More Than Hearing

Hey everyone! Welcome! We are about half way through Lent and while we are on the way to Jerusalem and the cross, there is still some journey ahead. We just got back from some time in Texas where we relied on David’s phone to get us to and fro on Austin’s highways and side streets. Modern satellite technology makes “getting there” much less stressful, but drivers still need to make decisions while following the map. One of the basic decisions is whether the GPS’s data is reliable and up to date and can it be trusted. Another option for navigating is to follow someone who knows where they are going. For Lent, we are following Jesus, trusting he knows where he is going and that the data he has is trustworthy and reliable. What will we find when we get there?

You can see what we did with these passages (minus the psalm) three years ago at the link. We talked about Felix Baumgartner’s free fall from space, made a reference to the movie Jaws, and produced an “avocado of sinners.” Really. Go take a look!

Since the beginning of Year C, we have introduced each intelligence with a brief description. This week, we make some suggestions as to how WORD and MUSIC smart can be utilized in worship. Also, this week’s worksheets are below!

If you like to look up word meanings, WORD smart provides ample opportunity and in languages other than English, too! Luke records Jesus using a particular form of the word “repent.“ Often, we think of the word as a one time event that has a clear before and after. But the word is in the present tense subjunctive, which means it is a series of decisions made over time, which could be illustrated and demonstrated with a stop sign.

For MUSIC smart, David found several styles of music that fit the mood and motivation of the passage. He heard lament, warning, and protest, and so went looking for music that conveys each mood.

• MUSIC smart – [12:17]
  • A meditation on blues and jazz as forms of contemplative lament and response by Barbara Holmes via Richard Rohr
  • Laments:
    • Migrant’s Lament – bluegrass by The Tillers
    • Narragansett Bay – by Cordelia’s Dad
    • Blues Lament by Joe Turner and Jimmy Witherspoon
  • Warnings:
    • House of the Rising Sun – The Animals
    • Runaround Sue – Dion
  • Protests:
    • The Times They Are A-Changin’- Bob Dylan
    • Tear the Fascists Down – Woody Guthrie
• WORD smart – [07:48]
  • repent = present tense subjunctive

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their spiritual ancestors’ journey in the wilderness in this passage, and David thought the way Paul wrote about it sounded like a fable. Fables are a word smart element because they are literature, but lo and behold! they can also be used in MUSIC when you see them set in verse! Check out the link below.

For WORD smart, use Paul’s words in your liturgy. Find ways to use his exact phrases as introductions to prayers or affirmations of forgiveness. Also, I went back to the show from three years ago and “borrowed” an idea about instruction booklets. Bring in something that has words written down for instruction.

• MUSIC smart – [20:59]
  • People Who Died, The Jim Carroll Band
  • Here is a collection of fables in verse from the 19th century. The first even tells of how fables can be used to move an audience.
• WORD smart – [23:37]
  • commentary by Bill Loader

Use this psalm in your liturgy for WORD smart special effects. We also have some quotes about this passage that might be useful for illustrations.

While the psalms are ancient hymns and are often the basis for more modern ones, can their theology and imagery be captured in modern love songs? Check out the list below for some examples.

• MUSIC smart – [34:22]
  • Here is an extensive list of songs about longing or desire
• WORD smart – [29:40]
  • Katie Langston refers to CS Lewis in her devotion at God Pause.
  • Joan Stott has some great ideas for using the psalms in liturgy!

Isaiah is writing to people who’ve returned from exile to their homeland only to find it devastated and badly in need of repair. The effort needed even to begin was overwhelming, so these words from Isaiah offer support and encouragement for a people who have hit the bottom. David found more lists of songs for MUSIC smart. If you want to make your own music, try the special effect!

In WORD smart, think about the words “priceless” and “soul” and “hunger.“ These images are not only specific to an individual but common to the human experience. Might they also be the way God feels about us?

• MUSIC smart – [38:53]
  • Here’s a list of 100 songs someone thinks are good for when you hit rock bottom….
  • ….. and another list of 20 songs!
• WORD smart – [43:45]
  • What comes to mind when we hear the word “soul“?
  • MasterCard commercials that are priceless.
  • Samuel Wells commentary at The Christian Century
  • I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, U2

Image from Pexels, free to use

Hey everyone! We’re in Austin, Texas this week! Are we presenting at SxSW? No. We are here for a family gathering and are recording the show on the lovely patio of the house where we’re staying. You *are* hearing birds in the background, it’s not just a special effect. The passages for this week center around trust – the Psalmist writes about God’s trustworthiness, and in Genesis, God and Abram begin the long dance of covenant faithfulness. Paul instructs the Philippians to imitate him as he imitates Christ, and in Luke, Jesus mourns that there are those who refuse to trust him. Trust is easily broken, difficult to mend, and very valuable. Once you have that element in a relationship, it moves with greater ease. If there is not trust, nothing will happen.

Three years ago, we were still in the midst of figuring out how to do this show, which you can see and hear at Year C, Lent 2, 2016. You may find some additional ideas there! Check it out and download the worksheets for this week’s ideas below.

This exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees raises eyebrows. Aren’t the Pharisees usually presented in the Gospels as opponents of Jesus? Why are they suddenly taking it upon themselves to warn him about Herod? Is this a case of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”? Are they there at the behest of Herod with the same reasoning? The EYE or MATH smart illustration would be to draw a big triangle with Jesus, the Pharisees, and Herod at the points. The PEOPLE smart illustration, though, would be to explore all the possible relationships drawn among them and the concept of relational triangling.

For SELF smart illustrations, focus on the single point that is Jesus – who knows the motivations for the Pharisees and Herod but is not going to be swayed from going on to Jerusalem. In fact, continuing down that road means he will die and not because of Herod. Consider the determination and commitment he exhibits and illustrate this by asking your congregation to think about experiences they have had standing up to bullies.

• PEOPLE smart – [11:30]
  • Is Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees an example of triangulating? Are the Pharisees simply stirring up trouble?
• SELF smart – [07:40]
  • Is Jesus’ attitude in this passage like Harry Potter going to face Lord Voldemort in the middle of Book 7?
  • Or like the conspirators against Hitler in the film Valkyrie?

Paul is asking the Philippians to look to him as he imitates Christ. In essence, he wants them to consider him a role model for faith. If it were anyone other than Paul, this would seem to be an arrogant request. But Paul has learned to trust Jesus thoroughly and wants the Philippians to do the same. For a SELF smart illustration, look to the link below about Goofus and Gallant and then ask your congregation to think about their own moral role models.

For PEOPLE smart, help your congregation think about how their behavior reflects their commitment to Jesus and how that behavior is seen by people outside the walls of the church. I have a joke about that linked below. Consider using parts of The Barmen Declaration in your liturgy and, even though the illustration comes from NATURE, talk about an aspen grove as an example of a living organism that has a common root of existence.

• PEOPLE smart – [17:36]
  • Being an imitator of Christ is not like the joke about a person losing their cool in traffic!
  • While this illustration has a lot of NATURE smart overtones, it can be used to illustrate people learning to imitate others by living like them.
  • The Barmen Declaration
• SELF smart – [22:50]
  • “Goofus and Gallant” from Highlights for Childrenmagazine.

The Psalm is a song of praise to God who is trustworthy. Of course, the MUSIC smart option is to sing songs and hymns reflecting that. For PEOPLE smart, try using some of the studies in the article from Harvard Business Review, linked below. The studies are about business decisions and why one would trust someone else, but I think there is some application to trusting others as models of faith.

For SELF smart, bring in the characters of Tigger and Piglet. Tigger is a very confident and bouncy fellow; nothing really phases him. He springs from situation to situation without ever losing trust in his ability to bounce back. Piglet, on the other hand, finds it difficult to be brave because he is such a small animal. Yet, he trusts his friends – especially Pooh Bear – and will follow them because they have proven reliable in the past. Reading this Psalm may inspire you and your congregation to find each of these characters in yourself!

• PEOPLE smart – [27:45]
  • This article from Harvard Business Review has some tests conducted by social psychologists that reveal when and why we trust people.
  • Joan Stott has written prayers of petition based on this psalm.
  • Howard Wallace also has some ideas for using this psalm
• SELF smart – [26:41]
  • Piglet and Tigger

Remember when you were a kid and your parents promised you something? Do you remember how excited you were when you first heard the promise? Do you remember reminding your parents that they had MADE the promise? Do you remember ever getting impatient for the promise to be fulfilled or despairing when it looked like it would not? Use these memories as a SELF smart illustration for Abram’s experience hearing God’s incredible promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the night sky.

This story is about God’s covenant with Abram so for PEOPLE smart, encourage your people to think about the many relationships of which they are a part that are covenants. Marriages, business relationships, friendships, memberships in organizations, etc. For a special effect, remind people of vows or oaths taken at important times in life and maybe read some lines from them – marriage vows, ordination vows, oaths of office, and the like.

• PEOPLE smart – [32:51]
  • Howard Wallace commentary
  • Ben Helmer commentary
• SELF smart – [36:32]

Image from Pexels, free for use.

Hello, everyone! Welcome back or if this is your first time here, welcome! We’re on the Lenten road to Jerusalem. It’s time to turn our faces towards the logical conclusion of preaching the Good News to people who either receive it and rejoice or reject it. At this point in the Story, Jesus has experienced plenty of both, and he goes on, regardless. As we start the journey with him, we may be scrambling a bit to get ready; do we have everything we need, and will we be okay along the way? The passages for this Sunday reveal God’s provision for this trip. We hear about bountiful harvests, and wings of refuge. We are told salvation is near to our hearts and on our lips – top that, Triple A! And Jesus shows us that while there are forces that very much want the Word to fail, and will even use the word to make it happen, relying utterly on God will bring us through any desire to turn back or take an easier road. Are you ready to go? We’ve got all we need. Let’s do it.

[Here is a link to our show from three years ago: you may find some interesting ideas here, too!
Year C, Lent 1, 2016]

This week, we are concentrating on MUSIC and NATURE smart, which works really well for some of the passages and requires some digging for others. As we’ve said before, this is the challenge of using Multiple Intelligence Theory. Don’t shy away from tugging at the text, because it can offer you some fantastic perspectives!

Comparing the temptation story with Matthew, we see the second and third temptations are reversed. I think that is very interesting but outside the scope of what we are doing here. [“Don’t chase that rabbit now, Molly!” – Molly] As Luke presents the material, he shows the conflict between Jesus and the opponent beginning with basic human needs, extending to a desire for glory and power, and finishing with a test of loyalty and trust. I think the passage is operatic in scope and dialogue, and MUSIC can be inserted into it in really creative and captivating ways.

Being out in a remote area offers opportunities to explore NATURE smart. David thought of ways that humanity often tries to exert authority over nature, and because humanity is sometimes delusional about its own limits, failure happens. Check out the worksheet for some examples of this. Or, click the link below.

• MUSIC smart – [08:05]
  • You can find many Lectionary Hymns at Hymnary dot org for Lent 1, Year C
  • I always think of the song “Tempted” by Squeeze when I read this story.
  • or go with “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” sung by Marion Williams
  • Christus by Anton Rubenstein – an opera about Jesus’ life, including a scene of the temptation
  • “Hungry” by Johnny Cash
  • “Sauron’s March” from LOTR
• NATURE smart – [13:48]
  • pushing the limits at FailArmy

The passage from Romans is about salvation, but where does NATURE fit into this? David thinks it may have a connection with endangered species – animals that do not have a voice and cannot speak the word that is closest to their hearts. The words of salvation must come from humans who see their peril and have a heart for them. Find a list of wildlife organizations at Charity Watch or support your local organizations that work to support our created cousins.

For MUSIC smart, put the blessing I wrote on the worksheet to a rhythm or music and use it to send your people out into the world, with a song of salvation on their lips, filling their hearts with peace.

• MUSIC smart – [20:44]
  • “on your lips and in your heart” – is this like a love song?
• NATURE smart – [18:07]

To use this psalm of comfort as a way to lure Jesus away from his path reveals a depth of deviousness that is chilling. That Jesus was able to see through the attempted distortion and remain committed to God is – for me – the definition of commitment, maturity, and trust. Take the images of security and provision in the psalm and invite your congregation to look for them in their lives. Then, take the experiences and make a song of them for a MUSIC smart special effect.

Shelter and refuge are logical preparations if you are going to spend time out in NATURE, so we have some ways you can build shelter at the link below. The psalm also promises protection from some threatening apex predators, so how might you demonstrate that? David has an idea!

• MUSIC smart – [25:30]
  • “For God Commanded the Angels” – Felix Mendelssohn; St. Olaf Choir
  • Michael Joncas’ anthem/hymn “On Eagles’ Wings”
  • “Healer of My Soul” by John Michael Talbot
• NATURE smart – [27:56]
  • Here’s an article showing 15 different shelters you can build
  • and an abstract of a study about human foot traffic affecting soil fauna in Antarctica
  • Here’s a great map and pretty extensive article about historic and present lion populations

The passage from Deuteronomy instructs the people to celebrate the harvest God provides with a worship service and songs of praise. The food itself is the connection to NATURE smart, but for our time, where does the food come from? Grocery stores! The next time you roam the aisles, really look at the products on the shelves. Think about where they came from; create a liturgy to give thanks to God for them being there and your capacity to purchase them. Ask God to protect and provide for the people who got this food to the shelves. Find ways to participate in hunger programs in your community and find out about food deserts and how you and your congregation might alleviate the challenges for people living in them. For a special effect, bring food into the worship space and offer it to God.

For MUSIC smart, find some hymns of thanksgiving praise to sing while you do the above! Also, encourage people to set their history – their own “traveling Aramaean” story – to poetry or a song. Do the same for your congregation’s history, and if you have a phrase or slogan that you use frequently, include it in a refrain or a litany that you all recite together as you present food to be blessed by God.

• MUSIC smart – [40:14]
  • “We Plough the Fields and Scatter” – hymn
  • The same, but from Godspell
• NATURE smart – [36:43]

Image credit: Used with permission by The Digital Marketing Collaboration on Unsplash.

Welcome back! This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. The passage about the experience comes from Luke this year with attendant passages from Exodus, 2 Corinthians, and Psalm 99. The Transfiguration has been difficult to interpret because it is such an other worldly event; we really do not have any frame of reference. We may have some experience with being in thick fog, which could stand in for the descending cloud. We may have some experience with going up on a mountain and being very weary and drowsy like the disciples were. As for the sound of the voice and the appearance of long dead prophets – well, hmm. Was this an hallucination or did it really happen? Since it is not our own first hand experience, whether we trust the story or not depends on whether we trust Luke and his sources. It also depends on whether we trust the Spirit’s presence in Scripture. Let’s go see what we can discern and share with one another.

We did not have a show for Transfiguration Year C in 2016, because I had totaled the car. It was a bad week. YET, we do have shows from Year B and Year A that might spark some ideas about Moses’ and Jesus’ experiences if not the actual texts. The worksheets for this week are below!

We sometimes use the optional material supplied by the Lectionary committee, but have not done so this week. Commentary is divided about what to do with it for this story; there are pros and cons for adding it, and we would love to hear your reasons how you decide. For BODY smart, I wonder if the Transfiguration (metamorphosis in Greek) somehow altered Jesus’ body at a molecular level which made the resurrection possible. This thought distracted me mightily! For an illustration, I have a story about a radiant bride, transformed by a deep certainty about her future. For a special effect, invite your people to “feel” a meeting with a loved person in their bodies. Also, invite them to feel God’s presence in the Priestly Blessings from Numbers.

Luke says that Peter does “not know what he said” but for MATH smart, Peter is making a deduction based on limited information. David says it’s like the calculation made when you haven’t really been listening to someone and they ask you point blank for an opinion and you have to extrapolate from where you checked out of the conversation to where you think they might be wanting you to be. Check out the worksheet to see how you could graph this! Peter was attempting to make sense out of his experience and so we maybe ought not ding him for not knowing the much larger picture. Do we understand it any better?

• BODY smart – [06:40]
• MATH smart – [11:42]

Paul makes a specific reference to Moses’ story in Exodus. He suggests that the veil Moses needed to use has carried over into the current generation. It has obscured comprehension of God’s plan, but now, through Jesus, we can see clearly. As a MATH smart illustration, think about what it would be like to only see the world through one color on the spectrum. If you could only see red, what would you see? Paul suggests that seeing the world through Christ opens one’s vision to the whole spectrum of light. For a special effect, make some filters with with different colored cellophane and let people look through them. Or, show some pictures of deep space objects taken with certain wavelength filters.

Paul is very confident of the hope we have because of the resurrection and writes of bold action available to us because of it. This made me think of the various outdoor activities that rely on equipment to keep a BODY alive and how people trust it so thoroughly they can experience some spectacular places. Paul also says that we can see the glory of the Lord reflected in Jesus and so begin to mirror it in our own lives. For a special effect, play the improv game called “Mirror.” If you and your partner do it well, observers won’t be able to tell who is leading and who is following. Paul would like for us all to mirror Jesus so completely that our actions look like his.

• BODY smart – [23:52]
  • commentary by Adam Thomas
• MATH smart – [18:40]
  • multi-wavelength astronomy captures images of the Crab Nebula
  • and images of M81 – very pretty!!
  • Here’s a link to a search for NASA images multi wavelength.

I’m pretty certain the Psalm was selected for its reference to Moses and a pillar of cloud, but you might be able to connect it to the Gospel passage with some liturgical movement. I have some suggestions for this on the BODY smart worksheet. You could use similar movements to present both the Psalm and Luke passage. If you have liturgical dancers in your congregation, find out if they have done this before and would be willing to try it.

David was coming up with – not much – for MATH smart in this passage until he thought about Mr. Spock. How would the uber-logical Vulcan respond to the psalmist’s exhortation to extol God? Would it make sense to do this? In the podcast, we decided that a simple factual statement of something’s surpassing worth would probably do the trick, and Spock would extend praise – but without falling to his knees or waving his hands above his head. Kirk, on the… other… hand… wouldbe… alloverit.

• BODY smart – [27:40]
• MATH smart – [30:28]

MATH smart seemed to be in short supply for this passage, too. But flow charts came to the rescue! Download the worksheet to see the example David provides. Flow charts are diagrams – that MATH smart people love – showing an algorithm, work flow, or process. In this story, Moses has some steps he goes through, and a flow chart can be a good way of illustrating it. For a special effect, you can include some specific instructions for your own congregation in their own flow chart, as well!

Michelangelo sculpted Moses and because of Jerome’s translation of this passage from Exodus, he gave him horns. The Hebrew word for “horn” and “shine” share a root and context helps in translation. I wondered if Moses exposure to God’s holy presence might not have scarred his face, which could have been interpreted by those who saw him as protrusions. I also wondered if his transformed appearance might not also be like a severe burn. For a BODY smart special effect, encourage your congregation to see the people behind the faces they meet. Also, hand out small mirrors and give everyone the chance to look at their own faces, without critique or judgement. Simply see how they look and then know that God loves that face, just as it is.

• BODY smart – [38:24]
  • search results for “Michelangelo Moses” images
• MATH smart – [35:28]

Image credit: The Saviour’s Transfiguration, by Theophanes the Greek, early 15th century, public domain

Hey, all! Welcome back! A common literary device is the classic plot twist. A plot twist can take a good story and make it either great or terrible, depending on the skill of the author and how seamlessly the new direction fits the overall story. The passages for this Sunday contain either outright plot twists or implied new directions. In Corinthians, Paul twists our understanding about the resurrection, while in Genesis, Joseph stuns his brothers by revealing himself as their long gone brother. In Luke, Jesus twists our initial reaction to enemies and gives us different tools to deal with them. I often think that Jesus was well versed in the Psalms and Proverbs because much of his teachings flesh out ideas found there.

A seventh week of Epiphany or Ordinary Time is rather rare, so whoot! Yay, us! This week, we are focusing on EYE and WORD smart. The worksheets can be downloaded here. –\/–

Both of us thought this passage had a lot of PEOPLE smart in it. For a WORD smart special effect, select some words from the passage and write them on pieces of poster board. Then as the passage is read, show each word and then the next and the next – Bob Dylan and INXS style! Download the WORD smart worksheet to see which words David would use.

For EYE smart, do a similar exercise using images instead of words. Project them as you read the passage or as you preach the sermon. Jesus provides a road map for how to respond to our “enemies” in this sermon, so draw up a map showing disciples traveling from point A (called by Jesus) to point B (the cross outside Jerusalem).

• WORD smart – [07:22]
  • Bob Dylan Subterranean Homesick Blues
  • INXS Mediate
• EYE smart – [10:48]

To contrast a before and after time, Paul brings Adam into his teaching about the resurrection. Adam is the “man of dust” and Jesus is the “man of heaven.” To illustrate and demonstrate these two realities in EYE smart, bring in a jar of dirt and a jar of glitter. When you speak of Adam and how we bear his image, pour some dirt into a bowl. Then, do the same with the glitter when you speak of Jesus and how we are growing to bear his image. Mix the two of them together and put into a third jar. To connect this with the Luke passage, form a person out of the dirt and then sprinkle it with the glitter as it learns to live as Jesus teaches in his sermon.

Like Jesus’ sermon, Paul’s teaching also has some key words. Prepare a fill-in-the-blank insert for your bulletin or have one on hand if you do not use a printed bulletin. See the WORD smart worksheet for a sample of which words and phrases to leave blank. You could also do a word BINGO card which would encourage people to listen for specific words to fill out their card. Or play a little “Match Game” – Use some of the fill-in-the-blanks before you read the passage, and see if people can guess the right word.

• EYE smart – [15:30]
• WORD smart – [18:19]
  • see the worksheet for the sample fill-in-the-blank

David thinks this psalm sounds a lot like a motivational speech! Try reading is as though you are King Henry V at St. Crispin’s Day or Aragorn at the Black Gate of Mordor (which was only in the movie) or William Wallace in Braveheart or Knute Rockne. The psalm is full of the promise that God will vindicate those who follow the law and precepts and do not fret about the wicked.

For EYE smart, think about places where people must sit and patiently wait. What sorts of images come to mind when you think about the wicked being cut off? What sorts of places are refuges in times of trouble? When the psalmist says that God will make your vindication shine like a light, shine a light!

• WORD smart – [23:08]
  • St. Crispin’s Day speech, Henry V, and seen here
  • Aragorn’s speech at the Black Gate of Mordor, which was not in the book, but is seen here
  • Knute Rockne’s Gipper speech
• EYE smart – [26:50]

This story is a perfect example of PEOPLE smart, specifically as the relationship between Joseph and his brothers is brought into sharp relief when Joseph reveals himself to them. Yet, there is some EYE smart in the passage as he tells them not to fret about what they had done because in retrospect, God had sent him ahead of them to Egypt. Also, the brothers were dismayed at his presence, so his appearance had changed enough they did not recognize him. Since the passage jumps into an ongoing story, describe the scene, verbally recreating the space in the throne room, Joseph’s magnificent appearance, and how small his brothers might have felt in that space (Think Wizard of Oz). I just thought of that last bit.

For WORD smart, think of other literature where there is a major plot twist that utterly changes the trajectory of the story. I think Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a good example. David likes the way Ebenezer Scrooge messes with Bob Cratchit at the end of A Christmas Carol.

• EYE smart – [33:45]
  • The brothers travel back and forth to Canaan several times, roughly 425 KM one way in a straight line from Jerusalem to Cairo.
• WORD smart – [38:32]

Photo Copyright : Mykola Kravchenko, used with permission

Word came today that the Mars Opportunity Rover has gone irretrievably silent. The science robot’s life of discovery is impressive considering it was supposed to be active for only about 90 days and “lived” instead almost 15 years since 2004. Opportunity may have endured even longer had it’s solar panels not been obscured by a massive dust storm this past summer that powered down it’s processors. Unable to reboot it, NASA pulled the plug. The decision was – depending on who reports it – easy and difficult. It was easy because the rover had gone dark, and efforts to reboot were entirely unsuccessful. It was also a little difficult because “Oppy” had become such a valuable asset to science discovery and had worked far beyond expectations. The yes-or-no decisions that NASA makes may seem to be of little consequence to a life of faith, but I beg to differ. We may not be making yes-or-no decisions about a machine millions of miles away, but every day, we decide if we will live for God in obedience to God’s intention – or not. The consequences of these decisions have immediate impact and far reaching effects.

This week, we concentrate on illustrations and special effects using SELF and PEOPLE smart. You can read more about these intelligences at the link to Dr. Gardner’s work in the upper right of the webpage. You can download our worksheets right here. And they’re free!

For SELF smart, I was struck by the phrase Jesus “came down” to be with the people on a “level place.” It made me think of the ways that adults, when conversing with children, will kneel or squat so as to be on an even line of sight. As a child, when an adult does this, you know that the larger person is taking you seriously and it boosts self confidence. Jesus’ incarnation means God takes us seriously; hopefully, we can live with confidence because of this! For special effects, make use of sticky notes and interjections.

In PEOPLE smart, the large crowds surrounding Jesus are similar to the large crowds that turn out whenever Doctors Without Borders or Operation Smile come to a community. For a special effect, exhibit photographs of people that fit the categories Jesus refers to, keeping in mind that each category can be found in a range of human diversity. Invite your congregation to discuss which pictures most moved them and why.

• SELF smart – [08:16]
  • Article by K.C Hanson
  • There’s just something about being on the same horizontal plane that makes communication special.
  • Commentary by Mark Davis
  • In English, interjections are words inserted in communication that convey emotions.
• PEOPLE smart – [13:57]
  • Doctors Without Borders
  • Operation Smile

Paul is trying to understand why the Corinthians would doubt the resurrection. For a PEOPLE smart illustration, compare Paul’s confusion to someone trying to understand why anyone would believe the earth is flat. For Paul, the evidence of the resurrection is undeniable and provides the basis for hope.

In SELF smart, we look at how hope is more than just crossing our fingers and waiting to see what happens. Hope is a cognitive state that creates a mood that guides a person’s life choices. We have some links to how hope can affect the perception of pain and how we can learn to diminish negative experiences by rehearsing positive ones.

• PEOPLE smart – [19:26]
  • What motivates flat earthers or antivaxxers?
• SELF smart – [25:10]
  • The Power of Hope and Recognizing When It’s Hopeless, Psychology Today, 2011
  • A placebo is a good example of a hopeful outcome.
  • “A Simple Trick to Improve Positive Thinking” – TED Talk

The Psalmist sets up a dichotomy between those who follow and delight in the Lord’s law and those who follow their own leadings and scoff at others. I was curious about the Hebrew word for “scoff” and discovered it can also be translated as “scorn.” This word seems more visceral and suggests a more virulent and toxic level of looking at the other. The special effect for this passage borrows from NATURE smart, but allows for a lot of self-reflection.

In PEOPLE smart, scoffers and scorners may be illustrated by those individuals who made some really poor decisions based on their own wisdom and suffered for it. David has some links to the Darwin Awards; people whose decisions have eliminated their genes from the pool. For a special effect, break into small groups and discuss times when someone gave some really bad advice.

• SELF smart – [30:55]
  • Cambridge Dictionary definition of “scorn”
  • Nina Eliasoph, Scorn Wars: Rural White People and Us
• PEOPLE smart – [36:28]
  • Here are some stories about some sinners, scoffers, and otherwise unwise persons who died as a result of their poor choices.
  • The Darwin Awards, a compendium of really poor choices

Jeremiah also sets up a dichotomy, similar to the psalm, and to illustrate it in PEOPLE smart, David suggests using some comparison commercials. Of course, these commercials are selling a product, but it could be fun to use the over the top narration and video effects to talk about how we choose to live our lives in obedience to God.

For SELF smart, I went looking for the Hebrew again and discovered that the “deceitful” and “perverse” heart may be a heart that has been “tracked by footprints. This is a very evocative image; whose tracks are they? When did this happen? What has been done to the heart because of it? What can be done to counteract the effect? Hand out some heart shaped stickers or candy hearts for people to use as a way to reflect on their own hearts.

• PEOPLE smart – [40:11]
  • Choose any “as seen on TV” type commercial, like this one for the Perfect Slicer.
  • Here’s a commercial wherein people put their trust in the wrong place.
  • Here’s another commercial
• SELF smart – [44:09]
  • Bobby Morris, Working Preacher

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS. Used by permission.

Greetings! Welcome back to the show! Calling in today is our special guest, Barry White! Just kidding, it’s me with a bad head/chest cold. However, there is a lot of calling happening in today’s passages. In the Old Testament, Isaiah has a vision of THE HOLY and is terrified. Yet, once a seraph performs a cleansing on him, he is ready to answer God’s call to prophesy. In Luke, Jesus teaches a crowd from a boat on the Sea of Galilee and then helpfully suggests a sweeter fishing spot for the work weary disciples. Simon Peter, figuring they’ve got nothing to lose, takes the lead and is astounded to recognize The Holy in the man before him. Like Isaiah, he is also overcome with self recognition, and Jesus calls him to start fishing for people. Paul calls his cantankerous Corinthian congregation back to their true selves, and the Psalmist lays a layer of praise over the whole thing. Let’s brainstorm some ways to use Multiple Intelligence Theory to call people to worship and service.

This week, we are discussing MUSIC and NATURE smart, and here you can download our worksheets for each of them.

Simon Peter wonders why Jesus insists they go out and toss their nets again after they had tried all night with no success. He acquiesces and is amazed to haul in so many fish the nets began to break. For MUSIC smart, David thought of a scene from the movie Amadeus where Salieri labors to compose a piece that Mozart not only memorizes on one hearing but then improvises improvements. Peter’s response is much different than Salieri’s, though!

The Gospel lesson takes us to the water where Jesus teaches the crowds from a boat. For NATURE smart, we wonder if the natural amplification of water may have been the reason for Jesus getting into the boat and pushing off shore a bit. Also, why fish at night? We have some links that might have some reasons.

• MUSIC smart – [06:57]
  • A scene early in the movie Amadeus
• NATURE smart – [11:09]
  • The amplification of sound over waves
  • Perhaps the slope toward the water acted as an amphitheater
  • Here is one modern fisherman’s reasons for fishing at night
  • This essay goes into the specifics of night fishing in the first century
  • This image of the Sea of Galilee was taken by the Expedition 20 crew in 2009.

Sometimes, in order to find an intelligence in a passage, you may have to do a little eisegesis. NATURE smart is not readily apparent in these verses about the resurrection; we need to step into the land of metaphor and talk about planting seeds. Paul’s intention for the Corinthians was for them to grow into the full maturity of Christ and bear fruit for the gospel; it wasn’t happening. By writing this letter, he was attempting to alter their behavior and help them find a new way to use their gifts. This made me think of a documentary on PBS about the Dust Bowl.

It’s safe to say that Paul is concerned about the church in Corinth. His letter to them addresses their (remarkably current) issues with the intention of reforming them into what God intends them to be. In MUSIC smart, David thinks you could illustrate this as a choral composition that begins with a soloist (Paul) who is joined by other voices as the piece goes along. The other voices sing counterpoint, harmonize, and eventually all the voices join together in the chorus. Try demonstrating this as a special effect!

• MUSIC smart – [22:14]
• NATURE smart – [16:29]
  • “Surviving the Dust Bowl” PBS, American Experience, 1998

A psalm of praise is all about MUSIC smarts! David has some ideas either to use existing songs and hymns of praise or to write and proclaim some spontaneous praise of your own on the spot. If your congregation is open to participating freely in the service, this could be very memorable! If your congregation is not comfortable with spontaneous response, then arrange for some people to help out ahead of time. Either way, the Spirit will enliven what you do!

In verse six, the psalmist says that God “regards the lowly.” Scott Hoezee’s comment about God’s surprising attention to those we tend to overlook caught my interest. Since I was looking at this passage through the lens of NATURE smart, I wondered what are the small things in the natural world that get overlooked? Until quite recently in our history, we overlooked bacteria. Now, we understand the “small” world of microbiology and its role in health and ecosystems.

• MUSIC smart – [25:01]
• NATURE smart – [27:39]
  • Scott Hoezee’s commentary
  • A definition and history of bacteriology from the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences.

For NATURE smart, examine how using the live coal to purify Isaiah’s lips is similar to wound cauterization. I have a story about a surgical wound on the bottom of my foot being cauterized; you may know of something similar. Also, heat is used to purify water systems, killing harmful bacteria. Those little guys show up everywhere!

Isaiah is overcome being in the presence of The Holy. He is simultaneously aware of God’s majesty and his own sinfulness. For MUSIC smart, David suggests staying with that image of doom and suggests a collection of poems. However, most of the poets are struggling with the meaninglessness of the Void, while Isaiah is overcome by the Holy. How do some of our hymns of majesty avoid the threat of Holiness? For a special effect, find some rhythm instruments and use them to punctuate the reading.

• MUSIC smart – [36:27]
  • Here is a collection of poems about impending doom.
• NATURE smart – [32:45]
  • The hot coal acts like wound cauterization and heat can purify water

Image courtesy of LoboStudio Hamburg on Unsplash. Used by permission.

Hey all! Welcome back! The passages for this week seem to go everywhere with no readily discernible overall theme. Jeremiah is called and commissioned to be a prophet, and the psalmist sings praise to God for safety. Paul tells the Corinthians that love is steady and mature, and Jesus is almost tossed off a cliff by angry worshippers in Luke. Do we go with the fine line between love (1 Corinthians) and hate (Luke 4)? Is the emphasis on going boldly out into the world to proclaim God’s strength or is it encouraging people who need refuge to curl into God’s protective embrace? Maybe it’s all of them at once; each one attending to a part of life in your congregation, because if we are honest, situations do not come at us in a linear fashion. Love, hate, bold proclamation, and a need to retreat all may swirl around us. Rather than try to make them submit, let’s just let them come, and we’ll find what we need in them.

Here are the ideas for illustrations and special effects from three years ago! And if you are not familiar with a crazy quilt, here is a sampling. While there is no obvious pattern in a crazy quilt (which is the idea), there is harmony of color and fabric.

A note on from the show editor: This week’s show was unusually hard to edit for a couple reasons. We were recording in a hotel room at the beach, so the sound quality is very different, to start with. The portable recorder we used had an auto-level function that made the levels jump all over the place. We also seem not to have had any sense of time, so we went really long, and since it was a disrupted week I didn’t have time or focus to cut a lot of the content. So you get a late, long, kind of noisy episode this week. We hope it will still be useful to you. Next week should be back to our usual standards. Thanks for your forbearance.

We take a few minutes to talk about our two smarts of the week in the episode, and here you can download our worksheets for each of them.

Gosh, fortunes can turn on a dime, can’t they? At the end of last week’s Gospel, Jesus was a welcome guest preacher. At the end of this week’s passage, his hometown congregation is trying to throw him off a cliff! What happened? Could it be assumptions about Jesus’ relationship with the people in Nazareth clouded their perception of him? He had been doing great things in the area where he is not native, so he would of course do fantastic things for his home folk, right? Jesus reveals this is not so and their anger is epic. We take that anger and find illustrations and special effects in both BODY and MATH smart. See the many links below!

• BODY smart – [12:47]
  • Here’s an article on the psychology of anger that includes a section on the physiology of anger.
  • Here is another article that goes into a little more depth about the physiology of the anger response.
  • The literary example is the Hulk / Incredible Hulk
    
• MATH smart – [06:18]
  • The recalibrational theory of anger[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]
  • A study regarding kin selection [Science Direct] adds a layer of complexity.
  • From The Inquisitive Mind [In Defense of Anger: An Evolutionary Necessity and its Contemporary Applicability]

The first passage ends with unthinking hate so we were quite glad this passage is about love. For BODY smart, David looks at the physiology of love from the first blush of attraction to a more mellow and peaceful companionship. There are hormones that flow through all the phases – ironically, some of them that produce physical reactions similar to hate!

In MATH smart, I looked at love as a foundation, and since my father was a civil and architectural engineer, those many Saturdays spent helping him on house upkeep projects as a kid came rushing back. For those people in your congregation who appreciate the soundness of structures, building a platform out of faith, hope, and love will grab their attention.

• BODY smart – [18:52]
  • Physiology of love: Here’s an article on the various stages of love
  • Another article on physiology of emotion that might be useful.
• MATH smart – [24:15]
  • Love is the foundation of a life in Christ.
  • Erect a pile construction made of faith, hope, and love.

As in the Gospel, we both centered on the same verses about refuge and safety. For BODY smart, David has some thoughts about our physical safety and ways we act to make certain we are protected. Safety and refuge made me think of storm cellars and safe rooms for MATH smart. The engineer – fu runs deep in me, but it’s a very good thing that I am not in charge of building anything, believe me.

• BODY smart – [33:48]
  • “Duck and Cover”
  • Here’s a story about a couple siblings who saved their baby brother from a kidnapper.
  • Here’s another story of a foiled kidnapping.
  • And one more.
  • Here’s a story/vid about a woman who rescued a police officer (yes, that’s right)
  • Here’s a video on how to defend and protect someone from attack.
• MATH smart – [30:30]
  • Verses 1-3 made me think of building storm cellars.
  • Or safe rooms.
  • Here is a design to build your own safe room.

Deconstruction is also part of construction, but we talk about it in terms of BODY smart for this passage. The LORD tells Jeremiah he has been appointed to “pluck up and pull down, to destroy and overthrow, and to build and to plant”. The physical labor involved in these activities is a great way to engage your BODY smart people.

I will admit that once I got onto the engineering angle for these passages, I really could not get off of it. But, rather than actually construct a project or make plans for a storm cellar, this passage is much more about the initial idea. A blue print or schematic is the representation on paper of a future reality. Jeremiah is a young man at the beginning of this book. His final ministry is still ahead of him, but God can see it in him already, just like an architect or engineer can “see” the completed structure in a diagram.

• BODY smart – [42:52]
• MATH smart – [45:43]
  • Blueprints – an important part of construction

Photo by Jeremy Galliani, used by permission through Unsplash

Greetings! Welcome back to the show! Three of the four passages this week are about Scripture. In Nehemiah, the people ask for the word to be read to them and are grieved to discover how far their lives are from the ordinances God set down in Moses’ law. The Psalm writer emphasizes the way God’s law is proclaimed even in nature and how glorious and valuable it is. In Luke, Jesus tells his hometown in Nazareth that a prophecy from Isaiah had been fulfilled in their hearing. The passage about the way various body parts fit together is not explicitly about the law, but is a metaphor for the way the word knits us together to witness to the world.

Here is the podcast episode for three years ago: Year C, Ordinary 3, 2016. For a WORD smart project, we put together a combined reading of Nehemiah 8 and Luke 4. We used this for our snowbound sermon later that week when we got 36 inches of snow and cancelled worship.

We take a few minutes to talk about our two smarts of the week in the episode, and here you can download our worksheets for each of them.

We’re starting with the Gospel again this week with EYE smart. David was struck by Jesus’ proclamation that the hope for the Messiah has been realized at that moment in time which got him to thinking about age progression images. The idea of messiah had been in peoples’ minds for generations and now Jesus is saying, “Here he is, in front of you.” For a special effect, bring in some pictures of you that show your own age progression.

In WORD smart, think about what Jesus left off at the end of the Isaiah passage. He did not read the line about the day of vengeance of the Lord. For people familiar with the passage, that would be like hearing a well known song or speech right up to the last stanza or sentence – and that’s it! No wonder the congregation was looking at him, they probably wondered what was wrong. Three years ago, we were taken with the idea that the verb for “fulfilled” in Greek is the perfect tense, which has some interesting implications for the finality of Jesus’ action in Nazareth.

• EYE smart – [05:57]
  • Here’s an article about age progression prior to the development of software.
  • And here’s an article about a software package that does it.
• WORD smart – [11:29]
  • Some synonym substitutions for familiar words

David thinks using a puzzle is a good EYE smart way to demonstrate Paul’s argument for unity in this passage. If you can find one that has unique pieces or at least pieces that are not too similar, use this to show how each piece fits with all the others to make a whole.

The unity of diverse components is Paul’s point. The metaphor of the body is a very good one and is likely why it has persisted. Yet, there are other options, and using another metaphor will spark WORD smart people

• EYE smart – [19:42]
  • Get one of those wood block puzzles with all sorts of odd shapes that fit together.
  • Here’s a video of a guy doing a simple one of these puzzles.
• WORD smart – [17:10]
  • Body Part Bingo – make up bingo cards and use BODY as the free space

WORD and EYE smart frequently cross paths, so as the Psalm is read, encourage your congregation to think of the places where Scripture is read. Use the images in the Psalm to stimulate imaginations and be certain to expand the “space” to all of creation.

Fred Craddock writes that the Psalm has three movements that begin with the heavens singing God’s praises. It moves to a song of praise for the law, and it ends with how the word echoes deep within us and informs our living. We have two quotes about the way nature writes and speaks praise to the Creator. I am intrigued by a special effect idea involving honey sticks!

• EYE smart – [23:26]
• WORD smart – [25:17]
  • commentary by Doug Bratt
  • commentary by Scott Hoezee

Nehemiah read the law of Moses on a raised platform built for the purpose. The image of someone publicly reading Scripture made David think of an annual event that happens next to our county courthouse. Another way to illustrate a public reading of the Word would be to help your congregation visualize an arena or theater where the reading happens.

For WORD smart, understanding what has been read is a key part of the story. Illustrate this with the sudden “ah HA” experience of solving a puzzle or riddle. Comprehension is important and can be illustrated in the negative with Amelia Bedelia’s antics; she was far too literal a thinker to understand the idioms Mrs. Rogers used for household tasks. For a special effect, read a letter from someone who is grateful for what your congregation has done for them.

• EYE smart – [36:51]
  • Here is an article about a public reading of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation
• WORD smart – [30:25]
  • Will Shortz, the NPR Puzzle Master engineers many “ah HA” moments for people!
  • Perhaps those who “have understanding” are people who’ve mastered language comprehension, the most basic component of communication. Amelia Bedelia is a good example of someone who has not mastered it!
  • “Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news?”
  • A Book of Reformed Prayers called “Right Hearing of God’s Word”

Image credit: Photo by Melany Rochester on Unsplash. Used by permission.

Greetings! Welcome back to the show! We’re continuing to examine only two intelligences per episode, and this week we also switched the order of the passages. Each of them celebrates the abundance of God’s love and God’s gifts. In the Gospel, a great quantity of fine wine saves a wedding and hints at a new age dawning. Paul writes to the Corinthians that they are all blessed with gifts from the Spirit. The Psalm sings praise to God who is simultaneously shading us from above and holding us under a protective wing. Isaiah encourages returning exiles who were discouraged about their present to look to the future where God will restore them and call them My Delight.

You can see what we did three years ago, here: Year C, Ordinary 2, 2016. We had a lot of fun with MATH smart in the Gospel passage, so go check it out!

We take a few minutes to talk about our two smarts of the week in the episode, and here you can download our worksheets for each of them.

Jesus tries to keep his mother from blowing his cover, because he thinks the time is not right for him to be revealed. However, she pushes on, and Jesus finds an interesting way to follow her lead and still keep his identity close to the vest. Running out of wine may be a cause for shame, but what happens if we run out of water? David pursues this line of thought in NATURE smart. Also, environmental factors affect wine quality, and the process to make wine takes time. Jesus found a short cut, for certain!

For SELF smart, I was struck by the way Jesus revealed his glory – to the disciples. He both followed his mother’s lead, doing as she asked and kept to his own timeline to reveal himself as Messiah. This is a brilliant move and shows a strong sense of SELF knowledge and quick thinking. I share a story about a chef who takes delight in watching people enjoy his food; another subtle instance of glory.

• NATURE smart – [10:45]
  
  • Here’s an article (2015) about the hydrology of the American Southwest.
  • Here’s another about rivers running dry around the globe.
  • Environmental factors can affect the quality of wine.
  • Commentary by Lindsey Trozzo
  • The lengthy process of producing wine.
  • Use a meditation fountain or a punch fountain.
• SELF smart – [06:26]
  • Commentary by Scott Hoezee
  • Commentary by Mark Davis

For NATURE smart, David takes a step back from the particulars of this passage and looks at the whole, which is pretty much Paul’s point, as well. Paul is attempting to get the Corinthians to look at themselves through God’s eyes, so why not use an ecosystem? Illustrate the different gifts functioning to serve the entire body as all the layers of the soil, the different ways water nourishes it, types of flora that grows there, and the fauna that feed on it. Don’t forget the sunshine that sustains it all, like the Spirit.

In these verses in Corinthians, we often attempt to force our lives and personalities into the gifts mentioned. Why not turn it around and consider the gifts as tailored clothing, made to fit us? Illustrate this fit by bringing in a favorite sweater or outfit. If you have made use of a spiritual gifts inventory in the past, you can use it here. Encourage SELF smart people to keep their gifts in mind as they live their lives this week.

• NATURE smart – [15:59]
  • Here’s how to make a terrarium
• SELF smart – [18:18]
  • This site has a link to a spiritual gift curriculum for personal use

This psalm, like many others, is full of NATURE smart images. Talk about how being out in nature is delightful because it is so expanding for us. Experiencing God in the scope of nature is life giving and frequently makes us aware of our place and role in creation.

I’ve heard many people refer to national parks and the great outdoors as their church – the place where they experience God. Wherever we choose to be in the Presence, we are taking Sabbath time to do so. The majesty of God’s provident nature in the psalm prompts a response from us wherever we are marking a sabbath. For SELF smart, use this psalm’s imagery to encourage people to look for God’s abundance in their lives.

• NATURE smart – [24:30]
  • A short illustration from Benjamin Eisele.
  • There are psychological benefits to outdoor activity – who knew? Well, those scientists and this author and this author.
• SELF smart – [21:28]
  • Watch this video by Marva Dawn on Keeping the Sabbath.

In this passage, God redeems and renames Israel. This got David to thinking about naming and reclassifying objects in NATURE and particularly, in our own solar system. Pluto suffered the shame of being de-classed from planet to dwarf planet a couple years ago. New Horizons has shown us that while Pluto is not on par with the other eight planets in our system relative to size, it is by no means the smallest (maybe we should call it Bethlehem?). It is in fact, one of the larger Kuiper Belt Objects. Just as we’ve seen Pluto in a new way, God sees Israel as a people worth adoring and adorning. Wow.

Staying with the idea of being loved, adored, and saved in SELF smart, give everyone in your congregation a crown. Encourage them to consider themselves as royalty, named and loved by God. Allow them – and yourself – time to sit in this idea. We frequently call ourselves God’s children, but how often do we consider ourselves crowned by God? If this gives you the urge to shout in excitement, you are not alone!

• NATURE smart – [28:55]
  • here is an article on taxonomic nomenclature in biology
  • Bring pictures of Pluto, including old artists’ conceptions and New Horizon’s flyby pics for comparison.
• SELF smart – [33:58]
  • the hymn How Can I Keep from Singing?
  • Have you ever been as excited as this child?

Image credit: Photo by Zachariah Hagy on Unsplash. Used by permission.