Back to Eden

2025-01-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

Called

Exodus 2:10 – 16; 3:7-10; 9:16; Esther 4:13-16

I love when God directs my path. He knits circumstances together so neatly; I know His voice. It started with my daily Bible reading in Exodus 2. I was struck by the meaning of Moses’ name “drawn out of water.” Drawn out of the Nile River, Moses escaped genocide to become a member of a royal household. Drawn out of royalty, Moses became a murderer and fugitive. Finally, drawn out of exile, Moses fulfilled his ultimate purpose to lead a nation into a promise.

Later in church we continued to study the gift of the Holy Spirit. After service, I pulled a little pamphlet from my shelf that had been calling me, A Scriptural Outline of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit by George and Harriet Gillies. This little pamphlet packed with powerful scriptural references will guide you to understand this gift, this promise of God to every believer. Once again I was drawn to a scriptural reference to Moses, Exodus 9:16. God assures a humble and insecure Moses of his purpose and calling to lead.

Then God led me to pick up a book I had shelved down for months. They Walked with God by Max Lucado is a compilation of forty biblical characters. I fully expected to find that I would open the book to the story of Moses, instead, I opened the book to the story of Esther.

Esther means “star,” a name she adopted to hide her Jewish ancestry. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah which means “myrtle tree or bride.” Much like Moses, Esther was humble. Her humility as well as beauty likely led King Ahasuerus to choose Esther to replace the rebellious Queen Vashti. When the king’s right hand man Haman threatened the nation of Israel, Mordecai called on Esther to help her people. Esther had some serious concerns. She had changed her name to hide her identity. The King had not asked for her in 30 days. Anyone seeking an audience with the King without his summons could face a death sentence. Mordecai told Esther if she failed to help, God would not, but she would still suffer. Who knows, he suggested, if she had not come to her position for such a time as this.

Like Moses and Esther, if you are a believer, you are called. In the current social and political climate, we may be tempted to hide, to bury our gifts and talents while we wait for brighter days, but beware the parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14-30.

We are called out of darkness, into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9. We are called to let our light shine. My friend Dana is a wonderful example. Her communications are always respectful, challenging and insightful. She has such a beautiful spirit, and I knew it from the moment we met. Don’t surrender to hate. Only love can drive out hate. Don’t surrender to fear. Only courage can overcome fear. Don’t surrender to darkness. Only light can drive out darkness.

God loves us and commands us to love others not as the world loves, but as God loves. God desires a true relationship with believers, faith driven, not rule and fear driven. His spirit in us drives us to seek and do his will, convicts us when we are wrong, forgives true repentance and reconciles us to him.

False teachers would have us believe they can legislate morality and bend others to their will. They appear godly when the spirit of God is not in them. How do you recognize false teachers? You know them by their fruit. God is love. God love is light. Hate is darkness. Darkness cannot abide with light.

Though hate is all around you, do not fear. Love wins. In dark times, keep shining. Light wins.

If the world goes dark, we keep shining.

1^st John 1:5-7; 2:9-11; 3:10-11,17-18, 23-24; 4:7-21

2024-06-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

Master Weaver

Once again, I am reminded that God is a master weaver. He takes seemingly diverse, disjointed threads and entwines them into this tapestry we call life. This morning, God pulled thread from a secular lesson that challenged me to sit with an uncomfortable emotion. Minutes later, he took a thread from social media to identify the emotion I needed to acknowledge and address, sorrow. There before me was a post from my nephew, a Happy Father’s Day message to his father, my brother, a young man we lost to suicide some 35 years ago. The smile on my brother’s face in that picture, standing behind the son he would leave to figure out manhood on his own, masked a sorrow so deep we could not fathom it. I thought of the gaping hole he left behind, a son, a brother, a father lost. Yet his legacy endures through his children and the grandchildren and great grandchildren he will never meet. I sat with regrets and memories both bitter and sweet. I am probably the most stoic of my siblings, but as I sat with my grief the tears flowed. Yet God did not leave me bereft. His Spirit comforted me. I prayed. I journaled my feelings and allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to me. One last thread was needed to complete the tapestry. I found it in today’s sermon. As Pastor Carter continued to minister from Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit, he focused on joy. God knew exactly the fruit I would need on today.

I have had some trying seasons, but I am truly in a season of peace, contentment, rest and joy. Psalm 30:5 reads in part, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Thank God my night has turned into day. Darkness has no place in the light of God’s love. I can rest in God’s joy regardless of my circumstance. God is in control, and I am assured that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. I can do all things. I can endure all things. The love of God is my joy and my strength. Lord, help me to walk daily in love and light. Let my life be a witness to others.

Key Verses

Psalm 30:5

Romans 8:28

Romans 14:17

James 1:2-3

Philippians 4:11-13

2024-06-03T19:38:00.000-05:00

Full Circle

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well..

Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

I started Sunday morning reading Psalm 139:14-16 for my daily devotional. The words blessed me, but the impact would not end there. Later at church, my pastor began a new series on Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruits of the Spirit. In this first lesson in the series, Pastor Carter spent more time on Galatians 5:19-21 The Works of the Flesh, emphasizing that the two, the Spirit and the flesh are at war with one another. How many times have we heard a lesson or delved into a study of the fruits without addressing the flesh? The fruits of the Spirit have a purpose. They help us battle against the flesh.

There are nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. The works of the flesh are many: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such. Even when we are saved, we continue to fight our fleshly desires. The fruits of the Spirit equip us to control our flesh.

As Pastor Carter expounded on the works of the flesh, he paused to allow self-reflection. I could answer never for some, the old me for others, but I was struck by envyings. Do I celebrate the happiness, achievements, blessings of others? I expressed joy for a friend’s new grandchild, while grieving that I had no grandchildren of my own. I celebrated the recognition of others, while wondering if my own labors were in vain. I came in second place and questioned if I wasn’t talented enough for first. I considered instances when I compared myself to others and found myself lacking and a bit envious, and then the Spirit brought me back full circle to this morning’s devotional.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and so are you. I have purpose, and so do you. My path is uniquely mine. Your path is uniquely yours. God knew each of us before we were born. Our stories are already written in His book. While He gives us free will, He already knows the outcome. I do not need to envy others. God’s word is my assurance.

Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.

2024-04-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

Two Sauls

I Samuel 8:1-22; 9:17-27; 10:1-25

Acts 8:1-4; 9:1-22

I happened to be studying these Old and New Testament chapters of two different Sauls simultaneously. That is how they were scheduled in the Bible reading program I have been using. I am also reading Max Lucados’ They Walked With God. I don’t read this book every day. It is a recent purchase, and I had only read one chapter. I was led to pick it up that same day. Chapter 2 recounts the story of Ananias and Saul.

I found myself contemplating God’s timing and comparing the two Sauls, one an Old Testament king, the other a New Testament preacher. Both were called from the tribe of Benjamin and least expected to fulfill God’s purpose. Both would be anointed, filled with the Spirit of God and made new.

In the last days of the judges, Israel desired a king like the nations around them. Samuel warned that a king would make their sons and daughters his servants; he would take the best of their land and goods for his service. Yet Israel insisted and God allowed them to have their desire. A son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin, from the least family among the smallest of the twelve tribes, Old Testament Saul was anointed to rule an earthly kingdom. He was chosen perhaps because he was handsome and tall. He was good to look at. Like the neighboring kings the Israelites admired, he appeared good and desirable. God used Saul to show Israel what type of king they would have. He was chosen to demonstrate what happens when you reject God and desire the world. King Saul was the epitome of “All that glitters is not gold.” As his power grew, so did his boldness, his appetite, his disobedience, and his jealousy. Consequently, Saul would lose the Spirit of God, his anointing, and his kingdom.

Philippians 3:5-6 describes New Testament Saul as a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin, zealous in his persecution of the church. Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58), imprisoned believers in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3), and sought to broaden his campaign of persecution against the church (Acts 9:1-2). God had other plans. On the Damascus Road, Saul met Jesus and his conversion began. Jesus would render Saul physically blind, a symbol of the spiritual blindness Saul already suffered. Saul started out on the road to Damascus, zealous for his religion and secure in his sense of right. Jesus sent Ananias to find Saul on a street called Straight, symbolic of the right path Jesus would set Saul on. Ananias would pray for Saul and Jesus would remove the scales from Saul’s eyes and from his heart.

Saul was chosen because of his zeal. He had passion, conviction, and commitment, God could use. From church destroyer to church builder, from believing a lie to knowing the truth, from rejecting Jesus to preaching Jesus, from hindering the gospel to spreading it, Saul’s zeal for the law became a zeal for salvation through Jesus Christ. His religion became a relationship. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, became Paul, a follower and preacher of Christ.

In I Corinthians 15:9, Paul states: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” Verse 10 speaks further of God’s grace in saving Saul and the converted Paul’s subsequent labor for Christ.

Two Sauls, two callings, two divergent purposes - the first demonstrates the transience of an earthly kingdom, the latter demonstrates the superiority and endurance of a spiritual kingdom. Which do you desire?

For an enlightened Saul, now Paul, there was no other choice. (Philippians 3:13-14)

¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2024-04-06T14:55:00.000-05:00

My Walk With God – Guard My Tongue

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle response defuses anger,
but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. (MSG)

I recently picked up a copy of They Walked with God by Max Lucado. The first profile is about Abigail (I Samuel 25). Abigail was the wife of Nabal. Nabal’s shepherds and flocks had benefitted from David’s unbidden protection, but when David asked for food for his army in return, Nabal turned David's messengers away with harsh words and total disrespect. David was so angry that he marched his battle-hardened men to reap revenge on Nabal. Thankfully, Abigail learned of Nabal’s folly, intercepted David and met him with kind words and a generous offering of food. David was intent on killing Nabal and all his household. Abigail’s humility and kindness gave David time to pause and rethink his plans for revenge. David was grateful to Abigail because she prevented him from making a grievous mistake. When Nabal died by God’s hand, David took Abigail as his wife.

The Bible tells us that Nabal means “fool,” and Nabal certainly acted the part. Despite reports that David and his men had protected Nabal’s shepherds and flocks, Nabal had only contempt, harsh words, and rejection for David. Abigail means “father is rejoicing.” Abigail’s character would give anyone reason to rejoice. Where Nabal was foolish, Abigail was wise. Where Nabal was contemptuous, Abigail was humble. Where Nabal was harsh, Abigail was gentle. Nabal’s words and actions incited David to retaliate with violence. Abigail’s words and actions defused David’s anger.

My prayer is to be more like Abigail. In my walk with God, I pray to be a light in a dark world. There are so many opportunities to bring light to darkness, to requite sharp words with a gentle tongue, to act to make things better rather than complain. Whether tempted by posts or comments on social media, contentious interactions with others, politics or religious beliefs that do not mirror my own, or disturbing conditions in the neighborhood, nation or the world, my prayer is to have an Abigail spirit. I cannot control how someone else responds, but I can control my own choices. Lord, help me to choose what is right. Help me to guard my tongue. Help me bring light to darkness.

2020-10-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

This too shall pass.

Those are the words headlining the last two entries in my journal. Those are the words that came to mind on those two separate mornings. "This too shall pass."

The first time I was given Numbers 13:30. When others doubted, Caleb said, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." I was reminded that God sees me as "well able", not because I am powerful, but because He is.

Two weeks later. The same this. The same storm. The same discomfort. The same anxiety. The same worry. The same prayers.

Once again I was reminded to put my trust, not in my own abilities, not even in what I see, but in the God who promised and always keeps his word.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I Peter 5:7 Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you.

Seeking your perfect peace on the boat, in the storm, with you.

Can We Talk For Minute?

2020-03-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

Remember the Tevin Campbell song.
"Can we talk for a minute? I want to know your name."

Of course God already knows your name. The Word says He knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb. He already knows everything about you, but He wants to spend some quality time with you. In the midst of all that's happening now, one thing many of us are blessed with is time. Time to reflect. Time to appreciate. Time to worship. Time to praise. Time to pray. There is a blessing in this storm.

https://youtu.be/J3YLn9xAq1c

Fighting for Me

2019-12-31T16:22:00.001-06:00

Fighting for Me

Exodus 14:14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Trusting God in Troublesome Times

2018-02-24T15:23:00.003-06:00

Not a day goes by that we don't hear some disheartening news, yet our hope, our faith our trust is sure. We know who God is and we remember despite how it looks, God is in control.

1. Troubles will come. Troubles will go.

John 16:33 New Living Translation (NLT)

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

2. God is working for your good.

Romans 8:28 New Living Translation (NLT)

And we know that God causes everything to work togetherfor the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

3. When you are weak, God is strong.

2 Corinthians 4:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

4. God wants to hear from you.

Psalm 27:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

5. You are victorious.

Isaiah 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

See, God has come to save me.
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.”

6. In your meantime, find strength in God.

Isaiah 40:29-31 New Living Translation (NLT)

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Good Enough for the Birds

2017-12-26T18:18:00.000-06:00

Matthew 6:25-34
I was reminded of Jesus' words on worry as I scrutinized a rather pudgy pigeon pecking his way along the side walk in front of the pizza restaurant where I waited for my order. I began to wonder what he was eating to stay so healthy. I realized he probably didn't give his next meal a second thought. He didn't worry about where he would nest tomorrow or two years from now. He didn't contemplate things like downsizing or retirement, a truly human construct. He simply lives minute by minute, day by day, season by season.

God's word tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will come with its own troubles whether we worry or not. Nonetheless, as I approach retirement, I often worry and even get angry at those unplanned intrusions that derail my best laid plans. Medical bills, dental disasters, car repairs, tickets, there always seems to be an agenda other than mine laying claims to my hard earned finances. Reacting faithlessly to one recent incident, I angrily threw God's word back at him, as though I was entitled to those windows of heaven pouring out blessings, those good measures pressed down, shaken together, and running over, I'd heard and read about. Coming to my senses, I apologized profusely to a God who has always come through. I concluded that faith is it's own reward. Faith enables me to have peace and joy in the face of these minor storms. I am blessed to be able to weather the storms because God is indeed good. He provides for this pigeon. He has and does and will provide for me.

Out of The Mouths of Babes

2017-06-13T14:51:00.000-05:00

Years ago, during a trip to the ice cream parlor, I had one of those ah ha moments with my then young son. Out of the mouth of babes, in simple language, often comes profound wisdom. Our conversation went something like this.

“Mom, do you like chocolate?

“Yeah.” I cocked my head, wondering where this was leading. “I like vanilla too.”

“Me too.” He nodded, his eyes shining with enlightenment. “I think that’s why God made us brown because chocolate is the best flavor. Chocolate and vanilla. That’s why God made chocolate and vanilla people, because they’re the best flavors. He didn’t make any pink people because strawberry isn’t very good.”

That point may be debatable on all counts, but for a child who doesn’t quite understand the subtle gradations that define race and color, the analogy suffices. What’s more important is that God made us all, every flavor, every hue.

As Peter was to learn, there is a difference between man’s law and God’s law. (Acts 10:9-28) What man finds unacceptable, God finds fully acceptable. What man hates, God finds room to love. What man would exclude, God includes. God showed the apostle Peter we must not think of anyone as unclean or impure. We are all saved in the same way, by the unmerited grace of Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:7-11)

A Tale of Two Bibles

2017-05-29T19:26:00.001-05:00

A pristine Bible, a worn Bible.

A sometime Christian, a sold out Christian.

A foolish woman, a wise woman.

It was the worst of times, it is the best of times, it was the age of foolishness, it is the age of wisdom, it was the epoch of incredulity, it is the epoch of belief, it was the season of Darkness, it is the season of Light, it was the winter of despair, it is the spring of hope, I thought I had nothing, I know I have everything, I was headed direct the other way, now my hope is in Heaven,

The words, apropos, paraphrased and rearranged from A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens, 1859 .

Let Your Light Shine

2016-12-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

This is the season of lights, festive lights, holiday lights, bright lights, blinking lights, spiraling lights, stringing lights shining on silver and gold tinsel, brightly wrapped presents, evergreens and mistletoe. The decor lifts our spirits and gets us in the buying and giving mood.

While many embrace the holidays, others shun the commercialism. In this season of celebration and giving, Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 reminds us that God has commanded us to give. He has not commanded us to judge the homeless, criticize the beggar, or question the needy. He has told us absolutely that there will always be poor among us. He has given us a perfect model of giving and sacrifice. He has promised seed for the sower and blessings beyond measure for those who freely give. So give, not with expectancy, but out of love and obedience.

We used to sing "You can't beat God giving, no matter how you try." We really can't, but try anyway, not just today, not just in this season, but every day, in every way, let your light shine.

Lessons from Mary

2016-06-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

A little over a year ago, I met a homeless woman named Mary. I spent a day with Mary trying to convince her to get help and get off of the streets. The more I pressured Mary, the more she retreated. After a few days, Mary disappeared. I would see her off and on as the year progressed. Lately I’ve been seeing her quite a bit. What caught my attention was the transformation.

When I first met Mary, she was dragging her bags, one at a time along the street. Bent over and struggling, she would drag one heavily loaded bag, then return for another. Now instead of dragging her bags over the concrete sidewalks and asphalt roadways, Mary has two sturdy rolling carts and a flag to warn passersby that she is here. Someone has made Mary’s travels easier.

Mary stands a little taller, steps a little lighter these days. Yesterday I saw her sitting under the shade of a tree at a neighborhood church in her own lawn chair. Instead of trying to get Mary to see an opposing way of life, someone met her where she was, saw her immediate needs and made her existing life a little more comfortable. Someone was a lot wiser than me.

Some might think this is the wrong thing to do. Some might question whether such acts of kindness only encourage Mary and other homeless people to stay homeless. Like you, like me, Mary has a right to choose and today she has chosen the streets. As Christians we have one choice – love. My pastor says find a need and meet it. Lord help me to be wiser as I seek to show your love. Teach me new ways to meet the needs of those around me.

Luke 10:25-37

Window View, Big Bend National Park

Seeing farther,

Lord, change my perspective.

Seeds

2015-08-04T19:48:00.001-05:00

Today I met a homeless woman named Mary, at least that’s the name she gave me. I had seen her a few times over the past week during my morning walk. She was dragging a heavy bag around and walking about with no apparent destination. Today I decided to stop and talk to her. Immediately I felt a peace about what I was doing. I sensed no danger or animosity. We talked about Jesus and faith. I asked if there was something I could do for her besides pray. She said she would love to take a shower and wash her clothes, so I helped her drag her four assorted bags containing all her possessions to my house. I showed her to my laundry/bathroom and gave her some privacy. When she came downstairs after her shower, I offered her a meal. While I heated up the roast chicken, green beans and potatoes, she asked if I had any coffee. I’m not really a coffee drinker, but I had a couple of boxes of instant. When the meal was ready, I heated up the water for her coffee. She finished her meal, enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee and talked my ear off while she waited for her laundry to get done. Mary said it was nice to have someone to talk to other than the birds. I spent about 5 hours in Mary’s company today. I learned a few things.

Even with gentle questioning, I can’t tell you why Mary is homeless. I offered her several options to get her off the street. I offered to take her to a shelter. Mary said she didn’t like what she saw on the children’s’ faces there. I drove her to 4 or 5 apartments. At each one she went to the door and returned quickly, saying the management was out or it was too expensive or she didn’t want to live there long term. I offered to put her up in one of several hotels from a couple of days up to a week at an extended stay hotel. Mary said she had been there and they had roaches or they had bed bugs or they catered to prostitutes or she didn’t have her id or … You get the message.

I asked Mary if any of those things was worse than sleeping on the street. I tried to use gentle persuasion, but the more I pressed Mary to make a decision about her future, the more she dodged. She had been lucid, intelligent and engaging, but contemplating the future seemed to make her confused. I wanted to help her, but I really didn’t know how. We prayed before we parted at the church parking lot where I had first spied her on a Sunday morning. Mary asked, “Did you pray for my mind?” I told her I had. In fact I had been silently praying for Mary and her mental state from the moment I met her.

Mary knows the Bible, better than me and I believe Mary has a relationship with God. Please pray for Mary and all the homeless people out there. Pray that they will reconnect with their families. Mary mentioned a son, a daughter and several grandchildren in addition to a spiritual family. Please pray that God will give Mary peace and wisdom and help her and others like her make a decision to get off of the streets. There are options, if only they would take advantage of them.

Maybe I was there to remind Mary what it feels like to have a roof over your head, a cool place to rest, and the ability to take a shower, use the restroom, and have a meal and a conversation whenever you want. Mary had these seeds she dropped on my floor. Pray that God has dropped some seeds in her spirit, a seed to plant herself and find a home.

Get Up, Get Out, and Go!

2015-07-19T20:23:00.002-05:00

I can’t get off of this topic. First Pastor McKenzie Carter, Temple of Deliverance, Stafford, Texas is training us, so the message is impressed upon my heart. Sunday’s series is Being the Church. Wednesday night’s series is Becoming a Soul Winner. Pastor Carter is training and equipping us for one purpose, the Great Commission.

What is the Great Commission?

To paraphrase Pastor Carter, the Great Commission is the strategy by which the church is to saturate the community with the gospel. The gospel is God’s plan for our salvation. We will receive eternal life if we repent and have faith that Jesus Christ already paid the penalty for our sins.

The church is charged to

· Evangelize the community and the world.

· Baptize those who accept Christ.

· Make disciples who will be trained in the word of God and in turn, be sent out to make other disciples.

Disciples should find someone else to disciple. This is the principle of multiplication. The church should grow exponentially. During his three year mission, Jesus Christ recruited many disciples. Of the disciples Jesus called twelve to be apostles (Luke 6:12-16). By the time Jesus issued the Great Commission, the apostles had been cut from twelve to eleven, but that errant apostle Judas was soon replaced (Acts 1:15,23-26). The disciples had already been discipling (Luke 9:1-5; Luke 10:1-2, 9).

In the book of Acts, the disciples received the Holy Ghost. They were imbued with power to witness. Further Acts 2:46-47 says “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

How did the early church reach those who would be saved? They performed miracles. They witnessed in the synagogues. They witnessed to their jailers. They witnessed before religious councils and Roman courts. In the face of persecution, they prayed for boldness and dared to act.

In his novel, Who Killed My Church? Pastor James Shupp said the church is to gather, deliver, train and send. We gather on Sundays and Wednesdays and special occasions to fellowship, worship and receive the word of God, but what are we (the church) doing with the word we are fed? Mr. Shupp’s fictional account of a church in crisis is all too real. A consultant tells this fictional church, “At some point, and I don’t know when, you got busy “doing church” instead of being the church. You let your relationship with Jesus Christ grow stale, and then you replaced the personal relationship with the emptiness of religion.” If we stay inside the walls of the church, and fail to go out as Christ commanded us in Matthew 28:16-20, the church will die.

I highly recommend Pastor Shupp’s book to every pastor, leader and church member. If you are not already on the move, you will be convicted. If you are a church on the move, you will be mindful and watchful for the inertia that can lead to the death of a church.

As the church, we come together in fellowship, to worship and be fed spiritual food. Pastor Carter gave this analogy. In the natural, if you are always consuming food and never use the energy, you will become bloated and lazy. The same is true in the spiritual. We are to take what we receive and go out and release it to the world. We are not meant to be simply consumers. Each of us has a pulpit in the world outside the walls of our church. Our witness, our testimonies, our stories, our lives are required to move the masses.

Pastor Carter said, “A church that is not going, is not growing. Who will you reach if you don’t reach out? Churches today suffer from too much in-reach and not enough outreach. God will move when you move. Get passionate about souls.”

Pastor Carter and Pastor Shupp are serving up the same dish. This is good food, but we are not meant to be served only, but to be servants. Disciple, you’ve been served. You’ve been fed. Now find someone else to disciple. Get up, get out, and go.

Follow Me

2015-07-14T17:04:00.002-05:00

In his current series on Being the Church, my pastor described two purposes of the church. The first purpose of the church is to transform the region. To quote Pastor Carter, “Our community should be enhanced by our presence in it.” That means we have work to do outside the walls of the church. We live in a hurting world. Jesus did his works outside of the synagogues. He visited the people and met their needs where they were, in the streets, in houses, on the hillsides. We too must enter the mission field to make an impact. Like Jesus, we must find a hurt and heal it.

The second purpose of the church is to worship God. It is through our worship, our praise, and our prayers, that we connect with God. Without this ongoing communion with God, we can become disconnected to the source. When disconnected, we lack the power and authority to carry out the first purpose.

As God would have it, I am currently reading the novel, Who Killed My Church?, by James Shupp. A pastor of a dying church calls a consultant to help resurrect a once flourishing ministry. Mr. Shupp describes four stages in the life of a church, from movement to monument to museum to morgue. A museum on its way to becoming a morgue, Green Street Baptist Church is a figment of the author’s imagination. However, the problems that the church encounters are very real.

The truth is churches are dying daily. Too many churches have become boxes where Christians go to hide and commiserate about the good old days. Who Killed My Church details Green Street’s journey from passivity back to passion and purpose.

Just like Green Street, we must break down the walls and return to our first work. In Who Killed My Church?, Mr. Shupp suggests, “Instead of inviting people to church, we must invite people to Christ.” Pastor Carter would say, “Find a hurt and heal it.” Jesus would say, “Follow me.”

Beyond the Walls

2015-04-11T18:14:00.001-05:00

Trees and shrubbery surround Rice University, forming a wall of greenery. When I was a student in the late seventies, the campus was a little less visible than it is today. If you weren’t familiar with the area, you might not know there was a school there. To students pressed to make the grade and survive the gruel of academia, those trees and hedges seemed like the walls of a prison. Students joked about escaping Rice’s confines to what we called “life beyond the hedges”.

Rice like other college campuses was a world unto itself. Despite the academic pressures, Rice offered a shelter from the world beyond, a place to be young and relatively unencumbered while preparing for careers and life on the other side. Now years later, the beautiful campus looks like a shelter. When the pressures of this life get too hard, I fantasize about escaping back inside its walls and hedges. Oh to be a full-time student again.

As Christians, we can become confined to the physical church and the walls that surround it. Inside the church, we hope to find people of like mind, people who share our faith, our most basic belief system. We may desire a place where we can worship God freely without condemnation. We may seek an escape from the pressures of the world – finances, work, relationships - but God never intended for the church to become a sanctuary.

In fact God’s definition of the church differs vastly from our own. Webster’s dictionary gives the first definition as “a building for public and especially Christian worship”. You have to read down to the third or fourth definition to find the church as God defines it. When Jesus said he would build his church upon a rock, he was speaking not about a physical rock or stone, but symbolically about a spiritual rock – a truth that cannot be broken (Matthew 16:13-20).

The church is not a building. Rather it is a body of believers who share a mutual truth – that Jesus is the son of God who came to earth in the form of a man, gave his life for our sins, was resurrected and ascended to his Father in heaven. We the church must share this gospel message - Forgiveness of sin can only be found through Jesus Christ.

We speak of going to church, but we are the church. We take the church everywhere we go. When the world sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches, interacts with a Christian in any way – they see, hear, smell, taste and touch the church.

The Lord told Habakkuk, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2). I write this message with urgency. I had a vision of branches like wheat rising up from the ground. A figure walked through the fields from the east. Another as though mounted came from the west. A cloud billowed up swiftly behind consuming the field. I asked God for clarity although from the scriptures I had a suspicion.

It was time for me to open my Bible for my daily reading. Instead I opened Facebook to find this post from Earnest No-Title Johnson reprinted here with his permission.

“The harvest is here and the workers will be cast out into the fields!!! Nothing can stop it!!! Not the gates of hell nor anything of this earth!!! In the midst of chaos He is still there and still in control!!! The word is alive, living, and active; the word is Jesus!!! It will be as it has been written”

I wanted to write down my thoughts so I grabbed my journal. This entry, possibly notes from a sermon stared back at me.

The Wheat and the Tares

Matthew 13:39

We are called to harvest the world.

Matthew 9:38

Luke 10:2

Laborers are not sleep; they are in position waiting for the opportunity to serve.

Matthew 13:37-39 says

He answered them and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Matthew 9:37-38 (Luke 10:2) says

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send fourth labourers into his harvest.

Jesus said

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4-5)

Before he returned to the Father, Jesus left his followers the power of the Holy Spirit and this great commission taken from Matthew 28:19-20.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

As Christians, our mission is not inside the walls of the church building. Our mission is not just to go to church, but to “Go”. Jesus claimed no address. When describing the demands of discipleship, he said he had no place to lay his head. He lived his brief life as a purposeful nomad, traveling from place to place, teaching, seeking sinners with a thirst for God and a desire to be saved. Our mission is beyond the walls. Our mission is in the world where we can shine the light of Jesus and preach the message of the gospel. Like Jesus, we must do the work while it is day. Our field is our home, our workplace, our community, the world.

The physical church, be it a tent, a room in someone’s house, the clubroom in the apartment complex, the tiny church on the corner, or the mega-church with the sprawling campus, is the place where we the body gather. We come for teaching, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement. We come that we may be equipped to be deployed. As a body, the church must

Realize the mission,
Locate the field(s),
Equip the workers,
Send the workers and
Pray for more.

As Christians, we must realize that we are the laborers of which the scripture speaks. We are the workers. The gospel message is not the sole responsibility of the minister nor is it confined to the church. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to spread the message beyond the walls. Individually, we must

Accept our commission,
Locate the mission field,
Get out into the field and
Pray for help.

Since January I had been working six-day weeks with few breaks. I was tired. I did not want to give up another Saturday. I asked my students if I should go to my prayer group or agree to do another tutorial. “Out of the mouths of babes.” The very one I thought would support me said earnestly, “You can pray anytime (and I might add anywhere). Go and serve the community.” Ouch. I had my answer.

I cannot ask you to do something that I myself am unwilling to do. You need the church and the church needs you, but don’t confuse church work with the Father’s work. Make a commitment today to go beyond the walls.

New Song

2014-01-01T12:35:00.000-06:00

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for Jehovah; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. And he brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock; he hath established my goings: And he hath put a new song in my mouth, praise unto our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall confide in Jehovah.

When you find yourself in trouble, when you’re looking for a listening ear, perhaps a little sympathy, you are likely to have someone say something like this.

“It’s working for your good.”

“He rains on the just and the unjust.”

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

“Trouble don’t last always.”

You may be tired of these platitudes. As a Christian, you have likely heard them more times than you can count. You may even be guilty of dishing them out yourself. I’d like to tell you I have something new and profound to say, but I don’t. The truth is there is truth to those old adages.

Moses could tell you. A wanted murderer, he would flee the privilege of Pharaoh’s palace to find sanctuary with a priest. In Midian, Moses would marry Jethro’s daughter and learn to tend sheep. Can you say apprentice, internship, training ground? This humble shepherd of sheep would lead a nation out of 400 years of bondage and begin a wilderness journey that would eventually take Israel into the Promised Land.

Job could tell you. He lost his livestock, his children, and his good health, only to have everything restored. His livestock doubled. He had seven more sons and three more daughters, he lived to see his fourth generation, and he died old and full of days (Job 42:12-17).

Naomi could tell you. A homeless widow in a foreign land, Naomi would return to her homeland with no husband and no sons. She had no grandchildren, only a faithful daughter-in-law, Ruth from a foreign land. Through Ruth, Naomi moved from grief and loss to become the matriarch of a royal lineage (Ruth 4:13-15).

David could tell you. He was promised a crown and a kingdom, but before he could collect, he would be called a traitor and a fugitive. From champion to castaway, from hunter to hunted, from exalt to exile, God delivered David from one crisis after another. Knowing God had an anointing on his life, David remained faithful and obedient. David waited for God to move. In exchange, David received his kingdom (I Samuel 5:1-5).

The Bible declares story after story of loss and restoration. Perhaps you’ve read them. Undoubtedly you’ve heard them preached from a pulpit on Sunday morning or expounded in Sunday School or Wednesday night Bible Study. Still you might not embrace them. That little voice in your head just might be saying, “That was ages and ages ago. Those people were somehow more devoted, more saved, more worthy than me.” Perhaps you lack a little faith or just can’t relate.

To bring you to the present, I can tell you. I was a lonely, empty woman, but Jesus alone made me whole. I was stuck in my past, holding on to old wounds like they were my identity, but God gave me a new identity bound up in him. I was depressed; God gave me joy. I was in the midst of a battle; God gave me peace. Doors were closed; God opened new doors. He has given me a new song, not once, but time and time again.

Don’t ask “Why Me?” unless you really want the answer. God has a plan and a purpose specific for you. This trouble, this trial, this tribulation was custom designed just for you. You can think of it as an opportunity to draw nearer to God, to develop some spiritual muscle for what God knows is coming up ahead, to have a testimony that will witness to someone who needs your story.

Knowing there is a plan, there is a purpose; you can be assured that The Battle is Fixed. My pastor, Dr. Destry C. Bell, Christ Temple of Deliverance, Church of God in Christ preached this text from Romans 8:35-39 on the first Sunday in July 2013. The scripture reads:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can I tell you the battle is fixed? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went through the fire (Daniel 3). They trusted God and came out on the other side. I too have been through the fire and come out on the other side. What they meant for my harm, God meant for my good. What they thought would destroy me only positioned me for the blessings God already had in store.

I trusted God. I put my trust in him, when he told me to stay in my place. I kept my trust in him when things went from bad to worst. Regardless of what the naysayers thought or said or wrote on a piece of paper, I trusted in my God, prayed, accepted his peace and stayed on my assignment. I just kept doing me and trusting God. He never fails.

The word of God says:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

The battle is fixed. You are coming out.

You’re coming out, looking better than you do right now. I had gotten comfortable where I was and it took a move of God to shake things up and move me out of my comfort zone. While he was shaking my very foundation, he was building up my spiritual muscles, teaching me to trust in him and obey his will even when things got uncomfortable. Through it all, God knew and knows what he has in store for me. This was not my first trial and it may not be my last, but whatever may come, I am assured that God has a plan and purpose for my life and it is working for my good.

Despite going through trials, I waited patiently on the Lord. I left the stress and disappointment of one job only to walk into the hope and promise of a new one. Shortly after I started my new job, I completed my Master’s degree. I also took a good look at myself and decided to do something about my weight. With Weight Watcher’s I have lost nearly 70 pounds and look forward to reaching my ultimate goal weight. I moved closer to family. I was able to make day trips to visit my ailing mother in the months preceding her death. I am in the second year of my new assignment, and just as before, I continue to have good rapport and good results with my students. Now I can join a host of others who coming out on the other side of trouble, can sing a new song.

Delivered out of Egypt, Moses had a new song.

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Boaz redeemed Ruth and gave childless, widowed Naomi hope and a new song.

And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. Ruth 4:14-15

Coming out of exile into his anointing, David inherited a kingdom and sang a new song.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalm 30:11-12

When you find yourself in trouble, be assured:

“It’s working for your good.”

“He rains on the just and the unjust.”

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

“Trouble don’t last always.”

Why you? The battle is fixed. You’re coming out and you’ll sing a new song.

I waited patiently for Jehovah; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. And he brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock; he hath established my going. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, praise unto our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall confide in Jehovah. Psalm 40:1-3

Lean With It. Roll With It. Rock With It.

2013-08-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

When trouble comes:

Lean with it.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. Psalm 18:2-3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Troubles come: legal, financial, relationship, disease, temptation, addiction. Whatever the circumstance, learn to lean and depend on God. Remember, there is nothing too hard for God.

While you’re waiting, your faith will help you:

Roll with it.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: 1-2

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Keep moving forward, doing those things that please God, trusting that God will direct your path and bring you out of the valley. The battle is fixed. You are an overcomer when you stay connected to the power source.

Until your deliverance comes:

Rock with it.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:6-7

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Psalms 55:17

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

As a child, did you crawl into a welcoming lap when you were tired, sick, distressed, in trouble, or just in need of a little TLC? Today, you may be too old for that lap, but you are never too old for God. He is that welcoming lap. How do you crawl into it? Prayer and praise will get you there. In your meantime, pray unceasingly, praise him unabashedly and find your safe place in his loving arms.

In times of trouble:

Lean with it. Roll with it. Rock with it.

When God Calls

2013-07-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

When God calls, go!

Genesis 12:1-5

¹ And Jehovah had said to Abram, Go out of thy land, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, to the land that I will shew thee. ² And I will make of thee a great nation, and bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. ³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

⁴ And Abram departed as Jehovah had said to him. And Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran. ⁵ And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had acquired, and the souls that they had obtained in Haran, and they went out to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Can you imagine making a move like Abraham? Away from all that was familiar. Away from your home, your family, your friends. Away from the known, into the unknown. A move like Abraham’s takes faith and faith takes focus.

God told Abraham to walk into a strange land with nothing more than a promise. When God tells you to move, will you do it? Will you question? Will you doubt? Will you delay? Will you wonder if this is really God speaking to you or just a figment of your sanctified imagination? Will you go?

Once started, will you hesitate? Will you reconsider? Will you look back at all you left behind, or will you move forward with faith?

Jesus told Peter to step out of the boat. Peter would for a moment walk on water, until he lost focus (Matthew 14:27 - 30). Peter lost faith when he stopped focusing on Jesus. For a moment he remembered where he had come from. He had been standing safe and secure on the boat. For a moment he considered where he was. He was walking on stormy seas. He shouldn’t have been able to walk on calm water yet here he was attempting the impossible. He lost sight of Jesus. Instead he saw the wind and the waves. He stopped looking ahead. Instead he saw the boat he had left behind, his very human feet, and the turbulent water. Peter began to sink.

The consequences for looking back can be deadly. Stay focused. Keep the faith. Whatever you do, wherever you find yourself, no matter what happens, don’t look back!

Genesis 19:15-17; 24-26

¹⁵ And as the dawn arose, the angels urged Lot, saying, Up, take thy wife and thy two daughters who are present, lest thou perish in the iniquity of the city. ¹⁶ And as he lingered, the men laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hand of his two daughters, Jehovah being merciful to him; and they led him out, and set him without the city. ¹⁷ And it came to pass when they had brought them outside, that he said, Escape for thy life: look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou perish.

²⁴ And Jehovah rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven, ²⁵ and overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew upon the ground.

²⁶ And his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Some things, some people, some places are understandably hard to leave behind. There is something comfortable about the known, no matter how difficult your present circumstances may be. The thought of stepping out into new territory can leave you paralyzed. You may have to let go of family, friends, homes, jobs, habits, issues, memories, conflicts, hard feelings, even some dreams. Don’t suffer the fate of Lot’s wife, cemented to a past she couldn’t look beyond. Don’t look back. Ask God to help you let go and let him. Look instead to Abraham. In his old age, Abraham asked his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.

⁵ And the servant said to him, Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land: must I, then, bring thy son again in any case to the land from which thou hast removed? ⁶ And Abraham said to him, Beware that thou bring not my son thither again. ⁷ Jehovah the God of the heavens, who took me out of my father’s house, and out of the land of my nativity, and who has spoken to me, and who has sworn to me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land—he will send his angel before thee, that thou mayest take a wife for my son thence. ⁸ And if the woman be not willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be quit of this my oath: only, bring not my son thither again. (Genesis 24:5-8)

Abraham knew he could not turn back. No matter how bleak the present looked, God had made Abraham a promise. Abraham knew where his promise lay. He would not abandon that promise.

“THIS IS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU MUST LEARN TO LET GO: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Abraham had a firm grasp on the concept of letting go. Abraham had confidence that God would do just what he said he would do. Abraham believed that God could do anything and would keep his promise. After all God gave Abraham a child in his old age. God blessed Abraham with wealth and the favor of kings. God gave Abraham a ram in the bush. Abraham was certain God would make him a father of nations in this strange new land of promise. Abraham knew how and when to let go and let God.

God calls you according to his purpose for your life. He will use you, but like Abraham, you must be open to his voice, trusting in his promise, and obedient to his call. When God calls, will you obey?

That's Not in the Bible

2013-04-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

Once taboo, homosexual lifestyles now pervade our culture, the media, and even the courts. Popular shows like Glee and the New Normal actively promote the lifestyle. Celebrities, professional athletes, politicians, and even our President have spoken out in favor of same sex marriage. According to recent media polls, the court of public opinion is changing rapidly.See:

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/04/13/4180566/opinions-about-same-sex-marriage.html; and

http://www.pewforum.org/Topics/Issues/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/

Some view current laws as discriminatory. Some say homosexuality is not a choice. Others claim the lifestyle is not a sin, proclaiming “that’s not in the Bible”. What then does the Bible say, not only about homosexuality, but about sin in general and about sexual sin in particular?

It is said that Jesus loves the sinner but hates the sin. How much does he love the sinner?

John 3:16-17 says

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him may not perish, but have life eternal. For God has not sent his Son into the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him.

Jesus loves the sinner. He spent his life among sinners. It was for sinners that he was sent into the world, not for condemnation, but for salvation.

So often when Christians reference what the Bible says about lifestyle choices, they are accused of hatemongering. Such criticism serves only to deflect attention away from the sin and to stifle the truth. The truth is God hates sin. 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 says

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

What does scripture say about sexual sin?

Sexual sin covers a wide spectrum. Leviticus 18 and 20 specify the laws of sexual sin and their consequences for the Israelite nation.

Leviticus 18:6 says

None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord.

The next 12 verses denote just what is meant by the phrase “near of kin”.

Verse 19 says

Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

Verse 20 says

Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor’s wife, to defile thyself with her.

Verse 21 veers away from sexual sin to prohibit the practice of child sacrifice.

Verse 22 says

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: It is abomination.

Verse 23 says

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: It is confusion.

Verses 24-25 state just why the Israelites were to refrain from these

practices.

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things, for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

For those who would argue that these admonitions were specific to the Israelite nation who was under the law, the old covenant or Old Testament, the New Testament which covers both the Jew and Gentile alike continues to warn against sexual immorality.

I Timothy 1:8-10 says

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Regarding the Gentiles, Romans 1:24-28 explains

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

I Corinthians 6:13 says

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

I Corinthians 6:18 says

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Galatians 5: 19- 21 says

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

II Timothy 3:1-9; 15-17 cautions

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.

Church folk have been known to say “We are living in the last days.” Whether you are a believer or not, know that any day could be your last. Are you still conflicted? Do you still doubt the truth? Are you torn because of your concern for a loved one, the pull of popular culture, or a personal struggle with your own desires? There is one way you can find the answer if you dare. Read the Word for yourself and seek God for understanding.

Isaiah 55:6-8 says

Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

He that believes on him is not judged: but he that believes not has been already judged, because he has not believed on the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light; for their works were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light that his works may not be shown as they are; but he that practices the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought in God.

Believe it or not, it’s in the Bible.

God Specializes

2013-02-04T19:55:00.000-06:00

God Specializes. That song had been in my spirit for several days. That’s all I could remember, not the melody, not the lyrics, just “God specializes . . .” I found myself wondering, God specializes in what. I thought of Solomon, the product of David’s obsession with Bathsheba. David committed deceit, adultery, and murder for Bathsheba. For his sins, David would lose the first child born of this illicit union, but later he would sire Solomon. Born out of his parent’s grief, Solomon was just one in a long line of David’s sons, yet Solomon would be the one to succeed David as King.

In Sunday school, the teacher shared how God uses imperfect people like David and Solomon. During the worship hour, Pastor Destry C. Bell, Christ Temple of Deliverance would tie the message together and provide the missing words to the song. Pastor Bell said God specializes in the impossible. Like his own son and successor Solomon, David was the least likely of Jesse’s sons to become King, the least likely to do battle, the least likely to slay a giant, but Pastor Bell expounded, God specializes, making the impossible, possible.

This message just kept coming – the incomplete words to a song, a sidebar in our Sunday school lesson, the Pastor’s sermon. I can only surmise it is a message God wanted me to hear and pass along to you. You are more than you think you are. You are more than they say you are. God specializes in impossibilities. God specializes in making something from nothing. He makes the impossible, possible. God specializes in you.

Psalm 23

2013-01-06T11:29:00.004-06:00

Psalm 23

King James Version (KJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

As a child I relied on family. Later when I grew too old to lean on them, I tried to find that same support in a man, and when it was apparent that wouldn’t work out, I still had Washington, Hamilton and Jackson to count on. Somehow heartache and trouble just kept coming. Money was never enough. People were never enough. Things were never enough. Nothing seemed sufficient for the chasm in my soul. That’s when I called on Christ. He showered me with love, grace and mercy. He renewed my spirit and put me in my right mind. I put the past behind me. I stopped looking for comfort in earthly things. I learned what it truly means to rely on God.

Now I am assured that the Lord is my shepherd. He goes before me. He guides me and lights my way. In times of trouble, He is my defense. He is my sword and shield. Through life's trials, He encamps about me. He gives me peace. My countenance is upon him. I have no reason to worry, no reason to fear. In him I have my assurance and my being. His goodness, His mercy, they follow me continually - all day, every day, 24-7-365, to infinity and beyond.

Change of Address

2012-12-31T16:45:00.003-06:00

¹ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ² As to every branch in me not bearing fruit, he takes it away; and as to every one bearing fruit, he purges it that it may bring forth more fruit. ³ Ye are already clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abide in the vine, thus neither can ye unless ye abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. ⁶ Unless any one abide in me he is cast out as the branch, and is dried up; and they gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall come to pass to you. ⁸ In this is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, and ye shall become disciples of mine.

John 15:1-8, NKJV

As we usher out the old year and usher in the new one, it comes as no surprise that there are a plethora of messages, a clarion call to change, to put the past behind us and forge ahead with renewed commitment, energy and hope. Reflecting on the past year, I know I got overly busy. I spent far too much time nursing anger, resentment, and stress. I was working full time, completing an online Master’s Degree program, taking on part time work, looking for a new job, relocating; meanwhile, I got too busy for the things of God.

I fell for the enemy’s greatest tricks all meant to distract me. As a result, I grew silent and spiritually barren. Looking ahead, I don’t want to take any of that baggage with me. In order to be fruitful, I have to do some pruning. I have to cut away wrath, self-preservation, and pride. I need to do some fertilizing. I need to put on love, humility, and service.

I am currently reading An Invisible Thread. In this true story, a successful woman goes beyond handing money to a panhandling youth in New York City. Through one chance encounter, the unlikely pair strike up a friendship that becomes a lifelong bond. Reading this book makes me want to do more. It makes me question how I can make a difference in the lives of those around me.

Jesus says “Abide in me and I (will abide) in you”. He goes on to say if we abide in him, we can’t help but bear fruit. Apart from him however, we are fruitless. Just like a branch cut from a vine, the branch in and of itself cannot bear fruit. What fruit is there will eventually dry up, wither, and die.

When we abide in him, he abides in us. We go beyond worship, Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation. We take on his characteristics and actions. We can share a meal with a homeless person, be gracious to that overbearing boss, have patience with an insolent child, visit the sick, or volunteer our time to a worthy cause.

I've taken inventory, and I need a change of address. What about you? Where have you been living lately? Have you been abiding in him? If not, isn’t it time for a new address?