Hopefully all of us experience times when we feel close to God, times when see God at work in our midst, times when our spirituality seems strongly linked with God’s intention for our lives--times when praising God and serving others feels so right. 

However if we have lived very long at all; if we have stepped outside our doorstep more than once, we know that our existence isn’t always like that.  

Sometimes we come to God and we expect the miracles.  We want the loaves of bread and the piece of fish, and sometimes it just isn’t there.  Sometimes not only is it not there, but there have been experiences in which we feel that we have the bread and fish, but it is taken away from us, and we want to ask God – why? 

You may know what is to walk in darkness. 

Sometimes faith is walking in darkness and simply refusing to quit.  Sometimes faith is just hanging on.  The character of faith that allows us to be transformed by suffering and darkness is not doubt free.          (From Pastor Randy's sermon on August 26)

For your reflection:  (from Pamela)

When we feel close to God, it is called "consolation".  When we feel isolated from God, unable to see or feel God's presence it is called "desolation." 

Desolation is characterized by a deep hunger for God's peace.  We want to be filled and completely saturated with God's love.  Desolation can happen even when our bodies have been filled to the max with food and drink.  In fact, filling our lives and bodies with "stuff" often is the way we try to stave off spiritual hunger. 

Can you recall a time when you were literally hungry or thirsty and unable to satisfy it?  Can you recall a time when you were spiritually hungry? 

Reflect on those times.  What was going on?  How was your hunger or thirst (in both the physical and the spiritual sense) relieved? 

In the gospel lesson for this Sunday, the disciples appear to be tiring of their ministry tasks.  Jesus provides counsel regarding the means by which ministry's vigor can be maintained.  What do you do when you begin to have "ministry fatigue"?

Time Wasted? Spent? or Invested?

Notice also what was in the second lesson, from Ephesians:   “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The apostle says to make the most of our time and to “understand what the will of the Lord is.”  Doesn’t this really sum up a lot of our daily dilemmas – making the most of our time, and trying to know what God’s will is for our lives? 

The apostle is saying that these times, these days are crowded with temptations and traps that will misuse and misdirect our precious time.  What is our definition of wasting time versus God’s definition? 

Perhaps what we give priorities to, are actually in reality, time wasters.  We are tempted to believe that time must always be profitable or productive, we want time to work for us, and so sometimes we work all of the time.  Perhaps there are occasions that we think we are doing something that is a waste of our time, but that actually lends itself to more of what God’s intention for us is all about.  When we don’t stop our lives and simply pray, maybe we are wasting time.                                                 Pastor Randy

From Pamela

Our attitude about the way we use our time influences how we spend our time.  If we see every moment as precious to us, given to us by God, we may be more likely to “invest” our time in ways that reflect what Christ taught us. 

Therefore, we may see that worrying is a waste of time.  Striving for excessive material goods is a waste of time. 

Praying is an investment.  Caring for others is an investment.  Spending time in gentle, compassionate presence with others before God or in hours of praise and thanksgiving for all the God has done – those are great use of our time as well.  Going to a quiet place for rest and renewal with God – that’s an imperative! 

What are some of the ways you waste your time?  What have been some of your greatest “investments” of time?  How did the world try to divert, distract or misdirect you?  How has the church and the community of faith encouraged you to return to Wisdom? 

We are to be careful how we make our progress, how we set out on our walk in life; in a sense how we are developing ourselves.  To walk is to embark on a path, a journey that leads to somewhere.  As Christians, as families of faith, as communities of faith, we strive to walk in the ways of the Lord.  As we seek to travel in the ways of God, we develop a direction for our lives, so that the times we do falter or become sidetracked, our direction can pull us back toward God.  (From Pr. Randy's Sermon) 

(From Pamela)   I don't know about you, but there are times when I wander from the clear and stable path.  It seems that it happens when I look sideways -- at what other folks are doing -- or when I begin to compare what I have (or don't have) with what "they" (who are they, anyway?) say is the mark of excellence, prosperity or meaning.  

Then I begin to want what I don't have.  I begin to discount what I do have.  And I begin to fret about what may or may not happen.  All of those activities are unwise. They result in a waste of time, a frittering away of the blessings that have been lavished upon me and that continue to come my way.  

All it really takes is to settle down, to gaze at what is right in front of my nose and then see what God is giving.  How does God's Wisdom and Direction (as taught by Jesus) meet me in my own life?  

Suddenly balance returns.  The confusion and turmoil of looking elsewhere is trumped by Jesus' words:  Follow me.  

Here are the readings for this weekend.

We continue to hear about Jesus, the Bread of Life.  Some of the questions to consider:    how are we living?  How are we unwise in our living choices, and in using our time?  Do we wisely receive the bread of life?  How does receiving the Bread of Life support our quest to discern God's will?  

Some observations from Worship Matters Discussion following Sunday's Worship

 I wanted to add a comment about something that I heard in the sermon.   PR said that we see Jesus, this nourishing Bread of Life in the people sitting next to us.   That so loudly resonated with me..........over the past few weeks I have completely supported by Jesus working through the people at CRLC.   The meals, calls, cards, the smiles from everyone at church when I see them.   It shines through......    So many times I think people stop coming to church when they are having problems because they are concerned they will be transparent......if they only knew what support waits there.    Just wanted to share this thought.    Linda Eckenbrecht 

On another note:  We talked about the words spoken by Elijah:  "I am no better than my ancestors"   When you think about your ancestry as a family or as a congregation, it seems easy to set ourselves apart from them or, in some cases above them.  Yet, as Elijah experienced his life, even as a chosen prophet, his lament was: Ah, I am no better than my ancestors.  What does that say to us?  

We talked about the beauty of the openness of our congregation with regard to the many ways people worship.  Some make the sign of the cross, some bow, some fold their hands as they pray, others pray with hands open.  Some receive the common cup, some intinct, some take the small communion cups.  The point is, we welcome a variety of "pieties" to worship!  

Finally, we noticed that Bishop Eaton was in our midst -- she was there to be fed -- to worship.  She was not there in her official capacity (which is why many of us didn't event notice she was there.)  She stayed for the "Worship Matters" discussion.  She expressed her gratitude for the way she experienced nourishment as she worshipped with us.   Her gratitude led us to ask the question:  How do rostered leaders "receive" the spiritual nourishment they need?   Pastors and rostered leaders will seek and find places where they can "worship" without leading -- but congregation members are called and have promised to pray for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and bishops as well.  Those prayers are powerful and they are appreciated!  

We need to eat!

"To survive on our journey, to have the strength to go through the barren places of life, those places where we are alone - feeling alone because of separation from loved ones, because of damages to relationships, because of divorce, because of illness, or because of death - we need to eat the food that God has prepared for us.  It is not the food that fills our stomach, but a food of real purity, with no other infestations; we know it is the bread of life that comes from Jesus."  Pastor Randy O'Donnell   

At our "Worship Matters" discussion following second service today, one topic of conversation was the use of the word "need".  Pastor Randy had it in the original manuscript for his sermon, yet he chose to use another word that was more inviting -- and less imperative.  Many people in the room said they didn't really like to be told what they "need" to do.  It smacks of an external directive which is way too close to the word "should" which connotes judgement and blame (hence the cliche:  don't "should" upon yourself).

For some reason that discussion is really staying with me this evening.  Here is where my head is going:

I think of when my father-in-law, John, was recovering from open heart surgery.  He had no appetite for food.  I recall nurses, attendants and most of all his wife saying:  John, you need to eat! I remember the celebration around the room when he picked up a spoonful of ice cream and looked around at those present and said: yummmm.  His eating indicted the hope for a return to life (which did happen, for he lived many vigorous years following that surgery).  Up until the moment when he accepted the food willingly, he was force fed with tubes.  He was surviving but he was not thriving.

Stay with me.

We DO NEED to feed upon the living bread of God in Christ.  If we do not feed in this way, we will not be equipped for the journey of discipleship.

We may be able to survive with all sorts of other things or means of satisfaction that "feed" some hunger.  Our emotions may be satisfied by quality human relationships.  Our minds may be satisfied with completing sudoku or watching the Discovery Channel.  Our bodies may be satisfied (for a while) by a wonderful meal or an exhilarating physical experience.  But survival doesn't guarantee spirits that THRIVE.

Only the spiritual nourishment of being in and with Christ will feed the regions of heart, mind, body and soul that are required (and therefore exhausted) as we step out in Discipleship.  As we live in Christ, we thrive, so that others may also have abundant life.

I don't know about you, but I NEED to receive the Bread of Life!

A preview of what Pastor is considering this week

This week's readings (See page with the readings) prompt a discussion about spiritual nourishment that comes our way, even when we are at our wits' end.  How does the Bread of Life approach us when we ourselves are unable to reach out for it ourselves.  Elijah wished he was dead -- yet God invited and encouraged him to eat!  

Sleepless nights? What's unfinished?

Take a moment to read this coming week's lesson from Ephesians.

It is pretty basic:  Be kind to one another.  Be truthful.  When you get angry with one another, stay connected, leaning toward some resolution of the conflict, so that the "sun does not go down on your anger."

I have noticed that a main cause of lost sleep is a broken relationship.  It seems that peaceful nights are denied when the unfinished business of reconciliation lingers in the airspace.  Anger percolates in the mind.  Judgement or self-righteousness poisons the heart.  A body that is tossing and turning is in some sort of restless discomfort.  Then when you pray for comfort, God will offer it -- and will draw your attention to the possibility of a new relationship.  If you ignore the possibility, chances are you will continue to toss and turn.

God won't empower us to stay angry with somebody for very long.   When we pray about an issue or a relationship God's love begins to stimulate thoughts and feelings that reveal the unfinished business -- the places where we can step towards the other and find the courage (or humility) to forgive or ask for forgiveness.

So, how are you sleeping these days?

Marinades

Have you ever tasted a typical pork chop or skewer of shrimp that tastes, quite frankly, totally unique?  Mouthwatering and unusual?  It happens quite often around my home.  You see, we tend to be fascinated with marinades.

Not the kind you purchase in a bottle that is loaded with high fructose syrup and powdered spices.  No, I am talking about the marinades that you prepare with olive oil, great wine, herbs from the herb garden, pressed garlic, sea salt, and perhaps freshly squeezed lemon juice.

And it's not about a quick toss in the sauce and then hurried to the grill.

No, it is immersed in the marinade, bathed in it for several hours.  Then you remove the meat from the marinade and let the excess sauce fall away before placing it on the grill so that as the meat cooks its natural flavors expand freely.  The marinade doesn't overpower the meat, but it does enhance everything that characterizes the meat.  You want a balance between meat and marinade.

Ok.  This isn't a cooking class.  It is about discovering discipleship!

Well, yesterday Pastor Pindell used the phrase:  Marinate your life in daily scripture reading and prayer.

I like that image.  It makes sense to me.

Discipleship bursts with fresh energy and often unique expression when it emerges with a balance between the flesh of my existence and the spiritual soaking provided in prayer.

Take time each day to marinate your life in the Living Word!

Cravings

Psalm 78:23-29 (NRSV)
Manna rains down

Yet he commanded the skies above,
and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained down on them manna to eat,
and gave them the grain of heaven.
Mortals ate of the bread of angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
he rained flesh upon them like dust,
winged birds like the sand of the seas;
he let them fall within their camp,
all around their dwellings.
And they ate and were well filled,
for he gave them what they craved. 

 Think for a moment about what it means to "crave".  People tell stories of husbands sent out at 3 am for vanilla ice cream and dill pickles because the pregnant wife has a "craving" for something unusual. 

It seems that cravings go deeper than preferences or favorite foods.  A craving may catch you by surprise.  It may be something that is never on your menu or that you normally taste in tidbits.  Suddenly you have a nearly uncontrollable and unanticipated desire for this -- and it seems that you simply can't get enough of it. 

The psalmist speaks of God's ability to nourish us in spaces we didn't know existed, with sustenance that surpasses any desire we may express. 

This weekend, be on the lookout for cravings -- and trust that in God's presence you will be well filled with what you crave. 

You are what you eat

It is true -- what you consume deeply influences how your body functions.  Malnutrition is possible even though you eat your fill.  On the other hand, people who are fasting from food often report that they are spiritually satisfied in ways that no food can offer.  

Do you remember this story from Pastor Randy's sermon?  

Christian author Max Lucado writes of enduring a particularly bumpy airplane flight.  During the flight, he heard a passenger behind him breaking up with laughter.  None of the other passengers could find much to smile about, so Lucado was intrigued by this man's obvious enjoyment.  He learned that the man was listening to a comedy station on the airplane's headphone system.  This man seemed to be the only one listening to the comedian, so he was the only one enjoying his flight.  No one else could hear what it was that kept him so amused.

            In many ways we are like the man with the headphones, we are listening to a different type of message than the world is giving and often hearing.  It is when we keep in tune with the bread of life, can we begin to view the challenges, difficulties, joys and travels of this life with a different set of  ideas, morals, and understanding.  With the bread of life, we can see through the different hungers of this world. 

            We have been thinking of the way Christ roots us in purpose and meaning, and the way being "in" Christ directs our choices.  We are fed spiritually when we choose to gather around Jesus.  We consume the bread of life as we open our hearts, minds and souls to Christ.

             When we gather around Jesus, God's Spirit begins to saturate every aspect of our being.  Our awareness of what is true, what is just, what is gentle and what is loving expands.  As long as we walk the earth, we face the same situations as people who don't know Christ.  But because of Christ at the center of our faith, we have a focus that helps us to navigate through trials of human suffering.  As we move in faith we leave behind us a wake of Christian hope, love and justice for all.