In the Loop; In the Spirit

Human relationships are complex. We definitely have an inner need for more than what we are. In fully recognizing and practicing our togetherness as people we should gain an appreciation for the coveted relationship of unity with God. We cannot be dwellers in God without being in union with him. This wonderful aspect of life will continue to have its influence upon us.
When a man recently stood under the stars, exclaiming as he gazed at the myriad constellations, “I know there is a God,” he was realizing his relationship and union with the Creator. This declaration has been repeated countless times. When Abraham stood beneath the stars and believed God’s promise, he realized himself as one living his life in God.
Consequently when we stand in awe at all the wonders of God we continue to grow in a positive and spiritually creative direction. We grow with a conscious awareness of abiding in God. We are aware of our life in him and his life in us.
Our worship under this awareness becomes more consecrated. And our devotion grows into experiences of new heights and joys. In the midst our relationships to others become more than momentary self-serving flings, they take on significance. They take on the significance given us by God’s relationship to us. In this there is no eminent divorce in the future, at least on God’s behalf.

Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus often visited in their home. Bethany was where Lazarus was raised from the dead. It was the place where Mary and Martha “crossed over” from sorrow and sadness to comfort, strength, and understanding.
Our “Bethany” may well be the church where overcoming and renewal in body, mind, and soul takes place in baptism and repentance. The experience of church is where we “cross over” from the old to the new. It is actually the forsaking of the old life and making entrance into the new. The crossing over is the renewing of our inner self.
Church is where we can “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Here we seek the abundant life in Christ who makes a better makes way for us. Here we cross over into the new life.

The fact is that we often are perplexed by today’s world. One word that is used so commonly in church is the word Amen. It is actually an exclamation point, a reinforcing sound that means, “It is really so!” It is a word that helps questions galore. In the church and in the mystery of life it sets us out to explore, questions are to be found in abundance. But Christ is “the Amen.” Christ takes our perplexities and keeps us from despair, even using them as digging tools into the acres of truth which are in him. Life can never be what it is intended to be unless we find the “Amen” in a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ.

Each and every person has their own little battles that fight day to day, month to month or beyond. In the midst of battling things like cancer etc., one sometimes becomes embroiled in a second battle. In his struggle with cancer, treatments, hospitalization, dialysis and more, his rent was raised. Now, a veteran, on fixed income, had to figure out how to survive housing in the midst of surviving cancer. Last month, he made the move to his new place. Today, I will be doing his funeral. Today, he moves on to another place. He resides no longer in the midst of battles. Yet, for how many will there be a battle today?

All around the world people are picketing on the streets for change. Much of our life shows no radical changes. Mostly life is a matter of improvement and adjustment. But sometimes there are big changes. We fall in love and our life is altered. A child comes into our lives and it requires changes. A person figures out what they want to do in life. These changes give rebirth and renewal to ordinary life. But most change is not our doing. It simply happens. Then we celebrate. In this same way God comes to us and changes us maybe through adjustments, maybe in the huge impact, but in either course it brings new life. In this we should definitely celebrate.

Washington continues to wrestle with options rather than implement them. It seems their world isn’t simply black or white. It is complicated with many things in it. Yet, they seem so sure to hold on to their political opinions as a hard core liberal or conservative, if those terms even exist anymore. It would be better to have a questioning mind rather than a closed one. But there is one who asks for a simple yes or no. Christ doesn’t say he is truthful, he says he is the truth. This requires us not to look at both sides of the issues but at the truth. We look at Christ and then examine the claims of Washington’s best, if that term even exists anymore.

Casey Anthony and Amanda Knox, the jury is out on both of them. The situations are certainly perplexing. But then does anyone really understand their own actions? Sometimes we are an example of patience, the next we are screaming banshees. There also is life itself when we realize that illusions have been shattered and goals achieved seem empty. Life can be perplexing and we all find ourselves sometimes as a mystery. But God does understand the perplexity of life and enters into it full throttle. Jesus comes to help unravel the mystery that is we ourselves. What have you discovered through Christ?

People in America have taken to the streets. For some it is a clear sign of divisionism in America. Just like the multitudes that clamored after Jesus for healing, Americans are seeking the same for their lives. For once religion seems to have the answer in Jesus’s statement of love your neighbor as yourself. Luther goes even further in his explanation of the commandments: we are to look out for our neighbor. Looking to Jesus’ teachings there is hope for those seeking physical and spiritual well-being. It may have been less needed if it was first heeded earlier on in leadership.

Today’s front page article in the Star Tribune finds a woman jailed in contempt of court for her “beliefs”. It is against her custom, but the judge isn’t buying it. Customs and styles vary and change. Yet, we find the same basic drives and desires of those in the Bible years before us. Is it possible that in pursuing something we think is worth our effort, that we are missing the real joy life can bring? We can pursue our causes or we can determine to use our life for moments of love, compassion and understanding so others may know joy. By putting aside our pursuits on behalf of others, we discover the true happiness and meaning that comes to the human heart. Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brethren, you did it to me?” What evidence will the judge find in our lives?

The presidential race is on. Iowa had its straw vote and the candidates are being shuffled as I write. Rather than a candidate, I wish for real representatives. There is a tremendous disconnect between what is preached and what is lived by our representatives. Jesus asks us to do what he has done for us. Doing for others what we would have them do for us helps us represent. It is more than a slogan of fair play. It should be the central act of each and every representative that takes office. I for one am waiting for this change.