Asking For a Favor

This message was first delivered at Centenary United Methodist in Lynchburg, Virginia on October 21, 2018. It is based on the lectionary texts of Mark 10:35-45 and Job 38:1-7. 

Mark 10:35-45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Request of James and John

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

They were wholly unaware of what they were asking for. They thought they were asking for places of glory in an earthly type of kingdom. They didn't fully grasp what was about to take place. This Jesus, whose power they have witnessed firsthand. They were there when the water was turned to wine. There when he healed. There when he cast out demons. They were present at the Transfiguration! James and John saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. They could see the crowds and felt awe and wonder. Not that Jesus hasn't been trying to get through their thick heads...

Just one chapter back in Mark 9 he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

And in the verses just prior to today's Gospel lesson, from The Message: Back on the road, they set out for Jerusalem. Jesus had a head start on them, and they were following, puzzled and not just a little afraid. He took the Twelve and began again to go over what to expect next. “Listen to me carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. When we get there, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the religious leaders and scholars. They will sentence him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Romans, who will mock and spit on him, give him the third degree, and kill him. After three days he will rise alive.”

In the next moment, James and John (possibly encouraged by their mother) make their “request.” And it is no small favor they are asking for. Not asking for help moving to a new tent. They don't realize what they are asking for...like most of us, they don't see the bigger picture. We are great at asking for stuff – but not very good at knowing what we need.

I am not a parent, but I am the aunt to three brilliant and handsome nephews and one vibrant and creative niece. So I've witnessed a LOT of asking. And begging. And negotiating... And some of those times, I've known that what they were asking for wasn't going to meet their expectations. Out of the four of these, I've had to talk at least two out of ordering Sea Monkeys from the back of a comic book. I know how great the ad looks – and I understand when they describe their futures as professional sea monkey trainers teaching them to do tricks and ride on a tiny sea monkey ferris wheel. But I've got a little more information than they do – and perhaps some first hand wisdom. Because I already tried to become a world famous sea monkey trainer and found that dried up brine shrimp are not adept at learning to juggle. I remember another occasion where one nephew negotiated an advance on future earnings in order to buy “the funnest toy EVER!” A marshmallow gun. Ten dollars later he is the proud owner of the funnest toy ever. Then he begs for money to buy a big bag of marshmallow ammunition. Ten minutes after that – all the adults have tired of being pegged in the head with increasingly dirty marshmallows. The funnest toy ever lasted about two days and then after attracting ants – was declared “stupid.”

Nope, we don't always have the whole picture of what we THINK we need. And sometimes the stuff that we want – isn't going to be nearly as cool as we THINK that it is. All the stuff in the world...where would you put it?

I have always LOVED the story of Job. Wondered if I could have held up against that level of pressure from the devil. Hoped that I could. But had some serious doubts about it when things continue to ramp up.

Job was SERIOUSLY good. This is a guy that used to get early in the morning after a celebration and give burnt offerings in the name of his children just in CASE they had sinned inwardly. He was totally devoted to God and hated evil. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I don't think I measure up to that guy. He was, in fact, SO good that when the angels came to give a report to God that God himself pointed out what a good guy Job was. And that was just the challenge that the designated Accuser, Satan was looking for. He said that of course he's good, he's treated like a pampered prince – he's got everything he wants. It's easy to be good and righteous if you're on top of the world. BUT...he slides in...if you reached down and took it all away, he'd curse you right to your face.

No way...God said...go ahead and try it, but don't hurt him physically. So one messenger after another comes to Job reporting the loss of his oxen, donkeys and field hands by a murdering band of Sabeans...then lightning strikes killed the sheep and shepherds...Chaldeans killed the camels and camel drivers. And then the toughest message – a tornado killed all of his children and their families. But Job doesn't curse God.

He's crazed with grief – tears his robe and shaves his head – but he doesn't blame God. And God points this out to Satan. Satan ramps up the intensity of the test by saying that a man will go to any lengths to save his life – take away his health and Job will curse you. Satan is certain. And God agrees, but don't kill him. So Satan causes terrible sores to afflict Job and when he is sitting on the ash heap scraping the sorts...Job's wife has had enough. She wants Job to just curse God and get this agony over with. But no deal.

Job doesn't curse God, doesn't blame God...he says we take the good days when God gives those, why not the bad days too?

Three of his friends arrive – and most of us remember that they weren't very supportive, right? But maybe we read the abridged version of Job? Because the first thing these three friends do is to cry out in lament, tear their robes as a sign of grief and sit with him. For seven DAYS. In silence. They could see that their friend was suffering and they wanted to be there for him. And they were...for awhile.

And then the damn breaks. Job starts to talk. And vent and curse the day he was born. And he goes on for 26 verses of Chapter 3 to express how miserable he is...ending with I have no rest; but trouble comes. Sometimes it feels like that. The night never ending – not feeling rest or comfort.

Then the friends start to weigh in on the situation – as friends are likely to do. But the first reaction is to ask what Job has done to cause such a thing. Surely someone as devout and exemplary as you appear to be wouldn't have such calamity thrust upon them...what did you DO? And they have plenty of advice...figure out what you did wrong, who you offended, appeal to the right angel for intervention, go to God and thank him for this suffering...since you clearly deserve it for whatever it is that you did.

Then Job defends himself to his friends and whines some more about how this isn't his fault – he's innocent and suffering. If God would just squash him like a bug then at least he'd be dead but he wouldn't have blasphemed the Holy God. And he basically tells his friends that they aren't helping. And he can't believe they don't believe him when he says he didn't DO anything!

The debate between Job and his friends then Job crying out to God go on for chapters...the questions and answers go back and forth from Chapter 4 through Chapter 31. And then a fourth friend steps in. Chapter 32 brings Elihu, a man younger than the other three who has held his tongue out of respect for his elders. Now he blows up with the pent-up anger of his youth and blasts the others for not coming up with answers but not giving up on trying to prove Job wrong! And he speaks honestly from his heart and brings new perspective into this argument.

That is often what we need. A new perspective. Some new piece of wisdom to illuminate the situation. Elihu inserts himself into this with humility but firmness – asks Job to listen and then lays out some of the facts as he sees them. Some of the gems from Chapters 33-37 include:

• God always answers, one way or another.
• It is impossible for God to do evil.
• God is always working behind the scenes. We have his attention.
• You can learn from the suffering you are going through.
• Don't get obsessed with placing blame.
• Look around you. See the evidence of God and his power all around you. Is this who you want to confront?

Maybe Job needs to reconsider his choice of confronting God? Elihu wraps up by saying, “Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly.

So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.”

Now God speaks to Job directly. And in the scripture that Ida read for us earlier, God pretty much asks Job just who he thinks he is. Sounds like a father talking... You all know my Dad as a kindly fellow who will help with anything you ask him to do. Need a hand moving some tables? Call Carl. Need your window air conditioners taken out and put back in the closet? Call Carl. He's a generally agreeable man but I can remember some times as kids that he would have uttered the classic line, “I brought you into this world, I can take you out.”

Job and his friends have discussed the character of God and his part in Job's suffering for about 35 chapters. Questions, challenges, assumptions, accusations and God weighs in.

God finally responds to Job in a storm outlining the God's presence in all creation. He shares the wisdom of how all things are divinely inspired and influenced, from the earth’s foundation, to the boundaries of the sea and sky, and the ordering of the day and night. How GOD structured the heavens and the earth, the water and the land, the day and the night, humanity and heavenly beings, and everything in between. Job, where were you when I created the earth? Since you are so smart, tell me who decided what size it would be...how the foundation was poured...who set the cornerstone. Huh? Tell me smart guy, since you seem to know so much. Where were you when the morning stars sang in chorus and the angels shouted praise?

God responds to Job in a storm, true to biblical tradition, illustrating a divine appearance. This whirlwind is similar to other Old Testament texts like in Ezekiel when God is present in the windstorm with a flashing light or Nahum experiencing God’s power in the storm and clouds, Zechariah witnesses God in lightning as loud as a trumpet, in 2 Kings, God appears in a chariot of fire.

Job is now confronted by God; and where Job once had questions, concerns, and complaints, he is now silent. In previous accounts, Job is left with inquiries and thoughts of loneliness; but now God is actively present, face-to-face with Job. God’s presence is undeniable, meaningful, and profound. God as master architect whose wisdom and resourcefulness cannot be matched or understood. We see in each verse that God measures, aligns, stretches, and builds. God lays foundations and constructs footings. We see an image of God that is meticulous about the details and precise in design for the cosmos, for the heavens, and even for humanity.

This is a mighty God we serve. God goes on to realign Job's perspective through chapters 38 and 39 with some powerful questions. Do you have any idea how big the Earth is? Do you know where light comes from and where darkness lives? Can you get the attention of the clouds and commission a shower of rain? Did you command the eagle's flight, and teach her to build her nest in the heights of a cliff's face? But then God asks the big one. The one that he asks whenever we give into that very human inclination to blame God or to ask why he has let something happen. God asks at the beginning of Job 40, “God confronted Job directly: Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Well...what do we have to say for ourselves?

And like so many times in the Job story, I hope I would respond this way:

Job answered: I'm speechless, in awe – words fail me. I should have never opened my mouth! I've talked too much, way too much. I'm ready to shut up and listen.”

I'd like to think I could be as wise and mature as Job in this moment. I'm not real sure. It is hard for me to admit when I've talked too much, let alone WAY too much. When will I be ready to shut up and listen? Can I at least try?

Can I be wise or will I be like my nephew who just knew that marshmallow gun would bring unending happiness into his life. Unwilling to hear that isn't wasn't worth the cost. That he'd be tired of it long before his dream of taking it off to college to amuse his fraternity brothers. That I could see from a different perspective of previous unwise purchases. That maybe he didn't know best. Maybe his mom saying, “no” was the better choice.

We are all going to stumble and desire things or people or situations that although we are sure they'll bring us great joy or satisfaction...we don't always know what we are asking for. Which brings us back to James and John and the favor that they asked of Jesus.

“Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.” “What is it?” “Arrange for us to be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory” “Dudes, you don't know what that even means...can you drink of the cup I drink, be plunged into the baptism I'm about to plunged into?”

They answer quickly, “Sure, bring it on.” And Jesus said, “come to think of it...you will drink of this same cup...but awarding places of honor isn't my business. That isn't up to me.”

And although they didn't drink of the exact same cup...neither James nor John were crucified (although we know that at least Peter and Andrew did suffer that same fate). James' death at the hands of Herod is reported in Acts 12. He was likely stoned or clubbed to death. But all of the apostles and followers suffered persecution and were in constant danger. This was by no means a place of honor at the right and left hand.

We even see that this request brought friction and division among the disciples. When the other ten heard about it, they lost their tempers with James and John. Who do you guys think you are? Do you think you are a level above us? Before the division and debate can poison their attitudes completely, Jesus steps in. Are they ready, like Job, to shut up and listen?

“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

We don't need to be power-mad. If we want to be great, we've got to let all that go and become a servant. Want to be first? Want to be at the right and left in places of honor? You only think that is what you need...but I have more information. I've got the bigger picture. More power just leads to the desire for more power. It's a hamster wheel you'll never get off. Empty calories. You want to be great? Then flip the whole thing upside down – the real winner is the one who is humble enough to serve, not be served.

There’s a story about a little boy named Billy. Every day on the walk to school, Billy’s grandfather would stop at the neighborhood store for a newspaper and cup of coffee. As Grandpa approached the register, Billy would point to large bins filled with candies, gum, and other treats displayed. The cashier grew a heart of compassion toward Billy. One morning when Grandpa and Billy approached the register, the cashier said, “Good morning Billy, today you can reach in and get the candies you want with no cost.” Billy smiled with joy; his persistence had finally paid off. He went to pull out a candy, but snatched his hand back abruptly. He then grabbed Grandpa’s hand and shoved it into the large bin. Startled, Grandpa pulled out a fist filled with assorted sweets.

Billy giggled with glee. As they continued the walk to school, Grandpa asked, “Billy, why didn’t you pick out your candies? This was want you asked for every day.” Billy looked up to Grandpa with the sun glistening in his eye, “Yes, Grandpa, but your hands are much bigger than mine. My hands are too small to get all the candies I wanted.”

There are times in life that, as believers, we should embrace Billy’s kind of wisdom. God’s hands are much bigger, capable, and able to provide everything we need. Our hands, our thoughts, and our understanding are limited in comparison to God’s vast knowledge and powerful hands.

It is refreshing to know that in spite of all Job experienced and all the pain he endured, he was not too proud to be silenced. Job is silenced by the images of morning stars and heavenly beings rejoicing in God’s glory. Job is silenced by God’s grace that is uniquely woven into the tapestry of all God’s creation. Job is silenced by God’s wisdom, knowledge, and love that is unexplainable and uncontainable. Job is silenced as God reveals the unlimited ability to be present in all things.

God can get tiny if we're not careful. Too often we fall into the trap of God being made in our image – instead of the other way around. We relate to God in our human understanding, putting God in a box that he simply can't be contained in! The hope is that our sense of God will grow as expansive as our God is. Each tiny conception gets obliterated as we discover more and more the God who is always greater.

We worship an awesome God. One who desires great things for us, not necessarily in the cars we drive or how many camels and sheep we have – but he wants good things of substance for us. The joy of a servant's heart focused on what is really important. We have to let go of the fleeting things of today and embrace our reason for being.

To love God and to spread that love throughout the world. In every situation, to all the people we encounter. Amen.

#blessed

This message was first delivered at Centenary United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia on January 29, 2017. It is based on the lectionary text of Matthew 5:1-12. 

#Blessed

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

- “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

- “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

- “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

- “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

- “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

- “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

- “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

- “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

- “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

What an incredible insider's view into Jesus' ministry. The heart of the matter – you are blessed. In ways too numerous to count! The Beatitudes. A wonderful passage of scripture that can become so familiar that we lose touch with the message. It can become rote and then it becomes audible wallpaper...if I had read this same list of blessings from the translations of our youth – you might be tuned out by the 3^rd or 4^th “Blessed are” - give it a try:

KJV Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. By this time, I'm looking for check boxes like I'm filling out a form at the doctor's office. Seizures? No. Sleep Disorders? Yes. Meek? Not really. Mourning? Not at the moment.

That's why I love Peterson's version of this encounter between teacher and followers. Because it gives me a different perspective on the “categories” of blessings. It places me in relationship to each of them. And we'll take a closer look...in due course...

But first I made a promise on social media to explain why the title of my message for today is “# (hashtag) blessed” and I hate to disappoint the 2 or 3 of you who might have seen it! I'm going to need to explain what a hashtag is...for some of you. If you already know, then take the next 60 seconds to post a selfie or something.

That punctuation mark that we used to use for pound or number, it's now referred to as a hashtag. The official definition: Hashtag (noun) (on social media sites such as Twitter) a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic. What is it good for? If you use it, then if someone searches for things including that word or phrase – they see that stuff first. That's the best I can do – get a 12 year old to give you a better explanation.

Now that you know what a hashtag is (selfies down) – know that I searched for social media posts with #blessed. I found a WHOLE lot of sports references. “Falcons headed to the Super Bowl #blessed.” And what were clearly some student posts. “Calculus prof out with head cold. #blessed.” And some great looking food pictures that just don't translate well here... But there were also some blessings posted about that touched my heart: “As long as I was able to encourage/inspire at least one person, then I did what I was supposed to do ❤️#blessed” and “1^st generation high school graduate #blessed” and “two years sober today! I'm blessed to still be on this earth doing what I love to do with the people that supported me the whole way. #blessed.” and I have to tell you this one: “Got pulled over doing 42 in a 30. Told the police officer I'm in a rush because Popeye's closes at 9:30 and he let me go. He a real one #blessed”

Because we have to recognize the blessings of laughter...and chicken...

I used to think that the beatitudes were listing … I don't know … something akin to prizes for particular types of suffering. “Well...if you're meek enough then you'll inherit the earth.” or “poor in spirit? You get the kingdom of heaven!” And for those who are persecuted for my name's sake? Tell 'em what they've won Johnny! Well...they get the kingdom of heaven!” Hey...I thought the poor in spirit got that...

Jesus is describing how his followers (and that includes us) are to live as God’s people in this world—not simply by calling attention to all the many ways God has #blessed us personally—but by “being a blessing for others.”

This was a radically new teaching for the people in Jesus’ day. In the ancient world, just like today, many people believed strongly in cause and effect. They believed that if they were good people who followed God’s commandments, worked hard, and tried to do their best in all circumstances, God would reward them with good health, food to eat, stable jobs, happy families, and prosperity. Likewise, they believed that God punished the sinful with illness, poverty, imprisonment, blindness, divorce, and the heartbreak of psoriasis. Many believed that God even punished entire sinful populations through war, famine, droughts, and other disasters.

If a man was sick, or mourning, or poor in spirit, or starving, or persecuted, it was his own fault for sinning. A woman who suffered did so as the consequence of her own bad behavior because suffering was understood as punishment for sin.

But now radical Jesus is saying it doesn’t work like that in the kingdom of God. It isn’t that we are wrong to feel #blessed when something goes our way. But when things do not go our way, that doesn’t mean God is punishing us either. God’s kingdom is a whole different playing field.

"Let's examine a few of these blessing statements together," is what I thought I'd say next... You see, I was sharing with my sister Denise earlier this week that I was going to base my message around a different translation of some of the Beatitudes. She asked which ones. A reasonable question. As I sat to write, I still didn't have the answer. They are ALL so good!! After embracing this passage and studying on it for a week – it's like deciding which three or four of your nine kids goes to Disneyland. That first one, about less of me and more of God...can't let that one go...I think I need to tattoo that one on my forehead. And comforting the mourning...that's important. Choir singing about the pure in heart, maybe I should include that. And what about peace-making? Isn't that exactly what this world needs today? This congregation? So many relationships, so much hurt in need of healing. But I have to be realistic. I've either got to pick or I'll end up the the Spark Notes version.

So I stopped and prayed and took time away from writing – which is like talking for me. And went back to listening. I said to God – you know my struggle. I'm torn in so many directions. People keep saying “you should speak on this. you need to lead the congregation by preaching on love. Or forgiveness. Or accountability. Or commitment.” And then I have the ME to deal with Lord. How do I make sure that I'm keeping myself focused on your leading? Why is it hard to hear your voice in this Lord? I'm at the end of my rope...

And the cloud lifted and my direction became clear. Belva's message to the children is accurate – this passage has ingredients for a blessed life. And like all recipes...if you leave out an ingredient, then you can't get the best results. My great grandmother was an incredible cook. Not a fancy chef, and I don't remember much about her knife skills – but she was one of those intuitive cooks that never measure anything. Before she got sick, one of the family made her write down the recipes for favorite dishes and especially her baked goods. Those handwritten cards are treasured family heirlooms – but they don't produce the same results that Nannie got. I dearly loved her chocolate chip cookies and followed her written instructions to the letter...but they weren't right at all. It took years for someone to figure out that she left out the milk!

I can't cherry-pick which blessings are more important because they each apply to different aspects of our lives or different people in uncountable ways! It is RELATIONSHIP advice – how we relate to each other in the world and how we relate to God...and recognizing the blessings of those relationships and experiences. Jesus was telling us about looking at things in a new way.

He said, your life will be richer IF you see the blessings around you every day. When you are at the end of YOUR rope, then you're blessed because HAVE to take a step back and turn stuff over to God. I'm not God...and I see that more clearly when I'm humbled. I get to thinking, “I've got this. God has plenty to worry about, I'll handle everything around here. And I start believing my own ego – and I take on more and more, until I'm overwhelmed and unable to do any of it to my own satisfaction. And pride...well, that keeps me from asking for help and then I'm at the end of my rope.” You relate? Sound familiar? And you get reminded that there is only one God...and it's not you, and it's certainly not me.

Jesus said that there was blessing in loss because you have to turn to the one who loves you, who created you, who knows your heartbreak and wants to comfort you.

Jesus said that you are blessed when you are meek. Humble, patient... content... This is where I had to ponder a while on Peterson's interpretation. The Message takes the familiar “blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” to “you are blessed when you're content with what you are – no more, no less.” then you find yourself with everything that can't be bought.

Maybe I had to ponder that for an extra while because meekness is a character trait that I equate with weakness. But I'm wrong about that. Meekness takes an extra measure of strength. Meekness is about knowing yourself and your gifts and being willing to use those gifts with humility in a selfless way. And when you give up the struggling and striving that comes with needing to be best and first and fastest – when you become content then you get these un-buyable, intangible blessings of peaceful mind and heart, the quiet satisfaction of letting go.

But lest Jesus' followers think that contentedness leads to complacency...he follows up with this ingredient: hungering and thirsting for righteousness. A promise that if we seek righteousness that we will be filled...a banquet of GOD! We are encouraged to work up a good appetite for God. He's the food and drink in the best meal we'll ever eat! Sustenance. The food that keeps us going.

His next ingredients urge us to be aligned with the heart of God. To love God and love who and what God loves. Mercy and caring because we have received mercy and care from God and will surely continue to need that. The next verse pushes us further – be pure in heart. You'll be blessed when you get your inside – your mind and heart – put right. We have to let go of our agenda and look to what God's agenda is. What is God's agenda? God wants to be in loving relationship with each and every human being on the face of the earth. That's his agenda. Our agenda needs to be about deepening that relationship. Falling totally, hopelessly and unconditionally in love with God. And sharing the good news with everyone that we encounter – that he wants to love them too.

Blessed are the peacemakers. That's the Beatitude I always felt aligned with. I am a pacifist. I dislike conflict so much that I didn't even like it when the Bradys fought on TV. I've come to understand something though...conflict avoidance is not really the same as peace-making. Working cooperatively is about getting along, sure...but unless we can be honest and authentic with each other, the “peace” is merely covering up the underlying conflict. Mediation is about both (or all) sides being able to express their point of view...agree to hear each other...and then you do the hard work of negotiation. And when you learn to get through the messy process, you are blessed with stronger and deeper relationships.

But the last two verses in the list recognize the fact that it isn't going to be easy. Jesus knew that he was presenting a new paradigm. He was shifting the view of God from stern and punishing parent to a God who loved us so much that he sent his only Son to earth. God came down and walked among us, fully human and fully divine – to build a new kind of relationship. And this news wasn't going to sit well with the people who were used to the old “follow the law, pay your dues” model. Some people were going to feel threatened. Others will just not understand. But when you feel persecuted, reviled, put down, lied about – you're still blessed. The world isn't always going to appreciate you. But if you stand up for God, listen! Heaven is applauding. You're on the right track! Don't focus on the struggle – focus on the reward. Don't focus on the lack – focus on the blessings.

Once you start listing the blessings in your life, it gives the struggles less power. It takes practice. It needs to be intentional. I was in a deep depression a few years ago. I had lost a job that I loved, felt hopeless, cut adrift...at the end of my rope. A friend suggested that I list my blessings. I think that my reaction was the one that my family refers to as “the hairy eyebrow.” I considered telling her to list her....well, never mind my initial reaction.

I opened a new “note” on my Blackberry (yep, this is a few years back...) and started listing things. No format. No categories. Just random stream-of-consciousness listing. Blessings in my life: sun on my shoulders, sushi, my mom, my intelligence, the river, Taylor's smile...

I set myself a task, to add at least 5 things to the list every day. And some days it was hard to think of 5, some days I added 20. And learning to see my blessings was a healing experience. Because I stopped focusing on the things that I lacked and saw what I had.

As a congregation, we have struggles. We feel lack – and at times it seems like that is all we can focus on. Council meetings have felt joy-less as we discuss the shortfalls in money or volunteer needs like Sunday school teachers or physical building challenges. I think we need to climb the mountain and hear what Jesus is telling us about how to deal with struggles. Find the blessings! We think we are at the end of our rope? Then we need to lean on God! We aren't done with our mission here on Rivermont! We've lost so many leaders, especially to age and health. God hasn't left us! We can be comforted in the knowledge that he is still here. And Centenary will work to bring mercy and care and cooperation and peace to the world.

And when we feel like we are being put down or we feel discouraged then we know we just have to stand up for God's agenda. We'll count our blessings and be uplifted and soldier on. We are #blessed and we need to start acting like it. We serve a risen Savior and God is on our side. Nothing can stop us if we are aligned with God.

Note: these were instructions that Sunday morning for an exercise in counting your blessings. As you came into the sanctuary today, you received a pen and some post-it notes. We are going to take a few short minutes for an exercise. I want you to write Centenary's blessings on these pieces of paper. Could be a person, a program, a feeling...no rules... We are going to start today with focusing on our blessings instead of our struggles. Turning from the lack toward the abundance. Steve is going to play a short song while we write and then Lee Boyd is going to come forward for the Stewardship moment.

During the final hymn I want you to come forward and stick our blessings all over the altar. And then we will pray together for the mission and ministry of our congregation. How will we impact our world? With God's help, even the sky is not the limit.

I don't mind telling you that it was one of the most powerful experiences I've had in a long time. I was unsure how it would go – and so I stepped out on faith and trusted the Lord. The song that was played (after I listened to dozens of possible choices) was Matt Redman's 10,000 Reasons (aka Bless the Lord, O My Soul). I'm listening to it right now on Youtube. And our final hymn was Let There Be Peace on Earth. My only regret is that the final hymn I had chosen was so short! But there was a flood of humanity sticking yellow notes all over. The stacks passed to me from the choir took Denise until the end of the benediction response to place. Powerful. Thank you Lord for letting me be a part of this. #blessed