Reflection from Mark 1:32-38

Yesterday a young campus staff told me, “I turned off technology for one day - as you suggested in the talk on 'Margin'; but when I switched them on again, I was overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages in my inboxes!”
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. But this morning as I prayed, the Lord gave me an answer from Mark 1:32-38.
Here Jesus faced the same problem as the young campus staff. It was recorded that He hid away to spend time with the Father. And what did He find when He came back?
The multitudes . . . . jamming his inboxes.

“Many things” came cramming at the door -  

But where on earth was Jesus?
O He sneaked out "while it was still dark"
To spend time alone with the Father.
“Many ’many things’ are here!” Peter cried.
“Quick! Give them some attention!”
But surprise, surprise, Jesus replied,
"Let's go - and do only the important.”

Life, I discover, has many “many things” that
We're not made to rescue all or handle -
But we can and must  – dare I even say it -
Switch off that phone, unplug that computer.
And be still and learn from the Only One who knows
What are the few that are necessary,
And not be ruffled, worried, guilt-ridden, directed
By the very many “many.”

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH (Mat 5:13)

I am the salt of the earth.

I bring flavor
And not seek favor
From men.
I use words that heal,
Shield, defend,
Mend.

I may sting,
Even shock,
But I won’t bend
The truth, I won’t trivialize
The Name of God,
The worth of man.

I am the salt of the earth.

I work on the bland,
I don’t blend
In.
I speak up against
Stumbling blocks, shame,
Sin.

I can’t sit on the fence,
I can’t play it
Safe
If I want to stand up
For the fatherless,
Broken,
Enslaved.

I am the salt of the earth.

I am different.
This is who I am, not what I do;
This is my voice, my call.
But when I become indifferent
To who they are, and what they do,
I miss. I’m not salt at all.

WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU? (Mark 10)

 

“What do you want me to do for you?”

“What do you want me to do for you?”

In Mark 10 Jesus posed this question twice,

Let’s listen to the answers - see who was wise.

First He asked the sons of Zebedee -

Then to the blind man who called, "“Have mercy on me!”
While James and John were His own star pupils,
Blind Bartimeus wasn't in anyone's inner circle. 

"That's easy," James and John said, “In the not-too-distant future

“Put us on your right and left, we have all the credentials;

“You won’t regret it, we can really help you,
“Besides, we're very gifted in telling others what to do.”

“As for me, Rabboni,” the blind beggar replied,

"All I want right now is to regain my sight.

“I don’t really care if I look important or cool;
“I can sit anywhere, but please, let me live life to the full.”

“What do you want me to do for you?”

“What do you want me to do for you?”
This morning as I read Mark 10,
Jesus asked me again and again.

To be honest, I almost prayed,

“More power, less red tapes, definitely more say;
“How can this poor woman serve you efficiently -
“With all these barriers unless - I've more authority?”

But thank God, He taught me to say, "I'm only a servant -

“Help me see through the clutter of self-importance,

"With both eyes open, then I can do your will
"And live each day to the full - and glorify you."

 

 

 

The Twelve had a great campaign of preaching. healing, and signs and wonders. Then immediately, they failed their next challenge: the feeding of the 5,000 [Mark 6:34-52].  Here's a reflection:

So when Jesus said, “What shall we do?

"Can you see the people are hungry?”

The disciples immediately responded
With their calculator, they were ready:

“Ahem, postpone the project, Lord,"
"Please  -  send them away.”
“Cut our losses, we humbly advise - "
"O, we're just helping you save face.”

Ah, it’s not about what we have, is it?

But obeying all God says.

Not “delegation” but “dependence”;
Not “let’s be practical” - but “let’s pray.”

To do well in ministry, use "the towel" -
Your "titles" are good only in your offices;
Forget show-and-tell, bend down, pray,
Surrender, serve, share your five loaves and two fishes.

The Question We Must Ask Everyday

Reflections from Paul’s conversion encounter with Jesus and testimony from Acts 22

Saul, born in Tarsus, knew all the answers,

Gamaliel’s A-Star* pupil had only one ambition –

“Stop Jesus’ disciples – get them out of my sight!”

Until God confronted him in bright shining light.

“Saul, Saul,” the Lord asked, “why do you persecute me?”

And his eyes were opened the day he couldn’t see.
He had only one question but it forever changed his life,
Got him into God’s plan: the good, perfect, and wise.

“What shall I do, Lord?” That’s what he asked.

"What shall I do, Lord?" Here's how you and I start;
Each day, every day, humbly ask the Master,
Then lay down our A-Star* plans, and wait for His answer.

MARGIN

MARGIN
“Margin, the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits . . . .” Richard A. Swenson

Today. Put back the margin in your life.

Walk. Slowly.
Life’s about the moments and relationships,
Not simply getting from A to B.

Do. Less.
But do it well, with all your might.
With great joy. Do it right.

Don’t. Check. Your. Messages.
Look at me when I'm talking to you.
See? I’m here. I'm not virtual. I’m Real.

Delay. On. One. Decision.
Here's a tip: Pause before you answer.
Pray before you "enter."

Holiness. Is. Wholeness.
Sleep seven hours. Stop at the florist. Take a walk
Have time for people. Be kind to yourself. Love God.

Today. Put back the margin in your life.

WHY DO YOU CALL ME GOOD?

Reflection on Mark 10:17-18: “As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? . . . .’”

WHY DO YOU CALL ME GOOD?

Why do you call me “good” –
When you hide your dreams from me?
And zip up tiny little pockets in your heart -
Surely you don’t think I can’t see?

Why do you call me “good” –
And make for yourself those secret plans?
Why announce to the world, “I want God’s will” –
But crave the nods and praise of man?

Why do you call me “good” –
But need so much control?
Why toss in bed, dreaming of the bigger and better,
Losing friends, lovers, your own soul? 

Why do you call me “good”
When I can't be your “one thing” and “best”;
If you want me to be that "good” in your life,
Take off that mask, let's talk, surrender, . . . rest.