WATCHWORD:
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Meditation:
Message of The Shack
I am sure that many of you have read William Paul Young’s book The Shack. It was a Best Seller in 2008, may even have been the subject of adult Christian Ed. Classes at some point. It has been described by the author as a ‘metaphor for the places you get stuck, you get hurt, you get damaged…where shame or hurt is center- most (in one’s life).
If you have read the book or seen the movie, then you may have a different perspective on its meaning. If I were to paraphrase what the author would say to us today, it would be more like: a metaphor for how isolation, quarantine, grief and inactivity can damage, if those negatives are the center of your being.
Here is a conversation between Jesus and Mack, the main character:
“…They were quiet for a few minutes, except for some grunting as rocks were thrown and the sound they made skipping across the water.
Jesus stopped just as he was about to throw a rock, ’One last thing I want you to remember about this conversation, Mack, before you go.”
Mack looked up in surprise. ”Before I go…?”
Jesus ignored his question. “Mack, just like love, submission is not something that you can do, especially not on your own. Apart from my life inside of you, you can’t submit to Nan, or your children, or anyone else in your life, including Papa.”
“You mean,” Mack interjected a little sarcastically, “that I can’t just ask, ‘What Would Jesus Do’?”
Jesus chuckled, “Good intentions, bad idea. Let me know how it works for you, if that’s the way you choose to go.” He paused and grew sober. “Seriously, my life was not meant to be an example to copy. Being my follower is not trying ‘to be like Jesus’, it means for your independence to be killed. I came to give you life, real life, My life. We will come and live our life inside of you, so that you begin to see with our eyes, and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands, and think like we do. But, we will never force that union on you. If you want to do your thing, have at it. Time is on your side.”
The Shack, a wonderful read, but you must think as you digest the story. You might consider my paraphrase, that part about it being a metaphor for our isolation. If we let the isolation win, what a waste this time would have been. If, on the other hand, we consider this isolation as a true gift, an amazing grace, that has been given to us, at great cost, because it has great value? Then, we must accept it with great gratitude.
–Stan.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
God’s grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
Bulletin Board:
From Chuck – Mowing my yard, getting fresh air, smelling the cut grass, getting my steps in, all good things. Blessings added to my frequent calls to the kids. Life is good, God is good…all the time.
From Stan – Remember that part of naming your blessings? Remember that part about sharing your blessings with those who would celebrate with you? Let us hear about them.
Readers — God is with us. Share how He is blessing you. Let the Spirit in, don’t worry about spelling, grammar, etc., just get those thoughts to me and let me edit, and post them in your name, here.
Today’s funny — What’s wrong, Bubba?” asked the pastor. “I need you to pray for my hearing,” said Bubba. The pastor put his hands on Bubba’s ears and prayed. When he was done, he asked, “So how’s your hearing?” “I don’t know,” said Bubba. “It isn’t until next Tuesday.”
Closing Prayer:
Father, This is the day you have made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! For You promise Your beloved rest between Your shoulders. You are ever so close to us, Father. We can do all things through You …for You are the source of our strength. Let all we do honor You, Father. As you encourage us, let us be an encouragement to those around us.
We know in this world we will have trouble, but we do not want to let it steal our joy! For You have overcome this world! Though it can be hard and discouraging, let us take heart in Your truth. Squash every distorted thought and lie with the encouraging words of Christ. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!”
Help us to keep getting up, keep following You, keep hoping, and holding onto the joy and peace Jesus died to give us. He is our ultimate source of encouragement. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
