Thursday, February 18, 2010

true love

Now before anyone gets too excited give me a minute to explain. This past Sunday we studied one of the "have-to-have's" of faith--a firm belief that God loves completely and is looking out for my good. My response to this "true love" is my life's daily-ness (and yes I know that's not a word!). My living every day, my reactions, and interactions all should be based on the Gospel...the good news of Jesus and His love for me. Go figure this week in my 1 Peter class the topic was also "true love" (its incredible how God weaves life together!). The first chapter is Peter's reminder of the salvation his readers possessed and how that should make a difference in their lives' purpose as well as interactions. To help illustrate I used a video clip from the classic movie "Princess Bride". Definitely not known for its theologically deep story line, but none the less this clip has great application for our lives as we think of our "true love".
For those of you unfamiliar with the movie, Buttercup and her true love Wesley have been on the run from the "will be king" Humperdink. He wishes to marry Buttercup but to do this must get rid of Wesley. After being chased into the fire swamp (a fate no one has survived) the couple emerges on the other side only to be apprehended by Humperdink's men. So that Wesley will not be killed, Buttercup agrees to marry the prince if he will release Wesley (she knows Wesley will return to rescue her). Humperdink agrees, but of course does not follow through and instead sends Wesley to the dungeon for torture. While she is held in the castle awaiting her rescue, Buttercup has nightmares about her decision. This clip is the nightmare. She is haunted by her decision to give up "true love".

My "True Love" lives! And I will not marry another. May my life's reality show that as I walk by faith.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

living my reality

The snow came as predicted today. That is amazing considering the past 2 storms have ended as empty threats for this area. This year it seems we are too far NORTH for the snow. Funny. Though my parents, who live in South Jersey aren’t laughing. 
I am continuing on my pursuit to answer the question, “what does faith look like?” We’ve been answering it in our Bible study time on Sunday mornings and this week we looked at Hebrews 11:6; particularly the part of the verse that says, “He who would draw near to God must believe that He is…” So, to have faith I must believe that God exists. Ok, I know, “captain obvious” strikes again! But stop and think about it. Is this truly how we live our lives? Wendy Horger Alsup, in her book, Practical Theology for Women, comments that many of us are much more convinced of the reality of our problems than we are of the reality of our God. I don’t know about you, but that hit me pretty hard. (By the way, I highly recommend the book!)
Chapter 11 of Hebrews begins with the author’s definition of faith and then 4 examples of those who were commended for having faith. The “people of old,” are the first group. They simply believed God each day. When God explained who He was to Moses in Exodus, He called Himself the “I AM.” (Ex 3:14). Go is does not need help, or support. He does not get life from any other source. He Himself is the source of all life. He exists. He is real!
Today, faith looked like doing homework, grading, shoveling snow, even a little nap…just basic everyday stuff. But in the midst of it, I have to remember, God is real. He is not a myth, or thought, or philosophical idea that may or may not be true. If I say I want to know God, and draw near to Him, I’ve got to believe…I’ve got live like…God is real.