Do Not Be Discouraged or Impatient

In the morning, I write. I write for a few reasons. Writing is a way that I pray. Most of the time my writing begins with thanksgiving. I try to offer thanks for 3 things each day. This varies from one to many, but my aim is for 3 things. I have been thankful for the wonderful love of God and for a pain in my back that didn’t seem to have an end, for fresh coffee and for crazy Ohio humidity.

I write to get my thoughts to line up so I can see them. I write to ask and find answers to questions.

Writing is very beneficial for me.

This morning I was thinking of a project as I was writing and at the moment it was being very frustrating. As I was writing the questions only seemed to pile up higher and no answers were on the ever-rising horizon.

Then I remembered something Jesus said and I began to understand where the answer always lies. In Matthew 7:7 & 8, Jesus says,

`Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you; for every one who is asking doth receive, and he who is seeking doth find, and to him who is knocking it shall be opened.

This is a little different translation from what we might be used to seeing but it is suppose to be a literal translation from the original language. It got my attention because of the second verse that begins with, “for every one…”.

I am first of all drawn to the universal nature of the promise. Jesus says everyone. This is a promise with a condition (most promises are). But no one is disqualified if they fulfill the conditions.

Then I am surprised and encouraged by the active nature of the qualifications; be asking, be seeking (searching) and be knocking.

I am so inclined to be someone who asks and then waits and becomes discouraged or impatient. Jesus is saying be someone who is in the process of asking until they receive, seeking until they find and knocking until the door is open.

Let’s be active.

  

I Need to Listen Better

My current favorite preacher just recently finished a series of sermons entitled “SILL HERE” he spoke about the benefits of meditation. Last week he started a series entitled “STILL HEAR” and he is speaking about the value of listening carefully.

Today is Veterans Day. I am a Viet Nam combat veteran. Please do not thank me for my service, I was drafted. I have come to a conviction about non-violence. I realize that this is not a universal conviction among Christians and I am content to leave it there and trust God to speak to each one in this regard. Last evening the church that I attend had a veteran’s dinner. Since my brothers were singing and I’m pretty down with free food, I went. It was extremely stressful for me!

I came away from what was intended to be a pleasant evening frustrated and 2/3 angry. The people who planned the evening were not at fault. The meal was very tasty. The people who prepared and presented the program were not at fault. The problem is completely mine.

I failed to listen.

There are so many indicators in my life and thinking that say that I should simply avoid this type of event. I ignored them and went anyway. I was obnoxious and irritable the whole time.

This morning after a good deal of wrestling with this whole matter I see that, listening is a thing that I need to work much harder at doing. First, I need to listen very carefully to what God is saying to me through his word, the Bible, and through his Word Jesus. I need to be still and listen to the Holy Spirit of God.

Second, I need to listen much more carefully to those around me that I deal with from day to day.

In several places Jesus has said, “Let him who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit says.” And James wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

LISTEN.

Under the Circumstances

As I look out my window, down the line of recreation vehicles, I see mostly trailers that are permanently here. This is Ohio. It’s getting cold, at 9:00 in the morning it has just climbed above freezing. My neighbors are working to stay warm and dry. I am working to hopefully keep warm and keep the pipes from freezing this winter. It’s supposed to get down into the 20-degree realm next week. Burr!

Thinking about my situation and thinking about my neighbors, it would be pretty easy to become discouraged. I don’t have a clue about how I can be a help and I am using most of my resources to prepare my own space. Under the circumstances, what can I do?

Last month a very special aunt passed away leaving a loving husband of many years and 2 grown children and 3 grown grandsons. Last week a very special friend passed into Glory leaving a wife with very limited resources and a grown daughter. Under the circumstances, what can they do?

Single mothers with way too much month left at the end of the money. A young mother of 2 rambunctious youngsters who is supposed to be on bed rest, while her husband is busy at work. Under the circumstances, what can they do.

This morning I thought about these things and wondered. As I wondered the thought came to me, “what is the truth that you believe?” And so, I began to write the things that I believe to be true.

I believe in one true and loving God who created and maintains all things by the word of his power. I believe he has created me, in his own image, to be a glory to him. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten son, who lived the perfect life of unity with his Father to show us how to live in this body. He also died on a cross to ransom or redeem all of us from the power of sin so we could live our lives abundantly in every circumstance.

I wrote several other things that I believe. I wrote things that are encouraging that I believe. Under the circumstances I have hope and I am encouraged.

What do you believe? What is the truth that will keep you moving forward, under the circumstances?

It’s something to think about, and maybe to write down so you can read it out loud to yourself.

Be Faithful.

A Universally Misunderstood Mystery

Prayer is pretty much a universally misunderstood mystery. This may be because we usually limit prayer to one or two functions and to one single method.

The other day I wrote about the discipline of reading the scriptures. I think it might be beneficial today to write a few words about prayer.

Looking at the single method I begin to see that different groups have different primary methods. Our Episcopal brothers and sisters and other high church groups are very inclined to read their prayers. Evangelicals scorn this method and prefer extemporaneous prayers in the common language, while our Pentecostal brothers and sisters will pray in unknown tongues. Unfortunately, each group is inclined to reject the method of the others. I suspect that this inclination is a great mistake. I would suggest rather, that all of these methods of prayer have value, and that it would do each of us much good to explore methods that are not familiar. I would also suggest that there may be other methods of prayer, such as meditation, that would also benefit each of us to explore. I hope to write more about that at another time.

Praise or thanksgiving and petition seem to be the primary functions or purposes of prayer. Once again, I am pretty sure that the focus on these limits what we can receive or benefit from this great mystery. *Brian Zahnd states that the primary purpose of prayer is, “that we might be properly formed.” Another purpose of prayer should probably be to deepen and enrich our personal relationship with our Father in Heaven and with Jesus.

This is something to think about and should also be one of the disciplines of a disciple. I cannot imagine being a disciple without regular prayer and reading of the scriptures.

Be Faithful

*Brian Zahnd is the lead pastor of “The Word of Life Church” in St. Joseph Missouri where he hosts prayer schools several times a year. He is also the author of “Water to Wine” which tells the story of some of his discovery of prayer.

The Discipline of Daily Reading

After that, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax collector's desk. He told him, "Follow me!" So, Levi left everything behind, got up, and followed him. (Luke 5:27-28)

This is just one of the times Jesus told someone to “Follow me!” Some did and others didn’t follow him. He offers the same invitation today  

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

But how can we follow Jesus as the disciples of his day did, leaving everything and following him?

Yesterday I wrote about the disciplines of a disciple. I don’t have all of the answers to this question, nor do I claim to have mastered all of the disciplines of a disciple.

One thing I have found extremely helpful in learning to follow Jesus is to take time every day to slow down and read from the Gospels. I simply read 1 chapter in the morning and work my way through the Gospels and then start through again. Sometimes I will repeat a chapter for 2 or more days when I see things that I need to think about more. Other times I will progress from chapter to chapter for several days. But I almost always see something that is important for me to think about.

In this way I can walk with Jesus every day and see how he lived and learn from his teaching. This surely is a part of the disciplines of a disciple.

I hope that if you have not established this small discipline, you will consider incorporating it into you schedule.

A Thought for "All Saint's Eve"

A couple years ago my grandson wanted to be a hot-dog for Halloween. This year he is dressing up as a ninja. We used to dress up as cowboys or Indians (we didn’t know about political correctness) or fireman or policemen. The girls were princesses or ballerinas or maybe a French chanteuse (very few gender challenges).

The reason I thought of this is that most of the time we had no idea what was involved in being a cowboy, or ballerina or fireman. We simply thought they were exciting things to be and so we dressed up as what ever it was we wanted and went out and got our candy. For a couple hours that is what we were.

The little girls don’t think of the hours of practice and sore and bleeding feet that real ballerinas have to experience. Little boys didn’t think about sleeping in the rain or getting up in the middle of the night to take care of the cows. No, they just dress up and they were what they imagine.

For the past several years I have been learning and trying to share with others the disciplines of being a disciple. Some of it is difficult and at times unpleasant. For many years, I simply dressed up as a Christian. It fooled a lot of people. It fooled me a lot of the time.

Here are a couple of verses that came to mind as I was thinking about this, this morning. Take a minute to think about them and consider your own discipleship.

Now if you are without any discipline, in which all sons share, then you are illegitimate and not God's sons. (Hebrews 12:8 ISV)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, for those who have been trained by it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. (Hebrews 12:11 ISV)

Just one final thought for those who shirk discipline.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7 ISV)

Just a Couple Fish Sandwiches

There is a phrase that I hear from time and I think I might not have understood it correctly. Some one will say, “Wow! That blows my mind.” That creates a mental picture of a violent explosion, something like a semi-truck tire blowing going down the highway. Most of the time though, I suspect our mind being blown is pretty quiet.

In the Gospels we can read the story of “The Transfiguration”. Try to think about that. Nope, I have no idea about what happened. Later Jesus heals a demon possessed boy. We would probably have taken him to see a neurologist. And then a little later Jesus says, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” This statement is not confusing to us. But then we have the benefit of history to guide us.

Any one of these events experienced or heard in the context of the time would be too big for any of us to fully comprehend. It’s like a hole in the side of my brain just opens up and the whole idea leaks out and I forget it, or minimalize it to a “Golden Book” unreality.

In John 6, there is a story about a boy who brought his lunch to hear Jesus speak. They ended up asking him to share his lunch with the 5,000 others who had shown up without lunch. He did, and again we know what happened, but what happened to the mind of that boy. I think his mind was probably blown, but I think he had a story to tell for the rest of his life, that changed his life.

And as he shared his story about the teacher from Galilee, many other lives were changed.

So here is an idea that may be difficult to appreciate. God the Creator has made you and me in his image. Each of us have creative abilities. As we use our creative abilities in obedience to God, he will use those gifts to bless others, maybe thousands.

Don’t let that idea blow your mind. Think about it. Act upon it.  

Stay Focused

This morning as I was going through my prayers I began to be overwhelmed by all of the needs that I am aware of; a college friend in the hospital with some unknown condition, good friends in Oregon going through difficulty, close relatives who have lost loved ones. Then there are other spiritual needs that I am very conscious of; neighbors who have no idea of the love of God or the forgiveness of sin and abundant life provided by Jesus. And Christian friends who are content to just be church members. Oh, and I have my own problems that are demanding my attention.

As I thought and began to become anxious about these things I thought of Isaiah 26:3 (ISV)

You will keep perfectly peaceful the one whose mind remains focused on you, because he remains in you.

This is my great need; To keep my mind focused on God. Jesus has told us plainly that “In the world you will have trouble” but then he goes on to say, “I have overcome the world.”

In this day full of trouble and cares, Lord God, I need grace to always be looking to you as my source of all comfort and strength, through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Irma is Right

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking part in the 90^th anniversary celebration of the church where I grew up. While we were there, we got to speak with one of the first people that I have any memory of knowing. Irma and Gene Bumgardner were friends of my parents and active members of First Christian Church in Springfield Ohio, where I was born and raised.

After High School I went off to Bible college, got married, then I got drafted and went to Viet Nam. After Nam we lived a few different places and went to several different expressions of the Body of Christ (churches). We picked up different ideas and beliefs about church and how God works. Many changes took place in our lives and thinking. The more things changed in us, the harder it became to find a church where we could be in agreement with what went on. This is very frustrating! It is a threat to my mental health.

Some weeks ago, my wife and I committed to being a part of the church family at First Christian Church. This was not a light decision. There are things there that we strongly believe should be different. However, we prayed and believed God told us that we should be a part of First Christian, we prayed some more and God didn’t change what he said.

Yesterday at church, after the preaching time we met Irma on our way out of the auditorium. She told my wife something that I had never thought of, and it really rocked me. Irma said, “Eighty years ago, when I joined this church, I decided that no matter how things might change, this is my church and I am not going anywhere else.” That might not be an exact quote but that is what she said.

Over the years First Christian Church has gone through many changes. Changes usually are accompanied by conflict and some people leave in anger. Irma and Gene along with some others stayed and supported the church by their faithfulness.

Today the impact of this little woman with her giant heart is a colossal testimony for me. For many years I have gone from church to church searching for the one that would do it better; do it more like I thought it should be done. I was frustrated, confused and unhappy.

If you are someone who has gone from church to church to find the right church. Take a few moments to think about the testimony of Irma. She is also one of the happiest people I know.

This is what I heard today

This is what I heard today.

Do you love the drug addict, the alcoholic, the prostitute, the sexually deviant, the self-righteous Christian, the liberal, the conservative?

I do, says the Lord. 

I love them each one and died that they might have life. But your “Christian” condemnation is a barrier that keeps them from the love and mercy that can help them become whole.

Humble yourself: Come to me and I will cleanse your self-righteous heart and wash away all the pride, fear and anger that stands in the way of all those who need you to love them so they can come to me.

When Others hurt you

I live in a world where people do thoughtless and hateful things to one another and sometimes even to me. I imagine that you do too. The natural first response is to strike back. Often this striking is in the form of cursing or speaking evil of the one who has hurt us. Mostly we do not do physical harm, instead, we build resentment and try to exalt ourselves by saying how terrible and wicked the other person is. This does not do any good whatsoever. Actually, it does more harm to me than to the original offender.

It is like a dirty bomb that spreads misery, resentment and sorrow in all directions. It is especially devastating to me or you if you are the one spreading the hateful words.

Jesus has shown us a better way.

He didn’t only talk about a better way, he lived that way in front of those who were around him.

Jesus went around doing good; healing people, feeding people and encouraging people to love one another.

In response the people who were his enemies, lied about him, twisted his words, threatened him and in the end crucified him.

As he hung on the cross dyeing, He prayed for his executioners, “Father forgive them because they don’t understand what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

This is the testimony of life. The Life of the Living God in one surrendered to His will. In the wake of this testimony, a soldier standing by, responded, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matt. 27:54, Luke 23:47)

Last Week's Gospel

The Gospel scripture reading for last week was from Mark 6:30-34 & 53-56. This practice of reading a selection from The Book of Common Prayer is being interesting, thought provoking and a real blessing for me. In this passage I saw 4 prominent thoughts developed as I read.

This passage follows the story of the execution of John the Baptist. So, when it speaks of the apostles gathering themselves to Jesus and telling him all that they did and taught it seems that this may also have included the disciples of John. (just a suspicion) At any rate the apostles had been on a mission and the disciples of John were tired and discouraged, so this may or may not include both groups.

At any rate Jesus out of compassion says, “Come, let’s go to a desert place and rest awhile.” In my daily prayers I repeat the 23^rd Psalm and something I have noticed especially is that it says, “He makes me lie down…”. The Lord is truly interested that we take time to rest. Consider also the commandment (Exodus 20:8-11), “Remember the sabbath day…”. Sabbath means ‘rest’.

The Lord is truly interested that we take time to rest.

And then in verse 34 I saw again a wonderful characteristic of Jesus that Mark expressed on at least 2 occasions. Mark says he was moved with compassion toward the people who had no shepherd. This is truly lovely and encouraging for me. This is the heart of my savior toward me. And so, he will teach me many things, as he did them.

Oh, in case you didn’t notice, when Jesus took them away to a desert place to rest, the crowd still followed. But Jesus instead of becoming impatient had compassion. Life doesn’t ever seem to stop coming at us. Therefore, we must find our rest in God as we can and where we can and find grace to not become impatient.

Finally, at the end of the chapter we see that as many as touched him were made whole. The faith of the people was sure; as demonstrated by their open pursuit of his mercy. Do I have the faith that will risk embarrassment and openly come to Jesus for the healing and help that I need?

1.    Jesus is interested that we take time to rest

2.    Jesus is always compassionate toward our needs

3.    He does not become impatient when his plans are disrupted

4.    Openly pursue Jesus for the healing and help that you need.

It’s something to think about.

Be Faithful

Take Small Bites

This spring my wife and I attended a prayer school in St. Joseph, Missouri on our travel from Oklahoma to Ohio. It was a little out of the way and quite a bit over our budget, but it was very well worth it. Part of that school was an introduction to The Book of Common Prayer. I don’t know what you have thought about such things, but as a Protestant Christian/charismatic/evangelical poor disciple of Jesus, this was something I had rejected out of hand. “Why do I need a book of prayers? I can pray on my own.” Yep I’m pretty stupid and arrogant. But now not so much so as before that enlightening weekend.

In The Book of Common Prayer are many helpful suggestions for Bible reading and prayer. Among those suggestions are Bible readings for each week of the year which include Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings for each Sunday week. In the prayer discipline that we received and are using we use this guide to give us the gospel reading which we read every day for a week. Reading and re-reading every day for a week gives it time to sink in and allow the message that is there to become living. I find this very beneficial.

I intended to write about this weeks Gospel reading in this article, but that will wait until another article. The point that I now see here is what my mother told me time and time again. “Take small bites and chew them well.”

We get in such a hurry to read this or that, go here or there, do this “ministry”. We are in danger of not letting the words sink in and have their affect.  

The prayer school which we attended and recommend very highly is a ministry of The Word of Life Church in St. Joseph Missouri. They offer this 2-day seminar a few times each year at their campus. Brian Zahnd the pastor teacher has also written a book which tells a lot of the story related at the school. It is entitled “Water to Wine”.  

5 Questions Answered

Here are my answers to the 5 questions that I proposed in a previous article. As I said in the previous article, I do not believe that these are the only correct answers. They are definitely not complete answers. I hope they are answers to promote thought and possibly discussion.

1.  What is the Gospel in your own words?

a.             God created man in his own image and gave him a job. Be fruitful, multiply and have dominion by the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5 & 16:26) man decided he had a better idea with a little encouragement. This resulted in a great separation between man and God.

b.            Through many generations God prepared a people to produce the one who could bridge the gap and restore the relationship that God (our Father) has always desired.

·                     Into that people God sent his only unique son, to be born of a virgin

·                     Jesus was born and lived a life as a man in obedience to his true father (God) to be an example for us to follow (I Peter 2:21)

·                     He was executed unjustly yet within the plan of God. So that he might be the perfect sacrifice to make the way for everyone who turns to him to be reconciled to God.

c.             Having been reconciled to God, we each one receives a measure of His Spirit so that we may each learn to live in that communion with God our Father. That was always his intention.

God, in His immeasurable love, sent His only begotten Son in order to make a way of restoration for all of mankind so that each of us could live in relationship with Him forever. Amen.

2. What is your hope? And why? (I Peter 3:15)

Psalms 17:15:

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.

Romans 8:29

For whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (Jesus) in order that He (Jesus) might be the first born among many brethren.

With the assurance of these and many other scriptures testimonies and witnesses my hope is to be becoming more and more like Jesus until I reach that goal by the power of God working in me through His Holy Spirit.

And then to live with Him for ever and ever.

3.  What does discipleship mean to me?

a)    I believe discipleship to Jesus is the process of learning to live the same kind of life as Jesus

b)    This learning or discipling is best done in close community with others who have a similar desire. I believe this best involves careful consideration of the life and teachings of Jesus the Christ with the intention of being changed to be like Him.

Disciplines involved include

v  Study of the Bible especially the Gospels

v  Prayer

v  Memorization and Meditation

v  Accountability with other disciples

4.  What are 3 important functions of a pastor?

1.    I see a pastor as a disciple, among other disciples. The first responsibility is to be being discipled by God in the person of the Holy Spirit and in accountable relationship with other disciples to help them become disciples and disciple makers as well.

2.    A pastor is a shepherd under the direction of the Great Shepherd and in agreement with the other shepherds (elders). Prayer is an important function and duty of a pastor for direction for his own life and direction for the flock of God in his care.

3.    A pastor needs to be teaching, leading and guiding the flock in his care into all righteousness; Not necessarily by feeding the flock but by directing them to where the food is to be found and encouraging them to feed themselves.

Mostly a pastor/shepherd should be learning and living the life of the Shepherd in the 23^rd Psalm and the Good Shepherd in John 10.

5.  Please say something about Hebrews 10: 16-25.

:16-23  I believe that God our Heavenly Father is pleased to write His law on each heart that comes to him in open humility to learn and grow.

:24-25  I believe it is the responsibility of each of us as disciples to take every opportunity to find ways to encourage strengthen and build each other up in faithfulness and love, by getting together often in many ways for this purpose.

v   I do not believe this passage refers exclusively or even primarily to the general assembling on Sunday.

Next week or by the end of this week I hope to offer some thoughts on the gospel portion recommended for this week in the “Book of Common Prayer.” That portion is Mark 6:30-34 & 53-56.

Many Prophets

In 1 Corinthians 14 there are some instructions for how the church is to function and there has been a lot of controversy about whether some of these things are for today. Even though there is no clear indication that any of the practices have been terminated. But that’s not what this is about.

In verse 31 it says

“For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted.”

So here is a point of contention that I have never heard discussed. “All may prophesy.” What does that mean? That is sort of my favorite question.

What does it mean to prophesy? One interpretation that I have heard says that to prophesy is to speak forth. And Strong’s Greek dictionary or lexicon says that it means to speak by inspiration.

Is the paid preacher the only one who is able to hear from God and have a word of encouragement?

Why have the churches chosen to have one paid pastor/priest who is the only one authorized to bring the message? Isn’t this in direct contradiction of the pattern we have in Scripture?

Just asking.

So, what is the solution?

All of Christendom operates on this model of the paid pastor who speaks and everyone else sits and listens. Even offshoots like the Vineyard that started out with a scriptural model have gone to the Christendom model.

I am very thankful for the electronic church. At least with the help of churches on YouTube and the radio it is possible to hear a variety of thoughts. But that still leaves the problem of the possibility for everyone to share.

The only answer that I can imagine at this time is to become a part of an active small group and possibly schedule regular meetings with another serious Christian. These things require that we each put out consistent effort. But then following Jesus is not really nearly as easy as most of the churches would lead us to believe.

5 Questions

Here I am in Springfield, Ohio looking for a church home. I had a meeting with one ‘pastor’ and I asked him 5 questions. I didn’t think these were particularly antagonistic questions, especially for someone that I am thinking of trusting with my spiritual guidance.

Of course, I have some idea of what I think the answer to these questions should be. But I cannot expect anyone else to come to the same conclusions that I have. My wife has been with me for 50 years and she doesn’t see everything the same as I do (very smart lady), so it would be very unreasonable to expect anyone else to see as I see.

The point of the questions is not to find agreement or to argue but to identify common ground.

So here are the questions that I would like to get an answer for. Is anyone willing to respond?

1.    What is the Gospel as you understand it?

2.    What is your Hope and why? (1 Peter 3:15)

3.    What does discipleship mean to you? (Matthew 28:18-20)

4.    What are 3 important functions of a pastor?

5.    Please say something about Hebrews 10:19-24.

Ok, I may have slipped an extra one in there.

So, if you are not a pastor or church leader of some sort I have a question for you.

1.    Are these unreasonable questions to ask of church leaders?

I need your help

I need help!

Over the years I have been involved with different churches. I know that some people call this by derogatory names, like ‘church hopping’ and they may be correct. Just the other day someone told me I was confused, and he may be correct.

However, as I have traveled around and heard several ideas about what this or that scripture means. Here and there I have been able to hear and read things I never could have understood on my own…valuable things.

There are several people who read my blog and I cannot imagine that you all agree with everything I say. Not even my wife does that, but that is another discussion. I do believe however, that if you have read more than a couple of my articles, you have a desire to follow Jesus more closely.

The fact that we don’t understand everything in the same way is exactly why I need your help.

Several years ago, I read more carefully the passage in Matthew 28:18-20. These words were spoken after Jesus was raised from the dead. For me this makes his claim of All Authority, absolute. Therefore, the command that follows is not optional.

If we are following Jesus we must take this command seriously. When I realized this, I began to look for ways to do what Jesus is saying.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

With that in mind I set about to find a systematic discipleship program. There are several of these. I could not afford to get very many of these but I did look at a few. Without exception, these all started with church doctrine from the various groups where they originated. Not one began with instruction concerning the commands of Jesus.

Since I could not find any program which started with Jesus and His commands, I wrote one. This took a few years to get through the first 16 verses of Matthew 5. This study program is made up of 12 lessons, which are mostly scripture references and questions to promote thought and discussion. A couple of friends have used this and found it helpful.

I need your help in two ways.

First: I would really appreciate having other followers of Jesus take a serious look at what I have and make suggestions to improve the scope and benefit for others.

Second: I would appreciate any help in promoting this program. I am simply looking for ways to be obedient to Jesus’ command.

I am happy to share this program with any who request it. I have the program with and without daily devotions. I will be glad to email you a PDF file for you your consideration and comments.

There is no charge for this program. I created it as a matter of obedience to what I saw and understand. I can distribute it this way with very minimal cost and never understood it as a way to make money.

If you are willing to assist or share this program, please send your request to beginningdisciples@gmail.com.

Due to an extreme lack of response to this offer, I am canceling it as of 5/19/18.

Thank you

Be Faithful!

Angry and want to Smash Something

This is a letter to the children that I love. You may not even know who you are but you are probably under 50 years old. And some of you are just teen agers. You are my friends on Facebook, my friends from churches and the children of friends.

You are the ones who are fed up with Christianity. You are angry about all the hate and anger, the racism, sexism and injustice. The mass shootings and the reactions on both sides make you crazy in one way or another. The political officials all seem to you to be stupid or immoral or just plain horrible.

You are angry and you want to smash something. You want to yell and scream and you do. You want to curse all that you see that is wrong in the world, in this country, in religion.

I think I understand. I feel the same way. Really, I do. You are frustrated because for all your yelling no one is listening, certainly no one is doing anything.

Please take a moment to look at one lone nun in India who stepped out and fed the poor and dying. She could only help one or two, so that’s what she did. And she kept doing it over and over again until thousands and maybe millions were given dignity and love. Mother Theresa’s heart was broken by the disenfranchised. She and all of the Sisters of Charity together could not end all of the hunger and suffering in the world, but they made a difference to thousands and they continue to do that.

They do not scream and shout and curse the ones who do not help. They just continue to feed the hungry and give love and care to the dying.

Being angry and pointing fingers at the guilty ones, screaming, cursing and marching will not help. I am sorry it just won’t change anything. Maybe you or I cannot make a big difference in the world. Probably we can’t. But we can make a difference by doing the thing that we can to make a bad situation better where we can.

Please my precious friends, the anger and cursing is hurting yourself and not the ones that you are against. Find the way you can help make the situation better and do what you can with all of that energy.

Become the best person you can become! Do as much good as you possibly are able to do.

The Gospel of Peace

Recently I have been hearing a lot about being a peacemaker and about finding ways to share the Gospel message. Often when I see and hear others trying share the Gospel, it seems that it has little to do with peace. It seems to have more to do with convincing others, overwhelming them, to change their mind with clever and irresistible arguments.

I long to be able to share the wonderful good news that I am experiencing as one who has received and is receiving the new life that our Father pours out on those who come to Jesus for a new birth. I regularly see new areas to grow and change to become more like Jesus. This is an exciting life, a wonderful life.

As I look around myself I see people everywhere who are satisfied with seeking earthly pleasures or seem content with a religion that is little more than a get out of Hell card and some good works.

Earthly pleasures are expensive and the toys depreciate faster than you can pay them off. In the end you are left with a shiny trinket that no longer gives you any pleasure but you have to maintain it to get anything out of it. Religion for religion’s sake works the same way, sort of. The longer you work it the more meaningless it becomes and then it is drudgery that you must continue because you don’t want to go to Hell.

Today as I think about the people who are trapped in this labyrinth of despair I think of the Jesus words in Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

I have found a life that is full and rich with joy and peace. I long to share it but it seems no one is interested. In my heart I am reminded of what Jesus is saying in Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

I am praying for that pure heart that can see the image of the living God in each individual, so that I can speak to that image, or touch that image in some way and draw them to where they can see a better life; a wonderful life.

71 Circuits

On March 1, 2018 I will complete my seventy-first orbit around the sun. It is not nearly as notable an accomplishment as I might have thought. There is some word of a cake and probably some very pleasant wishes for many happy returns and a few cards. But I don’t expect a very big show, and that’s as it should be. However, in 71 circuits I have gathered a few things that I believe are significant and beneficial that I would like to offer as my gift to any who are interested.

Just in the last several days, I have discovered or realized something that I had not until that time seen as clearly or dramatically before. For a long time, I have said that the resurrection of Jesus was the most significant event in the history of the world. Without the resurrection the crucifixion would have been unimportant. Recently I have seen another exciting result of the resurrection. In Acts 2:36 I read;

  Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.

God has made him both Lord and Christ. I had always thought that I needed to acknowledge Jesus Lord and Christ for it to be so. Nope! God has made it so. It is established as surely as gravity. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s signature. This is why, after he was resurrected, he could say with full assurance.

“All authority has been given unto me…” (Matthew 28:18)

This authority is not dependent on anything you or I say, think or do. Jesus authority is absolute.

When Jesus was asked when the kingdom of God would appear, (Luke 17:20 and following) he replied “…behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” He did not say “it shall be” or some time in the future. The kingdom of God is within you, Now!

I often like to ask the question, “What does that mean?”

God made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Jesus says “All authority has been given to me.” The Kingdom of God is within you (now).

Putting these things together, it seems to me that the kingdom of God is here in our midst now. I live in the kingdom of God to the degree that I submit to the rule of the king. It has little to do with saying the prayers, doing the liturgy, or having the correct doctrine. All of those things and many others may be correct and helpful. Living in the Kingdom of God is still simply living under the authority of the King.

I lived for over 50 years as a frustrated “Christian”. Jesus words, “Come unto me and I will give you rest”, were a torment to my heart. I had come to Jesus and I had done all the things that I was told to do to the best of my ability and still I could not find rest. Things continue to happen that get me upset; things that cause me to sin with my mouth. Murder, hatred, adultery, and anger were easily stirred up in my inner man and often came out in words and actions.

A few years ago, I began to find the rest that Jesus promises to those who come unto him, who learn of and from him. I gave some insight into how this happened in a couple of articles in 2009 (http://rickeveringham.blogspot.com/2009/10/life-changing-experience.html and http://rickeveringham.blogspot.com/2009/10/god-bless-america.html ). The longer I meditate on the words of Jesus, the more they become part of how I think and respond. This has been and continues to be key.

Just recently I saw a clear illustration of what is going on and the huge problem that causes most “Christians” to live in that frustration zone.

Imagine a sheet of paper turned sideways. On the left side of the paper draw a line 1/3 of the way in, top to bottom. Label this section “The Way of the World”. Then fill the rest of the section with words like, hatred, strife, anger, envy, murder, immorality, war. This section represents the natural inclinations of man without God. Make this section very dark.

Next, on the right side of the paper draw a line top to bottom about 2 inches from the right edge. In this much smaller space write, “The Kingdom of Heaven; learning to obey all that Jesus commanded.” (Matthew 28:20) Also write things like, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.

Now in the center write “Human Goodness and Corrupted Christianity”. In this section write, “(Matt 5:22) If you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.” Now draw a line through that. Next write “(Matt 5:27-28) anyone who looks at a woman and wants to possess her is guilty of committing adultery with her in his heart.” Now draw a line through that and write “Just because a man is on a diet doesn’t mean he can’t look at the menu.” Finally write “ "You have heard, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy”. But I say to you, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you.” Now cross out everything after “but I say”.  These examples should give you an idea of where this is going.

This center section is where most people who call themselves “Christians” live. This is where I lived for way too long. Living here in the center is frustrating. Living here you do not have peace. Living here you constantly see the disparity between how things are and how they should be, but you are powerless to change them, and so you are frustrated. Living here you see how you should be living and despair because you can’t see how to change.

The answer that I have found is in Matthew 28:18-20:

And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

The only problem to seeing the full impact of this statement is that I must realize who Jesus is speaking to. In verse 16 it says his disciples went to Galilee. Jesus was speaking to his disciples.

This is a command for those who are Disciples, learning to observe (obey) all the things that Jesus has commanded. In order to participate in this life changing way, I must become Jesus disciple. As I am doing this I become more able to offer hope to those who are trapped in the cycle of sin and repent, sin and repent. Because I am finding victory, and I have great hope along this way.

During this last year 3 books have been a tremendous encouragement to me and so I pass the titles along to you for your consideration.

1.    “The End of Religion” Encountering the subversive spirituality of Jesus by: Bruxy Cavey.

2.    “(re)union” The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints, and Sinners, also by: Bruxy Cavey.

3.    “Beauty Will Save the World”, Rediscovering the Allure & Mystery of Christianity, by Brian Zahnd.

This is my birthday gift to you. I hope you find it encouraging.

Always, Be Faithful!

WARNING, there is a fire

The tongue also is a fire, a world evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)

This verse is one of those warnings that needs to be taken seriously, extremely seriously. Lives are truly in jeopardy, the lives those who are very dear to you and me.

My Dad owned what was called a machine shop. He produced small parts used in refrigerators, automobiles and other larger manufactured products. It was a small shop and sometimes demanded a lot of Dad’s time. On one weekend, the family was scheduled to do something that was pretty important, I guess. Dad was working to get something done and Mom and us kids were waiting in the car. Mom was getting pretty upset and actually crying. She very rarely cried. I got impatient and went up to get Dad. His shop was on the 5^th floor of a building that rented him the space. When I got there, I told Dad that he was making My Mom cry. He came down pretty quickly.

A few years later, I was married and we were visiting from out of state. Dad had sold his shop and was teaching vocational school. They had a convertible that they enjoyed, very much. One evening Jeannie and I were borrowing it to go out to some entertainment. As we were leaving Mom said, “Don’t put the top down, in the garage.” I laughed and said, “How stupid do you think I am?” and we went outside. Dad followed me out. It turns out that Mom had tried to put the top down in the garage and done quite a bit of damage that had to be repaired. Dad repeated my words back to me, “You have made your mother cry.”

He loved my Mom, and my words had hurt him pretty deeply many years before. I loved my Mom and I had hurt my Mom, with my words just then.

Nearly 50 years later I remember those words and the pain that I caused with proud and careless words. Since then I have hurt others and some others have hurt me with hasty or proud words.

Emotional and verbal abuse may be the worst kind of abuse. There are no visible wounds or scars. The wounds are very real and the scars remain tender for many years. You can be truly sorry. But, you can never take those words back.

Please take these things to your heart. I am.

Pointing My Little Fat Finger

The world is full of problems. Many of them seem extremely important. I naturally want to look at the problems, especially the big ones and find out who is to blame. Then boldly and loudly point my little fat finger and accuse who ever I feel is at fault. Is this what I am supposed to be doing?

Is this making a positive difference, or am I just being one more shrieking voice in the cacophony of complainers? It seems that when I do this I am not helping with a solution. Instead I am just adding to the confusion.

I began this by thinking about all of the social problems round about. I tend to accept these as the natural consequence of unredeemed mankind killing one another by benign malicious neglect.

But then! I see myself pointing my little fat finger at organized religion, adding my shriek to the cacophony of those who have been offended for one reason or another. I suspect that this is not helping. What should I be doing?

As I am writing this, one verse comes to my mind. Ezekiel 22:30 says:

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap, on behalf of the land, so that I would not have to destroy it. But I found none.

It is easier to look at the big social problems and point and shriek.

Can I find a single instance of that problem, that I can affect in a positive way? Can I find a group that is adding to the solution to one of those problems and support them in whatever way that I can?

Mother Theresa is someone who found a place she could help and began there. Her little mission to the poor grew to a worldwide mission serving millions.

Jesus commended someone who would give a cup of water. (Matthew 9:41) I should be doing the thing that I can to reduce the suffering of one. Then just keep doing that.

How about you?

I Am Thankful for You

I am truly thankful for each of you who have come to read this blog, especially those of you who have visited two or more times. I believe we are all brothers and sisters. There are many things, important to each of us, that we don’t see or say just the same way. But then, we each one come from different places and our journey to where we are, has been unique. So, we each are in unique places with different reference points.

If you have come to this blog more than a couple of times you have seen something in the things that I say, that seem something like (though not the same) the things that you see.

As I have traveled around, I have met folks from a lot of different viewpoints: Some are quiet, some are loud; some are pushy and others are not; some are very interested in deep theology, others just want to see what will work. Most of us are some crazy mixture of different degrees of each of these characteristics and a few more.

I believe God has made each of us to be His children, And, I believe that following Jesus is the way to completely accomplish that. I have tried to keep that obvious in all that I write.

All of that being said, all of this somehow makes us family. And, I want you to know that I am thankful for each of you, sister and brother. I would love to sit down with each of you and a pot of coffee or some other beverage and talk about how we disagree and agree, maybe look at why. Talk about how our path has led to happiness and sorrow failure and success. And before we part we could embrace as family. And when we are apart we can think of one another with a thankful heart. 

A Story in a Garden

A Story in a garden

On the last day that God was making things he made a man and a woman after he had made everything else.  It says their names were Adam and Eve.  And when he had finished making them he put them in a very special garden.

 Do you know what a garden is? 

Do you like gardens?  I like gardens a lot!

Well gardens are places where plants are planted according to a plan.  And God planned and planted this garden so it was really special.  Some gardens have flowers, and some have things like tomatoes, beans, and strawberries that you can eat.  And some others have different kinds of trees.  I kind of think this garden had every kind of plant you would like in it.  It was probably pretty to look at and sweet to smell and yummy to taste. 

What kind of plants would you put in a garden?

Well God put two special plants in this garden. The Bible, says they were trees.  They were in the very center of the garden. 

One of the trees was called the tree of Life.  That sure sounds like a good tree.  Don’t you think so too? 

The other tree was called the tree of knowing good and evil.  That one sounds like it might be partly good too, maybe. 

Let’s see what God said. 

Well God told Adam and Eve they could eat anything they wanted to in the whole garden except for one thing.  Do you know what that was? 

God said they could not eat any of the fruit from the tree of knowing good and evil.  For a time things were really wonderful.  Adam and Eve lived in the garden and God would come and walk and talk with them.  Can you think of what wonderful things God must have told them?  Maybe how caterpillars turn into butterflies, or why it tickles when someone blows on your neck. 

After a while though, something pretty bad happened.  The Devil came and teased Eve and got her to eat the fruit that God said they should not eat.  He told her that if she would eat it she would be like God because she could decide what was good and what was not good.  Then Eve got Adam to eat it and that’s when all the trouble started. 

One time when I was about 12 years old we were having a picnic at my Grandma Price’s house.  We were all in the back yard with my aunts and uncles and cousins.  In grandma’s back yard there was an apple tree.  It had some low branches that we kids could reach and there were lots of pretty little green apples where we could get to them.  My momma (your great grandma) told me to not eat those apples.  Well I didn’t listen and they were yummy so I ate 5 or 6 of them.  They weren’t very big.  Do you know what happened next?  Nope, I didn’t get a spanking.  I didn’t need one because I got a tummy ache, really bad.  My momma was right but I thought I knew what was good.  So I suffered because I didn’t believe my mother and do what she said.   When we don’t believe what God and our Mommy and Daddy tell us is good we can get into lots of trouble.  

After they ate the fruit of the tree of knowing good and evil, Adam and Eve got into lots of trouble.  God had to make them leave the garden so they wouldn’t eat the fruit from the tree of life, because you cannot have both.  So for a long time everybody thought they could decide what was good and what was not good.  Almost no one listened to what God said was good and evil. 

In the Bible, in the book of Colossians it says; “Children, always obey your parents, because this pleases the Lord.”  So you see even from the very beginning it was important to obey.  I think it is one of the most important things we can learn.  Don’t you agree?

Before Bed Time

Just a little story.

Very long ago before there was bed time or dinner time or really any time at all there was someone that we call God.  He decided that he was going to make everything.  Up till then there was nothing but God.  Did you ever make a sandwich or a treat with milk and cookies?  Did you need anything to get started?  Sure you did.  You needed bread and jelly and peanut butter or milk and a glass and cookies.  But God started with just himself. 

For you and me that certainly would not be enough to start with, even to just make a sandwich.  But for God that was all he needed. 

So how do you think he got started? 

Oh! That’s right I’m supposed to tell you the story. 

Well God Started by saying, “Let there be light.” 

Can you guess what happened then? 

That’s right, where there had only been nothing there was light.  Then God divided the light from the dark and he called the light day and the dark night.  So guess what, where there had been nothing at all now there was night and day and time. 

So now we could have bed time.

 Is that good news?

 Well we could also have snack time and play time.  I know that is good news. 

After that for five more days every day God made a little more of the world each day just by telling it to be there until he had it all finished. 

I kind of wonder what language God used.  We speak English but other people speak other languages like Spanish, French, and lots of other languages.  The problem is I don’t speak many of those languages so I cannot understand what is being said.  So if someone asked me for a glass of water in Japanese, I wouldn’t know what they wanted so I probably would not get it for them.  But the light knew when God told it to shine what it had to do.  And when he told the world to make a ball it knew what to do.  And the grass grew and the fish started swimming and birds flying, just like God told them to. 

Yep God knows all the languages even how to tell the rivers to go down to the sea. 

Since God only used his words to make everything.  Words must be really important.  I think they are and the Bible tells us that if we can learn to talk without saying anything bad we will be perfect[1]. 

Wow to be perfect. 

That is probably really hard to do.  But I think God wouldn’t tell us something like that if he didn’t want us to work at it.  So let’s try really hard to only say kind things and always say what is true.  If we start working on that right now and always be careful of our words maybe someday with God’s help we will be able to be perfect. 

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[1] James 3:2