The Parable of the 3 Dogs

A master had three dogs that he liked to walk. The first dog was faithful and would never leave his side. The second dog liked to run, but wouldn't get too far away unless it saw something to chase. The third dog just ran away haphazardly with no particular destination in mind. On several occasions the master had to run after the third dog. The master loved all three dogs.

Black and White (yellow)

I've spent the morning painting the teen room. The teen's came up with the color combination to symbolize good and evil, light and darkness, and right and wrong (in no way shape or form am I a Pittsburgh Steelers fan!). As I was painting I had things taped off and I envisioned these nice tight lines between the black and yellow. However, as I proceeded I was reminded that life isn't about black and white--religion isn't about black and white--it's messy--sometimes the lines are blurred. What appears bad isn't always bad and what seems good isn't always for the best. So I decided to forgo my nice tight, even lines and if there is some blurring of the lines I think that represents life. I wish it was as easy--cut and dry--as black and white, but life and theology is not.

Free Will

Is there a phrase or sound that has the same affect on you like nails scrapping across the chalk board (some of my younger readers may not be familiar with the incredibly annoying sound). For me it is when someone says "everything happens for a reason" or "it was meant to happen." I just cringe when I hear or read those words. Ironically, sometimes it is true. Yes, your life is a mess for a reason--because of poor decisions! Yes, you lost your job for a reason--because you were late everyday! Yes, you got lung cancer for a reason--because you smoke two packs a day! And so it goes...

I get annoyed when we blame God (karma or some other mysterious force) for our poor decisions (or the poor decisions of others). I do not believe God is behind all the terrible things that happen, but I do believe God is working in the midst of the terrible things to bring out the best of possible outcomes. I admit, sometimes I am at a loss for why something happened, but rarely (never) do I shrug my shoulders and say "it must have been God's will" and walk away. 

Throw Down at McDs

I walked into McDonald's this morning after dropping Richard off at school. The line was about three deep--not too bad by any means. However, a few people came in after me so they opened another register. One of the people at the end of the line walked right by us towards the newly opened register. I said: "Excuse me, but you're just going to walk in front of all of us who have been waiting." He stopped, looked at me and replied, "Don't get all big and bad." I looked him over and I know I was judgmental, but all I could think of was this guy is a lifetime bully, I bet his name is Moe. I replied, "I'm not getting big and bad, but we have been waiting." He muttered a few words under his breath and for a moment I was pretty sure he was going to punch me right there in McDonald's. Thankfully he just scowled and and shuffled back in line behind me. He continued to glare at me as I ordered my food and carried it to my seat. I almost expected him to be waiting for me in the parking lot!

What causes someone to be so angry? Was he late for work? Was he suffering through a bad relationship? What? Then the Spirit spoke to me and reminded me that I act the same way at times. Oh, maybe not in McDonald's, but I've gotten angry in their ridiculous drive through lanes. I've also said some unkind things under my breath (ok, out loud) as I waited to turn left into Madison Schools to drop Richard off in the morning. Someone has probably said of me, "What is that guy's problem, why does he look so angry?"

Lord, help me to be loving in all situations. 

Diamonds in the rough

Perhaps before last night you had heard of Kevin Ogletree. I'm a football fan and a fantasy football fan so each year I read a lot of blogs, websites and magazines trying to decide who to draft for my fantasy football team. I never once considered Ogletree. In fact, according to a post I read this morning, Ogletree was not drafted in 97% of fantasy football leagues. However, last night he was a beast: 8 catches, 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those are outstanding numbers! If you were one of the three percent that actually drafted him and you played him (just because he was drafted doesn't mean he was started) I applaud you. Every year it seems someone comes out of nowhere to put up huge numbers. Last year it was Saint's TE Graham. Two years ago it was Peyton Hillis. The key to fantasy football is finding these hidden gems. If you just look at the established players you'll be ok, you may even make the playoffs. But if you want to be a fantasy football champion you have to find the diamonds in the rough.

Studying the Gospels is similar. I've been doing a sermon series on the Lord's Prayer and week after week I've unearthed something that I had previously over-looked. I never realized how much meaning there is in that simple model of prayer. When we study the Gospels if we just read through the words we will be ok. But if we want to get to the heart of what Jesus has for us, we have to dig deep and get a little dirty. Question everything--dig for answers! 

Get out of jail free

I was reading Psalm 146 this morning and a verse jumped out at me--146:7 reads: 
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, 

I guess what grabbed hold of me is what it doesn't say. This is what many of us expect this verse to say:

He upholds the cause of those who are being oppressed for their righteousness

And gives food to those who can't work and purchase their own

The Lord sets free those who are unjustly held captive

Hmmm...this is my paraphrase

He upholds the cause of the oppressed whether I agree with why they are being oppressed or not!

And gives food to everyone who is hungry, whether or not I think they are just being lazy or irresponsible!

The Lord sets prisoners, even those being imprisoned for good reason, free!  

This is some tough stuff to chew on. And I suppose some of my friends will point to verse 9 where it reads "he frustrates the wicked" as they thump their chest and gesture skyward. But it does say God will frustrate the wicked--not us. We have one job and that job is to love. To love the oppressed, to love the hungry, to love the prisoner, to love the childless, to love the widow, to love the alien (even if they are in this country illegally), and to love ___________ (fill in the blank with whoever you are finding difficult to love this morning).