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Journal
Archives – May, 2003 |
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| AN ONGOING SPIRITUAL WEBLOG |
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May 28, 2003
I sense that people fear mystery. We are also fascinated and attracted by it.
This is intriguing for the church, for our relationship with God must include
embracing the mystery of the great I AM.
In Jesus tells his disciples about the coming of the Spirit of truth
who will guide us into all truth. Question: What is holding me back from the
truth the Spirit is guiding me into? What mystery do I fear?
Tom Gilbert
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May 27, 2003
Do you ever feel like you have spiritual blinders on?
All of us have times of good intentions, but while we are judging ourselves by
those intentions the world is looking at our actions. This is part of why we
need others in our lives. Community and fellowship are important for what we
do together that we can’t do alone. I can’t see my blind spots – can
you?
Don’t be too hard on yourself and take criticism gracefully. I pray that
we all grow each day in understanding and with loving patience encourage each
other.
Tom Gilbert
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May 23, 2003
"That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for
which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve
that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God, and
that government of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish
from the earth."
Do you recognize the quote? Abraham Lincoln spoke it at Gettysburg after one
of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The stark and harsh reality of that
bloodshed was hard on everyone there. Lincoln was deeply moved. His job was extremely
difficult. He wasn’t enjoying the popularity and respect history now accords
him. He was dealing with a nation torn asunder.
Memorial Day is observed this weekend in the United States. Some day all the
swords will be beaten into plowshares and war will be no more (). Our thoughts, prayers and memories are with fallen warriors and
their families and friends.
Tom Gilbert
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May 22, 2003
There are some things you just won’t hear at a commencement speech (but
maybe you should). James Watkins, Christian humorist, gives
you his Top
Ten.
Tom Gilbert
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May 21, 2003
It’s graduation time for many seniors. A time of accomplishment, congratulations…and
entering into the next phase of life. For many it is an anxious time combined
with hope and enthusiasm. To me it is kind of like that feeling of “all
things new”. Of course, as believers we discover that we are a new creation
in Christ (). So, we can have this exciting feeling everyday!
Speaking of new things, our new edition of the Living the Solution eZine just
went out. If you are interested in receiving it, just sign
up with your email. Our privacy policy backs up
our promise to keep your email private and the newsletter is free and filled
with thought provoking encouragement and inspiration. See more here.
Tom Gilbert
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May 19, 2003
Preconceived notions are dangerous to spiritual quests. So much of what has happened
to me as I go “deeper” is to discover how much of what I thought
I knew and understood is incomplete. Also, much of what counted for little before
has become more significant.
One could get discouraged with this. Nevertheless, realizing that there is always
more to discover and trusting (this is very important) that the Holy Spirit will
keep revealing the truth makes each day an opportunity for growth. As a friend
of mine likes to say, “There is no ‘gress’. Only pro-gress
or re-gress.” In other words, we are either moving forward or
sliding back…there is no treading water.
The key is to be on this quest with others. We are the “body” of
Christ; a community that requires participation. Each of us must do our part
and God teaches us the correct way to go and we all learn more through the process
in our togetherness.
Tom Gilbert
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May 15, 2003
Can we really learn spiritual lessons from popular films? I would say yes (as
does HollywoodJesus.com).
I’ve always loved movies. Even some mindless entertainment is ok with me,
in proper doses of course. However, those films that reach down in to the deeper
areas of life are what keep me going back to the big screen.
One of the biggest box office openings in history will take place this weekend. The
Matrix Reloaded (the first of two sequels in the series this year) will
have movie goers flocking to their neighborhood theaters in droves. What might
be more interesting (in the long run) will be the conversations in cafes, restaurants,
cars and homes afterwards. The Matrix prompted a lot of philosophical
discussion and we can expect even more for the highly anticipated sequel. Rev.
Chris Seay, author of The
Tao of Enron and The
Gospel According to Tony Soprano is one who finds meaning and dialog
in numerous cultural byways. He co-authors with Greg Garrett the The Gospel
Reloaded (releases June 17th) and has a few things to say about the spiritual
lessons in the Matrix films. I’m not proposing that we get our gospel from
Hollywood. Instead, let’s not miss the opportunity to introduce the Gospel
message to those who are seeking it (maybe without realizing that). Here and here for
more.
Another secular movie with some spiritual lessons is Holes and you can read my
review here.
Tom Gilbert
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May 14, 2003
The Internet community can be a strange thing. It may not even be correct to
label it a community. I mean, we sit at our individual computers, isolated from
human contact, and post words and images into the vastness of cyberspace. Yet,
I know it is a community because there is feedback. There is exchange. There
is one person helping another.
Of course, we do need the actual “face time” with others. We are
designed to live, not in a vacuum, but with each other. Fellowship nurtures us
and makes life meaningful.
But, here I am, in front of my computer screen, typing words that may or may
not get read by anyone. I trust that God sees them (I know He does even before
I type them) and that it matters. I reach out…you reach back.
We must continue to live our days in the moments of the “now”. Who
knows how much we will grow and change in the months ahead? Certainly we will
if we are living with purpose. Together we find that purpose. We live in the solution.
Do you have anything more important to do than that?
Tom Gilbert
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May 13, 2003
Today’s Daily Thought shows the
better way Jesus taught us about our relationships. We don’t repay a hurt
with another hurt, even when justified. It’s not about exacting justice,
it is about a higher concept, one that we all certainly struggle over.
Since we are all “in the same boat” and cannot get to God on our
own because of our failings and our sinfulness (basically our attempts to do
it on our own power) it is truly amazing and wonderful that God remedies this
by giving us the “bridge”. Because of Christ instead of getting what
we deserve (justice), we get pardoned (mercy), and further, we get what we don’t
deserve or can get on our own (grace and salvation).
Tom Gilbert
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May 9, 2003
Each day, by the very nature of my work, I spend a certain amount of time reading,
writing, thinking, pondering…and web surfing. This Internet thing can really
allow you to jump around to some very interesting places, both in cyberspace
and in your mind.
A couple of places I’ve visited today, read some of the material and then
allowed thoughts and ideas to roll around inside my grey matter are Brettfish and All
About God. The first is a site by a young man that writes some thought-provoking
commentary he calls “thorts”. The latter bills itself
as The Christian Community for Seekers, Skeptics and Believers. I particularly
like their FAQ section.
Both these sites are often dealing with the same issues, but approaching them
from different perspectives. I like to think we fit in there somewhere too.
Have a great weekend.
Tom Gilbert
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May 7, 2003
All too often we are solemn and somber (yep, me too!). Today I give you permission
to shout for joy, smile, clap your hands or sing out loud. Go ahead, you know
you want to.
The newest edition of the Living the Solution eZine is out. Thanks, as always,
to those of you who have subscribed and read it. Feel free to pass it on to a
friend. We are saluting Motherhood and all the awesome moms in our lives. Be
sure to read the wonderful article by Angie Ledbetter, Bigmama.
If you want to subscribe to our free newsletter click here for
more information. You can also read the current and past
issues on our site.
Tom Gilbert
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May 5, 2003
I’ve just returned from a retreat weekend. About every six months I join
with 30-40 other men in the small desert town of Tohatchi, New Mexico to grow
in spirituality, love and service. It’s not theory – we are putting
into practice what we learn about living one day at a time in union with God.
My understanding of God always grows from this.
The stark beauty, desolation and poverty of this location on the Navajo reservation
often helps me get past the false importance of materialism. I’ve made
many good friends and usually a couple of new ones each time I go there. I’m
reminded that it is necessary to go away to a quiet place for a while, but I
do have to return to my home and job. Although I’m a bit weary after the
rather intense weekend, I’m filled with gratitude for the experience and
God’s many blessings.
Tom Gilbert
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May 1, 2003
Here are some of my thoughts on today’s National
Day of Prayer in the United States:
Yes, it is important to pray together as a nation and to pray for our leaders.
What I hope we all pray for is the personal transformation for each of us that
teaches the way of Jesus Christ. May we learn that peace in our country and our
world starts with peace in our homes and that can only be achieved by peace in
our hearts.
We all need to recognize that our country has been blessed richly and express
our gratitude. I pray that we will find ways to help others, to reach out in
service and love, not in fear. I pray that we will always do what we can for
those less fortunate.
It’s not about politics and patriotism. God is the Father of everyone and
beyond all borders. God bless America, God bless Canada and Mexico, and God bless
France, Germany, England, India, Pakistan, China, North and South Korea. God
bless Israel. And God bless Iraq and Syria and Iran and every nation and all
peoples, for what it says in is true for everyone.
Tom Gilbert
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either
trademark for the offering of goods or services requires
the prior written consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton,
IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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PSALM 118:24 |
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"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
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(NIV) |
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