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Unlearn

It’s hard to follow up on Pirates, unless you reference  Star Wars!!!

Yoda: You must unlearn what you have learned.

Yes, sometimes we have to unlearn our thoughts and ways to understand the ways of the Master.  For instance, look at these words he uses to call Simon the fisherman to follow him

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Luke 5:10b

Make sure as you follow the Master today, you are letting him lead.  And where you need to let go, unlearn, and well.. watch what happens!

 

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Different Strokes for Different Jedis

This week I sat in a training class for 2 and 1/2 days.  I mean literally sat – think about the worst conference room your could imagine, populate it with stationery chairs, a few too many people, and lectures that go for 2 hours at a time!  It’s spelled F-U-N!  But these long periods of time together with others, allowed me to observe how people approach learning so differently. Did I mention there was a test at the end of the time?   Yeah, so some people are just listening, some are frantically making notes, some are making note cards, some look totally confused, and some totally in tune.  I think it is so great to see how different we all are.  Although we share so much in coming, it’s easy to see the different preferences, styles, attitudes, approaches and skills we have.

It reminds me of this section from one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible – Romans 12

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  Romans 12

We each are giving different gifts, but we are all ask to use to with all of our heart.  That’s a good thing to have in common.

Be strong today, as you use  your gifts to impact others,

and

May the Fourth be with you!

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May the Fourth Be With You

The power is back to my house, and I feel like I have just discovered a secret power as I have been reacquainted with all of my electric gadgets and gizmos.  Sort of fitting that that happens when it’s Star Wars Day!  That’s right  – May The Fourth Be With You!

That’s a pretty cool parting salutation, up there with ‘Shalom’, and it reminds me of the way Paul ended lots of his letters to the first century churches.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:23, New International Version, ©2011)

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. (Galatians 6:18, New International Version, ©2011)

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14, New International Version, ©2011)

So, today, remember the story of the Jedi’s and where their power come from – and have fun with your friends bestowing that salutation on them. But also, be thankful for the electric power that you enjoy in your home, and spend a moment considering how the grace of Christ and the love of God will power you if you allow it to be with your spirit!

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The Gospel According to Ackbar

I few weeks ago, I picked up this sweet woot shirt.  Most Star Wars fans will get the reference right off.  If you are not then listen up – thats Admiral Ackbar who, when the rebel alliance is attacking the death star ( the cheese), makes the famous line that for some reason is so ridiculed.  When he realized his squadrons are in trouble he shouts out “It’s a trap!”

I have been spending a lot of time recently thinking about ol’ Ackbar, and his infamous warning.  For it seems that we find ourselves most of time in the position of the the X wing fighter pilots.  Think about those guys – heading in for what appears to be treasure and true victory.  Hey look, no defense, hey look, a helpless little Death Star just waiting for us to take it over.  Could life get any better?

Yep that’s us.  Oh what could it hurt?  Sure I need more money – look it’s just there for the taking.  One look, one touch, one taste.  Whoo hoo, we are in like Flynn!  oops…

Fortunately, we have words similar to the Admiral to remind us what is going on.  First there are the words of James crying out “Trap, Trap”

14We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. James 1:14 (CEV)

oh those temptations.  like cheese on a mouse trap, like the Death Star without any defense.  Next we see Paul writing to Timothy, instructing him to warn people of the traps that are blinding them as he says.”It’s a trap”, the devil’s tricks and mirages are just traps! Pull up Pull Up..”

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, 2 Timothy 2:26 (NIV)

Finally, in the theme of Ackbar are the words of the Christ himself reminding us of how careless living can lead us right into a trap.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:33-35 (NIV)

So today, heed the warning of Ackbar and remember that some of the things of life may look great, but really “It’s a trap!”

Pull Up! Pull Up!

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A New Hope

Last week I was privileged to drive the middle school band to Pigeon Forge TN for a trip to Dollywood and a band festival.  On the way there, the guys in my van decided to watch one of the Star Wars movies.   Of course, I was there in the front seat with nothing to do but follow the bus and think.  The one they were watching was the actual first one in the series where little Anakin is discovered and the Jedi place their hope in him.

Of course the movie that most readers of this blog remember as the first one is called A New Hope.  A New Hope because little Anakin doesn’t turn out so well, and they place their hope this time in his son Luke Skywalker.  Despite all of his childish whining Luke saves the day, and provides peace and joy for everyone with a nice party in the woods at the end of the saga.

The story has several parallels to life, and would probably make for a good study, but today I was just thinking about hope.  What so great is that we have A New Hope!

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 2:3-4

We have a hope that gives us a gift in heaven.  That should bring you joy today.  When you live with a hope like that joy should abound, and others should notice.  Go through today remembering the hope you have, and since it is Star Wars Day,  May the Fourth be With You!