"No one can serve two masters; for either he/she will hate the one and love the other, or he/she will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon (riches, wealth)." Matthew 6:24
You cannot serve both.
Make no mistake. It is impossible.
Some who claim to be believers in Jesus also claim to be believers in limitless gain, both for themselves and on a corporate or societal level.
Some who claim to love God with all that they have, also love wealth or the hope to attain wealth with all that they have, while shunning their love for neighbor (Jesus defines as enemy, stranger - Lk. 10).
If we try, we end up either hating wealth because of all the evil that greed does to our neighbors, out of our love for Jesus and neighbor, or we hate Jesus' message and example because we love the idea of being wealthy so much that it puts us at odds with His Agape Love teachings for "the least". We most probably end up ignoring Jesus' teachings while claiming the power of His name, which is a lie, when we embrace the pursuit of limitless wealth. That is a lie with regard to our love and devotion.
Where is our devotion? To what or whom are we devoted? Is it to Jesus as Lord, who teaches and exemplifies a different treasure than earthly wealth (Luke 16:10-13), or is it to having wealth and the pursuit of it? If I am devoted to wealth and live a life based on my greed and always having more, I will despise Jesus, who teaches that "a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his/her possessions." (Luke 12:13-21) If I am devoted to Jesus, I will despise the insidious nature of greed and how it is imbedded into economic systems that keep some of those whom God loves down, while others gain more on their backs.
We cannot have it both ways.
Many believe they can, but their lives are a lie of one sort or another. To love Jesus is to love the teachings and examples of Jesus. To love Jesus is to love neighbor as self, and no more want to see neighbor be hurt or go without than one would want to see that for one's self. To love Jesus means that our values are very different from those of selfish greed. It means that we consider the needs of others before our own desires beyond having what we need. That goes against the love of wealth.
We cannot serve two masters.
Make no mistake. If we love even the idea of having wealth, we do not use it or manipulate it to get what we want. It owns us. Ignoring what we DO have as being enough, the mind and heart of greed has at its very core the desire always to have MORE or have IT ALL. No matter what one has then, there is no satisfaction with having enough, and no thankfulness for it as being enough or trust in God who provides enough. One will pursue through whatever means possible, even on the backs of the poor and vulnerable, having more for himself/herself. That goes against Jesus' Agape Love.
To whom or to what are YOU devoted? Jesus or wealth/riches?
What or who do YOU love with all your heart, soul, mind and strength: Jesus or wealth?
So, in your lifestyle and in your outlook toward others in society, in your view of politics and economics, and in your decisions on how you use your time, abilities and possessions and in your voting. Who will YOU serve? "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Pastor Jamie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
immorality
From The Epistle of James, what I consider to be the New Testament Prophet:
"What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions... 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God... Humble yourselves before the Lord and God will exalt you." James 4:1-10
We want things. We want cheap goods (clothing, shoes, food), and we want them to be the very best. We want cheap fuel. We want the best of everything. We even think that we have an inherent right to have the arbitrarily contrived "American way of life" and "standard of living". And we will stop at nothing to get it for our selves.
We destroy the creation in order to get the precious stones, lumber, natural gas and oil in order to maintain our "American way of life". We exploit people in other lands to get cheap labor and to use up their resources, pollute their air, ground and water, so that we can have good, cheap luxuries. We even put our own people out of work (lower-middle class and working poor laborers) while we are doing it, so that SOME of us can have more of "it", and have it less expensively.
We even go to war over it. We wage battles and dominate the world through our military might, economic leverage and conniving activities abroad. We dominate world markets and the world banks and organizations that are meant to keep it fair in the world.
We whine when some other nation gets a piece of the action, as if we are entitled to it, because that has been our belief for a LONG TIME. We wail when oil prices go up and use whatever means at our disposal (political, military, economic) to get cheaper prices for ourselves, other than develop alternative lifestyles or fuels, that is.
What we are doing goes against God's Will for the world and all people in it.
We are in trouble. We are in trouble because of our arrogance. We are in trouble because we believe we are entitled to "it", regardless of what that means for most of our own citizens and for others across the world. We are in trouble because we will stop at nothing to get what we want. We are becoming, not the most free and democratic nation in the world, but the most ruthless, underhanded, mean-spirited and self-indulgent nation in the world.
We see it in our own government, that now hurts the middle class and poor for the sake of the wealthy and powerful. We see it in our own citizenry, that buys whatever we can get cheaply, without considering how others are used and abused in order for us to have it. We see it in our churches and church leaders that preach our destiny as one of personal prosperity and being highly favored over others, while ignoring the message of the Prophets and Jesus, who warned us about such arrogance. We see it, and we don't see it because we are blinded by a powerful sense of entitlement.
Our only hope is in finding the Agape Love that Jesus taught us to live. Our hope is in finding compassion, as Jesus exemplified in feeding the 5,000, that will give us a heart to take care of those in need among us and stop exploiting people in our own nation and abroad for our own personal passions and desires. Instead, we need to make our passion the justice and equity taught by Jesus, so that others will have what they need. Our hope is that we will find that loving neighbor as self means that we no more want to see the "other" go without than we want to see our selves go without, no more want to see "them" hurt than we want to be hurt our selves. Our hope is in a shift of priorities that reflects that Agape Love and leaves us satisfied with having enough, valuing the truly important things in life other than "having more", and keeps us committed to the wellbeing of others around us and across the globe. Our hope is in finding humility in Agape Love.
Until we do that, it will mean more injustice and inequity. It will mean fewer have and more go without. It will mean demonstrating and marching, and I pray not rioting, in our streets. It will mean law makers doing what they do to benefit the wealthy and powerful on the backs of the poor in our own land and across the world. It will mean that others hold us in disdain, not because they "hate freedom", but because they hate the injustice and inequity they see from us. It will mean that we continue to fall apart and sink deeper into the quicksand of unsustainable greed and self-indulgence that now threaten to undo us.
I pray that we will find that humility in Agape Love. I pray that we will find it before it is too late.
Pastor Jamie
"What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions... 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God... Humble yourselves before the Lord and God will exalt you." James 4:1-10
We want things. We want cheap goods (clothing, shoes, food), and we want them to be the very best. We want cheap fuel. We want the best of everything. We even think that we have an inherent right to have the arbitrarily contrived "American way of life" and "standard of living". And we will stop at nothing to get it for our selves.
We destroy the creation in order to get the precious stones, lumber, natural gas and oil in order to maintain our "American way of life". We exploit people in other lands to get cheap labor and to use up their resources, pollute their air, ground and water, so that we can have good, cheap luxuries. We even put our own people out of work (lower-middle class and working poor laborers) while we are doing it, so that SOME of us can have more of "it", and have it less expensively.
We even go to war over it. We wage battles and dominate the world through our military might, economic leverage and conniving activities abroad. We dominate world markets and the world banks and organizations that are meant to keep it fair in the world.
We whine when some other nation gets a piece of the action, as if we are entitled to it, because that has been our belief for a LONG TIME. We wail when oil prices go up and use whatever means at our disposal (political, military, economic) to get cheaper prices for ourselves, other than develop alternative lifestyles or fuels, that is.
What we are doing goes against God's Will for the world and all people in it.
We are in trouble. We are in trouble because of our arrogance. We are in trouble because we believe we are entitled to "it", regardless of what that means for most of our own citizens and for others across the world. We are in trouble because we will stop at nothing to get what we want. We are becoming, not the most free and democratic nation in the world, but the most ruthless, underhanded, mean-spirited and self-indulgent nation in the world.
We see it in our own government, that now hurts the middle class and poor for the sake of the wealthy and powerful. We see it in our own citizenry, that buys whatever we can get cheaply, without considering how others are used and abused in order for us to have it. We see it in our churches and church leaders that preach our destiny as one of personal prosperity and being highly favored over others, while ignoring the message of the Prophets and Jesus, who warned us about such arrogance. We see it, and we don't see it because we are blinded by a powerful sense of entitlement.
Our only hope is in finding the Agape Love that Jesus taught us to live. Our hope is in finding compassion, as Jesus exemplified in feeding the 5,000, that will give us a heart to take care of those in need among us and stop exploiting people in our own nation and abroad for our own personal passions and desires. Instead, we need to make our passion the justice and equity taught by Jesus, so that others will have what they need. Our hope is that we will find that loving neighbor as self means that we no more want to see the "other" go without than we want to see our selves go without, no more want to see "them" hurt than we want to be hurt our selves. Our hope is in a shift of priorities that reflects that Agape Love and leaves us satisfied with having enough, valuing the truly important things in life other than "having more", and keeps us committed to the wellbeing of others around us and across the globe. Our hope is in finding humility in Agape Love.
Until we do that, it will mean more injustice and inequity. It will mean fewer have and more go without. It will mean demonstrating and marching, and I pray not rioting, in our streets. It will mean law makers doing what they do to benefit the wealthy and powerful on the backs of the poor in our own land and across the world. It will mean that others hold us in disdain, not because they "hate freedom", but because they hate the injustice and inequity they see from us. It will mean that we continue to fall apart and sink deeper into the quicksand of unsustainable greed and self-indulgence that now threaten to undo us.
I pray that we will find that humility in Agape Love. I pray that we will find it before it is too late.
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, December 15, 2011
political games
Rather than do the right thing for middle income and lower American families,
Republicans now push through a bill that will help at the expense of the elderly,
cut unemployment benefits to people who have lost their jobs at the hands of their
beloved "job creators"... and,
try to ram through a rider on the bill that will endanger the environment without
regulation, all in order to keep billionaires and oil companies from paying taxes
AGAIN/STILL...
... so they put this on the desk of the President, knowing that he must veto it to
have any integrity, and end up looking bad... (unless people see through it)
games at the expense of working Americans, the few left who have jobs...
and people vote for them? who? only the wealthy and powerful and those who
aspire to be that at the expense of others around them? ... for they are the only
ones who benefit from them being in office!
morality? what morality? doing what is best for America? which America?
certainly not the middle class, lower middle class, working poor and poor in
America... only the wealthy and powerful... only themselves...
... and some of them profess to be "CHRISTIAN"? really? that is following
"The Christ"? really?
these are the same ones who want to keep taxes low for the "job creators" in the
hopes that out of the goodness of their hearts they will hire people back... so far,
companies MAKING MONEY are choosing not to re-hire folks, but work the
ones left harder instead... more profits for stockholders and bonuses for execs...
the sad thing to me is the propensity for ANYONE not wealthy or powerful to
be duped (again) into believing that someday they will actually be let into that club
(including Herman Cain)... this is an elite group that got its wealth and wants to
expand its wealth and keep it on the backs of others "below" them...
"by their fruits you will know them" - Jesus
Please, Lord, let me be loving in ALL aspects of life, society, community...
Pastor Jamie
Republicans now push through a bill that will help at the expense of the elderly,
cut unemployment benefits to people who have lost their jobs at the hands of their
beloved "job creators"... and,
try to ram through a rider on the bill that will endanger the environment without
regulation, all in order to keep billionaires and oil companies from paying taxes
AGAIN/STILL...
... so they put this on the desk of the President, knowing that he must veto it to
have any integrity, and end up looking bad... (unless people see through it)
games at the expense of working Americans, the few left who have jobs...
and people vote for them? who? only the wealthy and powerful and those who
aspire to be that at the expense of others around them? ... for they are the only
ones who benefit from them being in office!
morality? what morality? doing what is best for America? which America?
certainly not the middle class, lower middle class, working poor and poor in
America... only the wealthy and powerful... only themselves...
... and some of them profess to be "CHRISTIAN"? really? that is following
"The Christ"? really?
these are the same ones who want to keep taxes low for the "job creators" in the
hopes that out of the goodness of their hearts they will hire people back... so far,
companies MAKING MONEY are choosing not to re-hire folks, but work the
ones left harder instead... more profits for stockholders and bonuses for execs...
the sad thing to me is the propensity for ANYONE not wealthy or powerful to
be duped (again) into believing that someday they will actually be let into that club
(including Herman Cain)... this is an elite group that got its wealth and wants to
expand its wealth and keep it on the backs of others "below" them...
"by their fruits you will know them" - Jesus
Please, Lord, let me be loving in ALL aspects of life, society, community...
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A "Christian Nation"?
I heard of a politician ruffling because our President said something about this not being a "Christian Nation". I have to agree with the President.
Does this nation reflect "The Christ"? (Jesus, as we have His teachings and example in the Gospels)
Do we exhibit signs of being His followers, as a nation, in our actions and words?
Now, some will go off here, into personal devotion to Him, lip service to God and country, etc., etc. But I am talking about what came out of Jesus' mouth, according to the Gospels and what He exhibited in how He was in the world, not some general, civil religion (create Jesus in OUR image) kind of stuff...
Some of those who ruffled partly over the thought of including non-Christians in the definition of the nation, while Jesus included the gentiles, samaritans, even Roman officials and other "strangers" to the faith He practiced in His healing, teachings and encounters in love. When we do not respect others in their faith practice, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we exploit others in other nations for cheap labor so we can have cheaper goods, waste their resources and pollute their air, water and ground for our cheap goods are we representing "The Christ"?
When we manipulate NATO, The WTO and other world organizations to benefit us at the expense of others across the world, are we representing "The Christ" of all nations?
When we hurt our own citizens financially, in their civil rights and otherwise, so that we can benefit the few over the many with more power and wealth, are we representing "The Christ" as a nation?
When we create more poor folks with a system designed to lift a few up and keep the rest down, and ignore them or exploit them to make more money off their backs, are we representing "The Christ" who identifies with "The Least of these" as His brothers and sisters?
When we put political power and getting and/or keeping it above the wellbeing of our citizens, voting against bills designed to help them just to make the President look bad, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we do all we can to get/keep political power, including putting up barriers for certain segments of the population, so that they will find it hard or impossible to exercise their rights to vote, or blatantly take away the rights of some of "those people" to vote are we representing "The Christ"?
When our politicians, elected in a "democracy", rather value only limitless capitalism (an economic system put over the governmental one here), and represent not the poor and lower, middle class but only the wealthy and powerful in their lawmaking, are we representing "The Christ" who blesses the poor?
When we vilify and scapegoat the sojourners in our land, treat the aliens in the land shamefully and then try to deport them after we have exploited them for generations, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we march into other lands, kill citizens there, occupy their lands like the Romans did Jesus' land, are we representing "The Christ"?
When church leaders and members remain silent in the face of civil and economic injustice, because it might offend the powerful and wealthy in their churches, are we representing "The Christ"?
When the church in America reflects the world's passions for power and wealth, rather than address them with the Good News of Jesus in the church that bears His name, are we representing "The Christ"?
When the church in American that bears His name preaches personal power and prosperity, instead of community wellbeing and love for neighbor as self, are we representing "The Christ"?
Believing is also following, isn't it? Isn't Agape love a committed act on behalf of "the other"? If we claim to be Christian, as an individual, church or nation, do we not have to represent "The Christ"?
"This is how they will know that you are my followers (not in that you have more power and wealth, wave the American flag more and confuse country for God, ignore the needs of others and undertake only your own prosperity), in that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
"By their fruits you will know them."
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Our national heart and soul is not where Jesus' teachings and examples are, for we treasure our biggest idol as a nation - our selves.
But we want to be called "A Christian Nation"?
I pray that we will exhibit The Christ in our values, rhetoric and actions in the future. Right now, as a nation among nations, we do not.
Pastor Jamie
Does this nation reflect "The Christ"? (Jesus, as we have His teachings and example in the Gospels)
Do we exhibit signs of being His followers, as a nation, in our actions and words?
Now, some will go off here, into personal devotion to Him, lip service to God and country, etc., etc. But I am talking about what came out of Jesus' mouth, according to the Gospels and what He exhibited in how He was in the world, not some general, civil religion (create Jesus in OUR image) kind of stuff...
Some of those who ruffled partly over the thought of including non-Christians in the definition of the nation, while Jesus included the gentiles, samaritans, even Roman officials and other "strangers" to the faith He practiced in His healing, teachings and encounters in love. When we do not respect others in their faith practice, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we exploit others in other nations for cheap labor so we can have cheaper goods, waste their resources and pollute their air, water and ground for our cheap goods are we representing "The Christ"?
When we manipulate NATO, The WTO and other world organizations to benefit us at the expense of others across the world, are we representing "The Christ" of all nations?
When we hurt our own citizens financially, in their civil rights and otherwise, so that we can benefit the few over the many with more power and wealth, are we representing "The Christ" as a nation?
When we create more poor folks with a system designed to lift a few up and keep the rest down, and ignore them or exploit them to make more money off their backs, are we representing "The Christ" who identifies with "The Least of these" as His brothers and sisters?
When we put political power and getting and/or keeping it above the wellbeing of our citizens, voting against bills designed to help them just to make the President look bad, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we do all we can to get/keep political power, including putting up barriers for certain segments of the population, so that they will find it hard or impossible to exercise their rights to vote, or blatantly take away the rights of some of "those people" to vote are we representing "The Christ"?
When our politicians, elected in a "democracy", rather value only limitless capitalism (an economic system put over the governmental one here), and represent not the poor and lower, middle class but only the wealthy and powerful in their lawmaking, are we representing "The Christ" who blesses the poor?
When we vilify and scapegoat the sojourners in our land, treat the aliens in the land shamefully and then try to deport them after we have exploited them for generations, are we representing "The Christ"?
When we march into other lands, kill citizens there, occupy their lands like the Romans did Jesus' land, are we representing "The Christ"?
When church leaders and members remain silent in the face of civil and economic injustice, because it might offend the powerful and wealthy in their churches, are we representing "The Christ"?
When the church in America reflects the world's passions for power and wealth, rather than address them with the Good News of Jesus in the church that bears His name, are we representing "The Christ"?
When the church in American that bears His name preaches personal power and prosperity, instead of community wellbeing and love for neighbor as self, are we representing "The Christ"?
Believing is also following, isn't it? Isn't Agape love a committed act on behalf of "the other"? If we claim to be Christian, as an individual, church or nation, do we not have to represent "The Christ"?
"This is how they will know that you are my followers (not in that you have more power and wealth, wave the American flag more and confuse country for God, ignore the needs of others and undertake only your own prosperity), in that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER."
"By their fruits you will know them."
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Our national heart and soul is not where Jesus' teachings and examples are, for we treasure our biggest idol as a nation - our selves.
But we want to be called "A Christian Nation"?
I pray that we will exhibit The Christ in our values, rhetoric and actions in the future. Right now, as a nation among nations, we do not.
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Jesus help us - politics and economics
As a follower of Jesus, and one who truly believes that you cannot serve two masters,
that love of power and love of money over love for God and neighbor is not faithful,
and that justice comes from love for all equally...
It seems to me that we de-value Democracy in the current climate of our nation, and
only value limitless capitalism.
Great lengths are being taken to eliminate voters' rights... under the guise of concern over
voter fraud, mostly poor and lower, middle class, mostly more left of center and mostly people
of color are being given more hoops to jump through, more barriers to voting and more
questions about their legitimate right to vote by Republicans. District lines are being re-drawn
to favor one party over another, rather than allow all to have equal opportunity. I thought we
were the people who valued democracy itself, and not just gaining power for "our side". Doing
"whatever it takes to win" is not love for democracy. It is the process of EQUAL representation
in the nation that is democracy. Where is our love for that?
The only thing worse, is confusing true, patriotic love for democracy with limitless
capitalistic greed. Corporations are running the country through lobbyists. They directly
own much of our Congress, so we are not being represented, but the corporations' desires
are... de-regulation so that thousands of workers can be laid off or fired for the sake of
more profits for stockholders and bonuses for CEO's is not democratic. These are the
"job creators" who want to convince us that they will hire folks out of the goodness of
their hearts if we don't make them pay their fair share of taxes. They were not paying
them before when they laid them off! De-regulation so that our air, water and land are
poisoned and natural resources are wasted - all for more profit - is not democracy of the
people, for the people and by the people, but gaining more for a few at the expense of
the rest of the people.
The 1% are in full control, because they successfully divide the 99%, putting us at
odds over issues they have deemed "critical", so that we will not focus and act upon the
real injustices and their creation of and benefit from them.
Limitless capitalism is born of insatiable greed.
Power politics are born out of an insatiable lust for power.
They are both idolatry. Jesus addressed them, as recorded in the Gospels. Don't believe
me? Read the Gospels and especially what Jesus taught and exemplified in them. It is
neither rocket science nor brain surgery. It is easy to understand. Jesus' commanded
Agape Love has no place in this, and this has no place in it. Really! Read it!
Our nation's soul is at stake.
If we do not see beyond our own desire to always have more money and power,
we will implode. We are already a deeply divided nation. God's vision of the peaceable
Kingdom with lion and lamb together does not apply with donkeys and elephants or rich
and poor in America. Jesus' prayer that we be one, even as Jesus and the Father are one,
is FAR from complete. Until we learn to love "the other side" enough to allow them to
live and live well, we are not living the Agape Love that Jesus commanded. Until we take
care of "the least of these, (Jesus') brothers and sisters", we have no place in Him.
Our great immorality has nothing to do with sex, as some would have us believe. Our
deep immorality has to do with insatiable greed and lust for power, and how we will hurt
anyone we can to get them.
It is time for WE THE PEOPLE to speak AS ONE, and not allow one party to kill any
legislation that would help others who are our neighbors. It is time for WE THE PEOPLE
to vote AS ONE, and not allow party politics to keep us under the thumb of big business
at the expense of regular citizens who only want to work and make a living. It is time for
WE THE PEOPLE to act AS ONE, and say NO to the injustices that personal greed and
lust for power have created in our nation, before it all falls apart.
I pray for social action and not rioting. I pray for dialogue and not unilateral action. I pray
for justice and not abuses of greed and power. I pray for America. ALL of America, and
not just the "privileged" few.
Jesus, help us!
Pastor Jamie
that love of power and love of money over love for God and neighbor is not faithful,
and that justice comes from love for all equally...
It seems to me that we de-value Democracy in the current climate of our nation, and
only value limitless capitalism.
Great lengths are being taken to eliminate voters' rights... under the guise of concern over
voter fraud, mostly poor and lower, middle class, mostly more left of center and mostly people
of color are being given more hoops to jump through, more barriers to voting and more
questions about their legitimate right to vote by Republicans. District lines are being re-drawn
to favor one party over another, rather than allow all to have equal opportunity. I thought we
were the people who valued democracy itself, and not just gaining power for "our side". Doing
"whatever it takes to win" is not love for democracy. It is the process of EQUAL representation
in the nation that is democracy. Where is our love for that?
The only thing worse, is confusing true, patriotic love for democracy with limitless
capitalistic greed. Corporations are running the country through lobbyists. They directly
own much of our Congress, so we are not being represented, but the corporations' desires
are... de-regulation so that thousands of workers can be laid off or fired for the sake of
more profits for stockholders and bonuses for CEO's is not democratic. These are the
"job creators" who want to convince us that they will hire folks out of the goodness of
their hearts if we don't make them pay their fair share of taxes. They were not paying
them before when they laid them off! De-regulation so that our air, water and land are
poisoned and natural resources are wasted - all for more profit - is not democracy of the
people, for the people and by the people, but gaining more for a few at the expense of
the rest of the people.
The 1% are in full control, because they successfully divide the 99%, putting us at
odds over issues they have deemed "critical", so that we will not focus and act upon the
real injustices and their creation of and benefit from them.
Limitless capitalism is born of insatiable greed.
Power politics are born out of an insatiable lust for power.
They are both idolatry. Jesus addressed them, as recorded in the Gospels. Don't believe
me? Read the Gospels and especially what Jesus taught and exemplified in them. It is
neither rocket science nor brain surgery. It is easy to understand. Jesus' commanded
Agape Love has no place in this, and this has no place in it. Really! Read it!
Our nation's soul is at stake.
If we do not see beyond our own desire to always have more money and power,
we will implode. We are already a deeply divided nation. God's vision of the peaceable
Kingdom with lion and lamb together does not apply with donkeys and elephants or rich
and poor in America. Jesus' prayer that we be one, even as Jesus and the Father are one,
is FAR from complete. Until we learn to love "the other side" enough to allow them to
live and live well, we are not living the Agape Love that Jesus commanded. Until we take
care of "the least of these, (Jesus') brothers and sisters", we have no place in Him.
Our great immorality has nothing to do with sex, as some would have us believe. Our
deep immorality has to do with insatiable greed and lust for power, and how we will hurt
anyone we can to get them.
It is time for WE THE PEOPLE to speak AS ONE, and not allow one party to kill any
legislation that would help others who are our neighbors. It is time for WE THE PEOPLE
to vote AS ONE, and not allow party politics to keep us under the thumb of big business
at the expense of regular citizens who only want to work and make a living. It is time for
WE THE PEOPLE to act AS ONE, and say NO to the injustices that personal greed and
lust for power have created in our nation, before it all falls apart.
I pray for social action and not rioting. I pray for dialogue and not unilateral action. I pray
for justice and not abuses of greed and power. I pray for America. ALL of America, and
not just the "privileged" few.
Jesus, help us!
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing I've ever done"
That is a song we sing at our little church sometimes.
It is pure emotion. I love it. Like the Mystics of old (and now),
it is about a relationship built on love and trust... romantic words
often being used by mystics and others, even Jesus... Bride and
Bridegroom language was often used to describe the excitement,
thrill, anticipation of arrival and affection of the relationship...
As you may know, the infatuation stage of a relationship can last
for two years or more... so when you emerge from the "trance" of
eros infatuation, you may find yourself married to a person and
wondering what happened... or you may emerge from that stage
of love and find that you have underneath it a deeper, more abiding
love (Agape). Likewise, we have some of the same experiences in
our relationship with Jesus... the excitement of new discovery and
forming a commitment to Jesus... the thrill of this new found love...
the welling up of emotions and anticipation of the next encounter
in worship, retreat or personal devotions...
My deeper Agape Love and the depth of commitment is centered
on what Jesus taught and exemplified... I have been giddy over the
pure emotion of worship and praise, of retreat and prayer groups...
but the deeper, more abiding joy comes from the depth of Jesus'
teachings on society: love, power, economics, compassion, empathy,
justice, peace, community, healing, Kingdom values... my love affair
with Jesus comes in His vision for how THIS PART of the Kingdom
of God is to be for ALL people in love... I love The Word in the Gospels.
I love how He loves me and us, and know that He calls me to love others
whom He loves... I love who I am because I love Jesus, and who I am
becoming when I suspend the judgments I once held, the hatreds I once carried
and the attitudes I once embraced that put me at odds with what Jesus taught
and exemplified as Kingdom values. I love the message and its possibilities for
the world. And I love the messenger of God's Kingdom values, and call Him "Lord"
of my life.
Like in dating or marriage relationships, we must learn to love, respect
and honor those whom our loved one loves - family, friends, acquaintances,
causes, passions, commitments... if we love him/her, so we will strive to
love them... and so it is with our relationship with Jesus... we, the Bride,
are called to love those whom the Groom loves, even though we might
not normally, left on our own, hold much affection for them - but we do not
want to be left on our own when it comes to Jesus... we want to live this
love affair to the fullest... and it is NOT just about our eros love for Him
and me (you), but about living in a deeper, abiding Agape Love for Him
and those whom He loves...
It is about the two becoming one - the Bridegroom and Bride... adopting
Jesus' vision, morals, convictions, passions and values as our own...
we will remain individual, independent persons, certainly, but willingly
embracing what He embraces brings me closer to Him... not doing so
puts me at odds with Him... I want to grow as one with Jesus, even as that
was His prayer for us (John 17:22)... my prayer is that those around me in
the world will see more and more of Him and less and less of me in me as
I grow in this relationship with Jesus and live what He taught and
exemplified in the world.
Falling in love with Jesus, falling in love with Jesus, falling in love
with Jesus is the best thing I've ever done!
Pastor Jamie
It is pure emotion. I love it. Like the Mystics of old (and now),
it is about a relationship built on love and trust... romantic words
often being used by mystics and others, even Jesus... Bride and
Bridegroom language was often used to describe the excitement,
thrill, anticipation of arrival and affection of the relationship...
As you may know, the infatuation stage of a relationship can last
for two years or more... so when you emerge from the "trance" of
eros infatuation, you may find yourself married to a person and
wondering what happened... or you may emerge from that stage
of love and find that you have underneath it a deeper, more abiding
love (Agape). Likewise, we have some of the same experiences in
our relationship with Jesus... the excitement of new discovery and
forming a commitment to Jesus... the thrill of this new found love...
the welling up of emotions and anticipation of the next encounter
in worship, retreat or personal devotions...
My deeper Agape Love and the depth of commitment is centered
on what Jesus taught and exemplified... I have been giddy over the
pure emotion of worship and praise, of retreat and prayer groups...
but the deeper, more abiding joy comes from the depth of Jesus'
teachings on society: love, power, economics, compassion, empathy,
justice, peace, community, healing, Kingdom values... my love affair
with Jesus comes in His vision for how THIS PART of the Kingdom
of God is to be for ALL people in love... I love The Word in the Gospels.
I love how He loves me and us, and know that He calls me to love others
whom He loves... I love who I am because I love Jesus, and who I am
becoming when I suspend the judgments I once held, the hatreds I once carried
and the attitudes I once embraced that put me at odds with what Jesus taught
and exemplified as Kingdom values. I love the message and its possibilities for
the world. And I love the messenger of God's Kingdom values, and call Him "Lord"
of my life.
Like in dating or marriage relationships, we must learn to love, respect
and honor those whom our loved one loves - family, friends, acquaintances,
causes, passions, commitments... if we love him/her, so we will strive to
love them... and so it is with our relationship with Jesus... we, the Bride,
are called to love those whom the Groom loves, even though we might
not normally, left on our own, hold much affection for them - but we do not
want to be left on our own when it comes to Jesus... we want to live this
love affair to the fullest... and it is NOT just about our eros love for Him
and me (you), but about living in a deeper, abiding Agape Love for Him
and those whom He loves...
It is about the two becoming one - the Bridegroom and Bride... adopting
Jesus' vision, morals, convictions, passions and values as our own...
we will remain individual, independent persons, certainly, but willingly
embracing what He embraces brings me closer to Him... not doing so
puts me at odds with Him... I want to grow as one with Jesus, even as that
was His prayer for us (John 17:22)... my prayer is that those around me in
the world will see more and more of Him and less and less of me in me as
I grow in this relationship with Jesus and live what He taught and
exemplified in the world.
Falling in love with Jesus, falling in love with Jesus, falling in love
with Jesus is the best thing I've ever done!
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
True Insanity
The news (ok, it was Fox) in Atlanta reported that a woman threw her 8 year old son out of the window and stabbed her 4 year old daughter to death, before stabbing herself and being killed by police. Her Pentecostal Bishop, while being interviewed, said that she had been to the church, had said she was under a lot of financial pressure (water had been turned off), acting strangely, was seen talking to herself and was clearly "not herself" according to church witnesses. They prayed for her and sent her home. He said in the interview that they believe there are demonic forces at work, after all, what else could have caused a woman to do this to her own children? I don't know... ummmm... mental health issues?
How many abused women and children have heard from their pastors or bishops that they must stay with their husband/honor their father or mother, with horrible outcomes, because it is God's will according to their pastor or bishop?
How many people have turned to the church they have given their tithes to for years, in a time of desperate need, perhaps in need because their pastor or bishop told them they must tithe and more... just to be turned away without help?
How many people have been prayed for, rather than referred to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, because of the belief of their pastor or bishop that they could be supernaturally and spiritually healed, with horrendous outcomes?
Who are the truly insane here?
Sometimes, while looking intently for the supernatural interventions that some proclaim, God's work in human compassion, mature thinking and mental health and/or medical sciences is ignored, de-valued or rejected as being OTHER THAN God's work...
Find out where your Pastor or Bishop got their FORMAL TRAINING.
A call is one thing, charismatic gifts are another and responsible preparation is yet another...
Bubba's Bible College for six weeks is not formal training.
If one is called, I believe a cost of discipleship and discipline of preparation for the ministry might be formal training for more than a few weeks of glorified Bible Study.
Has your pastor or bishop learned the original, Biblical Languages?
Has your pastor or bishop studied the historical and cultural contexts of the writers of the scripture?
Exegetical methods and hermeneutical studies?
Has your pastor or bishop had pastoral care and counseling courses at a reputable school?
Have they studied how to teach people in Christian Education courses?
Do they recognize God at work in the mind as well as the heart or spirit?
Have they worked under a pastor in contextual education for a time?
Have they invested their time and money in training for ministry, or have they just claimed God's "anointing" and have launched into making stuff up as they go along?
Don't get me wrong... I think Spiritual healing is needed, often... it is currently my full time ministry, in fact, with hospice... but the healing of the mind, body, spirit and relationships and other aspects of human existence are no less from God when they are done in therapy (the use of the mind God gave for healing) or through medicines provided by the creator.
I am repulsed by someone's bishop praying over them and sending them home, with family members noticing huge differences in behavior and not getting their loved one help... rather than being "mature in thinking" and calling someone who could help her and her children.
Who is really insane or demon possessed here? All of the above? I DO believe that evil was at work in this... just not, perhaps, a demon.
If I seem not myself, start talking to myself and behaving irrationally, depressed or out of touch with reality in any way... PLEASE feel free to pray with me, and then GET ME SOME HELP from someone whose call in life is to serve God by helping me!
Pastor Jamie
How many abused women and children have heard from their pastors or bishops that they must stay with their husband/honor their father or mother, with horrible outcomes, because it is God's will according to their pastor or bishop?
How many people have turned to the church they have given their tithes to for years, in a time of desperate need, perhaps in need because their pastor or bishop told them they must tithe and more... just to be turned away without help?
How many people have been prayed for, rather than referred to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, because of the belief of their pastor or bishop that they could be supernaturally and spiritually healed, with horrendous outcomes?
Who are the truly insane here?
Sometimes, while looking intently for the supernatural interventions that some proclaim, God's work in human compassion, mature thinking and mental health and/or medical sciences is ignored, de-valued or rejected as being OTHER THAN God's work...
Find out where your Pastor or Bishop got their FORMAL TRAINING.
A call is one thing, charismatic gifts are another and responsible preparation is yet another...
Bubba's Bible College for six weeks is not formal training.
If one is called, I believe a cost of discipleship and discipline of preparation for the ministry might be formal training for more than a few weeks of glorified Bible Study.
Has your pastor or bishop learned the original, Biblical Languages?
Has your pastor or bishop studied the historical and cultural contexts of the writers of the scripture?
Exegetical methods and hermeneutical studies?
Has your pastor or bishop had pastoral care and counseling courses at a reputable school?
Have they studied how to teach people in Christian Education courses?
Do they recognize God at work in the mind as well as the heart or spirit?
Have they worked under a pastor in contextual education for a time?
Have they invested their time and money in training for ministry, or have they just claimed God's "anointing" and have launched into making stuff up as they go along?
Don't get me wrong... I think Spiritual healing is needed, often... it is currently my full time ministry, in fact, with hospice... but the healing of the mind, body, spirit and relationships and other aspects of human existence are no less from God when they are done in therapy (the use of the mind God gave for healing) or through medicines provided by the creator.
I am repulsed by someone's bishop praying over them and sending them home, with family members noticing huge differences in behavior and not getting their loved one help... rather than being "mature in thinking" and calling someone who could help her and her children.
Who is really insane or demon possessed here? All of the above? I DO believe that evil was at work in this... just not, perhaps, a demon.
If I seem not myself, start talking to myself and behaving irrationally, depressed or out of touch with reality in any way... PLEASE feel free to pray with me, and then GET ME SOME HELP from someone whose call in life is to serve God by helping me!
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks
I am thankful for what I have.
I know that it may not be fashionable in an age and culture that values the unlimited acquisition of more, and that likens satisfaction with a lack of drive or ambition.
I am satisfied with what I have.
I have a connection with the Lord of my life that is empowering, enlightening, engaging, inspiring and comforting. I have true moral direction offered to me in the teachings of Jesus as we have them reflected in the Gospels. I have The Good News of Jesus. I have Agape Love for my Lord, knowing that I have it because it has first been given to me. For God, I am truly thankful!
I have an incredible life partner. She and I were put together "late in life", but we are like kids together, and share laughter, tears, interests, convictions and faith. This Eros love is marvelous because it has at its foundation, Agape Love. For her, I am very thankful!
I have a family and friends, acquaintances and encounters with strangers that inspire, move and touch me regularly. These are the people with whom I live Phileos Love. They are wonderful to me and I pray that I can be wonderful to them. In various measures, the Agape Love shines through with all of them. For them, I am thankful!
I have a house which is home. I have a job, the means through which God provides my daily bread. I am thankful for these things, especially in light of the many who do not have as much. I believe that I have been given what I have so that I might glorify God and edify the lives of those whom God loves and who I am called to love with that same Agape Love. It pains me to see so many people struggling. I recognize that I have had doors opened to me because I am a straight, white male in America, that others, even many whom I love, have not had... and that barriers were not set before me because of it that were put before them. Were I to turn a blind eye or ignore those with less than I have, it would mean that I am more like Dives in Jesus' story than I would like to be. It pains me because I love them as brothers and sisters. It pains me because I am called and commanded to love them. I give to many who beg from me, because Jesus commanded it. I strive to "give them something to eat", as Jesus commanded His followers to do with the 5,000, and feed His lambs and tend His sheep, as He told the Rock of the Church. I work at "go and do likewise", even as Jesus taught about loving enemy and stranger in the Good Samaritan parable. When I have twice as much as I need (and I do), I give of my abundance, as Jesus taught. I do not do these things because I have guilt or because I want to appear to be better than someone else. I do them because I believe they are the right things to do, and because I am THANKFUL for what I have, and because I am growing in my Agape Love for neighbor (even enemy and stranger, as defined by Jesus).
We live in a world that tells us that we should "look out for number one", "take care of your own" and "grab for all the gusto" (old commercial). We live in a culture that emphasizes success as the accumulation of more wealth, regardless of who else might get hurt in the process. We live in a culture that makes us believe we are "self made", as if... We live in a culture that teaches us that what we acquire belongs only to us and generosity is a sign of weakness, socialism or a bleeding heart mentality. Even among those who profess to follow Jesus, the attitude is not to love neighbor as self, but rather to love self in spite of neighbor, and in spite of what Jesus teaches. We live in a culture that gets ugly when one would dare suggest we help the poor out of our abundance, support those who are working with fair wages and benefits and work to make sure that ALL and not just some have what they need.
None of that reflects the teachings of Jesus. That is all that matters to me. I strive to submit my heart and mind, and therefore my actions to my Lord's way for me. I strive to conform my will, attitudes and behaviors, to Jesus' will - not just for me, but for how the Agape Love to which I have been commanded will impact those around me. I want to please God and love others, so I work at it.
ALL OF THIS comes out of THANKFULNESS to GOD for what I have. All the opportunities in my life, the possibilities before me, all that I am and have, all comes from God. I am thankful for it all! God has given me so much and made so much possible for me, Love and Grace chief among the gifts, that if God did not do or give another thing for me for the rest of my life, still I could spend it giving thanks for what God has ALREADY GIVEN: creation, redemption, salvation, sanctification, presence, power, grace, love, mercy.
GIVE THANKS...
Live with a thankful, satisfied heart for what you DO HAVE... for it is substantial!
Go against the culture on this one... and out of a thankful, satisfied heart... be generous with those
who do not have as much and PRAY for the day when the Kingdom Values will be lived and
all people WILL, and then WORK TOWARD IT in Love, toward justice, equity and peace...
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as
you love yourself... it is Jesus' command and way for your life, for our life together...
Pastor Jamie
I know that it may not be fashionable in an age and culture that values the unlimited acquisition of more, and that likens satisfaction with a lack of drive or ambition.
I am satisfied with what I have.
I have a connection with the Lord of my life that is empowering, enlightening, engaging, inspiring and comforting. I have true moral direction offered to me in the teachings of Jesus as we have them reflected in the Gospels. I have The Good News of Jesus. I have Agape Love for my Lord, knowing that I have it because it has first been given to me. For God, I am truly thankful!
I have an incredible life partner. She and I were put together "late in life", but we are like kids together, and share laughter, tears, interests, convictions and faith. This Eros love is marvelous because it has at its foundation, Agape Love. For her, I am very thankful!
I have a family and friends, acquaintances and encounters with strangers that inspire, move and touch me regularly. These are the people with whom I live Phileos Love. They are wonderful to me and I pray that I can be wonderful to them. In various measures, the Agape Love shines through with all of them. For them, I am thankful!
I have a house which is home. I have a job, the means through which God provides my daily bread. I am thankful for these things, especially in light of the many who do not have as much. I believe that I have been given what I have so that I might glorify God and edify the lives of those whom God loves and who I am called to love with that same Agape Love. It pains me to see so many people struggling. I recognize that I have had doors opened to me because I am a straight, white male in America, that others, even many whom I love, have not had... and that barriers were not set before me because of it that were put before them. Were I to turn a blind eye or ignore those with less than I have, it would mean that I am more like Dives in Jesus' story than I would like to be. It pains me because I love them as brothers and sisters. It pains me because I am called and commanded to love them. I give to many who beg from me, because Jesus commanded it. I strive to "give them something to eat", as Jesus commanded His followers to do with the 5,000, and feed His lambs and tend His sheep, as He told the Rock of the Church. I work at "go and do likewise", even as Jesus taught about loving enemy and stranger in the Good Samaritan parable. When I have twice as much as I need (and I do), I give of my abundance, as Jesus taught. I do not do these things because I have guilt or because I want to appear to be better than someone else. I do them because I believe they are the right things to do, and because I am THANKFUL for what I have, and because I am growing in my Agape Love for neighbor (even enemy and stranger, as defined by Jesus).
We live in a world that tells us that we should "look out for number one", "take care of your own" and "grab for all the gusto" (old commercial). We live in a culture that emphasizes success as the accumulation of more wealth, regardless of who else might get hurt in the process. We live in a culture that makes us believe we are "self made", as if... We live in a culture that teaches us that what we acquire belongs only to us and generosity is a sign of weakness, socialism or a bleeding heart mentality. Even among those who profess to follow Jesus, the attitude is not to love neighbor as self, but rather to love self in spite of neighbor, and in spite of what Jesus teaches. We live in a culture that gets ugly when one would dare suggest we help the poor out of our abundance, support those who are working with fair wages and benefits and work to make sure that ALL and not just some have what they need.
None of that reflects the teachings of Jesus. That is all that matters to me. I strive to submit my heart and mind, and therefore my actions to my Lord's way for me. I strive to conform my will, attitudes and behaviors, to Jesus' will - not just for me, but for how the Agape Love to which I have been commanded will impact those around me. I want to please God and love others, so I work at it.
ALL OF THIS comes out of THANKFULNESS to GOD for what I have. All the opportunities in my life, the possibilities before me, all that I am and have, all comes from God. I am thankful for it all! God has given me so much and made so much possible for me, Love and Grace chief among the gifts, that if God did not do or give another thing for me for the rest of my life, still I could spend it giving thanks for what God has ALREADY GIVEN: creation, redemption, salvation, sanctification, presence, power, grace, love, mercy.
GIVE THANKS...
Live with a thankful, satisfied heart for what you DO HAVE... for it is substantial!
Go against the culture on this one... and out of a thankful, satisfied heart... be generous with those
who do not have as much and PRAY for the day when the Kingdom Values will be lived and
all people WILL, and then WORK TOWARD IT in Love, toward justice, equity and peace...
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as
you love yourself... it is Jesus' command and way for your life, for our life together...
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Jesus and Kingdom Values
Jesus values human beings above personal wealth. It would logically follow that those who profess to FOLLOW HIM, would do the same.
Jesus lifted up the hungry, naked, stranger, sick and imprisoned so much that He said when any of us help them we help Him, and when we refuse them, we refuse Him (Matthew 25:31-46). He loves them and identifies with them. We are supposed to follow Him in that love. He even makes salvation dependent upon it.
Jesus commanded that we "give to one who begs from us"(Luke 6:27-31).
Jesus said that it will be hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom, because their values are often all wrong (Matthew 19:23-30), and encountered a rich man who could not give up his own wealth to help
the poor, so he went away sad because he chose other than Kingdom values, even knowing the price for it (Luke 18: 18-30).
Jesus said "woe" to those who are rich and satisfied, and that those who are poor and hungry are blessed according to Kingdom Values (Luke 6:20-26).
Jesus taught about a Rich Fool who hoarded more and more, built a bigger barn to store all in and died (Luke 12:15-21), because his values were all wrong.
Jesus taught about The Rich Man who died and went to hell for leaving poor and sick Lazarus at his gate (Luke 16:19-31).
And yet, there are people who claim to be Christian and who have no concern for the poor, but rather blame them for the situation they face which the rich and powerful created... they concern them selves with getting more personal gain, and justify it with Old Testament passages (when Jesus said that He fulfills the Law and Prophets)... they actively work to exploit others (mostly poor and working poor) for their own gain... even some who do not have that much themselves, but are middle class and aspire to be rich, to be let into "the club", who with great zeal rail at the poor and those who stand with them, blaming those "below" them on the economic ladder for their not having more, when it is the rich and powerful "above" them who hold them out... they try to prove themselves worthy of being among the rich and powerful, who Jesus warns us against! They claim to be Christian, but "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:15-20). They claim to be Christian, but "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Luke 12:32-34) They claim to be Christian, but they do not live according to Jesus' Kingdom values.
And Jesus says:
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord" and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46), and
that even though people may prophesy in His name, cast out demons and do mighty works, still "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the Kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 7:21-23).
If we call our selves "Christians", doesn't that mean that we follow THE CHRIST?
Christian business people, Christian politicians, Christian stockholders, Christian neighbors should, as Paul suggests, "look not only to our own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:1-11), if we are living the Agape Love that Jesus commanded.
Pastor Jamie
Jesus lifted up the hungry, naked, stranger, sick and imprisoned so much that He said when any of us help them we help Him, and when we refuse them, we refuse Him (Matthew 25:31-46). He loves them and identifies with them. We are supposed to follow Him in that love. He even makes salvation dependent upon it.
Jesus commanded that we "give to one who begs from us"(Luke 6:27-31).
Jesus said that it will be hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom, because their values are often all wrong (Matthew 19:23-30), and encountered a rich man who could not give up his own wealth to help
the poor, so he went away sad because he chose other than Kingdom values, even knowing the price for it (Luke 18: 18-30).
Jesus said "woe" to those who are rich and satisfied, and that those who are poor and hungry are blessed according to Kingdom Values (Luke 6:20-26).
Jesus taught about a Rich Fool who hoarded more and more, built a bigger barn to store all in and died (Luke 12:15-21), because his values were all wrong.
Jesus taught about The Rich Man who died and went to hell for leaving poor and sick Lazarus at his gate (Luke 16:19-31).
And yet, there are people who claim to be Christian and who have no concern for the poor, but rather blame them for the situation they face which the rich and powerful created... they concern them selves with getting more personal gain, and justify it with Old Testament passages (when Jesus said that He fulfills the Law and Prophets)... they actively work to exploit others (mostly poor and working poor) for their own gain... even some who do not have that much themselves, but are middle class and aspire to be rich, to be let into "the club", who with great zeal rail at the poor and those who stand with them, blaming those "below" them on the economic ladder for their not having more, when it is the rich and powerful "above" them who hold them out... they try to prove themselves worthy of being among the rich and powerful, who Jesus warns us against! They claim to be Christian, but "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:15-20). They claim to be Christian, but "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."(Luke 12:32-34) They claim to be Christian, but they do not live according to Jesus' Kingdom values.
And Jesus says:
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord" and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46), and
that even though people may prophesy in His name, cast out demons and do mighty works, still "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the Kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 7:21-23).
If we call our selves "Christians", doesn't that mean that we follow THE CHRIST?
Christian business people, Christian politicians, Christian stockholders, Christian neighbors should, as Paul suggests, "look not only to our own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:1-11), if we are living the Agape Love that Jesus commanded.
Pastor Jamie
Friday, November 18, 2011
salvation with Jesus
Many are led to adopt a "me and Jesus" belief, as if what Jesus taught about the Kingdom and life in it has everything to do with each individual and nothing to do with community, society and how we live with one another. "The one who believes and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16), is seen as what it is all about with Jesus, with no accountability to other teachings Jesus offered regarding loving Neighbor as self and other commands.
Following Jesus means loving God AND Neighbor as self! It has EVERYTHING to do with what "Christian" business leaders, "Christian" politicians, "Christian" neighbors and "Christian" citizens do, and not just what they believe. To believe means that we heed what Jesus taught and exemplified, and not just hold Him as God's son. In fact, Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you to do?" (Luke 6:46) If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, perhaps we should obey His commandments.
Salvation for Jesus also includes...
Not ignoring the poor, sick person at our gate (The Rich man and Lazarus) Luke 16
Not refusing the hungry, naked, stranger (illegal alien), sick or imprisoned (Sheep and Goats) Mt. 25
Jesus said it is hard for the wealthy to be saved (Camel through eye of Needle) Mt.19, Mark 10, Luke
18 (also sharing about the rich young ruler who went away sad because he valued wealth over
giving to the poor)
This one always raises the question for me... If Jesus wants me to be rich, does that mean that
Jesus WANTS it to be hard for me to enter.. wants to make it difficult for me? exclude me?
I also want to submit that "those" who are saved are often in PLURAL in the scriptures. It is NOT just about the individual "me and Jesus". Jesus does not allow it. It is about how we are with OTHERS whom Jesus loves around us, too, and He says he loves the poor, the powerless, the stranger and the outcast (like lepers). If we do not love them, we are liars for claiming love for Him (I Jn. 4).
There is corporate sin. Jesus addressed it with the Pharisees. God addressed it with God's own nation, Israel for their reliance on military strength and wealth, for their mistreatment of their own people and their neighbors. There is corporate salvation also.
Where the individual conscience comes in is in how we love God and love Neighbor. How do I vote, act in business, politics, on the street, etc.? Am I only concerned about me and mine, or do I recognize that I have brothers and sisters who are children of God and loved by God? Do I treat them, even stranger and enemy according to Jesus (Good Samaritan in Luke 10), as brothers and sisters? It has everything to do with society, with groups of people, with the nation. HOW are we with God AND with Neighbor?
"Then who can be saved?" Those who Love God and Love Neighbor AS (THEMSELVES) (Matthew 22)... meaning that I would no more want to see someone else (even stranger or enemy) go without what they need or come to harm, than I would want that for myself! Those who, according to Paul, do not only look to their own interests, but to the interests of others (Philippians 2). Individually AND collectively.
Pastor Jamie
Following Jesus means loving God AND Neighbor as self! It has EVERYTHING to do with what "Christian" business leaders, "Christian" politicians, "Christian" neighbors and "Christian" citizens do, and not just what they believe. To believe means that we heed what Jesus taught and exemplified, and not just hold Him as God's son. In fact, Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you to do?" (Luke 6:46) If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, perhaps we should obey His commandments.
Salvation for Jesus also includes...
Not ignoring the poor, sick person at our gate (The Rich man and Lazarus) Luke 16
Not refusing the hungry, naked, stranger (illegal alien), sick or imprisoned (Sheep and Goats) Mt. 25
Jesus said it is hard for the wealthy to be saved (Camel through eye of Needle) Mt.19, Mark 10, Luke
18 (also sharing about the rich young ruler who went away sad because he valued wealth over
giving to the poor)
This one always raises the question for me... If Jesus wants me to be rich, does that mean that
Jesus WANTS it to be hard for me to enter.. wants to make it difficult for me? exclude me?
I also want to submit that "those" who are saved are often in PLURAL in the scriptures. It is NOT just about the individual "me and Jesus". Jesus does not allow it. It is about how we are with OTHERS whom Jesus loves around us, too, and He says he loves the poor, the powerless, the stranger and the outcast (like lepers). If we do not love them, we are liars for claiming love for Him (I Jn. 4).
There is corporate sin. Jesus addressed it with the Pharisees. God addressed it with God's own nation, Israel for their reliance on military strength and wealth, for their mistreatment of their own people and their neighbors. There is corporate salvation also.
Where the individual conscience comes in is in how we love God and love Neighbor. How do I vote, act in business, politics, on the street, etc.? Am I only concerned about me and mine, or do I recognize that I have brothers and sisters who are children of God and loved by God? Do I treat them, even stranger and enemy according to Jesus (Good Samaritan in Luke 10), as brothers and sisters? It has everything to do with society, with groups of people, with the nation. HOW are we with God AND with Neighbor?
"Then who can be saved?" Those who Love God and Love Neighbor AS (THEMSELVES) (Matthew 22)... meaning that I would no more want to see someone else (even stranger or enemy) go without what they need or come to harm, than I would want that for myself! Those who, according to Paul, do not only look to their own interests, but to the interests of others (Philippians 2). Individually AND collectively.
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
occupy... OCCUPY!
Jesus occupied the Mount in Matthew 5, and the Plain in Luke 6. It was an act of insurrection to the Roman governance and a religious act of defiance to the Sanhedrin. He was giving speeches about how things should be in society, government and church. He did it again when He fed the 5,000 in John 6 and marched on Jerusalem triumphantly and defiantly (Mark 11).
Our WWI vets formed a BONUS ARMY and occupied Washington DC in 1932 over promised bonuses that were never given upon their return. 12,000 of them moved to Washington and set up a shanty town. The Army drove them out and burned the camps. Some were injured and their property was destroyed. They gathered again in 1933. They did not get the $2billion in promised bonuses until 1936.
People occupied diner counters in the Civil Rights movement and marched in the streets to protest unjust treatment and for equal rights. The harsh treatment they received was caught on film and changed the views of many in the nation - shamed the population's leaders for what they had done with fire hoses and dogs, and moved people because of their resolve to hold fast, go to jail and even die for the cause.
The Anti-War movement brought in occupations and demonstrations, some accompanied by live music and days of bands, etc.. People faced armed soldiers in the streets. Some died (Kent, Ohio and other places). It was certainly one of the reasons, along with work on "The Poor Peoples' Campaign" that Dr. King was killed, JFK, Robert and others...
Even the ultra-right wing "Tea Party" demonstrates in front of State Houses. I saw some as I demonstrated in solidarity with Organized Labor at the Georgia State House not long ago. Wisconsin, Ohio and other states saw demonstrations in protest of the treatment of citizens and for equal economic treatment by those who have a grossly unequal share of our nation's wealth (and the world's).
Occupy Wall Street is a demonstration of Democracy. It is a righteous exercise of liberties protected in the constitution of our nation. Dispersing crowds, destroying their shelters and "cleaning up" the parks they have occupied I trust will spark true Americans to push for voices to be heard, more equal treatment of the average population and most poor and vulnerable in our land and to speak justice to power. There is much wrong with the nation that necessitates such demonstrations and much more wrong with it when its response is not to listen and change, but to try to silence the powerful, unified citizen voices. We have chosen an oligarchy that values limitless capitalism over democracy in our country. Some in the nation are shedding light on these dark practices and demanding that we be different as a nation. Others want to stop them from doing that out of their own sense of entitlement, sick greed and lust for power.
In the Spirit of Jesus, Americans and other brave and determined people across the world (Arab Spring, Europe, the Mediterranean) have occupied, demonstrated and marched.
What will YOU do to work toward Justice, Equity and real Peace? Speak, write, demonstrate and VOTE... because they haven't taken that away from us (yet).
Pastor Jamie
Our WWI vets formed a BONUS ARMY and occupied Washington DC in 1932 over promised bonuses that were never given upon their return. 12,000 of them moved to Washington and set up a shanty town. The Army drove them out and burned the camps. Some were injured and their property was destroyed. They gathered again in 1933. They did not get the $2billion in promised bonuses until 1936.
People occupied diner counters in the Civil Rights movement and marched in the streets to protest unjust treatment and for equal rights. The harsh treatment they received was caught on film and changed the views of many in the nation - shamed the population's leaders for what they had done with fire hoses and dogs, and moved people because of their resolve to hold fast, go to jail and even die for the cause.
The Anti-War movement brought in occupations and demonstrations, some accompanied by live music and days of bands, etc.. People faced armed soldiers in the streets. Some died (Kent, Ohio and other places). It was certainly one of the reasons, along with work on "The Poor Peoples' Campaign" that Dr. King was killed, JFK, Robert and others...
Even the ultra-right wing "Tea Party" demonstrates in front of State Houses. I saw some as I demonstrated in solidarity with Organized Labor at the Georgia State House not long ago. Wisconsin, Ohio and other states saw demonstrations in protest of the treatment of citizens and for equal economic treatment by those who have a grossly unequal share of our nation's wealth (and the world's).
Occupy Wall Street is a demonstration of Democracy. It is a righteous exercise of liberties protected in the constitution of our nation. Dispersing crowds, destroying their shelters and "cleaning up" the parks they have occupied I trust will spark true Americans to push for voices to be heard, more equal treatment of the average population and most poor and vulnerable in our land and to speak justice to power. There is much wrong with the nation that necessitates such demonstrations and much more wrong with it when its response is not to listen and change, but to try to silence the powerful, unified citizen voices. We have chosen an oligarchy that values limitless capitalism over democracy in our country. Some in the nation are shedding light on these dark practices and demanding that we be different as a nation. Others want to stop them from doing that out of their own sense of entitlement, sick greed and lust for power.
In the Spirit of Jesus, Americans and other brave and determined people across the world (Arab Spring, Europe, the Mediterranean) have occupied, demonstrated and marched.
What will YOU do to work toward Justice, Equity and real Peace? Speak, write, demonstrate and VOTE... because they haven't taken that away from us (yet).
Pastor Jamie
occupy... OCCUPY!
Jesus occupied the Mount in Matthew 5, and the Plain in Luke 6. It was an act of insurrection to the Roman governance and a religious act of defiance to the Sanhedrin. He was giving speeches about how things should be in society, government and church. He did it again when He fed the 5,000 in John 6 and marched on Jerusalem triumphantly and defiantly (Mark 11).
Our WWI vets formed a BONUS ARMY and occupied Washington DC in 1932 over promised bonuses that were never given upon their return. 12,000 of them moved to Washington and set up a shanty town. The Army drove them out and burned the camps. Some were injured and their property was destroyed. They gathered again in 1933. They did not get the $2billion in promised bonuses until 1936.
People occupied diner counters in the Civil Rights movement and marched in the streets to protest unjust treatment and for equal rights. The harsh treatment they received was caught on film and changed the views of many in the nation - shamed the population's leaders for what they had done with fire hoses and dogs, and moved people because of their resolve to hold fast, go to jail and even die for the cause.
The Anti-War movement brought in occupations and demonstrations, some accompanied by live music and days of bands, etc.. People faced armed soldiers in the streets. Some died (Kent, Ohio and other places). It was certainly one of the reasons, along with work on "The Poor Peoples' Campaign" that Dr. King was killed, JFK, Robert and others...
Even the ultra-right wing "Tea Party" demonstrates in front of State Houses. I saw some as I demonstrated in solidarity with Organized Labor at the Georgia State House not long ago. Wisconsin, Ohio and other states saw demonstrations in protest of the treatment of citizens and for equal economic treatment by those who have a grossly unequal share of our nation's wealth (and the world's).
Occupy Wall Street is a demonstration of Democracy. It is a righteous exercise of liberties protected in the constitution of our nation. Dispersing crowds, destroying their shelters and "cleaning up" the parks they have occupied I trust will spark true Americans to push for voices to be heard, more equal treatment of the average population and most poor and vulnerable in our land and to speak justice to power. There is much wrong with the nation that necessitates such demonstrations and much more wrong with it when its response is not to listen and change, but to try to silence the powerful, unified citizen voices. We have chosen an oligarchy that values limitless capitalism over democracy in our country. Some in the nation are shedding light on these dark practices and demanding that we be different as a nation. Others want to stop them from doing that out of their own sense of entitlement, sick greed and lust for power.
In the Spirit of Jesus, Americans and other brave and determined people across the world (Arab Spring, Europe, the Mediterranean) have occupied, demonstrated and marched.
What will YOU do to work toward Justice, Equity and real Peace? Speak, write, demonstrate and VOTE... because they haven't taken that away from us (yet).
Pastor Jamie
Our WWI vets formed a BONUS ARMY and occupied Washington DC in 1932 over promised bonuses that were never given upon their return. 12,000 of them moved to Washington and set up a shanty town. The Army drove them out and burned the camps. Some were injured and their property was destroyed. They gathered again in 1933. They did not get the $2billion in promised bonuses until 1936.
People occupied diner counters in the Civil Rights movement and marched in the streets to protest unjust treatment and for equal rights. The harsh treatment they received was caught on film and changed the views of many in the nation - shamed the population's leaders for what they had done with fire hoses and dogs, and moved people because of their resolve to hold fast, go to jail and even die for the cause.
The Anti-War movement brought in occupations and demonstrations, some accompanied by live music and days of bands, etc.. People faced armed soldiers in the streets. Some died (Kent, Ohio and other places). It was certainly one of the reasons, along with work on "The Poor Peoples' Campaign" that Dr. King was killed, JFK, Robert and others...
Even the ultra-right wing "Tea Party" demonstrates in front of State Houses. I saw some as I demonstrated in solidarity with Organized Labor at the Georgia State House not long ago. Wisconsin, Ohio and other states saw demonstrations in protest of the treatment of citizens and for equal economic treatment by those who have a grossly unequal share of our nation's wealth (and the world's).
Occupy Wall Street is a demonstration of Democracy. It is a righteous exercise of liberties protected in the constitution of our nation. Dispersing crowds, destroying their shelters and "cleaning up" the parks they have occupied I trust will spark true Americans to push for voices to be heard, more equal treatment of the average population and most poor and vulnerable in our land and to speak justice to power. There is much wrong with the nation that necessitates such demonstrations and much more wrong with it when its response is not to listen and change, but to try to silence the powerful, unified citizen voices. We have chosen an oligarchy that values limitless capitalism over democracy in our country. Some in the nation are shedding light on these dark practices and demanding that we be different as a nation. Others want to stop them from doing that out of their own sense of entitlement, sick greed and lust for power.
In the Spirit of Jesus, Americans and other brave and determined people across the world (Arab Spring, Europe, the Mediterranean) have occupied, demonstrated and marched.
What will YOU do to work toward Justice, Equity and real Peace? Speak, write, demonstrate and VOTE... because they haven't taken that away from us (yet).
Pastor Jamie
Monday, November 14, 2011
False Teachers and Prophets
Jesus said that we would know them by the fruits they bear (Matthew 7:15-20).
Laws written to hurt the poor and most vulnerable, out of a sense of entitlement for those who exploit, use and abuse others for their own gain.
Paul distinguished quite clearly between works of flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), because it is all about what we put out there in the world around us.
Will we put out things that destroy and tear down, or things that build up and produce growth? Laying off workers, as "job creators", and then crying foul when being taxed of their abundance? Killing laws that would put people back to work, so that the President looks bad and will have a harder time getting re-elected? Cutting funds for education, denying healthcare and deporting sojourners in the land? Ending the funding for programs that help the most vulnerable and the poor in the land?
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21
You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure profits above people, parochial power over what is best for the nation and our own position over the well being of others. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure consumption over the creation's sustainable life. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure money over the health of others. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure our own "standard of living" over those who have little or nothing in our own land and in the world. Our hearts are far from God and far from our brothers and sisters.
Paul wrote that we have gifts of ministry "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of others, by craftiness and deceitful wiles." Ephesians 4:14
"Speaking the truth in love", I must say that being "highly favored over others" is a wind of doctrine born of a love of prestige, that being blessed with great prosperity is a wind of doctrine born out of greed, and that any idea that Christians have superiority over anyone else is born out of the love of power over others and bigotry. Being duped into believing that being a "real, American Christian" means counting morality only in terms of sexuality and procreation, while ignoring the blatant immorality of greed and the lust for power, while hurting (or killing) countless others in our own land and abroad is childish and a wind of doctrine.
Paul also wrote that "the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths." II Timothy 4:3,4
I only disagree with Paul on one thing. The time is HERE. When we embrace personal prosperity over the well being of our brothers and sisters in need, we fail to "feed the hungry and clothe the naked", and we, the goats, have abandoned the teachings of Jesus for something that pleases our selves. When we believe we cannot do wrong because we claim the name of Jesus, we have adopted a belief in our own righteousness apart from Him, and deny the Cross of Christ, instead of "denying (our selves), taking up the cross and following Him. When we push people out who just want to make a living for their families, we fail to "welcome the stranger" and push Jesus out. When we exploit others in the world for cheap goods for our own families, we fail to "love (our) neighbor(s) as (our) selves." When we invade other lands for oil or power or revenge (or all of these), we fail to "love our enemies and pray for (them)." We ignore what Jesus taught because we don't like what Jesus taught. We like what we get when we ignore what Jesus taught. And Jesus says, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46)
False Teachers and Prophets are a dime a dozen right now.
There is only ONE Savior, who is Lord.
Which will you follow? Which will we follow?
Pastor Jamie
Laws written to hurt the poor and most vulnerable, out of a sense of entitlement for those who exploit, use and abuse others for their own gain.
Paul distinguished quite clearly between works of flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), because it is all about what we put out there in the world around us.
Will we put out things that destroy and tear down, or things that build up and produce growth? Laying off workers, as "job creators", and then crying foul when being taxed of their abundance? Killing laws that would put people back to work, so that the President looks bad and will have a harder time getting re-elected? Cutting funds for education, denying healthcare and deporting sojourners in the land? Ending the funding for programs that help the most vulnerable and the poor in the land?
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21
You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure profits above people, parochial power over what is best for the nation and our own position over the well being of others. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure consumption over the creation's sustainable life. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure money over the health of others. You can tell where our hearts are when we treasure our own "standard of living" over those who have little or nothing in our own land and in the world. Our hearts are far from God and far from our brothers and sisters.
Paul wrote that we have gifts of ministry "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of others, by craftiness and deceitful wiles." Ephesians 4:14
"Speaking the truth in love", I must say that being "highly favored over others" is a wind of doctrine born of a love of prestige, that being blessed with great prosperity is a wind of doctrine born out of greed, and that any idea that Christians have superiority over anyone else is born out of the love of power over others and bigotry. Being duped into believing that being a "real, American Christian" means counting morality only in terms of sexuality and procreation, while ignoring the blatant immorality of greed and the lust for power, while hurting (or killing) countless others in our own land and abroad is childish and a wind of doctrine.
Paul also wrote that "the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths." II Timothy 4:3,4
I only disagree with Paul on one thing. The time is HERE. When we embrace personal prosperity over the well being of our brothers and sisters in need, we fail to "feed the hungry and clothe the naked", and we, the goats, have abandoned the teachings of Jesus for something that pleases our selves. When we believe we cannot do wrong because we claim the name of Jesus, we have adopted a belief in our own righteousness apart from Him, and deny the Cross of Christ, instead of "denying (our selves), taking up the cross and following Him. When we push people out who just want to make a living for their families, we fail to "welcome the stranger" and push Jesus out. When we exploit others in the world for cheap goods for our own families, we fail to "love (our) neighbor(s) as (our) selves." When we invade other lands for oil or power or revenge (or all of these), we fail to "love our enemies and pray for (them)." We ignore what Jesus taught because we don't like what Jesus taught. We like what we get when we ignore what Jesus taught. And Jesus says, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46)
False Teachers and Prophets are a dime a dozen right now.
There is only ONE Savior, who is Lord.
Which will you follow? Which will we follow?
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, November 10, 2011
election time again
It's election time again...
... the negative ads...
... the innuendoes and lies...
... the empty promises...
... the clean-cut, American kid look that hides bigotry, fear, hatred, greed, selfish ambition...
... the hidden funds and sources of the funds...
... the back room deals...
... re-districting for those with power and wealth already to keep it...
... voter "fraud" efforts to keep some of "those people" from exercising their right to vote...
... schemes for election day exclusion, miscounting, losing of ballots (mostly in Florida)...
... presenting bills that the other party would be foolish to kill before an election, with unrelated "riders"
aimed at benefits toward the wealthy and powerful, or to take away someone's rights...
... the killing of legislation that could really help hurting people, just to make the other party look bad...
... the fear-based messages of doom and gloom if he/she gets elected/re-elected...
... the creative use of statistics...
... the claiming to know what "the American people" want...
... the divisiveness and we/they dichotomy building...
... the looking good/avoiding looking bad...
I detest politics, or at least what our American system of politics has become... there is no truth,
honor or integrity in it...
It is all about GETTING INTO A POSITION... not necessarily DOING THE RIGHT THING
FOR THE RIGHT REASONS and FOR ALL THE PEOPLE...
And once a person gets into office, it is all about KEEPING IT...
Compromising on principles is the name of the game...
Who can we hurt and we get away with it? The poor and vulnerable? Always!
Blame the others for the problems, regardless of their origins with the previous leaders...
Blame the opposition, who I secretly love because I always have someone to blame...
Two parties? Like different stripes on the same zebra... representing the wealthy, and MAYBE
a few of the upper, middle-class... the ones whose power and wealth we can benefit from...
No Agape Love in it. No unconditional, active commitment to the poor, most vulnerable...
No Community in it. Divide and conquer keeps people from looking at the REAL problems...
It keeps the wealthy and powerful in control as those with little blame those with less... as people who
have had the privilege of living here want to blame those who want only the same... as those who
have had marriage for generations (and did a MARVELOUS job with the institution) deprive those
who WANT a loving, committed relationship to be recognized by the community and supported by
it...
No Truth in it. No integrity in it. No honor in it. No Agape Love.
Even those who start off with integrity, honor, sincerity and love for humanity COMPROMISE IT
AWAY TO GET OR STAY IN POWER AND POSITION...
I will vote. It is a necessary thing. A lesser of evils thing.
I will vote for the one who most exhibits the teachings and example of Jesus... and especially the
AGAPE LOVE He exemplified and commanded! (or the one who least epitomizes the opposite of
what He taught and lived)
I will vote because they haven't taken away that right... YET...
"Here comes the new boss, same as the old boss..." - the poor, people of color, minorities, vulnerable
still struggle, either way...
Let the games begin...
Wow, a whole year of my life tied into this again, probably with the same results...
Uggghhhh
Please vote. And when you do, "Love your neighbor AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 22), and "look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others." (Philippians 2)
Pastor Jamie
... the negative ads...
... the innuendoes and lies...
... the empty promises...
... the clean-cut, American kid look that hides bigotry, fear, hatred, greed, selfish ambition...
... the hidden funds and sources of the funds...
... the back room deals...
... re-districting for those with power and wealth already to keep it...
... voter "fraud" efforts to keep some of "those people" from exercising their right to vote...
... schemes for election day exclusion, miscounting, losing of ballots (mostly in Florida)...
... presenting bills that the other party would be foolish to kill before an election, with unrelated "riders"
aimed at benefits toward the wealthy and powerful, or to take away someone's rights...
... the killing of legislation that could really help hurting people, just to make the other party look bad...
... the fear-based messages of doom and gloom if he/she gets elected/re-elected...
... the creative use of statistics...
... the claiming to know what "the American people" want...
... the divisiveness and we/they dichotomy building...
... the looking good/avoiding looking bad...
I detest politics, or at least what our American system of politics has become... there is no truth,
honor or integrity in it...
It is all about GETTING INTO A POSITION... not necessarily DOING THE RIGHT THING
FOR THE RIGHT REASONS and FOR ALL THE PEOPLE...
And once a person gets into office, it is all about KEEPING IT...
Compromising on principles is the name of the game...
Who can we hurt and we get away with it? The poor and vulnerable? Always!
Blame the others for the problems, regardless of their origins with the previous leaders...
Blame the opposition, who I secretly love because I always have someone to blame...
Two parties? Like different stripes on the same zebra... representing the wealthy, and MAYBE
a few of the upper, middle-class... the ones whose power and wealth we can benefit from...
No Agape Love in it. No unconditional, active commitment to the poor, most vulnerable...
No Community in it. Divide and conquer keeps people from looking at the REAL problems...
It keeps the wealthy and powerful in control as those with little blame those with less... as people who
have had the privilege of living here want to blame those who want only the same... as those who
have had marriage for generations (and did a MARVELOUS job with the institution) deprive those
who WANT a loving, committed relationship to be recognized by the community and supported by
it...
No Truth in it. No integrity in it. No honor in it. No Agape Love.
Even those who start off with integrity, honor, sincerity and love for humanity COMPROMISE IT
AWAY TO GET OR STAY IN POWER AND POSITION...
I will vote. It is a necessary thing. A lesser of evils thing.
I will vote for the one who most exhibits the teachings and example of Jesus... and especially the
AGAPE LOVE He exemplified and commanded! (or the one who least epitomizes the opposite of
what He taught and lived)
I will vote because they haven't taken away that right... YET...
"Here comes the new boss, same as the old boss..." - the poor, people of color, minorities, vulnerable
still struggle, either way...
Let the games begin...
Wow, a whole year of my life tied into this again, probably with the same results...
Uggghhhh
Please vote. And when you do, "Love your neighbor AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 22), and "look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others." (Philippians 2)
Pastor Jamie
Election
Well, the campaigning has begun...
The lies about one or another...
The fear based comments of what gloom or doom we will suffer if "that one" gets elected (again)...
The re-districting to cut some out and optimize the power of others...
The election "fraud" focus, designed to keep some from voting...
The intentional blocking of any legislation that might help the country, if it means that "he/they" might get
credit...
The raising and spending of millions of dollars by those who have millions of dollars, in order to get the
best government their money can buy...
The hiding of how much and from whom the millions are given, so we don't see the reason later for some
of the legislative choices made...
I must say, that I detest politics, our current American practice of it especially...
and yet I am captive to it in order to make my voice be heard, the voices of others, and hope to
"let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream"...
One of the big problems is that it is ALL ABOUT GETTING THE POSITION
and NOT all about HELPING THE PEOPLE, ALL THE PEOPLE...
So, even when a sincere, compassionate and integrity-filled candidate runs...
the cost of campaigns means that they must be wealthy or be in the pockets of the wealthy...
they must compromise to get into office...
then they compromise to STAY in office...
I believe in DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON just because IT IS...
I believe in DOING TO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU...
I believe in Agape Love...
that demands that the poor and most vulnerable be cared for...
that commands that we look not only to our own interests...
that calls for those with wealth to share of their abundance...
that defines "the greatest as the one who serves best and most...
The lies about one or another...
The fear based comments of what gloom or doom we will suffer if "that one" gets elected (again)...
The re-districting to cut some out and optimize the power of others...
The election "fraud" focus, designed to keep some from voting...
The intentional blocking of any legislation that might help the country, if it means that "he/they" might get
credit...
The raising and spending of millions of dollars by those who have millions of dollars, in order to get the
best government their money can buy...
The hiding of how much and from whom the millions are given, so we don't see the reason later for some
of the legislative choices made...
I must say, that I detest politics, our current American practice of it especially...
and yet I am captive to it in order to make my voice be heard, the voices of others, and hope to
"let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream"...
One of the big problems is that it is ALL ABOUT GETTING THE POSITION
and NOT all about HELPING THE PEOPLE, ALL THE PEOPLE...
So, even when a sincere, compassionate and integrity-filled candidate runs...
the cost of campaigns means that they must be wealthy or be in the pockets of the wealthy...
they must compromise to get into office...
then they compromise to STAY in office...
I believe in DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON just because IT IS...
I believe in DOING TO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU...
I believe in Agape Love...
that demands that the poor and most vulnerable be cared for...
that commands that we look not only to our own interests...
that calls for those with wealth to share of their abundance...
that defines "the greatest as the one who serves best and most...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
ekklesia: "the called out community"
Get the people in... indoctrinate them to our way of belief...
convince them with bribes, false promises, fear... whatever it takes...
Get large numbers for credibility... fame... PRESTIGE for "the anointed"
Get them to Tithe... money... WEALTH for "the anointed"
Grow in Position/Title... sell my personal vision... POWER for "the anointed"
Disassociate from the world around us (the poor, community, peace, justice)
Create our own world, within here... build our own, little kingdom... not God's
Basque in the Prestige and Power... Enjoy and Display the opulent wealth...
Convince people that it is from God and they, too can have it...
If they do what I say, how I say... show up, give tithes...
After all, see how God has blessed me? It is because of my faithfulness
as God's anointed (and the fact that I have duped you into giving me
your money)
Thousands of people among whom to be anonymous...
No expectations, other than presence on Sundays and Tithing...
Can show up, getcha praise on and go home...
Give God praise and worship, get blessings (or promises of them) and leave...
No sharing of gifts... the "anointed leaders" do that...
No living the Gospel if you don't want to... disassociate life from worship...
"Me and Jesus" means I do my Sunday church thang and it has nothing
to do with how I live everyday in the world around me...
it means it is all about my PERSONAL salvation, blessings, favor...
Just believe in Jesus... the way they tell you that you must...be baptized...
attend worship, give praise... and tithes... first fruits offerings... praise offerings...
And the Formula works for everyone involved... all are happy EXCEPT JESUS
Jesus called for people not to honor God with their lips only,
to serve "the least of these" and transform individual hearts and communities...
Jesus called for the servants/disciples/clergy to have what they NEED... daily bread...
"the laborer deserves his/her wages"... and serve out of love for God, the people...
Jesus said that the greatest was to be the most HUMBLE servant of all...
Jesus said that His disciples would not "lord their authority over others"...
WE make it about power, prestige and wealth in the church...
WE disassociate faith from our walk with Agape Love for Neighbor (even stranger and
enemy), and make it all about personal salvation, personal blessings and favor...
WE reflect the world instead of addressing it with Jesus' "more excellent way"...
WE ignore what Jesus taught and think that He is pleased that we only praise Him and
tithe...
What are WE doing? How much further could we get from Jesus' Gospel teachings
and example? Strike that... I don't want to know!
Pastor Jamie
convince them with bribes, false promises, fear... whatever it takes...
Get large numbers for credibility... fame... PRESTIGE for "the anointed"
Get them to Tithe... money... WEALTH for "the anointed"
Grow in Position/Title... sell my personal vision... POWER for "the anointed"
Disassociate from the world around us (the poor, community, peace, justice)
Create our own world, within here... build our own, little kingdom... not God's
Basque in the Prestige and Power... Enjoy and Display the opulent wealth...
Convince people that it is from God and they, too can have it...
If they do what I say, how I say... show up, give tithes...
After all, see how God has blessed me? It is because of my faithfulness
as God's anointed (and the fact that I have duped you into giving me
your money)
Thousands of people among whom to be anonymous...
No expectations, other than presence on Sundays and Tithing...
Can show up, getcha praise on and go home...
Give God praise and worship, get blessings (or promises of them) and leave...
No sharing of gifts... the "anointed leaders" do that...
No living the Gospel if you don't want to... disassociate life from worship...
"Me and Jesus" means I do my Sunday church thang and it has nothing
to do with how I live everyday in the world around me...
it means it is all about my PERSONAL salvation, blessings, favor...
Just believe in Jesus... the way they tell you that you must...be baptized...
attend worship, give praise... and tithes... first fruits offerings... praise offerings...
And the Formula works for everyone involved... all are happy EXCEPT JESUS
Jesus called for people not to honor God with their lips only,
to serve "the least of these" and transform individual hearts and communities...
Jesus called for the servants/disciples/clergy to have what they NEED... daily bread...
"the laborer deserves his/her wages"... and serve out of love for God, the people...
Jesus said that the greatest was to be the most HUMBLE servant of all...
Jesus said that His disciples would not "lord their authority over others"...
WE make it about power, prestige and wealth in the church...
WE disassociate faith from our walk with Agape Love for Neighbor (even stranger and
enemy), and make it all about personal salvation, personal blessings and favor...
WE reflect the world instead of addressing it with Jesus' "more excellent way"...
WE ignore what Jesus taught and think that He is pleased that we only praise Him and
tithe...
What are WE doing? How much further could we get from Jesus' Gospel teachings
and example? Strike that... I don't want to know!
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Incarnation
I was talking with a dear friend today. These thoughts came from that conversation.
Jesus is God in the flesh... The Word made flesh... dwelt among us... full of Grace and Truth.
Jesus was born "between urine and feces" (quote of Cornell West) just like we were... and to
UNMARRIED PARENTS... in scandal...
He was born in a barn... because they had no money to bribe an inn keeper... homeless birth...
He was born in blood and pain... laid in a feeding trough for animals... not a baby basket...
He was immediately made a refugee, having to flee into Egypt to save His life...
He grew up in a working class family...
He then chose an itinerate, homeless ministry... having to pick free food from fields, etc....
He taught us to love strangers in the land and enemies... He was a peace advocate...
He taught about the evils of... NOT homosexuality (said nothing), but GREED, abuses of POWER,
and seeking PRESTIGE (hubris instead of humility), especially among leaders...
He was hated by religious leaders for telling the Truth of God.
He was feared by political leaders because people started to rally around Him.
He was wrongly accused of a crime.
He was tried unfairly on those trumped up charges.
He was executed as an innocent man, in a shameful way...
With WHOM do you think Jesus identified Himself? He said sinners, tax collectors, the sick,
imprisoned, oppressed, poor...
With WHOM do you think Jesus identifies with today? The greedy? Corrupt? Ruthless? Abusers of
Power? Ethno-centric bigots?
How, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, can Business Executives, Bankers and others, out of Greed, hurt
others by their policies and still call themselves followers of Jesus?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can Politicians refuse to pass laws to help people, end programs that help the
poor to save the wealthy some money, write laws to benefit the powerful and wealthy and hurt the
poor and working class... and believe they are OK with Jesus?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can anyone see immorality only in sexual things, and ignore the destructive
IMMORALITY of GREED, POWER-LUST, NARCISSISM... that run rampant in our society,
and call themselves "Christians"? Sit in the pews/seats on Sundays, breath the sanctuary air, hear
sermons on prosperity and personal power and believe their personal salvation is not at risk?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can people who worship and adore, praise Him on Sundays rally behind laws
to exploit, abuse or evict refugees in this land?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can people vote only for their own, self interests and think it pleases God?
Jesus is The Word Made Flesh who dwelt among us... the one who wept over the people after He lived
among us... the one who died our death to give us His resurrection... the one who still weeps over us.
But we are HIS feet and hands in this part of the Kingdom now...
so what will we do to identify with Him who identified with us?
I will speak, write, demonstrate, petition and vote for the ones who will MOST REPRESENT JESUS'
TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE... I will stand with those with whom Jesus identifed!
Pastor Jamie
Jesus is God in the flesh... The Word made flesh... dwelt among us... full of Grace and Truth.
Jesus was born "between urine and feces" (quote of Cornell West) just like we were... and to
UNMARRIED PARENTS... in scandal...
He was born in a barn... because they had no money to bribe an inn keeper... homeless birth...
He was born in blood and pain... laid in a feeding trough for animals... not a baby basket...
He was immediately made a refugee, having to flee into Egypt to save His life...
He grew up in a working class family...
He then chose an itinerate, homeless ministry... having to pick free food from fields, etc....
He taught us to love strangers in the land and enemies... He was a peace advocate...
He taught about the evils of... NOT homosexuality (said nothing), but GREED, abuses of POWER,
and seeking PRESTIGE (hubris instead of humility), especially among leaders...
He was hated by religious leaders for telling the Truth of God.
He was feared by political leaders because people started to rally around Him.
He was wrongly accused of a crime.
He was tried unfairly on those trumped up charges.
He was executed as an innocent man, in a shameful way...
With WHOM do you think Jesus identified Himself? He said sinners, tax collectors, the sick,
imprisoned, oppressed, poor...
With WHOM do you think Jesus identifies with today? The greedy? Corrupt? Ruthless? Abusers of
Power? Ethno-centric bigots?
How, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, can Business Executives, Bankers and others, out of Greed, hurt
others by their policies and still call themselves followers of Jesus?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can Politicians refuse to pass laws to help people, end programs that help the
poor to save the wealthy some money, write laws to benefit the powerful and wealthy and hurt the
poor and working class... and believe they are OK with Jesus?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can anyone see immorality only in sexual things, and ignore the destructive
IMMORALITY of GREED, POWER-LUST, NARCISSISM... that run rampant in our society,
and call themselves "Christians"? Sit in the pews/seats on Sundays, breath the sanctuary air, hear
sermons on prosperity and personal power and believe their personal salvation is not at risk?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can people who worship and adore, praise Him on Sundays rally behind laws
to exploit, abuse or evict refugees in this land?
How, IN JESUS' NAME, can people vote only for their own, self interests and think it pleases God?
Jesus is The Word Made Flesh who dwelt among us... the one who wept over the people after He lived
among us... the one who died our death to give us His resurrection... the one who still weeps over us.
But we are HIS feet and hands in this part of the Kingdom now...
so what will we do to identify with Him who identified with us?
I will speak, write, demonstrate, petition and vote for the ones who will MOST REPRESENT JESUS'
TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE... I will stand with those with whom Jesus identifed!
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Reformation
It is Reformation weekend.
"the laborer deserves his/her wages." Luke 10:7
The reformation of the 16th Century was sparked by the unrest created when the peasants (working poor) realized the disparity in the Church and Holy Roman Empire (church and state ruling class) between those who were royalty and had the wealth (cardinals, bishops and popes mirrored that social economic class within the church) and the poor. It set off a chain of events that sparked spiritual, social, economic and political revolution.
The French Revolution was a violent rebellion by those who had little or nothing against those who had everything, while those who had nothing starved to death.
The American Revolution was an expression of the frustration over tyranny, both political and economic by ordinary citizens who worked hard and wanted government to represent them and not just tax them... (while our modern "tea party" group represents the interest of those who want representation WITHOUT being taxed... and have been used to that for decades...)
"O the times, they are a changin'"
"O, change gonna come"
The occupy movement is an early sign that what has gone around has come around again.
CEO's make 300x what average workers in corporations make, pay less taxes and lay people off to make more profit for themselves and wealthy stockholders.
Over the past 30 years, the wealthiest 1% of our population has increased their wealth by almost 4x..., while middle class folks' wealth has diminished and the poor have not been raised above being "the poor". That wealthiest 1% is the only group represented by our government, and they pay very little taxes compared to the rest of the nation because they are...
It is time. "Occupy" is starting to open the eyes of some. Our President's attempts to make laws to tax the wealthy and put the poor and middle class back to work have been thwarted by the wealthy and those who represent them in government (mostly Republicans)... they would rather see people remain unemployed so they can blame the President at election time, than do what is right and get people back to work and help the most vulnerable. It is acceptable in their value system to continue hurting "the least" in order to get more power, prestige and wealth in the nation.
That is not acceptable to Jesus.
THIS is not acceptable to Jesus.
Read the Gospels... the Kingdom of God does not value the poor being exploited, beaten down and destroyed. Jesus does not value ignoring the poor, blaming the poor, treating the stranger in the land shamefully and playing political games to stay in power and with wealth.
It is time for REFORMATION... maybe to stave off REVOLUTION... I pray that despite local, state and federal government attempts to quell the legal and non-violent protests, others will join in and do what must be done... SPEAK OUT... WRITE... DEMONSTRATE... VOTE for those who will most embody Kingdom values according to JESUS, not according to the right wing...
Read His words. Learn from His teachings. Act in Agape Love for "the least".
Pastor Jamie
"the laborer deserves his/her wages." Luke 10:7
The reformation of the 16th Century was sparked by the unrest created when the peasants (working poor) realized the disparity in the Church and Holy Roman Empire (church and state ruling class) between those who were royalty and had the wealth (cardinals, bishops and popes mirrored that social economic class within the church) and the poor. It set off a chain of events that sparked spiritual, social, economic and political revolution.
The French Revolution was a violent rebellion by those who had little or nothing against those who had everything, while those who had nothing starved to death.
The American Revolution was an expression of the frustration over tyranny, both political and economic by ordinary citizens who worked hard and wanted government to represent them and not just tax them... (while our modern "tea party" group represents the interest of those who want representation WITHOUT being taxed... and have been used to that for decades...)
"O the times, they are a changin'"
"O, change gonna come"
The occupy movement is an early sign that what has gone around has come around again.
CEO's make 300x what average workers in corporations make, pay less taxes and lay people off to make more profit for themselves and wealthy stockholders.
Over the past 30 years, the wealthiest 1% of our population has increased their wealth by almost 4x..., while middle class folks' wealth has diminished and the poor have not been raised above being "the poor". That wealthiest 1% is the only group represented by our government, and they pay very little taxes compared to the rest of the nation because they are...
It is time. "Occupy" is starting to open the eyes of some. Our President's attempts to make laws to tax the wealthy and put the poor and middle class back to work have been thwarted by the wealthy and those who represent them in government (mostly Republicans)... they would rather see people remain unemployed so they can blame the President at election time, than do what is right and get people back to work and help the most vulnerable. It is acceptable in their value system to continue hurting "the least" in order to get more power, prestige and wealth in the nation.
That is not acceptable to Jesus.
THIS is not acceptable to Jesus.
Read the Gospels... the Kingdom of God does not value the poor being exploited, beaten down and destroyed. Jesus does not value ignoring the poor, blaming the poor, treating the stranger in the land shamefully and playing political games to stay in power and with wealth.
It is time for REFORMATION... maybe to stave off REVOLUTION... I pray that despite local, state and federal government attempts to quell the legal and non-violent protests, others will join in and do what must be done... SPEAK OUT... WRITE... DEMONSTRATE... VOTE for those who will most embody Kingdom values according to JESUS, not according to the right wing...
Read His words. Learn from His teachings. Act in Agape Love for "the least".
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Jesus' prophecy
Luke 19:41-44
Jesus wept over the city (and the nation)... because they did not know the things that make for peace, and their fate was sealed because of their distance from God's will (Isaiah 58:5-12)...
He then forcefully drove "Wallstreeters" out... for they were not faithful to God...
The occupy movement is a possible alternative to bloody revolution... I hope THAT trend continues, but if people are suppressed in the midst of their rights to demonstrate... who knows?
What do we want our nation to be known for by its own people and the nations around us? Do we want to be ruthless, mean-spirited, heartless, exploitative, bullying, greedy and war mongering people? Or do we want to be people of Jesus... who know "the things that make for peace" -
Justice instead of racist, classist corruption - "Do unto others as you would HAVE THEM do to you."
Humility instead of prideful hubris - "The last shall be first, and the first shall be last."
Equality instead of elevation and separation - "Not so among you... among you, the most humble servant
of others will be the greatest."
Compassion instead of apathy or exploitation - "Give to one who begs"... "You give them something to
eat."
Forgiveness instead of punitive judgment - "As you forgive, so you will be forgiven."
Jesus weeps over us now.
We are SO FAR from what Jesus taught and exemplified, yes, including in His church...
We are compliant with the greedy, ruthless, heartless and cruel...
If we benefit from the Moneychangers, we are all for them... if they cheat us we get angry, but do nothing about it as they hurt others even more severely...
Jesus weeps because of where this will lead us, along with a few hundred years of genocide, slavery, neglect and abuse, racism, classism, cha, cha, cha...
Jesus weeps for us because He weeps for all those whose lives we have hurt. He weeps for everyone who has been victimized, abused, neglected and exploited by us and those who represent us (dominate the world under the same flag we live under)...
No justice, no peace. Know justice, know peace.
Rev. Jamie Kaufman, M.Div.
Jesus wept over the city (and the nation)... because they did not know the things that make for peace, and their fate was sealed because of their distance from God's will (Isaiah 58:5-12)...
He then forcefully drove "Wallstreeters" out... for they were not faithful to God...
The occupy movement is a possible alternative to bloody revolution... I hope THAT trend continues, but if people are suppressed in the midst of their rights to demonstrate... who knows?
What do we want our nation to be known for by its own people and the nations around us? Do we want to be ruthless, mean-spirited, heartless, exploitative, bullying, greedy and war mongering people? Or do we want to be people of Jesus... who know "the things that make for peace" -
Justice instead of racist, classist corruption - "Do unto others as you would HAVE THEM do to you."
Humility instead of prideful hubris - "The last shall be first, and the first shall be last."
Equality instead of elevation and separation - "Not so among you... among you, the most humble servant
of others will be the greatest."
Compassion instead of apathy or exploitation - "Give to one who begs"... "You give them something to
eat."
Forgiveness instead of punitive judgment - "As you forgive, so you will be forgiven."
Jesus weeps over us now.
We are SO FAR from what Jesus taught and exemplified, yes, including in His church...
We are compliant with the greedy, ruthless, heartless and cruel...
If we benefit from the Moneychangers, we are all for them... if they cheat us we get angry, but do nothing about it as they hurt others even more severely...
Jesus weeps because of where this will lead us, along with a few hundred years of genocide, slavery, neglect and abuse, racism, classism, cha, cha, cha...
Jesus weeps for us because He weeps for all those whose lives we have hurt. He weeps for everyone who has been victimized, abused, neglected and exploited by us and those who represent us (dominate the world under the same flag we live under)...
No justice, no peace. Know justice, know peace.
Rev. Jamie Kaufman, M.Div.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
people get ready
Thousands are a part of the "occupy" movement... I am hopeful that it is an alternative to bloody revolution or riot, as a valid expression of democracy... now in threat of being challenged toward disbanding...
People are fed up. The greed embraced for so long by the most wealthy and powerful is now being exposed for what it is by people who have largely been silent until now.
People are unified. Those who keep others down and quiet by the implied message that they, too could rise up to their level of wealth and power, are now being addressed for their deceit.
People are mobilized. They are moving to make the statement that they see the truth of greed and power, and that they can rise against what they stand for.
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him/her, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and God will say, 'Here I am.'" Isaiah 58:5-12
It is starting, but we have far to go.
When we turn our backs on the wealthy and greedy, instead of on the poor...
When we care for the needs of the most vulnerable, and not just about getting more for ourselves...
When we break the chains of unequal education, employment and healthcare...
When we destroy the yoke of an unequal justice system...
When we abandon the ruthlessness, mean-spiritedness, self-centeredness, apathy, complacency and
unkindnesses that have come to define us as a nation...
THEN we will have peace.
THEN we will have justice.
THEN we will have sustainable well-being in the nation.
THEN we will have equality, equity, respect, joy and security.
Not until we do as God wants us to do.
Not until we turn from our wicked ways of selfishness, greed and hatred.
We have work to do. Speak, write, demonstrate, vote... for those who will do what is most consistent
with what Jesus teaches... the prophets speak...
We are now at the point at which the soul of our nation is at stake.
Pastor Jamie
People are fed up. The greed embraced for so long by the most wealthy and powerful is now being exposed for what it is by people who have largely been silent until now.
People are unified. Those who keep others down and quiet by the implied message that they, too could rise up to their level of wealth and power, are now being addressed for their deceit.
People are mobilized. They are moving to make the statement that they see the truth of greed and power, and that they can rise against what they stand for.
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him/her, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and God will say, 'Here I am.'" Isaiah 58:5-12
It is starting, but we have far to go.
When we turn our backs on the wealthy and greedy, instead of on the poor...
When we care for the needs of the most vulnerable, and not just about getting more for ourselves...
When we break the chains of unequal education, employment and healthcare...
When we destroy the yoke of an unequal justice system...
When we abandon the ruthlessness, mean-spiritedness, self-centeredness, apathy, complacency and
unkindnesses that have come to define us as a nation...
THEN we will have peace.
THEN we will have justice.
THEN we will have sustainable well-being in the nation.
THEN we will have equality, equity, respect, joy and security.
Not until we do as God wants us to do.
Not until we turn from our wicked ways of selfishness, greed and hatred.
We have work to do. Speak, write, demonstrate, vote... for those who will do what is most consistent
with what Jesus teaches... the prophets speak...
We are now at the point at which the soul of our nation is at stake.
Pastor Jamie
Monday, October 10, 2011
until we make it right
II Chronicles 7:14 "... if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
People often preach or speak about how great things are because God is blessing "the righteous". Instead of seeing that sometimes their prosperity is not due to blessings from God but rather their exploitation or abuse of the poor, their neglect of justice and their engagement in corruption and deceit for gain, they claim that their wealth is a reward for "right living".
People rarely look for their own fault when things are going badly for themselves or the nation, but rather look to blame others. Right now, the current administration is being blamed for the hangover from the debauchery of the last administration, drunk with power and greed, even though MANY citizens not only went along with it but encouraged it for their own gain. We also blame the victims of our greed and exploitation, like "illegal" aliens in the land, those who receive public assistance, agencies and organizations that help the poor and so on... which is why they see no need to fund them and cut what little they have had...
In Alabama, now with the most stringent immigration laws that violate human rights as well as civil rights, latino families are leaving in droves. Consequently, $150m has been lost by the state's farmers because of a lack of field hands at the harvest. Consequently, teens and adults are being harassed and bullied because of their ethnicity, and being told to move back "south of the border", etc... Now, the state government is actually looking at providing 5 years worth of documentation to the SAME PEOPLE they have discriminated against, in order that they might return and help them out of their agricultural crisis. How insulting is that? God is not pleased.
Rather than take less profit during difficult times, corporations choose to lay off workers. Rather than make the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes as they always should have, government officials cut funds to the most vulnerable in the nation, to education, to public broadcasting, to the arts, etc... Rather than regulate business to make sure they keep jobs here, government officials write loopholes for incentives to ship jobs overseas, pollute other nations and exploit their people for cheap labor. Rather than pay a fair, living wage they vilify organized labor so they can pay less to workers here and make them work harder. Rather than help the most vulnerable in the land, they blame them for our nation's economic problems - not their own greed, corruption and thirst for power over others.
Jesus said that He came to "preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18, 19
With whom do you think Jesus stands here?
Perhaps things will get better, we will avoid all-out revolution, our economy will recover, we will not be at war, our people will be complete and whole... perhaps... if we "turn from (our) wicked ways" in prayer and not conspiracy, in humility and not hubris, seeking God's face and not Mammon's, then God will look at a people who love what is good and just, who love our neighbors as ourselves and live like we do, and who want to be a people of peace, love and justice...
That is MY prayer. People over Profits. Love over Greed. Peace over Power. Humility over Pride.
Pastor Jamie
People often preach or speak about how great things are because God is blessing "the righteous". Instead of seeing that sometimes their prosperity is not due to blessings from God but rather their exploitation or abuse of the poor, their neglect of justice and their engagement in corruption and deceit for gain, they claim that their wealth is a reward for "right living".
People rarely look for their own fault when things are going badly for themselves or the nation, but rather look to blame others. Right now, the current administration is being blamed for the hangover from the debauchery of the last administration, drunk with power and greed, even though MANY citizens not only went along with it but encouraged it for their own gain. We also blame the victims of our greed and exploitation, like "illegal" aliens in the land, those who receive public assistance, agencies and organizations that help the poor and so on... which is why they see no need to fund them and cut what little they have had...
In Alabama, now with the most stringent immigration laws that violate human rights as well as civil rights, latino families are leaving in droves. Consequently, $150m has been lost by the state's farmers because of a lack of field hands at the harvest. Consequently, teens and adults are being harassed and bullied because of their ethnicity, and being told to move back "south of the border", etc... Now, the state government is actually looking at providing 5 years worth of documentation to the SAME PEOPLE they have discriminated against, in order that they might return and help them out of their agricultural crisis. How insulting is that? God is not pleased.
Rather than take less profit during difficult times, corporations choose to lay off workers. Rather than make the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes as they always should have, government officials cut funds to the most vulnerable in the nation, to education, to public broadcasting, to the arts, etc... Rather than regulate business to make sure they keep jobs here, government officials write loopholes for incentives to ship jobs overseas, pollute other nations and exploit their people for cheap labor. Rather than pay a fair, living wage they vilify organized labor so they can pay less to workers here and make them work harder. Rather than help the most vulnerable in the land, they blame them for our nation's economic problems - not their own greed, corruption and thirst for power over others.
Jesus said that He came to "preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18, 19
With whom do you think Jesus stands here?
Perhaps things will get better, we will avoid all-out revolution, our economy will recover, we will not be at war, our people will be complete and whole... perhaps... if we "turn from (our) wicked ways" in prayer and not conspiracy, in humility and not hubris, seeking God's face and not Mammon's, then God will look at a people who love what is good and just, who love our neighbors as ourselves and live like we do, and who want to be a people of peace, love and justice...
That is MY prayer. People over Profits. Love over Greed. Peace over Power. Humility over Pride.
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
woe to you
"Hear this, you who trample upon the needy, and bring the poor of the land to an end... when can we deal deceitfully with false balances... that we may buy the poor... and the needy... and sell the refuse... The Lord has sworn... 'Surely I will never forget any of their deeds." Amos 8:4-7
Thousands of Lobbyists and Political Action Committees buy congressional votes so that they can do business with no regulations (which led us to the current economic crisis during the last administration), ship jobs overseas at will (which has led to the grave unemployment of our citizens), pollute the planet at will, waste and deplete our natural resources, unsafely extract what is left of the fossil fuels from under the land and sea, and control government for their own gain. A very few who are very wealthy and powerful truly benefit from this personally, and the rest of us suffer.
Corporations pour millions into political campaigns, because they know they will get BILLIONS in return. Where do those billions come from? Our taxes, our willingness to look away, our silence when extreme greed is exercised and our voting in parties and candidates who want to do these things for the benefit of a few over the well-being of the nation and world around us.
The same "job creators" who are screaming NOT to have to pay their fair share of taxes now, are the ones who cared so much about the economy and nation that they laid off thousands of workers in order to maintain their high, personal profits. The promise that they will hire people and create jobs is a smoke screen, as while they were getting the tax breaks before, they laid off people and destroyed jobs. Their concern is not for the nation or individual workers, but for profits for themselves on the backs of others.
"Beware of those who love salutations... best seats... places of honor... who devour widows' houses (the property of the most vulnerable in society)... they will receive the greater condemnation." Jesus in Luke 20:45-47
They create their own science to refute the claims of legitimate scientists about global warming... why? So they can go on raping the creation for profit.
They spread fear about "socialism" and our President's background or religious affiliation... why? So they can manipulate a gullible public and keep profits coming for themselves on the backs of the poor.
They create propaganda about "liberty" and "freedom" and "self determination" so that they can scapegoat minorities and blame the victims for the plight they have created in the lives of the poor.
They convince people that the wealthy and powerful will "trickle down" some of their wealth to benefit them, when that has not been the case... ever.
They buy politicians for their own profit. We allow it.
They go against the Prophets of God and Jesus. And we believe them when they say they are people of faith.
"... live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things..." Paul in Philippians 3:17-21
Please. Please. Please. Do not go along with them for the ride! Please! Address the wrong-doing and defend those most vulnerable who have no voice or power. Jesus commands it in Agape Love for "The Least".
Pastor Jamie
Thousands of Lobbyists and Political Action Committees buy congressional votes so that they can do business with no regulations (which led us to the current economic crisis during the last administration), ship jobs overseas at will (which has led to the grave unemployment of our citizens), pollute the planet at will, waste and deplete our natural resources, unsafely extract what is left of the fossil fuels from under the land and sea, and control government for their own gain. A very few who are very wealthy and powerful truly benefit from this personally, and the rest of us suffer.
Corporations pour millions into political campaigns, because they know they will get BILLIONS in return. Where do those billions come from? Our taxes, our willingness to look away, our silence when extreme greed is exercised and our voting in parties and candidates who want to do these things for the benefit of a few over the well-being of the nation and world around us.
The same "job creators" who are screaming NOT to have to pay their fair share of taxes now, are the ones who cared so much about the economy and nation that they laid off thousands of workers in order to maintain their high, personal profits. The promise that they will hire people and create jobs is a smoke screen, as while they were getting the tax breaks before, they laid off people and destroyed jobs. Their concern is not for the nation or individual workers, but for profits for themselves on the backs of others.
"Beware of those who love salutations... best seats... places of honor... who devour widows' houses (the property of the most vulnerable in society)... they will receive the greater condemnation." Jesus in Luke 20:45-47
They create their own science to refute the claims of legitimate scientists about global warming... why? So they can go on raping the creation for profit.
They spread fear about "socialism" and our President's background or religious affiliation... why? So they can manipulate a gullible public and keep profits coming for themselves on the backs of the poor.
They create propaganda about "liberty" and "freedom" and "self determination" so that they can scapegoat minorities and blame the victims for the plight they have created in the lives of the poor.
They convince people that the wealthy and powerful will "trickle down" some of their wealth to benefit them, when that has not been the case... ever.
They buy politicians for their own profit. We allow it.
They go against the Prophets of God and Jesus. And we believe them when they say they are people of faith.
"... live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things..." Paul in Philippians 3:17-21
Please. Please. Please. Do not go along with them for the ride! Please! Address the wrong-doing and defend those most vulnerable who have no voice or power. Jesus commands it in Agape Love for "The Least".
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Power and playing with others' lives...
There is a danger, when one has some influence over others' lives, that he or she will use that power or influence for their own gain, either by benefitting those who can benefit him/her, or through direct gain by their abuse of power and influence. Politicians, judges, parole boards, economic czars and executives, corporate execs, bosses, police officers, military leaders, pastors and others need to look with sober judgment at the uses of their power and influence.
In People of the Way of Jesus worship on Sunday, Minister Ron Williams preached and blessed us with a word on the unjust judge and the widow from Luke 18. It was very enlightening and sparked a great discussion over our Agape Meal. It also provoked powerful prayer. The teaching about the judge's disregard for God and human beings, brought us to see that he was not motivated by what was right and good for others, or right and good according to God's will, but what would benefit him politically or economically. The widow "pestered" him until she got a just judgment, so he was also motivated by what was most comfortable or expedient for him at the time. It was inspiring to see how her persistence in demanding justice worked, and hopeful with regard to many voices joining together to demand justice.
When economic leaders, politicians and others with authority, power or influence do not do what is right... parole boards, etc. ... they need to hear about it. We must get beyond our complacency, apathy and comfortability to demand what is right and just for all people, and especially, like the poor widow, the most vulnerable in our society. Injustice for ANYONE is injustice done to ALL. Many voices, persistent for long periods of time, especially in prayer... will have an effect even on those motivated by their own political or economic gain... and GOD, who IS just, will hear and bring justice in God's time and God's way.
So, pray...
Shed your ignorance of issues, complacency, apathy and comfortability...
and Speak Justice to Power...
Demand what is just and right for all, and especially for the most vulnerable in our society...
and do it persistently... for they count on you to not know anything about what is going on, to not want to risk what you have, and to have a short memory, and that your fervor for justice will subside after a short time, so that INJUSTICE and UNRIGHTEOUS actions may be taken with impunity.
Silence and absence imply complacency and apathy, which are interpreted as agreement or compliance... that is what the UNJUST count on... let's give them intentional, persistent, organized, multi-faceted and powerful pressure to do the right thing! Let's be aware of what is going on... shrewd as a snake and unmixed as a dove... and work toward justice... let's be inspired by the poor widow, Rosa Parks, Dr. King, William Wallace, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bishop Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Cornell West... whoever has been willing to speak truth and justice to power, and do so through letters, petitions, demonstrations, discussions and ballots...
...because those with authority, power and influence NEED us to do that, lest they go down the wrong path for the wrong reasons!
...because those who have no voice, no power and no influence NEED us to do that, lest they simply continue to be abused.
Pastor Jamie
In People of the Way of Jesus worship on Sunday, Minister Ron Williams preached and blessed us with a word on the unjust judge and the widow from Luke 18. It was very enlightening and sparked a great discussion over our Agape Meal. It also provoked powerful prayer. The teaching about the judge's disregard for God and human beings, brought us to see that he was not motivated by what was right and good for others, or right and good according to God's will, but what would benefit him politically or economically. The widow "pestered" him until she got a just judgment, so he was also motivated by what was most comfortable or expedient for him at the time. It was inspiring to see how her persistence in demanding justice worked, and hopeful with regard to many voices joining together to demand justice.
When economic leaders, politicians and others with authority, power or influence do not do what is right... parole boards, etc. ... they need to hear about it. We must get beyond our complacency, apathy and comfortability to demand what is right and just for all people, and especially, like the poor widow, the most vulnerable in our society. Injustice for ANYONE is injustice done to ALL. Many voices, persistent for long periods of time, especially in prayer... will have an effect even on those motivated by their own political or economic gain... and GOD, who IS just, will hear and bring justice in God's time and God's way.
So, pray...
Shed your ignorance of issues, complacency, apathy and comfortability...
and Speak Justice to Power...
Demand what is just and right for all, and especially for the most vulnerable in our society...
and do it persistently... for they count on you to not know anything about what is going on, to not want to risk what you have, and to have a short memory, and that your fervor for justice will subside after a short time, so that INJUSTICE and UNRIGHTEOUS actions may be taken with impunity.
Silence and absence imply complacency and apathy, which are interpreted as agreement or compliance... that is what the UNJUST count on... let's give them intentional, persistent, organized, multi-faceted and powerful pressure to do the right thing! Let's be aware of what is going on... shrewd as a snake and unmixed as a dove... and work toward justice... let's be inspired by the poor widow, Rosa Parks, Dr. King, William Wallace, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bishop Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Cornell West... whoever has been willing to speak truth and justice to power, and do so through letters, petitions, demonstrations, discussions and ballots...
...because those with authority, power and influence NEED us to do that, lest they go down the wrong path for the wrong reasons!
...because those who have no voice, no power and no influence NEED us to do that, lest they simply continue to be abused.
Pastor Jamie
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Selective "pro-life"
I am always amazed at the selective embracing of life for those who claim to be "right to life"...
as I am often amazed at our inconsistencies... yes, I have my own...
Claiming to be "right to life", many also are in favor of CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, the invasion and occupation of foreign countries (with guns and bombs, of course), the covert, "surgical removal" of people who trouble us in other countries, and for the right to kill an intruder in one's home... some more radical folks are in favor of bombing abortion clinics and murdering doctors who perform abortions... many or most, while supporting legislation that will take away any assistance that might give children WHO ARE LIVING NOW a greater quality of life!
I am just saying that we must recognize the blatant inconsistencies we put out there. The question becomes "whose right to life?" or more accurately... "who gets to choose and under what circumstances?"
Rather than ERR ON THE SIDE OF GRACE, we jump in with both feet and then rationalize, justify and legislate our prejudices with regard to life... the RIGHT TO A QUALITY OF LIFE I address on many other blogs... but the question of whose lives we value and whose we do not is the issue.
Troy Davis is to be executed on Wednesday in Georgia, which just happens to be the same evening my wife and I will celebrate our marriage on a beach in Key West with friends. (No, we did not plan it that way.) I will be thinking about that, to be sure. We try to deter people from killing people by killing people. We try to teach society that killing people is wrong by killing people, just to show them.
A Republican presidential hopeful from Texas was interviewed over his origination and support of a law to have girls vaccinated against the STD that leads to cervical cancer, an effort that was tied to money he received from those who put out the serum. He denied that that was his reason for making it a law in his state and said that it was instead because "in Texas we value life". Texas has one of the strictest capital punishment statutes in the country. They execute more people than most any other state. Yet, their murder rate is also still one of the highest in the country. I think they are a good case study in how capital punishment is NOT a deterrent to violent crimes. Violent people do violent acts is what it proves.
"In Texas, we value life." Whose?
We will take another person's life, but only if...
"it was him/her or me"
"it was an accident"
"it was temporary insanity"
"it was in the throws of passion"
"he/she had it comin'"
"I was just following orders"
"he/she was in the wrong place at the wrong time"
"it is the law of the land"
If society or segments of society agree upon and take revenge, does it stop being revenge?
is it not still a vengeful act?
When a group of us decide that we have the right to take a life, does that make it "right"?
which group that does that is right then, and which is wrong?
It is all so "civilized" and legal... we are a very sophisticated mob doing this violence.
like wearing a tux to a lynching... like serving tea and cookies outside the gas chamber...
like setting off fireworks when the electric chair gets turned on...
yes, these are ridiculous images... but we are not so far removed from the crowd gathered
at the tree or the gallows ... from selling peanuts as the christians are eaten by lions...
we can dress it up all we want, but it is still barbaric, uncivilized and wrong
I follow a Lord who was wrongly accused, pushed through a mock trial, tortured, mocked and
executed... I wear his "electric chair"/"syringe"/"gallows" around my neck... He identified with those
who go through such things... I KNOW that we who perpetrate them are not following Him...
It is wrong, according to the values I have grown to embrace because I follow Him...
More hatred does not end hatred. It fuels it. Only LOVE ends hatred.
"An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind." Gandhi, oh yes, and Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42)
"Vengeance is MINE, I will repay", says The Lord. (Deuteronomy 32:35-36; Romans 12:14-21)
Pastor Jamie
P.S. I will be blogging again after September 25... there are a lot of these musings in this blog that you have not read yet, so this is your chance to catch up :-)
as I am often amazed at our inconsistencies... yes, I have my own...
Claiming to be "right to life", many also are in favor of CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, the invasion and occupation of foreign countries (with guns and bombs, of course), the covert, "surgical removal" of people who trouble us in other countries, and for the right to kill an intruder in one's home... some more radical folks are in favor of bombing abortion clinics and murdering doctors who perform abortions... many or most, while supporting legislation that will take away any assistance that might give children WHO ARE LIVING NOW a greater quality of life!
I am just saying that we must recognize the blatant inconsistencies we put out there. The question becomes "whose right to life?" or more accurately... "who gets to choose and under what circumstances?"
Rather than ERR ON THE SIDE OF GRACE, we jump in with both feet and then rationalize, justify and legislate our prejudices with regard to life... the RIGHT TO A QUALITY OF LIFE I address on many other blogs... but the question of whose lives we value and whose we do not is the issue.
Troy Davis is to be executed on Wednesday in Georgia, which just happens to be the same evening my wife and I will celebrate our marriage on a beach in Key West with friends. (No, we did not plan it that way.) I will be thinking about that, to be sure. We try to deter people from killing people by killing people. We try to teach society that killing people is wrong by killing people, just to show them.
A Republican presidential hopeful from Texas was interviewed over his origination and support of a law to have girls vaccinated against the STD that leads to cervical cancer, an effort that was tied to money he received from those who put out the serum. He denied that that was his reason for making it a law in his state and said that it was instead because "in Texas we value life". Texas has one of the strictest capital punishment statutes in the country. They execute more people than most any other state. Yet, their murder rate is also still one of the highest in the country. I think they are a good case study in how capital punishment is NOT a deterrent to violent crimes. Violent people do violent acts is what it proves.
"In Texas, we value life." Whose?
We will take another person's life, but only if...
"it was him/her or me"
"it was an accident"
"it was temporary insanity"
"it was in the throws of passion"
"he/she had it comin'"
"I was just following orders"
"he/she was in the wrong place at the wrong time"
"it is the law of the land"
If society or segments of society agree upon and take revenge, does it stop being revenge?
is it not still a vengeful act?
When a group of us decide that we have the right to take a life, does that make it "right"?
which group that does that is right then, and which is wrong?
It is all so "civilized" and legal... we are a very sophisticated mob doing this violence.
like wearing a tux to a lynching... like serving tea and cookies outside the gas chamber...
like setting off fireworks when the electric chair gets turned on...
yes, these are ridiculous images... but we are not so far removed from the crowd gathered
at the tree or the gallows ... from selling peanuts as the christians are eaten by lions...
we can dress it up all we want, but it is still barbaric, uncivilized and wrong
I follow a Lord who was wrongly accused, pushed through a mock trial, tortured, mocked and
executed... I wear his "electric chair"/"syringe"/"gallows" around my neck... He identified with those
who go through such things... I KNOW that we who perpetrate them are not following Him...
It is wrong, according to the values I have grown to embrace because I follow Him...
More hatred does not end hatred. It fuels it. Only LOVE ends hatred.
"An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind." Gandhi, oh yes, and Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42)
"Vengeance is MINE, I will repay", says The Lord. (Deuteronomy 32:35-36; Romans 12:14-21)
Pastor Jamie
P.S. I will be blogging again after September 25... there are a lot of these musings in this blog that you have not read yet, so this is your chance to catch up :-)
Monday, September 12, 2011
America's Diseases
"Acquisitivitis" - the sickness of extreme desire to always acquire more (of whatever)...
"Affluenza" - the sickness of extreme desire to be affluent or more affluent than others around one
Cornell West in his radio show with Tavis Smiley last week spoke in terms of addiction. We are addicted to always getting more... the nature of greed is that, no matter how much one has beyond what is enough, one will continue to want "more" because "more" is out there.
We want more money. We want more things that money can buy. We want more power. We want more control over others so we can get more. We want more of what we want, how we want it and when we want it, and we will do anything necessary to get it, no matter what it costs!
The price for acting on these diseases is great, and not just for those who have the diseases!
Others pay the price, because we will do what we must to get more at someone else's expense! We will fill our houses with the cheap goods we get from exploited workers in some far off land who have to work long hours for little pay so that we can have what we want at "a good price". When our houses are full, way beyond any capacity of enough, we buy bigger houses to store more stuff (sound like the Rich Fool in Luke 12 yet?)
If we have to pay more because someone is making a living wage to make what we want, we will go to someone less scrupulous, who will be glad to sell us goods which are cheaper because someone else paid the price so that we might have them.
We will pollute the earth we live on... the water we drink... the air we breath, so that we can get what we want... gasoline (instead of other forms of energy), charcoal for our grills, polystyrene and plastics, clothing that is cheap, fuel that is cheaper than anywhere else in the world... we kill species of plants and animals, we waste our natural resources of trees, water, fish and animals... we pump poisons into our own air, water and into our own lands (and overseas)... we want what we want, and we will do what we have to to get it... there is a very strong sense of entitlement here... not matter what...
The price for acting on these diseases is great to us, too. Some folks work themselves to death, to get "more", always more. We neglect the true gifts of family, friends, time off, the quiet pleasures and simple joys that cost nothing in order to make "more", always more... we are destroying the planet we live on... the creation of God... of which we are a part of over which we have been called to be good stewards...
We think it means security, but it is a false security. It erodes security. We make enemies out of our exploitation of others and greed. That makes us less secure. Instead of coming together to secure a better life for everyone and thereby gaining the respect, admiration and care of others, we use others for what we can get, thinking that what we gain can be secure. The money we put away is not secure itself, and the truth is that the more we make the more we spend anyway, so that very few have a "nest egg" or "rainy day fund". Our pensions are certainly not secure and neither are our jobs right now.
We think it means comfort. It is NOT comfortable for those exploited so that we can have what we want cheaply. It leaves much of the world uncomfortable, which eventually will affect our comfort zone as well. It will not be comfortable for long, when one realizes that the comfort one has has been gained off the backs of others who know that. It is not about comfort... we cannot, when we are in the grip of greed, be comfortable, because we cannot be satisfied with what we have... it's not about what we have and being thankful and grateful for it, but always about getting "more", always more. There is no comfort allowed in that striving.
We think it means success. It is a false success. We cannot savor the success, because we must always strive for "higher", "more" and "better". There is always more of that out there, and we are not truly a success until we have "it all", or "the highest" or "the best". Instead of marking success from a community perspective, making sure that all have enough and considering that none of us is a success if all of us are not successes, we make it a very individual, solitary and isolated venture... self-ish... self- centered... self-consumed... and others "be damned". "I will get it... take care of your own... I'm number one!" Instead of employers realizing that it is good business to pay people well and treat them well so that they stay and produce, rather than use them up and have to train replacements all the time... instead of showing loyalty to their employees in tough times by taking less profit rather than laying them off, rather than padding their own pockets by bonuses gained by lifting profits by laying off workers... they are short sighted, selfish and unjust. That is no success at all. If all do not succeed, it is a failure of our humanity. Some are incapable of seeing that because the disease goes deeply for them.
We think it means happiness. Happiness is a fleeting and fickle thing. We sacrifice a deep, abiding joy in our soul's well-being, relationships and sharing in community, for the tentative and superficial happiness that comes, and goes quickly, from acquisitiveness and affluence. Seeing others who are unhappy, in need and hopeless because we want what we want should not be the source of our happiness. The plight of others does affect our joy, if we are not sociopathic by nature, so gaining fleeting happiness in things gotten off the plight of others cannot add to our deep, abiding joy... only to our fickle, fleeting happiness. And that cannot be sustained.
We sacrifice healthy relationships and the joy in them, healthy bodies, healthy and peaceful minds and souls that are inseparably connected to the God who demands Agape Love (active, committed, unconditional and self-sacrificing love) for our neighbors AS FOR OURSELVES. We cannot be healthy and be subject to acquisitivitis or affluenza. We cannot be whole or complete and submit to these diseases.
Enough IS enough. To combat the greedy, ruthless, mean-spirited, selfish diseases mentioned above, one can realize what is enough and be THANKFUL for what one ALREADY HAS... people (family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, neighbors), possibilities, opportunities in community and peace within. One can be satisfied with what one already has... give to those who do not have enough, which will peak their joy... with a grateful heart celebrate the joy of that satisfaction and fullness. One can let go of the guarded quest to keep what one has at any price, and the fearful striving of needing to always get more at any cost, and be joy-filled... which, by the way, will lead to others around us being more joy-filled and whole, complete and at peace in justice.
We cannot live in acquisitiveness and greed and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in the world around us:
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS,
GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL... Gal. 5
We cannot be selfish, self-centered and self-consumed and "look not only to your own interests, but to
the interests of others." Phil. 2
We cannot love God fully or love Neighbor AS ONESELF, and actively work to exclude or exploit
others for our own gain; doing that, we cannot keep Jesus' commandment. Matt. 22
We cannot be ruthless, mean-spirited and sociopathic and be faithful to God in the world around us -
What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend on your own passions... James 4
Acquisitivitis and Affluenza lead to exploitation, exclusion, the invasion and occupation of foreign lands (whether with our military or corporate colonizers), keeping people down and the SICKNESS UNTO DEATH OF OUR SOULS.
What cost will we continue to pay, in order to have it all? What cost will others continue to pay for it?
How long do YOU think we can keep doing this?
Pastor Jamie
"Affluenza" - the sickness of extreme desire to be affluent or more affluent than others around one
Cornell West in his radio show with Tavis Smiley last week spoke in terms of addiction. We are addicted to always getting more... the nature of greed is that, no matter how much one has beyond what is enough, one will continue to want "more" because "more" is out there.
We want more money. We want more things that money can buy. We want more power. We want more control over others so we can get more. We want more of what we want, how we want it and when we want it, and we will do anything necessary to get it, no matter what it costs!
The price for acting on these diseases is great, and not just for those who have the diseases!
Others pay the price, because we will do what we must to get more at someone else's expense! We will fill our houses with the cheap goods we get from exploited workers in some far off land who have to work long hours for little pay so that we can have what we want at "a good price". When our houses are full, way beyond any capacity of enough, we buy bigger houses to store more stuff (sound like the Rich Fool in Luke 12 yet?)
If we have to pay more because someone is making a living wage to make what we want, we will go to someone less scrupulous, who will be glad to sell us goods which are cheaper because someone else paid the price so that we might have them.
We will pollute the earth we live on... the water we drink... the air we breath, so that we can get what we want... gasoline (instead of other forms of energy), charcoal for our grills, polystyrene and plastics, clothing that is cheap, fuel that is cheaper than anywhere else in the world... we kill species of plants and animals, we waste our natural resources of trees, water, fish and animals... we pump poisons into our own air, water and into our own lands (and overseas)... we want what we want, and we will do what we have to to get it... there is a very strong sense of entitlement here... not matter what...
The price for acting on these diseases is great to us, too. Some folks work themselves to death, to get "more", always more. We neglect the true gifts of family, friends, time off, the quiet pleasures and simple joys that cost nothing in order to make "more", always more... we are destroying the planet we live on... the creation of God... of which we are a part of over which we have been called to be good stewards...
We think it means security, but it is a false security. It erodes security. We make enemies out of our exploitation of others and greed. That makes us less secure. Instead of coming together to secure a better life for everyone and thereby gaining the respect, admiration and care of others, we use others for what we can get, thinking that what we gain can be secure. The money we put away is not secure itself, and the truth is that the more we make the more we spend anyway, so that very few have a "nest egg" or "rainy day fund". Our pensions are certainly not secure and neither are our jobs right now.
We think it means comfort. It is NOT comfortable for those exploited so that we can have what we want cheaply. It leaves much of the world uncomfortable, which eventually will affect our comfort zone as well. It will not be comfortable for long, when one realizes that the comfort one has has been gained off the backs of others who know that. It is not about comfort... we cannot, when we are in the grip of greed, be comfortable, because we cannot be satisfied with what we have... it's not about what we have and being thankful and grateful for it, but always about getting "more", always more. There is no comfort allowed in that striving.
We think it means success. It is a false success. We cannot savor the success, because we must always strive for "higher", "more" and "better". There is always more of that out there, and we are not truly a success until we have "it all", or "the highest" or "the best". Instead of marking success from a community perspective, making sure that all have enough and considering that none of us is a success if all of us are not successes, we make it a very individual, solitary and isolated venture... self-ish... self- centered... self-consumed... and others "be damned". "I will get it... take care of your own... I'm number one!" Instead of employers realizing that it is good business to pay people well and treat them well so that they stay and produce, rather than use them up and have to train replacements all the time... instead of showing loyalty to their employees in tough times by taking less profit rather than laying them off, rather than padding their own pockets by bonuses gained by lifting profits by laying off workers... they are short sighted, selfish and unjust. That is no success at all. If all do not succeed, it is a failure of our humanity. Some are incapable of seeing that because the disease goes deeply for them.
We think it means happiness. Happiness is a fleeting and fickle thing. We sacrifice a deep, abiding joy in our soul's well-being, relationships and sharing in community, for the tentative and superficial happiness that comes, and goes quickly, from acquisitiveness and affluence. Seeing others who are unhappy, in need and hopeless because we want what we want should not be the source of our happiness. The plight of others does affect our joy, if we are not sociopathic by nature, so gaining fleeting happiness in things gotten off the plight of others cannot add to our deep, abiding joy... only to our fickle, fleeting happiness. And that cannot be sustained.
We sacrifice healthy relationships and the joy in them, healthy bodies, healthy and peaceful minds and souls that are inseparably connected to the God who demands Agape Love (active, committed, unconditional and self-sacrificing love) for our neighbors AS FOR OURSELVES. We cannot be healthy and be subject to acquisitivitis or affluenza. We cannot be whole or complete and submit to these diseases.
Enough IS enough. To combat the greedy, ruthless, mean-spirited, selfish diseases mentioned above, one can realize what is enough and be THANKFUL for what one ALREADY HAS... people (family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, neighbors), possibilities, opportunities in community and peace within. One can be satisfied with what one already has... give to those who do not have enough, which will peak their joy... with a grateful heart celebrate the joy of that satisfaction and fullness. One can let go of the guarded quest to keep what one has at any price, and the fearful striving of needing to always get more at any cost, and be joy-filled... which, by the way, will lead to others around us being more joy-filled and whole, complete and at peace in justice.
We cannot live in acquisitiveness and greed and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in the world around us:
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS,
GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL... Gal. 5
We cannot be selfish, self-centered and self-consumed and "look not only to your own interests, but to
the interests of others." Phil. 2
We cannot love God fully or love Neighbor AS ONESELF, and actively work to exclude or exploit
others for our own gain; doing that, we cannot keep Jesus' commandment. Matt. 22
We cannot be ruthless, mean-spirited and sociopathic and be faithful to God in the world around us -
What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend on your own passions... James 4
Acquisitivitis and Affluenza lead to exploitation, exclusion, the invasion and occupation of foreign lands (whether with our military or corporate colonizers), keeping people down and the SICKNESS UNTO DEATH OF OUR SOULS.
What cost will we continue to pay, in order to have it all? What cost will others continue to pay for it?
How long do YOU think we can keep doing this?
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering
Remembering all those who lost their lives on that day...
Remembering all who have lost their lives, civilians, soldiers
and others in lands we occupy... Iraq, Afghanistan... since that day...
Remembering all who have lost their jobs, homes, pensions...
Remembering all who have lost because of injustice...
Remembering all who have heroically striven to help, to save
to change, to lift up, to voice wrongs and make rights...
Remembering that we are ALL connected to God and inseparably
therefore linked to each other, that we must LOVE our neighbor
(even enemy and stranger) as we love our selves, and that the
best way to destroy an enemy is to make them a brother/sister...
Remembering all who have lost their lives, civilians, soldiers
and others in lands we occupy... Iraq, Afghanistan... since that day...
Remembering all who have lost their jobs, homes, pensions...
Remembering all who have lost because of injustice...
Remembering all who have heroically striven to help, to save
to change, to lift up, to voice wrongs and make rights...
Remembering that we are ALL connected to God and inseparably
therefore linked to each other, that we must LOVE our neighbor
(even enemy and stranger) as we love our selves, and that the
best way to destroy an enemy is to make them a brother/sister...
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Jesus and Salvation
I know that many or most believers are focused on PERSONAL
salvation based on "the one who believes and is baptized shall be saved."
Jesus, however teaches quite clearly that it is NOT just about "me and Jesus."
Our salvation is, according to Jesus, at least partly dependent upon how
we treat the poor, stranger and enemy... especially how the wealthy do...
Matthew 19:16-22 The man had kept the law. He wanted salvation.
He asked what he lacked. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the
poor and follow Jesus. He went away sad, because he could not help
but value his earthly treasures over his obedience to Jesus and concern
for the poor. It was about what he had and would keep.
Jesus immediately then tells of how hard it will be for the rich to enter
the Kingdom... the first shall be last and the last, first according to Jesus.
Jesus also addressed salvation and the rich in Luke 16:19-31. The rich
man stepped over the poor man at his gate. He ignored his plight. He then
died and went to hell for it. Even in death, in hell, the rich man had the
audacity to think he could order Abraham about, and to get Lazarus to
be his personal servant, though he was in hell and Lazarus in heaven.
He then asked to have Lazarus sent as his messenger to his brothers, who
would no more believe Moses and the Prophets than he did... that his
wealth was not necessarily a sign of God's favor...
Jesus taught about the Rich Fool in Luke 12:15-21. He accumulated
wealth, and when he had more than enough, he made it possible to get
and keep even more. He died and it was all for nothing. Acquiring more
and keeping all that one can get for oneself is not a Kingdom value. I
believe to be a fool at death, according to Jesus, will mean something bad
for me.
Jesus, the judge of all creation, upon His return, will judge at least in part
on how we treated others and therefore, treated Him... Matthew 25:31-46
gives us a vision of His return and how those of us who are goats for not
"feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned
and welcoming the stranger (immigrant)", are not to enter the Kingdom...
because as we refused them, we refused Jesus.
Is that astounding to you? Scary?
It is to me! In the world, I am considered one of the wealthy as a middle
class American. My salvation, it turns out, according to Jesus, the Judge
of the Living and the Dead, is contingent upon my treatment of the poor.
It is also scary because our nation is concerned with keeping what we have
and getting more, rather than concern for the poor.
It is also scary because the church remains silent regarding economic
justice and the sin of greed, afraid to offend wealthy members, it reflects the
greed of the nation.
It is also scary because individuals are getting more and more mean-
spirited about getting theirs and keeping it, getting more and ignoring others,
exploiting others for their own gain, or keeping others from getting what
they need.
It is also scary because our nation's politicians actively write laws to hurt
the poor and benefit the rich... both among our own people and in the
world.
So, how wealthy are YOU compared to the average world citizen, whom God,
the God of all nations, loves?
How are you doing with your concern for the poor and committed action on
their behalf (Agape Love)?
Where are you with Jesus, who says that those who are rich and who ignore
the poor, use the poor, concern themselves only with keeping what they have and
getting more and do not welcome immigrants (legal or illegal), are in deep trouble
with Him at the judgment?
It is about "you and Jesus". It is just not ALL about "you and Jesus".
We are in trouble as a nation, church, individuals... with Jesus.
It is time for repentance. It is time to LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR (even stranger
and enemy) as a part of how we LOVE GOD with all that we have.
Pastor Jamie
salvation based on "the one who believes and is baptized shall be saved."
Jesus, however teaches quite clearly that it is NOT just about "me and Jesus."
Our salvation is, according to Jesus, at least partly dependent upon how
we treat the poor, stranger and enemy... especially how the wealthy do...
Matthew 19:16-22 The man had kept the law. He wanted salvation.
He asked what he lacked. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the
poor and follow Jesus. He went away sad, because he could not help
but value his earthly treasures over his obedience to Jesus and concern
for the poor. It was about what he had and would keep.
Jesus immediately then tells of how hard it will be for the rich to enter
the Kingdom... the first shall be last and the last, first according to Jesus.
Jesus also addressed salvation and the rich in Luke 16:19-31. The rich
man stepped over the poor man at his gate. He ignored his plight. He then
died and went to hell for it. Even in death, in hell, the rich man had the
audacity to think he could order Abraham about, and to get Lazarus to
be his personal servant, though he was in hell and Lazarus in heaven.
He then asked to have Lazarus sent as his messenger to his brothers, who
would no more believe Moses and the Prophets than he did... that his
wealth was not necessarily a sign of God's favor...
Jesus taught about the Rich Fool in Luke 12:15-21. He accumulated
wealth, and when he had more than enough, he made it possible to get
and keep even more. He died and it was all for nothing. Acquiring more
and keeping all that one can get for oneself is not a Kingdom value. I
believe to be a fool at death, according to Jesus, will mean something bad
for me.
Jesus, the judge of all creation, upon His return, will judge at least in part
on how we treated others and therefore, treated Him... Matthew 25:31-46
gives us a vision of His return and how those of us who are goats for not
"feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned
and welcoming the stranger (immigrant)", are not to enter the Kingdom...
because as we refused them, we refused Jesus.
Is that astounding to you? Scary?
It is to me! In the world, I am considered one of the wealthy as a middle
class American. My salvation, it turns out, according to Jesus, the Judge
of the Living and the Dead, is contingent upon my treatment of the poor.
It is also scary because our nation is concerned with keeping what we have
and getting more, rather than concern for the poor.
It is also scary because the church remains silent regarding economic
justice and the sin of greed, afraid to offend wealthy members, it reflects the
greed of the nation.
It is also scary because individuals are getting more and more mean-
spirited about getting theirs and keeping it, getting more and ignoring others,
exploiting others for their own gain, or keeping others from getting what
they need.
It is also scary because our nation's politicians actively write laws to hurt
the poor and benefit the rich... both among our own people and in the
world.
So, how wealthy are YOU compared to the average world citizen, whom God,
the God of all nations, loves?
How are you doing with your concern for the poor and committed action on
their behalf (Agape Love)?
Where are you with Jesus, who says that those who are rich and who ignore
the poor, use the poor, concern themselves only with keeping what they have and
getting more and do not welcome immigrants (legal or illegal), are in deep trouble
with Him at the judgment?
It is about "you and Jesus". It is just not ALL about "you and Jesus".
We are in trouble as a nation, church, individuals... with Jesus.
It is time for repentance. It is time to LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR (even stranger
and enemy) as a part of how we LOVE GOD with all that we have.
Pastor Jamie
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