Month: September 2010

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Go and Do Likewise

Last night on the way home, I asked Andrew what he studied in his “Sunday School” classes.  He replied they had a skit about the good Samaritan.  I then questioned him about his part, was he the guy that beat up that poor man.  He said, no I was the Samaritian, and his little 5 year old friend Sammy was the guy who beat him up. I think he did have a few bruises last night!

So, this morning, I decided to take a peek at that story again in Luke.  It’s quite a simple story, and one that most of you know.  In response to the question “who is my neighbor?”, Jesus tells a story of a man who is beat up, left for dead, past by and finally aided by a man who had no business doing it, for several reasons.

The part that always gets me about this story, beside that fact that the Samaritan had to overcome such prejudice to provide assistance, is Jesus’ last statement

37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke  10:37

Go and do likewise.  Go and do.  That’s a command.  This is more then just a story for elementary children to act out.  It’s a life lesson that we should be “acting out”  everyday.

Today, go and do!  Show Mercy, Love you neighbor, and make a difference!

Go and Do Likewise!

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A Child’s View

I found this video title “One Child’s Most Exciting Day” whilst on my normal search for information and ideas on the World Wide Web earlier this week.  I have spent parts of the last two days thinking about it.  You will need to watch it to get the full picture, but essentially in this German ( I think) video about poverty, a child is asked to describe his most exciting day.  As he describes visiting castles, eating feasts and sailing on boats, the images show he and his mother, at the unemployment office, at the food bank and in the washateria.

I have not been able to rationalize whether the video paints the child and his position in poverty in a positive or negative light.  It seems to suggest that he is hiding the pain by telling a story, but I am not sure.  I wonder if he has become content in his world, oblivious, or at least not dwelling in, his humble position in life.  I can’t help but to think this is a good image of what our Lord says when he tells us to have “faith like a child”, and when he instructs us to be humble and content in all things.

3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3-4 (New International Version)

This child took a day that to an adult could be rather humiliating, boring, and mundane and turns it in a day full of adventure, excitement and promise.   hm..

Take one minute today or this weekend to watch this video.  Think about this boy’s perspective on life, and think about your own.

I don’t think I have fully grasped the complete message that is delivered in this 69 second spot, as my sub conscious continues to mull it over.  But I do see that our attitude and viewpoint can make even the hardest day better.   Enjoy Friday, enjoy the weekend, and find adventure and excitement in all your undertakings.

11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)

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Droopy, Wade, Words and Wisdom

Have you ever had a dude who just get up in your crawl?  I mean, you just want to take their head off, and sometimes you would feel justified about it.  There’s this nameless dude, (don’t ask Mr. Jones!) who just is Mr Negativity.  Let’s call him Droopy. However, I think that might doing his attitude a favor! I have been struggling with how to deal with this concern, because it just does not help my day, or my co workers day.

I had a course of action set in place, up the management chain I was heading, I had had enough!  Then I started to think about two things.  First, there’s this other dude at work who we will call Wade. (not his real name).  Wade, is like super nice – always ready to serve, and I mean always.  As I matter of fact, his Labor Day was ruined(my word, not his) by a mistake of another person and he was like “as long as its working, I am OK”.  Man, what a fantastic attitude. ( esp versus mine, I mean really, I think I am upset so much by Droopy, because sometimes dealing with him is like looking in a mirror for me.)

Then last night, I was meeting with a group of men, and we were talking about Proverbs and some of the Proverbs about your words, and how to deal with people.  The conversation wandered, and some directions that just can never be explained, but eventually got around to co workers and our speech and words with them.  One of the dudes(that’s my word of the day) mentioned this verse:

If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend.  Matthew 18:15 (MSG)

So that brought me back to Droopy and Wade.  Maybe the right thing, based on this principle is a direct attack.   But not really an attack.  Could I mix the encouragement from Wade’s attitude, and the teachings of our Christ, and the words of wisdom from Proverbs together and gain the direction and strength to turn what could be a real issue into a positive and productive situation?

I guess we will see how that goes, but I think it will be heading in a better direction if I take a better position on this situation.  How about you, do you have similar issues where you attitude can greatly impact the outcome and the lives of others?

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 ESV

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11 ESV

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27 ESV

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:1 ESV

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Unsure?

This morning I am been a little unsure of what to write.  My brain is swirling in lots of things, but no clear thoughts to share.  So I just after wondering aimlessly around the house looking for inspiration from the cats, the sun rise, the boys, or anything that I could find, I reluctantly just opened up my Bible.

After turning about 4 pages, I saw this:

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.1 Timothy 1:12-17 (New International Version)

So right there it is.  Very encouraging words for a morning of uncertainty.  Paul says, Hey look I was terrible, full of problems, angry, violent, and just blame rough, and the Christ poured grace all over me.  Then he says, he’ll do the same for you.  Wow, that’s a nice promise and a provides a certain amount of certainty, doesn’t?

And then of course, when we are given a gift of grace and unlimited patience like that, we can turn face the day with vigor and sureness and boldness.  Can we bestow this same gives on the others that we encounter today.  Surely, we can.  Pour out the grace that you have been given to those around you.

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What a Great Day

What a great day.  Today is my best friend’s birthday, and well that make me happy. So, I will pull out a sappy verse today to express my love for her, which I can’t explain in words:

18 There are three things that amaze me—
no, four things that I don’t understand:
19 how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman. Proverbs 30:18-19 (New Living Translation)

(Does that even make sense?  )

Anyway, I will be rejoicing today, thankful for the gift of a great companion.  But with all the great gifts with which we have been blessed, I am certain you can find a reason to make this a great day as well.  If not, here is one:

Ps 106:1 Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!

Enjoy the day, and now you have a reason to eat cake!