Jesus, God and miracles

Still reading Borg's book on Jesus. I like Borg's discussion of the social forces in the time of Jesus and the early Christians. Understanding the relationship between the Romans, the Pharisees and the Jewish peasant class makes me understand why Jesus said much of what he did.

When I read Borg, there is always a few things I don't agree with him. One is his discounting of the story of Jesus walking on the water, changing water to wine, and multiplying the fishes and loaves. Borg agrees that Jesus probably healed the sick and performed exorcisms. He believes that because healing and exorcisms are things others have done before and since Jesus. But Borg says the other miracles are just too fantastic to believe. They sound made up. Borg hedges a little by putting these Biblical accounts and others into a "suspense account," meaning, he suspends judgement because the account cannot be proven or disproven. I think Borg is, at times, just a little to skeptical of the Bible for my taste.

I'm a little less than half way through the book so I'll comment more later. It takes me a while to finish a book!

Did Jesus really walk on water?

An instructor at Southwestern Community College in Iowa was fired from his job because he didn't agree with his students that the Bible is literally true, or factual. A student walked out of his Western civilization class when he said he wouldn't agree with her that the story of the Garden of Eden was historically true. Several other students were upset, claiming that the instructor was degrading their religious beliefs by claiming their beliefs to be false. Parents called the college and threatened to sue. A college vice-president fired the instructor. The vice-president claimed that the instructor was supposed to teach history, not religion. The instructor claimed that it was impossible to study Western civilization without including religious topics. The class had previously discussed Gilgamesh without any problem.

I've finally begun reading Borg's book on Jesus. Early on he points out the futility of arguing about whether or not the universe was created in six days, or Adam and Eve were real people, or Jesus really walked on water. Focus on superficial facts simply gets in the way of the deeper, transforming truths contained in those accounts.

Why is it so important to certain Christians that the Bible is a factual, historical record? It was never, ever intended to be so for the early Christians. I think it is because modern Christians approach Scripture with a modern mind shaped by scientific reasoning. I think that's funny because the same people argue against scientific reasoning that seems to disprove Biblical accounts. They refuse to consider that if one account in the Bible isn't factual, it doesn't automatically negate everything else contained in the text. That is another artifact of modern thinking.

The Bible wasn't written to give us a factual account of the history of the Jewish people, the life of Christ, and the actions of the early Christians. That is not its purpose. It was written to TEACH us something. The writings were preserved so future generations would know what the early Hebrews believed about God, and what the early Christians believed about Jesus. Let's focus on the truth, and not the facts.

Giving Ones Life

I am watching The War by Ken Burns this week. Amazing. I can hardly fathom the numbers of how many people were killed in WW II. Many, many millions! Ghandi seemed to believe that we could have stopped the AXIS power in another manner, and I pray we might learn that way. But so many humans did only what they knew to do and fought, suffered, and gave their lives to stop men like Hitler. It was our parents, grandparents, and neighbors who took up the struggle.

This story, their stories, do nothing but inspire me. Words like discipline, sacrifice, courage, duty, purpose, and desiring to make the world a better place...come into mind...and hopefully my life.

I know that in the kingdom of God there should be no war. But allowing millions of Jews, Gays, and those who were considered "less than human" to be hurt or exterminated cannot be tolerated. I do not stand in judgement of the Germans and Japanese for we Americans have done the same thing.

I have hope that you and I, the generation at hand, might also know what kingdom purposes we are called to give our time, energy, passion and lives for.

Good day everyone!

Let us go forth this day to bring and to Be the good news of God's kingdom to the world!

Here's a prayer from a Celtic Prayer Book.

O Christ of the least and the homeless
O Christ of the lost and betrayed
Come close to me this day that I may come close to you.
As you watched me with care at my soul's shaping, look on me now with grace.
As you blessed me with light at the sun's rising, shine on me now with love.

Praying

I cried out again and again to God for my loved one, and she is doing so much better physically.

I cried out to Jesus to be right in the middle of my suffering, and the risen rabbi told me to get my butt home and start caring for myself. It was a good idea.

I asked the Lord's guidance to help me figure out how to handle our Blazer car which sits broken in Chicago. The God of love whispered to me the name of my old friend Kirby who has helped me figure things out.

I've prayed over time for just one person to believe in my dream and work hand in hand with me in creating a new way for Christ followers to be connected. Someone has now stepped forward. (And to be honest it's kind of freaking me out.)

Prayer!
Mystery!
Trust!
Power!
God's will!
Listening!
Radical obedience!
Thankfulness!

War Prayer

O Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle-be Thou near them! With them, in spirit, we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe! Lord our God, help us tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows[and leave them and] their little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it - for our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet! We ask it, in the spirit of Love, of Him who is the Source of Love, and Who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all that are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.

Mark Twain

The Brace Update

Friends, I wanted to thank-you for praying for Bethany and our family. Bethany received her brace on Wednesday ( 3 days ago ). She is doing great in in. She has been able to wear it about 14 hours a day at the tightest level and w/o any complaining. I have included two pics of her modeling her brace. Thanks again.

Still Wondering

Tonight I wonder what I'll do with my life? Maybe it's because I'm tired. But maybe it's a question I'll always be asking one time or another. I wonder what I should do with my life? Anyone else wonder about the same thing?

Sex Offenders

I'm reading a great book called An Emergent Manifesto of Hope. It is about a number of Emergent churches/ministries and what they're about. One of the stories is about someone who does addictions ministry in the jail. He talks about Jesus' Great Reversal...you know "the first will be last and the last will be first"...that kind of thing. The author states that he is learning about God from the addicts and other inmates. And that the greatest teachers he encounters are the sex offenders! They are the ones who need and are striving for God's grace, love, and help more than anyone. He says that anyplace Jesus talks about tax collectors in the Bible that you should insert sex offenders and then you will understand the impact Jesus had on the people who were listening. I pray that we might continue to minister to who were called to minister to not only because it's the Jesus thing to do, but because it will be those people who will more clearly teach us the ways of God. May it be so.

Shalom Community

Shalom Community(an Emergent gathering) is happening this Saturday night the 15th at the LaSuer home in Marion starting at 5:30. We'd love to have you with us. If you have any questions, call Craig at 765-661-6727.

Peace.

Life@Work

I just finished reading John Maxwell's book Life@Work. Maxwell writes about what has been called workplace or marketplace ministry. This idea has been around for a few years prior to Maxwell's book (published in 2005) and written about by folks like Os Hillman. The idea is that we spend most of our waking hours at work. It is an area where we should be "salt and light." However, too often we hesitate to blend our work life with our faith life.

Maxwell looks at four areas: Skill, Calling, Serving and Character. Essentially, he shows through Scripture that our workplace skill is enhanced by God, that we can be "called to the workplace," that serving others is what Jesus models for us all, and that by modeling character we can influence the character of the workplace.

For me the most interesting section was about calling. I know others who struggle with this, and wonder what God's call is for their life, and what his plan is for them. Maxwell outlines different types of calling and provides guidelines to help readers understand whether or not they are following God's call.

Maxwell also challenges the church to help equip Christians for workplace ministry. He calls for a paradigm shift from a "traditional church" to a "work-life" church that is outward focused rather than inward focused.

I've enjoyed several of Maxwell's books on leadership development. He often uses the lives of Biblical characters as well as stories about real people to illustrate his points. I recommend this book for those who are seeking how to make a difference in their workplace.

The Spirit of Fred

Ok, so I painted the shed we have out back, and if you know how un-handy this LaSuer is, you know that's a pretty big deal. Ever since we moved here about a year ago, I've had my eye on that shed. We have a nice back yard, but that shed sits in a prominent place and needed painted bad. So I watched and pondered and finally began this summer. I basically finished tonight, and it looks sweet! I put on three different colors...most of it is a nice green, the trim is a soft tan, and then I painted one board on the outside of the door a dark brown.

But I enjoyed doing this so much. I think it's basically because my trade is in ideas and relationships. And whereas I enjoy that reality, it was good to use my hands and different skills to do this project. Maybe we all need to keep trying things that are outside our usual way of being. Just like my wife Joy Ellen. She is considering going back to school to get another Masters degree and to do that she has to take the GRE. So here she is studying math problems of all things. But that too is a good thing.

Yet I think the most cool thing about it all is something that happened that was very unexpected and quite mysterious. My grandfather, my dad's dad, was a man by the name of Fred. I never met him because he took his life before I was born...most likely because of the depression days. But my dad has told me so much about him that I feel like I know him, and I especially feel like his fiery independence and belief in and respect for the common man have somehow influenced my life. But here's the thing. Fred was a painter. That's how he made his living. And while I painted this shed, I began to feel a closeness to my grandpa...like he was there with me. Wow. And I talked to him a little bit. And I felt him helping me out. I truly believe that the spirit of Fred was with me as I painted. Perhaps he's been with me before. The letter of Hebrews says something about being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses so that we can run the race before us...painting sheds, living life, and furthering the kingdom.

A Little Help From My Friends

Two people who are very dear to me need physical healing and wholeness. Would you please pray for them.

Thank you.

Sound Doctrine?!

I want us all to have sound doctrine.
Except I can't remember what it is.
Oh yeah, how about...love and be loved by God.
How about ....keep seeking to follow the wild and crazy rabbi
wherever he leads and however he desires us to further the Rule of Love.
Perhaps it is resting and trusting in the amazing, beautiful
grace, protection, and abundant life of the Life Giver.
Is this doctrine? I don't know. It is that to which I give my life.
Maybe too it's demonstrated in the horse who serves the farmer for the work to be done.
And it just might be the music sung by the chorus bringing healing to the weary soul.
It is the chance to teach - oh how I cherish teaching The Way!
It is being light to the world just as the sun warms, makes the earth beautiful, and gives life.
I'm watching you closely to make sure you don't believe something I don't approve of.
Just kidding! Instead always know that forgiveness, reconciliation, mercy, and oh yeah, the very underrated gift of something called Mystery, are celebrated in the kingdom of God.
I guess that to me these things are....sound doctrine.

Prayer Request

Hello friends. I hope that you do not mind that I am posting a prayer request here. My little one (Bethany) needs some prayers. Her spirits are very high; so I am not worried about that. However she has scolosis and it is severe - 41%.

However, we have her up at the Cleveland Clinic and they are doing a fantastic job. We have gone through the x-rays, the test and have been fitted for a cast. It will be a cast from the pelvis to the arm pits. She will have to wear it for 16-20 hours a day - most likely for the next 8 +/- years.

We have been hit with a lot in the last few months.

I was in my patient room in Methodist Hospital at Mayo Clinic last January.
I was in a state of hopelessness, and hope is the most precious of treasures.
At that moment I had no faith. I didn't belief God could make a difference.
Then Michelle Cobb called to see how I was and prayed with me. And boy did she pray.
She cried out to God really expecting God to do a good work with my body and situation.
God did. My situation slowly began to change and hope entered my heart like water filling a dry hole.

A follower of Jesus trusts that God is both powerful and good. The only thing we should be concerned about is the business of the kingdom while allowing God to take care of our wounds and our worries. But I'm here to testify that once in a while our faith and trust can take a hike. In those times we need a friend to carry us to the feet of the Father. Here's a version of the prayer Jesus taught.

Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is
and that shall be. Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice
be followed by peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another,
forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great
to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign
in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.

Chesterton Quote

I just wanted to share this great quote from G.K. Chesterton:

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found
difficult and not tried.

It Is Good

Joy Ellen and I went to see my mom and dad yesterday. My mama had a touch of the flu or something. So when we got there, they were both back in their bedroom each laying in their own bed. I started kidding around with mom right away. Joy and laughter seem to go a long way with them these days. Then I laid down in the bed next to mom for a little bit...sweet moment.

Papa and I then went to the grocery store together. I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to make sure the olds have food in the house. It rocks! By the time we got home, mom was up and dressed and Joy had cleaned the house. Usually when we come it is enough to get mom up and going.

Then we went for a long drive to Bluffton and ate in an elegant little restaurant called The Ritten House. I chose it because my little mama has always been an elegant lady. We had a nice meal, but I get sort of anxious in that setting because dad's talking can wear you down a little because of his alzhiemers.

But on the way home there was a great sunset on my dad's side of the car. He was absolutely amazed by the beauty in the sky. It was like the one and only sunset he had ever seen in his life. He is a thankful man and sees life through eyes of wonder.

Joy and I go once a week, and like the Creator said at the end of each day, it is good! This year has taught Joy and I that Jesus' words are true that, as we do our part, God's power and love is sufficient for the mission at hand.

Bible

If you're coming to Shalom Community Friday night at the LaSuer's, please bring a Bible. And keep in mind these words which I saw on a bumper sticker the other day,"If it ain't King James, it ain't a Bible!"

Interview With God

Yesterday, the wife, I and the three kids went down to the library and relaxed for a few hours before I headed back to church for council meeting. I am reading various books and materials lately; that cross all over the board. I came across this in a book from unknown authors and it "resonated with me". I placed this on my personal blog as well. May it sing to your heart; like it did mine.

"Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview me?" "If you have the time," I said. God smiled and said: "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything. What questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"What surprises you most about humankind?"

God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such as they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die and they die as if they never lived .... "

God's hand took mine and we were silent for awhile, and then I asked ...

"As a parent, what are some of the life's lesson you want your children to learn?"

God replied with a smile:

"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved. To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis! To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but it is the one who needs the least. To learn that it only takes a few seconds to pen up profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them. To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it completely different. To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them .. and likes them anyway. To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgive by others, but that they have to forgive themselves."

I sat there for awhile and enjoyed the moment.