WHO ARE YOU BECOMING?
I’m pretty energized as 2005 comes to a close. You see I’m wired up with a future orientation – what was happened doesn’t interest me nearly as much as what will happen. Possibilities and potential – the what could be(s) of life – that gets my heart pumping. I think that is why these words from the prophet Isaiah resonate with me:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Now you may be thinking that I have an addiction to the new, new thing; I lovingly like to call it spiritual ADD.
The reality is that all of us are in a state of becoming. The big question is, “what kind of person are you becoming, spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, and intellectually?” Check out what the Apostle Paul said to the Christ community in Philippi:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
We are people in process.
Alex McManus at Into the Mystic, turned me on to a site that I will be utilizing over the next couple of days as I move into 2006 (BTW - next week I will be taking four days of solitude at a friend’s river house to read, pray, study, make music, commune...). Here’s what Alex wrote:
“If you could send an email to your future self 1 year from today, what message would you send? What message would you send to your future self in 5 years? 20 years? Whatever your message, you can send it to your future self via futureme.org. As the New Year approaches, and we think about who we’ve been in times past and the people we want to become, try this exercise: what email message would you send not only to yourself but to those you love? Your spouse or your kids?”
As the curtain is drawn on 2005 and the New Year begin why not take some time and prayerfully write a letter to your future self. Ask God to guide you through the process and to help you answer this question, “what kind of person are you becoming?”
Stay Connected…
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
GETTING CHRISTMAS RIGHT...
It was just about a month ago when I raised this question before our community of faith – “what would it take for you to wake up on December 26 to be able to say to yourself, ‘this Christmas, I got it right?’” Well, it is December 28, I thought it would be good to share some of my thoughts and invite you to join in as well.
One of the things I shared with my congregation was the fact that our goal should not be a perfect Christmas; that is simply setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal was to find movement toward getting it right, a more Christ-centered and Christ-honoring celebration. Believe me, I certainly didn’t get it perfect (not even close); I had my moments of anxiety, self-centered thinking, irritation with people, counting the days until it would all be over…but in the midst of it I did discover some movement.
One of the biggest movements for me this December was the fresh realization that I have control over very little and that indeed much of what is going on around me is a part of the cosmic spiritual battle between the forces of the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. I shared a talk entitled, “Peace on Earth?” which centered on the world into which Jesus was born, a world ruled and dominated by the Roman Empire. The peace of Rome was fueled by violence, oppression, and injustice and the Prince of Peace came to confront, disarm, and dismantle this evil empire. The implications and reverberations from this event are still being felt today.
A friend of mine shared some wisdom with me (via John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat”). She reminded me that we all need God-sized challenges, the kind of challenges where only God could bring the victory. Otherwise, we become very confident on our own abilities to stay in control and make things happen. One night lying in bed I realized that one of the situation I am facing is indeed a spiritual battle; the best of my ability has failed to produce any real, substantive change. Break-through will only come as the result of God’s power sweeping in and saving the day. Now sure, I have a part to play, but really what’s needed most is the power and peace of God to come into this situation and reign (reminds me of Jesus words, “this one will only come out through prayer and fasting”).
This Christmas I gave fewer wrapped gifts; I gave a number of costly (life giving kinds of gifts through world Vision) and had some fun giving symbolic gifts to a few close friends. Most of all I tried to give more of myself. On Christmas Day, my wife Patty had to work the 3-11 PM shift which left me alone with my in-laws at Christmas dinner; not the most comfortable place for me. I made the conscious decision to give the gift of my presence to two of my nephews. I don’t see them very often and seldom really speak with them. I spent some quality one-on-one time with each of them where I tried my best to become present to them, to listen and learn what’s going on in their lives. It blessed me and I pray it touched their lives in a small way as well.
What about you? Did you discern any movement toward getting Christmas right this year? I would love to hear some of your stories.
Stay Connected…
It was just about a month ago when I raised this question before our community of faith – “what would it take for you to wake up on December 26 to be able to say to yourself, ‘this Christmas, I got it right?’” Well, it is December 28, I thought it would be good to share some of my thoughts and invite you to join in as well.
One of the things I shared with my congregation was the fact that our goal should not be a perfect Christmas; that is simply setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal was to find movement toward getting it right, a more Christ-centered and Christ-honoring celebration. Believe me, I certainly didn’t get it perfect (not even close); I had my moments of anxiety, self-centered thinking, irritation with people, counting the days until it would all be over…but in the midst of it I did discover some movement.
One of the biggest movements for me this December was the fresh realization that I have control over very little and that indeed much of what is going on around me is a part of the cosmic spiritual battle between the forces of the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. I shared a talk entitled, “Peace on Earth?” which centered on the world into which Jesus was born, a world ruled and dominated by the Roman Empire. The peace of Rome was fueled by violence, oppression, and injustice and the Prince of Peace came to confront, disarm, and dismantle this evil empire. The implications and reverberations from this event are still being felt today.
A friend of mine shared some wisdom with me (via John Ortberg’s book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat”). She reminded me that we all need God-sized challenges, the kind of challenges where only God could bring the victory. Otherwise, we become very confident on our own abilities to stay in control and make things happen. One night lying in bed I realized that one of the situation I am facing is indeed a spiritual battle; the best of my ability has failed to produce any real, substantive change. Break-through will only come as the result of God’s power sweeping in and saving the day. Now sure, I have a part to play, but really what’s needed most is the power and peace of God to come into this situation and reign (reminds me of Jesus words, “this one will only come out through prayer and fasting”).
This Christmas I gave fewer wrapped gifts; I gave a number of costly (life giving kinds of gifts through world Vision) and had some fun giving symbolic gifts to a few close friends. Most of all I tried to give more of myself. On Christmas Day, my wife Patty had to work the 3-11 PM shift which left me alone with my in-laws at Christmas dinner; not the most comfortable place for me. I made the conscious decision to give the gift of my presence to two of my nephews. I don’t see them very often and seldom really speak with them. I spent some quality one-on-one time with each of them where I tried my best to become present to them, to listen and learn what’s going on in their lives. It blessed me and I pray it touched their lives in a small way as well.
What about you? Did you discern any movement toward getting Christmas right this year? I would love to hear some of your stories.
Stay Connected…
Saturday, December 24, 2005
WHICH CHRISTMAS STORY ARE YOU READING?
Over the past week I suggested that there are some alternative readings of the Christmas Story in the Scriptures. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, let me raise a question: which Christmas story are you reading?
Will Willimon is a United Methodist Bishop, pastor, and prolific author. In his book, "Watch for the Light," he writes:
“We love Christmas because, as we say, Christmas brings out the best in us. Everyone gives on Christmas, even the stingiest among us, even the Ebenezer Scrooges. Charles Dickens’ story of Scrooge’s transformation has probably done more to form our notions of Christmas than St. Luke’s story of the manger. Whereas Luke tells us of God’s gift to us, Dickens tells us how we can give to others. A Christmas Carol is more congenial to our favorite images of ourselves. Dickens suggests that down deep, even the worst of us can become generous, giving people.
I pray that this year you receive the wonderful gift of God in Jesus Christ.
Stay Connected...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
ALTERNATIVE READINGS OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY
This past week I have been thinking about and reflecting upon alternative readings of the Christmas story. Last week our worship design team dialogued about the Christmas story as it is found in Revelation 11-12. Check out Marlaena Cochran's blog for some great thoughts on this in light of the Chronicles of Narnia film.
Today I have been thinking about Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9 concerning generosity and especially verse 15 when Paul declares: "thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I ran across these words from Bill Denton:
"There is One who has come through with the greatest gift of all. When God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins and to rise from the dead to give hope of eternal life, it was the gift of all gifts. No gift-loaded Christmas tree has ever secreted a gift as loving, as desperately needed, as beautiful, or as magnificent. We may struggle to give appropriate gifts, but God has come through for us with a gift for all time, for all eternity. It's an indescribable gift!"
This week as you reflect upon Luke 2 and Matthew 1, I pray the words of Paul will serve as a backdrop for the birth of Christ in your heart afresh. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Stay Connected...
This past week I have been thinking about and reflecting upon alternative readings of the Christmas story. Last week our worship design team dialogued about the Christmas story as it is found in Revelation 11-12. Check out Marlaena Cochran's blog for some great thoughts on this in light of the Chronicles of Narnia film.
Today I have been thinking about Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9 concerning generosity and especially verse 15 when Paul declares: "thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
I ran across these words from Bill Denton:
"There is One who has come through with the greatest gift of all. When God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins and to rise from the dead to give hope of eternal life, it was the gift of all gifts. No gift-loaded Christmas tree has ever secreted a gift as loving, as desperately needed, as beautiful, or as magnificent. We may struggle to give appropriate gifts, but God has come through for us with a gift for all time, for all eternity. It's an indescribable gift!"
This week as you reflect upon Luke 2 and Matthew 1, I pray the words of Paul will serve as a backdrop for the birth of Christ in your heart afresh. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Stay Connected...
Monday, December 12, 2005
BETTER DAYS?
Are you an optimist or pessimist?
Have you ever run across followers of Jesus who continually speak of the evils of this world and pray without ceasing that Jesus would come back and rescue them out of this mess? Now I realize that we live in a broken world, marred and flawed by sin, injustice and oppression and that every one of us experiences the consequences of the fall each and every day. But man, that think of thinking, praying, and living really depresses me.
It’s been interesting that over the past couple of months that God has been using two songs to renew my spirit, one by the Goo Goo Dolls and the other by the Robbie Seay Band – both interestingly enough entitled “Better Days.” You can watch the Goo Goo Dolls perform the song at Rockefeller Square and and listen to the Robbie Seay song at their site.
First of all thanks for listening to our song We hope this finds you driving in your car or where ever you are breath out and breath again know that life is hard, but its worth it in the end, listen to me now for the love, oh love, It's waiting for you just to say here come better days here come better days,better days, and a better place I know.Secondly I'm all screwed up so royally I stumbled my way here, but wait, oh wait grace has found me shaken up my soul, grace will follow where ever you may go, listen to me now grace, oh grace, is calling for you just to say here come better days here come better days, better days, and a better place I know.
(Robbie Seay Band)
Faith calls me to be a realistic optimist –yes sin is a reality and brokenness is all around but while we are here on earth we have the opportunity to bring real help and hope to people in real need. And in fact isn’t that what the message of Christmas is all about?
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Are you an optimist or pessimist?
Have you ever run across followers of Jesus who continually speak of the evils of this world and pray without ceasing that Jesus would come back and rescue them out of this mess? Now I realize that we live in a broken world, marred and flawed by sin, injustice and oppression and that every one of us experiences the consequences of the fall each and every day. But man, that think of thinking, praying, and living really depresses me.
It’s been interesting that over the past couple of months that God has been using two songs to renew my spirit, one by the Goo Goo Dolls and the other by the Robbie Seay Band – both interestingly enough entitled “Better Days.” You can watch the Goo Goo Dolls perform the song at Rockefeller Square and and listen to the Robbie Seay song at their site.
First of all thanks for listening to our song We hope this finds you driving in your car or where ever you are breath out and breath again know that life is hard, but its worth it in the end, listen to me now for the love, oh love, It's waiting for you just to say here come better days here come better days,better days, and a better place I know.Secondly I'm all screwed up so royally I stumbled my way here, but wait, oh wait grace has found me shaken up my soul, grace will follow where ever you may go, listen to me now grace, oh grace, is calling for you just to say here come better days here come better days, better days, and a better place I know.
(Robbie Seay Band)
Faith calls me to be a realistic optimist –yes sin is a reality and brokenness is all around but while we are here on earth we have the opportunity to bring real help and hope to people in real need. And in fact isn’t that what the message of Christmas is all about?
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Sunday, December 04, 2005
A GENEROUS CHRISTMAS
Yesterday during our worship gathering I spoke from Matthew 2:1-12 and the visit of the Magi. In their own way, the Magi invented the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time. When they came into the presence of Jesus, the One born King of the Jews, they opened up their treasures and presented gifts. I have been thinking quite a bit about this story this week and hope it will inform my own gift giving this Christmas season.
At Christmas time we typically shower our family and friends with gifts. Trust me – I am not anti-gift giving. In our best moments we do so as a demonstration of our love for others – however, in our worst moments it can become little more than obligatory giving with very little heart or intention behind it.
This year the Timm family is going to try something different – we will include in our practice of gift giving, a costly gift given to those in great need, with the hope and prayer that it will make a real difference in someone’s life. We will be partnering with World Vision, utilizing their opportunities to give a gift that will help widows and orphans who have been impacted by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Perhaps you or your family would like to join with us this year. Take a couple of moments to check out the opportunities that World Vision provides through their Caring for Widows and Orphans site. There is a sobering reminder of the real need in our world as you immediately read these words: “By the time you have finished reading this page, another four children will be orphaned – joining the 14 million children around the world who have already been lost one or both parents to AIDS.”
What do you think? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Stay Connected…
Yesterday during our worship gathering I spoke from Matthew 2:1-12 and the visit of the Magi. In their own way, the Magi invented the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time. When they came into the presence of Jesus, the One born King of the Jews, they opened up their treasures and presented gifts. I have been thinking quite a bit about this story this week and hope it will inform my own gift giving this Christmas season.
At Christmas time we typically shower our family and friends with gifts. Trust me – I am not anti-gift giving. In our best moments we do so as a demonstration of our love for others – however, in our worst moments it can become little more than obligatory giving with very little heart or intention behind it.
This year the Timm family is going to try something different – we will include in our practice of gift giving, a costly gift given to those in great need, with the hope and prayer that it will make a real difference in someone’s life. We will be partnering with World Vision, utilizing their opportunities to give a gift that will help widows and orphans who have been impacted by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Perhaps you or your family would like to join with us this year. Take a couple of moments to check out the opportunities that World Vision provides through their Caring for Widows and Orphans site. There is a sobering reminder of the real need in our world as you immediately read these words: “By the time you have finished reading this page, another four children will be orphaned – joining the 14 million children around the world who have already been lost one or both parents to AIDS.”
What do you think? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Stay Connected…
Thursday, December 01, 2005
WORLD AIDS DAY - KEEP THE PROMISE
This past summer my daughter Abby and I visited with my parents in northern Wisconsin. This was the place where they both were born and raised. One beautiful afternoon we took a walk through a small town cemetery. It was fascinating to read the names on the tombstones and I was amazed at how many names I recognized. Grandparents, uncles, and aunts – I paused to stop and give thanks for their lives. But one stopped me in my tracks – it was the grave site of one of my cousins, a man just a few years older than I – and a life cut short by HIV/AIDS.
Today is World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is a yearly, global event started in January 1988 to promote awareness and action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS estimates, there were 37.2 million adults and 2.2 million children worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2004. During the year 4.9 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. In Africa alone, more than 17 million people have died from AIDS and another 25 million are infected with the HIV virus, approximately 1.9 million of whom are children. Every day in Africa, HIV/AIDS kills 6,300 people. 8,500 people are infected with the HIV virus and 1,400 newborn babies are infected during childbirth.
This year, the theme of World AIDS Day is "Stop Aids: Keep the Promise" which reminds us that our government leaders need to be held accountable for their commitments to the fight against AIDS and act in order to delivered the promised results. (taken from the ONE website).
I invite you to take a few minutes today to listen to the "The World AIDS Day ONEcast" which features former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Bono, U2 lead singer and co-founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade for Africa), Chris Martin of Coldplay, and author and Christian leader Tony Campolo.
Stay Connected...
This past summer my daughter Abby and I visited with my parents in northern Wisconsin. This was the place where they both were born and raised. One beautiful afternoon we took a walk through a small town cemetery. It was fascinating to read the names on the tombstones and I was amazed at how many names I recognized. Grandparents, uncles, and aunts – I paused to stop and give thanks for their lives. But one stopped me in my tracks – it was the grave site of one of my cousins, a man just a few years older than I – and a life cut short by HIV/AIDS.
Today is World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is a yearly, global event started in January 1988 to promote awareness and action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS estimates, there were 37.2 million adults and 2.2 million children worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2004. During the year 4.9 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. In Africa alone, more than 17 million people have died from AIDS and another 25 million are infected with the HIV virus, approximately 1.9 million of whom are children. Every day in Africa, HIV/AIDS kills 6,300 people. 8,500 people are infected with the HIV virus and 1,400 newborn babies are infected during childbirth.
This year, the theme of World AIDS Day is "Stop Aids: Keep the Promise" which reminds us that our government leaders need to be held accountable for their commitments to the fight against AIDS and act in order to delivered the promised results. (taken from the ONE website).
I invite you to take a few minutes today to listen to the "The World AIDS Day ONEcast" which features former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, Bono, U2 lead singer and co-founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade for Africa), Chris Martin of Coldplay, and author and Christian leader Tony Campolo.
Stay Connected...
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