“You can’t take it with you” is an adage often used in discussions surrounding money and death. Similarly, if you’ve been a church going Christian for a while, you might have heard a preacher say something akin to, “You never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” Well, perhaps the person in the photo never got the word, but the spirit of the idea remains valid. Naked we were born and naked we will stand before God’s judgement seat after we depart this world.
I recently heard a sermon where the preacher suggested that maybe there is something we can take with us when we die—souls. By this, he meant that in heaven we will see the one’s we’ve led to faith in Jesus Christ. I believe the preacher got it right. In death, we can take something with us after all.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. –1 John 4:11
God has surrounded each of us with people we ought to love and want to take to heaven with us—family, loved ones, friends and other acquaintances. This got me thinking about how can we make our homes a little more heaven-like for our children.
I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was eight years old. For the next 10 years I did my best to follow Him as I was able. Then came college, where I drifted away from the church. I married just before graduating and continued my journey “in the wilderness” with my then non-Christian wife.
My period of wandering away from Christ ended abruptly some seven years after it started. It happened on the occasion of the birth of my wife’s and my first child. The first time I gazed at this tiny new human that God had gifted us was a wakeup call from the Holy Spirit. I literally heard, “she’s your responsibility.” I took this as a commission to raise our new daughter in a Christ-centered home. Like the Prodigal Son, I had come to my senses. My new insistence on raising the child in a Christian home came as a shock to my wife, but thanks be to God she slowly became a believer herself, as did our daughter.
Now I understand our greatest responsibility as Christian parents is to raise children who are Christ followers. How to go about that differs from family to family. As Christian author and radio host Susie Larson has written, “Refuse the temptation to form your children into your own image. They are the handiwork of God. He will show you how to love them, lead them and pray for them.” My advice would be that you should make decisions for your children based on Godly principles. You need search no farther than the Holy Bible to find sound child rearing instruction.
For many Christian homes, the concept of Sunday as the Sabbath has fallen by the wayside. Sundays have become days for children’s sports league competitions, watching NFL football games, doing household chores, and almost anything but worshiping our Creator. The fast-paced life found in many modern-day households is a challenge to living Christ-centered lives. Observing the Sabbath establishes the perfection conditions for enjoying the Christ-centered, fellowship that God desires for each of our families.
Be forewarned! Deciding to create a “heavenly” home environment, one that is Christ-focused, won’t come without a price. It’s almost certain to create conflict. This can be extremely challenging, as those we love the most are often the ones who hurt us the worst. Fortunately, God has given us the perfect example of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God so loves us that he forgave all of our sins through the death and glorious resurrection of his beloved Son. The pathway to building heavenly homes begins and ends with the Son.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it. –Proverbs 22:6
Late in the spring of 2022 I had highly invasive surgery that laid me low for about 90 days. It was miserable. Fast forward to the present and I’m currently recovering from another surgical procedure that left me feeling, weak, bruised and even despairing. In both instances, I found it comforting to meditate on the word of God. In my weakened state from the most recent surgery, I found time to meditate on what being a Christian means to me and how I could best explain it to an unbeliever. There are dozens of examples of similar attempts on the Internet, so please allow me to add to the discussion. If nothing else, I hope some readers might be motivated by my awkward musings and take a moment to dwell upon their own Christian beliefs.
There are several key Christian principles and values that hold great significance and guide the faith and actions of a believer, or Christ follower as I like to call myself. While interpretations and emphasis vary between various individuals and denominations, the following are some fundamental aspects of Christianity that matter to me and seem to be widely accepted amongst fellow believers.
Faith in Jesus Christ – Central to being a Christian is having faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world (Ephesians 2:8). All believers are encouraged to confess their sins to Jesus, ask his forgiveness, and receive the free gift of salvation. The Scriptures encourage us to have a personal relationship with Jesus and to endeavor to follow His teachings (Galatians 2:20).
The Bible as the Word of God – I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by the hands of men who were guided by God’s Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). It serves as a guide for faith and practice. Studying and applying its teachings is a vital aspect of life as a Christ follower.
Prayer – Prayer is the means of communication between believers and God. Christians are encouraged to pray regularly for guidance, thanksgiving, supplication, and fellowship with God. Prayer is the pathway to God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7). We are also taught by the Scriptures to say prayers of intercession for others. Both believers and unbelievers, both friends and enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Love and Compassion – Following Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:34-35), Christians are called to show love and compassion to their neighbors, both fellow believers and others. This includes acts of kindness, charity, and forgiveness. These acts are not a means of earning salvation. Rather, they are an outward expression of thanksgiving for the gift of salvation I have received from God through the death of God’s Son Jesus, that purchased the forgiveness of my sins.
Worship and Fellowship – Regular worship services, communal prayer, and fellowship with other believers are important for spiritual growth and building a sense of community. As the living body of Christ, the church requires many different parts to make it function efficiently (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). There’s a role in the church for everyone.
Repentance and Forgiveness – Christians are taught to acknowledge and repent of their sins, seeking forgiveness through the grace of God. Forgiving others is also emphasized as a key aspect of Christian life (Matthew 18:21-22).
The Great Commission – Following Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20), I and many other Christians consider evangelism and spreading the Gospel as a central mission. This is one reason I write this blog.
Stewardship – Believers are encouraged to be responsible stewards (Matthew 25:14-30). This includes not only stewardship of our finances, but stewardship of God’s creation.
Mysteries – There are many mysteries in Christianity that remind us faith is not about having all the answers. Among these are the virgin birth of Jesus; whether Christ is physically present in the Holy Communion; and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. These mysteries invite believers to explore the unknown and cultivate a deeper trust in God. They stretch the limits of human reason and promote a realization that there are aspects of God’s nature and plan that exceed our understanding. These will be explained to us in heaven one day. Paul sums it up in 1 Corinthians 13:12 like this, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I challenge fellow Christians to explore these mysteries and consider how you would attempt to explain them to a non-believer.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope it encourages you to explore your own faith.
Canine separation anxiety is a complex psychological disorder affecting many dogs and their owners. When left alone, the otherwise wonderful pets affected by the disorder experience overwhelming distress, displaying a wide range of associated harmful behaviors. These range from incessant barking and destructive chewing to house soiling, total home wrecking and attempts to escape. Dogs are social creatures that thrive on the human companionship, which can make the absence of their owners highly disturbing.
My wife and I live in a multigenerational household comprised of grandparents, parents, children, and grandkids. It’s not uncommon for our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons to be away for a weekend or longer vacation. When this occurs the family dog Mars, a large Labrador, is visibly moved. Mainly, he lies motionless on the floor or bed, and lets out big lonely sighs. My wife and I say that he “misses his humans.” While Mars doesn’t display destructive behaviors, family separation clearly makes him lonely for those he loves.
Loneliness is a key element of separation anxiety. It is not simply the absence of company, but rather a deep sense of isolation that can envelop practically anyone. It’s possible to feel lonely even while surrounded by a host of others. As a career Army officer, I endured multiple long deployments to Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. In addition to the deployments, there were many other extended periods of family separation when I was required to attend training, exercises, and formal schools. In each instance, I suffered bouts of loneliness caused by being separated from those whom I love most, my wife and children. I sometimes became increasingly anxious as anticipated periods of separation approached.
The Apostle Paul looked forward to death, but not because he was depressed. He simply wished to again be in the physical presence of his first love, Jesus. In the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians (v. 21-24*) he wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
In Mark chapter 14 the disciples eat the Passover meal with Jesus and then go to the garden of Gethsemane. In Gethsemane, Jesus went off by Himself to pray. As fully man and fully God, He knew exactly what was in store for Him—torture, crucifixion, and death. Just a few days prior to this Jesus had told his disciples plainly, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19)
Despite this foreknowledge, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane shows He was not distressed over any of the coming physical violence. He was in agony knowing that when the sins of the world were laid on Him, God the Father would turn away. Jesus dreaded the coming separation from God! We are reminded of this later when we hear His impassioned cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
After the crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples suffered with separation anxiety. John 20:10 describes them hiding in fear of the Jewish leaders. No doubt they feared the Romans too! After all, they’d been hanging out with this “criminal” who was perceived by some as a threat to Roman authority. Their teacher and master had, by all practical appearances, made a bunch of empty promises and then left them alone. But it was not so. Behind the locked doors where they hid, the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples in the flesh (John 20:19-20).
During his ministry, Jesus devoted a lot of time and effort to preparing His disciples for the day when He would be physically absent from them. He reassures them in John 14:15-18, saying “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” Jesus final reassuring words to his disciples in Matthew 28:20b are, “and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Isaiah 26:9 – “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
Psalm 42:1-2 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Psalm 143:6 – “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”
Psalm 73:24 – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
Thank God for leaving the Spirit of Truth with all believers. We need only to listen for His still, small voice to find Him. Thank God that He loves all of us so much that our foolish fears and anxieties don’t upset Him. Thank God He’s so patient with me, and that He is patient with all of us, even when we are impatient with Him. He loves us unconditionally, so much that he stretched out His arms on the cross to suffer and die for all of us. He will not send us anywhere He is not going; and when it comes to death, He’s been there and done that already. No matter how anxious, frightened, and lonely we may become, the Holy Spirit will keep us in His grip until the day Jesus bring us safely home. We are never alone.
Anyone who has spent some time in a deep swimming pool probably knows the feeling of diving a little too deep and then having to hold their breath while struggling towards the water’s surface, lungs aching for oxygen. The urge to breathe in such a situation is nearly irresistible. Breathing is such a natural part of life that most healthy people do it unconsciously. Breath and breathing hold a special place in the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” i.e., Scripture comes straight from the mouth of God!
In Genesis 2:7, God’s breath equates to life, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
We see this again in Ezekiel 37:9, the story of the Valley of Dry Bones. We read, “Then he said to me (Ezekiel), ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’”
In Luke 23:46, the absence of God’s breath equates to death. We read, “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Many places in the scriptures tell us someone “breathed his last” and died.
John 20:21-22, in a passage we call the Great Commission, equates the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ breath. It reads, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
There’s no denying that there is power in the breath of God!
Breath Prayer
I have a friend who recently took a new job in counseling. A lot of his work is done via phone calls. Yesterday he told me, “I finally have a full case load and so I’m frequently very busy… but relearning to breathe and talk to the Lord as I’m dialing a call.” My friend is on to something. Wittingly or unwittingly, he has learned the value of breath prayer. I only learned this lesson recently.
Nancy S. Wiens wrote this about breath prayer:
Within the Orthodox tradition, Breath Prayer appears perhaps as early as the 3rd century. Known as the “Jesus Prayer” or “Prayer of the Heart,” it draws from Mark 10:47, where a blind man, Bartimaeus, calls Jesus to heal him. A common form is, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” By placing a few words on the inhale and a few on the exhale, it unites the prayer with the body. (Breath Prayer: An Ancient Spiritual Practice Connected with Science. As found at biologos.org)
Breath prayer focuses on speaking, aloud or silently in one’s heart, a short phrase or prayer while coordinating it with one’s breathing. It can be useful in reducing anxiety, cultivating mindfulness, centering, and forming a deeper connection with God.
To engage in breath prayer, one typically chooses a brief phrase or prayer that is personally significant to them. It can be a simple affirmation, a biblical verse, or a sacred word or name. For example, in Christianity, a common breath prayer is “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” Below is a beginner’s list of breath prayers. I highly recommend you give them a try.
As we breathe without ceasing, so should we pray!
*Peace. Be still. – from Mark 4:39
Speak Lord. I am listening. – from 1 Samuel 3:9
You are the Potter. I am the Clay. – from Isaiah 64:8
You, Lord are my shield. And the lifter of my head. – from Psalm 3:3
I am anxious for nothing. I give thanks and make my needs known to you. – from Philippians 4:6
You satisfy me with good things. And I am renewed. – from Psalm 103:1-5
I serve with the strength God provides. To God be the glory. – from 1 Peter 4:11
My flesh and heart may fail. But God is my strength forever. – from Psalm 73:26
You are doing a new thing. Let me perceive it! – from Isaiah 43:19
Keeping my eyes on what is unseen // I do not lose heart. – from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Lord, shine your face on me. Lord, give me peace. – from Numbers 6:25-28
When I am afraid // I put my trust in you. – from Psalm 56:3
My heart trusts in God alone. I have no fear of bad news. – from Psalm 112:7-8
* I hope that some of my readers will find this list useful. Thanks to Rachel Mayew for providing it in her “Holistic Faith” blog.
Along the wilderness journey we call life, one will inevitably face periods of adversity. They can begin in a multitude of ways. Some of the most common causes are the death of a loved one, a bad medical diagnosis, the breakup of a love relationship, losing a job, or a personal financial crisis just to name a few. In extreme cases, severe adversity can make one wonder whether their life is worth living anymore.
My life has been overflowing with adversity recently, including the deaths of a beloved uncle and a beloved brother-in-law in rapid succession, and my own health concerns. Prayer and meditation on God’s word can be a great source of comfort when facing adversity. The Lord Jesus has given his followers a model for prayer in what today we generally refer to as “the Lord’s Prayer.” The most familiar form of His prayer is found in chapter 11 of Luke’s Gospel.
It is Jesus model for daily prayer and focuses on approaching life with faith in God, one day at a time. I suspect that Jesus prayed a similar prayer daily. I have found Psalm 143 to be a wonderful companion to the Lord’s Prayer, particularly when believers are navigating periods of adversity. This psalm is attributed to David and is one of the Seven Penitential Prayers found in the Book of Psalms. Below I share some thoughts on how this psalm speaks to me.
Psalm 143 (a form used in the Scottish Episcopal Church)
1 Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; answer me in your righteousness.
This is an opening petition acknowledging that God listens to my prayers and takes them to heart. Our God is a good listener and is never too busy to pay attention when one of His children prays. He seriously considers each prayer I lift up to Him, and he answers each according to His holy will.
2 Enter not into judgement with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified. Verse 2 asks God not to judge me by my actions, as all have sinned against Him and fallen short of the total obedience He requires. I can rest assured that I don’t have to earn the right to pray to God. Christ has already paid the price of admission for a space where I may kneel before the throne of God the Father and offer my heartfelt prayers. Jesus is my advocate before the Father and the Holy Spirit prays for me when I lack the proper words to make my own petitions.
3For my enemy has sought my life; he has crushed me to the ground; he has made me live in dark places like those who are long dead. 4My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate.
These verses remind me of 1 Peter 5, which describes Satan as a roaring lion that is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. For me it paints a dark picture of the adversity I am facing, as if I were hiding in a tomb, filled with a spirit of fear and hopelessness, abandoned by God. Jesus must have felt like this hanging on the cross, asking why God had forsaken him.
5I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds; I consider the works of your hands. Verse 5 steps back and from the darkness and depression of the two preceding verses as the Psalmist recalls how God has led him through adversity and saved him. As I read this verse, I recall the many times in my life God has rescued me from adversity.
6I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.7 O Lord, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Like a small child reaching for the outstretched hands of a loving parent, I trust in my God for comfort and sustenance. My spirit thirsts for God like the desert thirsts for water. I ask God to respond quickly, as I feel like I’m standing on the brink of disaster.
8Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you; show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
As I begin a new day, I ask God to reassure me of his loving presence. I trust in God to sustain me throughout the day.
9Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for I flee to you for refuge.
I ask God to foil the plans of my enemies, both spiritual and physical ones. Seeking refuge from my enemies, I turn to God’s word and prayer for comfort.
10Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me along a safe path where I may understand God’s will for my life and learn how to do His will. I pray that the Holy Spirit will move the mountains of adversity that are in my way.
11Revive me, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.
My spirit grows weary and I need God to renew and refresh me. In accordance with His holy will, I ask him to rescue me from all adversity that troubles me.
12Of your goodness, destroy my enemies and bring all my foes to naught, for truly I am your servant.
This closing verse echoes verse 9, reiterating my need for God’s protection from my enemies. I am reminded that as God’s servant, I am owned and protected in His holy service.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. –Proverbs 18:22*
*All bible quotes are NIV.
I’m old enough to get senior discounts in restaurants and movie theaters, and AARP rates on hotel rooms. These are all good, but one of the greatest benefits of getting older is that I’ve developed a clearer understanding of what really matters in my life. When I was young, most of my attention was focused inwardly, which I suppose if fairly normal.
I was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 1977, at the tender age of 21. Fresh out of college and newly married, I loved the excitement of a soldier’s life. I loved the comradery and having fun with friends. I also enjoyed playing all kinds of sports and outdoor recreation like skiing and cycling. Sadly, there were many things I neglected during this phase of my life. One of these was my sweet wife.
As I grew a bit older, I began to pay more attention to the incredible woman I married. I grew to realize that Linda’s physical beauty was exceeded by even greater inner beauty. I grew to admire her patience—especially with me and my antics—and her fortitude. When she sets her mind on something, it’s going to get done. I also began to comprehend how wise Linda is—blessed with more common sense than anyone I’ve ever known. She is also blessed with the gift of spiritual discernment. On top of all this, Linda is one of the humblest and most generous people I’ve ever known.
For me, having our first child was a wake-up call greater than any drill instructor ever delivered to a barracks full of sleepy-eyed soldiers. It was one of those ‘blinding glimpse of the obvious’ moments when selfish me suddenly realized I’m responsible for more than just myself. While a wife is easily neglected, a screaming newborn is an entirely different matter. Sad that I didn’t figure this out earlier!
My newfound sense of responsibility led me back to the Church, something I’d managed to neglect since the time I entered college some seven years earlier. This sudden change of direction came as quite a surprise to my then, non-Christian wife. Thankfully, she was eventually steered towards God. Sadly, it happened without much help on my part. Thank you, Holy Spirit!
Over the course of my 24-year Army career there were many long deployments and other periods away from home. During these busy years Linda faithfully kept the home fires burning, managing a busy household and doing the lion’s share of parenting our two daughters. My military travels around the world helped me develop a deep appreciation for the blessings we enjoy as Americans—something that many of us simply don’t recognize.
Fast forward to the present and I feel blessed. I thank God daily for my family, friends, freedom, and faith. Linda and I are reaping the benefits of having honored our marriage vows all these years; we recently celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. Our amazing daughters are both grown and successful; we have a wonderful son-in-law who is a pastor; and we’ve been blessed with three delightful grandsons. We’re fortunate to be able to see our grandsons daily. We have loving, extended families living in diverse locations around the world. We’ve made many lifelong friends along the way, all of whom have blessed and enriched our lives. Most of all, we’ve been blessed by a loving God who was willing to sacrifice His only Son to redeem our souls.
Proverbs 31:10b-31
[b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.—Proverbs 28:27*
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on US and global economies. Hundreds of thousands of businesses have closed for varying pandemic-related reasons. The food service industry here at home has been hit particularly hard. Thousands of restaurants have closed, with most having no hope of reopening. The middle class is shrinking, leaving a fractured nation that is increasingly becoming a land of haves and have nots. History has demonstrated that as the middle class shrinks and the lower class grows, civil unrest often increases.
To survive, many American families have had to dip into retirement savings, placing the future in question. When savings are exhausted, losing a job can mean losing nearly everything. The ability to pay a big mortgage, something common for young working couples today, often depends on the salaries of both spouses. If even one of them loses their job, foreclosure becomes a distinct possibility! To stay afloat they must negotiate with lenders, which in the long run usually means increasing the size of their mortgages and/or tapping into short term savings and retirement accounts. Early retirement withdrawals are usually accompanied by additional fees.
On top of pandemic problems, even before COVID-19 economic globalization had given rise to thousands of large companies that are loyal to neither to their country of origin nor to their employees. Workers, especially blue collar ones, are increasingly being treated like disposable commodities that are brushed into the trash bin like rubbish on a picnic table. Highly educated and skilled working professionals who lose their jobs and end up turning to the government for assistance are common today. In my job working with the unemployed, I heard many lament, “I never imagined that I could end up in this situation.” This can and must change.
Churches, especially those in large urban areas, are often unaware of the financial struggles of individuals and families in their area—even when those affected are members of the church. Many churches have lost touch with early traditions. The scriptures speak frequently about caring for those who share the faith. This is an essential part of discipleship that helps the church set its own house in order. In Acts chapter 6, the Apostles appointed seven deacons to assist in the distribution of food to local widows, who were followers of Christ. James 1:27 tell us, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Even clearer instruction comes straight from the mouth of our Lord in John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Building a healthy church family is essential to serving those in need outside the church. Brett Eastman has served as the small groups champion in several of the largest mega churches in the country including Pastor Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church. Eastman writes:
“If you want to create a church community that really cares for one another, the best way to do it is through small groups. When small groups become the vehicle for care-giving, the whole church gets involved in sharing one another’s burdens—a much more personal approach than relegating the task to a committee. The whole congregation should be making hospital visits, taking meals to people when they’re sick or something’s happened, doing childcare when someone’s in crisis and giving money when somebody’s lost a job.”
Small groups in churches set the conditions for encouraging personal intimacy and trust building—essential elements of loving Christian relationships. Only by sharing our hopes, fears, cares and concerns do we really get to know other believers well.
Small groups also enable churches to develop outreach ministries. One way for small groups to quickly make a difference is by reaching out to Christian charities in their church’s local area. Charities are always in need of volunteers, financial supporters, prayer warriors and other resources. The possibilities are endless. You can’t take care of everybody, but you can take care of somebody. The closest ministry filed for any church is the one inside its doors. The largest ministry field for every church is the one just outside the church doors.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.—Proverbs 19:17
If you’re a user of Facebook or YouTube, you’ve probably seen videos of military service members who have been on deployments reuniting with family members. These are moments of pure joy and happiness. They seem to say, “everything is going to be OK now.” This type of joy is a wonderful mountaintop experience, but it is fleeting. It’s simply not possible to sustain such temporal joy, but there is another type of joy that’s eternal.
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. –Karl Barth
Did you ever meet somebody you just knew was a Christian without being told? There are some people whose face and disposition simply can’t hide the joy of Christ that dwells inside them. Often, this kind of person will invite you to visit their church. Christians want to share their joy with others. They are thankful for the joy that dwells within. In Galatians 5:22, the Apostle Paul calls joy a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 2:3, Paul describes how he wants to share his joy with the people of the young church in Corinth.
Describing Christian joy to a non-believer can be difficult. When I was a young captain serving in the Army, I had a battalion commander who assigned me a special project. I listened to his instructions, but they weren’t clear to me. I asked specifically what sort of product he expected me to give him when I had completed the project. His surprising response was, “I’m not sure, but I’ll know it when I see it.” Christian joy is like that, you’ll never fully understand it until you’ve experienced it.
Joy may include happiness, but happiness is not a precondition for Christian joy. The Apostle Peter describes joy as gladness not based on circumstances (1Peter 1:8-9). Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:4, “In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” Clearly, Christian joy does not depend on being happy. It is founded in the assurance that:
Jesus has paid for all your sins, past, present, and future.
You have been freed from the power of sin and can choose to obey.
You live under God’s grace and mercy.
You are an adopted child of God.
You have eternal life.
God knows you by name and hears your prayers.
You are part of God’s church family and joined by the Holy Spirit to fellow Christians.
In Romans 15:13 Paul says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy and peace are yours for the taking if you will put your trust in God today.
Doxology: To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. –Jude 1:24-25
Do you love God? Do you know God’s son, Jesus Christ? Do you spend time with him daily? Revelation 22:4-5 shows us a picture of the saints in heaven enjoying a “perpetual communion” with God, “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.” While this passage in Revelation paints a picture of the future, the perpetual communion it describes is available to Christ followers today. But how do we get there?
In the hustle and bustle of today’s busy, fast-moving life it can be easy to pass an entire day without having even a single thought of God. At least this is true for me and I suspect many others will recognize it as true. So how does one achieve perpetual communion with God today? Here’s a clue. One of the things I admire about Muslims is their commitment to the daily prayers. Practicing Muslims pause to pray five times a day. The pause for prayer is a chance to center one’s self and refocus on their god. The prayers go like this:
First: This prayer starts off the day with the recognition of God; it takes place before sunrise.
Second: After the day’s work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
Third: In the late afternoon, the faithful take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of their lives.
Fourth: Just after the sun goes down, one remembers God again as the day begins to come to a close.
Fifth: Before retiring for the night, the Muslim faithful pause to remember God’s presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Whether or not you’re a Muslim, such a daily prayer schedule that keeps one focused on God is a wonderful idea. Abraham was the father of both Islam and Judaism. In Genesis 17, God appeared to Abraham and “spoke with him,” announcing the Covenant of Circumcision. Genesis chapter 5 list Adam’s descendants down to Noah. Speaking of one descendant who was named Enoch, verse 24 says, “Enoch walked with God, and he was not for God took him.”
The meaning of this cryptic passage has been heavily debated by Bible scholars. Did Enoch physically walk with God? Was he taken up to heaven without dying? The New Testament holds a clue. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God.”
It appears that both Abraham and Enoch literally met God—stood in His presence while they lived on this Earth—pretty special to say the least. Even so, they could not have seen him face to face. Moses too had a literal meeting with God. God spoke to him in Exodus 33:20, saying, “…you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” Exodus 33:23 goes on to recount how God physically passed by Moses, showing him his back.
Like Adam and Eve before them, Abraham, Enoch and Moses were blessed to have physically communed with God. I can’t help but think how easy it would be for me to live in perpetual communion with God if I could physically meet him. God doesn’t make it that easy, however. As Jesus tells the Apostle Thomas in John 20:29, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
What moves someone to believe without seeing. From Jesus’ own words spoken to “doubting Thomas,” we can extrapolate that developing a perpetual communion with God requires faith. The renowned Scottish theologian Oswald Chambers said, “The mystery of God is not in what is going to be, it is now…Realize that the Lord is here now, and the freedom you receive is immediate.” Communion with God leads to liberation—being set free from the cares and worries of the day. How can one achieve this liberation? As Chambers suggests, we must first recognize that God is here now!
How is such a close communion developed? Unlike justification, which Luther explained is achieved “through faith alone” (sole fide), developing a perpetual communion with God requires more than faith. It requires hard work. This work takes two forms: studying the Scriptures and praying without ceasing, as Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. We cannot truly come to know and understand God without committing ourselves to studying the scriptures, for they are the revealed word of God. Prayer is also essential. Psalm 143 suggests we should begin each day with prayer: “Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you.”
With respect to praying, one often overlooked aspect of prayer is extremely important to developing a perpetual communion with God—praying requires listening! We need to take time to be silent and listen for the voice of God. God is with us. His name is Emmanuel. Start getting to know Him today and begin the hard work of developing a perpetual communion with Him.
Amazingly, the Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with you so that you can know Him better. It’s as if He is saying, “I want you all to Myself for a little while.” Take Him up on the invitation to get away to a quiet place and learn about Him. –Dr. Charles Stanley
Divine Simplicity 
Recent Comments