Futility

There is a purpose that burns within my veins.
Like the ebb and flow of the tide upon its vast ocean
it surges and swells only to slip away again.

I seek to grasp it, but it is like smoke
and my hand cannot contain it.
Like a word on the tip of my tongue
It dares me to discern it
but I cannot.

Just Do It

The Puritans in their world view attributed both affliction and deliverance to the hand of God. Violent Indian attacks that took the lives of women, men, and children were attributed to the pervasive sin that beset the colonies. Inclement weather, sickness that took more than half the population, and widespread famine and death of livestock was also attributed to the chastening of the Lord. However, their world view did not include the wonders of scientific research and answers because the age of enlightenment had not yet dawned. I had hoped we would have travelled beyond this type of thinking. While we should submit to suffering and realize God is in control, and realize even as the Puritans, that the enemy can do nothing unless the Lord permits it, we should not lose sight of the grace of our loving Heavenly Father.

My own dear Dad would let nothing come nigh me if he could prevent it. His desire for me is to have deep joy and walk in blessing and live in peace. When trials come, he is sorrowful with me and encourages me to press on, reminding me there are brighter days ahead. The bible says that we, being sinful, desire great things for our children, and even more so our Heavenly Father, being perfect, desires the same 100 fold for His children.

Each and every one of us is created in the image of God and for fellowship with Him. Remember, "While we were yet sinners, He died for us." This is a far cry from the condemnation that others are heaping on the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, along with other flooded states along the coast. Surely God is the same from day to day and never changes. Yes, he chastens his children, but take note.

Joseph's captivity and slavery was not punishment for an inherent evil that resided within him or his brothers. It was his great plan for deliverance of entire peoples during a famine that could have wiped out Egypt and its servant peoples. "What you meant for evil, God meant for good," said Joseph to his brothers when he met them years later.

Instead of condemning, we should pray for, support, and minister to our brothers and sisters who now find themselves homeless. Surely they are now a strange people in strange lands, forced from their homes to take refuge in other cities. They have lost all and the rebuilding of lives is something afar off. I would venture to say that those who insist it is the hand of God moving against a wicked and perverse people are using that as an excuse to withhold funds and assistance with a clear conscience. Suppose it is the hand of God. We are also told in His word that His anger lasts but a moment but his favor endures for generations. So that being the case (if it truly is), the anger is passed and now is the time for healing and restoration.

We have had a storm of our own NC coasts for days now and it is finally turning inward. We should be saying, "There but for the grace of God go I." I have sin in my life that I treat like a pet because it feels good. Should I not be cast down and utterly destroyed, losing all and wandering like a lost child in the wilderness. We are also told our Shepherd will leave the ninety and nine and search for the one lost sheep. Our call is not to condemn, but to "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost." The sin of another is like a splinter, and mine is a two by four that strikes me blind to the unmitigated grace of God over the lives of others.

Like a broken couple, we fight over whether aid is timely, or evacuations were available, or whether this was God or not, while the children are caught in the middle. This isn't about us anymore, it's about them. Take care of business and analyze it later. Instead of telling others that this was the hand of God, ask Him now to make your own hands His and minister in His name.

Hollywood movie stars, millionaire businessmen, and out of work laborers are putting us to shame, doing the work of God while we strain for the nat.

Just do it.

I Don't Know You From Sunday

Week after week, we attend church. Sit in the same place, see the same people. After hymns, readings, prayers, and sermons are over, we return to our respective homes to eat dinner and nap, or perhaps read a newspaper or (the more heathen of us) work on our yards. We don't know each other, really. How often do we even embrace, or lift one another up in prayer. (Not later, but right on the spot). Encouragement, discipleship, and gentle admonishment give way to small talk and community activities. Nothing here is unlawful, but how much is expedient?

Last week, I went to a routine business meeting, not knowing this meeting would determine if our pastor continued on or left this congregation. To my surprise,during this emotional meeting, I saw the depth and conviction of my fellow members in Christ that I had not witnesed before. What was said to be a shame and a travesty made me realize that this is the place I want to be. Out of the hurt came affirmation for a man who ministers the compassion of God no matter the circumstances he finds himself in. Member after member proclaimed his faithfulness to the call of God. No one hailed his speaking ability, or his ability for theatrics, but his humility and obedience, steadfastness and the example he sets for others to follow.

Next came something I had not expected. People read passages from devotionals and scripture that stressed unity and obedience to the great commission. People waxed eloquent on the meaning of worship and a need for us to respond when God speaks to us through whatever means. Most people were tearful and spoke from a place I had not heard from yet. I saw the heart of my brothers and sisters that Wednesday evening. What was meant for harm brought unity and stirred up hearts and minds to press forward where God is leading.

How wonderful that we have a heavenly Father that shepherds us where he wants us to go, despite the intentions of others.

A Failure to Communicate

Have you noticed that literature has been watered down over the years? Gone is the rich language of Shakespeare and the early poets. The English language now resembles that of the Saxons more than it does the French. It has become shallow and crude. The King James Bible is read less and less because it is harder and harder to understand. My daughter's school book list contains few of the classics I read in my youth. By the time I was in eighth grade I had at least perused Homer's Iliad and Odessy, read extensivley on the Holocaust and read poetry and books in their ancient english. Among some of the other books were Lord of the Flies, The Chocolate War, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, The Illustrated Man, 1984, Farenhight 451, Animal Farm, and many others. Today's literary menu consists of Harry Potter, Ramona and Beezus, and My Fat Summer. While these books are at best cotton candy, and at worst controversial, they are not inherently evil. However, I do not believe they challenge the reader to rise to new heights of knowledge and understanding. That being said, let me turn my attention to main problem I want to address: The state of modern Contemporary Christian literature and music.

At best, some of it is cotton candy, at worst, it will lull the churchworld into a dreamy but deadly sleep. Each idea is turned into a commercial landslide. Once it has caught on, it becomes a fad of sorts. There are journals, book covers, jewelry, t-shirts, car decals, throws, coffee cups, cd's, and the like. One hardly has to read and assimilate information, one can just wear it and wrap up in it. I won't name any specific titles, because it is not the information I have a problem with, it's the lack of change that is evident.

The word talks of a people that seeing, do not see, and hearing, do not hear. These people's hearts will be hardened by the Lord and will face judgement. I, for one, do not want to be numbered amongst that lot. Let me give one example.

FIRE

This word has been used in songs, devotions, and prayers throughout the country. But I doubt we are truly aware of what we're singing, praying, writing, or reading. All over the country people are asking for a renewal of fire, or more fire. I hear it in songs and prayed in church and see it on clothing and decals to the point I think I will scream if I hear it again. The idea of being caught up in heavenly fire has been definitely watered down. The extent of some expressions are a desire for a lively worship service or a spectacle of miracles where some man claims the credit. It's all about "me", and not about Christ. We, as a people, are more concerned with acquiring some kind of mystical power with no strings attached than becoming the kingdom Christ is building, no matter the cost. Let's see what the bible has to say about fire, and then decide if you really want to pray for it so nonchalantly.

In Exodous, Moses turns aside to contemplate a burning bush. Out of it, God tells him that he is standing on holy ground and to remove his shoes. Then he directs Moses to go back to the land from which he fled in fear and be a mouthpiece for God himself. First, Moses had to purify himself by removing his sandles. Then, he was greatly afraid. Lastly, he doubted he could do what God demanded. This was not a feel good experience. God asked Moses to do everything that went against his nature. Moses would do what God wanted, with Aaron's assistance, but would be ridiculed and blamed for everything that went wrong. He wasn't the man of the hour for many, but was the scapegoat at times, and interceded for God's people anyway. He wasn't patted on the back or esteemed for his audiences with God, but rather feared and murmered against time and time again.

Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, were thrown into a furnace for refusing to bow down to the king's likeness. It was so hot, the men that threw them in perished, but they reamined unscathed because God was with them. No matter the cost. They went willingly, knowing they would most likely perish. It is this kind of fire that the New Testament speaks of when it speaks of a refining fire.

The refining fire cleanses and purifies. One is either consumed, or is transformed with clean hands and a pure heart. This fire takes the form of trials and tribulations. When you ask for the refining fire, you are asking for trials and tribulations to test your faith and burn away that which is displeasing to the Lord. You are asking to camp out on the threshing floorof the Lord and be made subject to His winnowing fan. The bible says to not only endure this hardship like a good soldier of Christ, but to do so with praise and thanksgiving.

The fire referred to most often is the tongues of fire visited upon the disciples in the upper room. How glorious, to have heard that rushing wind, and seen the Holy Spirit made manifest. This is so often romanticized, seen with the glory, but not the cost. This fire was power to preach the gospel, the gospel they had just witnessed their Saviour crucified for. They were going into a climate hostile towards there message. Yes, there were 3000 saved the first day, but not much later, they were thrown immediately in prison. All but one died a martyr's death. That was what the fire was for; perseverence in the face of persecution. When we pray for that kind of fire, we are asking to press through in spite of and even BECAUSE of that kind of persecution and ridicule.

Finally, fire is likened unto the day of the Lord. Fire stands for judgement; the day when the Lord will separate the tares from the wheat, and the sheep from the goats. When we pray for cleansing and consuming fire, we are asking the Lord, for lack of a better term, and eternal review. He who has much will be given more, he who has nothing will lose what he already has.

My point today...we need to know what we're asking for. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not being conformed to this world. The Bible is not a source of cliche's that get us through the work week, or uplift us because we're snickered at. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is not a genie condemned to grant us three wishes before we go our merry way. The spirit and the word should give us boldness to live uprightly in a world asleep. It should impart power to communicate the real gospel which is salvation from eternal death, not seven secrets to a more fulfilled life.

So Father..renew us with your fire. Give us boldness to preach your word without compromise. See if there is any wicked way in us and purge us, clothing us in your righteousness. May our works be as nothing and all the glory be yours. May we rely on you when you send us into impossible places, may we joy in the face of persecution and even death. Most of all, let us live for you daily, joyfully aware you are watching and ever present, ever ready to return. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Back to School

I went school shopping yesterday with a friend. We bought notebooks, folders, papers, pens, binders, and the like. What fun this is! Isles and isles filled with clean, fresh notebooks, never used pens, smooth folders, and large packets of paper tightly wrapped in plastic. Next to Christmas, this is my favorite time of year. Why? Well, because everything is new, and waiting to be written on. It signifies a new beginning. Whether moving on to the next grade or staying behind and completing one for the second time, it is a fresh start. A chance to take better notes, study more efficiently, or even doodle better pictures in the margins of your notes while the teacher incessantly drones on about some guy from France discovering the genetic anomalies of peas. (Yawn).

This is sort of like life. Everyday, we are a fresh page; clean and crisp, ready to be written upon. The "author and finisher of our faith" is waiting with pen in hand to write His word in our hearts, His purpose in our steps, His favor on our future, His forgiveness over our past, and His blood over our sin. Start out this morning with a clean heart. Unwrap a new day and set it before Him, before you scribble your plans all over it or doodle in the margins with your distractions. Wait for the stroke of His hand and discern what He wants for you today.

Life is a Dance

I went to my daughter, Sarah's, ballet practice last night. She has choreographed a solo to Nicole C. Mullin's Heaven. She has performed it for us in our living room, but it was nothing like it was last night on the full stage.

I often watch her expressions when she's talking to people, or performing. Sometimes she's self conscious and it shows by way of a stifled smile or a role of the eye and some giggles. Last night, she was totally caught up in the song as she glided and twirled, claiming the whole stage for her own. It was hard not to break into tears as the expressions on her face mirrored her movements and lent a tangible emotion to the performance. I had no idea how good she had become in just the last several months.

When she was involved in cheerleading, she almost never just walked from one place to the other without doing a cheer on the way, forget about standing still. Now she dances and skips, throwing out her arms, or tilting her body to one side while adding an extended leg with a pointed toe in front. For her, life is one continuous dance; a celebration with some internal soundtrack going on in that heart of hers.

My brother, Brendan and his family gave me a journal for my graduation gift. It's slightly pink, smooth paper, covered in pink cloth embellished with embroidered and sequin flowers. I looked at it and knew it should be something special. I've decided it will be my journal of Hope. There are times in our lives when we go through dark times, darker than we've ever been through. It is those time when hope is needed most. I thought of Joseph, saving Egypt by storing up the plenty. This journal will be a storehouse of hope to carry me through those dark times, and inspire me to keep believing. Here is the first entry.

This is my hope journal. In it I will write things of faith, hope, trust and promise. These last few days have found me in the depths of despair and I have had a taste of where I will be if I continue on in that direction. Psalm 34:8 says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" I am pushing away from that other table; the one of doubt and self pity. The food there is death to my soul. I am going to the table of my Beloved instead. A place has been set for me all the while and I have not seen it because my eyes were cast down in despair.

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song 2:4)

"My beloved spoke and said unto me; 'Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come.'" (Song 2:10-12)

I am sitting on a bench outside while Sarah is inside Miss Claudia's house for her weekly piano lesson. The fragrance of blooming flowers is soothing and peaceful. The rhythmic singing of the birds is a balm to my soul. At this moment my spirit is at rest and knows that Jehovah will provide for us, even as he clothes the lilies of the field. At this moment I know I am under His watchful and caring eye even as are the birds that rejoice melodiously in the canopy of trees above me.

In the times when doubt or despair knock on the window of my well being, I must not rise from this table or even glance in their direction. I will wait on the Lord. If He seems absent, I will wait and will not rise and stir. Surely, He is preparing another benefit for me. I must not forget the ones He has served me before.

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Ps 62:5-7)

It is my hope, that even as Joseph put aside Egypt's plenty for times of famine, that the plenty I have of joy, peace, trust and faith, can be stored in these pages to encourage and lift me up when I am down. Bi-polar disorder is by definition, a disorder of extremes and excesses. Excess joy, hope, and energy followed by extreme states of gloom, weariness, and despair. I will take the plenty of the former and store it here for times of the latter. Without a doubt, after a time, I will be able to draw hope from my spirit no matter what state I am in.

God, You're Good

I prayed today..the first honest prayer in a long time. The essence of my prayers as of late is that God is good. that seems to be a central fact He keeps resonating in my spirit.


"God you're good.
If you give me what I deserve, you're good,
If you withold it from me and instead, bless me with grace, you're good.
If you provide for me, and give me peace, you're good,
If you take it all away and leave me frustrated and humiliated, you're good, you're still good.
If you bless me with sleep and health, you're good,
If you sit with me through waking hours and sickness, you're good, you're still good.
If I see your promise in this lifetime, you're good,
If it greets me at heaven's gates and not a minute sooner, you're good, you're still good.
I trust your nature, your name, your promise,and your will,
because you're good, your still good."

Ichabod

When I hear the name, Ichabod, I generally think of Sleepy Hollow's headless horseman. The bible's reference is much scarier.

"She named the child Ichabod, saying, 'The glory has departed from Israel!'" This was the declaration of Phinehas' wife when the ark of the covenant was captured and taken from Israel. Recently I heard a preacher declare that if we ran from the Lord's will on our lives, He would write Icahbod on our lives. I'd rather confront Ichabod's headless horseman.

I heard one preacher declare, not too long ago, that my sin would be visited on myself and my children in the forms of sickness, deformities, and poverty among other things. This threw me into a frenzy of condemnation and frantic holy living. I've come to realize though that the message of Jesus is different. It's even in his name. Emmanuel, God with us.

God is with us. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us. When we fall, He'll pick us up. Because He does love us, He may chastise us from time to time, but even this is something to be desired. I have been blessed by the Lord and chastised by Him, and both have left me with the same feeling of well being and security. I fear the Lord, but am no longer afraid of Him. He can do with me as He desires because I know, as I've stated in a previous post today, that He is good, and would never harm me for harm's sake. This is why Job could say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."

Harmony Revisited

The following account is a true story, which should make it all the more hilarious.

It was a warm summer Sunday morning. We'd had visitors to our church who claimed the Lord had miraculously changed all the husbands porcelain crowns to gold. The pastor and several elders had witnessed the presence of the beautiful gold work, although not the transformation. It appeared the activities for the morning included praying for God to announce his presence by doing the same in the congregation. I glanced around the sanctuary praying that no one I knew from town had come to visit that day. I was shamefully full of glee that my prayer was apparently answered.

After a few members had been given flashlights by the elders, the rest of us were lined up in the front of the church and instructed to open our mouths to see if God was made manifest that morning in gold crowns and fillings. I suffered through it, waiting until it was over so I could grab my family and run home as fast as my little legs would carry me. Everyone seemed so expectant and full of faith and I was well aware there wasn't another voice of reason that would back me up if I confessed my doubt that there was ever a miracle in the first place. (I did have my suspicion that this was nothing more than some excellent dentistry.)

To my chagrin, one member exclaimed upon looking in my mouth that not one filling was gold, all of them had been transformed! So much for blending into the burnt umber carpeted altar. Instantly the crowd pressed around me eager to see the work of the Lord. Even the pastor exclaimed, "They're all gold! God is surely here this morning.!" Well, I had to go see for myself, so I walked the long trek to the ladies room and opened wide and looked in the mirror. Much to my surprise (ha!) I found my teeth were still the same silver color they always were. I returned and proclaimed it to be so and was immediately berated for my lack of faith. Although they tried to do this with affection, it still left the impression of someone trying to tell another that they were foolish in their childish belief that the planets revolved around the sun and not the earth. The easiest thing to do was to keep quite, bide my time until the service had ended and go home. But I'm not known for doing the easiest thing. Surely, if a voice of reason could be heard, others would see that this was hysteria at worst, foolishness at best.

I called my daughter over and handed her the flashlight. "Look in my mouth dear, and tell me what you see?" She answered, "Teeth and fillings." I asked her what color they were. "What do you mean?" she asked, "The same color they've always been, silver." I then asked out loud if anyone had ever read the Emporer's New Clothes? The shock was tangible. I was a doubter and could not receive a blessing from the Lord, and had also caused my impressionable young daughter to doubt the works of the Lord as well. If I wasn't trying my best not to cry from laughing, I would have cried from crying.

The next Sunday I returned (Lord knows why, but that's another story) and sat in the back. The announcement was made that several people had been touched by God's hand and had heavenly crowns. (I don't think that's what the bible meant when it says we will be casting our crowns at His feet) I was mentioned by name with concern that I had missed the blessing of the Lord because of my unbelief.

This soon passed, but was mentioned from time to time with anticipation that something similar would again show us how present God is and how concerned he is with our lives.

There is a light that can shine on us and show us how we are being transformed from works of flesh to works of gold. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps 119:105)" We might be better of if we let Him shine His light on our hearts and give us crowns we can carry in our souls. These won't rust or decay but will accompany us to that great by-and-by when we can present them to Him in new splendor and a greater glory than we can ever witness here on earth.

Rest

"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. (Heb 4:9)"

I found it, that rest. It is not elusive or magical, it is just the knowledge that God is good.

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11)"

I have gone through some anxiety the past couple of weeks. Some of the symptoms were excessive worry over minor things, increased heartrate, tendency to cry very easily and for long periods of time, sleeplessness, fear. Usually I'll call a friend or my mother and talk things out, but not this time. Whenever the anxiety would start, one thought would run constantly through my mind. "God is good." The heartrate didn't decrease, I still had some trouble sleeping, and at times I was still worried and afraid. Something tremendous happened though. Through it all there was added a trust that God is indeed good, and that my life is in His hands. Despite the emotional symptoms, my spirit was at rest in the knowledge that He is good, and no matter the outcome, it is what is best for me.

I have heard people speak about faith as if it is obtained by repetition of certain verses or actions. If one fails to believe and conjur up faith, healing or prosperity on their own, then they are faithless. This is not so. The rest I found is the realization that no matter what I do, it's still all in His hands. Does this mean I stop trying, that I give in and lay down and let what ever comes just wash over me? No, No, and again No. It means I do whatever He gives my hands to do to the glory of God with excellency and integrity, and with prayer and thanksgiving, leave the outcome in His capable hands. It means I don't wring my hands over my future as if I am a victim of chance or in the hands of an unjust and unloving power. It means I realize that my reward is not always tendered in the temporal, but often revelealed in eternity. It means I know God walks among time much like Merlin, but goes from my past, present, and future like I walk from room to room in my own house. He was present before me and will be present after me, but He is also present with me. What comfort, what joy.

Weeping may endure...

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Speaking of Friends of God...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Is 55:8-9)"

It is interesting that this particular passage is found in the midst of Isaiah, the record of what may be the longest persecution of the people of God. There are so many promises throughout the bible that took place anywhere from a generation, to a century, to a thousand years to be fulfilled, and some that still have not come to pass. Why is it, that those of us in the Western part of the world read the bible with a "buy now, pay later" mentality. God speaks a promise to us and if it does not come to pass within the next 21 days, we believe we are in sin, or Satan is against us. Our faith, our experience with the living God should affect how we view the world we live in, but sadly, this is not so. Our experience with the world we live in adversely affects how we view our faith and our experience with the living God.
This is especially true in charismatic circles. Movements like the Word of Faith have reduced the living word of God to a mantra to be recited in order to obtain health, prosperity, and favor while on the earth. Instead of "buy now, pay later," their message appears to be "buy now, pay nothing." But this is not so.

Salvation is a gift from God, meaning it is free. No merit or worth on our part can secure the gift of reconciliation to God. However; from that point on, it is blood, sweat and tears, and ironically, the joy comes during THAT journey. Consider these verses.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensures us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb 12:1)

"But you, O man of God...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed... (I Tim 6:12)"

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Rom 5:3)"

The verses go on and on. Look up the words fight, endure, and persevere in your concordance and the verses are seemingly endless. This is an eternal fight, an eternal journey, one that may or may not, end with our generation. The workers in the parable of the vineyard were condemned because they lived like the husbandman was not returning. We have to live dually as if Christ is returning, looking for Him with our hearts and living our lives to please Him, while occupying like we have a century to complete the work on this temporal plain. That's what it means to "Occupy til I come."

I watched a documentary on the life of Pope John Paul II last night and was surprised to find the kind of life he lived and the kind of man he was. Being a Christian in the Western World and having a very limited view of things until as of late, I didn't concern myself very much with the Pope. Quite frankly, in the circles I travel, more homage is paid to certain televangalists and those that profess to carry a "supernatural anointing." How wrong we are.

This was a man of great humility and intelligence, who allowed his faith to define his position instead of the other way around. Throughout his years he fought communism and it's persecution of those in it's grasp with courage, perseverance, peace, and a profound faith in the eternal. When communist Poland created the "city without God," and bulldozed churches and any sign of religion, he led thousands in masses outside regardless of the political or natural climate. People met amidst persecution and severe weather to observe the sacraments of the church. This is not mere religion, "having a form but denying the power," it is faith, strong and true. Over a period of 20 years this fight was fought with wisdom and peace, strength and mercy until communism gave in and allowed a church to be built. I could go on, but my point is to impress upon you the eternity of the purpose of our faith, not to keep you here for an eternity.

In Deuteronomy, there are a series of curses pronounced on those that are disobedient to God. One of these is that "He (the oppressor)shall be the head and you the tail. (Deut 28:44)" I have heard this curse reversed to a blessing many times. "You shall be the head and not the tail," when referring to health, wealth, joy, and blessing. When looking at it in the context of faith persevering in the midst of communist persecution, it takes on a much deeper meaning. At the opening of the church, Pope John Paul II (not yet the Pope), encouraged the thousands upon thousands that met there that this was their city, it belonged to the people of God, and they did not have to allow their future or faith to be dictated to them. This was only a twenty year journey, but what a result.

Yes, God brings His spirit and visits His people, yes, He has plans for us for our good. We should never doubt that He is active here and now on our behalf and is concerned with even our most trivial needs. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; (Is 53:4)" But it saddens me that the gospel message in the West has been largely reduced to biblical money management and keys to personal success. I also suspect that whether or not we boycott Proctor and Gamble or read Harry Potter books has litte to do with the eternal scheme of things. Let our vision be extended to the eternal.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem amidst cries of "Hosanna, Hosanna," it was because the inhabitants of that land were looking for a victorious conqueror who would liberate them with vengeance from the oppression they were under. Instead, they found He was a Lamb led to the slaughter and rejected Him. We cannot fashion a Christ after our own desires, but have to fashion ourselves and the work we do after His desires.

Open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus. Lord, open my eyes to your eternal purpose. Let me not squander your purpose on my own temporal needs and desire for recognition. Give me the strength to persevere in the building of your kingdom, finding the joy in what lies ahead while serving in the now.

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

Jesus, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far they face to see,
and in they presence rest.

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?
Ah, this nor tongue nor pen can show;
the love of Jesus, what it is,
none but his loved ones know.

Jesus, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
and through eternity.

Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th cent.

Is That It?

This isn't all there is. The 9-5 job, in my case 7-6. Health, life, car, and long-term care insurance. Dirty dishes, laundry, children, and animals. Mortgages, utility payments, school loans, car loans, doctor bills, activity fees, grocery bills, and allowances. This isn't all there is. Sickness and even death, hurt feelings, broken dreams, disappointments, AA meetings. This in't all there is. Whether you live 8 or 80 years, This isn't all there is, there's more.

We used to sing a song in church that goes like this.

"Within the veil,
I now would come.
Within the holy place,
To look upon Thy face.
I see such beauty there,
None other can compare.
I worship thee my Lord,
Within the veil."

I realized something yesterday. Behind the veil is not some secret, mystical place that can only be entered after hours of worship or prayer or fasting or denial. It's something that is entered in the midst of the mundane. That's the paradox, isn't it? Christ did something extraordinary in order to transform the mundane. He left His throne beside God the Father, and became the Son of Man. He entered the veil of humanity so we could enter behind the veil of eternity. When I am writhing with pain on my bed, that's why I can see behind it into His purpose. When there is not enough money to purchase all the basic needs, that's what allows me to see this isn't all there is. When my child is hurt by the hands of another, that's what allows me to forgive and to make her understand it's not her fault. Behind the veil I see God's hand in the setting sun; the promise of another day. Behind the veil I see God's hand in the rain; though it is unpleasant for the moment, it is necessary for new life. Behind the veil I see God's hand in every aspect of life; knowing He has a purpose and a plan. Behind the veil, I realize it is less about my faith in my knowledge of Him, than in His knowledge of me.

Thought For The Day

Just because you're the only one who thinks they're right doesn't mean you're wrong.

Equality

There was a man born among these Jews who claimed to be, or to be the son of, or to be 'one with', the Something which is at once the awful nature and the giver of the moral law. The claim is so shocking-a paradox, and even a horror, which we may easily be lulled into taking too lightly-that only two views of this man are possible. Either he was a raving lunatic of an unusually abominable type, or else He was, and is, precisely what He said. There is no middle way. If the records make the first hypothesis unacceptable, you must submit to the second. And if you do that, all else that is claimed by Christians becomes credible.

C.S. Lewis The Problem of Pain, ch. 1

Just for the Record

Jesus is not a created being. He was with the Father in the beginning and will be forever. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (Jn 1:1)"

Jesus was (is) God in the fullest sense. It seems that the light shines in the darkness, but even the light understands it not. To deny that Jesus is God is to deny the crux of the gospel. Even Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons, Muslims, and New Age leaders will agree that Jesus is the Son of God, but not that He IS God.

There are those that say Jesus never claimed equality with God, but still profess that the Bible is inerrent. They are not misunderstanding the word, they are actively seeking to lead people astray, and those that follow should beware. Jesus didn't say, "I and my Father are as one," he said, "I and my Father are one. (Jn 10:30)" Don't be surprised that people, even so called Christians, are angered when this claim is made today, because when Jesus said it, those who heard his words "picked up stones to stone him...Because you, a mere man, claim to be God. (Jn 10:30,33)"

Someone who claims that Jesus is anything other than what He claimed to be is making the gospel null and void, and denying God himself. This isn't controversy, it's not a misunderstanding, it's heresy, plain and simple. Jesus said, "He who hates me hates my Father. (Jn 15:23)"

I urge you, if you have any question of Jesus' position, read the book of John as a whole. Ask the Holy spirit to guide you as you read.

I'd like that now please.

I am a little bit of a mess today. There are a few conflicts that need to be resolved quickly. As usual, I only see one way to resolve them since I am an either or type of person. I'd also liked them resolved within the half hour. Is that too much to ask?

A Few Of My Favorite Things

a great coffee shop
an excellent cup of coffee
a day at the library
browsing a bookstore
traditional jazz
sleeping with my window open
thunderstorms-the bigger the better
a clean house
the smell of my daughter's hair
a good massage
flea markets on Saturday morning
spirited debates
dates with my husband
scary movies
properly fitting undergarments
chinese take-out
fortune cookies
finishing a term paper before deadline
backgammon
payday
weekends
early morning solitude
tax refunds
non-caloric double cheeseburgers (I wish)
sound doctrine
truth
justice
mercy
houseplants that can survive without consistent watering
lavendar scented dish detergent
brand new sheets

More

You know what? I want more. I'm tired of settling for what I have. I want more than a good church, a good family, a good job, good health. I want the best of all these things. I want a church that moves in the deeper things of God, that lets God move in their midst, even if it means skipping the 12:30 lunch hour, or changing the order of the service. I want a body of believers that functions the way its supposed to. That hungers after God above all things, and ministers to each other because that's the only thing they know to do. I want a family that does the same, and that is healthy and maturing and has hope for the future. I want a family that excells in times of plenty, but pulls together and perseveres through times of want and disappoinment, or grief, one that grows together despite the circumstances. I want a job that fulfills me and gives me a sense of purpose. One in which I can use the gifts God has given me for His glory, and I want it to pay me well. I want a boss that appreciates the good I do, corrects me when I need it, and praises me when I deserve it. I want a body that functions the way its supposed to, without the continual aid of antibiotics and then suffering from the side effects they cause. This is what I want, I won't settle for anything less anymore. I will excell with what I have, (some of these things come pretty close to what I want, by the way) but press on in prayer and thanksgiving until I see the best come to pass.

If this is what I want, I wonder what Jesus wants? My favorite prayer is in John chapter 17. Jesus is interceding for the church. He's telling the Father what he wants. "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundations of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. (John 17:24-26)" It seems He wants the same kind of family, and He wants to be with them. It's not there yet, but he hasn't given up on us has He? This is the kingdom of God, a people filled with the glory and love of Christ.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto to you. (Matt. 6:32)"

Purity Is Not A Gift

“Purity is not a gift-it is the result of repentance and serious pursuit of God.” Frances J. Roberts.

I am bothered by a current trend in today’s churches. There has been a move away from holiness, in the name of tolerance and a profession of a move away from “false religion.” What is being sacrificed is a true purity; a setting of the standard that is above that which the world lives by. While it is true that the world will know we are Christians by our love, it is also true that we have been called to be perfect and holy. In the past man has placed unattainable expectations on those that follow Christ, but it now seems that any expectation of excellence is seen as an unnatural constraint and an enemy to the freedom to be found in Christ, but this is just not so my friends.

The fundamental church as of late has been disturbed by the attack on their freedom to speak specifically about certain sexual sins. Just the mention of sin in this area results in a barrage of defensive words including, intolerant, religious right, bigotry, hate mongers, and the like. In all fairness, some groups do preach hatred against those that practice such things, but the concern for present immorality and its pervasiveness upon today’s society does not equal hatred. The same should ring true for internal church matters. Standards should be higher, there should be a respect for the house of the Lord, its ministers and there should remain a desire to stand apart, a desire to be pure. Instead, the request that morality should be expressed in matters of dress, speech, and actions are met with the same barrage of defensive speech. Those who call for such things are termed religious, as if that’s a dirty word. They are also termed intolerant, inflexible and behind the times. Again, the mere concern that we are becoming part of the world instead of remaining separate does not equal judgment, but is a show of concern that we are becoming like the world instead of becoming a light to the world.

I John tells us that that since “He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him (2:29).” God has called us his children and what a blessing this is. When Christ returns for His church, we will be changed instantly when we see Him. Those that have that hope allow themselves to be purified, just as Christ is pure. (I John 3:3)

Mind you, the outward isn’t the only measure of righteousness, but it is a measure of it. This is where the error is made manifest. Those that proclaim you are righteous if you look the part are indeed wrong, for man looks with the eyes, but God sees the heart. But there are those who are practicing an outward form of righteousness as an expression of an inner work that has been or is being perfected. These should not be condemned as if they are practicing dead works.

There is supposed to be a balance between acceptance and a setting of standards. I Timothy clearly addresses this in chapter 4. Paul warns against deceiving doctrines and those that preach impossible standards of living. Then he goes on to say that we should be “nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” (6) He also says that we are to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (12) By preaching and living sound doctrine we will save ourselves and those who hear us. (16)

Love is, of course, first, but even Christ chastises us because He loves us. Correction does not equal condemnation, but in most cases is a show of love and a desire for growth, maturity, and spiritual well being. May we be mindful that others are watching and using us for an example. May our words, actions, and demeanor cause them to be drawn towards Christ and not to the world.

Who is my brother?

"Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.(Mt. 12:44-49)"

I was in service on Sunday, and we were singing a song with the lines, show me your glory. I started thinking, what does that mean. A lot of songs and prayers contain petitions pleading with God to show us His glory. We talk of Moses descending from Mt. Sinai with his face aglow and Saul falling down as dead when he was confronted with the glory. But today, what is it? Moses led all of Israel, served as priest between Almighty God and a stubborn people. Saul persecuted countless Christians under zealous sincerity to his religion. I would not want Moses' responsibility or burden, I would not want to know that what I knew categorically was right was actually wrong and that I had persecuted the very God I knew I was serving. That's what glory comes from. What are we asking for? I stopped singing and started asking. Lord, what is your glory. I don't want to ask for what I don't know. After a while, faces of people I loved flashed before my minds eye, then faces of the children I watch. Next were faces of people I come across daily, but don't know, then acquaintances, then people I'm not fond of, then people I will avoid by scurrying down the next isle in the grocery store before they recognize me. Don't laugh, we all do it. Immediately, the quote from Matthew 12 came to mind. "Who are my mother and my brothers?" It was as if God was saying to me, this is my glory. It's all around you, you just don't see it.

Next, an amazing thing happened. It was as if He was reaching out to me, saying this. You are my mother, my sister, my brother. Translated, you are my family. This is true. He is a father, but the word brother or sister has a more familiar ring to it. I thought of the time when Jesus asked those who listened to the parable of the good Samaritan, "Who is your neighbor?" He was saying to me, "Take it a step further." Don't ask, who is my neighbor, but who is my brother. If I accept that I am part of the family of God, if I accept that he reaches out to me as a brother, than how can I not reach out to others in the same way?

Living in the south, I have learned something of the nature of family. It is defined differently here than we Yankees would define it. Here, blood is thicker than water. It is difficult to assimilate new members into the family. Even one who marries into a family will try for years before they are accepted. I know. My husband's family was reluctant to even let me into the family portrait for the first several years. But now, I am family, for better or for worse. I have brothers and sisters that I thank God for every day. For all their shortcomings, and all of mine, we are bonded by a pledge I took with their younger brother, my wonderful husband. They are there, they are consistent, and would give me the shirt off their back if I needed it. They will take my side whether I am wrong or not. That's an amazing thing to experience, and something I would never take advantage of. We have walked through many things together, and I have not appreciated them enough. This happens mainly because of the proximity to one another. Most of the family is still in the same county, and see each other weekly and some talk daily.

I am intimidated easily. I feel as if I am intruding when I visit a friend, or call a brother of mine, or solicit help from my pastor. It is not them, but something in me. However, during this worship service, I felt as if God was saying to me, "these people are your family." That is His glory, that those in my life are a gift to me. He did qualify it with, "whosoever shall do the will of my Father...the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." What is the will of the Father. It is broken down in this, to love the Lord with all your mind, soul, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Shorten the distance between you and your loved ones, and the not so loved ones. This doesn't mean we should ignore shortcomings, reward hurtful behavior, or reinforce bad habits, but it does mean we should remain present. For me, this means not assuming I am a nuisance, but creating a place for them in my life and being present enough to allow them to create a space for me in theirs. If I am offended with anyone in my family, it doesn't change the fact that they are my family. Whether we heal the breach or stop talking, they are still family. Likewise, those who God calls family are still family, no matter what, and those He's given to me are still part of His family and thus mine. (read John 17 and prayer for people in your life with the same veracity and see what happens.)

The people in our lives are vessels of God's glory. They are His creation and have a specific purpose. Get to know them, pray for them, gird them up with encouragement and acts of kindness. Speak the truth, remain present no matter their reaction. Make yourself vulnerable to them (use wisdom), allow them to speak the truth to you. Make time for them. Look them in the eye, give hugs, be liberal with affectionate phrases. Don't be discouraged if they don't let you in their picture right away, but make room in yours for them.

Fine

Yep, I'm at the one word stage with my daughter. "How was your day?" "Fine." Any thing specific happen today?" "Nope." I've tried leading questions, the kind you can't answer with a yes or no. "What did you do today?" "Nothin'." "Tell me about your day." "Not much to tell." "What was the favorite part of your day?" "'Dunno." Frustrating, enough said.

I was pondering my dilemna when I realized I just needed to have fun with her. So, after her piano lessons last night, we tripped up to Asheboro to do nothing inparticular. We kept the music down and I tried my best, just asking questions until I broke her down. We finally played a game. "You tell me something I don't know about you, and I'll tell you something you don't know about me." Wow, it was magic. She thought for a while and I thought she just wasn't going to respond. Suddenly, she blurted out something private, something special. Of course, I can't tell you what it is, but I was honored. Of course, I hadn't even considered what I would say in reply. But I told her I was nervous about my future (educational direction.) I hadn't talked to her about that, because I usually discuss those kinds of things with friends or my husband. We discussed what she said, and what I said. I was honored she opened up her world to me, and she was thrilled to be part of my inner circle. She is, you know, a big part of that circle, and I told her.

She thanked me and said she wanted to do that more often; play the secret game while driving nowhere. I went from frustrated to elated in 20 miles.

Tell Me What You Want

"For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."

In Aristotle's Doctrine of the Mean, he writes about happiness being attained when moderation is met. Like Plato, he states that each person has a purpose, and when he or she is functioning within the realm of that purpose, they can be truly happy. (Note: The happiness referred to here is not the pursuit of pleasure, but an inner peace or joy.) To Aristotle, happiness was the utlimate end in life. This could be best achieved through self-realization and contemplation. According to him, these activities were an end in themselves and thus were more pure than the pursuit of sensual (or physical) things.

According to the word of God, the ultimate end is to know God. "I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. (Jer. 31:33-34)"

I was thinking after reading my philosophy text, (hopefully that's what most would do.) There are many people who get what they think they wanted and are still unhappy. What if we don't want what we think we want. Ask yourself, "Why do I want that new job, or car, or spouse, or to change churches, or _______________." (Fill in the blank) There has to be a reason we as a people are rarely satisfied with what we have. Aristotle states that,"we are naturally more inclined toward pleasures, and this makes us more prone toward licentiousness than towards temperance." Learn to hear the voice of God and let him ask the tough questions. Learn to ask yourself the tough questions? Why am I not content with what I have? Why am I unhappy in my family, or with my job? Why do I continually spend more than I make and have nothing to show for it?

Your Father in heaven knows what you need. Trust Him with your life, your joy, your family, your job, your finances. The Israelites came out of bondage with great wealth and numbers. Joseph went from his father's favorite to a life of slavery in Egypt. From there he went to prison, and from there was made second only to Pharoah.
Esther went from motherless child to the mother of Israel. Jesus went from the throne of heaven to the cross at Calvary. Thus we have gone from slaves to sin to heirs with God. Whatever circumstance you're in, God is only using it to bring you into the place where you can be who he purposed you to be. The mean, the moderation is this..."Be constant, in season and out of season." Do this, know God, and you will be like a tree, planted by rivers of water, whose leaf with neither wither nor fade.

Prayer for a Wayward Child

For Stephanie

May you come to the end of yourself before you come to the end of your resources.

May you have enough pride to know when you're right, and enough humility to admit when you're wrong.

May you learn to stand on your own, without forgetting how to hold my hand.

May you gain the wisdom to see the world through my eyes, and be patient as I learn to see it through yours.

Quote of the Day

"Many clever men like you have trusted in civilisation. Many clever Babylonians, many clever Egyptians, many clever men at the end of Rome. Can you tell me, in a world that is flagrant with the failures of civilisation, what there is particularly immortal about yours?"
G.K. Chesterton

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you.
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
And make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts you aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat these two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build them up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch and toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Your is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!


Rudyard Kipling

When Does A Belief Become A Prejudice?

I am filling out an application for a scholarship that will enable me to attain my bachelor's degree. One of the questions is, When Does A Belief Become A Prejudice? Here is my anwer.

A belief becomes a predudice when you use it to judge the person and not the product; when the first glance becomes the last chance to make an impression.

A belief becomes a prejudice when you hold it up to everyone else except yourself; when you become the exception to the rule.

A belief becomes a prejudice when it closes your mind and prevents you from hearing what the other side has to say; when it becomes your prison and you believe you are free.

A belief becomes a prejudice when you use it to judge, but refuse to let it be judged; when you only know what you believe and not why you believe it.

A belief becomes a prejudice when it becomes your measure in all things; when its logic only works in your hands.

A belief becomes a prejudice when it defines who you are; when the question of its validity becomes a question of your validity as a person.

Imitators of GOd

Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Generally, this verse is understood to be speaking to the nonbeliever. But if the whole passage is read, one sees that Jesus is speaking to the Church in Laodicea, a body of believers. This church was rebuked for being lukewarm. There was not a fervent love for God among these people. They were content with the worldly goods and positions they had acquired and did not realize their need of God. Jesus, speaking through John, calls them to be earnest and repent. It is then that he tells them that he desires them to open their hearts to him and have fellowship with him.

I, as can many of you, relate to this passage. There are so many things by which we measure and define ourselves in today’s culture. For women, the ideal is obvious: thin, in charge, independent and beautiful. Success is measured by wealth and status for men and women alike. The media is largely responsible for these messages we receive. Spirituality is an afterthought, if it is portrayed at all. Many times religious people are portrayed as bigoted, uncaring, if not mentally unstable. If we choose these standards to measure ourselves by, we will be lacking in the eyes of God. We need a different yard stick.

Many times Christians will measure themselves by other believers in their lives. This is all well and good, for Paul even said in Philippians 3:17, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. We are to teach and learn by example one of another; however, even this will cause one to fall short of the call of God on his or her life. Paul says also in Philippians 3: 12, “but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Our goal should be Christ’s goal for us. Each of us has a purpose for which we were created, and the only way to discover that purpose is through intimate fellowship with Christ.

Paul calls us to, “Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1)” Christ left us an example that is the supreme measure by which we should judge ourselves. We will either become lax when comparing ourselves to each other, or become embroiled in condemnation when we feel we don’t measure up to someone else’s call. Let God be your judge. Hear his voice and open your very being to him. He would not have called us to “be holy, because I am holy, (I Pet 1:15)” if it were not possible. One cannot not follow that which he does not know.

One Body

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Heb. 13:3)”
One of my college professors described the United States as a limousine driving through a third world country. We are so protected and comfortable that we forget there is a world of suffering outside our borders. Countries are fraught with famine, disease, poverty, and war. Every once in a while, we may catch a glimpse of a commercial on television or a bit on the news that brings the uncomfortable truth into our living room. Some may even be prompted to give of their plenty to help ease the suffering of a few. And well we should. There is enough wealth in the US to help much more than we do. However, there is one thing that the media does not regularly draw attention to: the plight of persecuted Christians.
In some places, Christians meet in secret, holding onto scraps of scripture and encouraging one another knowing that any minute they may be invaded and captured. Bibles are smuggled over borders and into homes because proof of Christianity is certain death. Even families kill their own children when they hear of the conversions. The list goes on. There are several Christian organizations that give reports about worldwide persecution as well as support and aid to those in chains. All one has to do is type in “persecuted Christians” on any web browser and there they are.
The first part of I Corinthians chapter 12 speaks of spiritual gifts, but then it switches to a description of the body of Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…If one part suffers, every part suffers (12:12,26).” The society we live in is an individualistic one, but the kingdom of God is not. The bible instructs us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and to “esteem others better than yourself.” (Meaning putting their needs ahead of your own.) Not all believers are called over seas, but we are all called to look after those who do with support and fervent prayer. When those believers fall into persecution and captivity, our prayer should be as if we were suffering right beside them.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Those that are giving not only their freedom, but their lives are doing so for an even greater mandate. To bring eternal freedom to those in chains of spiritual bondage. Let us join them in their task by fervent prayer and action.

Count it all Joy

I used to think that true joy came from the absence of trials and suffering. When my bills were paid off, when my family troubles were resolved, when my fellow workers were more pleasant, when my level of stress was more acceptable, then I would find true joy and tranquility. In the meantime, I would pray for strength to endure. I was wrong.

James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Count it all joy! True joy doesn’t come from the absence of trials, but from the knowledge that those very trials will grow you up into who God has designed for you to be. But wait, there’s more.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (I Pet 4:12-13).” Delayed gratification is something that is not popular in today’s western culture, but that’s what this verse is speaking of. Be joyful that you are a partaker of Christ’s suffering, that in your suffering you have fellowship with him. Rejoice now because when He is revealed, you will be glad over and above the sorrow you felt in the midst of the trial. I’ve had it backwards all along, and I venture to think that I am not alone.

Christ himself gave us an example of this paradox of joy and sorrow. “ Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2).” Not a one of us will suffer as Christ has suffered. Yet he endured because of the joy that awaited Him. We cannot have this kind of joy without an assurance of faith, without the promise that we will behold the One who suffered so for us.

The apostles and Paul, after they were beaten for speaking the name of Jesus, “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.(Acts 5:41).” In fact they not only rejoiced, they were emboldened even more to teach and preach Jesus as Christ. So count it all joy when you suffer. You are counted worthy to bear reproach for Christ’s sake. You are being fashioned and equipped to live out His call on your life. You are assured of an even greater joy when His glory is revealed in your life. Change your thinking, and joy will surely be a constant companion.

Complaint Committee

After picking new officers at our women's meeting last night, I was thinking about a committee to handle all the complaints in a church. So I have decided to initiate a complaint committee. These three members will hear all complaints about the church, little or small, and decide on a way to handle them. I think this will cut down on gossip, power plays, and hurt feelings. This way, every one will know who to talk to about what is bothering them concerning the church. It has been agreed that whatever is mentioned will stay between the members and not be passed around. Once you have spoken to them, the issue must not be discussed with any one else. They have agreed. You may reach them at the following e-mail address...

fathersonandholyghost@icanpray.net

If you aren't connected to the internet, approach your pastor and he will tell you how to get in touch with them.