Category: Sermons

Our union church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, so my sermons typically do not follow a series, although there are repeating themes throughout.

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Choose Life: The Cost and Blessing of Living with Purpose

Beth - blogger, coach, consultant1 Comment

This week’s lectionary readings challenge us to choose life with purpose, embracing both the cost and the blessings of a faith-filled journey. Deuteronomy urges us to walk in God’s ways, Psalm 1 paints a vision of flourishing through righteousness, Philemon calls us to radical reconciliation, and Luke demands we count the cost of following Jesus. What does it mean to live intentionally, aligned with Divine purpose? Join me as we explore how these scriptures guide us to flow with divine love, courage, and transformation.

This week, we have a very practical example, as Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother, not a slave.

What does purposeful living look like when faith demands real transformation?

Rooted in Heart-Centered Living: The Path of Divine Purpose

The Tree of Flourishing: Living Intentionally by Divine Streams

In Psalm 1, the righteous are depicted as “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (v. 3, NIV).

This ancient Near Eastern imagery evokes a resilient olive or date tree in Israel’s arid landscape, deliberately positioned near life-giving waters to thrive despite drought or hardship. Just as a farmer invests effort in planting and nurturing such a tree for long-term harvest, our choice to delight in God’s law—meditating on it day and night—plants us in the steady flow of divine purpose.

In the context of this week’s lectionary, this metaphor counters the superficial following warned in Luke, reminding us that living with purpose isn’t a quick bloom but a rooted investment, bearing blessings of stability and fruitfulness in God’s presence.

Imagine your life as that tree: Are you planted by the streams of scripture, or scattered by the winds of distraction?

Fleeting Distractions vs. Enduring Purposeful Living

The wicked, in stark contrast, are “like chaff that the wind blows away” (Psalm 1:4, NIV), a metaphor drawn from the threshing floors of ancient agrarian life, where worthless husks are separated from valuable grain and scattered by the evening breeze.

In a culture where survival depended on the harvest, chaff represented transience and worthlessness—easily discarded and forgotten. This imagery warns against the empty allure of worldly ways, much like Deuteronomy’s path to death or Luke’s unfinished tower, urging us to choose the costly path of righteousness for lasting purpose. Today, we might see ourselves as chaff in the rush of social media trends or career ambitions that blow away without substance. But by choosing life through God’s instruction, we exchange fragility for the blessing of enduring impact, flourishing as part of a community planted in divine wisdom.

Count the Cost: Living with Purpose Amid Radical Transformation

The Radical Call: Embracing Inner Transformation in Your Life’s Purpose

Jesus’ opening metaphor in Luke 14 cuts like a double-edged sword: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother… yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (vv. 26-27, NIV).

In a society where family loyalty was sacred and the cross symbolized Roman execution’s ultimate humiliation, this hyperbole isn’t about literal hatred but a fierce prioritization—loving Jesus supremely amid potential loss. It’s a metaphor for the internal “war” of allegiance, echoing Deuteronomy’s life-or-death choice and Psalm 1’s rooted stability.

For us, this imagery invites reflection: In a world of divided loyalties, what “crosses” (sacrifices in time, comfort, or relationships) must we bear to live with purpose? Counting this cost ensures our faith isn’t a half-built tower but a purposeful foundation in God’s presence.

Parables of Purpose: Building Towers for Personal Transformation

Jesus then grounds His teaching in relatable parables: the tower builder who estimates costs to avoid ridicule for an unfinished project, and the king who assesses his army’s strength before battle, opting for peace if outmatched (Luke 14:28-32, NIV).

These metaphors from construction and warfare—familiar to Jesus’ agrarian and occupied audience—illustrate discipleship as a strategic endeavor, not impulsive enthusiasm.

The tower evokes the vulnerability of incomplete commitments in a resource-scarce world, while the king’s deliberation highlights surrender when human strength falls short. Adapted today, consider your “tower” as launching a new habit like daily prayer: Budget your time and energy to finish strong, lest it mock your intentions.

Or, like the king facing a career “battle,” evaluate if you’re equipped or need God’s peace through wise counsel. These images teach that choosing life with purpose demands upfront honesty about costs, leading to the blessings of resilience and victory in Christ.

The Heart of Transformation: Radical Renewal Through Divine Love

Philemon’s Costly Choice: Radical Transformation as a Model for Purposeful Living

In the intimate pages of Paul’s letter to Philemon, we encounter a story that pulses with the raw tension of early Christian life—a personal plea that ripples into profound transformation. Written around 55-62 CE from prison (likely Rome or Ephesus), this shortest of Paul’s epistles addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in the small city of Colossae, Asia Minor. Philemon hosted a house church, a diverse gathering of slaves, free people, and masters navigating the rigid hierarchies of the Roman Empire.

At its heart is Onesimus, Philemon’s enslaved runaway who, after encountering Paul and converting to faith, returns not as property but as a potential brother in Christ. Paul’s appeal—”receive him no longer as a slave but… as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16, NIV)—was revolutionary in a culture where slavery underpinned society, affecting up to 40% of the population.

Enslaved individuals like Onesimus faced brutal recapture laws, and owners like Philemon held legal power over life and labor. Yet Paul, leveraging their shared faith, doesn’t demand legal freedom but invites a gospel-fueled shift in heart and relationship, offering to repay any “debts” himself (vv. 18-19).

This context of imprisonment, cultural norms, and emerging church dynamics sets the stage for a lesson in practical transformation: Choosing life with purpose often means counting relational costs for the blessing of restored community.

Philemon’s story embodies the lectionary’s intertwined themes, serving as the fulcrum for this week’s reflections.

Like Deuteronomy’s stark choice between life and death (30:15-20), Paul urges Philemon to opt for obedience to Christ’s love over societal “death” of division.

Echoing Psalm 1’s flourishing tree, reconciliation plants seeds of fruitfulness in the church, turning potential chaff (conflict) into enduring bonds.

And mirroring Luke’s call to count the cost (14:25-33), Philemon faces a high-stakes decision: Uphold Roman power structures—risking financial loss or social ridicule by elevating a slave—or embrace the “cross” of equality, subverting the empire’s values.

Paul’s diplomatic yet bold approach models transformation not as abstract theology but as lived action: He reminds Philemon of his own debts to grace (v. 19), appealing to conscience in a world where Christianity quietly disrupted hierarchies without direct rebellion.

Historically, this letter, composed alongside Colossians, reflects the early church’s growth amid persecution, where house churches like Philemon’s became spaces for radical equality (Galatians 3:28). In a Greco-Roman society of economic exploitation and social stratification, Paul’s lesson foreshadowed the gospel’s long-term impact on justice, challenging readers then and now to live purposefully by transforming relationships.

What makes Philemon the main focus for practical transformation is its blueprint for applying faith in everyday tensions. In our modern world, we may not own slaves, but we inhabit “hierarchies” of power, prejudice, and unresolved hurts that mirror first-century Colossae—workplace dynamics, family rifts, or community divides.

Paul’s strategy offers a step-by-step model: First, acknowledge the shared humanity in Christ (v. 16), reframing “others” from adversaries to siblings. For Philemon, this meant seeing Onesimus’ usefulness not in labor but in fellowship.

Today, it could transform a strained boss-employee relationship: Instead of wielding authority like Roman owners, count the cost of vulnerability—perhaps by crediting a team member’s idea publicly, risking your ego for team flourishing. Second, embrace the cost willingly (v. 14), as Paul refuses to command but invites. In a family feud, this might involve writing a “letter” of apology, like Paul’s, offering to “repay” emotional debts through active listening, even if it means short-term discomfort.

The blessing? Restored purpose, as seen in the potential church unity Philemon’s choice could foster.

Finally, Philemon teaches that transformation yields communal blessings, aligning with your life’s purpose in God’s presence. By choosing reconciliation, Philemon would model the gospel’s power, turning a personal crisis into a testimony of grace—much like the fruitful tree in Psalm 1 or the completed tower in Luke.

Practically, start small this week: Identify your “Onesimus”—a overlooked coworker, estranged relative, or neighbor in need—and take one transformative step, such as an honest conversation or act of service.

Reflect: What costs (pride, time, status) does this require, and what blessings (deeper connections, personal growth) might follow?

In embracing Philemon’s lesson, we choose life not in isolation but in the purposeful flow of transformed relationships, discovering the profound joy of living as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Embracing Divine Purpose: The Blessings of Living Intentionally

The Cost and Blessing: Flourishing in Heart-Centered Living

This week’s lectionary readings ignite a fire within us: to choose life with unshakable purpose, anchored in the radiant presence of God. Deuteronomy’s bold call to “choose life” (30:15) resounds in Psalm 1’s vision of a flourishing tree, its roots drinking deeply from divine streams. Luke’s challenge to count the cost—bearing the cross, building towers, waging battles—urges us to commit fully to God’s path. Yet it’s Philemon’s story that lights the way forward, showing us that true purpose blossoms through transformed relationships, as Paul pleads for Onesimus to be welcomed as a brother, not a slave. In a world pulling us toward division and distraction, these scriptures proclaim a truth: Purposeful living demands courage, but oh, the blessings—fruitful hearts, restored bonds, and a life overflowing with God’s love!

This Week’s Invitation: Live with Purpose and Inner Transformation

So, rise up this week and embrace the Purpose Challenge! Let God’s Word root you daily, evaluate your commitments with bold honesty, initiate a conversation that heals, lift up the overlooked, and surrender distractions to soar in divine purpose. Like Philemon, dare to choose life, even when it costs pride or comfort, and watch God weave blessings through your obedience.

Reflect: How will you shine God’s love this week? Share your story below or with a friend, and let’s flow together in the divine presence that transforms everything. As Psalm 1 promises, may you stand like a tree, fruitful and unshaken, forever thriving in God’s eternal purpose.

  • Meditate Daily

Spend 10-15 minutes with Deuteronomy 30 or Psalm 1, journaling one purposeful choice.

  • Evaluate Commitments

List a faith goal’s costs (time, energy) and commit fully by mid-week.


Visuals: Consider an inspiring image (e.g., a vibrant tree by water, a sunrise symbolizing purpose) to amplify the motivational tone.

Integration with Action Steps: The conclusion references the five practical steps without listing them, keeping the tone inspirational.


Reconcile Boldly: Reach out to someone estranged with a kind gesture or apology by Sunday.


Uplift Others: Perform one act of equality (e.g., crediting a coworker) to foster unity.


Surrender Distractions: Replace one distraction (e.g., screen time) with prayer or service.

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How to Create a Lasting Legacy: The True Pursuit of Wisdom

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

Is the pursuit of wisdom and creating a lasting legacy worth it?

If we read Ecclesiastes 1, we might think it’s all an exercise in futility. 

Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Colossians

Was the writer of Ecclesiastes depressed? It seems so. After all he had done to pursue wisdom, he realises that everyone dies.

What was the purpose of studying so much and creating so much wealth? Will it be appreciated by those left behind? Even wealth gets squandered by unwise heirs. 

So, what’s the purpose of all that hard work and effort?

When we look at the wise, they die; fool and dolt perish together and leave their wealth to others.

Psalms 49:10

On the other hand, Colossians suggests that we stop pursuing worldly pleasures and goals, and focus our time and energy on “things above”.

Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth

Colossians 3:2

So, what is the meaning of life? Is it futile to pursue wisdom and wealth? Is this all vanity (futility) as the author of Ecclesiastes suggests? 

Or is there something meaningful that we can do and create here and now that will leave a legacy behind?

The true pursuit of wisdom

First, what is wisdom? Is there a difference between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom? Earthly wisdom or godly wisdom?

Who do you consider to be wise?

Is someone with a Master’s degree considered to be wise? Or are they merely educated?

In business, there’s a DIKW pyramid – data, information, knowledge and wisdom. Data is meaningless, unless you can actually draw some conclusions from it that you can use to guide your future actions.

Data is the foundation, information is processed data, knowledge is information with context, and wisdom is the application of knowledge to make informed decisions. 

So, in the context of business, wisdom is not knowledge, but the application of knowledge into decision-making. 

In a similar fashion, education is merely a means to an end: hopefully, getting an education will teach you how to transform knowledge into wisdom – wise decision-making. 

Worldly Wisdom or Divine Wisdom?

So, what about this divide between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom? 

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

James 3:13-16, The Message

If you ask me for my favourite books of the Bible, they would be these:

  • James
  • Proverbs
  • Job
  • Ecclesiastes

Do you see any similarities in them? Yes, they all talk about Wisdom.

And still, Ecclesiastes suggests that even the pursuit of Wisdom is meaningless and futile. 

As we know it, the author of Ecclesiastes (thought to be Solomon, but perhaps not) was also one (if not the principal) of the authors of Proverbs. 

And in the end, he says it’s all vanity. What’s the point of pursuing wisdom?

Or as Psalms suggests: what’s the point of building up an estate and wealth to leave to your children? 

What do we truly live behind when we go? Is there any point to “living with purpose” or “finding your purpose” in life and creating a legacy to leave behind? 

Is pursuing holiness enough?

Colossians suggests that we should pursue individual holiness. But how does Colossians define this individual holiness?

What does it mean to be renewed in wisdom and become a new self?

I find it fascinating that the defintion we are given focuses most on what we leave behind and stop doing. When we stop all of these bad habits, though patterns and emotions, we open up space for the new.

Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).
But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:5, 8-10

As it says here, stripped off the old self with its practices and habits. And then you can put on your clean clothes.

“seek the things that are above”

Colossians 3:1

What are we seeking? Divine Presence in our lives.

And how can we be filled with the Divine Spirit? Only by making room! To make room in our life for the Divine, we have to let go of whatever is holding us back.

What are the personal obstacles in your thoughts, feelings and actions that inhibit the Spirit from flowing freely in your mind?

To be full of the Spirit

In order to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit fully – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – we have to let go those emotions and thoughts that are their archnemesis.

  • To be full of love, I have to first let go of hate.
  • If I want my joy to overflow, I first have to finish grieving for whatever I think I deserved and didn’t receive, as well as find a place of acceptance of what is.
  • To be full of peace, I release my anxiety and that pressing need to have everything now. I recognise any greed that I have – whether it be for things, results or even knowledge and wisdom.
  • If I want to have patience, I must learn to persist in the face of trouble, delay or even suffering. It’s an internal strength that I gather that allows me to face whatever may come, and still love othes in spite of my circumstances. I let go of the longing for immediate results, and recognise that everything is for my good. 
  • To be full of kindness, I have to let go of my ego, pride, anger and wrath. I release all malice and slander from my thoughts, emotions, words and actions. And I certainly refrain from abusive language coming out of my mouth!
  • If I am committed to being filled with goodness, I must first release sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and idolatry.
  • And when I claim that I have faithfulness, I let go of lying to myself and others, and instead demonstrate loyalty, steadfastness, and trustworthiness.
  • Likewise, when I am filled with gentleness, I get rid of all those rough edges of my emotions and tongue. I learn to speak gently, rather than harshly, and I curb my anger, wrath and hatred completely. 
  • Finally, the crux of it all becomes impeccable self-control. I have control over my mind and thoughts, my emotions and especially my tongue and the words of my mouth. 

This is why Colossians focuses on what we have to get rid of in our lives. Take out the old, in order to be full of the new. If you want to think on things above, you have to stop thinking about all the things below. 

What is Wisdom and a Meaningful Legacy?

Let’s go back to Ecclesiastes and the lamentations of “This is all futile and useless”. 

sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it.

Ecclesiastes 2:21

So, all that hard work, even applying your knowledge and skill for wise decision-making, sometimes is reaped by those who don’t deserve it.

Perhaps you died and a distant family member reaps rewards rather than the children you expected. Or your business is taken over by outsiders. The bank forecloses on your house and leaves your children without a roof over their heads.

So, what is meaningful? What do we leave behind that truly matters?

I would guess that it’s the impact we have on the lives of others. Especially when that impact carries far into the future, beyond the span of our lives and the generations that followed us. 

Think for a moment, for example of the authors of the Bible: thousands of years later, we are still reading those words. Even the authors of political, ethical and scientific books are read hundreds and thousands of years later.

But it’s not just books and writers that leave a legacy – there are many who impacted lives that were illiterate, and yet their deeds are know all over the world, living on as legends and stories that we continue to share. 

Jesus may have been born humbly, and we have no works written by him… yet every year we continue to celebrate his birth and coming to this earth, as well as his teachings and his sacrifice.

His divine wisdom and legacy are clear to each one us.

So the question for you today is: what meaningful legacy are you creating and leaving?

Experience the Power of Social Justice: Living with Truth

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

Today’s lectionary reading comes from Amos 8: 1-12. It focuses on the karma of those who oppress the poor and the failure to uphold social justice. In a similar fashion, Psalm 15 focuses on the power of social justice and the need for living in truth. 

I’m often uncomfortable with many books of the prophets. Especially those like Amos 8 that start with  words like we find in Amos 8:2.

“The end has come upon my people Israel; I will spare them no longer

It sounds so harsh.

Until you read further and understand the context.

In fact, in many places within the Bible, context is everything. There are actions and there are consequences.

Actions and consequences

Like Newton’s Third Law in physics: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

So, what caused this outrage and response?

8:4  Hear this, you who trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land,

8:5  saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah smaller and the shekel heavier and practice deceit with false balances,

8:6  buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and selling the sweepings of the wheat.”

So, how did the people of Israel bring about their own destruction?

  1. trampling the needy and bringing the poor to ruin
  2. practicing deceit with false balances
  3. human trafficking and exploiting the poor
  4. selling the sweepings of the wheat (selling substandard or defective goods).

This wasn’t a reflection of how the people of Israel treated other nations, but rather how rotten they were within themselves. It was a reflection of how far their society had fallen, oppressing their neighbours and taking advantage of each other. 

We also find in Psalm 15 another list of practices which lead to social injustice:

  • slandering
  • doing evil to their friends
  • heaping shame upon your neighbours
  • loan sharks
  • taking bribes against the innocent (false imprisonment, bribery and corruption)

So, while in the New Testament there is a lot about personal righteousness, in the Old Testament we find a lot more about the power of social justice and the importance of ensuring a nation of righteousness.

It’s particularly interesting when we see the foundations that were laid down for the nation of Israel.

“However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you.”

Deuteronomy 15:4

Nonetheless, since the people failed to live in the power of social justice that were laid down, the divide grew between the ‘have’s and the ‘have not’s. 

Modern examples of these injustices

It’s not always easy to relate to these verses from the Old Testament, since often what they speak of are practices that we are not familiar with.

So, let me try to provide some modern examples of these injustices:

Trampling the needy and bringing the poor to ruin

Perhaps in our modern age, this is as simple as being dismissed, ignored and dehumanised. Becoming a statistic, rather than being seen as a person.

How often do we deny someone opportunities to grow, simply because their resume or clothes don’t look attractive enough. They are already struggling, but we don’t even provide them with opportunities to grow and change their circumstances, preferring instead to choose someone that already has advantages.

We all know that it takes money to make money. If you have enough money, you can invest in stocks, real estate and other assets that simply provide an income without you working.

The poor, on the other hand, are limited to using their time, skills and labour to make money.

Because of this, the rich get richer and have more opportunities to pursue education, rather than needing to work to take care of their needs.

Even if we consider the impact of something like the 2008 crash, we can see how the banks were bailed out, while the middle and lower class lost their jobs and then their homes when they were unable to keep up the payments for the mortgages. Because of this, many private institutions were able to sweep through and buy up those homes at low cost, which were then rented back to the very classes that had previously owned them.

But who was responsible for the loan crisis and crash? The very banks and investment advisers that later profited from the bailouts and being able to buy up cheap.

This is only one example of how you bring the poor to ruin.

It’s buying up the farmland of farmers, after you’ve squeezed them into not being able to sell their produce at the market.

All of these commonly accepted business practices that we overlook are not overlooked by the heavens. We are asked to love our neighbour as ourselves, and this is reflected even in the way we create laws and manage our economy. 

Practicing deceit with false balances

With electronic scales and everything modernised, it’s hard to imagine the experiences of the past. But as it says in Amos, there were many waiting for the days of the full moon or the Sabbath, so that they could prey on the poor.

They would “make the ephah smaller and the shekel heavier“.

  • The wheat and grain was sold by the ephah (about a bushel or 60 pounds). By making the ephah smaller, the buyer would receive less wheat.
  • The shekel, on the other hand, was the weight used to measure silver and gold. So, by making it heavier, you had to use more gold or silver to pay for your purchases. 

In other words, they were shortchanging the buyer and charging an inflated price.

Even in the online world, where prices are shown to us, there are many ways to charge inflated prices. For example, the price might say “does not include delivery and handling”, and they add an extra $5.00 charge for delivery. It’s even more likely that prices are adjusted on real-time factors such as demand, the time of day, or even location of the buyer. 

Did you press “accept cookies”? Those very cookies might track what you buy, how much you spend and even the frequency of what you look at.

These modern conveniences can influence the prices of what the algorithm believes you can afford and adjust it accordinly. You might never know that the price you are quoted is different from the price others are paying. 

Human trafficking and exploiting in the poor

It was common in the times of the Old Testament to own slaves. It was even common to sell yourself as a slave, to ensure that your family’s debts were paid and that you would have a roof over your head and food to eat.

Nonetheless, in Exodus through Numbers, we see many rules established about these practices, aimed to ensure social justice. One of the principal ones being the “Year of Jubilee“. Every seven years, the slaves that had been purchased had to be released and returned to freedom.

Obviously, the price you would pay for someone in the first year would be much higher than you might be wiling to pay in the last year or the month before the Year of Jubilee.

However, none of this exempted them from paying a fair price. They were not supposed to buy someone just for the cost of a pair of sandals. Even today there are examples of debt bondage in countries like India, Pakistan and Nepal, where people are forced to work just to continue paying off the interest on loans, and don’t even dare to take sick days as the loan amount will increase.

Around the world, there are at least 40 million people in slavery, in spite of slavery having been abolished.

Nonetheless, the exploiting of the poor to keep them working for low wages, whether it be illegal immigrants that are mistreated or other forms of social injustice in wages is rampant all around the world. 

Selling the sweepings of wheat

This is an interesting one that probably needs a little more explanation.  Basically, what would happen as that sellers would mix the chaff of the wheat with the actual wheat being sold, and so they would sell less actual wheat to the consumer.

It’s simply a form of defective goods, as the buyer would not get what they were paying for. 

So, what are some modern examples we might consider?

  • Refurbished or poorly manufactured electronics. often sold with misleading claims about their performance or lifespan.
  • Counterfeit or fake goods
  • Deceptive advertising, packaging or labelling
  • Overcharging our hours or time when selling professional services

We are called to be honest and trustworthy even when we are not being watched and supervised. It’s all about personal integrity in business and dealing with others. 

The outcome of a nation with social injustice

Amos provides a bleak picture of what will befall a nation that has corroded from within.

I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on all loins and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.

Amos 8:10

Worse yet, the country is promised that they will no longer hear the Word of the Lord. Because they have abandoned God, they will no longer be able to hear that still, small voice.

The blessings of social justice

Psalms 15 reminds us that a person, community and nation that focuses on social justice will be blessed.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15:5

What are “these things”? There are both do’s and don’ts in this list.

What to do?

  • Walk blamelessly and do what is right
  • Speak the truth from their hearts
  • In whose eyes the wicked are despised
  • Honour those who fear the Lord
  • Stand by their oath even to their hurt

What not to do?

  • Do not slander with their tongue
  • Do no evil to their friends
  • Do not heap shame upon their neighbours
  • Do not lend money at interest
  • Do not take a bribe against the innocent

A person that cannot be moved is one that stands strong, no matter what they are facing or how strong the winds and storm. They might be battered, but they will not be knocked over. 

The blessing that awaits is unwavering stability, steadfastness, and an unyielding position in the face of adversity or challenges.

The person and nation that stands strong for social justice refuses to be swayed, shaken, or forced. Instead they have determination, resilience, and a deep-rooted sense of security in their faith. 

This is the promise of the power of social justice and living in truth.

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Seeing is believing: how Thomas’ challenge shaped his faith

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

Today’s lectionary reading brings us the story of Thomas after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial (John 20: 19-31). For most of us, it’s a well-known story. 

Jesus comes to the disciples who are meeting and praying together in hiding, but Thomas is absent this day. When he returns, they tell him that Jesus has risen and visited, but he doubts. 

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

And yet, when Jesus returns to visit a week later, Thomas is there and witnesses for himself that Jesus has indeed risen. 

“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” (John 20: 27)

So, what would it take for your faith to be challenged and strengthened? 

What personal experience could you have that would confirm to you that God’s power in your life is real? 

Peter stumbled and fell into faith

Perhaps an easier example for us to relate to is Peter, the rock on which Jesus said the church would be built. We see many instances where Peter shows a great understanding of Christ, only to overshadow it with his doubting, hesitance, and failure of faith.

Peter was possibly the only one to see Jesus walking on water, yet this same Peter was hot-tempered and rebuked the children that wanted to come to Jesus. 

He’s passionate and impetuous: Peter was the first to say that he would accompany Jesus in prison and death, but at the moment of truth, denied that he even knew him.

This very same Peter was told off three times for falling asleep while accompanying Jesus in the garden for prayer. 

From euphoria to failure

Peter gets swept up in the euphoria of Jesus’s power and miracles.

I want that!

But he crumbles under persecution. 

He got it – Jesus was the messiah.

And he lost it – I’m too scared to follow this road of faith. 

Many of us, like Peter, have denied that we knew Jesus: with our words, or with our actions, or our priorities.

Perhaps you’ve lost faith, because of fear – just like Peter.

Nonetheless, Peter still becomes the pillar of the early church, an example for others to follow. 

Peter is the first to run to the empty tomb. He is also the first to jump out of the boat and swim to the shore to see Jesus after the resurrection.

In order to counter Peter’s denial of Christ three times before the crucifixion, we see Jesus ask Peter three times “Do you love me?”. Having failed three times, it’s important for Peter to confirm three times that he has overcome this failure in faith and believes. 

But his journey was plagued by missteps and mistakes.

Do your actions speak of faith or doubt? 

Inner transformation: Thomas’ doubts strengthen his faith

It’s easy to see how Peter’s mistakes turn into strength. 

But Thomas has a different road of challenges before him. They are more subtle, but equally strong.

And these are the mental doubts and stumbling blocks we face.

When we lose a loved one, or don’t get that dream job, it’s easy to fall into the mental loop of doubt and asking “Why?”

People around us are quick to give us empty platitudes:

  • “Everything happens for a reason…”
  • “God won’t give you more than you can handle…”
  • “God has a wonderful plan for your life…”

And for Thomas, that challenge was seeing the man and friend that he believed in killed to satisfy the bloodthirst of the mobs and political powerplays.

The monkey mind: making you second-guess yourself

I’m sure he had millions of thoughts running through his head:

  • We did so much for the sick, the needy and the masses, but they turned their backs on Jesus.
  • Everyone listened to Jesus’ teachings, but is this the end of our journey?
  • Jesus promised us the kingdom of heaven, but now all we have is death and despair. 

And when the disciples tell him that they’ve seen a resurrected Jesus, Thomas doesn’t jump with joy and faith. 

He’s cynical. He’s rational and thoughtful, not easily swayed by a cheerful friend.

He no doubt has a million thoughts running through his head as he tries to make sense of his experiences of the past three years. 

Radical honesty: Show me the money

Most of us have heard someone say “Show me the money.”

I don’t want any of your stories: I want to see the evidence. Don’t talk about the value you bring to the table, show me the value and benefits. 

And for Thomas, it wasn’t enough that others had experienced seeing Jesus. He needed to experience this for himself. 

When Jesus shows up, he doesn’t lecture Thomas. We might judge Thomas and read judgment into Jesus’ words to him, but does Jesus actually judge him?

Instead, Jesus says:

“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Do not doubt but believe.” (v. 27)

Thomas said: “Show me the money!” and Jesus’ response is “Here’s the cold, hard cash.” Stop doubting. Here you go. 

His evidence is the wounds and scars, yet he overcame this. 

The challenge to overcome

For most of us, we find it easier to trust someone that has the battle scars than someone finely dressed, that hasn’t experienced life’s hard knocks. 

Want to know why Dr. Joe Dispenza is so popular? It’s not just what he’s teaching, but rather that he first had to get himself out of his semi-paralysed state and back on his feet again! Six of his vertebrae has compound fractures. He risked being a quadriplegic. But he overcame this challenge. 

We trust his scars and his journey. He walked the talk. Those scars tell a story of faith and healing. 

Similarly, people are willing to follow the teachings of Louise Hay who healed herself from cervical cancer through forgiveness and letting go.

Because, for many of us, seeing is believing.

We need to see the scars and wounds of others to believe that it’s possible for us to heal and get back on our feet. M

Much like Thomas, we say when I see the nail marks in his hands and the wound in his side, then I’ll believe that healing is possible.

We need these live examples to open our eyes to the possibilities of what could be. 

Self-awareness: What challenge are you facing?

So today, I ask:

What challenge are you facing and what example do you need to strengthen your faith? 

Perhaps you’ve lost your business and are struggling with financial difficulties: 

  • Job had everything – the richest man, a wonderful family with children and grandchildren, and a fantastic reputation – only to have it all disappear in a moment. Can you find inspiration in Job for seeing is believing?
  • David is another great example – reduced to living in caves, running and hiding despite having been anointed to be the new king.

If you’re looking for modern examples, there are many like J.K. Rowling who went from a broke mother to becoming a billionaire through her creative efforts in writing.  Even Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin, had a rought start to life.

For others, it’s getting through betrayal.

Wasn’t Jesus betrayed? And David, by his son Absalom? Or Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers. 

Perhaps the challenge to your faith is sickness.

And we have many examples of healing:

  • Natural healing – you break a bone, the doctor sets it back in place and immobilises it, and your body takes care of the rest! The doctor only has to make sure it’s aligned, so that when healing takes place, it’s all in the right place. 
  • Sometimes, the miracle we need comes in the form of a doctor and medicine! But isn’t that still healing. The knowledge and how to help the body to overcome sickness and injury pave the road to recovery.
  • Most of us, of course, just want the miracle healing. The instant, no rational explanation, kind of healing. Of course there are examples of this – in life and in the Bible. But this isn’t the most common type.
  • We also have examples of miraculous healing over time – like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Louise Hay that weren’t healed in a day, but rather healed little by little. How many of us are willing to hold our faith, day by day, for this healing?
  • And sometimes, the healing that happens is in the heart – with acceptance for what is, forgiveness and letting go of resentment. Perhaps there is no physical manifestation, but what gets healed is relationships and we let go of bitterness.  Isn’t this also a miracle? 

What scars and wounds do you need to see, like Thomas, in order to restore your faith?

Do not doubt, but believe.

John 20: 27
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How Jesus got cancelled: faith, expectations, and betrayal

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

On Sunday Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem with crowds, praise and celebration, waving palms and welcoming him with joy. Celebrating with the disciples after his arrival, we learn of the Last Supper.

Nevertheless, on Spy Wednesday he’s betrayed and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and by Friday he’s crucified.

How quickly public opinion changes and you fall from hero to zero. From being welcomed as the saviour to asking to release Barabbas, a Jewish bandit and rebel.

We have many examples of cancel culture in the past five years, for political motives as well as personal indiscretions. Whether it’s sexual indiscretion, badly handled brand messaging or simply holding an unpopular opinion.

So, what changed? Why did public opinion pivot so rapidly?

Personally, I think it all comes down to expectations, which play a huge role in our relationships.

There’s nothing like having hope and expecting a certain outcome, only to face disappointment.

If we don’t guard our hearts, bitterness and resentment grow within.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a king, sitting on a colt, as prophesied in the Old Testament.

The crowds that welcomed him (all by word of mouth), have witnessed his miracles and healing hands. But now they are expecting more.

While they might be grateful for everything that he’s done so far, they still expect him to give more. 

What they are looking for is that hero that will save them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire. The new king. The Messiah. 

And Jesus is bound to disappoint them.

And as we’ve learned time and time again in our relationships, disappointment often leads to a cruel backlash. 

The work within: practical wisdom for inner healing

Jesus wasn’t offering a physical salvation, but spiritual. While he had healed many physical ailments, many of those miracles went hand-in-hand with spiritual healing and a change of behaviour and habits. 

Largely overlooked by the crowds.

Their faith and belief in his teachings, which overturned the status quo and Pharisees, seemingly overlooked the underlying message.

When they heard “the Kingdom of God is at hand”, they believed in a physical kingdom, returning to the glories of David and Solomon. 

This crowd had real problems and real needs.

And they expected Jesus to be the Saviour and hero that would fix everything. 

They were disappointed to find out that he offered spiritual salvation and a spiritual Kingdom of Heaven. 

But don’t we still do the same now?

We elect politicians and then criticize them when they don’t fix all the problems in our community. But what about the community getting together and facing the problems and working together for healing and improvement?

We watch blockbuster movies, celebrating heroes like Ironman, Superman, Captain America and Daredevil. All heroes, some with a small band of misfits, that do the impossible and save the world.

Imagine how boring a movie would be to show a community that came together and worked tirelessly to improve their city, but with no heroes or individuals that stood out to take the lead.

Since time immemorial, like Bonnie Tyler, we’ve been singing “I need a hero”:

He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight

And it’s these very same expectations that lead to disappointment, and ultimately lead to betrayal. 

Radical honesty: What is the state of my faith?

Take a moment to consider your prayers this week.

What did you pray and ask for?

Were you asking God for a specific outcome or solution? Or have you learned, like Jesus in Gethsemane to pray for God’s will to be done.

Jesus alerts the disciples that night:

My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. (Matt. 26: 38)

Nonetheless, he prays (v. 39):

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

As such, he’s not disappointed in the outcome, no matter how much it pains him.

But many  times, we’re tied to a particular outcome. We pray for healing for a person, and the expected outcome is that the illness or physical healing take place and be immediate.

And in doing so, we overlook that sometimes that most profound healing takes place over time. It’s like building up strength and stamina from walking and doing exercise every day. It can only be built by repetition.

Many times, our healing only happens by repetition – like forgiveness that takes place 70 time 7 times. Regularly letting go of the hurt and pain and replacing it with forgiveness.

But we want the instant gratification. Give me the pill that can stop the pain and get me back up and running immediately. Who care what the long term side-effects might be.

We want miracles and instant healing, not gradual improvement. 

As such, we’re disappointed and disillusioned when the outcome is long term. 

What expectations are you putting on miracles?

Self-awareness: Where am I feeling disappointed?

Think also about your relationships with friends and family. Or perhaps going a bit further to those that you know.

Do you know someone who received a lot of help and support from someone, and then when that person stopped helping and supporting them they almost became enemies?

What’s really happening? Often, the person receiving the help is initially angry and frustrated with themselves. They might even hate themselves for being helpless and needing to rely on someone else’s benevolence.

But over time, they begin to hate the other, because this persons generosity highlights their own shortcomings and feelings of inadequacy. Most of this lies deep within as latent bitterness. Covered up with an band-aid of gratitude and praise. 

Nonetheless, the moment that benefactor fails to step up and meet a need, they become the subject of criticism. The hidden bitterness and resentment bubbles to the surface, and accusations fly of selfishness and pride. 

Now imagine the crowds that Jesus faced in Jerusalem.

So many expectations placed upon him with different people expecting from him different things.

And he fails to give them what they wanted.

It all ends with the cries to release Barabbas, the bandit and rabble-rouser.  He’s been known to revolt in small ways against the Romans. While he doesn’t promise to rebuild a kingdom, he openly opposes the Roman Empire.

And being disappointed that Jesus never had plans to revolt, they turn to the popular insurrectionist and rebel leader. 

And just like that, Jesus gets cancelled by popular opinion. 

The cost of unexamined expectations: betrayal after disappointment

I wonder which hurt Jesus more: the betrayal of Judas or of Peter? Remember, Jesus predicts both of them.

At the last supper, he highlights that Judas will hand him over. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warns Peter that before morning he will have denied him and turned his back on him. 

Which one of us would have dared to respond differently to the crowd than Peter?

We’ll never know whether Judas betrayed Jesus to cover up slipping his hand in the till and expecting to replace the missing coin by using the funds he received from the Pharisees, or whether he was simply disappointed, like the crowds, that Jesus wasn’t the Messiah that would save Israel from the Roman Empire.

No matter what lay beneath his betrayal, Peter’s actions were much more about fear and peer pressure. 

Was Peter afraid of being put in the same cell as Jesus if he was identified as being his follower? Or was he simply ashamed to be different? Had he lost complete faith in Jesus being the Messiah?

Your expections, your faith: the path to inner healing

So now, it’s your turn.

What expectations do you have when you pray and in your daily spiritual habits?

When you sit quietly in your heart, are you holding onto any bitterness or resentment towards God for unanswered prayers or situations in life that didn’t go how you expected God’s hand to move?

Each of us needs to be honest within about the state of our faith.

5 Powerful Lessons about Love from the Prodigal Son

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

The lectionary reading for this week is from Luke 15: the story of the prodigal son. And today, I want to highlight five powerful lessons about love that we can learn from Jesus’ teachings. 

If you love, sometimes you have to let go

As parents and friends, we’ve all had people that we want to protect in our lives. But sometimes, as the father in the parable, we realise that we have to let our loved ones go out and learn lessons for themselves. 

So, we see, at the beginning of the parable, that the father simply allows his youngest son to leave.

There was a man who had two sons. 

And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 

Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

I can’t imagine this father’s pain when his son treated him as dead, asking for his share of the inheritance ahead of time. But, rather than teaching him a lesson, he loves him enough to let him go and experience the world on his own.

Unlike now, where we have internet, email, WhatsApp and all types of communication and travel that can reduce the distance between us, I’m sure that the father didn’t hear from his son once he left and moved away.

He was basically abandoning his family and all their teachings.

And still, the father let him go.  All his hard work and affection, just squandered by youth’s mad pursuit of the present moment. 

True love is not about control and it’s not always about protection. Sometimes, it’s allowing someone to grow up and learn on their own.  As parents and friends, we have to learn to love fully, even letting go.

Even with God’s love, we see freedom of choice. We choose whether or not to practice the Divine’s presence in our life each day. What relationship do you want to have with Spirit?

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Choose your friends wisely

The second life lesson in love that we learn from the Prodigal Son is to choose your friends wisely. 

We’ve all had our share of fair weather friends. The Prodigal Son shows us a prime example of this.

When he’s rich and there’s money for parties and entertainment, he’s surrounded by people that want to be his friends. He’s living the high life.

But after he squandered all his money and the famine hits, he gets a rude wake up call.

Where are those friends now?

He’s all alone in a foreign land, with no one to help or guide him.

He sinks as low as to become a servant for another, having to feed slop to pigs on someone’s farm. He’s so low that even the pigs eat better than he does. 

But, he has fallen to this low, because of the friends that he chose in this new land and how they influenced his choices. 

Jim Rohn said that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. 

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. 

We all need connection and belonging in our lives. This is one of the reason that we find so many gangs flourishing in low income ghettos. They give youth a sense of belonging and safety. No matter how dangerous it might be, they meet their needs to some extent. 

But this connection and belonging also influences our habits and choices.  Do the people that we choose to build relationships with lead us to better ourselves and strive to grow? Emotionally, spiritually, financially and even physically.

If your friends are all into health and fitness, it’s likely that they are inviting you to go for walks, or go to the gym, hiking, cycling or different types of classes. Where they choose to go to eat and what they drink will be influenced by this lifestyle choice. 

And as you spend time with them, you will find it easy to choose healthy activities and focusing on your physical wellbeing. 

Of course, the prodigal son’s friends also influenced his choices – to spend money frivously with no thoughts to the future.  And it destroyed him. 

Throughout the Bible, we find all manner of advice about how to choose our friends and those we regularly spend time with. What will you do with this advice?

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Knowing when to admit “I was wrong”

Our third lesson in love from the Prodigal Son, comes when he wakes up to his situation and reality, and chooses to admit that he was wrong. 

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

All of us make mistakes. But what really matters in relationships is how we deal with those mistakes and how we choose to relate to others. 

Can we humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness from those who love us? Are we willing to rebuild a relationship based on forgiveness? 

Today’s lesson from the Prodigal Son is not just about a father’s love. It’s also about humility and admitting our mistakes.

The Prodigal Son no longer takes his father’s love and care for granted. Instead, he resolves to return with humility and ask for forgiveness. 

So, today, let’s consider those relationships where we are taking others – especially their love and care for us – for granted. Do we need to ask for forgiveness in humility and rebuild our relationships? 

Unconditional love and rejoicing

Perhaps the best lesson we all know from the Prodigal Son is the father’s response upon the return of his wayward son. 

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

In previous parables, Jesus talked about the Shepherd who leaves the 99 to go out to search for that one lost sheep. And here, we see the father rejoicing over the return of that one wayward son. 

We first see that when the father sees him, he is filled with compassion. He recognises that the broken young man returning home is his son. And while the son recognises that he is in the wrong and no longer worthy of being called his son, the father responds with returning to him his status of being a son. 

He clothes him and put shoes back on his feet. He begins a feast to welcome him home. 

I find it fascinating that this father didn’t say “I told you so¨. 

There’s no lecture and no questioning. He accepts the apology fully and embraces his son back into the family. 

There’s probably wisdom in this father’s heart and eyes: he can see that life has already provided all the lessons and there’s no need to rub salt into his wounds. What the son needs now is love and acceptance. 

But how many of us can show this level of wisdom in our love and relationships? Do we know when to lecture and teach versus when to simply show love.  It’s not about coddling and pampering. But rather, it’s about know when to speak and what to speak.

So, as we learn from the Prodigal Son, there’s a time in relationships to accept someone’s humble apology and embrace them without teaching them anything further.

Do we have the wisdom to know the difference?

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Love isn’t just about following the rules

Our final lesson in love comes from the reaction of the older son to his brother’s return and his conversation with his father:

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

I can almost hear resentment in the older brother’s voice towards his father. It almost seems that there are unspoken feelings in his heart towards his father – the struggle of always being “the responsible one”. 

But relationships and love aren’t just about following the rules and never disobeying. It’s not just about external compliance, but also the state of our heart. 

Take a moment and consider whether you are holding any resentment in your heart towards others because you feel that the relationship is unfair. You’re doing everything right, but are you complaining that you don’t receive “enough love” in return? 

Is this really love that you are feeling? Or is it just responsibility? Love isn’t a transaction. 

I know, for myself, the biggest resentments I have ever felt in my life are not actually towards others, but towards God. The times I have recriminated with “But this isn’t fair!” have typically been when I’m complaining about life to the Divine. 

Today’s a great day to consider what bitterness or resentment you might be holding in your heart in your relationships. Where do you feel that you’ve been doing it all right and you’re not receiving back the love and attention that you deserve? And what will you do with these feelings now that you’ve identified them? 

What other lessons have you taken away from this parable of the Prodigal Son? 

Radiance of faith: how to let your love shine bright

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

Today we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, and how his lessons of love shine bright through the ages. All over the world, different peoples and cultures join together to remember the birth of this bright light in the midst of darkness. 

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Our story starts out with homeless travellers, forced by colonisers and imperialists to return to a town that was no longer home. For them, this meant a winter’s nights spent in a stable.

No central heating (possibly no heating at all). No electricity or running water. Instead, they put up with straw beds, the smell of dung and moisture, and possibly leaks in the roof and a cold wind chill.

It was only slightly better than staying outdoors. 

We’re told that Mary gave birth in these conditions. Forget

  • the midwife, doctor or antibiotics
  • warm water and clean towels
  • another pair of hands to help Joseph clean up the baby after it was born
  • close family and friends to help out and bring a caserole. 

Instead, it is a very humble birth, as you might find in an indigenous village of the third world, yet devoid the community support. 

This is the birth that we celebrate at Christmas. 

A birth of humility, yet full of a mother’s love and the faith of strangers. 

A birth that changed the world, how we see God, and even how we interact with God. 

From these humble beginnings, we find ourselves two thousand years later here in this Church remembering the meaning of Christmas.

The Radiance of Faith

In Luke we read that following the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to shepherds, watching their sheep in the fields around Bethlehem.

Perhaps you would be more acquainted with cowboys than shepherds, unless you live in the outback of Australia, the highlands of Scotland or various parts of the Middle East.

But most of us know that these shepherds were likely in worse conditions than Mary and Joseph who were in the stable. They were likely under the stars, without a roof or tent over their heads. Exposed to the elements in the middle of winter.

And it’s to these people that the angel appears with the good news of the birth of the Messiah.

The angel didn’t appear to the priests and pharisees.  He didn’t go to the palace and announce the birth to the king or to Pontius Pilate as the representative of Rome in Judea.

Instead, the good news was shared with lowly shepherds.

In what was undoubtedly a terrifying way. Great light and fanfare on a quiet night in the mountains.

Scared much? 

And yet, what was the response of the shepherds after overcoming their fear?

Rejoicing!

More importantly: they responded with action.

They left their flocks and went straight to visit Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Without waiting. 

This is their example to us of the radiance of faith.

Hearing. Believing. Taking action based on that faith and belief.

So, for each of us today, let’s take a moment to reflect on our faith in action.

How do we live a life of faith?

Titus tells us

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,

Titus 2: 11-12

The grace of God appears

It all starts with Divine grace. Not because we deserve it or have worked for it. Simple a Divine gift from above.

We are merely asked to accept it.

Because we have accepted this Divine Love, we can begin to change our habits and way of being.

Training us

Titus then goes on to say that this grace of God, this salvation, trains us. The grace is instantaneous.

But our transformation is something that we work on.

We are trained in this, day by day.

What we renounce or quit

We start by choosing to renounce those habits and ways of living that leave us in the darkness. Titus calls these worldly passions. 

Walking in the light of love is a choice. A choice we make daily.

And the principal part of that choice is to quit those practices, attitudes and ways of living that keep us chained.

This is different for each person. Perhaps it’s gluttony or being lazy. For others, it is a shopping addiction or smoking. And yet, for another, it might be bitterness and hate.

We start by choosing to let go, renounce and quit.

The new habits we adopt

Then, we open our time, energy and focus up to the opportunity to adopt new habits and ways of being.

Titus says that in the present age – at this moment – we choose to live lives of self-control. Creating a new habit requires discipline, attention and focus.

It’s more than just making a New Year’s resolution to do things differently. For many of us, it’s noticing our hidden triggers and what stimulates the old habits.

For example: gluttony is often about avoidance of emotions. But we get stuck on thinking that gluttony is about the food. There is nothing wrong with the food. What we need to look at is our relationship with food. When we use food to cover up and avoid, we end up eating more than we need because we don’t want to feel emotionally uncomfortable. It’s easier to feel physically uncomfortable.

So, when we start to notice our triggers and what stimulates the old, then we can adopt the new.

Coming back to our example of gluttony: if I am avoiding my emotions, when I accept God’s love and grace in my life, then I can start to love myself. At this moment, I interrupt the old habit of over-eating and instead sit with the emotions and feelings that had me uncomfortable.

With this love and grace that shone down from me from above, I practice loving and accepting myself, rather than avoiding my feelings by eating them. 

Let your love shine bright

Once I have mastered this, even in one area of my life, it’s possible to let that love shine bright in many other areas of my life.

Other habits are easier to break and new habits become easier to make.

As I change – emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually – others can see the change in me.

But it all starts because of a message I received of Divine Love – acceptance of Divine Grace – that allows me to then go out, like the shepherds at Christmas, and share with others about this miracle of transformation.

How will you choose, this Christmas, to let your love shine bright in your neighbourhood and community? 

5 Ways to Reflect the Spirit of Jesus’ Birth in your Life

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

When we look at the life and death of Jesus there are many lessons that stand out. But today, I invite you to reflect on these 5 ways that you can practice the presence of Spirit in your life, based on Jesus’ birth.

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Today’s reading from Luke demonstrates to us the joy and rejoicing of Mary and Elizabeth, as well as John the Baptist’s reaction to first meeting Jesus while in the womb.

We’re told that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit immediately.

These are the first two ways that we reflect the spirit of Christmas and Jesus’ birth in our lives:

  • Rejoicing
  • Filled with the Spirit

Rejoicing in the Christmas Spirit

If only it were as easy as I make it sound. Rejoice!

Many try to imitate this Christmas spirit with dopamine and serotonin substitutes:

  • Shopping sprees
  • Parties
  • Giving gifts
  • Novelty: Loads of new toys and things to do

All of these mimic that feeling of rejoicing, but once Christmas is over and we enter the New Year, we slump. They were just substitutes for true joy.

True joy, on the other hand, is from the inside out. Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting with these words: (1:47)

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

This is a spiritual joy, not a dopamine rush. It’s not dependent on circumstances or the latest buzz.

Before this, however, we read that Mary proclaims:

My soul magnifies the Lord.

In order to reach this level of spiritual joy, Mary focused on praise and worship. What is your focus and praise?

Where attention goes, energy flows.

Where is your focus? Does this create spiritual joy for you? 

Filled with the Spirit

Secondly, as I mentioned, Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit. She had a moment of enlightenment as she spoke to Mary and blessed her. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… (Galatians 5: 22-23)

Is your spiritual focus on being filled with the Spirit and growing these fruit as a natural outcome of your spiritual practice?

When you squeeze a lemon, you get lemon juice. If you are squeezed and pressured in life, what naturally flows out of you?  Is it love, joy, peace and patience?

It’s when you are under pressure that you naturally see what fruit you have.

And the spirit of Christmas calls us to be filled with the Spirit.

The purpose of Christ’s coming

The final three ways that we can reflect the spirit of Jesus’ birth in our lives are all related to the purpose of Christ’s coming to this world. 

Hebrews 10 mentions that sacrifices and burnt offerings are not what the Creator desires to see from us. Jesus also said that he had not come to  do away with the law or change it, but to fulfill it.

And yet, our sacrifices and burnt offerings are not what is desired. So, what does the Creator desire from us?

Love the Lord thy God…

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Mark 12: 30

So, what is your heart set on? What rules your emotions and feelings? Neuroscience tells us that our heart governs our desires. It’s not a rational thought governed from the mind – but rather something that is felt and hoped for. 

But our mind and thoughts are also covered by this rule to Love God. It’s not just with your heart, but also with your mind. Are your thoughts governed by your love for God? What do you spend all your time thinking and worrying about?

As I said above, where attention goes, energy flows. Is your attention placed on your love of God?

Once again, we are called to love God with all our soul – it’s a spiritual love of God, not just thoughts and feelings.

Finally, there’s a physical love of God: what we actually do. Do your actions reflect your love of God?

This takes us naturally into the second part of Jesus’ teaching:

Love your neighbour…

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.

Mark 12: 31

The first commandment is to love God, and the second ones tells us to love others as much as we love ourselves.

The spirit of Christmas often shows up in churches and communities as giving to those less fortunate than us. Especially in colder climates, where the homeless battle extreme cold, Christmas is a time for sharing basic necessities and life-saving goods. 

But as you reflect on this season, how will you express your love for others and those around you?

As Jesus taught us, your neighbour can be anyone, including marginalised social groups or immigrants.

Thy will be done…

Perhaps the biggest challenge of the season is to accept that the real message in Christ coming to earth is these four words:

Thy will be done…

We read this in the text from Hebrews, where the author tells us

I have come to do your will…

It’s not about offerings and sacrifices, but understanding the Creator’s will in your life. Not looking at how this is expressed for the person sitting beside you, but rather accepting that your life has a plan and a purpose.

Exclusively yours.

How will you fulfill this purpose?

Are you willing to look at what this purpose for your life is and then put all of your heart and soul into living with purpose?

Is your daily prayer: “Thy will be done”?

It’s easy to get caught up in plans and executing good ideas. But are those good idea a reflection of the Creator’s will for your life? Are you in alignment with your purpose?

When you tune into your heart’s desire, what do you heart? Is your heart’s desire to live your best life for yourself? Or are you willing to focus your energy on letting your heart’s desire be what God has for you?

When you take action, who guides and leads those actions?  What is the driving motivation behind you?

Reflecting the purpose of Christmas in your life

So, in these coming days, I invite each and every one of us to delve into:

Rejoicing in a life filled with the Spirit, where your heart, mind, soul and strength are focused on loving God and your neighbour as yourself. In this way, saying “Thy will be done” starts to come naturally for each of us. 

How to embrace gentleness in challenging situations

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

This week’s revised common lectionary reminds us to embrace gentleness even when circumstances could lead to anxiousness. 

Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (emphasis added)

As I near the Christmas season, I am faced with various challenging situations and worries about world peace, instability and war.

Life’s challenges can rob us of joy. For example:

  • loss of a loved one
  • illness or an accident
  • financial woes
  • problems at work or in our relationships
  • global instability.

I struggle with rejoicing. I feel jaded and cynical about where the world is headed.

But the fruit of the Spirit include joy and peace. Anxiety and depression are not on this list.

But, I’m not told to rejoice in my circumstances or because everything is going great. I’m reminded to rejoice in the Creator. That is, to trust in Spirit’s blessings and goodness.

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Perfect control: how to encourage and drive growth

Beth - blogger, coach, consultantLeave a comment

Today, I’m back to one of my favourite passages in James 3: “the untamable tongue”.  Having control of the words of our mouth reflects fully in our relationships. We use words to build others up and encourage them, or we can tear each other down. 

We are warned in the first verse of James not to presume to be teachers (those purporting spiritual authority above others), because these teachers will be judged more harshly.

We all make mistakes, especially in what we say. 

A slip of the tongue for just a moment can destroy a relationship in just a few words.

No amount of saying “I’m sorry, I was angry and I didn‘t mean it” can rebuild the trust that was destroyed by our words.

Having perfect control of the tongue – to encourage others and drive their growth – is the measure of the perfect man, able to use his self-control in every way. 

From Galatians, we know that one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control:

Perfect control of your tongue is the hallmark of being filled with the Spirit.

Consider the effect of the words of a school teacher on a child and the impact this may have on them throughout their lives:

  • You’re useless and can’t learn anything.
  • Obviously, you’ll never go to University.
  • I believe in you! Youˋre so hard-working and putting in so much effort, youˋll definitely do great things in the future.
  • I know you can do this! Even though it’s been hard for you to learn these things, youˋve done a great job with this homework. 

And this is even more powerful within the Church.

Imagine what happens when someone in leadership says to our youth:

  • You’re so rebellious, it’s impossible to teach you. There’s simply no hope for you. 
  • With all this rebellious spirit you’ve shown, I’m sure that you will always stand tall and be strong when going against the crowd. You have the strength to be a future leader. 

As we are reminded in James, a large ship is guided by a small rudder. And the tongue of those in leadership can shape the future of our Church and members. 

We don’t have to be in a leadership position to use the power of the tongue. 

  • gossip is mentioned about 133 times in the Bible
  • cursing shows up more than 65 times; and
  • complaining is mentioned more than 100 times.

Proverbs 20:19 reminds us:

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Worse yet, those who eagerly listen to gossip are considered to be of low character. (Prov. 17:4)

A curse is calling for harm or injury to come to someone, and 1 Peter 3:10 suggest that if we love life and want to see good days, then we should guard our tongue against speaking evil and our lips from lying.

Swearing is not necessarily using curse words – in fact, consider swearing to be verbal abuse.

  • You’re stupid and I hope you die.
  • You will never amount to anything. 
  • You’re so fat and ugly, no one will ever love you.

These are all curses, even though they don’t include any swear words. Instead, we are asked to speak positive and encouraging words to each other. 

Complaining is not the same as letting people know when something is wrong. It comes from the soul and focuses on the problem, rather than on seeking solution.

This is why in verse 7 of James 3 we read:

The tongue also is a fire… It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 

We see examples of this in every day life.

  • Gossip spreads like a wild fire, especially through social media and chat groups.
  • You’re in a meeting discussing a problem and looking for solutions:  One person complains and soon ten people are complaining and the vibe gets dragged down. Soon, everyone has forgotten that the meeting was to look for solutions.
  • One kid in the play ground starts to bully and verbally another, and soon you have a group of kids picking on the victim. 

So, what are we supposed to do?

These verses of James 3, verses 1-12 don’t really offer us the solution. They simply outline for us the power of the challenge and what happens if we fail to control the tongue. 

It’s only when we get to verses 13 and following that we discover the solution: 

Wisdom and understanding is shown by a good life, by deeds done in humility and the humility that comes from wisdom. 

So, if we want to drive growth in our community or family, is starts individually: each one of us has to learn to control our tongue.

It’s living from the inside out – what we have on the inside will be shown to others by what we say and do.

Isaiah 50, verse 4 from this week’s lectionary reading offers the following:

To encourage those who are tired and weary.

The Lord GOD has given me a trained tongue, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.

This is what we are asked to do.

When we use our words for encouragement and building others up, then we are living a life filled with the presence of the Divine.