Who Will Miss 2020?

I can’t imagine anyone ever saying that they will miss the year 2020. Such an incredible year that has been packed with the unusual and the catastrophic. So many have lost jobs and loved ones while so many other adjustments have been made. It has been a year filled with uncertainty. Who will miss 2020? 

Packed with the unusual is an understatement. Not only do we have the COVID-19 occurs with catastrophic consequences, the year was filled with conspiracy theories and uncertainty. Rocked by a controversial Presidential election, leveled by the insurmountable amount of news - 24/7, yet, filled with incomplete information. The result is a fearful and hopeless; many are simply put, cynical.

In John 14 we see the disciples wondering what the future held as they hear Jesus say He was departing. With so many changes and uncertainties they were comforted (as are we) by the words that Jesus spoke, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come again.“ Indeed! He keeps His word.
    
How would you feel hearing what the disciples heard?  What would you want to change upon His return?

Love: Compassion & Care

Being shown love through compassion and care brings a feeling of joy to every person. It may not solve every problem we face but it helps us to endure the hardship of our experience. When someone cares we feel human! 

During the Advent Season, we anticipate a day that will bring the greatest joy, the return of Christ who is our salvation. It means that the One who defined love by demonstrating compassion and care for us individually. We have a clue about what love means because Jesus showed great love by His action and provision. It is witnessed by His humble birth; God Emmanuel (God with us) is love with skin on.

One of the most remarkable phrases in the Bible that describes the emotion of Jesus is, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) It demonstrates how Jesus felt and it was an emotion of compassion and care.  The love He showed for his friends in the death and raising again of Lazarus is remarkable! He often showed compassion for the multitudes as well. (Matthew 9:36) I believe that when Jesus wept, the heavens opened and Lazarus came forth.

The fact that Jesus was filled with compassion is well documented throughout scripture. It tells us that we can trust Him to care for whatever burden and concern we have as well. If Jesus can weep for His friends, He will also show His compassion on us as well.

When you think of how much God loves you through the actions of God Emmanuel, how does this make you feel? What brings you to tears? How could God’s love care for you today?    

Lessons from the Red Kettle

 Lessons from the Red Kettle (Republished)

By: Rick Carder

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Every year it’s a joy to volunteer my time in the community. This year, I took time out of my schedule to volunteer with Marion’s Salvation Army‘s Red Kettle. For just a couple of hours, I stood outside of the Marion Walmart greeting the patrons as they entered and exited.

Volunteering is a lot of fun and especially when it’s within your particular niche. My niche just happens to be conversation. I love to greet people and listen to their stories. Perhaps that’s why I am enjoying my time in the Indiana Wesleyan University Alumni Association as the Director of Alumni & Church Relations.

Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army is a blast in my opinion. If you enjoy observing people and interacting with them, I would highly recommend this experience. It is most interesting to me to see the reaction of people who either avoid looking at you or make every effort to let you know that they have already donated. I happen to enjoy the former more, because it is a challenge to get people to break out of their comfort zone and offer you at least a gesture of a greeting. It’s usually the nod of the head or a simple wave.

I have observed three different types of people during my time ringing the bell. First, you have the avoiders. These are the people that will go out of their way to look away and pretend they don’t hear your bell ringing and verbal greetings. One lady, who did everything she could to avoid talking to me, pretending to not hear me at first and then when it was all to obvious I was there, looked into her purse as if to grab a cell phone call. I remembered her and when she came out later I loved the opportunity to get her attention. “Hello again, and good evening,” I said. While looking straight at me, she walked past as if I was invisible. Now I’m certain she heard me because her eyes seem to convey an assurance of my existence, but she was not going to communicate with so much as a wave or nod of the head. She simply kept walking. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I’m certain that she had other things on her mind. Perhaps they were burdens or a fear that somehow talking to me would commit her to dropping a few coins in the Red Kettle.

Then there are the people who just simply respond to my greeting with a simple echo of my greeting. “Good afternoon!” I’d say, and they would mutter, “Good afternoon to you as well”. I refer to them as the echo. This is the basis of society called reciprocity, the reciprocating of your smile or kind words but never going beyond that simple response.

You may be like the third person I encountered in my bell ringing. These people represent the true heart of charity and perhaps the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This usually calls for a little special treatment of their response. Perhaps they not only say hello back, but they also say God bless you or thank you for being here and even offer a kind gift of a donation in the Red Kettle.

Scripture speaks often about this golden rule, going the extra mile and give cheerfully. The Christian faith is full of examples both in scripture and in life of how important it is to put others ahead of yourself. In order for a society to better itself, we need to have charity and goodwill with a splash of hope that reflects the love God has for each one of us.

This time of year there are many who are ringing bells, trying to call attention to their favorite cause. They desire to bring goodwill to one and all. It is this time of year that we think of the Christmas carols and even reflect on Charles Dickens, Christmas Scrooge. It is this time of year when charity seems to come to life visibly and in real, tangible ways.

One young lady with her six-year-old stopped at the Red Kettle and told me simply, “I can’t walk past a single one of these Red Kettles without putting something in!” as she stuffed several dollar bills into the kennel. “This organization helped me when I was in great need, and they bought gifts for my son. I am grateful and especially now that I’m on my feet I can give back so that others will have the same opportunity I once needed from this great organization.“

So take note the next time you hear that faint bell ringing; there is much to be gained through charity. There are so many benefits because of it. May that bell ringing remind you that we can do for others as we would have done to us. In this we could reflect the kind of love that God extended to us when we were yet undeserving. It is through our acts of kindness we show others that we best demonstrate the love and goodwill of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” – (Saint Francis of Assisi) St. Francis of Assisi

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Written prior - Rev. Rick Carder, (Formerly Director of Alumni and Church Relations for Indiana Wesleyan University’s Alumni Office.) — Currently serving White’s Residential and Family Services, Church Engagement.

From Fear To Peace

Advent is a time to hope! We find hope wrapped in small packages! While hope begins its work, many also stress over life’s circumstances. For the infant child and the humble manger family, hope is veiled at times and shadowed with fear. 

In later passages we find Jesus, the adult messiah casting out fear, something that even the the young manger family experienced. The link to the manger family and later the adult Jesus was (and is today) acquainted with our grief. The disciples were afraid. How often do we read of those closest to Jesus, His disciples, were afraid? In one incident they were fishing and a mighty storm suddenly came upon them. The wind and the waves were breaking over them. The storm was raging and they feared they world perish. Where was Jesus? He was asleep. (Matthew 8:23-27) 

Just like when He was the infant child lowly, He was resting in a calm assurance that shatters our imagination. The world is in chaos but He slept right through it.. After all, He is the prince of peace! 

Jesus was fast asleep as the disciples feared their death. Awakening Jesus, they saw him calm the wind and waves. Jesus’ contrasted lack of concern was because He could calm any troubled waters. We too can experience His presence that brings a peace in the midst of broken pieces.

What waves are breaking over you today? How can Jesus calm your spirit just now?

Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the food we oft might win, by fearing to attempt. - William Shakespeare

Introductions — The Angels Heralded His Birth!

Introductions are very helpful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make my initial introduction to those who read the weekly column at The Paper of Wabash. Now contributing to the long-standing work, I was asked asked by Rev. Tom Curry to continue writing. 

In the upcoming publication, I began with my introduction. I asked the question, Who am I? 

Well, in truth, that is not that important of a question. Let me explain. 

When Jesus was born in a manger, his introduction was heard by all, announced by a star, and her older by the angels to a group of lowly shepherd. (Luke 2:8-15) His introduction was that of surprise and anticipation! We celebrate this today by what is called the Advent Season. It is an echo of the past, a present reality for the Christian, and an anticipation of future happenings yet to come! His birth was (and is) defined by who He is! Introductions are important. 

Yet, perhaps there is a deeper question we all must ask. The question is, whose am I?

Attempting to discover my own identity is a lifelong pursuit. I have many identities; father, grandparent, husband, pastor… But, whose am I? I am a spiritually adopted child of God. (Read Ephesians 1:5) Since Jesus was born lowly to become the means upon which I am forgiven and transformed, I can find my identity in Him. I am loved through Jesus Christ. 

What words describe you? Are you spiritually connected to God?

Advent: Most Look Ahead But, Not Me.

I don’t know what’s happening to me. As I get older, I seem to be more reflective than in my former years. Usually I am trying to advance the cause and plan ahead and set goals as high as I could but lately, things are changing. Even everybody that I know is beginning to notice. My kids are asking what’s wrong with me My wife is even noticing because I’m beginning to be sucked into the Hallmark channel. I am seemingly becoming contemplative.

I’ve been told that as you grow older, things begin to change. I certainly have noticed that my back hurts a little more and it takes me a little longer to accomplish simple task. It’s not that I’m necessarily be coming nicer, it’s the fact that I’m changing.

I’ve even begin to notice some of those changes. My dad jokes are becoming more frequent in my awkward statements to strangers as well. Probably most are Dismissive of my behavior because after all, I’m over 55, double nickels. No one would dare ask for my ID because it’s pretty obvious that I qualify for the senior discount.

I’ve heard of midlife crisis but I certainly have not bought a sports car. I have also heard rumors that as your age you begin to have few were friends. That hasn’t happened either, at least that I’ve noticed. I have become more resolute in my political opinions, and even more vocal. I also heard that that happens as well but I thought that being stubborn was a good quality.

Advent is all about anticipation in the future. December might wind down the year but it certainly amps up the anticipation of a new year. I think just about everyone is grateful to be done with 2020. Nevertheless, I seem to become more interested in the past these days.

The lighting of the candle on the advent wreath or the turning of a calendar causes me to look back rather than a head more often than I care to admit. 

Is that perhaps the way the disciples felt during that last supper with Jesus when he said he was going away? John 14 records the perspective of the disciples in that moment when, all of a sudden things were going to change. Jesus reminded them that he would not leave them as orphans but that he was coming again. But my guess is that the disciples were more concerned about today rather than tomorrow. In fact, they reflected on yesterday in those final moments with Jesus.

I guess I’m not all that unusual to be reflective. Perhaps it’s not an age thing at all but, a season. As we enter into the holiday season, advent been a significant spiritual experience, let us take time to reflect before we jump into a new year. This year, as I like the advent candle and turn the page on the calendar, while I anticipate Christ return I also reflect on my own experience in life.

Regrets? Not for me, at least yet. It is more about the joy of the wonderful work that God has done on my behalf through his great love and grace. Nothing that I’ve done at all. Perhaps I become reflective of the tremendous blessings that I’ve experienced in life. Friendships gained. Faith experienced. Fond memories. To those whom I have known that have contributed to my life, I am grateful.

Advent for me is was about the blessings that I experience and through my faith, I can rejoice!

Think Thankfully!

What are you thankful for? If you have to take time to think of something, you may not be really that thankful. Thankfulness should flow off our tongue easily and quickly! 

Think thankfully is a way of life! Every American and most in developed countries should be thankful. We are not entitled to what we have but we are blessed beyond compare! I don’t think I would be wrong to say that 99% of Americans are wealthier than most people of underdeveloped countries! Research proves me right. 

We have been given much! The facts don’t lie. Americans as well as most others in developed countries are wealthy! We have more than we deserve! Am I right? 

My challenge today is an obvious one. We need to be thankful. The Bible tells us, “...whatever is pure or lovely, think on these things....” (Philippians 4:8) Why? Our minds often trick us. We can think ourselves into negative behaviors. We can convince ourselves that we don’t have enough. We are less content! 

This Thanksgiving, we should think about the bounty of blessings we have! God has blessed us without exception! If you are reading this article, you are fortunate enough to have technology and likely a computer that most don’t! 

So, think thankfully! Be content and realize how blessed we are! 

Thank You Is Not Just a Polite Expression!

I love it when I hear people use polite statements like please and thank you. These are common ways to express respect and kindness. I think that it is becoming rare but there is hope that it will not become extinct. 

In the age of extreme political views that find fault and demonstrates insulting responses to disagreement, the virtues of niceness is getting lost. It is hard to imaging that our social norms have been reducing our expectations on the way we treat one another. Being polite has lost it meaning, seemingly being eroded more each day.

I am not a sociologist but I notice as do you, that being polite is less and less experienced, especially over social media platforms and online interactions. Our politicians don’t seem to lead proper etiquette well either! 

Being polite is also a form of encouragement as Proverbs 12:25 tells us. It is uplifting to hear positive affirmations like thank you! We can do a lot of good just by being nice!

adjective, po·lit·er, po·lit·est.

showing good manners toward others, as in behavior, speech, etc.; courteous; civil.

In a recent online reports like John Hopkins, we can study the facts and see how true our assumptions are. A recent researches shared that proper etiquette is like traffic lights. Professor Dr. Pier Forni says that the traffic lights of human interaction. They make it so we don’t crash into one another in everyday behavior.”

It is not a generational issue but it is revealing how often being polite is passed down (or not) from one generation to the next. Consider the following generational gaps on good manners. 

In recent decades, young people have begun asking questions not asked before, including, “What’s the big deal about good manners?” Or to frame it another way: “What’s in it for me to sit up straight, say please and thank you, shake hands, and keep my mouth closed while chewing food?”

Being able to teach good manners to adults is hard work. We can no longer assume that people will act professional. It starts when we are young but consistent reinforcement of good manners matter! 

The Bible is filled with many virtues that speak to this subject so well. Verses like, Philippians 1:27, “...let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel.” And Acts 17:11, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Or even in James, the Bible speaks about controlling the tongue.

There just may be a connection with the lack of virtue being taught with the decline of the Bible in everyday conversation. We can do better! No matter our political view or disagreements, we should be able to express kindness! Saying thank you is not just a polite expression, it reveals the heart!

Here is a helpful resources. Age appropriate guidelines are helpful. Read more. 

   

More For Less!

It’s that time of year where we seem to evaluate our lives to momentarily stop and say, “thank you.” All the other times of year we seem to just rush on to accumulate and to add more into our lives. Thanksgiving hardly passes and we’re already starting to gather more stuff. Even Black Friday, which is traditionally after Thanksgiving is now pushing us to purchase as early as possible.

We love the tag-lines and the sales gimmicks that try to help us justify exactly what we really want to possess anyway. Phrases like, “more for less,“ becomes a central theme and philosophy but somehow justifies our actions. We might even say that we are thinking of others while at the same time purchasing more for ourselves because, after all, it was on sale.

I’m struck by how easy it is for us to become materialistic and at the same time less compassionate for the least and the lost. Many assume that poverty equals laziness. People often say that if people work hard enough they can get ahead but, that doesn’t always add up. Some might even say that God blesses those that work hard enough in which I’m not sure is theologically accurate because even in His blessing many are still poor and many remain content.

I will say however, I do like the idea of more for less. It seems as though that the more thankful I am the less I seem to really need. Contentment is the opposite of accumulation. I believe that it is not what we have that defines who we are but it is in what we give that demonstrates best! 

I love the church sign I saw one time that had the simple phrase, “Do you do ThanksLiving?” Having a grateful heart is a lifestyle more than just a simple list of actions. It is a way of life. It’s not just a season of the year that we return thanks but it is an ever present and common expression that lives in the heart.

Perhaps this year we need to not just celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving but we need to commit ourselves to a way of living that is both generous and kind. As we enter into a season of giving, Let’s decide that our greatest need is actually to give and not receive, to be grateful and not greedy! 

Fight Fear Fatigue!

You have been there many times before. Fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty or shock. Fear can overwhelm anyone. If it doesn’t you may not be human. 

The disciples during Jesus’ day dealt with fear on several occasions that we know of as we read scripture. One occasion is when they were in a boat fishing and a nightly storm caught them unaware and unprepared. They were frantic and fearful they would die. Yet, in total contrast, Jesus was sleeping through the worst part of the storm. He was asleep!

The disciples finally were able to awaken Jesus only to see Him do a miracle before them. He calmed the wind and waves by showing that He commanded nature. He calmed the seas! (Reported in Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4;35-41; Luke 8:22-25.) 

Today, we are overwhelmed to the point of dealing with fear fatigue! We see many who are so fearful that they are growing tired of being so afraid! Many are fear fatigued!

Today, I am calling for us to fight against fear lest we too grow tired! Fighting fear fatigue means putting up a defense against doubt that leads to fear that can also lead us to giving up or being so very tired of being afraid! We need to find faith, through Christ who gives us strength to overcome fear. We need to find faith that strengthens our resolve. 

I have often hear the fear is an unfounded and false evidence appearing to be real. Our world is sourced by public opinion that produces false evidence resulting in the emotional response that categorically produces fear! Public opinions are like navels, we all have one! But, there is good news we can turn to that can help us fight fear fatigue.

The only hope we have is the truth of the Bible. God’s promises and precepts can calm the waters of any storm we experience. They are like discovering gold, we must read His Word and pray, looking for His Word that fights fear fatigue!

Perhaps this Thanksgiving we can count our blessings and realize just how much God has done for us. We too just may be able to do what Jesus did during the storm; take a nap.  

Reaching For The Pain Relief Medicine!

After working hard raking and compiling leaves all afternoon and into the night, I headed home feeling a great deal weariness and muscle ache. As I entered my home, my complaint was very obvious. “Cindi,“ I cried, “do we have any  pain relief medicine?“ She responded, “Didn’t you take any Ibuprofen before you started all that work?” It was in the form of an indictment which I needed to hear. Time after time, I know better than to wait for my muscles ache before taking something.

Isn’t that ever so familiar for any of us? It seems as if we wait until after the pain to look for the remedy. Prayer is often treated in the same way. We wait for troubles and problems before we go to the Lord in prayer. It’s as if we have a last-minute ditch effort to find a solution when the answer has been there all along. The apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. It’s in times of trouble that to go to the source of our relief and the answer to our problems.

In Psalm 20:1, 5 we read that in times of trouble, may the Lord answer our cry. It is a reminder that we should take our concerns to the Lord in all circumstances. I love what Tony Dungy says on this very point:

“It’s hard to remember when we are in the middle of tough situations, but while we are in the midst of them And wondering how in the world they will ever end or how will we get out of them, we are doing nothing proactive to change the current environment. More often than not, we tend to worry.”

It’s like reaching for the pain relief after we are already in pain rather than going to God in prayer, seeking His Will and His wisdom in all circumstances. Tony Dungy tells us, “...throughout Scripture God makes it abundantly clear to us that we are to pray….” 

If you are like me, we like  to get as many miles out of our gas tank as we can. Daily 

I travel many miles. There has been more than one occasion where I have nearly been empty before finding a gas station, nearly escaping as disasters outcome, being stuck along the road. Why do we wait until our strength is almost gone or our gas tank is nearly empty before we refuel?

We live in difficult and confusing times. Worry is often our response to conflict and fear. Worry is often a response to uncertainty and times of distress. 

I wonder what it would be like to live a life devoted to prayer and even before life‘s circumstance in trouble, we are already in prayer.

I know for me, I need a constant reminder to go to the Lord. Why is it that trouble always seems to be one promise rather than my daily desire to devote myself to prayer? 

I travel across the state of Indiana each and every day and I love to read church signs. Recently I read this message; “Worry is the dark room where negatives can develop.”

Dungy is right when he shares, “When you see the storm clouds gathering, commence praying!”

Division of a Nation & Urgency of Prayer!

I travel hundreds of miles across the state of Indiana and I am always amazed by the incredible experience of prayer with so many pastors of all backgrounds. I attend on average about 17 minister groups a month and enjoy the wonderful fellowship of each of these groups that I attend. 

Something is definitely happening that is a defining experience in our culture today. We are all experiencing various degrees of stress as we see more issues of division, especially during an Presidential election year.

Division is tearing our nation apart as extremes are being played out through media channels of all kinds. We are seeing plenary of political division and it seems to be even more extreme. There is so much strife on every corner. The American landscape is looking very grim.

No matter the extraordinary times that we live, I believe that there has never been a greeter opportunity to witness of our faith in Jesus then right now. Just look around, nearly everyone agrees that these are extraordinary times. Fear and bitterness, rage and anger are only a few of the raw emotions that we see today. Ask anyone and you will see that it is very apparent that our culture is in conflict. Nevertheless, we have a message of hope and peace that is in sharp contrast to what we see lived out in our world today.

I’ve attend many prayer groups especially this election day and I’m hearing common themes of those who are praying. Whether it’s sin scriptures that they recite our prayers that they pray, a theme of urgency is on their lips. It seems as though the church is drawing closer to God in prayer and then ever before. At least in my lifetime, I have grown increasingly impressed with the response of the Christian church in times of great peril and unrest.

Could it be that division that we are seeing is causing the church to be united in prayer? Could it be that God is bringing about revival in the midst of great conflict? Could it be that not only during an election cycle but throughout our culture we are seen a seismic shift in the fervor an interest of the church to pray?

I am encouraged by the church! I am excited to see that the church is not complacent but demonstrating great faith as it comes together, whether by a remnant or in mass to see a great awakening. We are taught that we should be humble and during uncertain times we certainly can be fearful. But we are also taught to proclaim boldly because of the incredible hope that we have through Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 3:12)

My point today? In the midst of division, I think that God is calling His church to fervent and urgent prayer! Perhaps this is a sign of revival? 

There is Therefore....

So often we repeat ideas and phrases without proper context. Too often we take ideas out of context. Just a passing glance at the things often quoted become talking point often out of context. Too often we repeat things that can be categorized as gossip, reserved for tabloids. When we miss the context of a statement or idea, we run dangerously close to falsehood and lies.

Jesus understood this, even as He was in the wilderness being tempted, He challenged the context of what Satan told Him. Just as Satan quoted scripture, Jesus understood the context and meaning of the sacred Word. The half-truth by Satan were not in proper context. Jesus often answered Satan’s attacks with the Truth of His Word! 

Often we read the Bible and come across the word, therefore. I was always told that when we read this word we have to understand the context of what preceded the passage.  This word, therefore is listed over 175 times throughout the Bible, often reinforcing sound doctrine and precepts. The Word of God is packed with promises and precepts! If we don’t know or understand the context of God’s goodness, we cannot know the back story. We can too easily miss the reason for the rest of what He says.

Don’t know if you’ve ever done a search in your Bible for the word therefore but I highly recommend it because it is ripe with truth in context. The inspired word of God is thorough and complete, especially when we read the whole of the Truth. Even my own faith is subject to the therefore’s of scripture. I continue to grow in that faith but not of myself but especially because of God’s Word lived out in my life.

Scripture is not intended to be a weapon of which we criticize others but a tool but carefully crafts my own heart and will. Remember the old adage, “when you point a finger there are other fingers pointing back at you?“ Too often the problem is that we take scripture out of context in order to criticize someone else while ignoring the send it in our own lives.  In a published editorial on the question, what is wrong with the world, C.K. Chesterton responded to the editors, “Dear Editors, I am!” When we remove God, the context that matters has lost its meaning. 

My friend, John who is a Wycliffe Translator Associates shared that trust he is necessary in all relationships. In a recent devotional he said, “When we don’t trust, we don’t share our heart.“ trust is built on a context of relationship in love of which God desires both.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. II John 1:6 NKJV

I wonder what it would be like to live my Christian faith in proper context to the therefore statements of scripture. 

Diversity of Friendship.

When I was in High School I had many friends from all different backgrounds including diverse ethnic backgrounds. Like everyone, we want good grades. One way I knew I could get an easy A was joining the all-male choir. It was monolithic in only one way, we were all males but we were not all the same in our race. I was the exception. 

I was the ‘token’ white member. Out of 15-20 members, I stood out! It was easy to know which one I was. My nicknamed was ‘the blond bomb’. My 80’s - style hair was long and disheveled. I did not have rhythm nor could I relate to the lifestyles of my fellow choir boys. I wanted to know them and eventually became friends with them.

When I pastored in the western suburbs of Chicago years later, I often reflected on my choir boy days while living in a community of 53 languages and many ethnically diverse people. I found my thoughts similarly curious as I compared my experiences on the topic of diversity. 

Today, I want to share just a couple of thoughts related to diversity of friendship. If we are going to make our connections more diverse, I needed to listen more and commit to diversity as an objective and in relational ways.

1. Diversity means that I need to listen more. 

I was not the only person in the room during my High School choir practice. One of the important factors of singing as a group is to listen to others so that you can harmonize and sing your part. No one ever expected our choir to all sing the melody. They expect us to have harmony by signing our separte parts. No one is to standout (unless it is a solo part). 

If I am to gain diverse friendships, I will need to listen better.  Not only was this true in the music score but also in gaining friendship. No one wants to be a friend of the loudmouth! Everyone avoids the narcissistic, selfish person. Why, because they are always taking and seldom listening. A relationship is a two-way street.

Think of how you make friends today. You join clubs or organizations to meet people. Even with the many social media channels, it is about joining groups and following people. Your goal is to find those that agree with you but if you are to gain diverse relationships you have to learn to listen effectively. You will find more channels if you want to listen better. Homogenous connections will only give you single-minded input. Listening in the age of Facebook changes how we get our information. Too many make comments as reactions to what others post and fewer are listening effectively. 

Listening habits shouldn’t change just because it is social media. Unfortunately, many of us simply scroll through our newsfeeds. Few stop and read. 

I believe that as we listen better, we can speak more effectively. Just talking is not good and healthy communication. Taking time to listen means investing in the lives of others. 

2. Having diverse friendship means being intentional. 

Diversity does not just happen. We need to make friends on purpose!  Go with the flow means gathering with those like yourself. It is easy to have friends. All you have to do is look around to connect with those like yourself. 

Connecting with others means doing things differently. It means connecting with those who don’t look like yourself! 

Dr. Mark DeYmaz once said on this subject, in criticism, "explosive homogeneous growth means staying home." Yet, he challenges the status quo in his message and what he had written that the Apostle Paul reached beyond himself. He continues, in a recent message I heard, that the gospel is not just for "white people." 

Similarly, we too must be intentional. Gaining diverse friendship means that we have to develop relationships on purpose? If we want to have diverse friendships, we have to go to places and join causes that are different than your own.

Too often we make division based on political positions alone while not talking about your values. Many will agree with your values and differ on how to solve your concerns. 

Racially diverse friendships means listening to discover people that are not like you! It doesn’t mean that you have to be in conflict. All causes are not yours but there are causes that are value-centered that you can agree with. Political, social, ethnic, economic are just a few opportunities that we can do better at through listening. 

In order to gain diverse friendships, you will need to be intentional. You have to develop a purposeful objective if you are going to have diverse friendships. 

Cries of Injustice!

Pick up any newspaper or watch any news program and there are cries of injustice in the streets. Pictures and videos are prolific with calls for justice and cries of injustice in cities all across America. It seems to be in escapable because it’s in our social media feeds of unwanted ads and commentaries about how unjust our society is. Whether social unrest or political talking points through columns that never cease to rest, we are inundated with the constant message, “No Justice, No Peace.” Before you turn this article off and swipe to the next, you may be surprised to read that this is not just another in-your-face political bully pulpit commentary.

The message I have today is actually filled with hope. It is a message that has eternal value that can change lives and promote incredible goodwill. Today’s article is a message that it’s not only positive but it is timeless and it promotes neighborly love. My title is not an attempt to deceive or mislead you into another “fake news article. It is not a bait and switch trick. If you know me you will also know that I find authority, not of my own, but in the authority of the Word of God, The Bible. My faith is grounded in God’s Word where I find hope and love in original form! I not only believe and story the Bible but I am also developing a relationship with the author of the Bible, God.

Today, I am reflecting and drawing parallel from the narrative of injustice that we read and see in the media today. The world is very hostile and injustice is crying out in our streets. Aside from the political aspects to these issues, I am humbled by the incredible need that there is on issues of injustice while at the same time challenged by the opportunities to offer hope and care for the least and the lost of society. 

I have encouraging words to share related to this and other hot-button issues. I know that the answer is not found entirely in political ways but can be found in Christ. I believe that we can be an advocate for those that have no voice (as referenced in Proverbs 31:8-9). I believe that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. I also know that protesting peacefully is not all together bad. I know that rioting and ranting loudly is not the answer! 

Yet, in spite of all of the social ills of our communities there is hope! I know that it is because of sin that we have injustice. The world is not fair. If you are breathing, you will see and likely be impacted personally by injustice. The inequities of life are not always solved through man-made remedies. We should promote justice but we need to also understand that there are solutions that exceed our human efforts. 

The Bible talks about injustice and the role that the follower of Jesus. It is to promote peace, love, and hope to those in need. We are called to love our neighbor. The golden rule originates from the Bible!

I find that God, through Jesus Christ, made the greatest sacrifice to bring eternal reparations to brokenness. In fact, the most unjust verse I can find is in Romans 5:8 that reads; “But God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

This is freeing for me and many others who have discovered personally the tremendous blessing of having my sin forgiven and I am made right in the Lord. It tells me that while I was in sin and doing wrong, God paid the price for my sin. 

It seems like a terrible injustice that an innocent man (Christ) would love me, though I am unlovable and sinful. It is unfair for Him to give His life up for my sin! That is the injustice beyond compare! 

If I am found in His grace and forgiven we are brought into faith through Christ, I should be grateful for His love endures forever! I don’t deserve it but in Christ I am transformed beyond believe and able to love my neighbor because of His love for me. 

The next time we read or see injustice, indeed we should respond; we cannot be silent. Yet, coming to the issue with an understanding that the problem is sin. Racial injustice or discrimination is not what the Bible (through Christ) promotes. However, we must understand that the problem is sin. The heart is wicked apart from the grace of God through Christ! 

How do we resolve this problem? How to seek reconciliation? Where does eternal live originate?

It is only through God’s Grace (not religious affiliation) that changed everything! We must be people who are humble and caring. We must be people who care for the least and lost of our world; they are the real victims in the political quagmire!

Look up and see that the only hope we have for injustice is the grace of Jesus Christ. This grace produces a love for the human race! My friend once posted on Facebook (see image). She wrote that “we need to put more effort into winning the human race instead of the political race.”

Grace levels the playing field. Love triumph over injustice. Knowing verses in the Bible is one thing but knowing the author (God) is all together different! It is the Word of God that provides wisdom on how to understand the Will of God that comes through a personal relationship with the author of the greatest love letter (Bible). 

Concerned about injustice? We should be! Yet, beyond this is the incredible truth that at the foot of the cross, the ground is level. Grace is freely given to all through the message of salvation that gives hope to all. Indeed, this side of heaven we will need to advocate for love that is eternal and truth That never returns void. 

The ground is level at the food of the Cross! 

Assemble The Church!

I was seated with other pastors from across Northern Indiana. Those that gathered have a passion for Christ that is impressive. I felt humbled to be in attendance. I believe prayer changes things! 

Led by Pastor Gordon Henke, the gathering has not met since before the COVID19 lockdown. Pastor Gordon told the group, “Many things have changed! God has not changed.” 

This open assembly is a ministry of prayer in hopes to see revival happen. The passion of those that gathered is to see God’s Kingdom come. Showing a music video set the time of the meeting. Buck and Dottie Rambo’s Song from the 80 is still relevant today, “His Kingdom”. Lyrics include, “When His Kingdom comes what a difference...”

Those who gathered were challenged to let the light of Christ shine. This “light is coming to this place,” says Pastor Gordon. He reminded the group that God is pleased with and sees us gatherers to pray. Pastors gather from several denominations, the assembly of pastors from northern Indiana speak of repentance and humility! Prayers and statements like, “We need you, Oh God!” can be heard. 

Pastor Gordon shared that when he felt the need to pray that God impresses in him to assemble the Church. He confessed that he may not be the perfect man to call the church to prayer but he confessed that he must be obedient. 

Praying for the Nation, the Church, and church leadership was central. Pastor Gordon quotes a saying when he read his notes, “...better to live on my knees than die on my feet.” 

Prays for reconciliation, end of violence, repentance, have been heard. Passages of the Bible were read by several including Pastor Mike (Host from Crossroads, Plymouth) who read Philippians 4:4-7. He stated to let your requests be made known to God.

Fervent prayers were openly stated. Freely people cried out to God on behalf of our Nation. Scriptures were shared from Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 10:4; and passages from John 14.

Like prior meetings from September, 2019 this gathering asked that people be free to pray openly. A call for revival and repentance was echoed by many. “The prayers of the righteous are effective,” stated one who prayed. “Receive our repentance,” was heard by another. 

A call for National repentance was shared in the reading of Micah 1. The nation is needing a cleansing and a call for repentance for the wrong that we see. “Sin has beset a nation,” says one. Others read from Habakkuk echoing a similar message of our need for repentance. 

Many focused on the National Prayer Assembly in Washington, D.C. that is happening this upcoming weekend from when this group gathered. A call for brokenness was shared! A call to ReviveINDIANA and those from that organization who are attending the National Prayer event. 

The gathering was smaller than past events but the enthusiasm was similar. There was a desire to repent and be restored. Those that gathered are united by a live for The Word of God and prayer. Psalm 81:12-13was read as a reminder to “call each other out if we see sin in the life of our brothers and sisters,” as one pastor said.

While a theme and prayer requests is shared, the tone of the meeting takes in its own meaning. Pastor Gordon said at the outset of the meeting that, “Maybe it is time to put on sack cloths and ashes.” 

The focussed prayer time met for two hours to pour out prayer and read scripture as people were impressed to share. Name tags were handed out but only to add your name and county pastors and guests were coming from. “We don’t need to know what Church we represent,” said Gordon. “We are from the “big C Church,” he shared.

Isaiah 55:11 — It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

The Resume!

If you have lived and struggled it is likely that you have graduated from the school of hard knocks. It’s life experience the teaches you a few lessons that shaped who you are and likely sharpen your skills along the way. For me, I think I may have been a graduate student (Masters level) and likely never to receive my diploma because I feel as if every each day I had another lesson in a perpetual series of classes. Unfortunately, I didn’t always do well on the exam.

The good news is, there’s a lot that I can put on my resume. While it might not be a certified transcript from an accredited institution, nevertheless it has taught me certain skills that shape who I am. Life’s challenges are indeed the hallmark for achievement. When applying for our first job we may have been turned down because experience was needed. Eventually we start hearing that we are over experienced because of our age. Yet, somehow in the middle we find a career and a profession or vocation based on our skills, education, and mostly experiences.

I have been criticized for working too hard. In one of my ministries I averaged over 80 hours weekly and still volunteered my time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). I did chaplaincy work in another ministry where I would serve after 10 pm through early morning; getting just a few hours of sleep I would report to the office the next morning by 8:00 AM. Of course I needed to spend more time at home!  

Those ideals where drilled into me by my father who believed in hard work. His motto could have been, “Do all you can!” I am reminded of a quote I read, “A recent scientific study showed that out of 2,293,618,397 people, 94% are too lazy to actually read that number.” (I hope you are willing to read further!)

Wisdom prevails when it comes to experience. Nothing can beat personal experience. The lessons we’ve learned help us interpret life and make good choices. 

Theodore Roosevelt was a terrific historian and tremendous leader at the turn of the 20th century. His resume was built through rugged hard work and through tough individualism. It was through his experience of leading the Roughriders and furthering his career as a strong and independently-minded person that created the brand that we know him as now. He’s often known for advocating for individual achievement and hard work ethics that earned him tremendous stature as a strong man. Winning battles and achieving through hard work became symbols of his brand. His resume was based on his large achievements and perseverance and mostly experience.

As I comb through the Bible it’s easy to come upon another individual who reminds me of a similar personality, both before and after his conversion. The apostle Paul is that rugged individual that seems to also have a tremendous resume of experiences. 2 Corinthians 11:23 - 28 is a summary of his resume.

“Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

**Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.**” -- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (Astrid added)

There are very few people who have such an impressive resume. While there are many in history, I know of none personally. But, I do know is that this as a person of high achievement and, in the midst of struggle, has persevered. I believe it certainly rest on the understanding that the apostle Paul had a Calling from the Lord. Even a tremendous testimony of his conversion.

Too often I find people who are willing to give up and just the moment that they could have achieved. Too often we hear of those that have backtracked because it was simply too hard to step forward. Too often we see individuals who are given a pass and excuses are made when they had every reason to move ahead.

I look back on how many times my plans were thwarted and if had I just simply had hung on just a little bit longer could’ve made the different. Even toward the end of Paul’s life we find in the book of Philippians that Paul drew his strength from the Lord. I’m impressed that while he was in prison one of the most impressive statements is that he concludes that letter by giving greetings and especially calling out those of the household of Caesar. These were the ones that have come to faith likely because of the influence of Paul during his house arrest and imprisonment.  Even though he had every reason to give up yet, he continued to build his resume for the work of the Lord. He spoke truth and saw converts even among the high-ranking officials of Caesars Palace.

Could I or any of us conclude our lives with such a resume? Could any one of us write down a list of those whose lives have been changed because of our impact on their lives? We never really know when our final day is to come, yet, we should be about our fathers business each and every day by sharing our faith. Our message is filled with the hope we have through Christ who gives us strength. 

Let us not retire, nor grow tired but build a resume of experiences for God’s glory!

The Living Hope!

Today I want to encourage us because of the living Word of God. Today’s blog entry is a reminder that there is a living hope! 

There are at least three things I need to  understand in order that we can see that God is active and living. He is active in His creation and by His Word, the Bible in our lives. 

God spoke!

In Genesis we see that God always has been. The Bible starts out with, “In the beginning God.” The fact that God has always been is important. It is in understanding thus that as He created life. it was through Him that gave order to life! 

Many debate how God did it. The Bible makes it clear that His creation began to be described by His Word when it reads, “...and God said”. The world became because God spoke the living Word.

We see further that the Word was living and life began as He spoke it into being. Psalms 33:6 reads; “The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word,and all the stars were born.”

The translation here uses the word, merely. It is an adverb that means, “only as specified and nothing more; simply”. I love that word because it seemed easy for God. It was simply by the spoken Word!

The Word already existed.

A word we often talk about and read is LOGOS. It is a Greek word which means order and logic. From nothing God created order. Before creation there was nothing but God created order in His creation. We know by reading John 1:1-3 that the Word already existed. It was not created but all of creation was by the spoke word; it already existed!  

John 1:1-3 is how we come to understand the origin of his Word as it reads, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.”

Scripture reminds us that the Word is eternal. The Word of God not only has always existed but it was by what God spoke into being. The Scripture says that God’s Word never returns void. (Isaiah 55:11) It is a truth that reminds us that the word of God as eternal substance, not just for this world but also the next. We read about God’s kingdom and that Jesus came to reveal his kingdom on earth but it is by his word that it comes into being.

Isaiah 55:11 — It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

A love for His Word. 

I think I enjoy preaching and teaching the Word most because it’s the opportunity to remind people of the eternal hope. We can have this hope through the living God and living Word.  It begins by my love for the Bible!

We have a living hope because of the eternal blessing that can only come from the Word of God. 1 Timothy 4:10 reads, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.”

It is hardest to live it out! (not just preach truth). Living out what is preached or taught is the toughest! Applying and being discipled in the Word of God is clearly challenging but, God also gives us strength to accomplish his will for our lives. Since His Word is eternal it also means that His principles and precepts are eternal. It becomes a way of life!

What is the life verse that keeps me on track? 

My life verse is from Philippians 1:6 that reads and reminds me daily, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

When I discovered my life verse, it wasn’t magical but, the Lord impressed on me that this verse was specific to me. It became an anchor for me so that during troubled waters I can remain calm and it keeps me from drifting.

My challenge for us is to memorize passages from the Word that have deep meaning and deep application to our lives. What is your favorite one?