Are the dark storm clouds gone yet?

As you look out of the window, do you see the “mass” of dark clouds through the skies. I see patches of dark blue, purplish cumulous clouds and this weather pattern is an appropriate metaphor for our nation as it stumbles through a major political, economic, and social transformation. People are confused and still anxious. What will this country be after we come out of the process. Have you read Brave New World lately. I personally think we are headed down that path. We are feeling mental, spiritual, and emotional darkness that is immobilizing us. Everyone I know is drained by the end of the day. My friends, family, and neighbors are just drained. I am sure yours are too…what to say? I say less to my wife and just listen more now. (That is a feat in itself). What do you say about this darkness? What will come after the clouds move in?

Luke 23:44-46 Around noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until the middle of the afternoon. The sun stopped shining, and the curtain in the temple split down the middle. Jesus shouted, "Father, I put myself in your hands!" Then he died.
Luke 24:7 The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day, be raised again.

Death, resurrection, glory. Amen.

Why Do You Wake Up? To be enslaved?

What are the top 3 reasons for waking up? Can you name them and defend them? I wake up because I can LOL! Some people wake up to make more money, some to accumulate, some to be served, some to achieve greatness, some to just consume. It takes time to understand what it is that you wake up to. We try, at the Center for Faith & Work, to help people get to ask themselves that question. Then we try to build a community for people to explore and understand.

Matthew 20:27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Clutter

What do you "see" when you wake up in the AM?

What is on your mind? Well, there is certainly enough on everyone's "plate". Was it some disappointing news? A close relative is out of a job or facing some personal crisis. Someone let you down? It is far too common to see people back out or trying to redfine the word commitment. How can we exist as a Christian community when we dilute the word, friend, fellowship, or covenant? How does it happen? Sometimes, a big event can cause people to stray, but mostly, it is a gradual process. They get less excited, they place higher priority on other things, and the lesson is not - I am a victim - but to work through from the beginning what our ministries ought to be and our time commitments. Sometimes, we see what cannot be done and this is because we see all that is fallen around us. May this be impressed upon you during Holy Week.

Mediate on 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.