The Grand Scheme of Things

It has been intriguing lately, to see how bent out of shape people get over various things.  You know, the things that we have determined to be our "causes."  Those things we like to nit pick - flaunt, create miniature tornadoes over.  You should buy this particular brand of car, vote for this particular person because they belong to this or that party.

Isn't it interesting though, the things that centuries of biblical writers have shown us that God is interested in. There is a lot that is shown about what people chose and how people acted. Yet, in it all, what is truly important is revealed by God over and over again.  

• "so that I walked contrary to them and brought them into the land of their enemies—if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity"  Lev 26:41
• "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isa 57:15
•  "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic 6:8). 
• For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,  training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Tit 2:11,12
• But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Jas 4:6-10

These are just a few of the places where it shows where God wants the emphasis.  It is us - our hearts, our actions, our spirits that are important.  In all of Saul of Tarsus' causes, in all of his stampeding pretense of righteousness, it is on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus that God tells Saul, "You've got it wrong Saul."  Act 9:5  "And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM Jesus whom thou dost persecute; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."  It is not important to kill people just to be right. It is not important that my way is right and because I'm right you're wrong.  Its not important who rules what, who has the best car, what the best deodorant is, even whose bible is better. What is important is that if your life is not walking with God, treating others with kindness and justice in this world and by the changing of your own heart making the world a better place to live, then like the mass of humanity - we've missed the boat.  

Banners? Causes? Parties? Brands? Monies? all have their place in life. Some have them, some don't. But the truth is, if you do not have your health - these are meaningless. If you do not have your spirit walking humbly with God, these are nothing.  Would you give your eyes for your cause? Would you go blind for it? Would you willingly accept a life threatening disease in exchange for your brand, your money, your politics?   Jesus said it this way,   What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul? Mat 16:26

Jim

Sep 23, 2014
Sephardic kitchens welcome the new year with deeply symbolic and celebratory Rosh Hashanah dishes
By Deena Prichep

JEWISH MEDITERRANEAN FALL ROSH HASHANAH SEDER
Credit: Katie McBride

Every year, I hold an epic, table-groaning, far-too-many-chairs-stuffed-into-the-house Passover Seder. There’s something about sitting down and lighting the candles, about creating a moment that reaches back through time and out to everyone else who is doing, and has done, the same. And, of course, making variations on the same food. But recently I learned that Passover isn’t the only Seder holiday. Within the Sephardic tradition—the Jews of the Iberian peninsula, and post-1492 expulsion, the surrounding areas—there’s a second Seder holiday: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Most American Jews are familiar with the practice of eating apples and honey on the holiday, hoping to imbue the coming year with a touch of sweetness. But in Sephardic circles, the food traditions are more formalized and ornate, culminating in a full-on Seder plate. While the Passover Seder commemorates historical events (i.e. quick-baked matzo for the hasty Egyptian exodus), Rosh Hashanah Seder dishes represent biblical verses of hopes for the coming year. And because this tradition comes from the sunny kitchens of North Africa and Western Europe versus the spice-poor land of gefilte fish, these ceremonial dishes are rich and vibrantly flavored—perfect celebration food.

Rosh Hashanah Seder dishes represent biblical verses of hopes for the coming year. This year Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of September 24, and my friend Renee Ferrera, whose family comes from the Isle of Rhodes in Greece—a place once known as "Little Jerusalem," with a formerly thriving Jewish population, and a unique culinary crossroads of Greek, Turkish, Italian and Jewish cuisine—is kind enough to let me into her kitchen as she prepares the feast, a mix of simple fresh fruits and more ornate, mezze-style turnovers, each with its own ceremonial contribution.

As in the Eastern European Rosh Hashanah tradition, apples are eaten either fresh or made into sauce, along with the region’s sticky-sweet dates. And pomegranates, which not only represent a sweet new year, but are rumored to have the same number of seeds as there are Torah commandments (613), ensure the coming year will be equally full of good deeds. Many other dishes feature ingredients that sound like words for the good things one seeks in the year to come: There are leeks, whose Aramaic name sounds like the Hebrew word for "cut off" (exactly what we hope for all ill-wishers in the coming year), and a whole animal head for good luck at the "head" of the new year. Ferrera uses fresh scallions, as well as meat-stuffed whole onions, in place of the leeks, and while a sheep’s head used to be traditional, Ferrera goes with the more Northwest-appropriate (and more palatable) smoked salmon cheeks.

But it’s the phyllo-wrapped turnovers that I can’t get enough of. Some are filled with pumpkin, whose Arabic name is a play on the Hebrew word for "calling out" your good deeds. Others are filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with sesame seeds for an increase in blessings and virtues (a directive, thanks to translation and regional differences, also represented by fenugreek and beans). Spinach, symbolizing the "beating down" of enemies, is mixed with feta and Romano cheese and wound into a curled boyo pastry, from a family recipe that Renee's cousins make together en masse for the holidays, turning the kitchen into a well-oiled production line that would do their grandmothers proud.

Unlike the Passover seder, with its ritualized service and stories that unroll over the course of a few hours, the Rosh Hashanah Seder doesn’t feature much narration—the foods themselves tell the story. There are the traditional blessings, with a nod to the symbolism of each dish. Then friends and family sit down together to share in the good food and company—two things we hope to have in abundance in the year to come.

Artful Words

Discovering His Image: Exploding From the Inside Out by Jennifer Payne

I first became interested in poetry as a literature in High School, and thanks to my professor in college I got tuned in to classic poetry. I found it like art, full of color and expression. I became interested in poetry from a biblical perspective in the Psalms, once again allowing myself to become pulled in the words into the colorful world of extreme full emotion.  I say this to say, that while I love good poetry, I just as easily distaste bad poetry. It takes a lot for me to like a poem. There is so much to it. It has to be well written, expressive, colorful, pulling the reader into its depths. When I received this book, I admit skepticism. I opened and read, the first one - good one. Next one. ..hmm. ..third one, wow these aren't bad. Next morning in my morning personal time I had read an entire chapter. I was hooked...and still am.
Now, all of this said, understand that if you aren't into poetry this probably isn't for you. But if you find yourself in need of a boost, a lift to your morning or need some artful expression to go with your morning coffee - get it. You won't be disappointed.

Take a Deep Breath and Count to FOUR!

                

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Jas 1:19-21

This passage is interesting because of what it teaches about attitudes and approaches to life – especially for the person who strives to walk with God in life. James has a quality about teaching without a lot of fluff, and getting down to bare metal.  Yet this is what is needed sometimes because the world has many distractions and noises that can make living a moral – spiritual life difficult.  Let’s consider his statements above a little more closely.

1.     In life, speaking out first is not always a good thing. This is especially true if you with regard to hearing God’s voice in all of the things that go on in life.  “Quick to listen slow to speak,” is simply good everyday advice.  We aren't listening if we are talking, and we aren't learning if we are not listening. If you don’t believe you can learn anything from God, take time to read the book of Job.  Job was a godly man, yet stumbled into being “too big for his britches” like most of us do. In the last chapters of the book, God sits Job down to see if Job really “knew it all” or, was adequate enough to make the judgments and rationalizations that he was making.  I find it interesting that Job’s response is “Who am I to answer you? I did speak once or twice, but never again…You asked why I talk so much when I know so little. I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding." (Job 40:4,5;  42:3).  
2.     “Slow to become angry” – again, good practical everyday advice.  Even the world has teachers that tell you that you have to be calm.  Going back to our point above, you can’t hear God when you’re angry, and you can’t find peace with others by being angry. Disposition can set the tone for what comes, and angry words only stir up strife. We have to learn to keep a lid on things. As one of the favorite kids shows teaches even the toddlers, “When you feel so mad and you want to ROAR. Take a deep breath and count to four!” Especially with regard to hearing God, the best advice is  “Sit down, and shut up.”
3.          Life has many pitfalls and traps, and we can’t avoid those traps if we dabble our toes in their streams. You need to get rid of the stuff that stinks in your life and sometimes that can be painful. Evil wouldn’t exist if there weren’t aspects of it if even in some bent or twisted way people found enjoyable. We don’t think about serial killers, molesters, deviants as enjoying what they do. While it may not be the act itself, a lot of times it is simply the thrill of it or the thrill of believing that they’ve gotten away with it.  We aren’t serial killers, but evil – sin is like that in all of us. We either enjoy the act, the thrill of the act, or the thrill of thinking we have gotten away with it.  I can’t accept that which will save me until I understand that I need to be saved because I am dying or drowning in my wrong. This requires humility, which is what James says.

Why do you these things are such difficult things to practice? What can we minimize our distractions so that we can listen? What is the emotional and spiritual garbage that is keeping you from hearing God’s voice today? What new habits can you develop to prepare your to hear God? 

Jim

Friends or Boat Anchors?

"If you what to learn to hurt someone, first you must learn to heal them.”  This quote comes from a renowned martial arts teacher and speaks a volume of truth, because he knew that the time you take to learn to heal, will diminish the feel for the need to hurt.   It is also good advice spiritually, that we learn how to teach someone to see the truth, before we speak words of condemnation. It is also good advice for ourselves, when we realize that we are our own worst critics and judges. Often it is our own temptation, defect, fault, fear, worry, loneliness etc., that you’re never going to get rid of it on your own. We only heal when we are honest with ourselves, God and others. James 5:16 is one of the best passages for your spiritual health and holiness as you get over your habits and hang-ups: “Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed” Revealing your feelings and emotion is the beginning of healing.  A person is on the road to recovery when you learn to open the closet door where the boogeyman hides and expose him as your own fear and fault that needs to be addressed. The moment you can do that and are willing to take steps to do something about it, you humble yourself, and God gives grace to the humble. This is the hardest step for some of us because it really hits our pride and literally starts churning your stomach to even think about it.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” We were made to need each other.  Problems and sins make us feel isolated and alone but the truth is that we were never meant to face your problems or your sins by yourself.  We need each other.  If all you want to do is be forgiven, tell God. But if you want to be healed, consider sharing it with God and others.  Sometimes, we just want and need someone to talk to. What kind of people do you think God wants you to share your sin, worry, and fears?  Stop to consider the “friends” you have. Are they encouraging you to change and become better or are they anchors keeping you steeped in the wrong you are trying to get out of?  

• Psa.141:5 “Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them.”
• Prov.28:7 “It makes good sense to obey the Law of God, but you disgrace your parents if you make friends with worthless nobodies.”

So, who are the people in your life who fit that description? Remember Paul’s advice, 1 Cor.15:33.34 “Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.  Be sensible and stop sinning. You should be embarrassed that some people still don't know about God.”

Jim

Thrive - Digging Deep Reaching Out by: Mark Hall

Thrive - Digging Deep Reaching Out by: Mark Hall

I admit it, I chose this book because I am a HUGE fan of Casting Crowns. I love the song that bears the same name, and it literally sums up the book. The book I am reviewing is a student edition, and it is an excellent book for young and small group discussion. It is simple enough to keep attention, makes excellent spiritual points, yet does not overburden the issues. It leaves room for discussion, growth and literally digging deep into God’s word. I have been reading this slowly to consider each chapter's thoughts and considerations, and have found it a favourite part of my personal quiet time. Mark Hall has done a good job at relating to those to whom he ministers both here and in his music. It could deserve a sequel book that "digs deeper" and gives the reader more foundation and depth. It does a good job of giving the principles, but could go deeper into reaching out and what that means. But, that isn't the point of a student edition. It is intended to provoke the student to the that step. 

My rating on this book is good and I highly recommend it for teaching. You won’t be disappointed, in fact you might just find yourself growing.

It's Broking Nana

Psa 147:3  He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.   This is a common theme in the Psalms, with similar sentiments in Psa.23 and Psa. 34.  Yet, broken hearted here is not that of a lost romantic love. It is a reference to the spirit or soul of a person being broken.

It is a hard thing to admit a wrong, a flaw in ourselves. Today, we tend to name children on our aspirations for them. While there is nothing wrong with that, this not how it was done in times past. . In ancient times, names were chosen for their meaning, not for how nice they sounded. So you could be named after a profession like a baker or a carpenter or a smith. You could be named after a relative or you could be named for the situation you were in. Jabez was named “painful” because he came in a painful birth. But parents mostly named their kids based on their character. When people said their name, they were telling someone what kind of person they were. Jacob’s name means “deceiver.” And he lived up to his name! His entire life he lied to get out of many situations and conflicts. He was a deceiver and a manipulator, until one day In Genesis 32, Jacob had wrestled all night with a man, who was actually God. Genesis 32:27 says, “The man asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Jacob,’ he answered.” God obviously knew Jacob’s name, yet when God asks a question like this it is never for his benefit. He already knows the answer! He wanted Jacob to admit what he was, to own up to who he was. God was not shocked when Jacob reveals his true self. He didn’t say, “I didn’t see that one coming.” God already knew about Jacob, just like he already knows everything about you — even the things you don’t know about yourself. Just because God knew this about Jacob didn’t mean that God did not care for or stopped loving him. Malachi 1:2, “I have loved Jacob.” If God loved Jacob who was so unlovable, a manipulator, a scoundrel, crook, and who was such a liar — then God can love someone like me/. Verses like this give me hope

Psa 51:17  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  To make lasting changes in life, you have to stop making excuses for, rationalizing and blaming others for what is broken with you. You have to be honest with God and with yourself and admit in humility, “I am the problem.” Hear this, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

What do you think God wants you to admit about yourself so that you can move forward in healing? What are the parts of yourself that you think are unlovable?  Why is it so difficult to be honest with God, even when you know he already knows everything about you?  Lk 4:18,19  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Jim

Psalms -Not for Wimps

In our little congregation, we have been engaged in a chapter by chapter study of the Psalms. Recently, my wife came across an excellent article, "The Rock of Our Refuge " by Bruce Reeves.  So I thought this article would reflect on what  are some things that we have observed thus far in our studies. 

While I know that many different groups have different motifs and models of worship, I find it interesting that the Psalms worship to God should be an instructive and teaching experience! It is not a pageant, show, or carnival. One thing that I have noticed repeated more and more is the abundance of Psalms expressing  lament.  The Psalms show us emotions. They teach us to expect and prepare for crisis of faith, emotional turmoil, and moments where I don't understand what is happening or why.  A uniqueness of Job and the Psalms is that they teach us that it is better to question God and come to greater faith than to internalize pain and abandon faith. God has always wanted relationship with us and part of relationship is communication. 

All this said, we should not lose the fact that that the psalms are all about praise. From the immediate situation to all situations, praise is not just for the high points of our faith and lives. I learn in the Psalms to praise in the low points as well. We praise God in the times of gladness, as well as in the storm. Joy is neither emotional nor circumstantial. You learn through the Psalms that it is actually a discipline. Psalms teaches you that suffering, doubt and crisis are always only  a  transitional phase to victorious faith (Psalm 30:5, 11) and joy just beyond their horizon. 

This is just the tip of some much deeper teaching.  Indeed, the books of wisdom are well worth our time and consideration. Even if you're not "religious" it is just a good read that can help you to understand that you're not the only one going through something.

Jim