July 31: Called Out

I know a Christian insurance agent who helps clients who have suffered loss by not only helping with their physical and financial, but by offering encouragement and spiritual help as well. A friend of mine who works at one of the local shipyards leads a lunchtime Bible study and is a great source of spiritual wisdom and counsel for his co-workers. I know a lady who led a friend of hers to faith in Jesus through conversations they had as they shared a common interest in ceramics and pottery making.

As Christians we should constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to be "on mission" together--partnering with other believers to share God's story. We should use our vocations, hobbies, interests and community activities as a platform for meeting needs like Jesus did.

Let’s follow the example of Priscilla and Aquila:
"Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. (Acts 18:1-4)

They used their trade not only as a source of income, but more importantly as a way to build relationships to share the gospel. The used their home as a meeting place for the church. Even when they suffered persecution and had to relocate, they strategically chose a place that would give them ample opportunity to share the good news about Jesus.

Priscilla and Aquila were "on mission" wherever they went, making their home and business a place of ministry and partnering with other believers to share the gospel. They risked their lives and relocated in order to have optimal ministry opportunities.

How can you use your vocation, interests, hobbies and community activities as platforms to serve others and share the story of Jesus? Are there other Christians in those places with whom you can partner to pray, serve and tell others about Jesus?

The word church literally mean the "called out ones"; not a group huddled in a building isolated from a hurting world; Not trapped behind stained-glass so they can't see out and no one can see in. As we are going about our daily lives; working, playing, shopping...Christians are to always be following the Way of Jesus. Everywhere, with unlimited potential, we should look to build relationships and love people to God.

It’s not about living AT church, but living AS church.

July 30: Christian Unity

I am so tired of division within the Body of Christ. A couple of weeks ago the Pope reiterated the official Catholic stance that they are the one true Church and non-catholic bodies are defective. Southern Baptists, months ago, declared that missionary candidates who practice “a private prayer language” were defective, unfit for service. Some Pentecostals hold to the idea that if a believer doesn’t speak in tongues they are sub-standard, not yet having experienced all that is necessary for salvation.

No wonder there are people who see the division among Christian denominations and decide those are waters in which they do not want to swim. Our division drives people away, dilutes the message of Jesus, and ends in a cacophony of irrelevancy.

Bottom line: It is Jesus who defines the Church; what it is and who it is; Period.

The Bible teaches us that “…everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Joel 2:32) “…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them...(2 Corinthians 5:19) because “God loved the world so much that He gave His One and Only Son; and whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but will have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

The one common thing Christians have in common is that salvation (forgiveness, wholeness, completeness) is found in Jesus. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12) “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

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It has been impressed upon Christians from the very inception of the Church that unity is paramount: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism (although Baptists use more water that Methodists); one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)

The Church was given one purpose. Before the resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven, “Jesus came to the disciples and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you are going, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

What are these ‘commands’ that Christians are to teach to new converts? There are many, but in His final hours Jesus told them, ”A new command I give you”, said Jesus, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

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The night Jesus was arrested, hours before his execution; He was in intense and agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground as He prayed, “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

He spent hours in prayer. At least part of that time John was eavesdropping and he recorded what he heard in his gospel account. He heard Jesus pray for His disciples, but also for future disciples:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)

As Jesus prayed for those present and future disciples, He prayed for their unity. Jesus understood that unity among the believers would be the most convincing evidence that He was who He claimed to be. The ‘world’ would believe that God sent Jesus because the disciples were ONE.

Today many in the world disbelieve because of the disunity, division, arguments and petty disputes between and within various Christian groups. When we will learn the lesson of unity? Then the world will KNOW that God did indeed send Jesus, that

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men’s sins against them…that “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous (innocent) for the unrighteous (guilty), to bring you to God. " (1 Peter 3:18)

July 26: Judgmental Christians

An on-line friend was recently sharing how a person in his life,, and visitors to his website, disapprove of his "lifestyle". Leaving letters at his home and harsh messages on his blog, they warn of God's judgment in very harsh tones.

He writes,“Even though these attempts by others to make me see the error of my ways may be out of true concern, I am being disrespected in the process." He observes that, "No one else is responsible for my soul, except me… It’s ludicrous for anyone to assume that I’m not concerned about my soul or where I’m going when I die…One thing that really bothers me is how my rejection of this type of behavior is sure to be spun as my rejection of God.”

He hits the nail on the head--I've met some of those christians who believe that if you reject their "tactics" you are rejecting God.

After reading his blog I spent a lot of time reflecting on the story of the Apostle Peter and Cornelius, a Roman soldier in command of a hundred men (see Acts, Chapter 10). God had to work on Peter to get him past his lifelong-held religious convictions and prejudices to realize that God could work in the heart of someone Peter considered “unclean”, impure, unholy, unacceptable.

Cornelius was a Gentile. “He was rigtheous and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” (Acts 10:2) He was a good man who was chasing after God, desperately wanting to know the truth and to get it right.

When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ home he said, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. (Acts 10:28) Peter became a law-breaker in order to befriend Cornelius. He also realized that he was wrong in judging certain people as unacceptable to God.

Many Christians need to learn the lesson that God taught Peter. Well-intentioned Christians would have a lot more impact if we just focued on loving and accepting people, trying to help people move a few steps closer to understanding, loving and obeying God, and leave the convicting and judging of sin up to Him.

It is more effective in the long run, and more Christ-like in the process. “God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean” or unacceptable. There are whole groups of people that many Christians reject as "unacceptable and unworthy."

Well intentioned Christians seeking to "share the truth in love" come across as neither truthful or loving. I pray that Christians everywhere can better learn to show genuine concern and respect in the process of sharing our beliefs. And remember that following Jesus is a process, a journey, and God is at work in people’s hearts.

We would do more good if we helped people progress on the journey toward knowing, loving an obeying God rather that condemning them for not yet having arrived at the destination.

Peace,

PJ

July24: Vacation Bible School for Big Kids

When I was a child one of our biggest highlights of the summer, and source of some of my most treasured memories, was Vacation Bible School at a church near our home. For two weeks our mornings were filled with Bible stories and snacks, kickball and Red Rover, making neat craft items to take home to Mom, learning new and fun songs, and hearing stories about missionaries in strange, exciting, far-away places.

Although the kids loved the two-week format, it pushed the adults to limits of their patience and physical endurance. Most churches that do VBS nowadays only go for a week at a time. But the tradition continues in many churches, and what a wonderful tradtion it is! I haven't posted anything on this site for a few days because our time has been consumed with preparing for, and leading, vacation bible school.

This year we have a sports theme and we are having a blast! My wife, Kim, and I were "recruited" to "coach" the Adult VBS "team"--we are the Bears. Vacation Bible School is not just for children, it's for "big kids", too! There are a few middle-aged folks, but for the most part our "team" is made up of the AARP crowd--retired people who are living out their second childhood with unrestrained joy.

When people hear that we offer Adult VBS the typical reaction is, "How cute!" After this week, there's no other class I'd rather teach. We do the whole sha-bang: crafts, snacks, motion songs. My favorite part is still the Bible stories. Watching eyes widen, or tears flow, when the TRUTH of God and His love for us really hits home.

I remember back to my childhood; it was at VBS where I first really "got it" that God is real, that He created me with purpose, that He loves me without reservation. When I think about it, Bible School changed my life--or better said, I encountered God at vacation bible school and He changed my life!

Find a VBS in your neighborhood and join the fun. Volunteer to pour juice, or play games or maybe even be a student. Whatever role you play you will have a blast--VBS is for "big kids", too. You never know, you might even meet God there, and it might even change your life.

July 21: Nevertheless

today's "thought" is from author and pastor Max Lucado

"And the king and his men spoke to David, saying, "You will not come in here; even the blind and the lame can repel you." Nevertheless, David cpatured the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). (2 Samuel 5:6-7)

Did you see it? Most hurry past it. Let's not. Pull out a pen and underline this twelve-letter masterpiece. Nevertheless.

Nevertheless David took the stronghold. Wouldn't you love God to write a nevertheless in your biography? Born to alcoholics, nevertheless she led a sober life. Never went to college, nevertheless he mastered a trade. Didn't read the Bible until retirement age, nevertheless he came to a deep and abiding faith.

We all need a nevertheless. And God has plenty to go around. Strongholds mean nothing to him. Remember Paul's words? "We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4).

You and I fight with toothpicks; God comes with battering rams and cannons. What he did for David, he can do for us. The question is, will we do what David did? The king models much here.

Two types of thoughts continually vie for your attention. One proclaims God's strengths; the other lists your failures. One longs to build you up; the other seeks to tear you down. And here's the great news: you select the voice you hear.

Why listen to the mockers? Why heed their voices? Why give ear to pea-brains and scoffers when you can, with the same ear, listen to the voice of God?
Do what David did. Turn a deaf ear to the old voices. Open a wide eye to the new choices.

Who knows, you may be a prayer away from a nevertheless. God loves to give them.
Peter stuck his foot in his mouth. Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt. The Samaritan woman had been married five times. Jesus was dead in the grave.

Nevertheless, Peter preached, Joseph ruled, the woman shared, Jesus rose... and you?
You fill in the blank. Your nevertheless awaits you.

July 19: Famous Last Words

"Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances." --Dr. Lee DeForest, "Father of Radio & Grandfather of Television."

"The bomb will never go off. I speak as an expert in explosives." --Admiral William Leahy , US Atomic Bomb Project

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom."--Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." --Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers ." -- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." -- The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody."-- Bill Gates, 1981

“This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us," -- Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?" -- David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible," -- A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)

"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper," -- Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in "Gone With The Wind."

"A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make," -- Response to Debbi Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields' Cookies.

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out," -- Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.

"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible," -- Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.

"If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this," - - Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M "Post-It" Notepads .

"Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You're crazy," -- Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859.

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." - - Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University , 1929.

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value," -- Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre , France .

"Everything that can be invented has been invented," -- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899.

"The super computer is technologically impossible. It would take all of the water that flows over Niagara Falls to cool the heat generated by the number of vacuum tubes required." -- Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University

"I don't know what use any one could find for a machine that would make copies of documents. It certainly couldn't be a feasible business by itself." -- the head of IBM, refusing to back the idea, forcing the inventor to found Xerox.

"Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction."-- Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse , 1872

"The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon," -- Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon, appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria 1873

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Some people’s words show their limited knowledge of short-sightedness—universal human conditions. The last words of Jesus, however, not only came to pass, but continue to guide those who follow Him:

So when the disciples met together, they asked Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" Jesus said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (Acts 1:6-9)

Let’s not focus on how or when He will return, but empowered by His Spirit, let’s live the Way He taught and impact the world “for His global glory.” Amen.

July 18: Abundant Life

Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) What is Jesus really offering here? When I listen to the ‘prosperity preachers’ on TV I get the feeling that material wealth is a sign of God’s blessing—He wants to bless us “abundantly” with good health, a nice house, a new car, well-behaved children, etc.

What about those who struggle financially, or with health difficulties, or with wayward children. Some would say we suffer as a consequence to some un-confessed sin, or that God hasn’t answered was prayer for abundance because the pray-er lacks faith.

When Jesus said He came to give “abundant life” it is important to understand what He was really saying. One of my favorite authors, John Fischer, points out that in the original language the word “abundant” is a superlative for the word “life”. Jesus was saying, “If you follow my Way you are going to get more of what life has to offer.

Not just the good stuff, but all of life; more laughter and more heartache, more friends and more betrayal, more answers and more questions, more supporters and more critics. Following Jesus causes life to be intensified, magnified and multiplied—not just the blessings, but the struggles. With more to handle it becomes even more imperative that we seek His advice and guidance, His counsel and consolation.

In some ways following Jesus makes life easier, and in some ways being serious about following Jesus’ Way makes life more difficult. I have found it to be the greatest of adventures; this listening and following, never knowing what you’ll be asked to do next, or what’s around the next corner.

The next time you find life really tough, don’t get angry at God. He said we could have life in abundance, and sometimes that is more than we can handle or juggle. That drives us to our knees in prayer and drives us to our Heavenly Father for wisdom. There’s not better place to be.

July 17: How Long?

Back in the 19th-century, a missionary to China named Hudson Taylor said he was talking to a Buddhist leader, one who’d become a follower of Christ. The former Buddhist asked Taylor how long the gospel had been known in England.

“For hundreds of years,” Taylor said.

The new convert began to cry. He said, “For hundreds of years! My father sought the truth for more than 20 years, and he died without finding it. Why didn’t you come sooner?”

And that question burned in Hudson Taylor’s soul as he thought about the millions of Chinese who’d never heard of Jesus Christ; "Why didn't you come sooner?"
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Yesterday’s post was about “getting into the game” by telling God’s story and demonstrating His love. How do we do that? Here are some ideas:

· We can get our head into the game – By spending time studying the teachings of Jesus and through prayer we can begin to think like Jesus. The Apostle Paul talked about “having the mind of Christ.” We begin to see people the way Jesus did. Not just their exterior behavior, which much of the time is a defense mechanism to cover inadequacies, but looking beyond that to see the real person and see their needs.

· We can get our heart into the game – Jesus was mobbed by people who were hungry, broken and hopeless. When He looked at them it was not with judgment or condemnation. He was grieved; they were like sheep without a shepherd. He had compassion on them. And so He healed the sick, crippled and blind; He cast out demons, He told them the good news of the Kingdom of God. We need to see our broken world through Jesus’ eyes, and feel compassion for those not yet reconciled to God.

· Get your body into the game – We need to see the needs and feel the pain, but also be moved to action. There was a popular song back in the day with the refrain, “put me in coach, I’m ready to play”. That would actually make a pretty good prayer. “God, I don’t know when, where, or how, but I will go. Use me to make a positive difference in people’s lives, for your glory.” It’s time to stand up and say that we will be the last generation to have to answer the question, ‘Why didn’t you come sooner?’”

I imagine the question ringing through heaven, “How long?”
How long will people who take the name of Jesus be content to sit on the bench in church on Sunday morning and never get in the game during the week? How long will the needs that surround them each day go unseen, and cries for help unheard or ignored?
How long?

It’s time to get into the game by telling God’s story and showing His love.

~ Father, help me to see and care about the needs of those around me. Move me to action and help me to represent you well. Amen.

July 16: Getting Into the Game

On the first day of a high school basketball practice, the coach handed a ball to each player. “Boys,” he said, “I want you to practice shooting from the spots you might expect to be in during the game.” The Center stood near the goal shooting lay-ups and occasionally demonstrating his dunking abilities. The Point Guard was at the top of the key, burying three-pointers. One of the boys immediately sat down on the bench and began shooting the ball toward the basket from there! Maybe his expectations were set too low, or maybe he just knew his own abilities.

God doesn't recruit anyone to sit on the bench. He wants us to "be in the game", telling others His story and demonstrating His love.

The women who arrived at Jesus tomb on that first day of the week were in for a surprise:
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." (Matthew 28:5-7)

The women were “put into the game” so fast their heads were spinning. Jesus was not only betrayed by a friend (Judas), but also by all of His Disciples. The Jewish Council plotted, Judas conspired with them, and even Jesus’ followers fled and left Him. Jesus was flogged and Crucified by the Soldiers and forsaken by His Father. As Jesus bore the sins of humanity, even the Father turned away.

The only ones who were faithful were these women—they were at the foot of the cross, they were at the burial, they were up early that morning after the Jewish Sabbath to tend to Jesus’ body. They deserved to be the first ones to hear the good news, “He is risen!”

The angel gave them three commands: “Do not be afraid”, “come and see…”, and “go and tell…” The same invitation given to the women is extended to us today, “come and see…” Come see this Jesus who healed, cast out demons and performed miracles. Hear this Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God. Then go and tell others what you have seen and heard.

Every culture has burial rites. Some tombs are tourist sites because of the importance of the one buried there. Some, like the Taj-Mahal in Agra, India are attractions because of their architectural beauty. However, the most sacred, the most important tomb is so not because of who it contains, but because it is empty.

Jesus wants you on His team. He wants you to trust Him enough to obey Him. He wants you to get off the bench and into the game of telling His story and showing God’s love.

“But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.” (Romans 13:11 The Message)

The movie “Hoosiers” tells the story of a small-town Indiana basketball team that miraculously made it to the state championship. During an intense game, the team’s coach sent a player from the bench into the game, but before going out on the court the boy, a devout Christian, knelt to pray. And he continued to pray, delaying the game on the court. Finally, the coach leaned down and said, “Son, God wants you out on the court now.”

Some of us are like that – we’re still praying for God to strengthen us for the game, when God wants us to get into the thick of the game, promising that he will be our strength. Your days on earth are numbered, and you can only share your faith with others while you’re here in this world. For that matter, you can only share your faith with others while they’re still in this world. It’s time to get into the game of telling God’s story and showing God’s love.

July 14: Religious Liberty

A Hindu leader, Rajan Zed, offered the following prayer to open the U.S. Senate this past Wednesday: “We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the Earth, inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of the heaven. May He stimulate and illuminate our minds. Peace, peace, peace be unto all.” He was shouted down by protesters who called his presence and prayer an abomination.

The First Amendment grants freedom of religious expression to all citizens, not just christians. We should not silence religion in the public square but allow all faith traditions to have a voice. If a Christian can pray in front of the Senate, then a Hindu should be able to. This is not a nation composed solely of Christians; it is a pluralistic nation that grants the freedom of religious expression to all of its citizens. Thanks to the First Amendment to our nation’s Constitution no one is forced to believe a specific way. Citizens not only have freedom of religion, but freedom from religion if they so choose.

The state in which I live (Virginia) used to have an official state religion (Anglican) and all citizens were taxed to pay clergy salaries and support the state-church. People of other faiths and other Christian denominations were beaten and imprisoned for following their own traditions. Thankfully, with men like Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Rev. John Leland leading the charge for change the commonwealth abolished the church-state union and established religious freedom.

I am a strong supporter of separation of church and state–government has no business “poking its nose” into the affairs of religious entities or enacting laws restricting the religious practices of its citizens; providing those religious expressions do not infringe on someone else’s rights.

I disagree strongly with the popular notion that "separation of church and state" means taking religious symbols and speech out of the public square altogether. Prayer should continue to begin each day's Senate session, those prayers should, however, represent a variety of faith traditions. While the nation was not founded as a “Christian nation”, it was founded in large part by Christian men, and men of different faiths who acknowledged a Supreme Being and who moved to protect the public expression of religious beliefs–religions don’t have to stay confined to the “church house”.

It is this freedom of religious expression that makes America unique and strong. Many religious people in our nation are ignorant of what Freedom of Religion really is. We don’t need to silence the religious expression in public (even government) places. We need to let people (even religious people) from all walks have a voice.

While religion is personal, if it is worth anything it is not just private–it is lived out in public to make a positive difference in our communities. Government should also not silence the religious expression of its citizens--that goes to all citizens, not just Christians. I believe government should stay out of religion altogether–not promoting or restricting any religious expression that doesn’t harm others.

If we truly respect our religious freedom, we should not remove religion from the public square, but show respect to all faiths without favoritism to any one faith in particular. The whole idea of separation is that the government is supposed to be neutral–not endorsing one faith over and above the others, but not silencing voices just because they are religious.

The problem is that many Christians (and Muslims, and others) want their religion favored above all others. That's not American. Religious liberty not only means enjoying the privilege to worship and express your deeply held beliefs without government intrusion, but allowing that same freedom to people of different faiths.

July 13: Freaky Friday

This day, Friday the thirteenth, gives rise to anxiety in a great number of people. Those who don’t suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia (a fear of Friday the 13th, a specialized form of Triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13) discount the fear as irrational and superstitious, but that doesn’t make it any less real for those who suffer. We may think someone else’s fear is silly, but take our own fears seriously. Most everyone is afraid on something. A look at http://www.phobias.com/ reveal hundreds of fears. H.P. Lovecraft observes that fear is “the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind.”

My dog suffers from Tonitrophobia- Fear of thunder. Others suffer from fear of tapeworms, or clouds, or bald people. If it exists—and even if it doesn’t—it can be feared. Dave Barry says, "All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears--of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, or speaking before a Rotary Club, and of the words "Some Assembly Required."

FDR, in his First Inaugural Address back in 1933, delivers what is perhaps the most famous quote about fear: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
I’m sure there is a fear of fear, although I’m afraid I don’t know what it’s called. There are many times in the Bible when the phrase “fear not” appears; usually uttered by God or one of His messengers. These verses are not very inspiring or offering much comfort for those suffering from Zeusophobia- a fear of God or gods, or a fear of angels.

For me, God’s “fear not” gives some hope for my fear knot. FDR put his finger on the result of our fear: it paralyzes needed effort, our fears immobilize us. The secret, then, may be not to remove the fear all together, but find a way to make progress even in the face of fear. Lt. John B Putnam, Jr. (1921-1944), a young man who died in WW2, got it right: “Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."

I personally gain encouragement from the Bible. In Joshua 1:9 God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble with fear or be dismayed, for I am the Lord your God, and I am with you wherever you go."

That used to feel so battering: “I have commanded you. Suck it up and just do it! You’re afraid? Get over it!” No comfort; even less hope. But I’ve come to hear that differently lately. What if…(my favorite phrase, by the way), what if God we look at God “commanding us” not in the sense of a dictate or demand, but command in the sense of leadership, as one would be a Commander and give direction to troops under their authority?

So I hear God say to me, “Jim, haven’t I been your Commander, your guide, your protector? Haven’t I commanded you in previous battles and seen you through? Haven’t I earned your trust, confidence and respect? Since I have been a faithful Commander to you, trust me, you can do it. Face your fears with courage and don’t let them paralyze you. I am with you wherever you go.”

I am with you wherever you go. I hear the promise of Messiah again: “His name will be called Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” I hear the promise: “I will never fail you or forsake you.” I hear the final words of Jesus: “All authority is given to me in heaven and on earth…and I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

~ Father, replace my fear knots with your “fear nots” and help we to trust you as my faithful Commander. Amen.

July 12: The Royal Law

I have a love/hate relationship with the Law. There have been times in my life when I’ve been on the right side of the law and found it to be my protection, my vindicator, the catalyst for justice. There have been times where I’ve been on the wrong side of the law and found it to be convicting, condemning, and unmerciful.

Take a simple poll in our culture asking people to describe “church goers” and you’ll no doubt get a mixed review—everything from “kind and generous” to “judgmental, hypocrites”, or worse. Church folks are often viewed as harsh, unmerciful or judgmental because much of the time they are. It’s always puzzling that those who claim to be recipients of God’s grace and mercy can be the last group to extend those gifts to others.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote these words regarding the subject:

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

So speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:8-13)

A couple of phrases jump out at me: “the royal law” and “the law that gives freedom”. He is not speaking of the general law, the Ten Commandments or the Law of Moses. The “law that gives freedom” is the law to “love your neighbor as yourself”; the Royal Law. How is it that this gives freedom?

If we love our neighbor as ourselves we will extend mercy to them because that’s what we would hope for if we were in their shoes. When we extend mercy, instead of judgment, we are reflecting the character of God. “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not shown mercy.” God will judge you the way you judge your neighbor.

Christ-followers are the ones described as “merciful, forgiving” not “judgmental, hypocritical”. If we get labeled with the latter, we would do well to stop and evaluate who it is we are really following. Jesus was known as “a friend of sinners”; those who have received God’s mercy ought to be the ones who extend that mercy to others.

We get to choose how we will be known. When people think of you, which adjective comes to mind first, “mercy” or “judge”? Choose to follow Jesus’ lead and emulate His character. Mercy always trumps judgment.