is a toad they would accept it as so, because that is what they are told to believe. I spent some time studying the Jesuits , the society of Jesus formed by the catholic saint Ignatius  of Loyola. He was a traditional thinker , whatever the pope said was the truth. Yet - hundreds of universities were dedicated to his traditional thinking throughout the world, he promoted knowledge. He was the foremost defender of the catholic faith and the passionate opponent of reform. Revered even today as a saint by the papacy of course he saved the catholic church from losing many followers. He was a man of works , he fed the poor , helped the needy and was after all the founder of the society of Jesus, but did he sacrifice tradition for truth.
 Who is right and who is wrong- which brother. We see there was a time in history where the orthodox split from the traditional. The Greek split from the Roman way of thinking, they became two churches with two heads. Both consecrate priests and each has a vast following, can both be right. Ignatius of Loyola once said, if the both pope said black was white , then black is white. Man is not proven by works neither is truth. Tradition is not always right ,neither is Orthodox but orthodox does accept first hand knowledge over what is being told to believe. Tradition is not always wrong either as it was conceived from founding faith, but alas interpretations can be lost over time and can also be perverted by men of greed for power or lust.
 There is a fine balance between the Orthodox and Tradition that we must maintain. Revelation is not always new thought but sometimes a correction back to an original one. I maintain we should return to the scriptures and practice faith not blindly but as Jesus taught. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Then in Matthew 7:22 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.  
 This is profound- They have done all these things in thy name yet Jesus said he never knew them. Do not be fooled by tradition, accept only what you discover first hand and follow the scriptures ask for the holy spirit to reveal God's word. First we need to understand these persons were not necessarily the Jesuits many are truly followers of faith and obedient to the holy spirit. They were neither the Orthodox because they have among them followers of faith and obedience to the holy spirit. Faith and obedience is a personal commitment and relationship each of us has with God.Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
 I can give an example of each denomination of a leader that has fallen, catholic - protestant all have fallen short of the glory of God, one is not held accountable for the sins of the preacher. I know Jesus is my Lord - I know salvation is personal, and have first hand experience the Holy Spirit is real. Still of all the vast knowledge never one even the wisest even touched the surface, Ecclesiastes 8:17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
 So believing we are in constant revelation and understanding cannot accept a traditional belief system. Therefore deny all religions that corrupt founding faith and that are not open to first hand knowledge. All fall short - and can tell you this I know the difference between a man and a toad.
 I  devote my resources to understanding of the scriptures and would not sit in judgement of the Orthodox or the Traditional- no one is perfected and in the end they are still brothers. It should be recognized that we are constantly learning and should be prepared for correction when necessary. God never changes but our understanding does, we need to be open to any knowledge he is willing to impart. We also should recognize we will be judged according to our own commitment and obedience to Christ as stated in Romans and Corinthians.
 As we enter the advent season when we contemplate our faith a time of correction toward becoming closer to Christ, we need to light a candle and share our joy , our peace with others. I hope to attend a candlelight service and feel the warmth of christian fellowship. -amen.



 

The Position of Disposition

 Often we are not in a position to have freedom to think , to weigh our thoughts. Family obligations , work loads and projects. No time for reflection or prayer, we find ourselves in bed trying to pray and reflect half asleep. In reality the best time to pray is at least two hours before bed time. It often will set the stage for a rest full nights sleep. I found this out after getting caught up in life and thinking I would pray myself to sleep as we were taught as children, Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake , I pray the Lord my soul to take. Yes- I remember that child hood prayer.
 If you ask the experts bed time is not the time to pray, it is the time to rest and allow your mind and body to heal. Please try this method of praying two hours ahead of bed time to see if that helps even if it seems inconvenient. I think God will enjoy your company more if you are not yawning and making it an afterthought. I once heard a Methodist minister say we must pray face down outstretched on the floor, others say the kneeling position with hands clenched is best. Some pray in the lotus meditation position. I often pray sitting in my chair with eyes closed , back straight as if just in a conversation with a friend. It may seem odd or irreverent and some even pray while walking down a garden path or nature trail, alongside a brook. Some need to be a chapel or at an altar -it is not really important where or what position we pray. The attitude is most important - I often recite the Lords prayer as Jesus taught and then say a personal prayer, for the world , then community , then family and friends and lastly my own needs. By the time I get to my own needs they seem small in comparison.
  We often read scriptures for meditation on spiritual teaching. I usually separate prayer and meditation as one would learning and communicating. In meditation I listen ,read and learn. In prayer it seems a time to talk to God. I was once told Jesus is not our friend , he is God. But that is not scriptural for throughout the bible new testament Jesus does not ask for worship, he asks for friendship. "No longer will you be my servants but my friends." We should be humble but also not be disposed for Christ died for us , he intercedes as our friend. I do not feel separated from Jesus , and will always treasure our friendship even as he is Lord, he is also a friend. -peace.

Veterans Day - what it means to me.

 Veterans day - I asked for a half day off to pray for the veterans still serving our country. Now, I do not have a license plate or stickers on my bumper. I did serve during the Vietnam war (8years) a veteran and my wife Frances (Liz) did serve in the army as a medic in a MASH unit. We do not however live in the past and glorify in these epics. I do not wear war pins and hats , all my medals and ribbons are buried in my garden. We live for today to serve our community - my wife is a nurse and I minister to elderly at bedsides and deal with grieving families. Often visit hospitals and when I left work today that  was my intention but ended up spending time with my grand children.
  War is not something you dwell on - it was just another part of our lives. My family and community are grateful for those still serving and some are nieces and nephews. We keep in touch on a regular basis not just on Veterans day. Today a friend who became a Major- General spent the day with Barack Obama, it was nice to see him home from war to be honored. I remember being at his fathers bed side and praying with him before he died. He took my wife to the prom when they were young and we followed his career, his brother was my sons god father. My father was a Korean War veteran serving under MacArthur as his aide.
 Veterans Day - is for honoring those still serving and veterans that have served. I will tell you my prayers are continually with them not just on a single day, so it almost eludes me as a holiday except my wife works for the state and gets the day off. I think that war should be a last action and only for defense and therefore do not relish in it. I remember a few young men who could not deal with the post traumatic stress and ended their lives leaving behind small children. It is a sad loss especially when they made it home only to not be able to matriculate back to society,one was a co-workers son. I had a few friends who were Vietnam vets and were homeless one stayed with me for awhile, then ended up living with his mother on serious medication, we are still in touch through emails. I turned to Jesus and the Lord helped me to deal with the stress but it also helped to bury the ribbons and medals in the garden.
 I am glad that many of our soldiers are coming home but also know the reality of the scars war leaves on a person. We need be prepared as a nation to deal with those scars , the invisible ones. -peace.

Hunger

 I was in bed thinking about hunger not in the food sense but in the spiritual. No, it was not a midnight raid on the fridge. I had a sudden hunger for scripture and put on the light and read a few verses. My soul satisfied quietly went to sleep. One of the things that was on my mind was all the things we hunger for. Many hunger for love - I often say this in my quotes it is better to hunger for love than for food. The world is in a famine today - they hunger for love. That is correct - most of the world population is hungry for love and will not get their fill.
 We often see pictures of starving children and it breaks my heart - I wish we would not plow the crops under to raise the price of food. I wish the world were a perfect place free from predators , free from hunger and disease but the world is not a perfect place. I remember being hungry as a child, my parents were not wealthy and when the groceries were gone for the week, you ate leftovers if you had ketchup or condiments you ate them with bread. The amazing thing is we survived , through it all but I can tell you looking back my greatest hunger was love. With both parents working to make ends meet and the coldness of today's world love is missing more than ever.
 We often hear of hungering after righteousness and Jesus said man cannot live by bread alone.
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
 
  When I first learned about Jesus and saw the effect the word of God had on people. I was so hungry for more ,  my desire grew even past the desire for food. It may seem odd but anyone who has experienced this desire will also testify of that first hunger. We should see this as a good hunger, hungering after righteousness. Thirst is what follows hunger after eating a good meal often we need to wash it down - to help the digestion. I believe hunger and thirst go hand and hand and that is why the writer is saying to thirst also. Thirsting for the living waters after reading the scriptures often the Holy Spirit will quench my thirst by filling my vessel.

 How can we not see the world around us is not hungry- hungry for love. Children , elderly , persons of all ages , color , ethnic backgrounds all want the same thing. Do not be fooled - the world desires to know God. We often are told people are not interested in what you have to say but I am sure of this- they are. They see something you have and they want that more than anything. The world is a void, emptiness. Only Gods love can fill that void and you are the means.

Matthew 4:4
  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 What more can I say - pray for the hungry , pray for the homeless but also share Gods word. I remember once picking up a hitch hiker and he said - he had not eaten and was hungry. It was my intention after dropping him off at the place where I was going to turn home to leave him a ten spot for food, but I remembered a tract with some good scriptures on it and included that. He may have just thrown it away , then again I have to believe that Jesus was right.-peace to you.