These scars are beautiful!

When I was a young boy I received a bicycle for Christmas, it was blue. I rode that bike all over the place. I loved that bike. There is something freeing about those moments as a young kid riding a bike around town and facing new adventures with that new found freedom. That freedom took me to the scene of my accident…that sounds more dramatic than it really was. I fell off of my bike and in the process I gashed my knee open. The “accident” wasn’t very traumatic or memorable with the exception that there was a lot of blood localized around a cut on my knee. Upon further review I probably should have had stitches but it was bandaged and wrapped and slowly it healed. In the healing process it itched, occasionally it burned, but over time it formed into a white lined scar right across my right kneecap. It is still there to this day, though smaller just as that young boy was so long ago.

We all have scars.

Some scars are there to remind us of how foolish or negligent we’ve been in our lives while others were inflicted on us by an outside source. Regardless of how they were formed they have become part of our identities now.

Some scars though, have not marked us on our bodies but rather our hearts and our minds through hurtful experiences inflicted by others around us. These scars too are long lasting, some we carry with us to this very day and they mark us and are a part of our current identity.

What kinds of scars do you have? I would be willing to guess most of us carry with us both types of scars. We have known the pain of physical afflictions and accidents which have left their marks on us, and we have also known the psychological and harming pain of scars of words slung our way and even the pain of losing a family member to death. These scars cut us deep and leave their impression on us…sometimes for life.

Can you recognize the beauty in your scars?

We have lived. We have not come through this life (thus far) unscathed. We have experiences to share with others. Wisdom to convey. We have knowledge that we wouldn’t have possessed before earning (or falling victim to) these scars.

Could I ever relate to a parent in mourning at the loss of their child? No absolutely not. I can empathize. I can weep with them, but I cannot completely understand the heart-wrenching pain involved in that scar. Although I cannot relate, other parents who have lost children along the way can share their wisdom and understanding during such a time of heart-wrecked agony. These scars carry with them beauty. Not because life is lost but because hope can be conveyed.

I don’t wish to imply any of these scars are lovely when inflicted on us. They burn. They hurt…sometimes severely. Sometimes they maim and disfigure us either physically or emotionally…but there is beauty on the other side of our healing. There is knowledge and understanding…there is opportunity to relate with others and to help in their healing.

From our scars to His…

“The Incredulity of Saint Thomas” by Caravaggio

Jesus held out His hands towards Thomas. We call him “doubting Thomas”…I think we all can relate to him. Jesus had died. He had suffered horribly. His agony had been witnessed, and there was no way to come back from that. How could the other disciples say Jesus was now alive again? How could they make Thomas’ soon to be scar in his heart hurt any more? It was like salt on a fresh wound. And so He doubted their accounts of a risen teacher. He vehemently drew the line and was unwilling to cross it until (as if it would ever happen) He physically touched Jesus’ wounded body. So the scars came to Thomas. The wounded hands and feet of Jesus suddenly appeared to the disciples in a hide out along with the rest of their Savior. He stood before them and Thomas had to place his hands into those nail scared hands and a spear pierced side…then He believed.

Scars are beautiful…

I don’t mean to say that in a masochistic sort of way or idle fascination in pain and maiming, I mean that in relational love and experience. Thomas placed his inexperienced hands in the nail scarred hands of the Savior and was forever changed. Jesus knew what it was like to suffer. Jesus knew what it was like to carry these scars with Him…and His beauty marked the hearts and left a sacred scar on His disciples.

What was meant to be evil and damaging in totality had become beautiful and life-giving. What was meant to destroy and cruelly maim had become healing and salvation to all the world. These scars are beautiful!

Do you have scars like these that you can share with the world around you? These are the scars of experience and understanding. These are the sacred scars of healing and restoration. These scars say “I understand and I can relate to what you are going through!” God doesn’t bring these scars upon us, but He can bring something marvelous out of our trials and experiences. The damaging things that this life and even Satan himself can throw at us God can turn into victories.

The scars of a recovering alcoholic who has beaten the odds and stayed sober can lead other alcoholics to find Hope. The scars of an abused woman who has turned her life around and escaped that wounding lifestyle of physical abuse can bring hope to another woman who is still stuck and imprisoned in that life of hell.

Do you have scars?
Can you bring hope?
Do you have a story to share with one who needs to hear it?
There is victory in the scars.
There is hope in the nail scarred hands of a Savior who understands.

These scars are beautiful!

April 16, 2014 0

Confessions of a Deadman

What would the conversation look like? The amazement. The confusion. He had been dead…as a door nail. What’s a door nail by the way?…ok I digress. The look of shock, the spirit of disbelief in his sister’s eyes. They had been there when he had breathed his last. They had mourned his passing. The sting of death still lingered in their hearts and minds like the peeling blister on a sunburn. This emotional roller coaster had just careened into the station though their stomachs and emotions still lingered somewhere behind them on the track.

It had been four days since he had died. Four long and agonizing days. How his sisters had wept bitterly. How little they had slept…was this all a dream? Could this really be happening? What goes on in the spiritual realm when someone dies? What did Lazarus go through in those four days of death? Did he see a great light? Did he have an out of body experience? Was he in heaven? Oh how little we know about the life to come.

Sitting at the table with a deadman, what must his sisters have wanted to ask. “Did you see any family there?” “Did you meet Yahweh?” “What was it like?” Idle curiosity must have played a factor in this postmortem interval family reunion. After four days in the tomb, in his final resting place, he was hungry. Sitting at the table with nourishment (evidence and a source of all preservation of life) of water and food Lazarus, who was now reanimated. He longed to soak up his sister’s presence once more. They lingered together. Isn’t it interesting how we miss the company of those we love when we have been far from them? Death, though only separated by this thin membrane of a veil, had separated these loved ones from each other…now it had been torn with the authority of Jesus’ words; “Lazarus, come forth!”

What did Lazarus experience at this call? Not only did his deceased bones reanimate, but with it organs, blood circulation and brain function reignited as well. The impossible became possible. The very breath of life exhaled and inhaled into dormant unusable lungs of a corpse.

What could he tell his family of such an experience? What did this deadman have to say? Jesus, the life bringer, had raised him from the dead…he had kicked the bucket, shuffled off his mortal coil…he was completely and totally devoid of life. Lazarus had experienced the mystery of the great beyond and his sisters would undoubtedly hang on his every word in his retelling…wouldn’t you? We read of stories of children and adults who have experienced something when they had “died” and were then resuscitated. We are truly a curious creation aren’t we? We want to know what is next. What comes after this life. Some ask if there really is something after this life. I doubt Lazarus would have had any other doubts about the existence of the hereafter.

Do you have doubts? We all do from time to time. Perhaps Jesus needs to breathe some life into our doubting hearts. Perhaps we need Him to call us forth from our caves or tombs of doubt. I often find myself like Thomas longing to physically touch his nail wrecked hands and feet. I long for the tangible frequently when faith has pushed off from the docks of reality and the “real world”. Please tell me I am not the only one? Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I am not saying I disbelieve, but I am saying that I often find myself on those docks of belief watching faith ship off without me aboard. I ~~long~~ yearn to be aboard but something has stopped me. In a very real sense I am the deadman in need of being resurrected. My faith needs resurrecting daily. Don’t think ill of me…it’s a principle of momentum.

Momentum has a way of pushing and driving something forward…if I stop, momentum stops. In application of this principle, if I stop my prayer life, if I hit the pause button on my devotion life (my quiet times with the Lord), if I halt my daily conversations with The Father…I have lost momentum, and in this loss I am once again a deadman. I am once again in need of reanimation. I need to be called forth. Am I alone in this? Please tell me I am not. I doubt I am. I think you may relate to me. This is my confession of a deadman…Jesus, call me forth again!

-Just a thought.

April 9, 2014 0

“Dear Abby-Normal”

Many of you will recognize the reference from Young Frankenstein and if you have never seen this quote here’s the humorous interaction from the movie – “Whose brain did you put in?”

In the clip Igor mistakenly puts an abnormal brain into the body that doctor Frankenstein is trying to reanimate. As soon as the “monster” is alive the doctor quickly realizes something is definitely wrong. Igor thought the label read “Abby-normal”.

Are you Abby-normal?

I don’t wish to make light of an advice column but since we’re on the topic of advice, let me offer some advice to my fellow Christ-followers out there. I don’t claim to have all of the answers, nor would I ever make such a claim. I do know the One who does have the answers and without Him we are surely lost! Since we are no longer slaves to sin and Christ has redeemed us we are now different aren’t we? Essentially we have been transformed or changed and we no longer bear the image of the world.

How to be Abby-Normal:

I don’t wish to imply to anyone that we are to be strange or weird, or that we have to be completely divorced from the world around us. What I am implying though is that the world does become different to us when we peer through the lens of Christ, who has set us free and saved us from or sins. Thus, to the outside world, we are now considered strangers of “abby-normal”. We aren’t the same anymore in essence – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

But how do we remain “abby-normal” and still maintain relevance and witness in a world that needs the hope of Christ?

Here are a couple thoughts on remaining “abby-normal“:

1. Pray continually & Feast on the word of God!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray continually“. These words were written to the early believers who, though new in their faith, were facing persecution and pressure. Prayer is more than just kneeling beside your bed at night or as you wake up in the morning. Prayer can be a support system, a communication with God on a moment by moment basis. We don’t need a special place to pray, we can pray in our cars on our way to work. We can also pray in silence as we walk or in between meetings…or whatever else fills our day. We do not have to say specific words to make prayer more powerful, God desires our hearts and sincerity. Prayer is our connection to a limitless God and personal Savior.

Along side our prayers is the need for us “abby-normals” to feast of God’s Word! “Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2Tim 3:16,17) The Word of God has a way of correcting us and providing to us direction in this life. Though it is true that not everything we face in this life is written about in the days of Jesus…They never had to deal with rush hour traffic or some of our social issues today, but God can speak to us through His Word. His Word is vital to our growth and will equip us to challenge the world around us. We are strangers in this world because of our love of this unseen God, but faith has a way of providing for us perseverance especially in times of pressure and trouble.

2) The Gift of the Holy Spirit

We are not alone in this world. We have One who goes before us and walks beside us! At the moment of our salvation the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. He can guide us and provide us strength for the journeys we all face. Romans 8:26 says, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Paul wrote these words in the midst of his own struggles and that of the recipient of this letter, but these words should bring comfort to all of us today as well! We are recipients of the Holy Spirit too and with His help we are never alone in our witness of the resurrected Christ!

To Whom do you belong?

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19

We are no longer citizens of the world…”But our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). As citizens of Christ we are His, and though the world see us as “abby-normal” we know that truth of this life and how we ought to live it. But secondly we also know where hope for the world comes from – Christ Jesus. Therefore as “Abby-normals” we ought to be sharing and declaring this hope with love and joy to those around us. How we do this begins with how we live and conduct our lives. Because the world doesn’t want Christians to preach at them…they long for genuineness and authenticity. If we are walking with God and His Holy Spirit is truly guiding us (which He promises to do) then we have to put feet with our faith and our words. Living the resurrected life out-loud is so much more effective than mere words or sermons…our lives should be living sermons which will bring others to Christ!

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12

Don’t be ashamed to live an “Abby-normal” kind of life! Remember your identity as a child of the Most High! You have been bought with a great price and our mission is to shine and love even if it means we aren’t always accepted. Shine anyway and live this “Abby-normal” life out-loud!

-Just a thought!

April 8, 2014 0

Church 101 – “And the Survey Says…”

Below are 8 questions within a survey that, if you have the time, would you please click and fill it out.
This survey is through “SurveyMonkey” it’s safe and you won’t be asked to give any information other than answering these quick and painless multiple choice questions.

Next Monday I will share with you the results of this Church 101 survey. Please help me in gathering as much data as I can by your participation in this survey, from you my fellow readers and bloggers. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

This should be interesting!

Here’s the link –

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5B33GZQ

Stay tuned Monday as I explore results and please comment and help explore this topic with me!

April 4, 2014 0

5 Myths About Christianity…

There are preconceived ideas floating around about what a Christian is and isn’t. I am most certainly not the end all and be all of answers here, but from my experience and knowledge of what a Christian should and shouldn’t be, let me make a list of a few myths for everyone today. I am sure this may spark some conversations and hopefully help to clarify this thing we call “Christianity”. These aren’t in any specific order, just placed as I write them now…so here goes.

Myth #1 – “Salvation saves my soul and after conversion there is no need for further repentance or spiritual growth.”

Let us be clear.
Salvation is just the first step towards spiritual growth. Without Salvation we are lost, but at the moment of conversion the Holy Spirit begins this transforming work within us. To say that we only need repentance once and that growth isn’t needed is foolish and closes the door to a deeper, more fuller relationship with God. We should also look more closely at the need for further repentance. Repentance is crucial in our continued growth as Christians or Christ-followers. As Spiritual maturity takes root in our lives so must we come face to face with lingering or flawed recesses of our hearts, souls and minds. These are fragments of the old life still living within us. The Holy Spirit’s work in us leads us towards Holiness which is the image of Christ, but we cannot fully realize this until we are willing to repent and surrender these lingering fragments. Continued repentance is crucial for our continued spiritual growth.

Myth #2 – When you become a Christian you are no longer allowed to have fun

This may sound funny to you, but I’ve heard it said of Christians that once you become “saved” you have to stop having fun. Sorry to tell you this, but some of the craziest (by crazy I mean funny) people I know are Christians. I believe God has a great sense of humor (afterall He created you and me didn’t he?) and so did Jesus. I can almost hear even a sense of sarcasm in some of Jesus’ words at times. Humor is vital to life. We need to be able to laugh at ourselves and revel in the frivilous from time to time. The fellowship of believers shouldn’t only be about serious content and plastered frowning/pious faces, we should also seek to have fun in this life as well! I seriously think that many people who are not Christians think we all wear funny clothes, and sit around singing hymns in latin. If that was the case, perhaps I would seriously think of heading for the exit as well. But I know Christians who are just plain down to earth people. These same people have a very humorous, sharp sense of humor. When people become Christians and embrace faith in Christ they do not (or should not) lose their sense of humor. Humor is not only refreshing but many times intrinsic to a person. It is almost like a fingerprint and is essentially tied into the identity of that person.

Myth #3 – Christians are just out for YOUR money.

Let me just say how much I despise certain types of Televangelists who prey on the false hopes of the weak. These charlatans will tickle the ears just enough to score another buck from the naive and the hurting. This type of Christianity is more parlor trick than it is an accurate reflection of a real Christ-follower. I usually stay away from churches that essentially beg for more and more money. There is a big difference though between the discipline of tithing to the Lord and supporting a ministry that uses much of its funds to empower and provide luxury to the pastor/televangelist. One should consider the fruits of the labor within those “religious” entities and look very closely at where the funds go.

Christ certainly didn’t go around asking people to give Him money. He did ask of a Samaratan woman for water and He did ask His disciples to do extraordinary things, but money was not in the asking. Jesus did talk a lot about money and possessions but it primarily centered around the questions of “what possesses you? What are your idols?  Does your material wealth and pursuit of such earthly riches consume all of your time?”

In the same way, we are to emulate Christ when it comes to earthly possessions and the uses of riches. Money can be a resource to help us provide for our families, to put food on the tables and to support missions of a loving and caring church. Christians are not…(or should I say) should not be all about the money, money.

Myth #4 – Christians are hate-mongers

I at times bristle at this accusation. In the same breath though I know that there are those segments of the Church (like the Westboro Baptist church – sorry to name names) who have made it a mission to condemn and judge any and every people group that they deem worthy of their condemnation. This is NOT the Christ that I know, and If Jesus had lived this way while on earth I doubt I would have followed Him. The harshest words that Jesus ever spoke were directed at the teachers of the law, the “religious” people of the day who knew better but certainly DID NOT live as they demanded others to live. Jesus’ message was one of hope and love and restoration. He breathed this into His disciples who in turn continued that mission throughout their lives regardless of the consequences (even death).

Jesus actively engaged Himself within many sub-cultures of His day even the outcasts who the “Religious” teachers despised. He went to the homes of tax collectors, he healed lepers, He talked with women of questionable backgrounds…His message was of love not hate.

Salvation doesn’t come to us by shoving Heaven and Hell down someone’s throat, but rather through real genuine concern and love. Any church out there that relays Christ’s message any other way other than love has misplaced His purpose for coming in the first place. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10

There is a difference between preaching repentance within the realms of Salvation and preaching hate and condemnation. Christianity, if lived out in the hearts of the genuine Christ-follower, should reflect and possess the same aroma of Christ in His love for the sinner and the saint regardless of where they’ve come from.

Myth #5 – Christian are all hypocrites and gossipers

There’s a funny sign that reads:

Unfortunately the truth may hurt a bit at times, but there are no perfect people in church. The church should be a place where both sinner and saint come for Spiritual triage and are not judged or condemned by the “righteous”. Romans 3:10 says “There is no one righteous, not even one…”

Truth be told, it would serve the church and the church member well to bring this verse to mind when considering other children of God.

Can I say that the church never has this problem with hypocrites and gossipers? NO! In fact this may be the only myth that I think hits too close to home sometimes. BUT if Christians can be humble, truly humble and loving towards everybody who chooses to enter the church doors, what a real opportunity that would be! Think of the difference and what may transpire if  this one small issue was completely eradicated from the Christian heart? How would lives be changed and transformed? Think of the opportunities to save souls!? The Church is NOT full of Hypocrites and Gossipers, although we certainly have our fair share.

These are just five myths about Christianity. There are many more, but for now this is enough.

For the Christian:
Consider what it means to truly be a Christ-follower. How you might be perceived (right or wrong) by those who have yet to make a decision for Christ. Be open minded, full of grace and purposeful with friends, family and neighbors who aren’t Christians. Remember we are not the judge, God is.  Just as we are in need of His love and grace, so too are others who live in this world as well. Real evangelism doesn’t begin with a tract or a bullhorn, but with a handshake and a hug of compassion and genuine love. Get to know people. Spend time with them. Tear down these false perceptions by the way that YOU live and conduct yourself. There isn’t enough lip service in the world that can out-do faith in action!

For the questioning soul out there:
The Church should be a place of safe harbor to ALL people. Christ was the only perfect person who ever lived and He came to save us all. Don’t’ judge the merits of Christ by what you may have experienced (most likely bad experiences) in a church setting. Imperfect people exist in and out of church. People make mistakes, even Christians. I am not apologizing for all Christians, but I am saying this: be open minded and perhaps, just perhaps some of these myths might be debunked.

Thanks for allowing me time to share these thoughts.

April 2, 2014 0

“Ambassadors of Reconciliation”

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” -2 Corinthians 5:20

One of my favorite words in the English language is “Reconciliation”. The etymology of the word reconcile comes from the Latin “reconcilare” which means “to bring together again”.

When Jesus came into this world and identified with humanity as the God-man He sought to bring together again the original creation of man with God the Father. Did you catch that? At one time, in our original state, we were together with God. He would walk with Adam and Eve. He would fellowship with them in the garden of Eden. He actually, physically, walked WITH them.

But.

Because of original sin, which entered the picture, we became separated from God. Think of it like a great big, messy divorce…except we were the offending party and God the Father did nothing to deserve our infidelity. How it must have wrecked His heart to find us unfaithful to Him. To find out we (Adam and Eve) deliberately and consciously disobeyed Him. But we all know this story don’t we? We understand the consequences of the fall of man…don’t we?

Yes Jesus came.

He came to set things right with us.

He came to Reconcile us (back again) into the Father’s arms.

Think about that for a moment. Isn’t that beautiful? Doesn’t that evoke in you some sort of longing to physically be embraced by God the Father as you enter into the wedding feast? Jesus came to restore us. He came for the whosoever…those who would actually come seeking Him.

But, wait…there’s more.

When we face the God-man, Jesus Christ, for who He is and what He came to do, we make a vital decision. We, who have then become Christ-followers, we choose to become like Him in our daily living. A part of this “becoming” is to pick up where Jesus left off. We follow in the footsteps of the Rabbi, but in so doing we shuck off our old identities and adopt (not just imitate, but become) Christ in our everything!

Taking it a step further, we are to be Christ’s ambassadors to the world relaying the vital message of reconciliation to the whosoever. There is a misnomer though that I think we buy into once in a while – “Reconciliation is only for the sinner”. This is simply not true. Though we have become like Christ in every way, shape or form (or so we think thus far) we are still in need of THAT reconciliation daily!

The Hebrew words associated to the word “Ambassador” are: “tsir” or “melits” and “malak”. Essentially they mean “an interpreter” or “a messenger”.

When we think of Ambassadors today we think of politicians from certain countries whose job it is to broker peace and trade agreements with other countries. But we as Christ-followers are also called to be ambassadors of reconciliation to the sinner and the saint. Taking it a step further being an Ambassador also implies that we are to literally breathe Christ’s message into other people by our words and more importantly by our actions.

How can we provide clear interpretation of God and that of His love to those around us if we have not fully adopted and reconciled ourselves to His love as well? If this reconciled life is not within us then we cannot breathe this into other people’s lives. So as an Ambassador it has to begin with You…and it has to begin with me.

It first must become personal…daily, even moment by moment breathing Christ’s holiness and likeness into our own hearts and minds through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Philippians 4:8).

Prayer:

Dear Lord, let it begin with me. Breathe on me breath of God, allow me to be reconciled to You daily. Help me to see that I am called to be your messenger to others, even other saints. Help me to be the best Ambassador for you that I can be. May it be my lifelong passion which begins moment by moment with you. In Your Holy name I pray these things, -Amen.

March 31, 2014 0

“Perspectives” Day 2 Featuring Larry Thorson (Major)

“The Importance of Marriage”

by Larry Thorson

The Importance of Marriage

What is your most valuable possession? I believe that those who are Christian would first respond that it is their gift of salvation and would agree with Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26 questioning the profit of gaining everything this world has to give, only to lose their own soul. There is no question about that being a losing strategy.

Let me suggest to you, especially those who are married, the second most valuable possession, second only to your salvation, is your spouse. Some of you may be uncomfortable with the notion that I consider your spouse a possession, but I am not saying that he or she is a thing. They are only a possession in the sense of exclusiveness. It is similar to the Song of Solomon saying, “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (3:16; 6:3; 7:10). Certainly in the marriage relationship, we individually possess that other person in a way that is exclusive to all other relationships. Though jealousy can be an awful sin when its reasons are unfounded, it also can be a “God given” warning sign that something is wrong in that exclusive relationship of marriage.

The Scriptures give us wisdom and invite us to care for that most sacred of relationships. Here I share a few of my favorite portions. The first is Proverbs 5:15-19. I won’t take the space to quote this rather long portion, but there is merit to looking it up yourself in your favorite translation and letting the Holy Spirit speak to your heart. Concentrate on the various metaphors which are used here. Scripture is using the language of poetry to tell us to be faithful in our marriage. I particularly like the reminder of God’s watchfulness in verse 21, it reminds me of that old Sunday school chorus:

Be careful little eyes what you see…

Be careful little hands what you do…

Be careful little feet where you go,

Because the Father up above is looking down in love.

The second portion is found Ecclesiastes 9:9, just the first few words: “Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life….” Each life is full of joy and sorrows (a theme of the book) and here we are commanded to “live joyfully” in marriage. Perhaps a joyless marriage should be a warning to any married couple.

The third portion is Malachi 2:14-16 (again, read it for yourselves). What does it say about the “wife of your youth” (vv. 14 & 15, cf. Prov. 5:18)? How is she to be treated? Review Malachi 2:10-12, “Judah has profaned the Lord’s holy institution which He loves….” One of Malachi’s themes is that of covenant breaking of any kind. I wonder what God thinks of our marriage situation in our changing social view of marriage today (no fault divorce, open marriages, multiple spouses, gay marriage, etc.)?

From where did marriage begin? In Genesis 2:18-25, we can clearly see that marriage was a gift from God to his human creation. Verse 24 states: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Perhaps you’ve preached from this verse and had these three words as your main points: the exclusiveness of marriage means that we must (1) “leave”; (2) “cleave” and (3) “weave” with that other person like we do with no other person in this world. It is also clearly referring to the marriage union of two separate genders. It is difficult to overlook this conclusion because we find that Jesus supports it in the Gospels (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9).

In Ephesians we also find the Apostle Paul telling us thick-headed husbands to, “love your wife” three times (5:25, 28, and 33) and yet many preachers beat the drum on the “submission” theme in verse 22. If we back up one verse, we find that “submission” is a two way street: “submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord” (v. 21). And again in verse 31, we find Paul supporting the words from Genesis and Jesus regarding the importance of marriage.

From this I would conclude that marriage was God’s idea, it is to be an exclusive relationship, and it is to be jealously protected by both the husband and wife. If you are married, I pray for your marriage, but also I encourage all officers (married and single) to pray for the marriages of those people for whom you are responsible as a corps officer. And “therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6).



March 25, 2014 0

Either Put Up or Shut Up! I’m All in or nothing at all!

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

The Jewish leaders struggled over 613 individual moral statutes or commands by which they were to live and conduct themselves. Sometimes they debated among themselves as to which of these moral statutes were vital and which of them were less vital. They didn’t want to make the mistake of placing some statues above more important one and vice-versa. Yet this struggle brought itself right before Jesus. One of the teachers ventured to ask Him this question, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28).

Jesus laid it all out for those who would hear Him; “The most important one,” Jesus answered, “is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Now, dear fellow Christ-follower, it is either time for us to put up or shut up. I don’t mean to be crass here or offend you, but I cannot stress how vital it is for us to love the Lord with every fiber of our being. Jesus placed this as the #1 priority in the lives of those asking and still today it ought to be #1 in our lives as well.

Let me illustrate:

Our homes are powered by electricity (well most of them are anyway). If we were to bring in a brand new television to watch we first must take it out of the box and connect it to a power source. Without the power source all of our favorite shows and possibilities are impossible. We need to plug that television into the power in order for anything to happen, without it nothing works and nothing ever will.

Without first loving God with our EVERYTHING nothing else will work. Without first loving God with ALL of our heart, soul, mind and strength we are powerless. It is either all or nothing. God doesn’t want a partial kind of love. He isn’t some on again off again God, either get on board with Him and love Him completely or don’t at all.

Secondly, don’t try and fake out God…He’s not buying the act. Others might see how good we look dressed up for Church and how we act in front of other Christians but if this isn’t consisted behind the scenes God knows. This is a tough pill to swallow. I’m not here to say that I have this all figured out either, because I too struggle at times with a divided heart. Not intentionally mind you, but at times I catch myself and find that I have to once again realign my relationship and priorities with God.

How is your heart today? Do you find that at times you have a divided heart when it comes to your relationship with the Lord? Perhaps it’s time for a heart realignment so that you can once again get plugged back into the true sources of power and life.

Scriptures readings:

Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 86:11, Mark 12:28-34

March 19, 2014 1

A Word from Samuel Logan Brengle

“First Things First”
(An excerpt from “Take time to be Holy” edited by Bob Hostetler p. 41)

“What shall have primacy with us? What shall have our last thoughts when falling asleep and our first thoughts on waking?

Many thinks make so subtle, so reasonable an appeal as to usurp first place:
1) Our work. Is it not to build God’s Kingdom on earth, to rescue men and women from sin? Yes, it is all that. But it must not have first place.

2) Our position. “Searching for honor is not honorable” (Proverbs 25:27). Those who overlook such truths, while they may attain the desire of their heart, miss the glory that God gives.

3) Our family. This may become a deadly snare. “Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37), said Jesus.

4) Our education. The better informed and wiser we are, provided we are dedicated wholly to God, the more effectually we can glorify Him. But woe to those who put this first.

What, then, shall be first? That must be first, the loss of which is the loss of all. To lose God is the sum of all loss. If we lose Him, we lose all. If we lose all and still have Him, we shall in Him again find all.”

Let me just add this:
I have often found that one of these other things had suddenly taken God’s place as the #1 priority in my life! How true Samuel Logan Brengle’s words are still for us today! Is God truly on the throne in your life today? If not, perhaps it’s time to do some digging and soul searching so that each of us can get back to serving Him in all that we do and say!

March 18, 2014 0

My Feelings About Fred Phelps Sr. – Pastor of Westboro Baptist Church

“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Pastor Fred Phelps Sr. is dying. Over the course of many years now the Westboro Baptist church has been at the forefront of many controversial public protests. You might remember them for their many anti-gay signs and their now infamous quotes like “Thank God for dead soldiers” and “Thank God for 9/11”! (Link: http://nypost.com/2014/03/16/westboro-baptist-pastor-in-hospice-care/)

I’m not here to slam Pastor Fred. He’s already taken a lot of heat and his “church” has even been labeled a hate group. I will say however that I seriously doubt Jesus would have ever stepped foot in the doors of a church like this…okay maybe He would have to confront them perhaps…I digress. But I’m not here to judge them on their merits or lack there of. I’m not even here to condemn this pastor.

I wonder what it would be like to go to the hospice facility that Pastor Fred is now located at and hold signs not of hate and condemnation, but signs of love and concern? I’m not saying we should do this but it certainly would be interesting to see the response. Another thought that came to mind when hearing about his impending death – every person should face death with human decency and dignity including Pastor Phelps.

At the end of the day if we stoop to the level of outrage and hate like these protests conducted by the Westboro baptist church, we in essence are no better. I’m not implying that we’re better than they are, don’t get me wrong, I’m just suggesting that instead of celebrating his soon to be passing, let’s pray for Pastor Fred and others like him in our world.

This world is already too full of hate, too full of extremist fundamentals (and to be fair on the other side of things extreme leftist liberals as well)…this world is already too full of condemnation as well. We don’t need to fall into these ranks as well. Jesus once said; “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.“

2 reasons to love our enemies and pray for them:

1) It frees us of hate

This section is hard for me. I personally want to retaliate when someone wrongs me, I want to inflict the same kind of pain on any person who dares do me wrong…but I shouldn’t because it only empties bitterness into my heart. They say you become what you think about most often, and if I allow this thought of hurting my enemies and vengeance inside me then I am no better a person than they are. When we open our hearts, as Jesus suggested, to love we catch a glimpse of the divine original purpose for all of humanity. If I love that person, if I love Pastor Fred despite his actions, I free myself of a kind of hate that destroys hearts and lives.

Does this mean that justice isn’t pursued or sought out? Of course not, but remember that God is the judge and ultimately every person will have to stand before Him, so be careful that we have sorted out our own hearts and motives for wanting such justice on others.

When we are freed from hatred, we can learn to love more…and this leads to being like Christ in our pursuit and His workings of Holiness.

2) It opens up opportunities for our enemy to find salvation

What takes place when we extend grace to those who have spurned us and done us wrong? One it really messes with their heads (not our purpose of course) but two, it hopefully causes them to want to change! Obviously not every one of our enemies will change because we loved them, I don’t want to sell you a pipe dream here, but God can and still does perform miracles does He not? Enemies still need salvation too, and perhaps someone to show them what real authentic love looks like.

I want to pray for Pastor Fred Phelps Sr, and for His church. I know that hate is our natural response to others who show hate, but if we’re to be like Christ, no matter how hard it may be for us, we ought to show love as our response. Shining dark into dark will only make things darker, but if we shine the light of Christ into that absence of light, lives can be redeemed and drastically changed!

Pastor Fred, I pray for the remaining hours of life that you have here on earth. You have a Father in heaven who loves you and wants you to love Him back in return. May His grace, peace and especially love find its place in your heart. To the members of the Westboro Baptist church I say, love opens doors that hate never will. Repent, seek grace and forgiveness and know that other Christ-followers are praying for you with the love of Christ. We also pray that you will once again see what God is truly saying to you and that you seek to bring peace and grace into the doors of your church.

-Sincerely in Christ.

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”
― G.K. Chesterton

March 18, 2014 1