Shining Spirit

It’s a mark of spiritual maturity when two people argue and strongly disagree, but still recognize that out of their disagreement something good might be born: a new insight, different and improved process, clearer vision of the present or the future. Disagreements, when wrapped in good will, patience, an effort to understand the other position, will sometimes be life changing moments. So it is with Acts 6 and the conversation about the distribution of daily bread to widows.

Greek speaking followers of Jesus made it known one day that widows in their community were not being treated fairly in the daily distribution of bread. Hebrew speaking widows were getting more than their share. In good church fashion, “the Twelve called a meeting…” Surely they didn’t form a Bread Distribution Committee, write Bylaws and designate a Parliamentarian. No, they conferred, which I choose to mean, they discerned. They talked and prayed through the problem until they came to a consensus conclusion. There must be a better way to distribute bread so that everyone is treated fairly.

And then The Spirit tapped them on their shoulders. “Think bigger! This is not a bread problem; this is an opportunity. This is a moment of spiritual creativity; seeing a problem as an opportunity.” It was then, as they discerned the will and wishes of God in relation to bread distribution, that the light came on. We should examine how we care for people generally, they thought: the sick, the poor, the hungry. How are we responding to the larger, greater need? And the answer came back: we don’t. From that moment, the role of Servant took shape, a particular calling that required, and requires, a tender heart for people, willing hands to help, and basic compassion. In some churches today, the preaching/teaching position is called “Elder” while the serving/caring function is the particular calling of the “Deacon.”

You see, the beauty of this disagreement story is that it taught those followers long ago about the need to discern through a problem to find the Spirit’s answer. Works the same way today. The Spirit drops the seeds of hope and purpose and effective ministry and we trample them down into the hard ground with our assumed routines and responses to human need. But…when we take the time to turn the soil, break up the clods, give the rich earth time to breathe, seeds of new insight and common agreement burst into bloom.

And it all started with bread, with Bread. Isn’t that the truth! All things do.

Well, I find this hard to believe! Ananias, the fella who lived down the street, dropped dead yesterday. That’s right. And, are you sitting down? His wife, within three hours of his death, fell over dead on the floor. Both of them gone.

Ananias made a big mistake. He tried to outsmart God!

Apparently, they both lied about the use of money gained from selling a piece of property. They kept some for themselves instead of handing it all over to a religious group they belonged to. Yes, that’s the one: the Jesus people. Isn’t that the group you belong to? A man named Peter exposed their little deception when he interrogated Ananias and heard him lie again. Thud! There he went.

Ananias made a big mistake. He tried to outsmart God!

It does sound harsh, doesn’t it. Wait until word gets around the marketplace. You can slap your camel to get his attention. You can yell at your wife. You can pick a fig off of somebody’s tree. But you’d better not lie to God. What do you think about that? Hey, where are you going? What’s you rush?

Ananias made a big mistake. He tried to outsmart God!

And that’s the last time I saw my friend. I heard he caught the next camel out of town, moved everything: his wife and his kids, his sheep, everything gone. I think I know why. He told me last week that he got a message from Peter requesting a visit, a personal matter, the note said. Do you think…?

Ananias made a big mistake. He tried to outsmart God!

I thought my friend had better sense than that. But, it’s a good lesson. You can’t outsmart God! But some people think they can. You still own that property over by the lake?

My wife and I attend a church
that meets on the east side of town.
We looked a long time for a place to go
that was built on the solid ground
of biblical views that matched our own,
and I thought that place was found.

But now I’m inclined to think that we
have made a big mistake.
Last Sunday the preacher laid it out:
it’s better to give than to take;
generous spirits are a joy to God,
Let’s do it for Jesus’ sake.

Starting soon, he said, in this new year,
each person will sell what he owns
so that everyone has enough to rise
above the poverty zone.
No one should live at hunger’s door,
we’re about to set the tone

for living our faith in a meaningful way.
That’s the sermon in a word.
Why can we study Daniel again?
Maybe someone hasn’t heard
the Plan of Salvation, the Commandments, all ten;
now there’s a helpful word.

Should I leave this place or should I stay?
Can’t we choose our truth to fit the way
we see the world from day to day?
The game of life is a hard one to play!
You don’t earn it all to give it away!
Bad luck might move in and decide to stay.

I know! I’ve read the Book of Acts;
they set the precedent there.
But I have to ask, my Dearest Friend,
do you think this is really fair?
I paid a lot for that new set of clubs,
Picasso, I have a pair.

I’ve never liked that story in Acts,
sounds Commie, Pinko, strange.
If I had my way, I’d take that book
and thoughtfully rearrange
the truth to coincide with all
that fits within my range.

of beliefs, definitions of God’s sacred truth.
Did I mention the Rolls I just bought?
Betty would have to sell all her furs.
I just don’t agree that we ought
to give away things we’ve worked hard to gain.
I feel I’m suddenly caught

by a hard and painful decision to make:
do I go or do I stay?
Could I just sell half and keep the house
on the beach at Crystal Bay?
Living Acts 3 is so hard to do.
Well, adios; I’m on my way

to find that perfect Christian Church
that reads Revelation each day,
follows the path that Jesus takes
and listens to what I say.
Sell all you have and share with the poor?
There must be a better way!

While waiting between TV football games recently, I looked up to see a commercial for the U.S. Marine Corps. Having served with Marines a couple of times in my Navy career, I paid attention, and this is what I heard: “You don’t join the Marine Corps; you become a Marine. Subtle but significant. It didn’t take long for that idea to move into the realm I know best, the church. Reputable social researchers say that Generation Z people (birth after 1997) continue to lose interest in the traditional church. They use words like “irrelevant” or “uninteresting” or “out of touch.”

So, here is church Number 1: “You know, Gladys, if we could just get some more young people, we might survive as a church. We need new blood. Some of our 37 Committees don’t even have leaders anymore. I don’t understand why people don’t join, put their membership here.”

Church Number 2: “What we need is an aggressive Membership Drive followed by an equally strong Stewardship Campaign. Let’s canvas people at the Mall: “What church do you belong to? Where is your church membership? Come join us; we’re a very nice organization. We’ll give you a set of the Bylaws, a bumper sticker for your car, and a box of offering envelopes. And, in time, if you prove yourself, we’ll vet you for a position of leadership. Did I mention a nametag with your picture on it?”

It could be said of both churches: “We do ministry to support the organization.”

Church Number 3: “Our expectation for you is that you become Christ, not simply a name on the roster. We’re not about an organization that does ministry; we’re about personal transformation into a brand new being. Our goal is not for you to be a certified member; but to become Christ alive in the world.”

Is it all semantics? Is this just playing with words? I don’t think so. A mindset, yes. The church was never meant to be a holding pattern or a hotel. Transformation means a tent and a compass and a large supply of courage. You don’t join the U.S. Marine Corps; you become a Marine. You don’t just join a church; you become Christ alive, the fullness of God in the flesh.

“He came to his own people but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves…” John 1

“How To Be Happy In The New Year” The subtitle was something like: “Advice From The World of Science.”
I don’t need advice from science. I was just trying to find some early morning news and this article pops up. I thought to myself: another one of those “get enough sleep” or “eat a balanced diet” articles. Okay, I know all that. I think I read the same article last year. At my age and stage of life, wouldn’t you think that I might be able to figure out how to be happy without having to consult science? You’re right, I’m getting grumpy. Let me take a deep breath.

I was about to move on in my search for overnight news when my pinkie finger hit the wrong key and the happiness article opened up. You know what the first scientific principle is concerning happiness in the new year? “Value Friendships.” Wait a minute! That’s a scientific observation? Hmm, maybe I’ll read just the first paragraph. And guess what I found. Good stuff! Makes sense. Here’s a quick summary: as you get older, friendships matter more and more. Embrace friendships as treasures. Engage with people; get out of yourself. Volunteer. Now I’m thinking: I’ve got to share this with my friends online. But, I’ll add one element left out of the article, an element that can’t claim a scientific origin. This element originates in the heart, the soul and it applies to all human beings. I’m going to call it “Live The Longing.” Somewhere in each of us is a desire to connect with meaning, purpose, some sense of personal value. This is particularly true for those of us who are in the second half of life. Like it or not, life is a moment of mystery in time. I can fill it with whatever I choose and then one day it’s over. Yes, it’s important to “value friendships” and engage other people. But that’s the first step to “living the longing.” People are more important than places or property or pride of accomplishment. By all means, “value friendships” because those engagements are doorways to a greater awareness of who I am and why I am here. Genuine encounter with life is a way to have a genuine encounter with Life.

One more time: looking for happiness in 2025? Stop thinking of happiness as a giggle or a laugh, an experience of entertainment. Happiness, or joy, if you like, is the outcome of contentment, an awareness of who I am, what I am about, and why I’m here. Find a friend. Be a friend. And somewhere in that process of engaging people, caring about and for people, a light will come on and you will find what you’re looking for. Or, another way of putting it: you will be found by Sacred Contentment, the source of all you seek.

Okay, enough. I’m still looking for the overnight news.

Ready or not, here we go!
Down with the house lights,
on with the show!
Where the little ball lands,
nobody knows.

A New Year's dawn is a fragile thing.
Do I cry or pout or dance or sing?
Be on the lookout for that golden ring.
What will this year unfolding bring?

We have some choices, it seems to me:
be fearful and hide; gang up,
choose a side; let pride be your 
guide; just take it in stride.
And, pray for all leaders in
this New Year, that they may
see the way very clear toward
justice and peace, goodwill for all.
On this last choice, we will rise or fall.

But whatever comes In
this New Year, we cannot 
submit to anger and fear.
Each day will bring its laughter
and tears; each day is a time 
to draw very near the source of
our strength, our hope, our
lives.  We must live each day,
not merely survive.  And life
comes from Him who is by
your side, the One who said:
"I will abide..."

And He does.  And He will.
Still and until.

Footnote:  Make your choices very
carefully.  So much depends on you,
and you, and you...me, too.

The faith of Jesus, and later the church that developed after his death and resurrection, was not all that complicated. Complications and confusion came later. As I reflect on Act 2 and 3, I find a pretty clear outline of the cornerstones of a vibrant, faith-filled church. There seem to be four things that are essential. Okay, I’m glad you asked.

The very first pillar or cornerstone is Teaching. By the way, follow this in Act 2:42ff. Teaching is absolutely essential. It makes sense to know something about the faith to which you have committed your life. Bottom line: every person who subscribes to the leadership of Jesus and makes a church part of that experience, should (must) be a learner. If you call yourself a disciple, you have to be one. The second pillar is Fellowship. Lone Rangers don’t last long in a faith built around tables and self-less concern, unless you choose to become a hermit. Fellowship is intentional interaction with people who hold similar beliefs. You simply can’t do without it.

Then comes Breaking Bread, and this is a clear reference to Eucharist or Holy Communion. But, it is more than that. Breaking bread is that time when you sit with family or friends and gratefully enjoy a common meal or a meaningful conversation. Breaking Bread is the intimacy of common gratitude, a doorway into the mystical. That’s why Jesus, just before his arrest and crucifixion, said “this is my body broken for you,” and “I am the bread of life…” It is very important to break bread with your church community at the altar and equally important to develop a spirit of gratitude every time your break bread at any table.

Finally, the fourth cornerstone or pillar is Prayer. Call it what you want and practice it as you please, but followers of Jesus always develop a way to think beyond themselves and their own circumstances. Find a moment and a method of linking yourself to the mystery of God. That’s called prayer and it is very important.

Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, and Prayer. How are you doing with those four essentials? The house will collapse without strong cornerstones. Grace and peace to you from that Spirit who helps us along the way.

Can you stretch your wings today? Maybe not “can you” but “will you”? Today may be the very best time to try that new thing you’ve been thinking about, to make that phone call, to write that letter. Today may be the very best time to stretch out your wings and fly. We were meant to fly, you know. Well, maybe not in the same way as this lovely water bird, but fly, yes. We are lifted by the holy wind, the sacred breeze, that which we call the Holy Spirit, the Empowering Breath of God. With that Spirit, you and I can rise above life and catch a glimpse of eternity. But, like the great white bird, we have to land. We have to come back to the “real world” of work, relationships and daily living. But here’s the good news: in the presence of that Holy Spirit, in those moments of spiritual refreshment: prayer, meditation, reflection, we are blessed with new insights and given new strength. Spiritual refreshment is found in spreading your wings and waiting for the Holy Breeze of God to lift you into a higher awareness of the Holy One. Your flight might be short or long; doesn’t matter. Is today the day?

You are cleared for take off.

The scene is Pentecost. Tongues of fire dance through the room. Men from Galilee, probably not highly educated, speak in languages they do not understand. They don’t know what they are saying. It’s gibberish to them. Meanwhile, people from foreign countries hear the Galileans in their own native languages, and they understand. How can this happen? they wonder. But there must be a reason for everything, so it is suggested that all the Galileans are drunk. Mystery solved. Since they are drunk they can speak foreign languages. Pass me that bottle.

Just because I do not know how to speak German or French does not mean that the Spirit must remain silent. And just because I do not understand how uneducated men can speak a foreign language, one that I understand, does not mean the Spirit cannot communicate. And, just because I cannot explain a strange, unusual moment or circumstance does not mean that I have to speculate a reasonable answer. Not everything has an answer; not everything is knowable. Some things are beyond my capacity to understand, but that does not deny its relevance or reality.

The Spirit empowers the Word to be spoken and the Word to be heard. Listen to the mountain; it speaks. Listen to the train whistle in the distance; it speaks. All things have the capacity to Spirit-speak, even without our permission. The Spirit blows where it wills, in ways that it wills, and at times that may seem inconvenient. God still speaks. Sometimes truth must be said, even though I may not understand the reasons why. God’s reasons are most often mystery to Galileans like us, but someone else may hear and be transformed. That’s the way it works. That’s the truth.

John the Baptizer and two of his disciples saw Jesus walking by and John said to his followers: There is the Lamb of God. The two disciples walk away from John and into the life of Jesus. Jesus sees them following, turns and asks the first of two very interesting questions: “What are you seeking?” or “What do you want?” He knows they are connected to John, so is he simply curious: Why are you walking behind me? Maybe, but let the question go deeper. Shift from a curiosity question to one of life definition: What do you desire of me? What do you want me to give to you? This is a relationship question. The two men could have been asking for directions to the market, or seeking information about something happening in the city, but they weren’t. Jesus knew who they were from previous encounters with John and his band of followers, and he probably knew, or at least sensed, that their act of walking away from John and into his footsteps was very significant. Perhaps it’s: What do you expect of me? How serious are you? “What do you seek?”

And then comes the second question, this one asked by the two men. “Rabbi, (Teacher) where are you staying?” Is that an answer to the first question? Jesus asks: what do you want, and they reply: where do you live. That’s a weird response until you let it go deeper, until it becomes a “heart” question, not an inquiry about the address of his home. Perhaps their reply means something like this: we just want to be near you. His home is where he abides, and that’s the Greek word used in the text: “abide.” The men are offering their hearts to Jesus: we want to abide in you; where you are, we want to be. Now their response makes sense. In fact, the two questions now fit beautifully together: What can I offer you? And they say: Nothing except your presence. We want to be where you are because being in your presence, abiding in you, will lead us closer to God.

Finally, imagine that you are one of those two men trailing after Jesus and that he turns and poses that life-defining question: what do you seek from me? why are you following me?

Let your heart speak. What is your answer?