Thursday, March 30, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Lift Up My Eyes



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is an uphill journey. No matter which direction you come from in Israel, Jerusalem is a city built on a hill surrounded on all sides by valley. For those who built Jerusalem, being situated on a hill top was a great defensive strategy. Attacking armies would have to cross over the valleys and then climb up the hill to the walled city.

Theologically it meant the temple in Jerusalem was also built on the hill -- often called the "temple mount". On the Journey to Jerusalem pilgrims to the temple must ascend the hill. There is a whole section of the Psalms called the Psalms of Ascent, Psalm 120-134. They cover a whole range of human emotion; these psalms would be sung, recited, prayed on the pilgrims climb up to Jerusalem.

Psalm 123
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
until he has mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.

O Lord,
to you
I lift up
my eyes.
For too long have I my eyes
studied my feet in shame.
I lift my face to you.
Daring to look in your eyes
expecting to see disappointment,
I am surprised to see delight --
love, mercy, laughter --
grace.

You know don't you.
You understand.
For the first time ever,
I see it now.
In the eyes of Jesus,
I see my eyes.
In the hurts of Jesus,
I see my hurts.
In the laughter of Jesus,
I hear my own voice.
You know. You do.
You understand.

That's what the whole
coming to earth in flesh and blood was about.
You wanted us to know
that you know,
I mean really KNOW.
Emmanuel -- God is with us.
God is ONE of us.

So when I pray,
you get it.
When I falter and fail,
you understand.
When I do amazing things,
you cheer with me!

You KNOW.
I see it now in your eyes.
Then you invite me to keep walking,
and you walk beside me
not ahead, nor behind,
but right beside me --
a companion on the way.
Thank you, Jesus.

Amen.

   
________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Journey to Jerusalem: Clap and Cheer!

Recently I read a story about little Jamie Scott. Maybe you've read it too.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. He'd set his heart on being in it, though his mother feared he would not be chosen. 
On the day the parts were awarded, the mother went to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.. 'Guess what, Mom,' he shouted, and then he said words that are a lesson to all of us 'I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'

Lord, it's not a Bible story,
but all the same 
I think it speaks some of your truth.

I often feel like little Jamie.
I often think that 
You have chosen me 
to clap and cheer!

One of my greatest joys as pastor
is to celebrate the achievements of others.
Elders claiming their ministry and doing it well.
Deacons caring for others, embodying Christ's love.
Children in wonder discovering the stories of God's love.
Youth wrestling with questions of life
and seeing God in the midst of it all.
Adults uncovering the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
I get join you, Lord,
clapping and cheering them on
like a crowd of fans in the stadium!

This Sunday is youth Sunday 
at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Middle School and High School students
will lead the community in worshiping God.
They will stand and share their faith.
They will serve God and God's people
claiming their place in the congregation.

Lord, already I have had the chance
to encourage the high school senior
who is preaching this Sunday.
As we talked, we both became 
more and more excited and animated
thinking about the connections 
between his life, 
the Bible story for Sunday, and 
the life of the congregation!
It was so awesome to see him 
get excited about sharing Your Good News!

I can't wait to clap and cheer our youth
as they lead the community in worshiping
you!
Lord,
I am glad you have chosen me
for a part in the divine drama of your love,
the part of
clapping and cheering.
Amen!

Journey to Jerusalem: Are we paying attention?



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is with others. We meet others along the way -- friends, companions, strangers. Jesus walks with us, but do we recognize him? Are we paying attention?

Luke 24:13-27
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?”
They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”
Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

Below is linked a video about the journey:


Questions for the journey?
  • What is God doing in our midst?
  • Who walks along with us on the way?
  • Are we paying attention?



   
________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Share the Uncomplicated



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL


The Journey to Jerusalem is one of questions. I am learning that often on the path of life it may well be that the answers are not as important as the questions. Indeed Jesus often responds to questions with another question.

I love this prayer website: http://pray-as-you-go.org/

from some time back 
keeps coming back to me. 
More specifically 
one of the questions:
Are there uncomplicated ways in which you can share your sense of God with others?
Lord Jesus,
my faith is so nuanced.
It really cannot be reduced
to a sound bite for the media,
nor the 140 characters of a tweet.

Indeed, Lord,
when I used all my words
to express my sense of God,
they fall far short.

Perhaps the best I can do
is to surrender my words
to an awe-filled silence.
  
And yet, I must say something.
How, in an uncomplicated way,
can I express my sense of God?

Lord,
my faith ancestors found stories to be best --
66 books of the Bible worth of stories.

My story?
I am a well loved younger son, the baby.
Raised in a loving congregation.
While not a preacher's son,
my family was often
among the first to arrive and last to leave church.
Living 4+ hours away from relatives,
the congregation became like my family.
They demonstrated God's love to me --
a growing son, loved and welcomed,
challenged and encouraged by the congregation.
They taught me:
to love God and God's people of all kinds,
to search the scriptures and listen for God's voice,
to pray and not stop praying,
to serve with joy,
to follow wherever God leads.

I heard God's voice calling me
through that congregation and others
to give back 
by loving and welcoming,
challenging and encouraging,
other sons and daughters,
the children of God of all ages,
and doing that as pastor.

Lord,
that's my story.
It's your story too --
you at work for me,
you at work in spite of me,
and most amazingly
you at work through me.

Thank you for weaving your story
through my story.
Emboldening me to share that story.
Amen.


I wonder:
  • What's your story?
  • In what ways is God's story woven through your story?
  • What are some people in your circle of influence who need to hear your story?
  • When will you tell them? (Take the time. Tell them!)
   
________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: It's you I'm living for



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is life's journey, the path of discipleship, the way of Jesus. Just like Jesus along the way, we meet both tragedy and trial, joy, and celebration.  The path is to both the Cross and Empty Tomb.  Both are critical to our Lent and Easter faith -- in living and in dying, we belong to God.

 I heard the song linked below recently.

There is something about it 
that keeps drawing me back 
-- the simplicity, the longing, 
the intimacy, the faith expressed.

Here are the lyrics to the refrain:
"Some will try to chase the world;
Some will find but loose it all.
But I will lose my life to find
to sweet Jesus I belong.
Sweet Jesus, I adore.
It's you I'm living for."

Sweet Jesus,
our Christian faith --
our Lent and Easter faith--
affirms,
claims,
holds on to with tenacity:
in living and in dying, 
we belong to our faithful savior 

Sweet Jesus,
You are the God who is with us, 
the God who suffers for us, 
the One who dies for our salvation, 
and the One who RISES to redeem our worst. 
That's why this Christian Easter faith 
is so powerful and so important!!

In the face of tragedy,
and in the face of good news,
in the face of new birth,
and in the face of suffering death,
to YOU, Sweet Jesus,
to you along do I belong.
You, Sweet Jesus, 
are the one I adore.
It's You, I'm living for.

Amen.


________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Reset our Priorities



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is seeking after God. Each step one closer to seeing the fullness of God revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some have called it "scandalous" -- God's true self revealed in suffering, death, and resurrection. Certainly it defies our expectations.

Isaiah 55:6-9
Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Lord,
we had NO IDEA.
How could we?
We dream of
height and strength,
power and majesty,
honor and fame,
glory and victory.

And you are all that and more...
But your thoughts are not our thoughts,
nor are you ways, our ways.
Your idea of  height and strength
is a cross on Calvary.
Your idea of power and majesty
is suffering and compassion.
Your idea of honor and fame
is death and resurrection.
Your idea of glory and victory
is fullness of life now and forever.

We had NO IDEA.
How could we possibly understand?
And honestly,
it still baffles us.

We still seek for ourselves
power and majesty,
strength and height,
fame and honor,
victory and glory.
And instead, you give us
grace and forgiveness,
compassion and serving,
humility and contentment,
peace and well-being,
healing and reconciliation.

Indeed,
your ways are not our ways,
nor are our thoughts, your thoughts.

On the journey to Jerusalem,
reset our priorities
putting the Cross of Christ on our shoulders
and Easter's Empty Tomb before us.
Through the Lord who is Risen indeed!

Amen.


________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Failures Redeemed for Good



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is an opportunity to grow in grace and gratitude. Along the way, we may discover that God is redeeming the hard times, failures, sins of our lives in order to make a positive difference in the future. Let me be clear, I do NOT believe that God causes these hard times, failures or sins, but God CAN and DOES redeem them, transform them, use them for good for his glory.

Luke 13:6-9
Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Lord,
I love this story.
It makes me laugh out loud:
The gardener pleads for mercy.
The gardener offers to care for the fig tree,
to give it much needed attention and fertilizer,
the manure of grace!  :-)

Manure is not something
I usually think of as grace filled.
I've stepped in it.
I've scooped the poop.
I've scrapped it off of shoe bottoms.
I've put it around roses.
I've smelled it spread on crops.
I've even bought zoo doo!
(re-purposed elephant dung from a zoo!)

But Lord, your agricultural comparison is right on target.
A little attention,
a little fertilizer,
a little manure
can really make a plant grow and produce,
be fruitful.

So what are you trying to say about my life?
My faith, my discipleship, needs a little attention.
I need a little fertilizer to help me grow--
a little feces to make me fruitful,
a little dung in my daily walk with you,
a little poo to put the punch in my faith,
a little stuff to strengthen my sharing your love,
a little doo to help me do...

Ok, maybe I'm a little carried away.

On the way to Jerusalem,
help me see
how you are taking
the crap of my life
and redeeming it for good
for your glory.
Amen.


________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Repentance that leads to life



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem, our Lenten journey, is a path of penitence -- self-examination, repentance, forgiveness, grace, and cleansing.

Luke 13:1-5
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Lord,
too often we compare our lives to others.
When we compare our lives to those who better off,
we find ourselves jealous:
envious, coveting what they have, and who they are.
Teach us to be content,
grateful for the gifts you give to us
that too often we take for granted.

When we compare ourselves with those less fortunate,
we sometimes become proud saying,
"I'm so glad I'm not like those people."
Teach us humility
looking to supply the needs of others
instead of hoarding your blessings.

Yes, Lord, even in the church
sometimes we are jealous
of the spiritual blessings of others
blind to our own blessings,
our own spiritual gifts that YOU give.
Open our eyes to your blessings.

Then there are those times in the church
when we look at others;
we judge them to be more sinful than we are.

Then you turn to us as you did your first disciples and say:
"Do you think that they were worse offenders
 than all the others?
No, I tell you;
but unless you repent,
you will all perish just as they did.”

Lord,
on this journey to Jerusalem
teach us repentance:
the repentance that leads to life.
Every step of the way
make us mindful, repentant,
aware of our need for your grace,
our daily dependence on you alone!
"Give us this day our daily bread."
May it be so today.
Amen.


________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: What does Jerusalem mean to me?



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem is dangerous; there will be pain, suffering, and death. Jesus is very much aware of what Jerusalem means:

LUKE 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.'
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Lord,
I remember seeing the "Cotton Patch Gospel",
a version of your story set in Georgia
and the question being asked,
"What does Atlanta [Jerusalem] mean to me?"

You knew the violent history
of Jerusalem.
You knew the power struggle
that has happened (and continues!) for centuries,
if not millennial in Jerusalem:
religious power,
military power,
political power,
economic power...
all that and more in Jerusalem -
a city the prophet Ezekiel has called,
"The navel of the world"
(the word "center" in Hebrew is literally "navel").

But what does Jerusalem mean to me?
It is where you were blessed in the Temple as a baby.
It is where you debated theologically as a child.
It is where you over turned tables.
It is where you rode in as a humble king of peace.
It is where you were wrongly convicted.
It is where you were wounded, scourged, and killed.
It is where you died.
It is where you were buried.
It is where you were raised in power.
It is where you appeared to your disciples.
It is where you gave your Holy Spirit to us.

Jerusalem, O Jerusalem.
The city that lives in conflict
and yet gives me hope.

Lord,
gather in your children,
like a mother hen her chicks.
Keep us always in your care.
Amen.

________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: FOCUS!



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey to Jerusalem must focus on the path ahead. There will be many distractions along the way: sports, hurts, joys, sorrows, temptations, and failures. Our pilgrimage requires discipline and focus.

Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Lord,
I am trying to follow you.
I am trying to walk the path before me

But there are so many distractions:
family and friends who turn my head to look their way,
political debates and ads that seek to divide and obfuscate the issues,
opportunities for self-satisfaction and instant gratification,
chances to "save the day" and be a "hero",
lots of good to be done!

And yet to Martha,
you say,
"There is need of only one thing."
What is that one thing for me?
What is the one thing I need?
What is the one thing you want from me?
What is the singular focus that you offer?

Søren Kierkegaard prayed:
"You who gives
both the beginning and the completion
may you early,
at the dawn of the day,
give to the young
the resolution to will one thing.
As the day wanes,
may you give to the old
a renewed remembrance
of that first resolution,
that the first may be like the last
and the last like the first --
in possession of a life
that has willed only one thing,
To know God."

Today, Lord,
May I will only one thing:
to know you.
Amen.

________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Stumble & Fall



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL


Lent is one of the penitential seasons of the church. It is a time of preparation, self-examination, repentance, and confession.


The Journey to Jerusalem is to the Cross of Christ and the Empty Tomb, where we find grace and forgiveness. Along the way we stumble and fall, and God gives us the grace to stand up and keep moving forward.


To you, O God,
we confess our sins.
The ways we hurt others
by what we do and say,
as well as by what we don't do and don't say.

Forgive us.
And give us the grace to forgive
those who have hurt us.
And help us forgive ourselves.
Amen.
________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem: Set Your Face



Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL
Luke 9:51-56
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

Lord Jesus,
you set your face toward Jerusalem.
You were committed.
You were resolved.
You knew your destination.

This Lent we join you on the journey to Jerusalem.
We follow you on the way.
The journey will be hard.
There will be pain.
There will be suffering.
There will be death.

Lord Jesus,
Open our eyes to see your face
in all those we encounter along the way.
Open our ears to hear your voice
in those who are often ignored.
Open our hearts that we might be your
faithful disciples of mercy and truth.

Jesus,
you lead the way.
So today
I set my face toward Jerusalem.
Strengthen my commitment.
Fortify my resolve.
Renew my calling to follow you,
even to death and the empty tomb.
Amen.



________________
During Lent at Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel. in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Track your miles and submit them: www.westminsterpres.org LET'S GO!!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Journey to Jerusalem in Body and Soul


Journey to Jerusalem: IN BODY & SOUL

The Journey begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1st at 7pm Worship
There are 6,284 miles
from Columbia, South Carolina to Jerusalem, Israel.
LET'S GO.
Track the miles you walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.

In worship at Westminster, here on my blog almostdailyprayers.com, and in our daily activity, together we will make the Journey to Jerusalem, a journey that leads to the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.

Our Lenten journey begins today on Ash Wednesday.  During Lent and especially during Holy Week, Christians have made pilgrimage to Jerusalem one of our spiritual disciplines.  When traveling to Israel became less possible because of cost and distance, pilgrimage became more of a spiritual act and less a physical act.

This year I am challenging you to make the pilgrimage physical again.  At Westminster Presbyterian Church, we are committing to journey the 6,284 miles from Columbia, SC to Jerusalem, Israel in our walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc.

You are invited to track and send your miles to our church office, we will post those miles online and on banners in the sanctuary and in our fellowship building.  Together we will make our journey to Jerusalem!

I challenge you:


  1. How many miles is it from your community to Jerusalem?
  2. Invite others to make the journey with you.
  3. And pray together along the way.
  4. Warning: the journey will be painful; there will be suffering; we will witness betrayal, denial, and death.  And yet, resurrection awaits us!
  5. See you in Jerusalem at the empty tomb on Easter morning!