Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So

As we celebrated in this season of homecoming with our sisters and brothers in Christ through anointed worship and praise led by Buchanon Unity ministering in music with us last Sunday, I am continuing to be filled, basking in the afterglow of the Holy Spirit’s blessing upon our offering as the Lord leads us anew in the journey of faith. One of the sayings we shared in song together was the saying, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” Having sung and said that, let me say a thing or two here about “sayings” so….

 
 

Have you ever stopped and wondered how often certain witty sayings may come to mind given various situations one may encounter on a given day?

 
 

In my own experience, the thought was brought on recently upon noting John Wooden’s 99th birthday as reported by the L.A. Times in which one article listed 99 things about this former UCLA basketball coach. A significant portion of the Twitter-verse (as the universe of Twitter is sometimes referred to) was, on that day last week, all a-Twitter with many a wise quote shared by fans and admirers of this legendary man. Even now, a week or so later, a search on Twitter reveals many social media network users sharing their favorite quotes of his with one another and a whole world of other followers.

 
 

It is worth noting here that our own C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Living At Sunday School) offering on Sunday mornings at First Presbyterian Church includes a group led by John Lansinger in gleaning from John Wooden’s life as they read through his book, “A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court” together. His lifetime of observations and reflections are not only to be applicable in the game of basketball, but they hold treasures of wisdom and insight to be savored beyond the world of sports, with lessons to be learned and applied for his whole life to be lived well. And not just for himself, but for others’ lives as well.

 
 

All this got me thinking further this week as we approach the sometimes so-called “Stewardship season” and how that kind of language reflecting a particular sort of narrowed mindset is in need of reformation. How we refer to certain notions of living faithfully in the world can reveal a lack of understanding on our part of the bigger picture, showing an aspect of our lived theology that is in need of correction.

 
 

The following two corrective sayings come to mind: “Stewardship is not a Sunday. It’s a lifestyle.” “Reformation is not only for a time. It’s an ongoing process.” That is, stewardship is a transformative way of living from day to day. It is, in effect, responding with love and care for others, in gratitude of heart, for and by the grace we have abundantly and extravagantly been given in Christ. And reformation is, really, a continual changing of heart and mind to become more and more like Jesus. As the Latin saying goes from the time of the great reformation, “reformata et semper reformanda“. We are, as Christians in the Reformed tradition, reformed and always reforming according to the Word of God.

 
 

The last Sunday of October is marked on our church calendar as a time when we celebrate, recognize and observe the Reformation. As I shared with our confirmation class a few weeks ago, this year is especially significant in that we are remembering the 500th birthday of the one regarded as the father of Presbyterianism, the venerable reformer, John Calvin. Let us celebrate well by continually, ever more so, living into the lives God has called us to live with one another. Not just for ourselves, but for the world around us in desperate need of the sure hope we have in the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 
 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so in new ways with sayings that reflect God’s glory and which effect His redeeming grace in Christ for the world. Amen. –Pastor Rex

The Courier Times – New Castle, IN | Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times

Friday, September 04, 2009     Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times     By REX ESPIRITU First Presbyterian Church     Friday, September 04, 2009         As we continue to face the challenges of our current global economy, it seems fitting on this Labor Day weekend to reflect upon the Word given to us concerning the fruit of our labors. In this day and age when gainful employment appears scarce for many, particularly in our region, the encouragement of ancient words can be a solid source of comfort in times of need.     No matter what financial situation we may find ourselves in, regardless of our current economic circumstances, the holy scriptures provide for us a strong sense of purpose, dignity and identity in the One in whose image we were made.     The apostle in Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus writes that “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) And in the Hebrew Torah, we read and hear God saying, “Let us make humankind in our image.” (Genesis 1:26).     From the first account of creation in the Pentateuch to the Epistles of the New Testament, the words of Holy Scripture echo through the chambers of our existence in time and space, proclaiming who we really are and what we have been created for.     The Labor Day holiday reminds me of my father, who spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer in the Philippines. My Dad was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledgling nation grew its businesses through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management’s successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Likewise in our own community, we have an opportunity this week to rise to the occasion and take up a cause for which we as people made in God’s image may advocate for God’s children among us. The Psalm (127:1) of Solomon tells us that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”     As such, leaders in our community have sensed the call of the Lord to fasting and prayers of intercession for the safety of, wisdom and grace for teachers, staff and administration, students and parents in the school systems of New Castle and surrounding areas.     I encourage you to join in praying together with your fellow sisters and brothers in communities of faith. Ask the Lord how God would like to use you in these days as we seek His face for the better future of our community.     On Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., Sept. 13, many of us will be praying on site with insight at various area schools. In addition, over the next week leading up to that day, various church congregations are designating a day of fasting and prayer in a joint effort to intercede for God’s blessing of folks in our schools. For more information, contact Tisha Sledd, Director of Women of Hope at 765-593-9767 tishasledd@yahoo.com or visit the web site of the Henry County Ministerial Association at www.HCministers.org
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Presbyterian Elders in Prayer Calendar for March-April 2009 (3-4)

March 29: Hebrews 5:5-10 “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and once, made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him…” Jesus, we don’t like to suffer. We would rather learn what we need to learn another way. Show us places where we are suffering because of our disobedience, then quickly lead us to repentance. You are the source of our eternal salvation…we believe You are also the source of our immediate help and strength.

 
 

April 5: Mark 11:1-11 “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ Tell him, ‘The Lord needs it…’” Jesus, we know that most of our thoughts and our words are about OUR needs at any given time. We bow before You and place our thoughts and words before You. Give us the mind of Christ. Give us a passion to read, pray, and speak YOUR words. And tender our hearts, and the hearts of Your people everywhere, to offer what YOU need, to do YOUR work. In particular, please show us what YOU need from the PCUSA and its member churches.

 
 

April 12: “I have seen the Lord!” Jesus, we know Your tomb was empty on Easter morning. We know that Mary Magdalene and many others saw You in Your resurrected glory. Jesus, we long to see You. We long to see You in our work, our family life, our congregational life, and in the work of the PCUSA. We pray for miracles this week. We pray for the miracle of a denomination filled with people who have seen You, who love You, and who will serve You forever.

 
 

April 19: Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” Resurrected Savior, You know we need Your peace. Please send to us the peace that passes understanding. We need it. Our nation and world need it. Our denomination needs it. And bless those who are “sent”, especially those who are serving in missions around the world. We pray a holy anointing on those You have called to direct the missions of the PCUSA, including Tom Taylor, Teresa Grant, Eric Hoey, David Chai, Hunter Farrell, and Doug Welch.

 
 

April 26: Luke 24:36-48 “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in our minds?” We know that You are alive, Lord Jesus, but we do become troubled and have doubts. Forgive us. Pick us up and put us back on the right track with You. We want to discern and follow Your best plan for our lives, for our churches. Clothe us with power from on high, so that we can do what we are called to do in this time and place. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…in us.

 
 

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