Sunday Mornings – More than just another day

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Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. Acts 2:46

What gets you up on Sunday mornings for church? If you are a child, probably your Mom or Dad. If you are a teenager, hopefully, Mom or Dad takes you to church, but it could be a friend. If you are more mature in life, maybe it is an obligation, but hopefully, it is excitement. Excuses abound for not going to church: the music is loud, the people are all hypocrites, the preacher preaches too long, or the building is too hot or cold. C.S. Lewis was asked the question, “Is attendance at a place of worship or membership with a Christian community necessary to a Christian way of life?” Lewis beautifully captured what it means to go to church:

“My own experience is that when I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and I wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls, and then later I found that it was the only way of flying your flag; and, of course, I found that this meant being a target. It is extraordinary how inconvenient to your family it becomes for you to get up early to go to Church. It doesn’t matter so much if you get up early for anything else, but if you get up early to go to Church it’s very selfish of you and you upset the house. If there is anything in the teaching of the New Testament which is in the nature of a command, it is that you are obliged to take the Sacrament, and you can’t do it without going to Church. I disliked very much their hymns, which I considered to be fifth-rate poems set to sixth-rate music. But as I went on I saw the great merit of it. I came up against different people of quite different outlooks and different education, and then gradually my conceit just began peeling off. I realized that the hymns (which were just sixth-rate music) were, nevertheless, being sung with devotion and benefit by an old saint in elastic-side boots in the opposite pew, and then you realize that you aren’t fit to clean those boots. It gets you out of your solitary conceit.” – from Answers to Questions on Christianity, God in the Dock

It could be that a few of you may have a long-forgotten treasure tucked away in your keepsake box: a perfect attendance pin from years ago!  God never intended for church going to be about pins, certificates, public recognition, or trying to gain God’s favor.  Rhonda Stoppe writes “Church is not a place to go, rather it is a living body where God wants you to become a part—for your good and His glory.”

You probably have your reasons for going to church but here are a few of my reasons:

I get to celebrate with others. I love my morning prayer times but I need those times together with others in worship to strengthen and encourage me. The times of corporate worship remind me that I am not alone in my faith journey. As I look around on Sunday mornings and worship with others, I realize we are all on the same journey of faith.  Corporate worship is an important part of that “great encouragement we give each other” in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Amy Carmichael writes in Candles in the Dark to her colleagues of this vital unity, “I depend on you to carry on whatever happens. There may be difficult days ahead, but if you all stand together and go on together, nothing can overwhelm you. There may be attacks upon the pattern shown, and upon your vital unity which is founded upon loyal love. Be it so. I cannot fear. He who has called will hold you fast, and He will lead you on.”

I get to hear the preaching of God’s Word. Yes, I could easily sit in my recliner at home and listen to a smorgasbord of preachers. There are times when sitting at home is unavoidable and necessary and I am thankful for modern technology that connects us to the church. However, in an age of relationship isolation, solo worship fails to meet the need for togetherness. The early church realized the importance of coming together as “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

I get to model what it means to be a follower of Jesus. My kids know I am not perfect but they did see me worshipping a perfect Savior. I may not be a perfect neighbor but my going to church serves as a witness every Sunday morning. I may not be perfect but as I gather with other imperfect people, together we worship a perfect Savior. “The very moment of my salvation in Christ made my union with Christ an objective fact, but it’s not until the moment of realization of communion with Christ that there’s experiential joy.”—Ann Voskamp, The Broken Way

I get to be part of the global church. Long before I get to church on Sunday mornings, literally millions of fellow worshippers have already been to church and then by the time I leave, millions more will be attending church. In some places globally, members gather in secret due to government persecution, other believers gather under trees for church facilities, others gather in century-old sanctuaries, and many more will gather in store-front church plants. Regardless of the location where the gatherings take place, the beauty of these gatherings is “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. “(Gal 3:28) How awesome to know that I am not isolated but part of something far more significant. I am part of a living body of believers scattered throughout the world.

I get to worship God. If for no other reason I go to church because God is worthy to be worshipped. The One who created me in His image, the One who came to rescue me, the One who has prepared a place for all of eternity for me. This is the reason I go to church! “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1)

There may be a multitude of reasons to worship together. Whatever the reasons, all are simply a preamble to the greatest worship event of all times when “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands, And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Rev 7:9-10)

As followers of Jesus gather together weekly “from every nation, tribe, people and language” it is the most amazing answer we can give to a world drowning in disunity, divisiveness, hatred, and disillusion!

Lord, what an overwhelming celebration of oneness each week as we come together from every nation, tribe, people and language. You are the reason we can gather together as one. May You find us faithful.

God is great!

Would America be better off without the church?

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But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

Hurricane Ian has rightly dominated the news the last several days. My heart goes out to the people in the path of this destructive and chaotic event. It will not be easy for those who lost family members and for the challenges of rebuilding a life. In this tragic event, as well as the countless others that have occurred in the last year, we often voice our prayer support as well as our financial and physical support. Many will help out of civic duty, but for Christians, it is or should be, out of a Christ-centered heart and obedience to help the poor, the widows, the orphans, the hurting, and the lost. As Jesus simply said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:39)

It is never easy answering an unbelieving world’s question about why bad things happen. We may give the right theological answer but few are looking for such an answer when their world has fallen apart. What they are looking for will be the warm blanket given on a cold night without electricity, a hot meal to satisfy their hunger pains, and a word of encouragement that it will be ok. So, does a Christian have the inside track on helping? Not really when either skeptics or saints can provide the material things.

This brings me to my question for you. Would America or any nation be better off without the church? Voices such as Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and A. C. Grayling would say the world would be better off without religion. Emory University’s Frans de Waal said, “I’m struggling with whether we need religion…Personally I think we can be moral without religion because we probably had morality long before the current religions came along…so I am optimistic that religion is not strictly needed. But I cannot be a hundred percent sure because we’ve never really tried—there is no human society where religion is totally absent so we really have never tried this experiment.”

We need to be able to tell the world that no, it will not be better off. “Faithful Christ followers must work with urgency for moral and spiritual awakening not only for the sake of unrepentant sinners facing judgment but for our sake as well.” –Jim Denison

Part of the answer will be in the economic impact. In a study conducted by The Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, religion contributes about $1.2 trillion of socioeconomic value annually to the U.S. economy. This would be equivalent to being the world’s 15th-largest national economy. Brian Grim in response to the study said, “Do we need to know (religion’s socio-economic value) in order to appreciate the value of faith? Of course not, but in an age where fewer people are raised in religious congregations, we need to show a more balanced perspective on faith than might come through in daily headlines.”

Part of the answer will be in the moral impact. Micah gives a vivid description of a nation that rejects God. Though written generations ago, it is not a pretty picture. The moral vacuum would be chaotic without the strong foundation of God’s church. “What misery is mine! The godly have been swept from the land; not one upright man remains. All men lie in wait to shed blood; each hunts his brother with a net. Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire—they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen has come, the day God visits you. Now is the time of their confusion. Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” (Micah 7:1-6) These verses out of Micah sound familiar in our modern age. Just think how many laws and regulations in the United States it already takes to replace the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.

Part of the answer will be in the prayer impact. After any natural or man-made disaster, the first words offered are to pray for those impacted. So, who will pray? 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” Followers of Jesus offer the needed prayers “because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” (Eph 3:12). John captures a powerful and beautiful picture when he writes in Revelation, “the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Rev 5:8)

The most important part of the answer will be found in our message about Jesus. Numerous studies show that the Millennials and Gen Z generations have the highest level of loneliness and isolation. Other studies reflect that these same generations have the most significant percentage of moving away from the church. Coincidence? I don’t think so. “But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?” (Romans 10:14-15 The Message) Our singular message of hope in Jesus becomes the fragrance of life for those who receive it.

The church has had its fair share of jerks, malcontents, and false teachers and unfortunately will have until the end. However, it has had a greater choir of those like Mother Teresa serving in the slums of the world, Billy Graham articulating the simple invitation to follow Jesus, William Wilberforce fighting the surge of slavery, Martin Luther pushing back against false church doctrine, Martin Luther King, Jr. protesting the injustice of racism, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer standing against the complacency of the church.  Joining this great army through the ages are the unnamed, out of the spotlight, overlooked saints who taught mischievous little boys and girls in VBS, went to the mission field, served in small churches, fed the hungry, ministered to the sick, interceded on behalf of the lost and simply lived a Christ-centered life.

Would America or any nation be better off without the church? The answer will always be no when we “Put away… all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” –Ephesians 4:31-5:2

Lord, let us be the fragrant of Christ that attracts a hurting, frustrated, messed up world to offer the hope we have found in Christ.

God is great!

Living in a Toxic World

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Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. I John 4:20

Would you pay 2,664 Australian dollars (USD 1,874) for two McDonald’s egg and beef sausage McMuffins and a ham croissant? You would if you forgot to declare them in Australia. According to a USA Today report, an unnamed person traveling from Indonesia to Australia failed to disclose them upon entering Darwin Airport and was fined for “failing to declare potential high biosecurity risk items.”

Toxic is defined as “containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation, extremely harsh, malicious” according to Merriam-Webster. Toxic foods or waste products are bad enough, but it is even worse when it refers to people. Living in a toxic world creates stress, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness.

A 19-year-old walked into a Frisco, Texas Wendy’s restaurant and fired off several shots after receiving the wrong order in the drive-thru line. FBI ranks restaurants as the 8th most common setting for violent crime. Far worse than a toxic McMuffin is the toxic environment created by people. So how do we live in a world where even egg McMuffins can be considered toxic?

Theologian Teilhard de Chardin writes that “the future belongs to those who give the next generation reason to hope.” Regardless of age or generational group that we belong to, we have a responsibility to “give the next generation reason to hope.”

Learning to live in a toxic world is not a new phenomenon, it is as old as time. A toxic environment began when Adam and Eve decided to live life on their terms. Their children found out quickly that life is not easy in a toxic world when Cain murdered Abel. Each generation since has struggled to find hope because of the sinful nature of society. In the last couple of decades, with the increasing use of social media, it seems as if toxic is now on steroids.

You find the anonymous comments on social media apps that seek to disparage instead of encouraging. You listen to news programs that belittle the other side instead of generating conversation that leads to solutions. During election cycles, all you see and hear are polarizing political ads that seek to destroy the other person.

I wish I could say that those of us who call ourselves Christians set a high bar for creating loving, caring communities. Thankfully, there have been some great examples of how to live life together, yet too often we reflect the values and toxicity of the world, not Jesus. We were never called to share the same viewpoints, only to live a life where “all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”—John13:35 Communities should be refuge and grace where salvation and hope are found.

Henri Nouwen said of community “Life is full of gains and losses, joys and sorrow, ups and downs—but we do not have to live it alone. We want to drink our cup together and thus celebrate the truth that the wounds of our individual lives, which seem intolerable when lived alone, become sources of healing when we live them as part of a fellowship of mutual care.”

Touches of grace are often little acts of kindness and respect that encourage others in their life. Tricia Rhynold is a mom that knows about toxic comments. Mother to Timothy, a 7-year-old little boy who loves life but has severe autism spectrum disorder. Learning to help her son navigate life in a world that is not always gracious is difficult. Yet, a note from the mom of one of the boys in her son’s class inviting him to a birthday party made a difference.

“Carter sat beside Timothy at school, and he always talks about him. I really hope he can come. We are renting a bounce castle that we can attach a small bounce slide at the bottom. We will also have water balloons and water guns. Maybe Timothy can come earlier in the day if it would be too much with the whole class. Let me know how we can make it work.”

A simple birthday invitation gave Timothy’s mom hope. In her reply, she wrote, “You wrote exactly what I needed to see that day and didn’t even know it. Because of your son he is included. Because of your son he feels wanted. Because of your son he has a voice. And I want you to know that because of you I can get through another day. Because of you I can get through another appointment. Because of you I can take more stares and more questions. Because of you I have hope for Timothy’s future.”

Followers of Jesus can and do change a toxic world. We can be a beautiful testimony of life to a dying world. Change can happen that is seldom big and flashy. It could be simply one note at a time, one visit to a neighbor at a time, one prayer for a friend at a time, or one word of encouragement to a stranger at a time.

Scripture is rich in wisdom on how to live in this world.  Paul said it better than I could ever say it with some great advice in Romans:

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” –12:9-21 The Message

We may live in a toxic world but we have an amazing God that changes everything! We can pass on to the next generation a reason to hope.

God is love!

Exceptional Sleepers

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Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” Smile upon us, LORD! You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine. I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, LORD, make me safe and secure. –Psalm 4: 6-8

Ever fall asleep in class, on a plane, in church, or standing in line at Kroger waiting to check out? Then you may be a candidate for a job with Casper Mattress Company. They are looking to hire some expert sleepers and posted this on their website, “Do you love to sleep? Then we have a job that will pay you to do just that. Join the Casper Sleepers and show off your sleeping skills in public, on social and anywhere else people are looking. So join us to literally sleep on the job because we believe a good sleep changes everything.” (Casper.com website)

Casper’s dream candidate has:

Exceptional sleeping ability

A desire to sleep as much as possible

Willingness to be in front of or behind the camera capturing content

Ability to sleep through anything

A passion for sharing and talking about all things sleep through our social channels

I don’t know if this would be my dream job but I can sleep anywhere. Sleep is a blessing when it is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. In one of their reports, the Sleep Foundation said, “Insufficient sleep has an estimated economic impact of over $411 Billion each year in the United States alone.” In addition, “Drowsy driving is responsible for more than 6,000 fatal car crashes every year in the United States.”

Some of the major causes of sleep deprivation include stress, anxiety, work-related pressures, bedroom too hot or cold, uncomfortable beds, alcohol, caffeine, jet lag, using electronic devices close to bedtime, or watching TV in bed before going to sleep. The list could go on and on. Outside of health-related sleeping issues, many of the hot button causes of sleep deprivation come from us. Going to bed too late, looking at our Smartphones before bed, drinking that second cup of Starbucks coffee an hour before bedtime, or watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series before falling asleep!

Jesus taught us calmness through sleep. During a major storm when his disciples were in a state of panic as “the waves began to swamp the boat.” Instead of finding Jesus anxious and worried about the storm, they found him sleeping. So they came and woke him up saying, “Lord, save us! We are about to die!” There is nothing worse than being awakened from a deep sleep and Jesus was no exception. A little rebuke to the disciples before He took care of the situation.  “Why are you afraid, you of little faith? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was dead calm.” Matthew 8:25-26

Peter taught us trust through the gift of sleep. His friend and co-laborer, James had been executed by King Herod and now Peter finds himself between two burly soldiers waiting his fate. What do we find Peter doing? Sleeping. “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison.” Acts 12: 6 He could have stayed awake worrying about the situation and his pending execution but his hope was in the Giver of Life, so he slept.

Elijah taught us spiritual and physical renewal through the gift of sleep. He had been on the mountaintop of success, literally raining fire down on the false prophets but now he was running into the wilderness out of fear for his life. “Elijah stretched out and fell asleep under the shrub. Suddenly an angelic messenger touched him and said, “Get up and eat…he ate and drank and then slept some more.” I Kings 19:4-6 Through God’s gift of rest and sleep, Elijah was renewed and sent back to work.

God taught us reliance upon Him through the gift of sleep. Research consistently confirms the human body needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, so roughly a third of our lives is spent sleeping. Sleep and rest were part of God’s creative plan. Whether sleeping on a Casper Mattress or between two soldiers on a cold floor, it is our statement of trust that God has everything under control. “When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. Do not be afraid of sudden disaster or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the LORD will be the source of your confidence.” Proverbs 3:24-26

When we fall asleep we being to turn off our conscious mind and thoughts and begin to let go of our usual daytime defenses.  Living in the fullness of God’s love allows us to sleep during the vulnerability of night. Tonight, as you lay down, remember that sleep is among the many gifts that God gave us to live life. “It is vain for you to rise early morning, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he provides for those whom he loves even when they sleep.” —Psalm 127:2 NET

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go.”—Psalm 143:8 (NIV UK) “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.”—Teresa of Avila

Now guide me waking, O Lord,

and guard me sleeping;

that awake I may watch with Christ,

and asleep I may rest in peace.   (Night Prayer from the ancient Night Offices of the Church)

God is great!

 

Yet – One Word that Changed Everything

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Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane …Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” –Matthew 26:36a,38-39

Then they went to a place called Gethsemane…I am deeply grieved, even to death…he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” –Mark 14:32a,34-36

Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done. –Luke 22:42

How many times have you told yourself, that this day sure did go by fast? If you made that statement on June 29, 2022, you would have been correct. You lost 1.59 milliseconds on your typical 24-hour day. The Earth spun faster around its axis on June 29, making it the shortest day since the 1960s when scientists started measuring the planet’s rotation with atomic clocks. The phenomenon known as the “Chandler wobble” was first spotted in the late 1880s by astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler when he noticed the poles wobbled over a 14-month period.

This “Chandler wobble” seems insignificant compared to the day when Jesus used the word yet as a simple conjunction that shook heaven and earth. The Jesus wobble of Gethsemane came after the greatest struggles in history. His Garden of Gethsemane became a place of struggle, doubt, despair, prayer, and finally, relinquishing obedience.

“In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was utterly honest in prayer. He knew that His mission was to “suffer many thing” (Luke 9:22) and yet He begged God to take the cup of suffering away from Him. This is not the kind of thing that messiahs are meant to pray. It’s a prayer that runs counter to God’s revealed purposes. But in this heart-rending request, we are assured that it’s okay to grieve and cry, to plead with God, and to wonder why. In fact, it’s more that okay—it’s affirmed as something that expresses His heart. God accepts our honesty.” –Pete Greig

Jesus modeled for us in Gethsemane – fear, anxiousness, hope, courage, and obedience as we find ourselves in our own Garden of Gethsemane. Our gardens will look different from each other but they are gardens that often push us to the cliff of despair and distress. I know in my own life through the years that these gardens were complex and at the time, not always wanted. I found one of my gardens at Glorieta Conference Center battling in my soul over the decision to say yes to God’s invitation to serve in overseas missions. I found another garden in Mmabatho facing the challenges of a very sick child. I found myself in another garden at the IMB chapel hearing the announcement that hundreds of missionaries would be brought off the mission field.

In each of my garden experiences, I had to battle in prayer and often felt frustrated with God. The inevitable questions of why surfaced in my soul. Surely, I didn’t have to face these ordeals, there has to be a better way. You will find that the Garden of Gethsemane are frightening, stressful, challenging, and spiritually draining. Gethsemane which means “the oil press” becomes the spiritual press in our lives. Olive oil can only come after subjecting olives to intense pressure. The same oil that has been used for generations to meet daily needs of cooking, light, and healing has always been a critical component in many worship services.

I don’t know how you contended with God in your own garden experience, but Jesus gave you the perfect example of how to walk through the experience. When He cried out to God to “let this cup pass from me,” angels and demons alike looked upon this scene waiting to see what would happen. Our future hope waited upon the answer that would come from Jesus on that night. God waited expectantly for the answer. Then the earth probably wobbled just slightly as Jesus cried out, “yet.” Everyone now waited in anticipation of what Jesus would say. Finally, the words, “not what I want, but what you want.” As these words are spoken, our hope of eternity is set in motion.

Jesus allowed us to look in on his garden of Gethsemane’s agony that night.  He questioned, asked for a different way, wrestled with God for the cup to pass but came to the lifegiving words that allowed God to set in motion what needed to be done. If we discount Jesus’ struggle in the garden, we will discount our struggles when we find ourselves in these garden times. There will always be a moment when we finally have to either say yes to God’s will or yes to our own will.

God allows us to come to these yet moments of life out of His great love for us. Andrew Murray wrote that “the power of prayer depends almost entirely upon our apprehension of who it is with whom we speak.” It is in this place as we say yes to God’s will that we experience hope, life, and purpose.

Pete Greig, British pastor and founder of the 24/7 prayer movement shared about his own battle in his Garden of Gethsemane with God as he grieved over the possibility of his wife facing death. He realized that “Ultimately, peace lies in accepting that God knows best….When we are scared and hurting, when life feels chaotic and out of control, it is more important than ever to anchor ourselves in the absolute and eternal truth that we are dearly loved and deeply held by the most powerful being in the universe. Let this be the great non-negotiable in our lives, the platform for all our other thoughts, and the plumbline for our prayers.”

I am thankful that in our Garden of Gethsemane moments we do not face them alone. What will it cost you to say yes?  Did it cost Jesus to say yes to God’s will? What would it have cost the world if his answer had been no?

“Father in heaven, when the thought of you wakes in our hearts, let it not wake like a frightened bird that flies about in dismay, but like a child waking from its sleep with a heavenly smile.” –Soren Kierkegaard

God is great!

Getting the Best Odds

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And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever. I John 2:17

Do you consider postage stamps gambling? If so, then I need to confess my gambling addiction. I dutifully enter the Consumer Reports and Publishing Clearing House sweepstakes. With the odds of winning $2,500 at 1:432,400, I’m not counting on it as part of my financial future!

The odds of getting struck by lightning in any given year is 1:1,222,00. Winning the Mega Millions lottery your odds are pretty good at 1:302,600,000. If you are a Delta pilot you can feel pretty good your odds of being killed in a plane crash are only 1:11,000,000. However, dying in a car accident is not so good at 1:107. Your chances of getting audited by the IRS however are pretty good at 1:220, especially if you file a return of $0 or more than $10 million.

Odds are something will happen in your life simply because you are alive. If you can think up something, chances are someone will place odds on the event. One interesting note about certain odds, there is one sure thing that currently stands at 1:1. Those guaranteed odds are on death. I know those odds seem to come as a surprise to many people but my best research confirms these odds. At some point, you will cash in on the death odds. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.” (Ecc 3:1-2a)

Two things are worth considering about death. First, there are some things you can do to improve your odds before you finally cash in your life ticket. However, the more important component is what happens after death.

Where you live can delay death slightly. Americans average 79.05 years of life. You get a couple more years added onto the average if you are a woman. You can increase the life expectancy if you move to Hong Kong where you can live to be 85.16. However, it is best not to move to the Seychelles where the average age drops to 73.65.

What you eat can delay death slightly. The more legumes, whole grains, and nuts you eat add a few more years. However, I like the lady on the Smucker’s segment of The Today’s Show as they recognize those celebrating 100 years or older. When asked how she lived to be 100, her response was she always ate her dessert first! My kind of person.

There are plenty of suggestions on various websites that will help you increase your life expectancy. Going outside, hanging out with friends, exercising daily, lowering your stress, turning off your TV, getting more sleep, and even flossing daily helps. Interestingly there are several key things left off of the numerous lists that I read – I failed to see anything about working longer hours, having more money, or getting more likes on Facebook.

How you view life may not increase your life expectancy but it does make life worth living. Warren Smith shares a story about the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.  “I am fond of a story about the great English architect Sir Christopher Wren. One day, while re-building the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great London Fire of 1666, Wren walked anonymously among his workers – sort of a 17th century version of “Undercover Boss.”

 He asked three men building a wall what they were doing. The first answered: “I am cutting a stone.” The second said, “I am earning three shillings a day.” The third man stood up tall and proud. He answered, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build a great cathedral to the glory of God.”

The third man may not have had a significant role in the building of the cathedral but he knew he was part of something bigger than himself.  It was not in the task that he was doing that gave him his value, but the fact that he was part of something bigger. That something would ultimately be to glorify God.

The problem with trying to extend your life, no matter how commendable, is that you still don’t know the end. Jesus in the Parable of the Rich Landowner, who tried to store up earthly riches, heard the words, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20)

The nameless rich landowner did everything right in extending his life. He lived in the right place, had the best food, had a nice bank account, and was probably very religious yet he failed one thing: He didn’t have a relationship with God.

This brings us to the second part of the equation about death. It’s not what you have that matters at death, but who you know. If you know the right person, eternity is a breeze. Jesus said to anyone who will listen, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

God understood the dilemma of death and decided to tip the odds in our favor. Since God loved the world that He created he made a perfect plan. “He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Jesus understood the dilemma if we try to handle death by ourselves. He opens the gates of heaven for us simply “by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8-9) Pretty amazing, isn’t it!

Heaven is not a longshot, distorted odds, or unreachable when you have Jesus as your Savior. The end results: “after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” –I Peter 5:10

You can have all the “best” earth has to offer but it will be poverty in comparison to heaven. The few extra years you get on earth from eating kale will pale against the beauty of heaven. What an amazing joy and hope we have as, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” –Rev 21:4

God is great,

Influencers or Imitators – Is there a difference?

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I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me. I Cor 4:16

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. I Cor 11:1

What made you decide on that particular shirt, perfume, or any other item you purchased? Chances are, a social influencer may have played a role in your purchase. Names such as Cristiano Ronaldo with 517 million total followers, Justin Bieber with 455 million followers, and Ariana Grande with 429 million followers are among the top influencers.

Even though the millennial generation dominates the top influencers, Baby Boomers to Gen Z generation have a presence among influencers. 18-year-old TikTok influencer Charli D’Amelio’s earnings exceed the median pay for execs at Fortune 500 companies. The average age of the top 50 influencers is just over 37.

Exactly what is a social media influencer? Merriam-Webster added the word “influencer” to their 2019 dictionary. An influencer is “a person who is able to generate interest in something (such as a consumer product) by posting about it on social media.”  Social media has become the primary platform for today’s cultural influencers. Even though the word, influencer is relatively new, the concept is as old as time.

Josiah Wedgwood is often considered an early-era influencer, dating back to 1760. Wedgwood was a potter and after he made a tea set for Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, he convinced her to allow him to promote his pottery with royal approval. Since Royalty was the ultimate “influencer” of the era, this allowed Wedgwood’s pottery to become the preferred pottery of the time.

Wedgwood did use his platform as “Potter to her Majesty” to focus on the abolition of slavery. Using his skills as a potter he created a Slave Medallion to bring public attention to the abolition cause.

Paul may not fit the stereotypical influencer of our day. However, he did use the ancient version of social media. He would write to the early churches, who then re-posted his letter to the other churches in the area. Most current influencers seek to influence action but few would ask to imitate them.

If an influencer seeks to generate interest in something, what does an imitator do? Imitators are people who copy the behavior or actions of another. We all influence decisions in one way or another but to imitate someone requires a deeper level of commitment and purpose. Paul boldly says, “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” and it necessitates a lifestyle or convictions worthy of imitating. The real difference between an influencer and an imitator can be life-changing.

“Follow me as far as I follow Christ. Come up as close as you can to my example in those instances wherein I endeavor to copy after his pattern. Be my disciples, as far as I manifest myself to be a faithful minister and disciple of Christ, and no further. I would not have you be my disciples, but his.” –Matthew Henry

Imitators of Christ will always make a difference, one life at a time. Jim Denison recently shared the story about Alban, the first martyr in Britain. When your life is so focused on Jesus it is a life that calls out to be imitators of me, as I am of Christ, even to the point of death.

Alban lived in third-century Britain in the Roman city of Verulamium. One day he gave shelter to a Christian priest fleeing persecution. While protecting him, Alban was inspired by the priest’s faith and asked to be taught about Christianity. As a result, he came to faith in Christ.

When the authorities caught up with the priest, Alban’s newfound faith would not allow them to arrest him. Instead, he exchanged clothes with the priest and was arrested, allowing the priest to escape. Alban refused to renounce his beliefs, so the magistrate ordered that he should receive the punishment intended for the priest.

As a result, he was led out of Verulamium and up the hillside where he was beheaded, becoming the first Christian martyr in the British Isles.

Before his death, the executioner assigned to kill him became so impressed with his faith that he became a believer as well and refused to kill Alban. The executioner was then executed, becoming the second Christian martyr in Britain.

The third was the priest. When he learned that Alban had been arrested in his place, he hurried to the court in hopes of saving Alban by turning himself in. He was then martyred as well. The place of their deaths is near the site of St Alban’s Cathedral today.

Imitators or influencers? The choice is pretty clear which will make a difference for today and eternity.

Influencers promote products and lifestyles. Imitators live a life that points people to Jesus. Phil 3:17-21

Influencers’ status depends upon the current trend. Imitators reject superficial trends holding to a faith found through the ages “looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Influencers use their platform for personal gain. Imitators seek to live life without selfish ambition or conceit. Philippians 2:3-8

Influencers can twist truth. Imitators speak truth in love. Ephesians 4:15

Influencers hide behind a mask of impersonal relationships through their social media platform. Imitators live with unveiled faces being transformed, living life in relationships. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Influencers seldom face death for their post. From the beginning, imitators of Christ knew their life choice brought them into conflict with the world, even to the point of death. John 15:18-20

Social media influencers will have an impact, money, and notoriety but only for a brief moment. The one who seeks to be an imitator of Christ may not have millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, nor command $400,000 per post. However, what an imitator of Christ has will be of eternal significance. Now that is an influence that is desperately needed in our current culture that makes a difference!

God is great.

 

Walk the Ancient Paths

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Thus says the LORD:

Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

But they said, “We will not walk in it.” –Jeremiah 6:16

Are there any crossroads you have been hesitant to take? If you are like most of us, then probably there have been many. Crossroads mandate a decision as to whether you go straight, left or right. Life presents us with crossroads that are business, political, philosophical, moral, and spiritual. Whichever crossroad you take will impact your life, occasionally for a moment, but often for a lifetime.

Psalm 23 takes you through the green pastures as well as the dark valleys, yet walking the ancient paths that God has laid out, guarantees his constant companionship. Rejecting God’s way will put you on a path moving further away from God and His ancient paths.

Israel had been given prophets and teachers to help them know God’s Word. Now as they stand at the crossroads all they have to do is “ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it.” God is ready to walk with them. Unfortunately, as they stand at the crossroad, they reject the ancient paths. They would rather keep going in their ways that will take them further away from God.

Connie and I had the amazing opportunity last week to be part of a 10-day Journey of Paul through Athens, Corinth, Patmos, Ephesus, Philippi, and Thessalonica (Thessaloniki). Time has taken its toll on these places, leaving little more than archeological digs, scattered stones, and remnants. However, there is a strange sense of timelessness and excitement in each place recognizing that all of these were communities of faith that were built upon the ancient paths of God.

Walking the path leading to the unearthed theatre in Ephesus I can picture the angry mob led by Demetrius who has chosen the path of the goddess Artemis instead of the ancient path of God.

Walking the path to enter the cave on Patmos I can visualize John as he captures the words of Jesus to the Seven Churches in Asia Minor in the book of Revelation.

Walking the path that leads to the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens I rejoice that Paul boldly proclaimed the one true God. I am humbled that these words spoken that day will become part of my faith ancestry.

Walking the path leading to the river in Philippi I feel the water where Lydia and her household were baptized as some of the first followers of Jesus in Europe.

Walking the path in front of the prison in Philippi where Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, I am overwhelmed with the courage and peace they had to be able to worship and continue to preach the Gospel.

Though I came to faith long before I walked these sites, I experienced the joy and amazement of being connected to a great throne of saints who walked the ancient paths of Christ that I am now walking.  This journey on ancient paths reminds me that often our generational-centric pride that has captured much of the modern church forgets the deep and moving legacy of our faith family that has gone before us. J.I. Packer says well of the rich heritage of the church. “Tradition is the fruit of the Spirit’s teaching activity from the ages as God’s people have sought understanding of Scripture. It is not infallible, but neither is it negligible, and we impoverish ourselves if we disregard it.”

The ancient ways of the church often seem strange in our modern, contemporary church world.  Yet it is in these traditions, that God’s way has been passed down from one generation to the next. It is in this shared heritage that we can celebrate our faith, encourage us amid trouble, and strengthen us in our weakness.

The “others” who have gone before us on this ancient path give us the courage to stay on the course that God has laid out. Larry Woiwode writes that “There is rugged terrain ahead for those who are constitutionally incapable of referring to the paths marked out by wise and spirit-filled cartographers over the centuries.”

I left encouraged to have been able to walk these ancient streets of old, not simply as a tourist but as one sharing the common bond of faith with those who have gone before me. The pathway they walked was not always easy but they trusted God. It is on this ancient path that I now walk.

The people of Israel stood at the crossroads and chose to turn away from God. Each generation throughout history has stood at the crossroads and made a choice to ask for the ancient paths or turn away from God. The Bible is filled with evidence that the ancient paths are not archaic or inaccessible. Church history is filled with evidence that the ancient paths are not irrelevant. Church tradition is filled with evidence that Jesus Christ is worthy of worship. Now our generation is standing at the crossroads, will we ask for the ancient paths? Pray that we will say yes.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

God is great

Pentecost Sunday! What else would you come to expect from God who so loved the world?

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And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:16-17 (NLT)

One of the harder words to tell anybody is goodbye but telling someone you love goodbye can be gut-wrenching.  You say the words and you feel the emotions and grief deep down, even if the goodbye will be short-lived. I still feel the emotions of that morning in January 1983 when we said our goodbyes to family and friends at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, walking down the breezeway knowing it would be almost five years before we would see everyone again. We had done our best to get ready for this day but when the moment came, all the preparation seemed to disappear and the tears came.

I could tell my aging parents that we would come back but I knew the separation would hurt. We would write regularly and keep them informed. We would pray for them daily. We would even send pictures of where we would be living. It wouldn’t be the same as being physically present but it would provide encouragement and comfort until we returned.

Jesus knew his departure was coming soon so he started preparing his followers for his goodbye. The Gospel of John records various exchanges between Jesus and his disciples about his role, their role, and the life ahead. Confusion, fear, doubt, and uncertainty marked the tone of his disciples. How could Jesus leave them? What will happen to them? Jesus gave them a promise that they wouldn’t be left behind.

Similar to a mother who reassures her little boy that she will come back for him, Jesus reassures His followers. “No, I will not abandon you as orphans.”  In all their confusion, knowing Jesus wouldn’t leave them made all the difference. Yes, the little boy left in the nursery doesn’t know when his mother will come back but even amid his tears, he believes she will come back for him.

How great the words must have been to the disciples when Jesus said, “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” –John 14:25-27 (The Message)

The days have passed quickly for the disciples since they watched Jesus’ death on the cross and then experienced the life-changing event of His resurrection. Lots of things have happened during these days since Jesus’ resurrection. Now the day came when they would hear Jesus tell them goodbye.

Over the years we have witnessed a lot of goodbyes at the airport – watched lots of airplanes taxi out to the runway for departure, stood at the window watching until the plane is no longer in sight. The disciples heard Jesus as he departed, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”—Acts 1:8a They had no clue as to what all this meant yet. What kind of power? They would be witnesses at home and to the ends of the earth. Sounds incredible!

Yesterday marked Pentecost Sunday commemorating and celebrating the promise Jesus gave to his disciples and us.  It was a day that empowered a ragtag bunch of men and women to become the church that would change the world.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” –Acts 2:1-4,12

Pentecost Sunday reminds us that God is true to His Word. The day reminds us that nothing escapes His attention. At the end of their Pentecost Sunday, this little band of disciples who had been afraid of their shadows just a few days before now spoke with boldness and power.

The account in Acts 2 gives a list of the nations and peoples who experienced Pentecost firsthand. On that day they came to hear the Gospel in their heart language and 3,000 or so persons were added as followers of Jesus.  This first encounter birthed the unstoppable movement of God that is moving towards the day when Revelation 7:9 is fulfilled. “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.”

Pentecost Sunday! What else would you come to expect from God who so loved the world?

God is great!

Every Generation Needs Peculiar People

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Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2: 12-14 KJV

I just attended a conference with over 800 peculiar people! Peculiar is a word we don’t use anymore to describe someone, especially in a positive way. However, I thought about the King James Version’s use of peculiar to describe this group of people.

Connie and I attended the IMB Emeritus Missionary Conference. Listening to the stories, watching the interaction of people, and focusing on their passion for God; peculiar just seemed to fit the group. They are people who deeply care about the nations.  The dictionary definition of peculiar is “unusual or eccentric; strange; odd. Standing apart from others; calling for special consideration or attention; distinct and particular.” (American Heritage Dictionary)

They are peculiar when you think about how they left their homeland for another country. Peculiar in how they accepted assignments in difficult places. Peculiar in how they gave up the chance to achieve financial success. Each person there chose a lifestyle considered peculiar in our world today. During one of the sessions, a new group of missionaries joined the ranks of emeritus missionaries. Together they served a combined 1750 years or, put another way, One Millennium, Seven Centuries, and Five Decades.

This is a lot of years of conversations, interactions, and frustrations, but joyful service in many different languages, cultures, and situations seeking to help others understand when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“Jesus didn’t say that any particular ethic, doctrine, or religion was the way, the truth, and the life. He said that he was. He didn’t say that it was by believing or doing anything in particular that you would “come to the Father.” He said that it was only by him—by living, participating in, being caught up by the way of life that he embodied, that was his way.” –Frederick Buechner

This group of peculiar people that we shared time with understood the challenges facing the world today. They fully grasp the reality and truth of John 8:12 and the difference Jesus makes in our world. The billions who live in the world daily without Jesus and the billions who live in the world daily with Jesus, all live in the same chaotic world. It is a world where injustice still impacts people, violence causes unrest and lack of peace and physical and spiritual hunger abound along with heightened mistrust of others.

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching about the Kingdom and helping us live a Kingdom-focused life. Jesus’ mission was to move people out of darkness into the light. His strategy was simple: “Follow me.” As we follow Jesus we avoid the darkness and can walk on his well-lit pathway. Those walking in darkness are constantly bumping into objects – objects of hatred, violence, and philosophical hopelessness.  For those of us who walk in the light of Jesus, we see the path ahead allowing us to avoid many of the pitfalls.

Dallas Willard, commenting on John 8:12 wrote, “Another important way of putting this is to say that I am learning from Jesus to live my life as he would live my life if he were I. I am not necessarily learning to do everything he did, but I am learning how to do everything I do in the manner that he did all that he did.”

CeCe Winans song, Believe For It might be a great theme song for peculiar people. The words of the song sum up well how peculiar people look at the world.  People who understand what it will take to change the world.

They say this mountain can’t be moved

They say these chains will never break

But they don’t know You like we do

There is power in Your name

We’ve heard that there is no way through

We’ve heard the tide will never change

They haven’t seen what You can do

There is power in Your name

So much power in Your name

Move the unmovable

Break the unbreakable

God we believe

God we believe for it    (CeCe Winans – Believe For It Lyrics | Lyrics.com)

Peculiar people will probably not win any popularity contests. Peculiar people will most definitely stand out in the crowd.  Yet it will be peculiar people that will move mountains, change the course of nations, break chains and impact the world.

For thou art a holy people unto the LORD they God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2 KJV

Every generation has needed some peculiar people. Could this be the time to bring this old KJV word back into common usage? Our nation, our world, desperately needs some praying, godly peculiar people. How about you?

God is great,