God Gives Us Wisdom Alternative Lectionary Proper 16 David Ackerman

What is wisdom? There is a definite wisdom tradition within Scripture. In many ways it is a practical tradition, focused on real life. We need to have access to such wisdom. But what is the nature of wisdom and how do we discern the ways of God? In this alternative lectionary selection offered by David Ackerman, we encounter the famous story of Solomon and the Baby. We all know the story, but have we worked through its implications. Then there's Paul's guidance on speaking in tongues. It's not a surprise that a text on tongues-speaking doesn't appear in the lectionary -- many main-liners find it an offense to the rational nature of our faith. Then there's John 7, where Jesus speaks of Moses, circumcision, and the Sabbath while asking us what it means to judge with right judgment. These are intriguing passages that do warrant our attention.

PROPER 16

AUGUST 25, 2013"GOD GIVES US WISDOM"CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 119:49-56 NRSV"One": Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope."Many": This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life."One": The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law."Many": When I think of your ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O Lord."One": Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, those who forsake your law."Many": Your statutes have been my songs wherever I make my home."One": I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law."Many": This blessing has fallen to me, for I have kept your precepts.GATHERING PRAYER: We come here today, God, to seek your wisdom. Give us discerning minds so that we may choose what is good and turn away from all that is evil. Amen.CONFESSION: We confess, God of mercy, that we have not made wise decisions in our lives. We have rejected your wisdom and embraced foolishness instead. We have been arrogant about our gifts and wrongly judged people who were different from us. Forgive us, God. Enter our minds and our hearts, so that we might become new people, filled with your grace and love. Amen.ASSURANCE: Our maker knows us through and through. God lets go of the wrongs of yesterday so that we may move forward today and tomorrow into the fullness of life that God has planned for us. Thank you, God! Amen.SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 3:16-28 - "Solomon and the Baby"1 Corinthians 14:6-19 - "Speaking in Tongues"John 7:19-24 - "Judge with Right Judgment"COMMENTARIES AND SERMON IDEAS are available in "Beyond the Lectionary".REFLECTION QUESTIONS:What do you make of the story of Solomon and the baby in 1 Kings 3? Is the king truly wise? What do you think would have happened if the women had somehow answered differently?What appear to be some of the problems with "speaking in tongues" in 1 Corinthians 14? Who are the different groups involved in the controversy? What do you think is the purpose of any spiritual gift? Do you have any thoughts about (or experiences with) "speaking in tongues" today?What are the people accusing Jesus of in John 7 and why? What do you think Jesus means when he says, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (v 24)?What do you think wisdom is? Do you think you are wise? What would it take to become wise?PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: We rejoice, God, that you have made the gift of wisdom available to us. Help us to embrace the opportunity you have placed before us by becoming wise so that we may build one another up in love. Amen.BENEDICTION: God has sent us into the world to be agents of change and transformation. Let us now go forth and support each other as we strive to be faithful in a hostile world. Amen.

Credit: i-love-witchcraft.blogspot.com

Feast Of The Archangels

"The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael (Who is like God?) was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, "Hail, full of grace," is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. Raphael (Medicine of God) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey."
from Catholic Culture
September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels (Gabriel, Michael And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. "Amen."

- St. Michael's feast day is referred to as "Michaelmas" in many countries and traditional foods for this day include waffles and blackberries. Catholic Cuisine has many food suggestions for celebrating Michaelmas. We will hopefully have waffles with blackberries (from my ample frozen stock) for breakfast or maybe "breakfast for dinner."
- Make a devils food cake and place a statue of St. Michael on top and give each child a little cocktail sword to stab the cake to symbolize St. Michael throwing the devil out of Heaven.
- In honor of St. Gabriel, say the Angelus.

- Have the children color Charlotte's coloring pages of the Archangels.

St. Gabriel
St. Michael
St. Raphael

- For dinner make angel hair pasta with sauce
- Use three white candles as the centerpiece on your table, each candle representing one of the Archangels.
- Watch these You Tube videos for each of the archangels. NOTE: These videos have images and writings that are not Catholic teaching, but they are still a neat compilation for each of the archangels St. MichaelSt. Gabriel
St. Raphael

Credit: wiccancommunity.blogspot.com

How Psychology Fixed My Faith

When I went to school to become a Christian counselor I had no idea that there were those who were opposed to Christians learning how to become helpers through the lens of psychology. I remember one of my professors asking the class how we would respond to the challenges voiced by others. I was stunned. "Why "wouldn't" we want to learn from "any" field of knowledge in this world, if it offered a real chance to help hurting people?"

His challenge felt like someone questioning me as to why I wouldn't accept a Polio vaccine made by a scientist. It just didn't make sense to me. If we can't use information that doesn't come strictly from the Bible, none of us could exist. We couldn't bake bread because the recipe doesn't come from the Bible. We couldn't do mathematic equations because the Word doesn't show us how. I thought this was craziness and I truly was shocked that I even had to consider this question.

But my professor was right: Within a week's time, I noticed certain Christian friends asking me why I would study psychology. Their tone and choice of words let me know that they were displeased.

I had gone into the field of Counseling in order to help other people. I really didn't think I had many issues to work out. The blessing was that I literally unraveled emotionally while in school. I had always been a nervous and emotional person, but I thought that was just how I was made. As I learned family dynamics and examined psychological issues, I began to see the wounds I had incurred while growing up. Now I had no choice, I had to work through through these issues in my own counseling process. I could go into great detail here, and I hope to at a later date, but suffice it to say by the time I left the program I was no longer the depressed, anxious or insecure person I had been three years prior.

If you google "Psychology and Christianity" you will encounter a maelstrom of web sites devoted to this issue. Some support the combination of Christianity and psychology, but many are vehemently opposed. Thirteen years after I made a personal commitment to Christ, I was stuck in shame and low self-esteem. Being a Christian that long, and understanding God's grace but not being able to apply it to your life, causes you to feel more shame.

But after I examined some things with the help of a counselor, I forgave myself and understood better how situations had impacted me. As St. Augustine said, "all Truth is God's Truth" -- note the capital T -- but we can still use small "t" truths to help us. No field of study has the absolute truth, but we as humans, making our way through a world which is filled with suffering, need to rely on resources in addition to the Bible.

I feel that psychology, and the help of some very compassionate Christian people, healed me: My faith is stronger than ever. I hurt for Christians who have emotional wounds, and or medical issues, which could be helped by what psychology (and medicine) has to offer. They stay stuck in a silent hell because they have been told psychology comes from the devil.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

*This post was originally posted 12/09/07

Wherever You Go Go With All Your Heart Confucius

Everyplace you go, go with all your essence.- ConfuciusWhatever you can do, or dream you can, Be born it.Spirit has observable fact, power and magic in it, Be born it now.- Johann Wolfgang von GoetheYou can't do what about the coil of your life,but you can do everything about its fullness and affluence.- Evan EsarMinute allowance expand was ever achieved lacking vigor.- Ralph Waldo EmersonSocial order in the stirring intent of my decide on, I boldly acquire every redeploy - full-size and delicate - with spirit and reason.- jlhGo into with vigor.Aid reading: Feat Tip: Drive MetamorphosisHow to Take GuaranteedHow to Talk into On and Let Go * Terrifying Quotes * Quotes about Not Kind * Quotes about Not Kind In the role of People Take * Connection Quotes * Romantic Quotes * Kindheartedly Quotes Copyright (c) by Jonathan Lockwood Huie. First published on my Lecture Magnificent Quotes blog. Further see Magnificent Quotes.

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