Making a religion of politics?

Next Tuesday we, the people of these United States of America, will elect a President who will, regardless of who it is, will bring horror and delight to the country in equal measure. The awfulness of the recent conversation, the ugliness of the political ads, the stress created between friends and family members will most likely not diminish, only increase!  Politics, it seems to me, has become our new religion.  The expressions of devotion reflect a kind of absolutism once reserved for convictions about the nature of God Himself.

Christian friend, let me urge us all to reflect and realize that politics are no substitute for the Gospel of Christ and the power of the Spirit for the salvation of the world. 8 years ago Russell Moore (Editor of Christianity Today) wrote what is even more true today - “the most important lesson we should learn is that the church must stand against the way politics has become a religion, and religion has become politics.” 

Christians are first and foremost, of Christ and in Christ. It is to our shame that we let our convictions about the state of the economy, immigration, environmentalism, or gender rights bring division and hatred among those who are called to be brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. In this electoral cycle I have heard and read this sentiment more than a few times -  “He could not possibly be a Christian. Look at who he supports.”  I’ll be blunt in my response- knock it off!  Our relationship to God, our Heavenly Father, is not determined by an R or D on our ballot! 

If we believe that legislation can redeem sinful humanity and transform sinners into saints we been seduced by an empty hope!  We have created an idol, a false god.  That is not say that Christians should be disinterested in politics or neglect their citizen responsibility to vote.  We ought to care about public policy and how it forms our culture and effects our lives. Christians, just like everyone else, have ideals that they would like to see written into law.  (And, Christians will think differently about many things.)

We who love Jesus have a high and holy calling to be messengers of the Kingdom Come, to be those who share the joyful truth that God has reconciled us to Himself in Christ Jesus.  Our mission is not to write better laws.  The world will be changed, not by our political power but by our humble service which demonstrates the Gospel.  Moore wrote that our privilege is to “maintain a prophetic clarity that is willing to call to repentance everything that is unjust and anti-Christ, whether that is the abortion culture, the divorce culture, or the racism/nativism culture. We can be the people who tell the truth, whether it helps or hurts our so-called ‘allies’ or our so-called ‘enemies.’”  A prophet speaks on God’s behalf with holy authority born of an intimate relationship with God.

I will pointedly ask – when you make those ripping statements on Facebook, when you hurl hateful comments at the ‘other’ side or when you seethe with rage about some imagined insult for ‘your’ party– is that the result of time before the Throne of Heaven and a profound experience of the Holy, or is it an expression of the preferences of Self?

Want to lose the election angst? Trust God profoundly to do what He promises – to guide, to keep, to direct. Then, pray fervently for His wisdom to be made known to your mind and heart.

When we make our politics our priority, we sin like Esau of old, exhanging true treasure of our salvation for trinkets of little lasting value. Right or Left in our convictions, we cannot afford to become so closely aligned with one party’s agenda that we lose our ability to represent the One who is the Hope of the World.  I am a Christian first, an American second, and my political affiliation comes in a distant third. How about you?  Are you my brother or my sister in His family?

The word from the Word is a reminder of our true identity. I am His, He is mine. 
In Christ, “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.  “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”  (1 Peter 2:9-11)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

 

Father God,  preserve us in this time of change.
Call us into Your holy Presence.
As we kneel humbly and gain the assurance of
The salvation and Your love shown us in Christ Jesus,

Help us to rise to love others to wholeness.
Forgive us for making our politics into a religion,
For giving devotion and fervor rightly reserved for You
To lesser things.

Make Your Church beautiful, a place of clear vision of what is true and best.
Transform us into people of hope, full of amazing, courageous, and bold love.
Jesus shine brightly in us and through us. Amen

Let’s talk

Prayer is one of the most mysterious practices of the Christian faith.  We may ask many questions about it.

Why do we make requests of a God who already knows everything? 
How does prayer actually ‘work’ or should we even think about it in that way? 
Is prayer just a psychological exercise as some skeptics insist, merely a way of talking to ourselves? 
If we pray, what are best practices?

I have heard thousands of prayers and prayed even more than that! 
Some were formal with carefully prepared phrases and rich vocabulary.
Others were desperately spoken, raw, and emotional. 
Some were quiet and intimate, whispered only for the ear of God.
Some were expressions of fear, some of love, some shaped by obligation.
Some were exuberant, outbursts of praise in times of great joy.
A few were wordless – a quiet heart in God’s Presence that waited on His comfort or offered Him adoration.

If you are thinking, “Jerry, that sounds a lot like our human conversations,”  then you just got the point! Prayer is connecting and communicating with God and takes many forms, shaped by the need of the moment and the personality of the one praying.  If you know how to have a conversation, you know the basics of prayer.

Whatever our questions about prayer, this I know for sure: we must pray.  We can learn to pray in better ways, but prayer is not reserved for pastors or those of advanced years in the faith. Prayer is a privilege offered to all of us that makes us richer in the practice. 

Jesus did not say “If” you pray, He said “When” you pray.  To think about prayer only in terms of ‘answers,’ determining if we should pray based on observable results, misses the heart of prayer.  True prayer is much more than bringing our ‘grocery list’ of human needs to God everyday.  It is our spiritual lifeline through which the vitality of the Holy Spirit enters our lives and circumstances. So, just speak – using your words to start a conversation with God; doing it often!

When we grow into intimacy with the Lord, He promises this: "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (Romans 8:26, NIV)  When we turn our attention to Him, even when words fail, He remains our Advocate, there with us, the Divine connecting with the human, Heaven touching earth.  The Message says it this way: "God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God."

When I pray, whether it is just a few words in a moment, or a focused time in the church’s sanctuary, I remember that I have a Meditator in the Throne Room of the Almighty!  Jesus, who knows the frail state of my humanity, stands alongside of me. "So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT)  When I do not know what to say, He fills the gaps. When I am less than articulate, He understands. When my prayer is an overflow of emotions, I know He has felt what I feel.  Even if the only words we can find are mumbled cries for mercy, He knows the deeper need.  Moreover, He has taken away our guilt and given us confidence to come into God’s Presence. 

When I pray I know He stands alongside of me. I am shabby, without beauty,
but the majestic Lord of Glory puts His arm around my shoulders and says,
“Father, Jerry is here with this need, this cry!”

Richard Foster speaks of ‘simple prayer.’  This most basic form of prayer is not about eloquence or persuasive arguments.  It is prayer that is filled with our inconsistencies, mixed motives, sorrow, anger, joy, dreams, hopes, longings, and daily concerns.  “Let us pray!”  Yes, simple prayers, wordless prayers, groans, and laughter formed into simple prayer.

The word from the Word is an invitation - "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred curtain, by means of his death for us. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s people, let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." (Hebrews 10:19-23, NLT)

God is inviting you and me this day to stay in touch!  He says, “Let’s talk!”

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(Video of this blog at this link)

The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)

Father let your kingdom come (holy holy)
Father let your will be done
On Earth as in Heaven (let it be done)
Right here in my heart

Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive us forgive us
As we forgive the ones who sinned
Against us forgive them
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from the evil one
Let your kingdom come

It's yours it's yours
All yours all yours
The kingdom the power
The glory are yours

It's yours it's yours
All yours all yours
Forever and ever
The kingdom is yours

On Earth as in Heaven
Right here in my heart

Bryan Fowler, Jacob Sooter, Matt Maher

© Be Essential Songs; bryanfowlersongs; Caroco Songs; Just When Publishing; So Essential Tunes

License #810055

Going for the WIN!

Tonight the World Series kicks off with game 1 between the Yankees and the Dodgers. Not being a baseball fan I have no favorite, but I probably will watch some of the series play out. There are some who are so fanatical about their team that you might conclude the fate of the world hangs on the outcome. I find that somewhat amusing, though if put in the context of the once nearly invincible New England Patriots, the understanding shifts somewhat. (Joke!)

A much different kind of fanaticism exists in the United States today of far greater concern to me, especially when I see my fellow Christ-followers falling into the trap.  We are struggling to remain a democracy where a shared love of country is overcome by tribalism – the need for ‘our side’ to not only defeat the other but to obliterate it!

What is tribalism? 

It has these characteristics. Tribalism generates rigid views that cannot be challenged – a dogma about history, the economy, human sexuality, the place of religion, and general cultural and social values. Critical thinking within the tribe is viewed as disloyal, even heretical.  The idea that ‘my tribe is superior, right, and must win at all costs’ is primary.  The person who is thinking tribally gains a sense of belonging, his acceptance with ‘the right group’ more important than even family ties. He will eventually withdraw from meaningful relationships with others and become insulated within the faction or party to which he has joined himself.  It is my opinion that tribal thinking has gripped many people from both sides of the political spectrum.  Anyone who appears to be seeking consensus on issues is viewed as ‘weak’ or uncommitted or ignorant. People who think tribally replace genuine discourse with name-calling, superficial slogans, and blind recitation of accepted views.

Christian – tribalism is not the will of God for those of us who claim to be servants of Christ Jesus!  

In Jesus Christ, we find an identity that supercedes those of people groups, nations, or political affiliations. By way of illustration of that fact, Paul wrote "For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us." (Ephesians 2:14, NLT)  The first generation of Christians were completely different from the prevailing culture in that slaves and freed, rich and poor, male and female, citizen and non-citizen sat together at the Table of the Lord.  This was not just an ideal. It was the amazing truth. "So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians—you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28, NLT)  There is no basis for ethnic divisions in the Church, the household of God.

Christians understood that everyone, every race, every social class, shared the same ‘disease’ (called sin) and that healing was exclusively found in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This gift of grace eliminated any sense of superiority of tribe or class. "Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. After all, God is not the God of the Jews only, is he? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles." (Romans 3:27-30, NLT)

Yes, those first Believers struggled to find that unity in Christ, that common ground. The natural tendency of humans to wear the tribal colors crept into their congregations as we can see from Paul’s appeal to the Christians of Corinth. "Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your arguments, dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Can Christ be divided into pieces? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, NLT)

Christian, we are not called just to win an election! We are invited INTO a Kingdom of greater glory, one built on gathering, not dividing, on a mutually held love of God, not on exalting a mere person or gaining a party WIN. The Bible says  that God calls - "I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:6-7, NIV)  At the throne of Christ Believers will sing  this anthem - “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11, NIV)  

We hinder God’s work when we allow our political opinions, our race, or our ethnicity to become more important to us than our shared loved of Jesus Christ and our longing for His Kingdom to come.  I plead with you to know that you are Christ’s FIRST.  Let the Spirit’s fruit shape all your interactions and conversations- always loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and marked by self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)  As Election Day approaches, let’s not be fans, cheering for a win for ‘our’ team, but citizens seeking to build a better future for all.

Jesus’ call to us is the word from the Word today.  Meditate on what it means to be His, to serve as ‘salt and light.’   He says - “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16, The Message)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

BE Heroic!

Who are your heroes, people you admire for the ways in which they live their lives?  I can think of a few.  I am inspired by Deitrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor in Germany during WW2 who spoke truth to power and was martyred by the Nazis.  I have always admired a young missionary named Jim Elliot who died on an Amazoean river beach in 1955 while trying to take the news of Christ Jesus to a Stong Age tribe who lived in awful violence.  His motto decorates my desk –
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” 

My Mom is a hero to me, even more so as I become older and realize how much she sacrified for others. After raising three children, she became a Mom again, by adoption, not once but 10 times!  She was still actively mothering when she died. I seldom heard her complain about preparing meals for a full table, doing piles of laundry, or trying to make sure that reluctant students did their homework. She kept a neat home and served actively in the church my father pastored. Yes, that ‘ordinary’ little woman is a hero to me.

Biblical heroes, men and women who did spectacular things, have their stories recorded to inspire us, too. We make a real mistake when we turn people like David, Moses, and Peter into legendary heroes, forgetting that their choices of faith were made in ‘real life’ situations.  Each of them, as well as those modern heroes I mentioned, were not without flow, making mistakes in spite of notable achievements. 

David met Goliath on the battlefield and took him with a slingshot and he also committed adultery with one of his general’s wives! 

Moses met God on the mountain and brought down the Law and but also struggled with his temper that caused him to murder a man and to miss out on the Promised Land!

Peter led the Church, preaching a Pentecost message that brought 3000 conversions. He also quivered in fear before a servant girl and vehemently denied Jesus, on the night of His trial!

You can be a hero!  If you think that means being perfect you’re sunk already. If you know that it means accepting God’s call and living it out, day by day, where you are, welcome to the Hall of Heroes of the faith.  Let me remind you of what you probably already know:  in the Christian experience we will know victories that make celebrate and trip-ups that land us flat on our face.  

Real heroes of the faith know that faithful service is not about their reputation or personal charisma but rather about God’s covenant love gifted to us through Jesus Christ.   Real heroes are ‘becomers’ – changed day by day into the likeness of Jesus - who are given the Spirit so that they can, in turn, give good gifts to the people with whom they work and play.

Paul, a genuine hero, points to the source of his strength - "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13, NIV)  In his letter to the Romans  he describes the ways that God reveals Himself, the nature of our salvation, and the great grace that is ours in Christ. He leans hard on the unfailing promises of God.  But, all those truth recorded in the lines of that wonderful inspired text is more than theological musing. The last three chapters of the letter get down to nitty gritty, daily choices. 

Paul reminds those Christians in Rome (and us!) that we are not just to sit around listening to sermons and taking Communion; we must become different, in an ordinary way. Why? To pay God back for His grace? No!  Our lives make Him known in a dark world and causes people to praise Him.  "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, NLT)

God is glorified in the ordinary, which makes our lives heroic!  What kinds of things are we directed to do for God’s sake?   Paul says, “Be good citizens, honoring those who govern, seeing them as God’s servants. Pay your taxes.”  He goes on to tell us to “Avoid debt and pay your bills!”  Now there’s a novel thought.  Yes, our Christianity finds expression in our money!

We are directed to “Love extravagantly! Our only continuing debt being one we feel towards others in love.”     “Be holy,” he says. And, I need to quote him directly in this area.  "Don’t live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don’t think of ways to indulge your evil desires." (Romans 13:12-14, NLT)

Real heroes don’t go looking for fights, they build bridges.  The Word teaches us to "Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong." (Romans 14:1, NLT) Our goal is amplified here - "So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up." (Romans 14:19, NLT)   Bold love marks God’s heroes who learn to "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7, NIV)

Suppose we allow ourselves to imagine that our best experience of Christ and service will be found on a ‘missions trip’ to an exotic locale, or leading some ministry where we stand in front of thousands to teach, or developing an outreach to rescue girls from sexual slavery, or some equally noble thing. In that case, we will miss out on doing God’s will right where we are.  Most of us will love God best by loving our family, serving in obscurity, refusing temptation, and staying deeply involved with our local church!

Here is the word from the Word that describes ordinary heroes and I aspire to be one of them.   "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." (Romans 12:1-2, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Thank You

I dreamed I went to Heaven
You were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
He was smiling as he came

 

And he said friend
You may not know me now
Then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And ev'ry week you would say a pray'r
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that pray'r
I asked Jesus in my heart

 

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

 

Then another man stood before you
He said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
His pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
That's why I'm here today

 

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In Heaven now proclaimed

 

I know up in Heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
You stood before the Lord
He said My child look around you
For great is your reward

 

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

 

 

Ray Boltz

© 1988 Gaither Music Company

CCLI License #810055

Fun-house mirrors

Jokingly, I said ‘Yes, I’m that fat, bald, old guy around here.”  A lady in the room, overhearing my remark, chided me – “No, you are a beloved child of God!”  She did not understand my self-deprecating humor, but she had a point. We tend to act in ways that align with what we believe to be true about ourselves. Plenty of lies find a home in our minds, don’t they?  A phrase somone else thinks is ‘cute’ can cut to the heart.  A word of encouragement may stick with us for life! But, what do we understand about ourselves? How do we form that all important self-image, without arrogance, without self-deception, or without adopting the toxic opinions expressed by our detractors?

When I a child, I remember entering a place at the county fair that was a maze of mirrors. Each one distorted the image reflected. Some made me appear short, others made me tall. Some made my head grotesquely out of proportion to the rest of my body. Ohers made my feet huge!  It was called a ‘fun house.’  I do not remember it that way!  To me the experience was disorienting and I was glad to escape the twisted world and to step back into reality.  

You and I must deal with distortions and distractions, misrepresentations of ourselves, in everyday life. The reflections we find the faces and words of others are not always accurate, sometimes distorted by their own bias, prejudice, fears, selfish motives, and past experiences.  We can become a slave to a fake image, desperate for love and acceptance, willing to be governed by lies and manipulation.

A mirror that reflects an accurate image is quite valuable. It shows us the spinach stuck in our teeth or the stain on our shirt we did not notice when we put it on. Seeing ourselves that way gives us the chance to correct a problem or even feel good about ourselves.  What a gift is that person who truly loves us enough to hold up a mirror – truthfully pointing out flaws and hopefully offering encouragement.

Here is what I KNOW about you and me: we are, in fact, beloved children of God! John reminds us of that fact when he writes – “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”  (1 John 3:1)  In a well-known text we learn that God’s love is not earned, but given! "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV)  He is for us, not against us. He sees us as valuable not because we are attractive in some way, but simply for who we are.  What a powerful message for the formation of self-image.

Perhaps you jump quickly to the word ‘sinner’ and feel that God must surely hate you. That is a distortion. Yes, we are sinners, but our failures are matched with God’s grace, our need of life met by His offer of rebirth through Christ Jesus. Paul exults in the gift of love and is inspired to teach us that "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death." (Romans 8:1-2, NLT)   

Our sins and failures, our alienation from God, our Father Creator, our insecurities  are all met with Jesus’ love. When He forgives it is complete, not partial. Where He is invited to save, it is a finished thing and allows us to change the image – sinner to saint, broken to whole, dead to alive! Grab this declaration of the Spirit and live in the truth. "Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, The Message)

Feeling like you are trapped in a fun-house full of mirrors that confuse you?  Bow your head in prayer, offer yourself to Christ Jesus, simply, wholly, and in faith. Begin to know who you are in His love. You are enough! You are worthy! You are loved!

Here is the word from the Word. Believe it, receive it, and live it!  "I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:17-19, NLT)

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(Video of this blog at this link)

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong

Jesus loves me He who died
Heaven's gate to open wide
He will wash away my sin
Let His little child come in

Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

Jesus loves me and I pray
He will keep me 'til that day
Keep me standing true and strong
Singing heaven's joyful song

Jesus loves me may I be
Ever faithful knowing He
Walks beside me ev'ry day
Shines His light along the way

Jesus loves me He will stay
Close beside me all the way
If I love Him when I die
He will take me home on high

Buckle Up!

“Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelt.”   I have heard that request dozens of times when traveling on an airplane without paying too much attention to it. I remember a flight from Denver, Colorado to Gillette, Wyoming when those words were the difference between security and serious injury. The pilot announced that we would be encountering some turbulence ahead and gave us those directions. Moments later that plane was rocking side to side, sliding up and down on air currents, buffeted by winds. Unsecured objects flew around the cabin. Some screamed in fear. I heard the murmur of prayers. The wild ride continued for several moments.  There was nothing I could do but trust the skill and training of the pilot and the structural integrity of that airplane.  When we landed it was a relief to step onto solid ground, though still shaken.

What a metaphor for life in general.  We are cruising along enjoying each day, thankful for friends and family, healthy and happy … until we hit the wild winds that toss us around. We feel helpless, sometimes even hopeless, as circumstances beyond our control toss us around.  Who among us has not laid awake into the early morning hours in the middle of emotional turbulence?  Who has not cried tears that are as much about helpless frustration as they are about real sorrow? Who has not felt the grip of fear that is so powerful it makes us physically ill?  That is the kind of turbulence in life I am talking about today. 

There is great comfort found in Paul’s inspired words written after his own encounter with terrible turbulence. A modern paraphrase captures the emotion for me even as the passage encourages me.  "We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing." (2 Corinthians 1:8-10, The Message)  This man of great faith felt like he was at the brink of death itself!  His only option, he concluded, was to trust God.  He buckled up, rode out the storm trusting God, and emerged with deeper and stronger faith.

We all pray for level pathways, for bright sunshine, and for happiness. That’s good and thankfully we are blessed with those seasons, most of the time, at least in my experience. But, turbulence will come. God will, for His own purposes, allow His children to endure difficult days and terrible turbulence. The unavoidable fact is that we live in a world where is evil is real, where we make some painful mistakes, where the irrational choices of others bring awful hardship to our front door!  It may sound simplistic, yet it is true that our best and first response is to renew our faith, to put on the seatbelt of trust, and to let God be God.

The principle that Peter teaches us is no mere platitude. It is a pathway to security in the storms of life. He says "Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world. Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!" (1 Peter 4:12-16, NLT)  How I love the practicality of Peter.  Hard days will come. Let God use them to shape your character and grow your faith. Oh, by the way, if you do stupid and sinful things, don’t blame God for the turbulence that results.  Don’t you love this guy?

As I close this thought, I want to go to the Psalms for our word from the Word. The counsel of these inspired words is amazing, steadying – like a seatbelt for you on a flight in turbulence. Read them prayerfully and let faith increase.

" Of David.
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." (Psalm 37:1-9, NIV)

Amen!

_________

 

(Video of this blog at this link)

 

Trust In God

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
He's been my fourth man in the fire (from the story in Daniel about the guys in the fiery furnace)
Time after time
Born of His Spirit, Washed in His blood
And what He did for me on Calvary
Is more than enough

I trust in God My Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail

Perfect submission All is at rest
I know the author of tomorrow
Has ordered my steps
So this is my story And this is my song
I’m praising my risen King and Savior
All the day long

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
That’s why I trust Him That’s why (I trust Him)

Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Mitch Wong, Steven Furtick

 Brandon Lake Music; Music by Elevation Worship Publishing; A Wong Made Write Publishing; Integrity's Praise! Music

CCLI License #810055

But, what if …

In three weeks Americans will elect a new government.  33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are up for election on November 5, 2024.  We will choose our President and that person will shape the Executive branch of the United States around new policies. What a privilege we have to choose our government. I hope you are planning to vote and making time to educate yourself about the candidates. 

Fear plays heavily in this election season with threats of catastrophic results if the “other” guy is elected. Both parties are stirring up fear because, in the short-term, it is a very effective motivator.  Tragically, this fear distorts our ability to think clearly.  Fear makes us reactionary rather than visionary!  I am not naïve about the state of the world, nor have I hidden myself from the realities around me.   

America is in a time of rapid social change, filled with self-indulgence, and increasingly godless. The wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East are fires that could explode into world conflict. COVID, just 4 years behind us, made the possiblities of pandemic real, no longer just the subject of theorists.   And yes, many are anxious over issues much closer to home – marriage stress, children who struggle academically or socially, health challenges.

Are you afraid yet?

There is a powerful antidote to the poison of fear. It is NOT positivity, as desirable as that choice may be.  We are invited to FAITH, to entrust ourselves, our kids, our nation, and the world to the loving, living God. Jesus says, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7, NIV) 

Our God holds eternity in His hands. He has the power to destroy us but Jesus reassures us that He cares about us, knowing our greatest needs intimately.  Great faith grows in us when we serve the true God of glory, not the small god of our imaginations. He does not want to occupy a small part of our lives, acknowledged only on Sunday and in times of crisis. He desires to be the center, with every decision we make shaped by our reverence and devotion.

Real faith that meets the challenges of the real world cannot be found in a lesser god.  IF we tame God, diminishing Him to fit within our understanding, the confidence we might know is lost.  If we are willing to live with the mystery of a majestic God, surrendering our self-will to His will, faith will become our solid foundation.  C. S. Lewis, the English author, alludes to the power of Christ when he writes - "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” 

An wwe of God is rooted in true praise and genuine worship.  I am not just speaking of what we do together in a church building. Worship is an ongoing choice to live with an open heart and mind to God’s Presence every day. It is not superstition nor being gullible.  It is seeing His majesty in the sweep of history, His love in ordinary circumstances, responding to the Spirit’s invitation right here, right now. 

The wisdom of the Word teaches us that the awe that comes from giving God His rightful place leads us into wisdom and confidence. Take a look!  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7, NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV) When the news of calamity and the theories of conspiracies of evil men swirl around you, turn to the Lord in prayer. Don't just pray for relief or for a bubble of safety. Pray instead that the fear of things to come will be replaced by an awesome sense of His love and purposes. Serve Him with such intensity that you have no need to worry.

As we approach this election, hearing the fear-mongering, watching the apocalyptic commercials, let’s take the revealed wisdom of the preacher Isaiah, who was inspired to give us the word from the Word for today.   He was speaking during a dreadful time for Judah. The Assyrian empire on its borders was prepared to invade. Spiritual complacency gripped the people. Yet the Spirit spoke through him and told the faithful: "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary." (Isaiah 8:12-13, NIV)

May you know true peace as you live with profound faith. Amen.

_________

(Video of this blog at this link)

King Of Kings

In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope without light
Till from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes

To fulfil the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt

 

Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit three in one
God of Glory – Majesty
Praise forever to the King of kings

 

To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross

For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake You died

 

And the morning that You rose
All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death

And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
To the Father are restored

 

And the Church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this Gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel shall not faint

By His blood and in His Name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me

 

Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood
© 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes

CCLI License #810055