Meeting machinery

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Today we had a church membership meeting. We discussed two issues. One was an almost rubber stamp type of thing. The other had many facets, any one of which could derail civil communication and end in endless discussion and perhaps acrimony.

Our chair (not the nice blue ones we have, but the chairperson!) carefully steered us through. He pointed out that we needed to deal with a present, and very distinct, motion. He was careful to not let other issues distract us. Much like I had learned in a coaching session earlier in the week – whenever another issue arises, plan to deal with it but leave it for another time.

Now, although there were definitely two sides that came to the table, we met in the middle. Not the compromising middle that is tepid and insipid (let’s add apathetic and apologetic). Rather, the radical middle that recognized differences but wanted to try an option that could be vital and visionary.

Sometimes machinery in the right operator’s hands works. Thanks, John!!

Whether there is weather

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We were outside today, working on our grass patches that didn’t make the winter.  Our anxiety has been that the next rain will come before the seed is planted.  The rain’s nourishment of the seed is vital.

So, we’ve watched the weather channel, listened to the news and gone online.  All indications were that rain was imminent.  I’m looking out the window on an evening sky with a few clouds.  But no imminent rain.

So, whether there is weather, I’m never sure.  Only God knows, and I guess that’s not a bad thing!!

The notion of sin

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A quote every once in a while just hits you on the forehead.  This is a short quote from USA Today at Easter time called "Has the notion of sin been lost".  The article has previously been talking about merely helping people change without them recognizing the root of sin as a problem in their lives.

The Rev. Michael Horton, professor of theology at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, Calif., calls this "moral therapy."

"It’s changing your lifestyle to receive God’s favor," Horton says. "It’s not heaven in the hereafter but happiness here and now. But it is still up to you to make it happen."

He finds sad truth in an old newspaper headline he once saw: " ‘To hell with sin when being good is enough.’ That’s the drift of American preaching today in a lot of churches. People know what sin is; they just don’t believe in it anymore. We mix up happiness and holiness, and God is no longer the reference point."

In other words, he asks, if you can solve your problems or sins yourself, what difference does it make that Christ was crucified?

People have to see themselves as sinners — ultimately alienated from God and unable to save themselves — for Christ’s sacrifice to be essential, Horton says. "(The apostle) Paul didn’t see Easter as therapy."

When least expected

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Recently I was sitting with my father.  We were chatting about life.  In general and specific.

As I listened to some difficult experiences, I suddenly became rather emotional.  Now, I’m not one to let on. And perhaps my father didn’t notice.

But I noticed.  It was unexpected. . . definitely uncalled from my emotional memory banks.  I’m still processing this and other emotions that have surfaced to the light in the last while.  This is unlike the emotions that came in surgery recovery.  Those were uncontrolled – other than as the side effect of drugs.

Now, these emotions are related to events, and people, and things that rightly deserve notice.  But now the notice is deeper than previously.  In the past excess emotion has scared me.  This is not of that sort – I sense a peace with these feelings.  And as I say, I’m still processing this – and I sense leaning into another day will not hurt.

So, for this day – may you also sense peace and protection.  May God’s presence somehow overtake you when you least expect.  And may you continue on to understand the fear of God that leads to great wisdom and understanding.