Thursday, May 21, 2009

Praise

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth- a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 NRSV

Several people in the building where I work attended a recent retirement reception for a pastor we all know. The folks in the building have gone on and on about how the retiring pastor really "played it up" about himself, his family, his ministerial career and how much lavish celebrating (singing, speeches, pictures, etc.) went on during the afternoon. Obviously, they all thought it was too much yet very like the person retiring.

What I really want to tell them is: when I retire I'd like to do the same thing!

Let's be honest. Don't we all like to be recognized? Admired? Respected? Honored in public? I know I do, and I have a personality test to prove that this is part of my makeup. I am sure there is some psychological reasoning about this trait of mine. All I know is that I am trying to embrace this part of me.

Yet, here we have today's scripture that reminds us that it is fine to be praised....as long as you don't do your own praising. I take this to heart too much - when people try to praise me, I do my best to deflect their praise. Then I get hurt when folks don't seem to appreciate me "enough." I need to let others do the praising. Perhaps that is what folks around here were thinking about the retiring pastor, that he was praising himself. I don't know about that - I want to think that someone who knew him well planned that retirement celebration!

God, sometimes we like to be praised. Help us to receive praise graciously but not to be the ones praising ourselves. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Being Poured Out: A Moment of Personal Insight

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7 NRSV

I am the kind of person who does not mind change but I dislike having to say good-bye. I am looking forward to leaving where I am now, but my heart will continue to be with some good folks. I feel torn between being excited about the future and sad about leaving my current ministry.

When I first began this ministry, someone gave me a quote from Thomas Merton that basically said the best thing about the work I was doing would be around the relationships I was making. I can attest to that. There have been a lot of bad stuff that I have had to deal with and I will not be missing that at all! But my heart is still with the people I work with and people I supervise.

I am not sure that I will get the crown of winning as Paul was expecting. But I do feel like the finish line is in sight and the race I have run these past two years is coming to completion.

Does your job, ministry, or volunteer work feel like you are in a race? Where in the race are
you? Do you expect a crown of victory? Or will you just be exhausted?

God, sometimes life feels like a race and we aren't sure we are winning. May we run the correct race and do it for your glory. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Conflict in the Church

After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Come, let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in the work. The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers commending him to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15:36-40 NRSV

I know of at least one person, possibly more, who thought that working in a church would be the most holy and sacred of tasks. No more back-stabbing, infighting or power plays. Instead, everyone would be working for the Lord and doing so in unity and love.

LOL!

Even in the earliest church, there was conflict. In these verses, Barnabas and Paul end their work relationship and their friendship because they cannot agree on whether they should take John Mark with them. They do agree on essentials: they need to re-visit the churches and give them some encouragement. They don't agree on particulars: should one who deserted them be left out or be re-established in their relationship?

Today it may sound silly and somewhat petty that they broke up their whole ministry over this one issue. But I have known churches that split because they couldn't agree on the color of the carpet in the sanctuary. It is actually the details that often get us as communities of faith in the biggest arguments.

And I have found that being on a church staff is probably more ripe for conflict than any secular business.

Honestly, have you ever had a major disagreement with someone within your church family? Did you argue about it or give one another the cold shoulder? Did either of you end up leaving your small group or even the church? If you could go back and create peace within this conflict, what would you do? Could you try to bury the hatchet even today?

I wonder how well Paul and Barnabas were really able to encourage the churches with their own disagreement between them.

God, you want your church to be built up but sometimes we are only interested in building ourselves up. Help us to reunite with enemies, build bridges and be peacemakers in our churches. In Jesus' Holy name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Monday, May 18, 2009

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

God does not condemn, but truly loves the world. God has given us a gift which is Jesus Christ, the Unique One. Jesus gives us new life in surprising ways, and this new or eternal life begins this very moment. God wants us to believe in Jesus- a phrase that many Christians disagree on what this entails - so that we have the possibility of not perishing. These are just some of the meanings behind the words of these verses.

Perhaps one or more or my own musings resonate with you. If so, I encourage you to comment - sometimes the best and deepest learning occurs when several persons dialogue together.

In any case, my prayer is that when you hear this verse or see "John 3:16" you will now hear it with fresh ears and see it with truly open eyes.

Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Unique One

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV



In researching yesterday's blog, I read the actual Greek translation of the word only - often translated only begotten. In Greek, the Son is actually "the unique one." So, according to the original language of the gospel of John, Jesus is unique. There was none other like him and there will be no one else like him.

I like that Jesus is unique, special, one-of-a-kind. We often tell children that they are special and unique. Yet, we spend most of their childhood trying to get them to conform to some normalcy thereby taking away what makes them unique.

The way I see it, Jesus was really unique. He was 30 years old and unmarried. But he wasn't living with the Essenes (which John may have been) as a hermit. He was out and about, teaching, healing, preaching and calling folks to follow him. He rejected his family (Luke 8:21 comes to mind) which was very much against his whole Jewish culture. He hung out with sinners, prostitutes and blue collar workers (is that the kind of Messiah people were expecting?). He was not a rebel nor a criminal yet, instead of being stoned like a "regular" heretic, he was executed by the Roman government among thieves. And on top of all of this, Jesus loved, had compassion, provided living water and true bread to all who were hungry, lost, and forgotten.

Jesus. Truly the unique one.

God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for his uniqueness. In his name, Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Friday, May 15, 2009

May vs. Shall

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

As a United Methodist pastor, I had to take a course in seminary about our rules and regulations book (this is not the Bible I am referring to but our Book of Discipline). Sadly, I don't remember a whole lot about the class. But one thing did stick with me. That was the difference between the words may and shall.

If something in the Discipline says "may" this is a permission giving statement. You can do it or not as the Spirit leads.

However, if the Discipline says "shall" there is no room for error. This is something you must do in order to remain part of the UMC.

I find it interesting that this verse says that all who believe in him may not perish. May not perish. This doesn't say shall. I even checked with my Greek/English Inter Linear New Testament.

So, if you believe in Jesus, there is a very good possibility that you will have eternal life. But God doesn't give this as a guarantee. This is not cheap grace nor once-saved-always-saved. There is more to this belief stuff than just saying yes. And, God knows, we humans are often prone to error. Believing is good and a great start. We hope in God's promise of eternal life. But we also realize our dependence upon God. It is not just about our acquiescence. In the end it will all come down to God's judgment.

God, you don't make things simple, do you? Just when we think we have it all figured out and our way is made, you let us know that it will still be up to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What is Belief?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ? More specifically, what makes a believer? Do you believe that Christ will save you? Do you believe that Christ is the savior? Do you believe that Christ is God's son? Or is it that (like Thomas the Twin) you proclaim that Jesus is "My Lord and My God!"

Certainly, belief is more than just saying someone existed or someone had a few good words to say. I know that Muhammad existed but I don't believe in his teachings or what his followers hold to be true about him. Buddha had some very wise sayings and there are many Buddhist practices that are beneficial. That doesn't mean I believe in him.

I think that belief goes beyond agreement. Belief is also respecting, following, and living as Jesus would have me live - at least to the best of my ability. Now there are quite a few Christians who say that belief means agreeing with a litany of rules and life-style choices. Many of them have very different rules and life-style choices from each other. So which ones are the "right" ones for true belief?

I don't have the answers. However, I keep coming back to Thomas proclaiming Jesus as Lord - making Jesus the number one priority in my life - fits into the answer here somewhere.

God, sometimes I don't know all the answers about being a believer. Please let everyone who reads this be willing to join in the discussion! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

No Condemnation

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

God is not interested in condemnation but in saving.

Honestly, I am not comfortable with that.

What I am much more comfortable with is condemning. That's right. I am good at judging, making those snap decisions about people, dismissing others, getting mad because of my perceived injustices, and truly wanting others to go that really hot place.

And I have proof that this can easily be read on my face and/or picked up by strangers. The proof comes when I go shopping. When I go shopping, I am ignored. I might walk into a store with two other women and the sales person will great them and ask if they need any help but I am completely ignored. Completely. Ignored. People never believe me until they go shopping with me. I think the salespeople somehow instinctively know that I am capable of firm and heavy-handed judgement and don't even want to mess with me. Perhaps they know that they will come up short in my opinion.

Therefore, I have always loved the stores where salespeople actually speak to me - those stores are the places I love to shop.

Thanks goodness that God isn't like me.

God is more like the salespeople in my favorite stores. God greats us, smiles, meets us at the door or halfway down the road. It doesn't matter if we are judgmental, angry, unhappy or even smell like pigs. God is just happy to see us.

We don't get condemnation; we get love.

Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

True Love Not Tolerance

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

God so loved. Love. I have really been thinking about the concept of love today. What does it mean to really love, especially in the church community? Many of us know the saying, "You always hurt the one you love!" Sadly, many more of us have seen this happen right in our own churches! It makes me wonder if we really don't know what love is. We only mimic true love. We think of romantic love (lust, really) and we place it on a pedestal.

But as someone who has been married for 16 years, I know that real love takes work. Sometimes more work than I want to give to it. In fact, I use anger, fear, and my own selfish desires in my marriage more often than I use love. Then I go to church and it is no surprise that my love for sisters and brothers in Christ is a lot less than true love. I think it has more to do with tolerance. And I can do that at work!

This verse tugs on my heart because it tells me that God loved and God continues to love. And it isn't just tolerance! If God had just tolerated the world, I don't think God would have given God's only son! If God loves with true love, giving away the most precious gift out of love, then why am I holding back my own love and my own precious gifts?

God, you love us. Thank you! God, you have given us your most precious gift. Thank you! God, you don't just tolerate us. Thank you! God, you really want us to love one another. Help! In Jesus' name. Amen.


Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Monday, May 11, 2009

A Secret Conversation

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

Sorry about the interruption! Last week was fairly hectic in my life. Although I wrote this in my head, it never got to the computer. From now until June, I am not sure I can get these posts up every day. But watch out after June 1!

These two verses are part of a longer teaching that Jesus gives to Nicodemus who has come to him in secret. This is not the last time Nicodemus will appear in the gospel of John but the end of this teaching is followed by the detail that Jesus and the disciples leave the city and go into the countryside. Because of this, I am assuming that this teaching was not accepted by Nic. As a leader of the Pharisees and an expert on the law and religion, he probably did not receive these two verses at all well. Nicodemus already had quite a misunderstanding of being reborn, to which Jesus responds by basically saying Nicodemus is not as much in the know as he would like to think (see verses 7-10). In fact, Nicodemus seems prone to arguing but this could be the way rabbis often discussed. Now Jesus says that he is God's son which was a clear statement of blasphemy.

We have become so accustomed to calling Jesus God's son, it does not sounds so improbable to our ears. However, later in chapter 18, Jesus says that he has always taught in public and has never said anything in private which makes me wonder if this whole conversation with Nicodemus really did result in his execution. I also find it interesting that this gospel doesn't report what went on in Caiaphas' home. What was the real reason for this secret visit? Was Nicodemus sent to trap Jesus? Was Caiaphas aware of this conversation and used it against him? I wonder if Nicodemus did what he did to trick Jesus, then reported him but later felt guilty of what he had done and helped to bury him.

These verses that have had the power to give life to so many, may have just been the same words that condemned Jesus to death on a cross. And that too has truly given all of us new life!

God, sometimes the most well-known words from the Bible have more power and meaning than we are aware of. Forgive us for what we do not see. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

A Gift

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

Do you like receiving presents? I do! However, as I have gotten older, I find myself more disappointed in the things I receive than I was as a child. In fact, at this point in life I would rather give a gift than receive a gift. I suppose that is part of my control issues but I digress. The point here is all about a gift.

You see, the verse says that God gave his only Son. God didn't loan his Son or even send his Son. God gave his Son.

Jesus was a gift to the world from God. I really have a hard time getting my mind on giving away your child. My own blood mother did it, though. She gave her baby - the only one she had at the time- to the state. Did she do it out of love or out of desperation? I may never know. She had no knowledge of what would happen to her child.

In giving Jesus to the world, God was giving a great deal to us without the certainty that we would treat God's gift with any respect or appreciation. In fact, God probably knew that God's gift of God's only child would be ill treated.

God was willing to give this gift to the world anyway.

Are we any more willing to receive this gift of Christ today?

God, help us to receive the Gift you give. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Some Eternal Thoughts

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

The scripture tells us that we are to believe in Jesus so that we won't perish but will have eternal life. Eternal life. What does that mean to you? Life everlasting? Living forever? Never really dying? I think most of us would point so somewhere in (we hope) our very distant future. But what if the word eternal means more than a lack of future ending. What if it means something that begins right now?

I know that I am not good at waiting. When I go to the checkout line I do not want to get behind someone who is buying fifty items, paying with a social security check and needs a price check and/or return on at least three items. I also don't like the fact that God won't always give me immediate answers to all my prayer requests. It seems I have to pray the same things again and again, waiting for God's answer. So it stands to reason that I am a bit impatient about this eternity deal. I'm not ready to die quite yet but I am ready to receive some of that eternal life Jesus is promising.

What if that eternal life begins now? What if we didn't have to wait but could receive that life, that righteousness, that new life with Christ at this very moment? Wouldn't that be great?

God, we believe. We ask for a New Life in Christ in this moment and for all time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Monday, May 4, 2009

A Familiar Verse From Another Angle

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 NRSV

We hear John 3:16 so often that I think we (Christians and non-believers) have become rather numb to its real meaning. I would like to look at these two verses from John's gospel from a fresh perspective this week. For today, I would like to contemplate the first word that strikes me as one to which I have paid little attention.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that God so loved the world. The world! I have always heard and understood this scripture as a personal statement made to me - the individual believer.

However, the verse doesn't say God loved me. It doesn't say God loved the one who believes. Jesus says that God loved the world.

Jesus Christ did not come to save me. Jesus Christ came to save the world.

A sobering and eye-opening thought!

God, we too often think of Christ's saving action in terms of us personally. We tend to overlook the fact that he came and died for the sake of the whole world. Expand our vision, our understanding and our love. In His name. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims