Mike’s Rumblings 04-19-24

Faith Conversations

This is an audio version of Mike Murphy‘s Friday rumblings. This is a regular post on Facebook that I’ve turned into a podcast. I decided Mike’s words needed a wider audience. You may agree or disagree with what he says, but there is certainly much food for thought contained here. You can friend Mike on Facebook for the printed version or read it below

Rumblings. 4.19.24

1. Listening to ‘Pray as You Go’ recently, I was touched by The Kyiv Chamber Choir singing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.”

In the midst of growing uncertainty in Ukraine about its future as a country, voices there are still being raised in song to proclaim belief and allegiance to their God.

It was, therefore, quite humbling to join them in their profession of faith knowing full well the devil was on their doorstep.

In our country MAGA legislators are increasingly hesitant to offer Ukraine continued aid and support. Why? Because their standard bearer doesn’t want them to and they lack the courage to defy him.

‘Tis a sad state of affairs when Americans turn away from friends, listen to scoundrels and give a tip of the hat to tyrants.

2. “When our story is told a century from now – and it will be – how much of the American church ran after idols and delusions, false christs and conspiracies, history will not only fault the pastors for not confronting us with the truth but the congregations who forbade them to.” ~ Beth Moore

“Friends, I honestly believe that the container of American Christianity is breaking apart in ways that cannot be fixed. This is painful and scary. But what might get itself born in the ashes? How could the peace-making, enemy-loving, neighbor-serving Way of Jesus find new and dynamic life in our aching world? In you and me? What goodness and justice and healing are we going to be FOR? Bring it on.” ~ Aaron Niequist

3. You meet saints everywhere. They can be anywhere. They are people behaving decently in an indecent society. ~ Kurt Vonnegut

I see that happening in big and small ways every day. It’s easy to look at the ‘crazy people’ but they aren’t in the majority. They just think they are.

4. Hundreds of people walk the 2,000 plus miles of the Appalachian Trail every year for a variety of reasons. They seem to find something, often themselves, during the journey. Many find the contentment and happiness that has been lacking in their life. Others come to grips with a deep wounding and begin healing. Some find peace after a loss of some sort. Some see it as a pilgrimage of sorts or a test of fitness and resolve. Whatever the reason, something changes in them.

May we all embark on a journey that brings us to an understanding of the truer meaning of self, of God, and our place in the thick of it all, huh? It doesn’t have to be a two thousand mile walk but whatever it is, make it epic.

5. Which state will come up with the most stupefying anti-abortion legislation?

Arizona is the current front runner. They’re way ahead of the pack but rest assured other states will do whatever is necessary to catch up. And the unifying thread will be that the life of the mother will be an afterthought, medical professionals will be put in a moral quandary, and resources to enrich the life of the child who is in born will be scant.

And the legislators will insist they’re doing God’s will.

6. I was challenged to think about people by asking the question: Is he/she a hero, villain, or victim?

What a great discussion starter.

Grab some thoughtful friends. Throw some names of newsmakers into a hat. Pull them out one at a time. Ask the question. Hero, victim or villain? Could make for a great evening.

Throw your own name into the hat and make it dicier or use hero, victim, villain as a private Examen. I promise that it will prove to be a sobering reflection.

7. Well the eclipse came and went but the rapture never arrived. Surprised? Or did the rapture occur and none of us made the cut?

I’m not a member of the ‘left behind’ fan club. The theology supporting it is iffy and those packing and repacking their bags while awaiting the trumpet call, look a little silly. Plus they miss the point of being a true disciple. They want out of the troubles in our world. Unfortunately for them, Jesus has always called us to be healers, beckoning us not to escape but rather to engage.

But if we engage will we have enough time left to peddle those other time consuming things – like conspiracy theories? The answer is no and that will be a blessing for you and to others. The absence of stupid things will give you the freedom to breathe life into your tired soul and people will begin to trust you again.

8. As I continue the next steps of my own journey I continue to wrestle with the realization that the world wants young and pretty. Is there still room for someone who’s old and cute? OK, maybe not cute. That might be a stretch. How about winsome? Instead of old, maybe weathered is a better word. Or seasoned. So, instead of old and cute, is there room for someone who’s winsome and weathered?

9. After eight years attending and serving at Church of the Palms, PCUSA in Sarasota, we signed on the dotted line and became members.

Amidst the packet of materials we were given was this gem of a statement regarding the Bible. It reads: “We Presbyterians don’t believe that the authors of the Bible were ‘the pens of God’ but rather they were inspired by God to reveal God to all people.”

I’m always encouraged by the thought that the words in the Book are the real words of real people who were divinely inspired to write about their authentic experiences (the good, the bad, and the ugly) with the Living God.

I’m further encouraged by the thought that even today ordinary people are still inspired to write, revealing what they know of God to others. They build upon the old stories and the wisdom of the spiritually curious across the ages, and then apply it in the words of today, all the while inviting the Holy Spirit to stir the hearts of their readers. In many respects they’re writing the 29th Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

10. Great prayer. Linger a bit in each pause.

Be still and know I am God. (pause)

Be still and know I am (pause)

Be still and know (pause)

Be still (pause)

Be (pause)

Be still (pause)

Be still and know (pause)

Be still and know I am. (pause)

Be still and know I am God. (pause)

The post Mike’s Rumblings 04-19-24 appeared first on Anita Lustrea.