by Kathleen Petersen

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and money.”

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Luke 12:24-34 NET

According to this Forbes article, “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. and affect over 40 million adults, or 19.1% of the population.” The Mayo Clinic identifies some of the causes. The remaining 80% of illnesses are also affected by anxiety, but not so severely.

Although these reasonably authoritative articles from esteemed flagships of financial success and physical health are interesting, they probably don’t add much in helping us recognize main sources of anxiety. In the two millennia since Jesus spoke the words in Luke 12:22-34, nothing has truly changed on the list of most obvious and serious human concerns. Jesus’ summary statement gives sound guidance:

…the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Luke 12:30-31, 34 NET

Although we have daily troubles, it’s worth repeating Jesus’ counsel for the most secure investment we can make for a gold-plated future:

…above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Two prior verses in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recommend recurring deposits into that secure investment:

…accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and devouring insects do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:20-21 NET

It’s tempting to squander energy, time and resources agonizing about many issues plaguing our current worldly system, and whether they can be fully anticipated, planned for, or solved. Of course we face serious personal, social, economic and political concerns that merit our heartfelt prayers and pertinent action, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. But, often to our frustration, outcomes are far beyond our control — even those ends that seem vital to building God’s kingdom.  

Let’s cherish our precious, daily opportunities to invest in God’s kingdom and leave the ROI (return on investment) to him.

Here are questions you might consider if you find yourself headed into an anxiety spiral:

• Has God’s kingdom become your heart’s treasure? 
• Do you see yourself and others seeking solutions in a perpetual tangle of problems? 
• Are you spending an undue amount of time chasing worldly, unsatisfactory solutions for those problems? 
• Will you commit to move consistently and intentionally away from anxiety pathways that center around things you and your loved ones lack?
• And will you renew your allegiance to and dependance on the provision our gracious, powerful King longs to provide? 

If you need a nudge, this humorous approach by the comedian Bob Newhart has helped me to see my problems differently.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

by Kathleen Petersen

The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 NET

In this word picture, Jesus wasn’t addressing our physical eyesight, but the spiritual lens we use to evaluate and interact with God, other people and circumstances. 

The essential contrasts in this passage are health versus disease, and light versus darkness. Both eyes see the same things. But the healthy eye sees clearly, positively, where the diseased eye sees morbidly, negatively. Jesus adds an emphasis to the morbidity — ”how great is the darkness!” This emphasis suggests hell itself is the trajectory of one who fails to cultivate a sound spiritual eye.

Around 6th century B.C. an occult symbol called the “evil eye” appeared in ancient Greece, accelerated throughout the world, and has persistent influence today.  

The evil eye symbolizes envy and malice. Many cultures believe it comes from coveting another person’s position or possessions. From this jealousy comes negative energy that can bring misfortune and injury to others and oneself.

I’m certain Jesus’ audience was familiar with this symbol and its significance. Jesus’ image of the unhealthy eye was also likely to bring to mind the tenth commandment:

Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:17 CSB

“Coveting”  (“envy”) is aggressive and corrosive. A dictionary search pops up this maze of synonyms: 

yearn to possess or have (something), be consumed with desire for, crave, have one’s heart set on, want, wish for, long for, yearn for, dream of, aspire to, hanker for, hanker after, hunger after/for, thirst for, ache for, fancy, burn for, pant for

greedy, avaricious, acquisitive, covetous, rapacious, grasping, venal, cupidinous, materialistic, mercenary, predatory, usurious, possessive, grabbing, hoarding, Scroogelike, money-grubbing, money-grabbing, grabby, pleonectic, Mammonish, Mammonistic, eager, avid, hungry, craving, longing, yearning, hankering, thirsty, pining, enthusiastic, impatient, anxious, desirous of, dying, itching, hot, gagging

What an unsavory list! Encourage yourself to actively cultivate a healthy spiritual and scriptural eye:

… let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 CSB

Look at the life of prolific hymn writer Fanny Crosby who suffered blindness at an early age. However, her spiritual eye was healthy. She considered the circumstances of her disability to be the avenue God used to enhance her musical gift as well as spurring her on to serve the underprivileged. 

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

by Kathleen Petersen

When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward! When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NET

Like other customary Jewish religious practices of Jesus’ day, fasting showed extraordinary dedication to God. Jesus pointed out that these practices, including prayer and charitable giving, had too often become just a show with the hopes of earthly benefits. Such conspicuous practices had not been directed toward our Father in Heaven, but orchestrated to build a reputation that would impress both religionists and common people.  

Because American evangelicals haven’t been bound to observing as many rites, ancient customs and holidays as other branches of Christianity, we can be inclined to think we are more centered on the basics and thus more pleasing to God. But, even if we consider those ancient customs as “show religion”,
have we acclimated ourselves to other religious performances?

The book of Acts describes the inspiring motivation of the newly formed Jerusalem Church:

The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common. Acts 4:32 NET

“One heart and mind” What a beautiful description of wholehearted service. Sadly, it didn’t take much time for a couple engaged in this tender environment
to devise a self centered act of giving.

Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God!”
Acts 5:1-8 NET

Hypocrisy is just another word for lying. Lying always hurts our relationships with God and tears communities of faith apart. Peter calls this couple’s plot lying
to God. Such irony –- trying to lie to God from whom nothing is hidden! 

Are your Christian activities enhancing your visible dedication to God but leaving you empty? Are you engaging in spiritual exercises, serving others, teaching, music ministry, giving financially, being friendly, etc., secretly angling for others to praise your talent, intelligence, generosity, dedication and warm personal touch? Are you in a respected and needed ministry because the Holy Spirit continues to prompt you, or do you press on primarily because others are impressed with your talents or religious knowledge? 

It’s wise to periodically review your religious involvements and check your motivations. You might want to add a less visible niche area of service that seems of less value to others and see what happens. 

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

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Red Couch Theology Podcast

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
Each week, you’re invited to tune into our LIVE podcast at 11 am on Thursdays – recorded (and sometimes prerecorded) for later, online viewing.

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron and the occasional guest, having a casual conversation diving deeper into ideas related to last Sunday’s teaching:

Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6:16-18

(See also Isaiah 58)

Questions may be sent through
https://redcouchtheology.com/  

Blog sites:

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

by Kathleen Petersen

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 NET

When I was young, my parents were involved with Freemasonry organizations. Both encouraged me to join Job’s Daughters, the Freemason branch for young women. I later learned, although this covert organization had biblical trappings, it was entry level occultism which I later renounced. However, the book of Job, the oldest book in Scripture, still intrigued me and his sufferings remain a mystery. Job’s story begins in Job 1:1-5 with describing him as a man who had been experiencing the Prosperity Gospel of his time.

Job was unaware he was about to encounter unprecedented torment because of the following conversation in the Unseen Realm.

One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD asked Satan, “Where have you come from?”

“From roaming through the earth,” Satan answered him, “and walking around on it.”

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”

Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

“Very well,” the LORD told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence. Job 1:6-12 CSB

After this dialogue, Job’s circumstances morphed into a series of horrible nightmares. He had no scripture from which to draw strength. But he did have rich experiences of the goodness of God. In later chapters of the book, the words of advice from his wife and limited understanding of his best friends served only to increase his agony. In Job 19:22-24, Job expresses his longing for all their counsel along with his own words to be recorded for future generations. Guess what? He got his wish.

After his petition to record his experience for succeeding generations, Job’s next words express a sentiment that rings true through the rest of scripture.

But I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the end he will stand on the dust.

Even after my skin has been destroyed,
yet I will see God in my flesh.

I will see him myself;
my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger.

My heart longs within me. Job 19:25-27 CSB

Let that sink in! Job, who had no centuries of theological resources, placed his faith in the Unseen One who had always been good to him. He did not let his memory of God’s generosity vanish in the midst of humanly unbearable satanic persecution. In return, God did not permit Job’s faith to fail. Read this portion of Jesus’ prayer again:

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

God has been faithful to those who serve him throughout every phase of human history. It’s revealed in Hebrews 7:25 that Jesus, our Redeemer and High Priest, intercedes for us during every unanticipated test or temptation generated by the evil one. A reminder: 

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way. Matthew 5:11-12 NET 

Are you or someone close to you suffering torment for no apparent cause? Pray this week’s portion of the Lord’s prayer and listen for scriptural insight. Don’t be in a rush for the response — leave room for a clear word from the Holy Spirit. God provides the same supernatural strength to us that he granted to Job.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

by Kathleen Petersen

Throughout the 1970s I lived in Washington, DC, which has more than twice as many lawyers per capita than any other U.S. city. After that decade, I was drawn to enter the legal profession.

My course of study revealed that the legal system was designed originally as a substitute for brutal, physical conflict when a wrong had been perpetrated as a “civilized” alternative to raw vengeance. What a relief! Vengeance has no record of settling anything but creates massive need for further retaliation.
As I continued my career, the term “making one whole” was used frequently:

“Make one whole” is a theory of remedying a breach of contract or other legal obligation. The idea is that someone should be awarded damages to put that person in the same position they would have been if the obligation was not broken.

In theory, lawsuits are a relatively painless method to settle differences or stop a renegade from harming others. In reality, lawsuits are time-consuming, messy, agonizing, and frightfully expensive, leaving all parties unsatisfied in many respects.

Is there a better way?
The following portion of the Lord’s Prayer upon which we’ve been meditating this week, indicates God’s path when someone has wronged us:

 … and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors… For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins. Matthew 6:12,14-15 NET

Perhaps forgiveness of your debtor has proven elusive, or maybe your debtor hasn’t ceased harmful behavior. Here’s further encouragement to continue
your pursuit of the Way of Jesus.

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. But

If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For in so doing
you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 CSB

Because we belong to God, we must turn away thoughts and acts of vengeance. Our Father in Heaven is the only one capable of providing wholeness or closure in cases of harmful, selfish or deeply evil actions against us without creating even more chaos. 

But how should we handle our frustration when God’s response seems too slow or destined to be fulfilled only at the Great White Throne of Judgment?
The Romans passage above doesn’t impede followers of Jesus from establishing healthy and necessary boundaries with an offending person. Furthermore,
godly counseling, arbitration or mediation are not excluded. Lawsuits can even be appropriate in certain circumstances. 

The most amazing revelation in Romans 12:21 above is that God has placed his amazing power in us. He enables us to see the place where we can step into his acts of forgiveness and kindness designed to soften hearts gripped by the power of sin and the devil. We can be instruments of his mercy designed to turn them toward Jesus – humanity’s only source of wholeness. 

Has forgiving your enemies or showing them mercy changed them? If so, how has that experience changed you? Has someone forgiven or shown kindness to you and changed your life? Share your experience of God’s mercy with someone who has not yet trusted Jesus.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

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Red Couch Theology Podcast is pre recorded on Thursday

Sermon on the Mount.

“Balance the Books”

Blog sites: 

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767 

by Kathleen Petersen

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 CSB

This portion of the Lord’s Prayer confirms Our Father in Heaven’s desire to daily provide for his children. But which concerns are most critical — physical issues or those centered in the mysterious, unseen realm? A contest between “sacred” and “secular” is unnecessary. The term for this false struggle is Dualism. Here’s a definition:   

Dualism is the idea that all of life can be separated into two main categories: the sacred and the secular. This fragmented vision of reality puts “spiritual” things in the “sacred” category and “worldly” things in the “secular” category.

Scripture makes no such division. In the first chapters of Genesis, God declares both his physical creation and his simple spiritual order as very good.
Genesis 1:31

As we observe and experience the continuing chaos ensuing from man’s attempts to disengage from God, we are presented with a variety of approaches to settle the resulting discomfort. For instance, if your personal chaos is related to a physical illness, does it display greater faith to ask for a certifiable miracle or is it more practical to skip that step and enlist the nearest competent medical professional? Is it okay to relieve emotional distress with just the right amount of counseling, pain relievers or engrossing entertainment or should your first action always be scripture, prayer and fasting?

Here’s another angle to consider. If you have an overabundance of food squirreled away and overstocked grocery stores nearby, praying “Give us today our daily bread” seems extraneous. But if you focus on the “us” part, the petition may morph into “Lord, what do you want me to do with my excess?

In summary, this part of Jesus’ model prayer encourages meditation on how to use God’s intertwined physical and spiritual resources. Furthermore, it prompts us to serve the broken world around us. 

Just for today, look in the refrigerator, freezer or food storage areas of your home while you pray this line of the Lord’s Prayer. Tell a family member or friend about your experience.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

by Kathleen Petersen

When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7 CSB

If you’ve played Bingo, you know multiple cards increase your chances of winning. The picture Jesus frames with the phrase, “babble like the Gentiles”,
brings to mind that same idea — covering as many bases as possible will get you what you want. 

Although “babble like the Gentiles” might bring to mind the supremely entertaining encounter between the Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal in
I Kings 18:16-46, I think it most likely reminded Jesus’ listeners of prayer habits they saw in their Roman occupiers as they worshiped in temples such as the ones located in nearby Caesarea Philippi.

The Roman worship system was complex. Roman rulers constructed temples for idols representing an array of gods they believed controlled various aspects of life. These edifices were considered vital to maintain the peace, protection, and prosperity of their empire. A multitude of temples for public prayer and sacrifices were scattered in every country they controlled. 

Prayers to an array of Roman gods have been preserved for posterity by historians such as what Marcus Cato (234-149 B.C.) recorded in his work
On Agriculture.* These prayers and accompanying sacrifices were designed to bribe or obligate particular gods to protect pious persons and grant explicit wishes. The Gentiles’ prayers were very detailed and carefully phrased in order to cover every possible misfortune and outcome. Worshipers of these often capricious gods found themselves using many words to increase their chances of obtaining favor for themselves as well as bringing curses on enemies. 

* “…phrased like legal documents that could [?] obligate gods for particular action and protection.”

Will our Father in Heaven be swayed by lengthy harangues or shrewdly crafted petitions in our favor? In Matthew 6:7, Jesus warned that multiplying words
only feeds imagination, not reality. Multiple card “Prayer Bingo” is an unfruitful direction.

Enough about ineffectual prayer. Read the verses below. Then take a walk and meditate on the secure, caring relationship you have with your Heavenly Father.
His resources are yours.

This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. I John 4:13-18 CSB

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.