The Body
May 5, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good." -I Corinthians 12:7
Reading: I Corinthians 12
Each of us have gifts, talents and passions. We find fulfillment in using these gifts for the common good. Some may want to use their gifts only to make themselves feel better, but soon find out that this plan leads to anxiety, jealousy and unhappiness. What great joy to know that we have used our God-given gifts for the common good!
Excitement
March 5, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David." -Mark 11:10
Reading: Mark 11:1-11
A people bent down by oppression are excited today.. The one they’ve been hearing about, Jesus from Galilee, is coming into town. It’s a parade of hope. Could this be the leader we’ve been waiting for? People desperately want change and they hope that Jesus is the one who can bring it. He is one of them, but more powerful, wise, courageous.
A den of robbers
March 4, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"Has this house, which is called by name, become a den of robbers in your sight?" -Jeremiah 7:11
Reading: Jeremiah 7:8-11
In other words, has the Temple become a sanctuary for thieves? The Temple was also a center of government. Our center of government in Washington DC has surely become a den of thieves.
act justly
March 3, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"if you truly truly act justly with one another... then I will dwell with you in this place" -Jeremiah 7:7
Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-7
The basis of the covenant between God and God’s people has a lot to do with acting justly toward one another. Jeremiah specifically mentions justice for all those who were most marginal in the society: aliens, widows, and orphans. The test of a society from the perspective of the prophet is the way it treats those on the bottom rungs of society. I saw a clip the other day from Glen Beck, one of the leaders of the teapot group. He said, “beware of churches that use the term “social justice” for they are probably leftist. Maybe he thinks Jeremiah and Isaiah should not be important for Christians, but these are two books that were quoted by Jesus at important points in his ministry.
I am with you
March 2, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"Do not be afraid of them, for I am a with you to deliver you says the Lord." -Jeremiah 1:8
Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Whenever God calls someone to some task, whether Moses or Jeremiah or Mary; the person being called always questions whether they are worthy and able to do what God is asking. The answer is always the same. “I will be with you.” What great task is God calling you to? God is with you!
Justice sprouting
March 1, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"For as the Earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations." -Isaiah 61:11
Reading: Isaiah 61:8-11
It is March! Spring is in the air!, Well, actually it’s cold and snow is on the ground. But spring is coming! Shoots are ready to spring forth from the ground! The same is true with justice and righteousness. Although it looks pretty bleak in Washington DC, although the teapots are trying to move things even farther to the right; shoots of hope are just beneath the surface ready to break through the ground and shoot up toward the sky promising a harvest of justice and joy! All of our organizing and advocating for fairness in the workplace, and our community and in the nation will bear fruit. It is March, can spring be far away?
Purpose
February 28, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"To proclaim liberty to the captives..." -Isaiah 61:1
Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2
The prophet’s purpose is to bring about the vision and the previous passage. A better day is coming, a day of justice and peace, take heart!
a vision
February 27, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"My people will abide in peaceful habitation." -Isaiah 32:18
Reading: Isaiah 32:16-20
This is the end result of following biblical teaching. This is the purpose of the law and the commandments. The effect of righteousness is justice and peace. The commandments and teachings are not rules to make some people feel superior to others, their purpose is not to lay guilt trips on people, their purpose is to bring harmony and peace.
A vision of peace
February 26, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." -Isaiah 11:9
Reading: Isaiah 11: 6-9
After describing ideal government, Isaiah imagines what life could be like under such a system. This is the reign of God or the government of God. There is peace and harmony, no one wishes to hurt or destroy because all are full of the knowledge of the ways of God. Where do you see this vision beginning to emerge?
A New Government
February 25, 2010 | Posted by Doug
"With righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the Earth." -Isaiah 11:4
Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah lays out a vision of good government - a ruler who does not decide with what his eyes or ears are telling him, perhaps one who screens out the voices of special interests; but decides with justice in favor of the poor and meek. What can citizens do to attain this kind of government? What do you feel are your responsibilities as a citizen?