According to tradition, around 300AD, there was a 20 year old french soldier whom we know as St. Martin of Tours.
While Martin was walking past a city gate, in the middle of a powerful winter, he noticed a beggar man, barely clothed asking passersby for clothing. Martin watched as many passed him. As Martin came upon him he felt that there was no option but to help. Martin had nothing with him but his sword and cloak. He had given all his possessions to those with similar needs as he passed them. Without hesitation, Martin took out his sword and cut his own cloak(cape) down the middle and covered the near naked man. Martin took the remaining half and covered himself. The crowd who witnessed this act were divided. Many laughed at Martin at how foolish he looked wearing half a cloak (cape). Meanwhile the other group was quietly ashamed because together they could have clothed this poor man without compromising their own comfort. The following night Martin had a vision of Jesus wearing one half of Marin's cape, approving Martin's compassion for the man he cared for.
Many revered Martin for his deed and were moved to hear of his vision of Jesus. The remaining half cape was held by the king as a holy item and still is.
In french, cape is called capell. Through transliteration we get the word "chapel" which is considered a place covering (comfort). Thus comes the term "Chaplain" which is a person who comes and covers (comforts) those in need.
This is a shortened version of the story. It shows how Chaplaincy practically and humbly began by giving to those in need. It is not an office but another place of service within the EMS realm of servants.
...And the King(Jesus) will answer and say to them, "assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you have given to one of the least of these, My brothers, you have done it to Me."
Matthew 25:40
Isn't that GREAT?!
Please read the entire passage in Chapter 25 verses 31 to 46. It will encourage some and convict others to change, but it will be a blessing.
May God Bless you and Keep you.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Holy-Days
Just two weeks ago I heard the familiar sound of Christmas muzak quietly flowing through speakers suspended from the 28 foot ceiling of a Super Walmart. Yep, the holidays are near.
If we were stand at the mall and ask people (kids too), what one word would best describe this time of year for them?
What would we hear?
"Fun!", "Busier", "Frustrating", "Vacation!", "Depressing", "Stressful", "Gifts!", "Relatives", "Friends", "Loneliness", "Traveling" ...
What would you say and why?
I would say complicated, because the original and basic reason for holidays, was for us to gather together and celebrate, as families, a community, a nation and a world.
The word is should be HOLYDAY.
Now, many hear "holy" and immediately think of RELIGION, and a bad taste comes to their mouths. I don't blame them me too. Because religion has added some of the complications.
God came up with the idea of HOLYDAYS. They are for us to simply take time and celebrate someting good about Him. God tells us to stop our regular routines, chill out and enjoy the day(s) with those around us.
Isn't that great! Well, it was, until people got a hold of it and turned it into something more complicated.
I mean, we actually accept the term & event called "BLACK FRIDAY" which comes immediatley after "THANKSGIVING!!!" (I won't get on my soap box)
To make something holy is to set it apart from everything else. To make it very special and different from others.
God tells Christians to be Holy just as He is Holy. That means, don't be like everyone else. Be different. And He gives us the specific ways in which they should look and they all revolve around real love. (see my previous blog)
So, holydays are to be treated in the same manner. It is the perfect time to reflect on the wonderful things God had done and is doing. To celebrate with people around us, break from the routines of our culture and enjoy. That is what God wants.
The Jews have Sabbaths and several feasts for the same purpose. Christians too as do many other faiths. But the idea came from God. It is from Him for Him and us.
So the challenge for us each holyday is to keep the main thing the main thing. Its hard to do when there are so many that have their own view of holydays. But look back and see how God intended them to be...Joyful, peaceful, simple, purposeful and to celebrate Him.
Now I know Thanksgiving isn't a biblical celebration but giving thanks sure is.
Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, "Celebrate always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is what God wants for you, through Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yes, that is a tall order for many. But if you knew what Paul's life was like, then perhaps you could try do the same. He knew deep suffering all too well, as do many of you. But Paul also knew something very special and he knew it intimately and he knew it was true. He needed that in order to celebrate or else he would have been crushed with hoplessness and misery.
God's Love, Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace are are available to everyone who wants them. Once you begin to understand these gifts, celebrating becomes a whole lot more easier and frequent even through the truly tough times.
This is what the world needs. Genuine and powerful gratitude by celebrating God and each other.
I am thankful for many things and one of the biggies is knowing what truth is and where I can find it.
Please stand strong in the promises of God. Ask your Pastor or Priest to remind you of these if you have forgotten them. If you have never heard them. Please ask someone who celebrates the Holyness of God.
He Loves You All find out how much.
May He Bless You and Keep You
If we were stand at the mall and ask people (kids too), what one word would best describe this time of year for them?
What would we hear?
"Fun!", "Busier", "Frustrating", "Vacation!", "Depressing", "Stressful", "Gifts!", "Relatives", "Friends", "Loneliness", "Traveling" ...
What would you say and why?
I would say complicated, because the original and basic reason for holidays, was for us to gather together and celebrate, as families, a community, a nation and a world.
The word is should be HOLYDAY.
Now, many hear "holy" and immediately think of RELIGION, and a bad taste comes to their mouths. I don't blame them me too. Because religion has added some of the complications.
God came up with the idea of HOLYDAYS. They are for us to simply take time and celebrate someting good about Him. God tells us to stop our regular routines, chill out and enjoy the day(s) with those around us.
Isn't that great! Well, it was, until people got a hold of it and turned it into something more complicated.
I mean, we actually accept the term & event called "BLACK FRIDAY" which comes immediatley after "THANKSGIVING!!!" (I won't get on my soap box)
To make something holy is to set it apart from everything else. To make it very special and different from others.
God tells Christians to be Holy just as He is Holy. That means, don't be like everyone else. Be different. And He gives us the specific ways in which they should look and they all revolve around real love. (see my previous blog)
So, holydays are to be treated in the same manner. It is the perfect time to reflect on the wonderful things God had done and is doing. To celebrate with people around us, break from the routines of our culture and enjoy. That is what God wants.
The Jews have Sabbaths and several feasts for the same purpose. Christians too as do many other faiths. But the idea came from God. It is from Him for Him and us.
So the challenge for us each holyday is to keep the main thing the main thing. Its hard to do when there are so many that have their own view of holydays. But look back and see how God intended them to be...Joyful, peaceful, simple, purposeful and to celebrate Him.
Now I know Thanksgiving isn't a biblical celebration but giving thanks sure is.
Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, "Celebrate always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is what God wants for you, through Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yes, that is a tall order for many. But if you knew what Paul's life was like, then perhaps you could try do the same. He knew deep suffering all too well, as do many of you. But Paul also knew something very special and he knew it intimately and he knew it was true. He needed that in order to celebrate or else he would have been crushed with hoplessness and misery.
God's Love, Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace are are available to everyone who wants them. Once you begin to understand these gifts, celebrating becomes a whole lot more easier and frequent even through the truly tough times.
This is what the world needs. Genuine and powerful gratitude by celebrating God and each other.
I am thankful for many things and one of the biggies is knowing what truth is and where I can find it.
Please stand strong in the promises of God. Ask your Pastor or Priest to remind you of these if you have forgotten them. If you have never heard them. Please ask someone who celebrates the Holyness of God.
He Loves You All find out how much.
May He Bless You and Keep You
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What REAL love looks like
"I love restored old tractors and I love my wife." Now, I know Vicki (my wife) does not appreciate being affectionately compared to repainted 60 year old pieces of iron farm equipment. My opening statement shows the limitations of our English language. Other languages have developed ways to give clarity and show emotion. The Geek language does this. For the word LOVE, it contains four words to identify a specific type of love;
As i stated above, loving tractors and my wife are literally two different ways but the word stays the same. This causes confusion.
So let's clear it up;
Phileo: which is a love between friends (Like Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love)
Eros: is the sense of being "in love" (it is where we get the word erotic from)
Storge: is Affection, love of family
Agape: the unconditional love or going so far as to love the unlovable.
The Agape is not as common as the others, and it is the most difficult for people to do. It is a word that was developed to describe the character of God.
So what does this particular love look like?
I refer again...to the Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Perhaps you have heard or even memorized this but have you really look at it carefully?
The Apostle Paul (St. Paul) is writing to the church in Corinth (Greece). They are one of the early Christian churches and are they feeling pretty good about themselves. Ther are bragging about their spiritual gifts and their faith. But Paul sees them failing in their conduct especially toward each other!
So Paul, (inspired by God) writes to redirect them by reminding them who God is and showing them what they have become.
In the 13th chapter by Paul states great things that can be done in front of people for others. But without love, he says...they are worthless in the eyes of God.
In verses 4-8 Paul gets to the nitty gritty of what really looks like.
He writes that Agape love;
suffers long and is kind
does not envy
does not seek attention and is not arrogant
does not behave rudely and does is not selfish
is not provoked
does not keep a record of wrongs
does not rejoice in shortcomings but rejoices in the truth
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things
(Agape) Love NEVER fails
How valuable and necessary are those things in our relationships? How valuable would friendships, families and marriages be if this type of love was accessible and used? Priceless!
And of course thos relationships would never fail, how could they!
My friends, this is the character of God, and it is the type of relationship He wants to have with each one of us. How can He do this? Simple, He is selfless. This describes His love for us!!!
Whether we deserve it or not, He gives it and its out there for us. This encourages us. It gives us a strength to tolerate and motivates us to do the same for others. But a response is needed. when we find out it is there and respond, that's when it really gets good.
True love is contagious."Get infected" God is the source.
When I teach the teens in our church about this. I apply it to family, marriage and friends.
I watch the faces of the young woman react and they say "I want that".
Who doesn't?
This love passes gender, race, rank, socio-econimic and age barriers. I have enjoyed the years that I have been able to give this "greatest gift" to thers. I have been blessed to be on the receiving end too. I look forward to giving more.
Here is the challenge. Study those descriptions of real love and give them a try. Oh I know you will have opportunity. Thanksgiving is coming and so are relatives, neighbors, kids and friends. I am pretty sure you can find one (or more) who is practically unlovable. If not how about the next business meeting or shopping experience? If not there, perhaps you are the one who thinks they are unlovable and you need someone to be patient with you or even forgive you? God has already been doing that for you!!
Remember, you are not able to do this successfully on your own. You need to know that God has done this for youo first. So if you want, ask Him and He will help you.
In Closing; I phileo old tractors. My wife gets Agape and more ;-)
Next month: A Happy Holyday
May God Bless You and Keep You (In His Agape love)
As i stated above, loving tractors and my wife are literally two different ways but the word stays the same. This causes confusion.
So let's clear it up;
Phileo: which is a love between friends (Like Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love)
Eros: is the sense of being "in love" (it is where we get the word erotic from)
Storge: is Affection, love of family
Agape: the unconditional love or going so far as to love the unlovable.
The Agape is not as common as the others, and it is the most difficult for people to do. It is a word that was developed to describe the character of God.
So what does this particular love look like?
I refer again...to the Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Perhaps you have heard or even memorized this but have you really look at it carefully?
The Apostle Paul (St. Paul) is writing to the church in Corinth (Greece). They are one of the early Christian churches and are they feeling pretty good about themselves. Ther are bragging about their spiritual gifts and their faith. But Paul sees them failing in their conduct especially toward each other!
So Paul, (inspired by God) writes to redirect them by reminding them who God is and showing them what they have become.
In the 13th chapter by Paul states great things that can be done in front of people for others. But without love, he says...they are worthless in the eyes of God.
In verses 4-8 Paul gets to the nitty gritty of what really looks like.
He writes that Agape love;
suffers long and is kind
does not envy
does not seek attention and is not arrogant
does not behave rudely and does is not selfish
is not provoked
does not keep a record of wrongs
does not rejoice in shortcomings but rejoices in the truth
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things
(Agape) Love NEVER fails
How valuable and necessary are those things in our relationships? How valuable would friendships, families and marriages be if this type of love was accessible and used? Priceless!
And of course thos relationships would never fail, how could they!
My friends, this is the character of God, and it is the type of relationship He wants to have with each one of us. How can He do this? Simple, He is selfless. This describes His love for us!!!
Whether we deserve it or not, He gives it and its out there for us. This encourages us. It gives us a strength to tolerate and motivates us to do the same for others. But a response is needed. when we find out it is there and respond, that's when it really gets good.
True love is contagious."Get infected" God is the source.
When I teach the teens in our church about this. I apply it to family, marriage and friends.
I watch the faces of the young woman react and they say "I want that".
Who doesn't?
This love passes gender, race, rank, socio-econimic and age barriers. I have enjoyed the years that I have been able to give this "greatest gift" to thers. I have been blessed to be on the receiving end too. I look forward to giving more.
Here is the challenge. Study those descriptions of real love and give them a try. Oh I know you will have opportunity. Thanksgiving is coming and so are relatives, neighbors, kids and friends. I am pretty sure you can find one (or more) who is practically unlovable. If not how about the next business meeting or shopping experience? If not there, perhaps you are the one who thinks they are unlovable and you need someone to be patient with you or even forgive you? God has already been doing that for you!!
Remember, you are not able to do this successfully on your own. You need to know that God has done this for youo first. So if you want, ask Him and He will help you.
In Closing; I phileo old tractors. My wife gets Agape and more ;-)
Next month: A Happy Holyday
May God Bless You and Keep You (In His Agape love)
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