Imagine this scenario. You arrive at the doctor’s office after taking a fall, with sharp pain in your arm. The doctor examines you, runs a few tests, and takes X-rays of your arm. After looking at the results, she informs you that your arm is broken and that is the cause of your pain. You wait but nothing happens. You ask about your broken arm, and the doctor confirms that it is broken. You are waiting to hear about the treatment, but there is only the diagnosis. Every time you ask, you are simply told that you have a broken arm, and you end up leaving the office aware of your problem, but with no solution.

Of course, this is not what actually happens. If it did, the situation would be intolerable. In a situation like this, we want the diagnosis, but we also want a treatment plan. Understanding the problem, even how it was created is important, but fixing the problem is our greatest need. Information is not enough. We need action. This is true in every aspect of our lives. Evaluation, diagnosis, and understanding are all valuable, and necessary, components of healthy change, but we need implementation to see any actual change.

It strikes me that all of this points to an important struggle in our current situation. Everyone wants to point out the problem, even share all of their opinions regarding it, but few choose to become part of the solution. Telling people that the world is broken is hardly news anymore, yet that is what saturates our lives. The media informs us of the issues, but leaves us waiting for answers to the real problem. Social media is full of opinions about the state of the world, but 140 characters and memes rarely provide the space for substantive solutions. It is no wonder that so many people are stressed, confused, and angry.

The church is not immune to this struggle. Christians also seem to have a penchant for decrying the evils of the world, pointing out broken lives and systems, yet failing to offer tangible solutions that lead to healing transformation. It is easy to point out sin, at least in others, but far more challenging to come alongside people and lead them to the wholeness God desires for them. If all we have to offer is commentary on the world’s problems, it is not surprising that the world finds us irrelevant.

Thankfully, the Gospel message does not stop at identifying brokenness. We have so much more to offer. The Gospel is “good news!” It is true that people may need to hear the hard truth, the “bad news,” in order to recognize the problem, but the message does not stop there. In the face of brokenness, God’s truth is there is a way to restoration and wholeness. People were drawn to Jesus, not because he told them what was wrong, but because he healed them. As followers of Christ, imagine what would happen if we did the same.

The truth is, people already know things are broken. They are not looking for information, rather, they are seeking transformation. As a United Methodist, I cannot help but comment on our denominational mission, “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is that last phrase that makes the difference, and even if you are not United Methodist, the goal is just the same. Followers of Christ embody the Gospel so that the world can be changed by the power of God’s love.

So, what do we do? What is our prescription? First, we must let God heal our brokenness. We cannot help the world be whole if we are not on the journey to wholeness ourselves. Letting God transform us may be one of the greatest gifts we can offer a hurting world. When we begin to be conformed the image of Christ, we will also begin to act like him. Our heart will begin to reflect God’s heart, and people we see in us the answer they seek.

Second, we can lose the hearts of judgement and replace them with hearts of compassion. The stories of Jesus tell us frequently that he had compassion and healed. Imagine what would happen if we began to have God’s compassion for everyone, not just those we like and agree with. If we begin to pray for God’s heart toward others, we would begin to see people with an immeasurable love, and sharing that love would go a long way toward healing hurting people.

Third, we can set aside our agendas for God’s purposes. It is easy to make God a supporter of our beliefs and desires, but the real call is to make our beliefs and desires what God supports.

Fourth, we can stop yelling and start listening. Instead of trying to force others into our vision, we can help lead others into God’s destiny. People don’t need our opinions, they need truth, grace, compassion, and hope.

In spite of its frequent use, there is great revelation in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son. That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” God has such love for the world that God is willing to give everything to give it life. That kind of sacrificial love is exactly we are called to reflect and live out. It is easy to judge the world, to point out all the brokenness, but the real call of our faith is to love people as God loves them, to walk with them in the way that leads to the wholeness of eternal life. It is a daunting task, but a rewarding one, and thankfully, we can do it through the grace and power of Christ in us.

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Saturday, our congregation had the privilege of serving almost 200 people as we provided support for the first Amish Country Running Festival. People came from our region and state, around the United States, and from Canada to participate in the event, which included runs from one mile to a full marathon, all through the scenic beauty of Amish country.

Some of our people participated in the race. One of our youth sang the National Anthem. Some helped provide direction and support along the course. Many came to cheer and encourage the runners along the way. Most came to make delicious food to feed the runners and community as they enjoyed the day’s activities.

The event coordinators thanked us for all we did, but we were the ones who were thankful. We did not offer our help to get recognition, we simply wanted to offer hospitality as an expression of our faith, our support of our community, and our love for people. Sharing the gift of hospitality is a blessing, one that can easily be overlooked, but that makes a difference in the world and in our own lives.

Once, while working at a community food pantry in another town we lived in, I experienced the confusion that often surrounds the ministry of hospitality. Many people were coming to receive the food they needed for their families. It was humbling to help people who needed what I often took for granted. I thanked every person who came.

After one of my, “thank you,” moments, another worker came to me and said, “Why are you thanking them? We are the ones giving them free food. Shouldn’t they be thanking us?” I was so caught up in the blessing of serving that the question surprised me. I never considered that the other workers were not experiencing the blessing I was receiving. I did my best to explain what a gift it was to share hospitality with others, but I am not sure my thoughts and feelings were completely understood.

I confess that I left that moment thinking the person who asked me that question was a little callous, but after some prayer and reflection, I think the proper word was confused. Too often, we are never shown what a gift hospitality is to the one who offers it. Those around us frequently point out what others receive when we share hospitality, while neglecting to teach us the spiritual gift serving produces in us. The supernatural reality of hospitality is that it blesses everyone, the one who offers it, those who receive it, and the world that is touched by it. Our acts of love and compassion change far more than individual lives. When we live with hearts of love and service, we change communities and destinies, and the ripple of those actions change the heart of humanity.

I love the encouragement found in the book of Hebrews, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (13:2) At first this might seem like a warning, “show hospitality because it might be a test from God.” I prefer to think of it as inspiration, “show hospitality because you never know the difference you are making, You might even be demonstrating to angels the power of God’s love in human hearts.”

Hospitality is not just about helping someone else, and it is certainly not about feeling good about ourselves because we did something. Hospitality is about making a difference, changing the world one act at a time. It is about revealing the heart and nature of God through acts of kindness. Hospitality helps the world see that God’s eye is on them, that God knows them and calls them by name. We demonstrate God’s love and provision, and declare the sacred worth of every life, created in the image of God. In actions large and small, we tangibly declare that the world matters to God, and that we were made for the blessing of community.

You may not be supporting a race today. You may not be working at a food pantry, or any other organized program, but thankfully, you don’t need an event or a program to practice hospitality. Opportunities abound all around us. We can serve our families. We can listen to someone who thinks no one hears their voice. We can share our blessings with those who feel forgotten. We can rejoice with those who need to celebrate with someone, and cry with people who are hurting. Everything we do will make a difference. Jesus said even a cup of water offered in his name could change the world.

So, lets not miss the gift of hospitality. Instead, embrace it, for together, we can change the world through the power of God at work within us.

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Yesterday was challenging. Mid-afternoon, we received a call from my wife’s new doctor informing us that that her recent tests showed that she was in serious condition and that we needed to go to the emergency room right away. It was a life-threatening situation. You can imagine the fear, and a host of other emotions, that flooded us in that moment. Things can turn upside-down in a moment.

Things can also turn in good ways just as fast. After some time at the hospital, and consultation with a previous physician, we discovered that there was a misunderstanding in the interpretation of the data. My wife was completely fine, and she was able to return home with me a few minutes later. It was a wild ride and, while we may not be happy about the process, we are elated at the end result.

As I processed my emotions last night, I took some time before we went to sleep to read some Scripture and to pray. I typically work my way through the Psalms before bed. I opened to where I left off, and began reading right at Psalm 91.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

It is funny how God provides just what we need to hear when we are attentive. As I read through the remainder of the Psalm, I found my peace increase, and I gave thanks for God’s presence in every circumstance.

As I approached the end of the chapter, I found the closing words especially helpful. I know these words were probably written for the king of Israel when they were composed, and I strongly advocate reading the Scripture in context. Still, last night, I felt these same words applied to our situation and so I claimed them for our lives as well. So, pardon me as I change the pronouns in the text, and I pray that you might find hope in them as well:

“Because she loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her;

I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name.

She will call on me, and I will answer her;

I will be with her in trouble,

I will deliver her and honor her.

With long life I will satisfy her

and show her my salvation.”

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We always seem to be searching for the extraordinary. There is a sense that we almost crave what is new, different, and more unique. That desire fuels creativity and invention, and pushes us to explore new frontiers. That same desire can lead to pain and destruction, and can cause us to miss the blessings that are already ours.

During our recent Adirondack vacation, we decided to go out for pizza. The pizza shop we chose had tables outside, and a decent size arcade attached to the building. While we were enjoying our food, two families sat down at a nearby table with their’s. The parents were busy talking and making plans for the next day, while the children were eating as quickly as possible so they could go play in the arcade. I am not sure they tasted their meal as they focused on games to be played and prizes to be won.

Watching this unfold made me smile, as I remembered similar times with our children, but it also made me think about how easily I become so captured by what is coming next that I forget to enjoy what I am doing now. I think we all have our versions of missing the moment while striving to get to the next one.

“Living for the weekend,” is a way of life for many people. Mondays are despised, and we celebrate completing “hump day,” all in the desire to get to our brief time off before we do it again next week. Look closely, and you realize that people are trying to power through almost two-thirds of their lives to enjoy what is left. I wonder how often those weekends were worth the rush.

Ordinary seems boring, but ordinary is a blessing. Ordinary is what makes some of the most meaningful experiences in marriages and vocations. When we only strive for the extraordinary, we can suffer great dissatisfaction with our lives and relationships, believing there is something better somewhere else. If we are not careful, we stop caring for what we have while we pursue an elusive dream. Ordinary is the source of structure and a sign of some stability. Ordinary makes up most of our lives, and those parts are no less valuable than the exciting, extraordinary moments.

The early Christians sought to mark the year with days and seasons that helped retell the gracious message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The set aside Easter Day and Eastertide to celebrate the power of the Resurrection. They affirmed the 40 days of Lent to prepare for that celebration. They marked the birth of the Savior with the Christmas season, and gave us the season of Advent to discover the deeper meaning of anticipation. Still, in all of the church calendar, the longest single season is, you guessed it, Ordinary time. It is a season that covers the time following Pentecost in late May, till the first day of Advent in early November. The ancients knew that life, even the Christian life, was mostly ordinary time.

Jesus taught the blessing of the ordinary as well. When he taught, he used illustrations from the daily lives and experiences of the people to convey powerful truths about the kingdom of God. Agricultural references, experiences with friends and neighbors, and symbols of creation made regular appearances in his teaching. Perhaps the greatest example is found in the moments of the Last Supper, when our celebration of Communion was instituted. With all the resources and options at his disposal, Jesus chose the ordinary, basics of life, bread and wine, to represent his life broken and poured out for all the world. In these simple gifts, we find the most extraordinary truth: God takes ordinary things and ordinary people and makes them beautiful expressions of God’s love.

Something else happened during our pizza shop experience. I saw a deer, a beautiful doe who wandered through the parking lot, nibbling at some grass along the edges. Seeing deer in the mountains is not surprising, nor is how easily everyone else missed the ubiquitous visitor. Still, just because she was ordinary, she was no less beautiful and, while I’ve seen many deer, I never saw this one before. What some would call “ordinary,” I call a blessing, one more sign of beauty and a great memory.

Maybe, it is time for us to stop running from the ordinary and embrace it instead, as the place of God’s great blessings. Instead of striving to get to something else, we can appreciate what we have right here, right now. Maybe we need to be more intentional about seeking, “eyes to see and ears to hear,” in order to celebrate what God is doing and saying in the present moment. We can still rejoice in extraordinary times, but we can find peace in ordinary moments with an extraordinary God. Together, may we realize how rich we truly are with God’s ordinary blessings.

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“Remember, I am with you always” – Matthew 28:20

Today, is a good day! It’s not a holiday, or a family celebration, and I have idea what it will bring. So far, the morning included a shower, breakfast, and some coffee, but I know it is a good day. You may wonder how I know and the answer is simple, Jesus is with me.

It is all too easy to let the external circumstances of our lives dictate our feelings and beliefs. We are often encouraged to believe that the quality of a day is based upon what is, or will be, happening. However, that is not the true test. There is something (someone) greater at work in the moments of our lives that matters far more than our schedules, our successes, or our obstacles.

On one of our international mission trips, I sat with a woman from the local area. It was clear that poverty was pervasive there, and there were numerous needs for everyone in the community. It was also obvious that the people were filled with great love and joy. I confess I was a little dumbfounded by the juxtaposition of those two realities, and apparently, it showed. My new friend looked at me and said, “You don’t get it do you?” I confessed that she was right. With that her smile grew and she replied, “We have everything, because we have Jesus!”

Life is full of challenges, numerous things that work to steal our joy, yet those things are not the final word. That privilege belongs to the one who says, “Behold, I make all things new.” Our creative God, who speaks things into existence, calls forth each day, and calls the creation “good,” promised, though Jesus, to be with us always.

So, as this day begins, it is not how we feel, or what awaits us that determines if this will be a good or bad day. Rather, it is the One who breathed into us the breath of life and is with us always that declares the goodness of today.

Today, is a good day, because, through Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, God is with us. With that knowledge, we can all go forth and see the day for what it truly is.

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Scripture has a lot to say about words. The Bible begins with an expression of their power as God speaks creation into existence. It ends with a warning not to add or subtract to the words God gives. Along the way, God promises, “So will my word be which goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) Clearly, God believes words are powerful, and it is not just God’s words that matter, ours have an impact as well.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that, “the power of life and death are in the tongue.” Our words create, or destroy; they bless, or they curse. We too, created in the image of God, create with our words. Unlike God, our words do not always create wholeness, and sometimes they actually harm. What we say is truly powerful, and it changes our lives, affects the atmosphere around us, and impacts others. Words are not neutral, they make a difference. This is a stunning reality in a time when we flippantly throw words around, without thought of what we are creating. 

I wanted to write something last week, but with all of the words flooding the world, it seemed prudent to wait. As I reflected with my wife on all that was coming through my social media feeds, it became clear that many words were being spoken without much thought about their effect. It has become a way of life for us. We post every thought, every feeling, in real time. What would have been reflected upon and discussed with a few close friends before others knew, is now on the internet for the world to see, often faster than we can type.

It can feel good and cathartic to put our words out there for the world to see. Sometimes, someone has already put our words into a meme, and it even saves us the effort of typing. What seems good, however, is not always what it seems. I know that all too well. There are a number of posts and replies that I wish I could take back, but they are out there, and they have an impact, not all of it representative of God, or even the best of who I am. That quick image or 140 character tweet, whether sent by those in the highest offices, or the average individual, changes the world. 

The ease with which we toss our thoughts out to others when there is so much power in them is stunning, and what is even more sobering is that God has some serious opinions about what we say. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give an account for every careless word they speak.” Yes, we will answer to God for every word we spoke, texted, tweeted, and posted – every word.

We can ease our conscious by saying, “Well, I was angry,” “I’m entitled to my opinion,” even, “I wasn’t thinking,” but we are still accountable for what we say. Our excuses do not change that reality that we are entrusted with a very powerful gift, and we are responsible for how we use it. Do we, like God, use our words to create beauty, to build up, to heal, or do we speak words that tear down and destroy what God created? When we attack a person, we attack one created in the image of God. When we pour out unforgiveness, hate, and anger on the world, we damage the world God created. It is worthy of reflection. The good news is that we also have the power in our words to help people see their true identity in Christ, discover their destiny, and live in peace with one another.

Maybe it is time to be careful with our words; to ponder them before God prior to releasing them on the world. Maybe it is time to recognize the tremendous opportunity we have to create a better world just by what we say, or don’t say. Maybe it is time to speak less and listen more, and to offer a much needed word at the right time. I know it is such a time for me. Maybe it is that time for you as well.

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There is a lot of truth to that statement, but there is an even greater truth that I am tempted to forget. I am not the center of the universe. Never has, nor will, the world revolve around me, and any challenges I face must be kept in perspective by remembering my place in relationship to others.

Just last night, our church received a request from a family for help this Christmas. With no money for a Christmas tree or presents, and facing some severe needs, they were reaching out for help. No sooner did I receive the request, than I felt the Holy Spirit say, “These are real problems. Help them, and while you are at it, watch your perspective.”

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul reminded them, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (2:3, NIV) He knew the heart of his listeners, maybe the heart of every listener. It is all too easy to think that our world is the whole world and simply ignore those around us, caught up in all of our own issues. It was an important reminder, and it remains a significant call upon all of our lives. Great things happen when embrace a way of life that values others ahead of ourselves.

Humility is a challenging concept, but one that is at the heart of the Christmas message. Jesus chose to leave his heavenly position to become one of us in order to liberate us from sin and death, and to give us new life. The very nature of the incarnation, God in human flesh, is an expression of humility that seeks to lift others up.

The popular author, C.S. Lewis once wrote, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” The goal of embracing a humble life is not to think poorly of ourselves or to treat ourselves badly. True humility is about seeing the value in others and being willing to take second place. The modern Bible translation, the Message, expresses Romans 12:10, “ Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” Real humility is practicing playing second fiddle.

We all have days where we get lost in our wishes, wants, and desires, but with a little Christmas perspective, we can embrace the humble spirit of Jesus, put others ahead of ourselves, and find the true meaning of life that is found in relationship with Jesus and others.

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