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Journal – October,
2003 |
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| AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL WEBLOG |
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October 31, 2003
There are many workers in the “vineyard” that we may never know
of until they die. Then people come forward with the news of how much that
person has helped others. Such is the case with the passing of Mike
Yaconelli. He died in a car crash yesterday. A co-founder of Youth
Specialties and an author, but mostly a man who accepted God’s
call and lived his vocation. Our sympathies to his family and many friends.
There are few days on the calendar that cause more controversy among Christians
than this one. I think imagination is a wonderful thing. Young children can
have fun with costumes and pretending. As we get older the interest and preoccupation
with the occult, the dark side of spiritual forces and evil can be extremely
dangerous. The greatest challenge we face as light to the world is to be
self-righteous. Many people are seeking and are not sure who/what/where God
and the answers are. Let’s remember that before we go on witch-hunts
(yes, pun intended).
Something else comes to mind on this Halloween. While so many like to dress
up in costume and pretend to be a “character”, I wonder how often
we recognize the disguises we regularly wear. Discovering who we really are
and living in that truth is a big part of life’s journey.
Tom Gilbert
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October 29, 2003
You are one of God's kids.
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October 28, 2003
There is a recurring theme about blindness in the Gospels.
Sometimes Jesus is healing a blind man ();
other times he is pointing out the spiritual blindness of the religious
leaders ().
It occurs to me that whatever I do not look at (for whatever
reason: denial, apathy, fear) is a form of blindness. Lord,
heal my blindness. Help me to see you!
Tom Gilbert
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October 27, 2003
The Matrix Revolutions, the concluding movie in the Matrix trilogy, will be out on November 5th. The storyline is full
of spiritual implications and you can follow discussions
all over the Internet, including HollywoodJesus.com. There
is even a new book out, The Gospel Reloaded, which explores
the eclectic philosophies and religious undertones of the
movies.
I rented the Matrix Reloaded recently. Along
with all the “eye
candy” of special effects, highly choreographed martial
arts fight sequences and high tech sets there are some themes
worthy of exploration. Like the matter of choice. Is it all
cause and effect or does something else guide and
influence our choices? Or, as the Oracle puts it, maybe we’ve
already made some choices and now we just have to understand
them.
Tom Gilbert
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October 24, 2003
Here's a bit of poetry inspired by my reading of Oswald
Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest":
Good Enough?
Good is good as far as it goes,
Not nearly good enough says someone who knows.
Good is good and that is true,
Yet “what of the best?” says someone who knew.
Do I quit way too soon?
Do I settle for less?
Than the utmost for His highest,
The ultimate best.
Excuses come easy I’m reluctant to say,
All too often I choose the easier, softer way.
I could spend more time in service
Instead of to others’ troubles impervious.
Do I pat my own back?
Do I consider the lack?
These choices not easy, indeed they are tough.
The choice is still mine to decide good enough.
Tom Gilbert
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October 23, 2003
Writer Philip Yancey has been acknowledged by many as one
of the more gifted writers around on the topics Christianity
embraces. Topics like service, love, faith crises and suffering.
Ever wonder where he got much of his inspiration? Read this
posting from Yancey at christianitytoday.com.
Tom Gilbert
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October 22, 2003
There are a lot of tough questions to ask. Some of them
are being asked right now surrounding the decisions of life
and death and the case of Terri Schiavo, the brain-damaged
woman at the center of a Florida right-to-die controversy.
The latest is that Governor Jeb Bush and the state legislature
have passed a law that will allow her feeding tube to be
reinserted. You can read more here.
So often we want easy and clear cut answers. Jesus teaches us
that the greater mystery is revealed in the questions. This invites
contemplation, acceptance and a willingness to trust Almighty
God in all things.
Tom Gilbert
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October 21, 2003
Corrie Ten Boom said, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
Tom Gilbert
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October 20, 2003
We’ve heard it before, that love (charity) is the greatest virtue
(). How well we practice that, of course, is another matter. Most who know of the
life work of Mother Teresa would agree she exemplified love/charity in action.
Yesterday Mother Teresa was beatified by the
Roman Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II told a large audience of nuns of the Missionaries of Charity today that the life of charity
is the true life of a Christian. As we’ve often heard, others will know us by our fruits.
"The message of Mother Teresa, now more than ever,
appears like an invitation to everyone," John Paul said. "Her
entire existence reminds us that being Christian means being witness to charity."
Tom Gilbert
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October 17, 2003
Yesterday was Pope John Paul II’s 25th anniversary.
Although his health is frail he continues to travel the globe,
more so than any pope in history. It’s an incredibly
high profile position, yet his demeanor continues to be one
of humility. He’s considered a mystic by many.
Another notable news story from yesterday is that Mel Gibson will have to change the name of his
movie about Jesus Christ. “The Passion” is already owned by Miramax films, so the
new name is reportedly “The
Passion of Christ”.
As for the Red Sox…well, what can you say? Another incredibly dramatic game and a great win
for the Yankees.
Tom Gilbert
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October 16, 2003
I’ve been good about not mentioning anything about
this until now. I am a long-time Boston Red Sox fan. Over
the years I’ve endured the highs and lows of this.
Baseball is my favorite sport. Yes, it is only a game, but
I’ve discovered that God has taught me a lot about
life through this game. I’ve learned the importance
of teamwork and community. I’ve certainly learned lessons
from loss and acceptance. Anyway, tonight the Sox go against
their archrivals, the New York Yankees in the deciding game
seven of the American League Championship Series. It all
comes down to this game for Boston. Win and it’s the
World Series. Lose and it’s “wait until next
year”.
Congratulations to the Florida Marlins of the National League. To all the Chicago Cub fans, I
feel your pain. Take the lessons from the game and apply it to living. Play hard, pray hard…love
life, God and others.
And go Red Sox!
Tom Gilbert
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October 15, 2003
Life is difficult. So begins M. Scott Peck’s timeless
classic, A Road Less Traveled. There is an important message
in this that we should never lose site of. It seems that
many Christians (and other spiritual seekers and positive
thinkers) want a safe and comfortable life that never intersects
with the pain of suffering in our dangerous and difficult
world.
I’m glad for the reminders that
this is not the path Jesus leads us on. I read a good article
on this in the Sept/Oct issue of Relevant magazine
by Dan
Haseltine (frontman of
the band Jars of Clay). The writing/content
in this new magazine is so very on the mark and I encourage
you to see for yourself.
Visit www.relevantmagazine.com to
find out more.
Tom Gilbert
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October 13, 2003
I took last week off and enjoyed both the fabulous sights and experiences of the annual
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and a visit from some of my family. My parents, Tom
and Jeanne Gilbert, came in from Kansas City for their first
balloon fiesta. It was fun for them, but especially so they
could also visit with us, including seeing my children, Kristen
(15) and Eric (9). They are proud grandparents. Unfortunately
my Dad was ill while he was here, but God’s grace helped
us all through it. God certainly was at work through the
incredible love and hospitality shown by Pat and Jay Power.
The lovely couple run the Devonshire Adobe Inn Bed
and Breakfast.
It would have been plenty sufficient to enjoy the terrific
accommodations. However, they went above and beyond with
the care and kindness they extended. True examples of Christ’ love
working through them!
It was also nice to see my Aunt Liz (my Mom’s sister)
and her daughter, my cousin Chip, in from Virginia. They
are a great mother-daughter traveling team and they fairly
glowed with their experience of New Mexico. They don’t
call our state, New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment” for
nothing.
Don’t ever underestimate the importance of family and spending time together. Living the Solution
means daily living life as a prayer of gratitude and in community with
each other.
Tom Gilbert
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October 3, 2003
What have you hidden from me, oh divine and delightful faith?
I know you are real; I trust the process of pulling back
the veil and seeing with my soul your magnificent presence.
My fear wants me to cower in a corner
and worry about all the false evidence that confirms my
doubt. Yet God – always Universal, the One with all power – won’t let
me down. Patiently waiting for me to turn from the dark pit
of self pity to the sunlight of hope, He delights with playful
mystery my slow acceptance that faith in His true reality
makes all things possible.
Tom Gilbert
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October 2, 2003
Change, oh change/unless we turn/become like children…humble
ourselves like these little ones. (see )
Becoming entirely dependent on our Abba Father God means not trying to become important in the
eyes of others or placing all the value on what we do instead of who we are. We are
loved with a perfect and everlasting love. Children who are
loved know this and don’t fret over it. Why can’t
we believe it? How can we accept it? Jesus gives the answer.
Become humble like little children. Welcome the “little
children” among you today, including the ones who look
all grown up. When you do this you are receiving Christ.
Tom Gilbert
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October 1, 2003
Very often a new month brings expectations of hope. I know
that I should face each day with enthusiasm, faith and hope.
Still, the psychological effect of the first day of the month
is usually stronger than say, mid-month. Anyway, on this
first day of October and the final quarter of 2003 let us
rejoice in the new month, the new day, the new moment.
Things tend to get a bit frantic from here to the end of the year. Again, it is more a man-made
thing. God’s perfect timing is “eternally now”. However, we
suddenly get caught up in the rush towards the holidays.
Maybe it’s time to review the article I wrote last
year about this time, What’s
the Hurry?
Peace be with you,
Tom Gilbert
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| Read past Journal entries here. |
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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
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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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