I have two thoughts this week. One of them is a little late, and the other is more current.
First of all, we discussed the ten commandments at church, and I have been fascinated recently with what is commonly called commandment II (there are differing opinions as to how to count the ten commandments. That is another post). We are to have no idols or graven images of God. There has never been a time on Earth when we've had more "idols" and images.
Some religious sects take this quite far, believing that no living thing should ever appear in a picture.
I actually have come up with an interesting twist on the commandment: Remember, God is dynamic! In other words, God is changing. An image may show one "aspect" of God. Yet, there is not an image that can replace God. If we see a picture of Jesus, are we not tempted then to think of Jesus as one thing and not another? What if my picture of Jesus was of a large, dark skinned man with tattoos? Or a woman with missing teeth and a mohawk?
We think of God's grace being like that movie we saw last week. We see it in a happy news story.
There is nothing wrong with this as long as we remember God may have no teeth. God may decide to be the smelly bum on the street corner. Grace can come in many packages. If we think we "know" what it looks like, then we are going to miss it.
Reactions? Thoughts? Do you have an image of Jesus that you like?
Ok, this is getting long, I'll do #2 quick, and leave it open:
#2. Light Out for Earth tonight! 8:30-9:30PM I think, if I remember right.
What does God want us to do about the environment? Why?
Ok, this is done.
Bring a friend along, share this blog, hope we have church in the morning and travel safely there through the snow!
-Michael
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Getting comfortable
Last week in church we talked about the need to follow Christ all the way to the cross. Jesus tells Peter "Get behind me, Satan" when he suggests that Christ take an easier path.
Thinking about this I think about the easier paths that I choose every day. I am not very good at looking forward to the next world. I am much more interested in being comfortable in this world.
As an actor, I am often asked to step out of my "box". I must go beyond what is safe in order to play a character on the stage honestly. As a Christian, then, I try to go the same way. I'll try to follow the same rule.
Being comfortable is a gift from God. Maybe we don't have to put ourselves into total denial, but it helps to step out of our "box" every once in a while. How can we go the extra mile this week, maybe get a little UN-comfortable to help spread the love of Christ?
I'll work on it, and you work on it, and maybe we'll share some of this week's stories at the 9 a.m.
service (where I hope to see you!)
-Michael
Thinking about this I think about the easier paths that I choose every day. I am not very good at looking forward to the next world. I am much more interested in being comfortable in this world.
As an actor, I am often asked to step out of my "box". I must go beyond what is safe in order to play a character on the stage honestly. As a Christian, then, I try to go the same way. I'll try to follow the same rule.
Being comfortable is a gift from God. Maybe we don't have to put ourselves into total denial, but it helps to step out of our "box" every once in a while. How can we go the extra mile this week, maybe get a little UN-comfortable to help spread the love of Christ?
I'll work on it, and you work on it, and maybe we'll share some of this week's stories at the 9 a.m.
service (where I hope to see you!)
-Michael
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Where do you find God?
Where do you find God?
I was thinking about this question earlier this week when I did a posting on Facebook.
I had been asked to post 25 random things about myself.
I posted several weird, off the wall things that I thought would be fun. One of these things was the fact that "I like to sit in empty churches". This was something that I thought was pretty unusual about myself. I thought that I might even be unique when it came to this strange way to enjoy myself. Rather quickly, however, I had two friends comment that they too liked to sit in empty churches.
Why do I like to sit in empty churches? Why do my friends?
You think I'm going to say that I find God there.
This could be true, but that isn't it entirely.
I find myself there. I find questions there. I find inspiration there.
In a full church, I find God everywhere I look. In a crowded street I find God everywhere I look. At my bank job, I find God.
In an empty church I hear my own voice. I find what I can do for God. I can think about MY piece of God's puzzle. I find my own selfishness. I find my own flaws.
"So, what's the POINT!" you ask.
Well...God is everywhere. Every person has a piece. I get to see that piece in others all the time. That is a joy. However, sometimes, I need to find my own piece, and to sit in an empty church and reflect on its beauty, the hands that made it, the potential an empty building has...a potential that only comes alive when I believe, when I seek it out and when I act on it!
Where do you find God?
What is your piece?
Do you like to sit in empty churches?
Michael Callahan (Moderator)
I was thinking about this question earlier this week when I did a posting on Facebook.
I had been asked to post 25 random things about myself.
I posted several weird, off the wall things that I thought would be fun. One of these things was the fact that "I like to sit in empty churches". This was something that I thought was pretty unusual about myself. I thought that I might even be unique when it came to this strange way to enjoy myself. Rather quickly, however, I had two friends comment that they too liked to sit in empty churches.
Why do I like to sit in empty churches? Why do my friends?
You think I'm going to say that I find God there.
This could be true, but that isn't it entirely.
I find myself there. I find questions there. I find inspiration there.
In a full church, I find God everywhere I look. In a crowded street I find God everywhere I look. At my bank job, I find God.
In an empty church I hear my own voice. I find what I can do for God. I can think about MY piece of God's puzzle. I find my own selfishness. I find my own flaws.
"So, what's the POINT!" you ask.
Well...God is everywhere. Every person has a piece. I get to see that piece in others all the time. That is a joy. However, sometimes, I need to find my own piece, and to sit in an empty church and reflect on its beauty, the hands that made it, the potential an empty building has...a potential that only comes alive when I believe, when I seek it out and when I act on it!
Where do you find God?
What is your piece?
Do you like to sit in empty churches?
Michael Callahan (Moderator)
Welcome!
Welcome to Bethel Wesley Youth Discussion!
(Horrible title I know, but i had to call it something)
This is a page run by Bethel Wesley as part of Bethel Wesley's Christian Ed.
Each week we will have a discussion topic, pictures, maybe a video or two. We will share our joys and concerns. We will pray for each other, and for our friends and neighbors.
This blog is designed for the edification of Bethel Wesley Youth, but ALL are welcome!
This leads us to the rules:
Comments will be moderated. Inappropriate commentary will not be allowed, though difficult content may. Content that questions your faith, develops community, and is exciting and revelatory is strongly encouraged!
This is a youth site. Adults may participate, but they should not judge or try to control the conversation. Let the youth have their say!
The Moderators have final say on ALL content.
Since this is the "Welcome!" post, why not say hello!
(Horrible title I know, but i had to call it something)
This is a page run by Bethel Wesley as part of Bethel Wesley's Christian Ed.
Each week we will have a discussion topic, pictures, maybe a video or two. We will share our joys and concerns. We will pray for each other, and for our friends and neighbors.
This blog is designed for the edification of Bethel Wesley Youth, but ALL are welcome!
This leads us to the rules:
Comments will be moderated. Inappropriate commentary will not be allowed, though difficult content may. Content that questions your faith, develops community, and is exciting and revelatory is strongly encouraged!
This is a youth site. Adults may participate, but they should not judge or try to control the conversation. Let the youth have their say!
The Moderators have final say on ALL content.
Since this is the "Welcome!" post, why not say hello!
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