Pure, Simple Joy

On June 21st I came to the park. I don’t need an excuse to come to the park. I could be happy. I could be sad. I could go to get a cry out or to talk to God for awhile. On this day, I was grieving and feeling very overwhelmed. I just needed a little time to get my head together before work. When I saw this couple sitting on the bench, my heart softened. Even though they weren’t sitting too close to each other, I saw love in this scene. I thought, “Thank you God. Thank you for knowing me so well that you would perfectly lay out this scene to remind me of who you are. Thank you for this glimpse of your love.”

The scene was enough to quiet my heart to speak to God. To calm my anxiety. To soothe some of the confusion and pain in me. I forgot about the couple on the bench and just had some time with God to be in His presence.

Then, as I was getting ready to leave, I looked up and saw this. 

I watched him as he gently held her hand and guided her across the beam. I can’t even tell you how that blessed my heart. I wanted to meet them. I wanted to tell them that they helped me see beauty that morning. They showed me goodness in a world that has been hard to find goodness in lately. So, if you know me, I did exactly that, with very little hesitation. As I approached them, they seemed very hesitant and unsure - even a little fearful. Then I watched their facial expressions soften as I told them how grateful I was to see them, that they blessed my heart and that today they were my gift from God. I admitted taking their picture and I showed them. They smiled and the man stated, “We are here all the time.” With a renewed hope in my heart, I waved goodbye and went on with my day.

On June 29th, I returned to my park. Again, just getting some quiet time in before work. As I stepped out of the car, the same couple walked by. When they saw me, both of their faces lit up. I looked behind me to see who they were smiling at. Oh, it’s me. They greeted me like I was their best friend. Big smiles, confident voices, and joy. They looked like joy. Pure, simple, beautiful joy. They invited me to take a walk with them. I declined, but I think next time I go, I will be prepared with my sneakers.

As I walked to my park bench, I whispered “Thank you God. I needed that.”

—Dara Born

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

Pay Attention

Matthew 24:3-4 As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you.”

It is very interesting that the first thing that Jesus says when asked the question is, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” In other words, “Focus so that no one deceives you.” Another term for take heed is “pay attention.”

It is so easy in our modern world to just not pay attention to what is around us because we are so busy.  Deception is defined by Webster as “the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid, what is false or invalid.” Deception is a very strong word. We are hearing deception tactics from a lot of different directions nowadays. There are things that seem so correct, but when exposed, are so disheartening.

Years ago a Christian band that I enjoyed listening to and playing along with was really on the top of the charts. They were right where they wanted to be. And as I started to figure out the truth, why they were creating music, even great music with a Christ centered theme, that is all it was. Words to a song. The music, the money and concert feel of a performance is what they were after. No storing up treasures in heaven, but creating treasures in this life. This is the same for some of the TV evangelists, well, YouTubers now. Live Churches, Vlogers, Blogs, Websites and yes…books.

I encourage you to “pay attention.”  Deception has been on the rise but seems it is now beyond what I could have ever imagined. The evil that is around us doesn’t really need to push the enemies’ philosophies and books of lies; what it can more easily do is unconsciously infect Christian theologies slowly, so it’s deception is not noticed. Pay attention.

The one who said “take heed that no one deceives you” is the one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

Have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

The Last Few Days

I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.

Philippians 4:11

So I sat here at my computer for quite a while asking the Lord to show me what He wants me to write about - reading through some verses, chapters and posts from others. Over the past few weeks I knew I was going to write soon, so I thought about what I could possibly write about. Things would happen and I would immediately see God’s fingerprints are all over whatever happened and thought maybe I could write about that. Then the memory does what it’s very good at: forgets things. This age thing I’m going through is not really a welcomed journey. To feel like I’m 20 and have trouble getting out of the car. How can I be ok with that?

So where I’m going with this is that I’m going to share a few things I heard over the past few days and share the importance of how those little things I picked up on affected me.

The first one was from Saturday night at worship rehearsal when we played a song just to loosen up: “Rock of Ages.” Wow, did that do it. But I was singing along on this one, “There is no rock, There is no god like our God.” AMEN! Purely a reminder that pursuing God and getting to know him better should be our top goal each day. I’ll be humming that song all week.

The second one was when I heard someone say, “Sounds like Peter when he sunk in the water.” Well, that discussion was all about feeling distant from God. It’s so true, when one’s heart drifts from following Christ and goes after things the heart desires, sinking starts to occur. Remember, Peter cried out to Jesus, but it was Jesus who reached out to Peter.

The third was when I was driving to work and listening to a Vlog where the commentator was discussing the prosperity theology with a pastor and how it is exactly opposite of what Paul says in Philippians, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.” Content. The dictionary says it’s the state of being satisfied. I went to a thesaurus and was really surprised that the opposite of content is a whole bunch of negativities. Not one semi-positive word was given.

As I sat here thinking about something to write, the experiences of the past few days that came to mind shed light on something pretty powerful. I’m confident that if I wasn’t following the Lord that I would not have had these reminders of Biblical truths. In other words, If I was living in my own power, I would have missed everything above. There’s an importance to being around our church family and others who are following Christ, around family who loves us and guides us.

Press in to see those God-moments. He really wants us to see them.

And I’m content with 30 minute drive to work - that’s two Vlogs or better yet, 3-4 chapters of the Bible.

I hope you have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

Be Positive

As the new year has begun, and because last year was difficult, I have been hearing people state they wish everyone to “be positive in the new year.” Maybe make it a new year’s resolution. Well, I’m going to tell you something about me right here. Years ago I made a resolution to never make another new year’s resolution. I just don’t do it. If I need to change, then and there I commit to make the change and do my best to make it happen. It could be July.

Hmm… what about this “be positive” thing? I want to share something with you that our discipleship group went over this past summer. We read Jude. We went over and dug into the things in Jude. There is a theme throughout it that takes “be positive” to a level we should really consider.

Jude 1
3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

A Call to Persevere

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

I really feel that Jude wrote this concerning the church; today it’s called “progressive theology.” There is a lot of negativity and troubled times in verses 3-4 and 14-16 above. There are a whole lot of these descriptions in the world around us too. We see it everywhere. Shopping, work, news, government, schools etc. The turning point of the book is verse 20. BUT YOU, BELOVED!! (that’s us!), All the earlier things are negative, and after verse 19 is the positive.

“building yourselves up in your most holy faith” – encouraging others, that’s positive
“praying in the Holy Spirit” – Yes, that’s positive.
“keep yourselves in the love of God” – Yes, that’s positive. This is what I would say is a lifestyle that involves embracing Jesus without letting go. “Keep yourselves IN the love of God” doesn’t say “keep yourselves near the love of God”

Philippians 4:8-9    “Apostle Paul’s list” – all positive. 
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. 9 Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

We embrace what we constantly think about.

So, what am I doing about it? About a month ago I started to listen to the Bible on the way to and from work. 35 minutes each way. (Ok, it was a November resolution…lol). It doesn’t happen every trip, but it does happen. When someone reads scripture to you, you hear things a little differently than if you hear yourself in your mind reading it. It positively is opening my heart to a love of scripture.

In life’s situations, I’m seeing the positive more than I’m seeing the negative. That’s the God of peace being with me. Changing me.

I hope you have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

I Wish You Could Sit Here

Psalm 6

No, Lord! Don’t condemn me. Don’t punish me in your fiery anger.
Please deal gently with me, Yahweh; show me mercy, for I’m sick and frail.
I’m fading away with weakness. Heal me, for I’m falling apart.
How long until you take away this pain in my body and in my soul?
Lord, I’m trembling in fear!
Yahweh, return to me and deliver my life because I know your faithful love is toward me.
How can I be any good to you dead?
For graveyards sing no songs.
In the darkness of death who remembers you?
How could I bring you praise if I’m buried in a tomb?
I’m exhausted and worn out with my weeping.
I endure weary, sleepless nights filled with moaning, soaking my pillow with my tears.
My eyes of faith won’t focus anymore, for sorrow fills my heart.
There are so many enemies who come against me!
Go away! Leave me, all you troublemakers!
For the Lord has turned to listen to my thunderous cry.
Yes! Yahweh my healer has heard all my pleading and has taken hold of my prayers and answered them all.
Now it’s my enemies who have been shamed.
Terror-stricken, they will turn back again, knowing the bitterness of sudden disgrace!

This past week was quite difficult in a lot of ways. I don’t want to dwell on the details, but issues with my health and the side effects are reaching an overwhelming height. And this past Saturday was the height of it. All I could think about was that I want to go home, but there was a darkness about it as if the enemy was smiling. I was to run sound at church, so I was out the door early Sunday and on my way to the church. Ah.. A new day. Then these feelings of failure, frustration, anger were coming back, and I just wanted to give up. But I pushed on to get to church. I could just picture the enemy saying, “No. No. No. Don’t go there.”

While driving, I was praying and said to Jesus, “I wish you could sit here and talk to me.” As I pulled up to the church, it was early. Pastor George was in the driveway looking at something before everyone was showing up. He drove over to where I was parked, and he could tell by something I did that something wasn’t right. He jumped out of his vehicle and came over to me. We talked for a minute or so and he prayed with me. I told him what I said to Jesus just minutes before that, and George asked God to reveal Himself to me in the best way that He knows that I need to hear from Him.

I went inside and after a few minutes Pastor Greg was asking me how I was doing. I guess he sensed I had been teared up from the parking lot with Pastor George. Greg told me he would be praying for me. After the band practiced, we assembled at the front of the church. We always read a Psalm and have prayer time before the first service. We read a chapter a few times, pray it over the church, pray for the church. We started to read Psalm 6 around the group, and my verses were 6 and 7. “I’m exhausted and worn out with my weeping. I endure weary, sleepless nights filled with moaning, soaking my pillow with my tears. My eyes of faith won’t focus anymore, for sorrow fills my heart. There are so many enemies who come against me!” This was me. Exactly me. I was choking up in tears. The writer was right where I was. God was talking to me. The Psalmist goes on “Go away! Leave me, all you troublemakers! For the Lord has turned to listen to my thunderous cry.  Yes! Yahweh my healer has heard all my pleading and has taken hold of my prayers and answered them all.”

Pastor Greg prayed for the people of the church who are feeling the effects of what Brian read. No one but God Almighty could have orchestrated the meeting between me and Pastor George in the parking lot and then to read the two verses out loud that I could relate to so well. As the service went on, I could see in the message if I was to give in to the disappointment that I thought would happen and the frustration of having to deal with my issues while doing my responsibility at the church, then that day I would have missed out on God revealing Himself to me, His answer to my prayer. I’m sure He won’t show Himself to me, because of Faith and Hope. As we see Jesus face to face, our Faith and Hope will disappear. He knows in this life we need both Faith and Hope, and until that day, I’ll have to be ok with that.

Yes, it was another day, a day where God showed Himself right with me. Through perfect timing, people, prayer, scripture, and a message. Through the church where I’m sure the enemy wants us to run from.

Lord, thank you for the blessings through Your power, Your word, Your people, Your church.

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

Anxious?

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

Back in the summer, I was laid off. I and others have been praying about employment. This past week, I had an interview, was given a job offer and I accepted it. Great news, answered prayer, but over the weekend I was a little nervous about the first day, even a bit worried. Yesterday morning was my first day. As I got up yesterday to get ready, I sat and read my devotions. And this is how God usually works things with me. My devotion was titled "Be anxious for nothing". As soon as I opened the email, I just had to chuckle. It was too perfect of a fit, the way the devotion went. It was about Philippians 4:6-7. At work, the position was a perfect fit for me. At 10 o'clock the Manager handed me the first job. And as the day ended, I had nothing to worry about.

We have so many things going on around us, that are stirring our hearts: 

Wildfires
Hurricanes
Flooding
International Unrest
Riots
Protests
Businesses being forced to shut down
Covid-19 second wave
Election
Financial Instability

Undeniably, these are things that can grab our attention, and if we allow them to take our thoughts for a ride, they will. The Apostle Paul has an answer for us and it's tied to a promise. The first part of verse 6 is pretty stern and to the point. The second part is this way in the Passion Translation: "be saturated in prayer throughout each day." I really feel the emphasis in the phrase "be saturated" gets my attention better. The last part, then again in the Passion Translation: "offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude." "Be saturated in prayer" is what is jumping off the page at me. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Our promise.

Have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

A Redeemed Microwave

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

The other night our family was getting ready to go to a family birthday dinner, and as my wife went to heat something up in the microwave, it would not do its microwave thing when the start button was pushed. Nope, nothing. It wasn’t the breaker because the clock worked, over the stove light worked, but nothing else. At that moment, I silently declared it’s now just an elaborate cupboard with a clock and light. Hmmm, what’s the first thing I think of? “Oooooo, that’s gonna be ‘spensive.” Well, we went to dinner and had a great time and did not think about the microwave even once.

Then we came home, and to me that microwave clock is the brightest thing in the kitchen. I pulled out a stool, my son Matthew and I got the mount bolts out and took the microwave downstairs to the workbench. We disassembled it with surgical precision. Cover off, front panel off and undid some of the wiring so we could test things. The most incredible thing happened. Matt was looking for what switches did what, and he pointed to the internal part of the control panel, “There’s a folded-up piece of paper.” He pulled it out, and it was a wiring diagram with all the circuit flow diagrams, component lists and troubleshooting flowchart. Wow, that is cool. Manufacturers used to do that for the repairmen. We spread the diagram out all over the bench, and we were both following the electrical flow and started testing things. “Voila!”, bad door switch. He shorted across it and plugged it back in, and the microwave did its microwave thing and heated up a bottle of water. We’re there! I took the switch upstairs to the computer and found a place where I could buy one for $4.08 with free shipping. While I was waiting on the switch to arrive, I did get to clean out the internals of the microwave. It was really dirty after 10 years of use. Since it was open, I took an old toothbrush and scrubbed everywhere that had yuck.

Two days later the switch showed up, and an hour later the microwave was being used to heat up lunch.

I am so thankful to God that my sons and I are “take ‘er apart and fix ‘er people.” I am also thankful that it only cost $4.08, but most of all I am thankful that I got to spend time with my son figuring out what was broken. I got to see his troubleshooting skills and see firsthand how he uses the necessary tools to get to the answers to find a solution.

I am reminded about what Jesus did in my life to redeem me from my life of destruction. I remember when He started to make changes in my life. I was at a place of, “Lord, do what you have to do; I’m a mess,” and He did. He moved me out of the life I was in (self-centered) and planted me in Church. I started reading the Bible, having devotions every morning, and He brought me alongside Godly friends and got me involved in discipleship. As I look back, I notice that He was drilling into the deeper areas of my life to pull out the bad switch. Hah… ok switches. And the changes started to take place.

I’m realizing that I’m not always right. Remember “Ooooo, that’s gonna be ‘spensive”? Nope. $4.08 and a bit of my time. Done.

In the past I have always viewed “broken” as a bad thing and “fixing” whatever, as the “conquering the problem” or even “victory.” What has changed is that when I see something broken now, I start to look for the blessing that usually comes with it. Sharing, fellowship, conversations that would not have taken place without it. How is God going to use this? For instance, if something on my vehicle breaks, I know my brother (the auto mechanic) might need to talk with me about something. And that is usually the case.

In the past I have not been so thankful for what God has provided in my life, but that is changing. I am seeing that there are a lot of things in my life that I do not really deserve. Through God’s grace they are provided, and I’m thankful for them. But I also see them for what they really are: provisions and not the work of my hands.

As I stated, I did get to thoroughly clean the microwave while it was on the bench. Cleaned the dust from the fans and the internal ductwork, the underside of the door (ugh). I could get to places that I could not when it was over the stove. Didn’t Jesus wash me white as snow? You could say that I’m not a fire hazard to my surroundings anymore. Neither is the microwave.

Currently the microwave is operating perfectly. It is clean and looks great. It has been redeemed (from broken to repaired), and I can see the results in my kitchen.

Currently I feel I’m right where He wants me. In the journey of sanctification. I have been redeemed (from destruction to life), and I can see results in my heart.

What evidence is there that the Holy Spirit is digging into deep areas in your life?
What are the areas where the Holy Spirit is working on your life in your journey of sanctification?
What results do you see in your life, comparing where you were to where you are now?
I encourage you to discuss these with God.

Have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

Lord, What Do I Do With My Jar?

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NiV)

I would challenge you to study this a little deeper, Paul points out that a jar of clay or an earthen vessel is fragile, breaks and can be made from common soils of the earth and to think of our life as a jar of clay.

I would like to take you on a fictional journey about a non-fictional truth.

Picture a group of people standing in a dark cave, each sporting their vase for others to see. They try to be proud of what they have. They compare it to others’ vases and maybe even talk about their battle scars with others. “Yeah, this is where I was trying to help someone and crash, my life came apart.” “This crack here… you don’t want to know.” But without Christ, the conversations between everyone there usually go to something like how the vase looks, its purpose, maybe even self-preservation. Someone says, “My vase is for holding water, so that’s what I’m gonna do with my vase.” And they go get water and put it in the vase, and the water seeps through the cracks of that vase. A mess follows. The ground around the vase is wet and muddy now. The result of what the vase can’t do is frustrating, so the person tries to fix their vase. They take mud and pack it in the cracks, but it won’t work. Now it’s just an uglier vase surrounded by a bigger mess. Others start to get different things to put in their vases. “ I want mine to hold wine!” “I want to put heavy cream in mine!” “I want to put milk in mine…help me find a cow!” Many things are thought of, but everyone has cracks and gaps, brokenness that will not allow liquid to remain in the vase as they wanted.  Then Jesus appears. He was always there but quietly at the outer edge of all the group. He was listening to all the conversations and comments as they were said. He approached one who was confused by all the conversations, one who didn’t know what to do, one who saw mess after mess, but had a broken willing heart. The lad said, “Jesus, I need you”. Without a word, Jesus took a candle and lit it, and placed it in the bottom of the lad’s vase. The light began to shine right through the cracks. In amazement, others backed up and let the beautiful display of light beams shine right past them. In our brokenness and what may seem to be a disaster of a life, God can take it and shine the presence of His Gospel light out to others who need to see it. We need to be reminded and know that it is entirely His work through us!

“Here seems to be an allusion to the lamps which Gideon’s soldiers carried in earthen pitchers, Jdg. 7:16. The treasure of gospel light and grace is put into earthen vessels. The ministers of the gospel are weak and frail creatures, and subject to like passions and infirmities as other men; they are mortal, and soon broken in pieces. And God has so ordered it that the weaker the vessels are the stronger his power may appear to be, that the treasure itself should be valued the more. Note, There is an excellency of power in the gospel of Christ, to enlighten the mind, to convince the conscience, to convert the soul, and to rejoice the heart; but all this power is from God the author, and not from men, who are but instruments, so that God in all things must be glorified.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)

Jesus is the treasure. The Holy Spirit lives within us if we are saved. Jesus can use us no matter the condition of our lives. And that reveals His power through us.

If we don’t feel that Jesus is using our life for His glory, then what needs to happen is we must turn the focus of our heart from what we see around us (the mud, the lost water, the destruction), including ourselves (the fragile jar of clay), to focus on Jesus. Let Him do His work through us. Remember Peter sinking into the water?

For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:11-12)

Lord, what do I do with my jar?  I think the Lord is saying, “Let me show My Life through it.”

—Brian Rainey

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

It's Just a Potato

Something that I have found that is quite important in the Christian walk is truth. Very obvious isn't it? 

Over the past few months, I have been struggling with something that is quite new in my life. Well, since I had my large bowel removed because of Crohn's, almost three years ago, I have had to rely on an ileostomy pouch. Not a fun thing to live with, but when you weigh out the good and bad, it's much better. But what is now happening is that it is more difficult to lean over and pick something up. With a bag hanging on you, as my son would say, "Don't, don't pop the balloon!!!" So I have a few three-foot grabbing tools that help out sometimes. But here's what's been happening over the past few months. I am now dropping things so often I have started to question what is wrong with me. For instance, if I open the bread to make something, I almost just automatically look to the floor and there is the little twist tie as if it were laughing at me. I get down on one knee, pick it up and place it safely on the counter so it won't fall off again. Mind you, the tool won't work with a twist tie. Things like that have been happening so often I'm starting to just laugh when it happens. But along with that attempt to feel okay about it is this presence of what is wrong with me? I'm questioning what is happening. Am I being careless? Will this get worse? Is it a medical thing? Of course I look to the heavens and ask, "Lord, what's going on?"

As I was going through this journey of dropping things last week, here's what observed. A quote and a post.

“You can see God from anywhere if your mind is set to love and obey Him. – A.W. Tozer  

A friend made a FB post about a potato. Simply his methodology was to lure people to make comments about his picture post, and he would comment to every one of them, "It's just a potato." Many people tried jokingly to cloud up the reality of what was in front of them.

My desire overall is to stop dropping things. But I can't imagine this was not intended to be a learning journey in some way. How can a quote and a post make any difference in what is happening? What I really observed is that when my heart changed from ‘Why is this happening to me?!! I need to know what's wrong!’ to ‘Lord, what are you doing? What is this journey you are taking me along?’, something changed (things on the floor didn't). And as I read the quote and the post, Poof!!, the light came on.

So I'm having a "call it what it is” moment.  If it's just a potato, then as I'm looking at whatever fell to the floor, "it just fell." That is it. The Lord wants me to live in truth and not in the "What is going on?" moments. All those questions, sidestep Faith, cloud things up and they lead us to overlook what sometimes is right in front of us: the Truth.

Jesus, is the way, the truth and the life. (Period!)

Have a great day!

— Brian Rainey

Using Facebook to Follow Jesus

I want to take you on a little journey that I really believe Jesus started me on years ago. I will try to keep this to the Reader’s Digest version, because it’s been going on for 15 years now. And I do not want to dwell on the current events. But…take note: with the health ailing condition of my family and with what’s happening, I have to admit that I have allowed myself to be right at the edge of pure fear.

So here’s where Jesus started working on me in 2005. I told him that I could not continue with this life I’m wrecking and gave it completely to Him. And that is where it starts. Just prior to that is when Facebook started as a company and began a social media campaign to sport their software to bring people together. Hah! How could I include those two polar opposites in the same paragraph? Jesus and Facebook? As time went on, I joined up, added family, friends, co-workers, school friends, people I hadn’t talked to in years, everyone! But then Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and started to show me something. I can have many friends, (that could drive me crazy), but only the friends that I follow, their posts will show on my timeline for me to read. Hmm..? So in other words, stay friends, but unfollow the offensive or negative ones who post. Yeah, this might be a little technical, but some 15 years later what do I have? 

When I open Facebook, I see Scripture (MANY a day), I see posts about great things, creation, God-sightings, encouragement, wisdom. Positivity!! Life! And sometimes some “Ouchies”…Oswald!!

From the churches that I have been to, I have gained friends who post Scripture, Godly sayings and many uplifting things. The people who I thought would do great posts, don’t, and the people who I thought would never post anything, post great things!

I follow musicians who point to God and reveal His glory.
I follow pastors and churches who put great posts up each day.

I follow some popular Authors who post great sayings.

So here’s God at work in something. One night I grabbed my phone. It was on the FB app, and I accidentally and unknowingly added this lady from Turnersville. She accepted the next day and I was thinking this was crazy, but she knew my cousin from their church. She had just been through a brain trauma in December and is praising God for her miraculous recovery. Wow. I shared my story that I posted on LFA God Stories about my intestines, and she was overwhelmed at how God got us to share our stories. She needed to see the work of God in my story, and I really needed to see the exact same in her story. She posts Scripture many times a day! That’s exactly what Jesus wants in front of me.

So back to the “edge of pure fear.” How has this Facebook thing helped me? When I open it in the morning, I see verses, sayings and usually something that pertains to what I’m going through. Yep, that’s all God’s doing there. And as my family is going through this troubling time, I have been able to see the “fear not” that God has emphasized in Scripture. Why? Because God is in control. 

“The only comfort we all have is because God is sovereign and because he transcends everything and in everything, he has his purpose and his purpose is good, good for us and glory for him.” John MacArthur

Psalm 16:1-2.  Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.  I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; my welfare has no existence outside of You.”

Yes God can use this Facebook thing for good. It is all about how one sets things to work. As I look at it what it helps me do is keep my eyes on things above. A renewing in my mind about who is in control. I need that.

—Brian Rainey

Because Of Who You Are

Years ago, and I’m not kidding…as I think back, it was around 1982 when Sandi Patty (then) sang a song called “Because of who you are.” I’ll never forget that song, and sometimes I catch myself humming it as I go through my day. The bridge into the chorus goes like this: “Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonders of your deeds, but yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees. Lord I praise you for who you are, not just for all the mighty things that you have done. Lord I worship you because of who you are. You’re all the reason that I need to voice my praise, because of who you are.”

During the New Year’s Eve Service at LFA, Brian Simione gave his testimony and shared with us about his cashing in on what Christ does in our lives, and as he grew closer to Christ, he gave that up. Instead of following Christ for the better life, he’s following Christ because that’s what God calls him to do in life: become more like Christ in everything.

A few weeks ago, I read a devotional from America’s Keswick. The devotional brings out this reality in the writer. I encourage you to go to the site and read it. (It’s short and to the point) https://americaskeswick.org/blog/victory-call/the-trap-of-using-christ/

As we go thru life, the enemy would do anything possible to get us to forget about who Jesus is and just have us stick to making requests that make it easier for us to live out today. If Jesus is our “go to” when things get tough, then really think about what that means. Maybe we are cashing in on Jesus. We should already be with Him in the good and the bad, living in Him because of who He is.

Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will, they exist and were created.

Revelation 5:12-13 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing! 13 Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever!

Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

I encourage you to post other verses about Jesus in the comments section.

—Brian Rainey 

Faith in the 11th Hour

This past Sunday Pastor Greg talked about Faith. Powerful message. So as my schedule goes on, I get to see first hand where my faith starts to crumble.

It’s early Tuesday morning. I am committed to submit this blog entry today. I have already written most of a note that could work, but I have been praying and there’s this unsettling feeling about it. So I ask the Lord again, “Please guide me to what you want me to write.” Listening for His answer…crickets.

I get to work before I have to start, expecting that’s when I should write. But the network is down. There’s no way to get to my last written document. There was an accident last night up the street, and the power crews are working on it. We have power, but something is still not working correctly. I have a dentist appointment first thing, and I have to get some work done. “Lord, what do I do? I know you have this in some way, just like you did last month…you provided.” Very very quietly I hear, “Write what’s happening.” You said ‘Fear not’ so many times in the Bible. So why am I getting anxious? The tension is building within me. I only have a few short hours.

I’m a do it ahead of time, scheduler type of person. I’m intentionally early for everything. When something cracks that mold, yes, I get uneasy and admit that I don’t understand why things don’t always work out so smoothly. But I just try to move on. But why am I that way? Because deep down, If I mess up in just a little way, I assume I will be labeled as a fake. What I fear is how I will come out of this. Not about what God will do.

BIG RECORD SKREEETCH TO A GRINDING HALT!!

“Fear is expecting the devil to move, Faith is expecting God to move.” Jimmy Evans 

Psalm 91:1-2, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” 

So I’m back from the dentist, and it’s the 11th hour. So what has happened in the previous few hours? No Novocain at the dentist!! He had to grind a little, but the fix is good. The network is back up, so I can work. I have access now to the note I wrote, but it’s not necessary. What I’m sharing with you is a very real picture of life, how we can step right out of the dwelling place of the Most High. Even when we are doing something good.

Fear will drag me right to ‘ME’; Faith will, as in Ephesians 6:16, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” 

God had this.

Submitted with minutes to spare.

Have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

Mary's Choice

So it’s the day before Christmas. Our society wants us to run around like frantic people getting everything for everyone. Making sure everything is just right. Decorations, tree, presents, food, etc. As I re-read what I just wrote, something pops into my head. An actual story that occurred 30 or so years after Christ was born.

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

There are really a lot of ways this story could speak to us, and it doesn’t really come across as a Christmas story. But what I want to share with you is what Jesus said: “But one thing is necessary.” In this short little paragraph, that one phrase sticks out. In our minds, all the preparation, all the getting things together and being just right is important. And in some way it is, but it doesn’t compare to the necessity of sitting with Jesus and taking in the message, the ministry, the Word of God.

Yes, the dishes will get washed, the trash will make it out to where it goes, the things we feel need to happen probably will. Maybe not exactly the way we want them to, but they do.

Tonight is an opportunity to sit at His feet and take it all in. The Christmas Eve service celebrates Christ.

As the passage with Mary and Martha probably didn’t take place during Christmas, it’s a reminder that at any time we can be side tracked from taking Mary’s choice, “Sit, be still and know that I am God.” He has shown me how important it really is to sit at His feet and listen. Personal Bible study, church groups, Sunday church, worship, and how about “Alpha”? These are all things that God parts the waters of time for me to know He wants me to do them.

I pray that your Christmas Season is filled with Joy of knowing Christ and that we all make the choice to sit at His feet along the way.

Merry Christmas!

—Brian Rainey

Flashing Headlights

So I’m driving to work down Cohansey Road. It’s 5:45 in the morning. It’s dark. Really dark. If you know anything about that road, it’s dark at night. No one behind me, I don’t see anyone ahead of me. “Who in their right mind would be doing anything but sleeping right now?” Over the hill ahead of me this car is coming toward me in the on-coming lane. As they approach, they flash their headlights at me, and I look at my dash to see if my high beams are on. Nope. I just give them a little high beam flash so they know they gotta deal with the lights the way they are. So they flash me again! OK! I let it go and they go past me. I wonder what that was all about. I crest over the next hill and AHHHHH!!!!!!  There’s a BIG deer standing three feet from the white line looking at me like it owns the woods and I don’t. I’m on the brakes, swerve to the other side while honking the horn, do anything I can avoid that mess of dealing with the body shop and insurance. The deer never moved. All is good. Except for my pulse, but that got better.

The person in the on-coming car was trying to warn me of a possible life changing event. Ignore the warning, not be ready and I could have been looking for a new vehicle. Their flashing headlights were a warning.

As I got to work, I was thinking about what that person did, and it dawned on me about the messages that Jesus gave to people about the future things to come. Interestingly, those people would only transfer the message to future people. 2000 years later we tend to let those messages get lost in what we know. In Matthew 24 & 25 there are many warnings that Jesus gave us about His coming. He methodically gave us lessons that show different ways His coming could affect us.

With the fig tree. How do we see it’s near?

Noah was “flashing headlights” to everyone he came in contact with. Who survived?  

The faithful and unfaithful servant. Who was rewarded?

The ten virgins. Who was ready?

In Matthew 24:42. “Watch.” And 44. “Be ready” is the theme.

 You could think of these chapters as “constantly flashing headlights.” 

I encourage you to take some time and read Matthew 24 & 25 and ask yourself ,“What is Jesus saying to me?”
Are we living the life that is “Ready?”
Are our lamps full of oil?

Are we on the Ark?”

—Brian Rainey

Follow the Lord

This past Sunday our family went to my nephew and his bride-to-be's wedding. It was outdoors, groups of people rode on a wagon to the beautifully landscaped ceremony location at the rear of the farm. As the ceremony started, the processional took place, the music got louder and the bride was seen in the distance riding her horse, approaching the ceremony. As she came over the hill in full view, the groom was overwhelmed to see his bride. The father of the bride assisted her off her horse and walked her down the aisle to her husband-to-be. It was perfect!

Ephesians 5:22-27 was read:
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

The Pastor was very thorough about each part of the ceremony. Message. Song. Vows. Rings. Then just before the announcement of the newlyweds, he gave them a challenge, "As your relationship goes forward, things will get tough. He may seem distant, but be right beside you. She may be become distant but again, right next to you. If and when this happens, I encourage you to seek Christ at the foot of the Cross. [The pastor pointed to the Communion table where they just took communion together.] And there you will find each other again."

In the Ephesians passage, first the wife is given the charge to submit to her husband, but a few words later "as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body." It plainly gives the idea to follow the example of the Lord. And next for the husbands, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her," It plainly gives the idea to follow the example of the Lord.

We made our way to the reception in a barn at the front of the farm. This barn was perfect. The reception was perfect! 

We were able to see some of our family whom we haven't seen for years. Great conversations. My cousin is the CEO of a horse ranch/Bible camp in western PA, and we stepped aside for a few minutes of conversation. One thing he said to me was this.: "Remember back about five years ago when we visited the area, we were taking the family to the beach the next day, you mentioned to us that God plucked you out of a church and sat you right in a seat at LFA Church where they were teaching Philippians, it was God saying "Be still and know that I am God, Learn about Me."?  Yes, I remembered that. But what he said next, " I sat on the beach the next day thinking about that, I frequently think about that. God said "Know me" to you, and you knew it was Him and followed Him. Following Christ has become a powerful theme at the camp with the leadership. I use this experience you had in messages that I teach around the country."

Oh wow! What a humbling moment! But it was all God’s doing! That’s where God put me, at LFA Church, to know Him, to follow Him, to share Him. I’m glad that God reveals some of the unseen ripples from things that we have said or even done in life. I’ve learned that they do happen. But most importantly, just hearing the statement, “Jesus is the center of the universe” is one thing, living that out everyday because it has become a truth in our lives is a result of “following the Lord”

I hope the best for the newlyweds. And I’m really glad there’s a powerful triangle of God’s design built into the relationship of marriage. It takes following Jesus.

—Brian Rainey

Who Keeps Moving My stuff? Oooooooh...Me

A few weeks ago at work, I was listening to some messages on Youtube, and I just let it go to the next one…the next one…then I found myself listening to a Biblical teacher, Dr John Barnett, and he explained something that got my attention. He said, “I used to teach a youth group, and something that I noticed is most people think of idols as just something that we love more than Jesus. But imagine we have a shelf of a couple of levels, and you put things on it in your life that matter to you. First of all, Jesus goes right up on the top shelf. People would say, ‘See, look, I have Jesus up there and I’m quite excited about that.’ Then they put things on other shelves that are important, but life happens and then there are lots of things and some are just making their way up there with Him on the top shelf. Not intentionally to compete with Him, but because they are life. They are important to us. Car, girlfriend, bank account, phone, electronics!! It’s not that they are more important than Jesus, it’s that they become just as important.”

In life, it’s so incredibly easy to get caught up in doing things, important things, sometimes even ministry things, and missing out on the relationship we have in Christ. In such small movements, and maybe even unnoticeable priority shifts, things on our lower shelves get shifted up higher and higher until Jesus is in a crowded area with a lot of our stuff. I can assure you that it’s tough to reflect Christ in our lives when there’s so much sharing the same place as Jesus in our lives. “Who put that up there?!! Oh… me.”

Here’s an interesting way to look at the shelf explanation. I wonder what Jesus’ shelf looked like during His ministry. I’m sure God the Father was on the top shelf and second shelf were people. Us! In Matthew 26:39 “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”  Jesus’ highest priority was the Will of His Father and not his own. I would think that this should be our highest importance in our lives. “Jesus, Your will, not mine.”

I have noticed in my journey from where I was in life, as I walk in a relationship with Jesus, that all the things I could move from one shelf to another shelf are moving down as I listen to and follow Jesus. In other words, things in my life are not as important as I thought they were. God has been working on me in areas of priorities in finances, possessions, relationships…family. They are not drifting away; it’s just that I’m not trying to make Jesus share the importance of things. He’s at the top as our Savior should be. And maybe I need to clear my top shelf of my stuff for Him and only Him.

Jesus must increase, but I must decrease. (I think I’ve heard that before!)

—Brian Rainey

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

A very good friend of mine and I have lunch occasionally. We usually get into some great discussions about life and all the things that seem to be beating us up. We always share things about our involvement at our churches, the people that are affecting our lives, the spiritual battles. There was this one discussion where my friend and I were discussing something, and he said this phrase that has rocked my world: “I never want to stand in the way of the Glory of God; In all that I do, I always want to point people to Christ.” Wow. This immediately caught my attention, and I started thinking about what that really means. Am I ever guilty of this? Both of us are musicians on worship teams, and the conversation was about being in front of a church and bringing glory to ourselves, playing things up or basically showing off. We both know that if we don’t actively “point to Christ” or “use our talents for Him in worship” when we are in front of a church, people would see us mixed into the worship and lose sight of Jesus. Oh, that’s just not good at all. 

So, off on a journey through the Bible to challenge this statement. There are a lot of references of those pointing attention to self in the Bible. And quite a few who humbly pointed attention to Christ. But one day after digging through passages and not doing too well with an answer, I spoke to Pastor Chris before a practice and he says, “The opposite of that sounds like John the Baptist.” Yikes, this was a “slap my forehead moment.” I had been looking for the example of someone standing in the way of God’s work or even taking credit for what God has done. I should have been looking for the exact opposite.

In the early part of John, while at a place where people were being baptized, John the Baptist was asked by the Jews (John 3:25-30), “Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

The original statement does hit the mark, just not in the exact way John the Baptist said it. The idea of “not me, but Christ” is within it.

How else could this be applied? Do we reflect Christ in all that we do? And all the time, not just on Sunday? Do people around us see Christ in our conversations or do they see us? When we are angry, do they see Christ working in us or do they see us? When something has obviously changed in our lives by God, do we give Him credit for what He has done or just keep it quiet?

Jesus must increase, I must decrease.

Have a great day!

—Brian Rainey

Why I Listen to Christian Music

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2

I have been down a journey of different types of music through the years. I have always thought that my music preferences should be made up from a balance of genres that I like, and if I’m working with a worship team, Christian music must be a part of that balance. But now that I have been through a lot of that journey (and I’m sure there is still more to come), I can see that God wants me to listen to Christian music. Here’s why:

First of all, Christian music keeps my affections on things above, i.e. Col. 3:2.  I always thought it said, “Set your heart on things above.”  Eh, nope. It says ‘affections’ or ‘mind’, as other translations have it. You could say, “What I love is to be about things above.”  Also in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” So in the Christian music world, it points to God or Jesus Christ, worship and surrender. As I listen, there are reminders and encouragements that are all uplifting to my spirit. There is a lot of ‘Transforming by the Renewing of Your Mind’ going on, so in my life, music becomes the vehicle of keeping my mind pointed toward my true love, Christ.

Also, all the other music is what I would call shallow or hollow. It’s just music that in most cases appeals to feelings or emotions. It’s a very temporary satisfaction, if it even satisfies at all. Even when I’m humming a tune later on, it feels shallow and my mind is usually not looking up. However, throughout the day as I listen to Christian music, and I am humming a song of worship, it helps keep my spirit joyful and positive, even when there is no music. As I have been growing in the Lord, I am seeing that my heart desires the worship that is in Christian music. There’s a fullness that satisfies the soul. That’s powerful. When something gets slammed on me at work, and it all seems impossible and things can go easily down the path of frustration…Nope. “And I ran out of that Grave! Out of the darkness…Into Your glorious day!”, Hallelujah!

How else can Christian music have a positive effect in my life? As time goes on, I have been listening to Christian radio stations quite a few hours at work each day. A lot of great music plays on that station, but one other thing that happens right along with the music is that I periodically hear testimonies of how God has worked things out in the callers’ lives, and even in those times when I’m feeling trapped, frustrated or even angered, and I’m trying to trust Him in personal things, there’s a caller who states their story and it’s an, “Oh wow!” moment with me. It reminds me of the truth and power of God that’s right here with me. God’s not dead, He’s surely alive!

So here’s one area of life we can embrace Colossians 3:2 in our walk with Christ.  “I am redeemed, You set me free!”

—Brian Rainey

Armadillos and Hot Coffee Lawsuits

There are basically three ways to learn something new. Sometimes you learn over time, without really noticing that you have learned anything. It’s sort of like watching a puppy grow – you don’t actually realize anything has changed until you see pictures from a few months ago and realize that this thing has gotten huge! Having grown up in church, much of my spiritual formation occurred in tiny easy-to-digest bites like this. I’d guess that most learning throughout our lives happens naturally this way. 

Did you know that every time an armadillo gives birth, they have identical quadruplets? Yep, it’s true. Look it up. Sometimes you learn something that you never knew you didn’t know. This, I think, is the easiest way to learn new information. It occupies a piece of your brain that was vacant and ready for a little truth nugget to take up residence. It’s like hearing a sermon, or a podcast, or having a conversation and thinking,“Wow, I never thought of that before.”

The third way we learn is the most difficult. It is when some new bit of information comes along that contradicts what we already thought we knew. Remember the lady that sued McDonalds when she spilled hot coffee on herself? What if I told you that it wasn’t an insane frivolous lawsuit but was a completely justified and correct course of action for her to take. Again, it’s true. Look it up. If you’ve never heard the whole story, your first thought is probably that I’m wrong and there is no way McDonalds should be responsible for a clumsy lady spilling coffee. 

When presented with new information that contradicts what we believe, even if that information is reliable, accurate and true, studies show that people will reject it, preferring to hold onto their previous (if now untenable) ideas. This happens when you hear a sermon, or a podcast, or have a conversation and think, “Nope.  That can’t be true. I mean it sounds true, and they backed it up with some good evidence, but…no way.”

These are the truths that we wrestle with, especially if one new truth affects several areas of our lives of belief systems. If x is true, what do I do about y and z? This thought alone can be daunting enough to make us reject the new truth for the sake of the familiar comfort of our old truth.

In the American Church, we have many traditions and long held ideas that are not based on Biblical doctrine or objective truth, but we hold onto them like they are bits of precious truth.  Jesus challenged the way that religious leaders did this and turned the whole thing upside-down.  I doubt that his revolutionary vision was to have his followers evolve (or devolve) back into the same thing.

It’s time to take inventory of what we know, and what we think we know. I picked up a lot of truths growing up in the church, and I’ve had to spend some time putting down some of them.  They were very easy to learn, and very difficult, even in light of new evidence, to let go of. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to pursue truth. And if anyone needs more interesting armadillo facts, or wants to discuss the hot coffee lawsuit, just let me know.

--Jeff Hyson

With Proof Like This, Who Needs Faith?

I quite often come across videos on YouTube or Facebook that offer definitive proof that the Bible is true, or that God exists, or that the earth was created 6,000 years ago, or that they’ve found the Garden of Eden or the tomb of Jesus, and so on and so on. If I watch them, it is generally with a skeptical eye, not because I disagree with their premise (though I sometimes do), but because the logic of presenting irrefutable evidence for a matter of faith is faulty logic, and I can’t stand faulty logic. Let me give you an example.

I recently watched a video called “5 Questions Atheists Can’t Answer,” with the implication being that these 5 questions somehow prove that God exists. The first question is “How did the universe come to exist?” The problem is that scientists are getting pretty close to figuring out the specifics. I’ve studied the origins of the universe (I’m kind of a science nerd) and I find it fascinating and strengthening to my faith in a wonderfully creative God. The issue here is that the scientific explanation does not prove atheism or disprove God, but the question is proposed as if it does. You can choose to reject the science if you want to, but either way, truth is truth, regardless of whether or not it fits my current belief system. But if my faith in God was based on these five questions, then once they are answered, I’m in trouble! 

These types of “proofs” are symptoms of a larger issue in modern Christian culture. We have substituted faith based on experiencing and knowing God for something based on our ability to prove any given aspect of it.  If we require concrete proof in order to have faith, then it’s not really faith at all. We call it “having faith” precisely because it cannot be proven. That is the very nature of what God requires of us. He doesn’t need us to offer irrefutable evidence that he exists, or that his word is true.

If this rubs you the wrong way, or you are really into the “proofs”, then understand that I’m not saying there is anything wrong with seeking evidence that strengthens your faith, but please don’t put all of your faith in these “proofs”. Richard Dawkins, famed author and staunch atheist, has put forth an idea called “the God of the gaps”, which basically says that religions use God to explain phenomena that humans can’t yet explain, or the “gaps” in our knowledge. As science advances, these gaps grow smaller, and eventually close, leaving no more need for God. Please don’t fall into this way of thinking. You will either end up rejecting science or rejecting God.

We have faith in our God because we know him, and he knows us. We have seen his work in our lives and in the lives of people we love. I don’t need to see the actual location of Jesus’ tomb to believe that he rose. Our faith is not illogical, but it is based primarily on evidence outside the purview of science or psychology. Science and psychology can support our faith, but they cannot define or prove it. Remember, it’s called “faith” for a reason.

--Jeff Hyson