Thirsty? Join the club

No lectionary thoughts today, because I have something else important to share with all of you.  Some of you may know that Traci and I are running the Philadelphia Marathon on November 21st.
We are running it as part of Team Living Water International.  LVI is an organization that works to drill wells in (mostly) rural areas of the world without access to clean water.
In training for the marathon I ran 14 miles today.  Let me tell you, that is a long way to run.  The crazy thing is many people (most often women and children) have to travel farther than that each day to reach any water source and that water they get once there is often dirty and infested with disease.
Simply put clean water = life, without access to clean water nothing else matters.
I could go on (and on) about why this is important, but I thought I would simply share some facts from Living Water International's website
Pleas take a look at some of the facts and scroll down to the bottom to find out how together we can help provide a cup of cool water to thirsty children, families and others in need around the world

LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL KEY FACTS

• 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world’s population. (WHO-UNICEF)

• 1.8 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 5000 deaths a day. (UNDP)

• LWI projects providing safe water and hygiene education at an average cost of twenty dollars per person, for a generation. (LWI)

• The simple act of washing hands with soap and clean water can reduce diarrheal diseases by over 40%. (UNICEF)

• Providing water and hygiene education reduces the number of deaths caused by diarrhoeal diseases by an average of 65%. (WHO)

• Water-related disease is the second biggest killer of children worldwide, after acute respiratory infections like tuberculosis. (UNDP)

• The weight of water that women in Africa and Asia carry on their heads is commonly 40 pounds, the same as the average airport luggage allowance. (UNDP)

• Water and sanitation infrastructure helps people take the first essential step out of the cycle of poverty and disease.

WATER-RELATED DISEASES

• At any given time, half the population of the developing world is suffering from one or more of the main diseases associated with inadequate provision of water and sanitation. (UNDP)

• At any one time, half of the developing world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from water-related diseases. (UN)

• Around 90% of incidences of water-related diseases are due to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene and is mostly concentrated on children in developing countries. (WHO)

• Intestinal worms infect about 10% of the population of the developing world. Intestinal parasitic infections can lead to malnutrition, anaemia and stunted growth. (WHO)

WATER USE

• The average North American uses 400 liters a day. European uses 200 liters. (UNDP)

• The average person in the developing world uses 10 liters of water every day for their drinking, washing and cooking. (Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC))

• On current trends over the next 20 years humans will use 40% more water than they do now. (UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Agriculture accounts for over 80% of the world’s water consumption. (UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

EDUCATION AND ECONOMY

• 443 million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases. (UNDP)

• 11% more girls attend school when sanitation is available. (DFID)

• 40 billion working hours are spent carrying water each year in Africa. (Cosgrove and Rijsberman 1998)

• Households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water

If you are interested in making a difference in the water crisis there are many ways you can help.  You can work directly with organizations like LVI (water.cc) or Charity Water (charitywater.org)  or others.  

We would like you to consider sponsoring Traci and I as we run in the Philadelphia Marathon. We have set a goal of $2,600 - which is $50 a mile for each of us.  

To donate and/or for more information please check out our secure sponsor page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/chipstapleton

Thanks for you time and consideration!  

Who do you say that I am?

Hey everybody.  Today's thoughts are short and sweet - well, short anyway.  The lectionary passages for today (which can be found here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/14/ ) include a passage from Luke 9.  In this passage Jesus draws the disciples away and asks who people say that he is.  They give a variety of answers, but he presses the question: who do YOU say that I AM?  
Jesus then gets the answer that he is looking for and that is correct, from Peter, 'You are the Messiah of God'.  
I believe this question is being asked of each of us this day.  Who do you say that Jesus is?  
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you do your job or attend to your studies?  
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you treat the people you encounter in our service economy (fast food workers, store clerks, workers at the gas station or the grocery store)?
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you treat and interact with your family?
Who do you say that Jesus is when you are all alone and no one is watching what you are doing?
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you spend your time?
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you talk with your friends?
Who do you say that Jesus is by the way you spend your money? 


Why is how you answer this question (in all its varieties, in all these situations) so important?  
Because who you say Jesus is maybe the only definition of Jesus that some may ever encounter.  Will your answer intrigue them?  Will your answer draw those around you into a relationship with Jesus Christ or will it convince them that Jesus isnt' worth the time, energy or the commitment?


Who do you say Jesus is?

No one said it would be easy . . .

So it was with great interest that I read today's lectionary passage from Acts 27.  It is the story of Paul and his companions and his captors/guards/escorts being shipwrecked on the way to bring Paul before the emperor.  The daily lectionary can be found here:  http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/13/
I don't have a lot to say today(ha!). But I want to think about what this part of Paul's story can help us understand about God and our relationship with God.  I said I don't have a lot to say because while I have some thoughts I think that mostly this is stuff for us to think about and wrestle with together.  
So in the passage we have Paul's boat basically getting destroyed in a terrible storm (a northeaster, who knew they had those too?).  Paul first reminds all of them that they are in the predicament because they didn't listen to him.  Putting that aside, he goes on to say  that he was told in a vision that the ship would be lost, but that all of them would survive, which is what ends up happening.
So what are we to take from this story, other than the fact that Paul might have been a wee little bit stuck up?  I think we can take a couple of things from this story:

• All kidding about Paul aside, God uses us as we are - in spite of (and sometimes through) our faults, personality quirks and 'issues'.
• Life following God's call isn't always smooth sailing - literally!  God promises to care for us, but never does God make the promise of an 'easy' life or journey.  An angel of the Lord came to Paul and promised that he would indeed stand before the emperor, but that the ship would be lost.  
• Following God comes with a cost in this world.  At several points on this journey if Paul would have just been willing to shut up about Jesus he would not have had to go through all of this trouble.  But he would have been living a lie - and that is harder and heavier burden to carry than any amount of earthly trouble.  
• In the moments of deepest trouble or darkest night - when you are literally unable to see where to go next - God will always come to you.  In the passage, right before Paul's angel visit, the passage says that they saw 'neither sun nor stars' for days and that 'all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned'.  All of the people with Paul were literally lost in the dark, being tossed and turned by the whims of a raging sea, and it was in that moment and in that situation that an angel of the Lord came to Paul bringing the assurance of rescue and safety.
• Finally, and this is maybe the best news, when you are fully trusting in God you are able to have peace regardless of your circumstances.  Think about the story, the strangest, most unbelievable part of the whole story isn't what happens in Paul's dream (a visit from an angel) but that on a sinking ship in the middle of a raging storm Paul was able to sleep.  Paul's faith in God and trust in God's care of him gave him a peace that allowed him to rest even when surrounded by fear, storms and danger. 

The peace that is offered to us if we would trust in God, really trust in God with all of our lives is the most sure sign of God's care and concern for us.  Paul's peace in front of his accusers, in the middle of the storm, under threat of death is a reminder to all of us that if we trust in the Lord, there is no reason to fear and no worry that is justified.  Amen.

Hey, I know . . . lets talk about money . . .sounds fun, right?

Sorry, I have been absent from the blog - I know you have all been really missing me and it.  Anyway, crazy day today, but I thought I could share with you the sermon that I shared on Sunday.  It was a 'stewardship' message, but I think there is something there for all of us.  I have also included the scripture passage and the prayer I opened with.  I hope you can hear God speaking through these words.

Luke 6:27-38 (NIV)

 ²⁷"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹Do to others as you would have them do to you.

 ³²"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them.³³And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. ³⁴And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. ³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 ³⁷"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Prayer: God, we are gathered together this morning to worship you.  As you draw us into your presence, help us to hear and understand your will.  Give us wisdom to know what is right and courage to do what is right.  And now I pray that you would hide me behind your cross, so you are what’s seen and speak through me, so you are what’s heard.  Amen

So, today we begin a season that many people in churches across America dread – Stewardship season.  Many people simply can’t stand to hear people in church – especially pastors – talk about money.  And the truth is many pastors can’t stand to talk about it either – some actually avoid the subject entirely.

It is a tempting thing to do.  But I think it is a dangerous thing to try and keep God out of any part of your life – even the financial part.  But more than that, I think if we allow ourselves to think about stewardship simply as a discussion of money – or if we frame it as a way of paying the churches bills – we really are missing the point.

Stewardship is a part – a central part – of discipleship and giving (of your time, your talents and yes your money) is a spiritual discipline – one that leads to a stronger relationship with God and a more powerful witness to those around you.

The goal of our stewardship ministry is not to raise enough money to pay the bills next year – we certainly hope to do that, but the goal of our stewardship ministry is: To help God’s people (you and I) grow in our relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents and finances God has entrusted to us.

Simply put Stewardship is about you and I working to grow closer and more faithful to Jesus Christ.  So let’s get right down to it . . . In the words of Jesus from our Luke passage this morning we have a pretty incredible list of instructions.  Jesus tells us to: give to others whatever the ask,

allow people to steal from you, treat others how you want to be treated, love those that don’t love you – even your enemies, do good to those  who have done nothing for you – or even those that have done harm to you,

and finally lend out money without expecting repayment. 

This is a pretty long, detailed and serious list.  I don’t know about the rest of you, but for me none of the things on that list are exactly easy to live up to.  Not only that, but just about all of the items on Jesus’ list seem at the very least counter-cultural if not completely illogical. 

I guess that isn’t entirely surprising, by this time we all know that Jesus sort of does this.  His instructions and directions are often the opposite of what one might expect or instinctively do.  Even so, this list is particularly troubling because not only does it live up to the unexpected nature of many of Jesus’ sayings, at no point does Jesus give any insight as to how one might actually live like this.

So not only does Jesus give us this seemingly unrealistic set of instructions, he expects us to just know how to go about following them.

With almost no explanation to look too, living up to or applying this list seems close to impossible.  I mean, honestly, look at that list, someone living up to the requirements of that list would most likely be identified as a sucker before they were labeled a Christian. 

We all know that it is good and maybe even important to care for and look after others, especially those that can’t take care of themselves, but we also have to look out for ourselves.  If you don’t look after yourself, who will – right?

Give your money away to people that aren’t going to repay you?  Sounds like a good way to end up broke and friendless. 

Give people whatever they ask of you?  Sounds like a good way to make sure that you get taken advantage of.

 Love those that don’t love you? All that would accomplish is opening yourself up for more people to hurt or take advantage of you. 

We can probably all admit that we could work on not judging and not condemning people or what they do, But isn’t that the point – even if we don’t judge others – we are likely to be judged by those around usbe that kind to me. 

So, should I be the only one that lives like that? It just doesn’t make sense. 

We don’t know if those hearing Jesus’ words initially had the same thoughts as I did when I heard His list of instructions for us, but if they kept listening to him they would have heard what God has in store for those that follow his instructions. 

The amazing promise of God that Jesus was sharing with them is this: if you love the unlovable, give freely, give generously, and reach out to others without judgment or condemnation you will be rewarded beyond your comprehension.  Jesus was telling them that God would bless them from His blessings according to the measure that they had blessed others from theirs.

But the question still lingers:  but how are we supposed to do all of this?  The answer to that question lies at the heart of our topic for the day, Stewardship.  Some of you may know that we use the term Stewardship to remind ourselves that all that we have comes from and even know belongs to God - we are simply stewards, or caretakers, of what God has given us.

All that we daily call ‘ours’ and ‘mine’ are really not ours at all but God’s. 

This is a subtle change of perspective, but it is a change that makes all the difference, and it is a change that makes Jesus instruction sheet not only possible but logical.  God is longing to care for us, keep us safe and bless us and this is exactly what He will do if we relinquish the illusion of control over our lives and acknowledge His power and providence in our lives and indeed over the entire world. 

What this means is that stewardship is a choice, it is a choice between holding on to everything that we can grab, as tightly as we can – even as it slips through our fingers or living a life of trust and faith in the God that loves and cares for us and has already provided for everything that we have ever had and that has promised to continue to care for us.

We live in a fast paced, crazy, isolated and sometimes cruel world.  All of us get caught up in taking care of ourselves because of this reality.  It is often said that you can’t make it alone in a place like this. 

It is into this crazy, fast moving, isolated and cruel world of ours that God enters into and offers a promise.  The almighty creator and Lord over all the universe, the one that has already given His very life for you, Jesus Christ is longing to be your guide, your shield and your provider. 

Jesus Christ challenges us to trust him:  Give freely, even to those that maybe taking advantage of you and watch God provide for you.  Refrain from judgment and condemnation and watch God open up a world of new opportunities and relationships to you. 

All you need to survive and thrive in this cutthroat, dog eat dog world where everyone is only looking out for themselves – is start looking out for someone else and let God take care of you.

As I was preparing this sermon I made every effort to stay away from talking about what we get out of giving, about the benefits that come from admitting that God is in control and all that we have is God’s.

I really didn’t want to give you story after story about what happened to people when they choose to give sacrificially.  I didn’t want to share the amazing stories that start with people deciding to put God first, even when the bills were due.  I don’t know why but it just seemed like the wrong message for church – do this because of what you will get out of it – isn’t it supposed to be about sacrifice? 

The problem was that Scripture, my own personal experience and the Living God would not let me get away from the message that giving to others ensures God giving to you and God giving to you in abundance. 

Listen to Luke 12:31-33:

 ‘But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.’

So I invite you to accept the challenge of Jesus – and begin to life into the promise of God, and along the way give up the illusion that you are in control, that you are the only one that can ensure that you are taken care of. 

Instead begin taking care of others, go ahead and test God.  Go ahead in spite of the logic of this world, the lack of space in your calendar and the arithmetic of your checkbook and give freely, give boldly and see if what is returned to you . . . ‘a full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over.  Because whatever measure you use in giving –large or small- it will be used to measure what is given back to you. 

Because in God’s economy it is in giving that you receive, in blessing that you are blessed and in giving and living generously that you are showered with the full generosity of God.

Amen.

God doesn't want you to be a pushover . . .

Today as we look at the daily lectionary, (which can be found here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/8/ ) I want to sort of continue the conversation from yesterday.  
Yesterday's New Testament reading was from Acts 24 and today's is as well - a continuation of the story.  The focus yesterday was how the Jews were making every effort to use the Roman authorities to silence Paul - and putting all of their faith in those earthly authorities.  That was clearly contrasted by Paul and his reliance on God, which allowed him to boldly proclaim all that God has done and the truth of the gospel - even at great personal risk.
Today we see that while Paul is reliant on God - he is not some sort of 'whipping boy' easily rolling over and allowing himself to be pushed around.  He never wavers from representing Jesus Christ, but at the same time he ably uses all of the opportunities he is presented with.  Paul, as a Roman citizen knew the law and used that knowledge to assert his right to be heard before the emperor - as opposed to being handed over to the Jewish authorities, which would have certainly have lead to his death.  
So what's the point.  Simply  (and scripturally) the point is to be as innocent as doves, but as wise as serpents.  God has given us knowledge, gifts and abilities to be used to best of our abilities.  We are supposed to use what we have, what we know and what we can do - to glorify God, to help others and to put ourselves in the best possible position to to do both of those things.
What has God given you?  Are you really using it?

Fight the power or don't rock the boat?

Some quick thoughts on today's daily lectionary passages (which can be found here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/7/ )
As I was reading the lectionary passages today, particularly the Acts 24 passage, I was struck by what was going on in the exchange in the chapter.
To quickly sum up, Paul is (surprise, surprise) in jail with the Roman authorities and they are trying to decide what to do with him and they are listening, first to his Jewish accusers and then to Paul himself.
What really stuck out to me was this paragraph of the Jewish accuser's representative: 
"Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. ³We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude. ⁴But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness.
I am not sure what the PC word is for what is going on there, but the vernacular is, kissing butt. Sure, he is trying to get in on the Roman judge's good side, but it is pretty ridiculous.  Contrast it to Paul and his straight forward and unapologetic style.  Paul, and Steven and other early Christians - just like Jesus before them, never provoke the authorities without reason.  But they in no way shy away from the truth of the Gospel.  The Truth they are committed to sharing with all of their strength, mind, body and spirit - in other words their whole lives.
Jesus, Steven (the first Martyr of the Christian Church), Paul and others understood that the highest authority was not whoever had worldly authority, but God.  And even if that meant putting themselves in mortal danger and saying things they knew would be deemed as offensive and/or incriminating they never backed down.
What the Jewish accuser does is tempting for all of us - to play to the 'authorities' of the moment.  To say and/or do the things that will ingratiate us to those in positions of power or authority - or even just the 'taste makers' of our community or society.  
The point is this - whatever situation you find yourself in, no matter who serious the circumstances, don't give into the temptation to bow down to any 'authority' but the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  
In every and all situation, with every part of your life testify to the power of God's Holy Spirit working in and through you.  Sometimes that may mean 'fighting the power/s that be' or sticking out from the crowd, but I want to challenge all of us to live up to the example of Jesus, Steven, Paul and the early church who never backed down fro proclaiming the good news of the Gospel, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.  
Fight the power . . . 

Are you a Christian Atheist?

So my thoughts today are at least somewhat connected to today's lectionary readings, so please check them out here: http://gamc.pcusa.org/devotion/daily/2010/10/6/
The reading that stood out to me was the reading from Hosea 7.  The whole book of Hosea is the story of God calling Israel to repentance through his prophet Hosea.  
Israel had fallen away from God in many respects, but maybe most critically, it had begun to think that they didn't need God - they hadn't stopped believing in God, but God no longer mattered to them and they didn't allow God and God's call on their lives to effect or change them.  
So when I read the following passage from Hosea this morning it connected with a few other things I had recently seen and been thinking about.  So, first the passage and then the other stuff.

²Israel cries to me, "My God, we - Israel - know you!"³Israel has spurned the good; the enemy shall pursue him.⁴They made kings, but not through me; they set up princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. ⁵Your calf is rejected, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? ⁶For it is from Israel, an artisan made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces.

One of the other things I was thinking about was a quote that Tyler Domske tweeted from Catalyst this morning, its from John Ortberg, and here is what he said: 
"The world is not likely to respond to a gospel of transformation proclaimed by untransformed people"
And all of that combined with two phrases that I have come across recently, the first is the title of a new book by the pastor of lifechurch.tv, Craig Groeschel, and it is called 'The Christian atheist: believing in God but living as if he didn't exist'  And the other phrase is one that is highlighting the same issue, 'functional atheism'.  


I think this idea of a 'Christian atheist' or 'functional atheism' is exactly what had happened in Israel in the time of Hosea.  They hadn't stopped believing in God but they had stopped living like God made a difference in their lives.  They had stopped opening their lives to God and God's Holy Spirit to have their lives transformed.  
So when we don't allow God access into our lives (and every area of our lives at that) then our 'belief' in God is functionally meaningless.  And when we don't allow God access and control over every corner of our lives then other things - false idols of all shapes and sizes - will definitely move in and fill the void.  
This is what God saw in Israel in the time of Hosea, the Israelites had closed themselves off from God and filled their lives with all sorts of things of their own making and their own design.  Ultimately they are all things that fall short of our expectations and let us down.  
So the question for us this day is are we living as functional atheists? Are we living our lives believing in God but not allowing God's Holy Spirit to transform them - so that our lives don't represent the transformative power of God?
And what would happen if we began to invite God into every corner of our lives and asked God's Holy Spirit to transform us so that we might be used to transform the world around us?  
Let's find out.