Essays
Jesus in Conversation - Introduction
“Where are you from?”
This is a question that we often ask people when we first meet them. It’s a very normal inclination that we have to want to know where people are from. It provides us with a shorthand that allows us to make assumptions about them.
For instance, if someone says, “I am from Boston,” we are are able to identiyf things we know about Boston and it gives us a frame of reference for this new person. We will likely assume that they like the Red Sox or perhaps clam chowder. Or, if someone tells us they are from Canada we will make assumptions about them and their love of poutine and hockey. Of course, these are surface things. Knowing where someone is from also provides us with a frame of reference for how they might act. Different places have different cultures. Knowing where someone is from helps us have a context about them.
Jesus in Conversation: A Preface
For a while I have been wrestling with what to write about. I have been wondering if I should just focus on keeping up with the brief daily devotionals or perhaps offering commentary on the news of the day from a pastor’s perspective. As I wandered around the internet, there’s a lot of that going on already. Sure, my “unique” voice would be different, but in so many ways, it feels like I would just be adding to the noise.
Practice in Fasting
Over the past few weeks, we've explored spiritual practices to prepare ourselves for life's inevitable storms. We've delved into prayer and Scripture, and this week, we're tackling a topic that might make some of us squirm: fasting.
Most of us associate fasting with doctor's visits or perhaps a trendy diet like intermittent fasting. But today, we're discussing the spiritual discipline of fasting, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6.
Jesus's Expectation: "When You Fast..."
In the midst of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18)
Notice Jesus doesn't say "if" you fast, but "when." He expects us to engage in this practice.
Beyond Food: Understanding Abstinence
Spiritual practices fall into two categories: engagement (like prayer and Scripture study) and abstinence. Fasting is a practice of abstinence, where we intentionally remove something from our lives.
In our modern world, the idea of sacrifice can be uncomfortable. But consider this: abstaining from excess calories leads to better fitness, and abstaining from screen time can free up time for exercise. Often, what we give up results in greater gain.
What Controls You?
While fasting often brings thoughts of food to mind, it's about more than just skipping meals. It's about identifying what controls us. What do we think about throughout the day? Is it food, our schedules, media, or endless scrolling?
Jesus challenged those who followed him for physical sustenance, not spiritual growth. He asked them, "What are you chasing?"
In our lives, we may not be worried about our next meal, but we are chasing something. What has a grip on your life?
The Challenge of Addiction
When we abstain from something that controls us, we often experience discomfort, even withdrawal. That's because it's often an addiction.
Jesus warns against making a show of our fasting. He says, "Don't let anyone know." This is a personal journey between you and God.
The Reward of Transformation
Fasting is about wrestling with God, allowing Him to remove what controls us. It's about learning self-control, a fruit of the Spirit.
The goal isn't just abstinence; it's transformation. It's about freeing ourselves to engage more deeply with God and others.
Your Challenge This Week:
- Identify what controls you. What do you orient your life around?
- Abstain from it. For a day, a few hours, or a week, say no.
This might be food, social media, news, or even your phone.
Other Forms of Fasting:
- Solitude: Abstaining from people.
- Silence: Abstaining from speaking.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what controls you and how you can abstain from it.
Keep it Secret
Remember, keep your fast between you and God, allowing Him to transform you.
Practice in Scripture
We're continuing our series on spiritual practices, exploring how to live out our faith in practical ways. We've emphasized the importance of practice, how it prepares us for life's inevitable storms. Just as athletes train for game day, we need to build our spiritual foundations on solid rock.
Last week, we focused on prayer, suggesting drills like praying the Lord's Prayer daily, reading a Psalm, and practicing gratitude. I even confessed I initially resisted the gratitude exercise, but I'm so glad I tried it! Recording those daily blessings revealed God's constant presence and activity in my life. It's a powerful reminder of His sovereignty, especially when facing tough times.
Today, we're diving into another crucial practice: engaging with Scripture.
The Power of God-Breathed Words
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Followers of Jesus are "people of the book." Scripture is a remarkable gift, the Word of God, described in Hebrews as "sharper than any two-edged sword." Our spiritual ancestors, the Jewish people, gathered to read, discuss, and ponder these texts.
Paul highlights that Scripture is useful – it actively shapes us. But many find it challenging, even intimidating. Some have even misused it as a weapon, twisting its meaning to condemn others. And let’s be honest, the idea that the Bible is just a “basic instruction manual before leaving earth” feels simplistic and misses the point.
More Than an Instruction Manual
Think about it: instruction manuals don't change lives. They don't inspire awe or challenge us to grow. Scripture, on the other hand, does all of that. As Romans 12:2 says, we need to have our minds renewed. This happens through interaction with Scripture.
Paul calls it "God-breathed." It's inspired by the Holy Spirit, working through human authors. Reading Scripture is a unique encounter. We connect with the writers and, more importantly, with the One who inspired them.
The Holy Spirit works through Scripture when we approach it in faith. Reading it as a mere historical text or instruction manual won't transform you. But even a child can be moved by God's Word.
Equipped for Every Good Work
Scripture prepares us for "every good work," for those "game day" moments when life throws its toughest challenges. It gives us words when we don't know how to pray, and it provides a framework for engaging with God.
But how do we practically engage with Scripture? Many feel overwhelmed by its complexity.
Lectio Divina: A Divine Reading
For centuries, believers have practiced "Lectio Divina," or divine reading. It's a simple yet profound method:
- Read (Lectio): Choose a passage and read it slowly, thoughtfully, repeatedly. Let the words wash over you. Read it aloud, silently, emphasizing different phrases. As Eugene Peterson suggests, approach Scripture like a dog with its favorite bone, savoring every bit.
- Reflect (Meditatio): Ponder the passage. Meditate on it, letting it roll around in your mind and heart. Think about each word and phrase, processing and resting in it. Carry it with you throughout the day.
- Respond (Oratio): Journal your thoughts. Talk to someone about what you're hearing. Ask yourself, "What is God saying to me?" "How is God speaking?" Write down your responses or share them with a trusted friend.
- Rest (Contemplatio): Rest in what God has revealed. This is the heart of Lectio Divina: to encounter God through His Word.
Practical Tips:
- Start small: Choose a short passage to begin with.
- Be consistent: Set aside a specific time each day for Lectio Divina.
- Create a quiet space: Minimize distractions to focus on God's Word.
- Be patient. It is a practice, and takes time.
Practice in Prayer
We continue our series on spiritual practices, building upon the importance of practice as preparation for life’s challenges. This week, we focus on prayer. Hebrews 4:14-16 provides a foundation: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Many find prayer challenging. It can feel like a mere formality, a quick ritual before meals or travel, often forgotten afterwards. We treat it transactionally, like a shopping list or a magic charm, missing its deeper purpose.
Hebrews 4 reorients us. Verse 16 invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” This is a striking image, especially considering the historical context of kings and emperors. To approach a human ruler’s throne required strict etiquette and trepidation. Yet, we are invited to approach God’s throne, not of judgment, but of grace, with confidence.
This throne is a place of acceptance and love, where we receive mercy and grace. Prayer, then, is the confident entry into God’s presence. God is omnipresent, so we are always in His presence. Prayer is the intentional acknowledgment of this presence. It is not confined to a specific location, posture, or words.
Prayer is simply acknowledging and entering God’s presence intentionally. It can occur at a stoplight, during a walk, or before sleep. Falling asleep while praying can be a blessing, a sign of God’s peace.
We can approach God’s throne with confidence because Jesus, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses. He empathizes with us, welcoming us with open arms. Prayer is not a transactional exchange but an intentional communion with God. It is a restoration of the fellowship enjoyed in the Garden of Eden, a walk with God without shame or fear.
How do we practice this? Here are three practical drills:
- Pray the Lord’s Prayer daily. Recite it word for word, allowing its meaning to resonate. This prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, shapes our perspective and prompts reflection.
- Read a Psalm daily. The Psalms are prayers of God’s people, offering insight into their communion with God.
- Practice gratitude journaling. At the end of each day, write down three things you are grateful for. This practice reinforces gratitude and deepens reflection.
These drills are not magical incantations but practices that reshape our vision and understanding of prayer. They help us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace in our time of need.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your throne room of grace. Help us to approach You with confidence, receiving Your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Building on the Rock (Introduction to Spiritual Practice)
Life throws punches. Hiding won't help. Jesus, in Matthew 7, compares life to building a house: on rock (His teachings practiced) or sand (hearing only). Storms test our foundation.
"Hear and do" is key. Many hear, few practice. Like athletes training, we must practice faith. Love your enemy? Don't judge? Live it. Practice prepares us for storms, not avoids them.
Hardship tests faith. Without practice, we falter. Following Jesus is challenging, but His yoke is easy with practiced faith.
We build on the rock through prayer, Scripture, service, community, and fasting. These aren't to earn salvation, but to prepare for life's inevitable storms: heartache, pain, a broken world.
Are we prepared? Practice, not just hearing, builds a strong foundation. We'll explore these practices in the coming weeks.
2025: Discipline
Every year we choose a, “word of the year,” in my home. Amy started this a number of years ago. We have embraced the practice. This year, I choose, “discipline.”
Over the last few years I have worked really hard to pursue fitness. I have sought to become spiritually, emotionally, and physically fit. I am grateful that this pursuit of fitness has paid off. I have never been this fit in my life.
This pursuit will never end.
Pastoral Thoughts on Election 2024
We are one week away from an election in the United States. It’s an election that has once again proved to be quite contentious. People are walking away from friends and family who are voting differently from them. I am watching churches devour themselves over politics. There are factions and dissensions that are rising in every corner of our society. In so many ways we continue to walk away from the way of love.
As a pastor there is a constant pressure to support this candidate or that candidate. I have been private messaged more times than I can to admit about why I do not talk about politics from the pulpit or on my social media.
Here’s the thing, everything I preach is politics. Anytime I write about faith or the way of Jesus, it is politics.
Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon
The one where we look at the purpose for our rescue. But also, the one where I keep referring to the letter of Onesimus instead of Philemon.
Tap Room Tuesday Reflection: American Election Process
Tap Room Tuesday, October 8, 2024
The gang got together this week to discuss the American Election process. The opening little discussion was realizing how old we were as we shared our first experience voting for president.
Hospitals Not Courts
I think one of my favorite questions that Jesus is asked in the Gospels is, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? (Luke 5:30)” Every time I read it, it makes me smile.
This particular questions comes after Levi is called to follow Jesus. Levi was a tax collector and was likely considered a traitor to his people. The tax collectors of any age, it seems, are despised by everyone. Levi, after being invited to follow Jesus throws a party at his place. His community shows up and the religious elite were not impressed. How could Jesus eat and drink with those people?
Tap Room Tuesday Reflection: Qualified Immunity
Tap Room Tuesday, October 1, 2024
This past Tuesday evening the crew once again gathered to talk face to face. We had a quality discussion about qualified immunity. But, we began with learning about one another’s favorite childhood movie. Psycho and The Brave Little Toaster were the two big surprises for me.
Tap Room Tuesday Reflection: What Makes a Good Citizen?
Tap Room Tuesady 9/24/2024
The crew was gathered around some deep fried food and cold beers for a conversation about what makes a good citizen. The buzz about the Tigers was growing. The dad jokes from Major Tom flowed. It was a pretty great night!
He Lives Here
When I meet someone new one of the first questionst that I ask them is, “Where are you from?” Where someone is from tells you a lot about them. It provides a context for you to understand at least a little about how they might move through the world or the kinds of experiences that they may have.
One of the saddest things I’ve experienced was during a service trip to Eastern Kentucky. We were in Menifee County which is one of the poorest countries in the United States. The people there are kind and loving but they do not have much. I was talking with a mother and daughter. I had asked where they lived. Their faces fell, “Well the government just took our post office, they say where we live doesn’t exist anymore. Just like that where we’ve lived our whole lives just no longer exists. Cause, we can tell you that where they say we live, we sure as heck don’t.”