Some late thoughts on the Hati and Chile earthquakes

As earthquakes and other natural disasters continue to occur around our world we need to remember some of the more peace giving portions of Scripture. Among my favorites is Isaiah 54:10:


‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Now that’s what I call getting it right. (thanks to Jon Stewart for reminding us of this passage written to the people returning after their exile in Babalyon)

Here is another approach to the doubting Thomas story:

John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

If we want to experience the resurrected Christ we have to put our hands on the wounds made by the violence of our world. How might we do that here in Kalispell?

Engage God in dialogue surely, but engage God in practice as well. Get your hands dirty.

Here is one way to help

In-Kind Donation Requests for the first Flathead Valley Project Homeless Connect which will be held June 9th.

Diapers
New socks
New underwear (highly requested)
Sleeping bags/blankets
Duffel bags/backpacks, old or new
Nail Clippers
$5 phone cards
$15 gas cards
Toothbrush/tooth paste
Shaving cream and razors
Shoes (gently used)
Infant/Children’s Clothes

Bring them to the church or donations can be received at the Samaritan House Administrative Building, 1110 2nd Street West in Kalispell from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Doubting Thomas

Sometimes people are surprised when I say I would rather do a funeral than a wedding . Now don’t get me wrong – in general life I would rather attend a wedding than a funeral but as a pastor I would rather conduct a funeral. Why? Because weddings are often show off events where the church is just a pretty building and couples spend hours going over the decorations and minutes considering the vows. As a general rule at a funeral the games are dropped. People just need each other and care for each other. The shock of death helps to reevaluate the meaning of life. From a pastoral perspective it seems more productive time spent.

In a similar manner, I would rather have conversations with people about what they don’t believe. These conversations always seem more productive and faith has a chance to grow when we name what we struggle with. When people simply give me testimonies of their faith I am sometime left wondering if they are trying to prove themselves to me as if my approval is necessary.

So give me Thomas who says:

John 20:25 "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Give me Abraham in Genesis 18 who will argue with God or Job who will defend himself

Mark 9:24 "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Question Authority! Question God! The Truth will always be able to stand its own ground.