A New Perspective on... Listening

Some more from Bonhoeffer for you – this time pertaining to listening.

Can you hear me now? What did you say? I didn’t hear you. According to Webster to listen means "to pay attention to sound; to hear something with thoughtful attention; to be alert to catch an expected sound."

“Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear.”

I think we would be hard pressed to identify an act, other then listening, that says “I love you” the way listening does. Think about it. How do your friends and loved ones know you care? You listen to them. How do your co-workers judge your sincerity and honesty? By the way you listen to them. How do children feel loved and secure? They feel love and secure when parents and family take time to listen. Let’s not stop here… How do those on the streets (literally speaking) know you care? Yeah, for some it might be the money and for others it might be a warm blanket but, I would venture to say that for all of them, your willingness to stop and listen mean more then anything else. What about those who might feel disenfranchised, neglected, and uncared for from the church; how do they know you love them? Is it by the stiff shoulder, loud voice, and glare that can be so easily communicated or is it by a willing ear? An ear that is quick to listen and usurp the power of the mighty tongue.

“But he who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and in the end there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words.”

Like I said, I now have a new perspective on listening. Thanks Bonhoeffer.

Songs of Hope... It is well with my Soul

The author of the hymn, It is well with my soul, is Horatio Spafford. Spafford was born on October 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He was a successful lawyer in Chicago who was deeply spiritual and devoted to the scriptures. In the Chicago fire of 1871 Spafford lost everything he had because his large real estate investment burned to the ground on the shores of Lake Michigan. Later on that year, Spaffords only son passed away. Two years after the fire, Horatio Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He wanted to take his wife and his girls on vacation. Certain circumstances arose and he was not able to travel with his family. The day they were due to depart, Spafford had a last minute business transaction and had to stay behind in Chicago. Nevertheless, he still sent his wife and four daughters to travel as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre, expecting to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship with his wife and daughters was struck by the Lockhearn, an English vessel, and sank in 12 minutes. After the survivors finally landed somewhere in Cardiff, Wales, Spafford's wife sent a message to her husband with two simple words, "Saved alone." Shortly after, Spafford left by ship on his way where his beloved four daughters had drowned, with a pen in hand he wrote the following words that so significantly described his own personal grief – "When sorrows like sea billows roll..." With these words, the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" was born.

I share all of this with you because I believe the history of this songs increases its meaning that much more. I wonder if, admits the times like Spafford experienced, we can say the same. When life is crappy and full of it .... Do you rejoice in your sorrow? Do you find and rely on the peace that only comes from God? Do you have a tender understanding so that you can sing with Spafford and declare, It is well with my Soul?

I encourage you to watch the following video. It is worth it. Check it out.

Shiloh Basin Community Church

Shiloh Basin Community Church is a small rural church located in western Oregon just outside of Rainer on the Columbia River. It is a community church, rich in history and character. Its roots run deep and wide throughout the community and into the world through the lives they have supported and prayed for, for decades. Back in the day, Shiloh might have been classified as a thriving and blossoming church; where as now, you might categorize it as (for a lack of a better term) stagnant and dormant. Over the past few years some issues have evolved that have caused Shiloh to fall upon some hard times (this is not a bad thing my friends and it should not be frowned upon). I am certain that these hard times are building and developing the character of those at Shiloh as they persevere and remain faithful to their Father in heaven. It is because of this that I jumped at any chance to preach at Shiloh Basin.

Over the past month or so, while at Shiloh, we attempted to work through the book of Psalm. I say “attempted” because I knew I would be leaving sooner then later and that I wouldn’t be there for 161 weeks to cover the whole book. In my short time there we covered five chapters – 1, 2, 23, 42, & 43. Chapters 42 and 43 have since become a favorite of mine.

The two Psalms can be broken into three sections. In each section we hear a voice of sorrow followed by the voice of hope. After the voice of sorrow speaks we hear and read the voice of hope. In Psalm 42:5, 42:11, and 43:5 we find the Psalmist talking to himself, answering his internal sorrows with a declaration of hope. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. ” It is here that the Psalmist reasons his faith with his fears, his hope argues with his sorrows. When our soul seeks to embrace itself it sinks. It only stays above the water when it catches onto the power and promises of God, this my friends is hope; a hope that leads us to strengthen our comforts instead of questioning them.