Back to School!

Back to school!

The stores are crammed with school supplies and lunch box snacks in every aisle. Can the summer be over already? Mothers are dancing and kids (and teachers!) are moping. It must be true.

I have a terrible first-day-of-school memory.

It was my freshman year of high school, and I was literally shaking with fear and anxiety. I rushed to catch the huge bus that would carry me to Bridgeton High School for the next four unscripted years of my very sheltered life. Growing up in Elmer, I had been educated with the same 23 kids since kindergarten. I had walked to school twice a day (we came home for lunch) for nine school years. What drastic changes were coming my way…and even back then, I didn’t do change or “the unknown” well at all. I was scared out of my mind. 

I had never ridden on a school bus, and it would take 40 minutes one way each day. I had never eaten in a cafeteria or packed my lunch. I had never changed classes, had a locker with a combination to remember, worn a gym suit, carried my books around, had multiple teachers, used hall passes, navigated one way stairwells, and had hundreds of classmates swarming around me. And I had never had to get up so early. That was the worst.

But I didn’t have a choice. I had to go. And I was late.

I had vainly fussed over my hair and makeup too long. My clothes had been carefully decided upon and spread out for weeks, but my hair, with a mind of its own, decided not to cooperate that morning. Shoveling down my mandatory breakfast, I practically had to run to Elmer School, probably about a mile away, where I would catch the dreaded bus. The uneven sidewalk along Front Street was shaded back then, and I remember hearing the birds singing in the trees, calming me down a bit.

Until one of them let loose on my head.

Really.

It dribbled down my carefully arranged curls onto my brand-new, light blue blouse. A huge, juicy plop. I had no tissues. I had nothing. I cried. Now my makeup was running down my cheeks. I ran faster. I couldn’t wait for the safety of the bus so I could hide.

I really don’t remember how I cleaned myself up, if a classmate had something I could use or whether I had to hit the lavatory the minute we arrived at school. Remember, this is long before wipes and sanitizers were invented. That part of the day is just a blur.

But I do know my hair was gunky and plastered to my head and my mascara was gone. What a first impression I made on all those sophisticated city slickers! It was true. Elmer kids were all dumb—and messy—hicks. I was mortified.

There is a lot that could be said about this now-comical memory of mine, but my main point in relating it today is to simply say this: All kinds of unexpected things happen when our kids go off to school.

Some of them are silly and unimportant, easily handled, laughed at, or overlooked altogether. But there are other events that are much more significant than my sparrow attack. There are painful, life-altering, and innocence-robbing circumstances that our children are woefully ill-equipped to know what to do with.  And we are not there.

Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is.

We know we can’t anticipate or control all our children’s life experiences, especially when they are away from the protective environment of our homes. Who could have foreseen a bird dropping? No matter how loving and responsible we are, no matter how carefully we manage and train, we live every day in a broken, messed up world full of broken, messed up people—and birds. Into that, we send our most precious gifts from God, our children.

We spend hours and dollars preparing our kids to go to school—clothes that fit their ever growing bodies, back packs, tissues, notebooks, glue sticks, fruit snacks, Gogurts—so many things, so much time. All of this is necessary.

May I humbly suggest that it is even more necessary to spend an even greater amount of our energy and time praying for our children while they are in school or on their way? How we need our Ever-present Father to watch over them! How He loves for us to ask!

I have a laminated card in my car that gives me verses and specifics to pray for my children and grandchildren every day. I found a similar one on the FamilyLife Today website earlier this year to share with our parenting class members. A Parent’s Daily Prayer Guide, compiled by Don and Sue Myers, missionaries for many years with Cru all over the world, suggests seven specific requests we can pray for our children, one for each day of the week.  

Here is their list with verses you can look up and cling to.

Monday: Ask God to place a protective, solid hedge around your children so that Satan cannot reach in and lead them into temptation and so they will be safe from harm (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 33:20).

Tuesday: Pray that your children would use godly wisdom in selecting friends and peers that will make a positive difference in their lives. Ask God to give each child a discernment of people as well as knowing the difference between right and wrong (Proverbs 1:10; 18:24; Deuteronomy 13:6,8).

Wednesday: Pray that your children would stay pure in their thoughts and deeds (Psalm 24:4-5; Job 17:9).

Thursday: Pray that they will be caught if they wander into cheating, lies, or mischief (Hebrews 13: 18-19).

Friday: Pray they will be alert and thinking clearly as they attend school and extracurricular activities and as they take exams. Ask God to help them be motivated to do the best they are capable of doing (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Saturday: Pray for the spouse each child will marry someday. Ask that they will come from godly homes and have an appetite to live the spiritual truth they’ve learned. Pray also that their goals and purpose will be the same as our own children and their future homes would be godly (Deuteronomy 5:29).

Sunday: Ask God to help them live their lives for Him and that He will use them as a testimony and witness for His glory. Pray that they will be grown to full spiritual maturity (Psalms 78:1-8; 103:17-18; Isaiah 54:13; Ephesians 3:20-21).

Do not leave your children unprotected—that is, vulnerable to Satan’s attack. The greatest shield of protection we as parents can provide for our children is prayer. It’s never too late to start (1 Samuel 12:23; James 5:16; Colossians 4:2).

This is a good place to begin, isn’t it? I know it is not an exhaustive list. I add things for my particular child or grandchild, requests that are personalized just for him or her at this moment in time. I often pray that they will hunger and thirst for righteousness, that they will love God’s Word, that they will love justice and mercy and walk humbly before their God, that at an early age they will acknowledge Jesus as Savior and King and follow Him all the days  of their lives. I pray against fear and worry. I pray against self-love and deceit. So many things. So many beautiful children.

Such a Big, Wise, Loving, Powerful, Comforting, All-knowing, Ever-present God!

Will you take a bit of time each day to cover your children with prayer this school year? Will you ask the Father to do what you cannot? It’s never too late.

A bird poo attack is the least of our worries…   

May God bless you and keep you and your dear children this year and every year.

—Eileen Hill

Be Holy as I am Holy: A Holy Invitation

To be separated from God is to be a sinner. To be separated unto God is to be holy. Jesus is Holy. He does nothing apart from the Father. He and His Father are one. As a man, He carried out, not His own will, but the will of His heavenly Father. He loved His Father with all His heart, mind, soul, and strength. He was not His own. When He was betrayed, He sought to honor His Father. He was not His own. When He made plans, He sought to honor his Father. He was not His own. When He was persecuted, He sought to honor His Father. He was not His own. When He was in the presence of those with differing beliefs, He sought to honor His Father.  He was not His own. When He was being crucified, He sought to honor His father. He was not His own. At all times during His earthly life, including under the most difficult duress, He sought only to honor His Father. He offered His life to His Father in love. He was and is and will always be Holy. 

We were created to be conformed into the image of the Son. God’s plan is to make us Holy. He wants this because He desires to dwell in our presence. He wants us to see Him. In Hebrews 12:14 it is written:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Are you pursuing holiness? If you are not, it will not pursue you. How much of you have you given to the Father? What is still your own? ALL is a really big little word. Do you love Him with ALL your heart, mind, soul, and strength? To be saved from sin is to be purchased for holiness. Do you entrust all to the one who paid it all for you to pursue holiness and dwell in God’s presence? Is Jesus now Lord? 

There is no more faithful response to God’s love than for us in our weakness to pursue holiness in His strength. In response to His love, may we present our lives as living sacrifices to be conformed into His image. We cannot be whole separate from Him. At all times, including under the most difficult duress, may we seek first His kingdom, His honor. May we be crucified with Christ. May we not be our own. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

 “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” - John 14:23

 In Christ alone,

—Roger Garrison

*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.

Mess and Grace

You don’t have to hang around LFA for long before you hear someone talking about our desire to grow into a healthy spiritual family. It is a lovely goal and certainly one that is at the center of God’s heart and work in His people. Jesus Himself, just hours before the cross was to be his, asked the Father to bring Jesus’ followers into a unity that more closely reflected the way God Himself functions as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I love this and I aspire to live as a better brother to others. I know many at LFA who have embraced the same dream and I believe many more individuals who are ready to join this wonderful party. 

However, like a long journey to a preferred destination, there are some switchbacks and potholes along the way to a robust spiritual family that we should acknowledge and common to the process and be prepared to meet. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his classic work, Life Together, simply shared that if a person wishes to become part of a true spiritual family, that person will need to set aside their own dreams of what that would like and embrace the mess and grace of doing life together.   

So, I’ve been thinking a bit about the bumps and potholes that will be part of our journey together at LFA. Over the years I’ve become aware that becoming a spiritual family is messy, hard work for any who want to live into it. The pathway to spiritual family needs to be intentionally trod and requires heavy doses of trust, reflective listening, intercession, commitment to work through things, the grace of forgiveness, and just lots of time laughing and eating together.

May I encourage us to not over idealize what spiritual family looks like but rather trust the effective intercession of Jesus and then engage, with grace, the participation with Father that graces us to become, see, and live into the heart our Savior envisioned for His spiritual family. 

Let’s talk about it. The adventure awaits.

—George Davis

*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.

How Do We Trash A Conversation?

I’ve had this blog parked for quite some time hoping to use it on a week when I would be short of time to write my own. I want to recommend it to you this week because I can see myself in this blog composed by Ed Welch at CCEF. In his blog, Ed helps us see what things we tend to do in conversations that often are not conducive to communication. He refers to them as the things we do to “trash” a conversation. I hope you find it helpful. To read the blog click here.

—Diego Cuartas

*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.

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.

An Unexpected Encounter

I didn’t expect it that morning.

I really didn’t expect it in the ladies room at Wawa.

I didn’t even know I needed it…

I was rushing to fit in a couple of errands before work and realized I hadn’t brought my coffee from home. I slipped into Wawa to grab one to take along with me. Washing my hands in the rest room, I glanced up and noticed a card partly tucked behind the fire alarm on the wall. There was Jesus—peeking around a corner, looking right at me with a kind and loving smile. The caption read, “Psst! I love you.”

Oh, how my heart quickened and the tears welled up in my eyes. I watched me in the mirror physically responding to His gentle words. My shoulders relaxed, my brow softened, I smiled to myself, and nodded in humble gratitude.

He does love me. I need look no further than the cross.

From my earliest years, I have often sung this truth. “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Had I forgotten it? I don’t think so. So why such an emotional and hungry response to His words on that wall?

I think it’s because I know who I am. I know what I do and what I think. And while I KNOW Jesus LOVES me, when I look in that mirror some days, I have a really hard time believing He should. I find myself wondering why He would even like me.

Alicia Bruxvoort nailed it in an article I stumbled across, one she wrote for the Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I don’t know about you, but somedays I just feel unlikeable.

Some days I feel messed up and maxed out, exasperated and exhausted.

Some days I’m not grateful or gleeful, flexible or fun.

Some days I don’t bring delight to my husband, my kids or even my dearest pals.

And to be totally honest, some days I don’t even like myself.

Yet scripture reminds us that the One who took our place on Calvary’s cross doesn’t merely tolerate us through gritted teeth or embrace us because of holy compulsion. As preposterous as it sounds, the One who first loved us, actually likes us too.  And here’s proof:

·       Psalm 18:19 says He takes joy in us.

·       Psalm 149:4 declares He delights in us.

·       Zephaniah 3:17 affirms He rejoices over us.

·       And Psalm 147:11 proclaims that we bring Him pleasure.

It’s crazy when you think about it—that the perfect Prince of Heaven takes joy in His flawed followers on the dust of earth. But when I remember this simple truth, it changes the way I pursue my Savior.

When I acknowledge that Jesus enjoys me, I look for ways to enjoy Him, too. I seek His company as I go throughout my day, whether it’s talking to Him as I drive across town or laughing with Him over my children’s goofy antics.

I notice His kindness in the depths of my daily grind—the brazen sunset over the trees in my back woods or the unexpected phone call from a friend on a hard day.

And I relish His presence in the midst of my pandemonium. I savor the song of the birds beyond my window, the unexplainable peace in my hurry, the echo of an encouraging Scripture verse that runs through my mind.

In short, when I remember how the One who died for me also delights in me, I’m drawn to delight in Him, too.

So I’m gonna keep singing that Sunday School song I learned as a child: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

But I’m also going to celebrate that oft-ignored truth that He also LIKES me.

Did you get that, friends? Oh, please do. My day reset after my wash room encounter with Jesus that morning. Living loved—and even LIKED—has that kind of dramatic effect on each of us. It changes the way we think, act, respond, choose, work, love, serve, and everything else…about ourselves, others AND our Father. As His children, ones who desire to follow Him into every area of our lives, we need to be reminded of that every day. We are loved.

So when you have been too busy, when your heart has wandered, when you have trusted false saviors,  when you have willfully sinned, when you have been unjust or unkind, when your passions have controlled you—when you look into your mirror and see someone you don’t recognize, someone you don’t even like, remember that you are still loved. You see, it really doesn’t matter what you think of yourself, how you judge yourself, what you KNOW about yourself, how you feel, behave, or look. Jesus loves you. And it’s not because of who you are or even what you have done. Jesus simply has decided to love you...while you were still a sinner. Yes, it’s all because of who He is and what He has done!

Jesus loves you. He likes you. Believe it. Doesn’t that stir your heart? Doesn’t it make you want to smile and sing? Doesn’t it make you want to share that overwhelming, gracious love with someone else today?

Maybe you’ll find that person in Wawa.

*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 Different Perspective

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

If you are an insane movie buff, or perhaps a Robin Williams fanatic, you might recognize this line from the 1989 drama film Dead Poets Society. Dead Poets Society is one of my favorite movies of all time. The film’s dark academia themes mixed with an adorable cast of characters and an emotional but important message makes for a perfect movie.

If you are unfamiliar with the film, I will give a brief synopsis: Dead Poets Society follows John Keating, a new English teacher, to a prestigious all-boys preparatory school. Though the students are used to a classical teaching style, Keating uses non-traditional methods to connect with his students and inspires them to embrace literature, and life, in a different and unique way.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie happens in the classroom when Keating unexpectedly climbs onto his desk and stands on it. He then asks his students why exactly he is doing this. When no one can give a plausible answer, Keating responds with, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”

After he states this iconic line, Keating then asks all of his students to stand on his desk as well. One by one, the schoolboys line up and climb onto Keating’s desk. The students are skeptical, but they understand the importance of this lesson. We must constantly look at things in a different way.

So what’s keeping Christians from looking at things with a different perspective? Why is there a harsh stigma from Christians surrounding the LGBT community, teen mothers, people struggling with addiction, and so many more? Because we’re not looking at a different perspective.

The Bible clearly states that these things are sinful, and some are even punishable by death. Romans 3:23 also states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Who hasn’t sinned at least once in their life? Simple things some might do every day, like lying to a friend or eating too much food (aka gluttony), are both sinful. Change your perspective. There shouldn’t be some sins that are “socially acceptable” and some that aren’t.

In John 8, an adultress is brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They intend to stone her to death as the Law of Moses commands, but Jesus stops them by saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” When no one can cast a stone, Jesus sends off the woman and commands her not to sin anymore.

Basically, Jesus is saying not to be hypocritical in your hasty judgment. We are all guilty of sin. All sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord and all sin separates us from God. God calls us to love, not hate. Scripture points to inclusion, not exclusion. The Word of God inspires us to be open and accepting, not fearful and judgmental.

When we just see what is in front of us and don't bother to look deeper, the consequences can be harmful. Our perspective is very much a reflection of who we are. Like 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, ‘As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’ (ESV)

So instead of being hateful and judgmental Christians, let's be people who stand up on the desk and see a different perspective. Look at people as who they are, children of God, and not their sin. And together, let's be good people and do better by looking at a different perspective.

—Olivia 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.

I Will Rise

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.  

One of my favorite lyrics is in a newer Needtobreath song called “Who Am I”. My kids know the specific line by heart after hearing me blurt it out at random times almost daily. While reflecting on God’s love for him in the light of his tribulations, the singer cries out, “You grow your roses on my barren soul.” When looking out across what can be a very barren landscape without and within, it is important to know this truth: God can bring dead things to life. As we look to the scriptures, may we find hope that He can grow the fruits of the Spirit right where we are, even if the circumstances do not appear to sustain life.

First, we look to Ezekiel 37 and the Valley of Dry Bones. Led by the Spirit, God brings Ezekiel to the middle of a valley filled with dry bones. He then leads Ezekiel back and forth over these very dry bones to ensure Ezekiel does not see a glimmer of life. Then the Lord asks Him, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel replies, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” The Lord then asks the prophet to speak to the bones on His behalf and to tell them that the Lord will now make breath come into them and life. Ezekiel obeys the Lord and then watches as the bones, then tendons, then flesh come together. Then last, the breath of God enters in, and the army of dead dry bones becomes alive. Brothers and sisters, I pray that our faith in the hearing of His word grows so that from this day forward if the Lord asked us, “Can these bones live?” we would answer, “Yes, Lord, you can bring dead things to life.” 

Second, we look to Job 19 as we read of a man who has been broken down on every side and whose hope has been pulled up like a tree. While facing imminent death Job rejoices,  

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another." Job 19:25-27

Dear friends, if Job found hope in his Redeemer in these circumstances, we can find hope in ours as well. May we be honest about the reality of our circumstances: We serve a living God who brings dead things to life!  

Third, we look to 2 Corinthians 4. There is surpassing power, power greater than that of death, that belongs to God. He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. May we not lose heart though our outer self is wasting away because our inner self can be renewed day by day. For the light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. God can grow roses on our barren souls.

To the lonely, the sick, the poor, the hopeless, the restless, the joyless, the dying...for whatever is dead in you, we have Jesus. He can connect us to streams of living water even in the desert, producing the fruits of His Spirit. Seek the Lord. God can bring dead things to life. May we share this testimony in truth and love.

 —Roger Garrison

*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 God Who Spoke the Ebb and Flow of Water

On my best days, I am quite confident that the God who spoke the ebb and flow of water, air, nature, and the cosmos is altogether trustworthy to hold and shepherd the seasons of my simple life. But there are those other kinds of days. Days when my faith must hunker down under full-scale bombardments of doubt and discouragement. Days when holding to the goodness and veracity of God takes all the determination and good confession I can muster. Days when I wield the sword of God’s Word with tired hands and steely grit.

While I often label the easier days as my “best days,” perhaps I have it perfectly wrong. When I arise from faith’s foxhole, and I see my true faith in the light of day, I know that those are my real “best days.” It is in those days that I see the difference between what I think I believe and the steel of faith that He has grown in me over time. I get to see how deep my trust in my Father, who orchestrates the seasons of my life, truly runs, and I am encouraged, yet challenged, to keep growing for I am weak, but yet I am stronger than ever before.

I have sometimes thought, and heard from others, that God, in effect, is too busy to see and act in in the small details of life. But I refuse to succumb to the cynicism of doubt even when my battles are fierce and seem darkest to my soul.

God lets us know, in His word, that He counts the hairs on our heads, cares for us more intimately than He does nature, saves our tears in a bottle, dries our tears, speaks specifically to willing hearts, knows us within our mother’s wombs, lavishes love on us, comforts us, and effectively prays through us when all we have is incomprehensible groans. He also tells us that He sees us, searches our hearts, works within and through us, names us in intimate ways known only to us, and celebrates our overcoming victories. See for yourself as you engage His Word. It’s all there and more. 

Thinking about it, I will choose to call all my days – all of them - my best days. I will press on into the love and purpose my Father has for me. I will remain on the path toward greater faith and trust in His care and love for me. I choose to call all my days, best days, and I will continue to grow in steely confidence that the one who invented seasons knows my seasons and is carefully tending me as His beloved child.

We have come into an intimate experience with God’s love, and we trust in the love he has for us. God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them.

I John 4:16 (The Passion Translation)

—George Davis

*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.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So here I am, 90 years old, and feeling sort of all right, and wondering if I should feel different somehow, or what. My mother lived to be 102, and died in her own bed, and with her total mind, and I wonder if I will match her. Aside from forgetting a name, or  where I left something, my mind seems to be clicking along fairly well, except when my daughter needs to help me with finding my way in and out of my computer.

There are things I wish I could still do. When we lived in Minnesota I recorded text books for the blind, and I’d love to still be doing that. I wish I could still sing, but COPD and oxygen 24/7 have disabled my vocal cords. And three knee replacements along with not enough exercise (my bad choice) have limited me somewhat, but I have canes and an electric scooter. And I have two daughters here who take me wherever I need to go. I do have a car myself, but why should I want to cause my kids any stress? I’m happy. And GOD IS SO GOOD! My children had a wonderful dad. I miss him. But I’ve had four wonderful sons, and two precious daughters, and best of all I have my Savior, Jesus Christ, to love me and guide me. Who could ask for more?

 — Norma Stockton

*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.

Tracing Back the Source of Peace

Nothing makes us more aware of our need of peace than intense turmoil. Your high school child dies in a party shooting. Your spouse dies suddenly. A family member attacks your opinions or your faith. You transition from one job or community to another location. You get married but don’t know how financial needs will be met after the honeymoon. You find out your spouse has cancer. Some destructive secrets come to the light. You have a miscarriage for 4th time. Believe it or not, these are situations I have come into contact recently and I could add a few more. Chaos is real, and I am sure you can fill in the blank here with a few of your own difficult experiences.

So I was looking for peace this past week and considering any truth God would offer to me in my search for some peace. God gently led me to Psalm 119:165:

“Great peace have those who love your law;

    nothing can make them stumble.”

As I reflected on this verse, I saw that tracing peace to its source begins with inclining our hearts toward the instructions God gives us. Furthermore, the kind of consideration we give to His instructions is essential to our experience of peace. The author of this Psalm clarifies that it is not just knowing what God says but loving what God says. What we see here is both a relationship to truth and a relationship to a Person, God. To disconnect our love for God and lean only on His truth would leave us vulnerable. God’s revelation is closely connected to His character, and as we know God and experience Him personally we then develop this deep love for His truth, His instructions.

Peace has another element. At least in this verse, we are promised that as we love God’s instructions we will be kept from stumbling. Notice that the verse does not guarantee that we won’t be shaken. The shaking will come, but we will not be allowed to stumble. Oh, this brings so much comfort to my soul. I hope you find comfort and hope in knowing that God loves us through His instructions and finds a way to keep us from stumbling.

What turmoil are you experiencing in these days?

What kind of shaking are you facing?

Where are you seeking your peace?

Great peace. Great peace! Great peace is what God offers to us as we allow our love to be anchored in His instructions.

Peace to you.

—Diego Cuartas

*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.

How's Your "I" Sight?

Not exactly sure where it came from, but while doing some cleaning and sorting this week, I uncovered a dusty box of really old pictures. Opening the lid, I smiled at the faded black-and- white prints of little me smiling back at old me from years long past. Precious memories flooded over me and I was swept away with pleasure, remembering.

Then I saw it. Scrawny, awkward, and beaming. The ghastly picture of me sporting my very first pair of bright pink, glitter-spattered eye glasses. I’d be embarrassed for you to see it. What was my mother thinking? How could she have allowed a clueless seven-year-old to pick out such unattractive, gaudy eyewear? And she let me wear them in front of people!

Well, that’s what I am saying now, but if I think back a few decades, back to that very exciting and monumental childhood event, those specs were the cat’s meow! I couldn’t wait to wear them. I hate to brag, but I was pretty hot stuff. At least, that’s what my daddy said when he saw me sparkling. Now that I think about it, he had pretty bad eyesight too…

But more important than all of the added glamor those glasses afforded me, when I put them on, I could see. Really see.

There actually was writing on that blackboard at school. There really were birds in the trees making that lovely racket. There was a real ball whizzing toward home plate when I stood helplessly holding the bat. People truly did have faces with eyes. TV shows weren’t fuzzy at all. Who knew? My glasses were amazing, ugly as they were. They changed my world. What a blessing for a freckled kid with such poor eyesight! I am so grateful for my glasses.

You know, I think many of us have poor eyesight. But, sadly, I think our “I” sight is pretty perfect. Twenty-twenty, in fact. Do you know what I mean?

For example, I rummaged through that old box of photographs for several minutes the day I discovered it. It was filled with family pictures, pictures of people I love best in this whole world. But do you know who I searched for first in each print? Me, of course. Did I look cute? Was I a nerd? Did I look fat? Why didn’t I pick out cooler glasses? 

“I” sight. All my focus on me. Looking out for old number one.

Now maybe you don’t think that is so bad. It’s natural to notice ourselves. But I think we take that “notice” to a very unhealthy and dangerous extreme. I contend that our very good “I” sight is the root cause of many of the problems we are facing in our lives.

Paul Tripp in New Morning Mercies describes this common malady well.

You see it in the whines of a little boy, you see it in the entitlement of the teenager, you see it in the needless argument of the married couple over something unimportant, and you see it in the bitterness of the old man. None of us has escaped this disease. It infects all of our hearts. It is the reason for so much of the brokenness, angst and pain of the human community. It is the foundation of so much unhappiness and generations of war. It is a personal and moral disaster yet it seduces us all. Its power draws all of us in. We see it in others and deny it in ourselves. It makes for uncomfortable family moments, friendship disloyalty and violence in the streets. It makes us envious and demanding. It causes discontent to be more natural than thankfulness. It ruins our vacations and holidays. It makes us spend ourselves into hopeless debt, to fall into paralyzing addiction, and to eat more than we ever should. It turns siblings on siblings and makes war-making more natural than peacemaking.

So what is it that causes us so much trouble and pain? It is “I”sight, the selfishness of sin, the idol of self. We focus on ourselves and make everything about us. What a tragedy for our loved ones! What a shallow life we live. Dr. Tripp continues.

We put ourselves in the center of the story.  We evaluate life from the vantage point of a scary and tragic “me-ism.” We pull the borders of our concerns into the narrow confines of what we want, what we feel, what we dream and what we think we need. A good day is a day that is pleasurable or easy for me. A good circumstance is one in which I get my way. A good marriage is one in which my spouse becomes a servant to my dream for my life. A good church has the worship, programs, and preaching that satisfy me. A good job is one that keeps me happy and engaged. It is a life shaped by a shrunken kingdom of one.

But the first four words of the Bible confront us with the inescapable reality that it is not all about us. They confront us with the truth that life comes from, is controlled by, and exists for another. We will never be at the center because God is. It will never be about us because it’s about him. Our will won’t be done because his will will be done. We won’t rule because he rules. Our kingdom won’t come because his kingdom will. Life will not submit to us because ultimately all things will submit to him. His is at center stage. He is the spot lit character. Life is not to be found in putting ourselves at the center. That only leads to dysfunction, disappointment and brokenness. Jesus came to decimate our misplaced loyalty so that we would find freedom from our bondage to ourselves and know the peace that passes understanding. Adam and Eve’s rebellion becomes our delusion, and for that there is rescuing grace!

Let’s open our eyes—whether they are near-sighted or far-sighted or fine. Let’s not be deceived. Let’s embrace God’s saving grace. Let’s humbly and purposefully get—and keep—the right perspective, the eternal one. Let’s base our self-worth on our identity as beloved children of the King. Let’s get rid of the “I” sight altogether. Hebrews 12:2 (The Message) reminds us how we can do that.

…Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

When we find ourselves wallowing in our selfishness and struggling with the crumbling kingdom we have built for our personal glory, let’s lift our eyes to the Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, our story. Let’s remember all He has done to rescue us from such meaningless and trivial pursuits. Let’s live for his glory, for his purposes, his kingdom…and not our own.

Larry Bartlett lived like that. His life of selfless dedication and service can be summed up by a verse he had underlined in his Bible, a verse read at his beautiful funeral service this week. 2 Corinthians 5:16 tells us that Jesus “died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” What a God-honoring legacy he left behind. May God increase his tribe. No “I” sight there.

My prayer for us today is that we won’t have it either. That we won’t live for ourselves. That our Father will give us clear vision for his kingdom.

May he open the eyes of our hearts that we might see him high and lifted up, shining in the light of his glory, pouring out his power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy! What great lines from a familiar praise song.

No funky glasses needed for that, but we just might need some shades!   

*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.

Stress Plus Rest Equals Growth

Stress plus rest equals growth. One minus the other leads to atrophy, disintegration, and eventually death.  Using our muscles as an example, it takes the right balance of stress and rest to stimulate continued growth.  We who seek to get physically stronger know that this balance can be hard to find. Oftentimes we do not stress our muscles enough, expecting to increase strength without much challenge. This strategy is flawed at its core and leads to disappointment and wasted time. Some of us workout too often, not allowing muscles enough time to rest. Again, disappointment follows as muscles become injured or weakened without adequate recovery time. Left to our own devices, it can be difficult to push hard enough and rest long enough to recognize gains. Fortunately, finding a great coach can help one find the right balance. A trusted coach can challenge our comfort zone, raising our expectations while enacting routines that demand rest.  

The formula of stress plus rest equals growth applies to more aspects of life than strength training. For example, plants need a certain balance of stress and rest to mature. This fact is useful when transplanting from greenhouse to vegetable garden. The incremental, balanced stressing of the plant by gradually exposing it to direct sunlight and winds outside of the greenhouse “hardens” the plant, increasing its vigor. In plants, stress from changing seasons also produces urgency to produce fruit and pass on seed. Now that we have touched on a few applications of this basic formula, let us apply it to spiritual growth.

Perhaps the most valuable application of this formula can be found as we seek a better relationship with God.  To strengthen our relationship, stress plus rest also equals growth. Like in the other examples, without the right stress/rest balance, we will end up disappointed in our pursuit. As giving authority to a trusted coach can help us find balance in our quest to get stronger physically, the secret to balance leading to spiritual growth is the exaltation of Jesus.  

The exaltation of Jesus brings the right amount of stress and rest to grow into His image, increasing our intimacy with Him. As Jesus is given the highest place, we are stressed with conviction as we behold the spotless Lamb of God who lived a sinless life. We are faced with a standard of holiness that only Christ provides. Jesus raises the bar. He increases the weight we must carry. He reminds us that we must possess a righteousness greater than that of the Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of God. He directly addresses the sinful desire of our itching ears to “relax one of the least of these commandments” and teach others to do the same. He warns us to not only avoid murder and adultery but to avoid anger with our brothers, any hint of lust, retaliation, and false promises, for all of these sins make us liable to fire. He commands us to love our enemies.

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Jesus (Matthew 5:48)

Compared to other people we can feel good enough. Beholding Christ, we are convicted of our sin. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22).  He did nothing apart from the Father.  This is the stress that comes from the exaltation of Jesus. There is no growth without this necessary stress in the equation. Flawed people lower standards. Exalting Jesus and not ourselves keeps us from lowered standards that lead to death. We must embrace His helpful, albeit stressful words on hell, sin, and judgement. 

Remembering our equation, conviction alone will not bring growth. Many have heard a false gospel that adds unbearable weight without resurrection power. It is true that chronic stress kills. The stress of God is not chronic. The true Gospel of Jesus brings conviction that is rightly balanced with encouragement. The spotless Lamb is also the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. As we are humbled by His holiness, we are lifted up by His completed work on the cross. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. In our own strength, a growing relationship with God is impossible…however, with God all things are possible. Combined with His standard of holiness set before us, He provides us with a righteousness through faith in His salvation that produces the deep rest needed to grow. To lift up Jesus is to magnify His finished work, providing rest for those who love Him and seek to obey His command to be Holy.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Jesus (Matthew 11:28)

Spiritual maturity comes from a right relationship with God. A right relationship with God comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way to the Father. 

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus (John 14:6)

The exaltation of Jesus, the King of Kings, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, leads to our transformation into His image for His glory. The Spirit of God is at work where Jesus is exalted, bringing balance between conviction and encouragement that leads to continued growth. Run from those wolves that only convict or those that only encourage. May Jesus, the good Shepherd, be the prize on which our eyes are fixed. Seeking Him above all else, we will experience balanced conviction and encouragement that leads to ever-increasing joy in His presence. 

In Christ,

Roger Garrison

*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.

This is Community

Last Saturday, some people from Living Faith spent a good part of the day working on a community garden project in Millville. It was truly a collaborative effort as you can see from this partial list of organizations that provided materials and people.

#hollycitydevelopment

#impactharvest

#millvillepd

#millvilledepartmentofrecreation

#livingfaithalliance

#RiseAndShineMinistries

#DrMartinLutherKingCenterinNewtonville

And people who actually live in the 4th and Vine neighborhood.

What really touched me is the way we worked together and the joyful, hopeful moments it produced.  It felt like community.  It was community. It felt like people seeing and caring for one another.  It was hopeful. And it inspired my soul.

Likewise, in our Sunday Service, the words and testimony of Larry and Leslie Baruffi, moved me to remember the powerful way intentional relationship building, over a period of time, creates opportunity to simply share our Savior with others so that they can discover how wonderful He is.  

In the same service, Darren Shelburne of Young Life shared the pressing need of adolescents in Cumberland County to discover Jesus through caring relationships and introduced us to the moving words of the Young Life Founder, spoken two weeks before His death. 

There are times when one just needs reminders to pay attention to the things that matter most. The gaggle of attention-stealing thoughts and activities in our lives amazingly conspire to fog over how what we do in service to our most treasured values.  

So, would you receive a gentle reminder to consider what are the values that you most dearly hold and how are you doing in actually pushing away the clutter to live the main things in service of our Savior?

Why not seek out, join, and prioritize your time to get to know community leaders and their efforts to seek the welfare of the city?  If you need help with this or know someone I should meet, please let me know because nothing would make me happier than to see LFA renew her place in building up our communities!

Why not connect with Sarah Bates to see what you can do to build relationship with the children and families that grace our Living Faith community? 

Why not connect to Dan and Holly Matro to see what you can do to support their efforts to build relationships that grow our youth in Christ?

Or my brother, Angelo as he builds Treasure Seekers or Summer ministry opportunities?

A final thought:

I just noticed how often the disciples got up and went somewhere to reach others (NIV uses the word “went” 75 times) - that’s a lot of God’s people going!

Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son, Jesus!  As they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble.  Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness. Acts 4. 29b-31, The Passion Translation

- George   

*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.

Who's In Charge?

Had I been there last week, on the white board I would have written, "LONELINESS." That's because I couldn't go anywhere or see many folks. But I did pray a lot. With out giving God the favor of my advice, since He  has already covered that pretty well Himself. He has told us how to pray.     

First, to acknowledge Him, and where He is and who He is…Our Father  in heaven...whose name is to be praised. Things are pretty much in a mess down here, and we're all pretty much aware of it. And we want His kingdom to come, and for His will to be done down here just as it is done in heaven!

But just pause a bit! We must not think for one second that God is sitting up there wringing His hands and worrying about what evil people will do next! In my 89 years, one thing I have learned very well and very sure, and that is that GOD IS ALWAYS in charge of EVERYTHING! So then why this and why that? We don't know. But we DO know that NOTHING happens unless God allows it. God didn't make Eve take that apple off the tree or make Adam eat it. But He was sorry that they made that choice, and all of our choices have consequences. And God, being God, knows who, and when, and why, and how it will all work out to be part of His perfect plan.

TRUST HIM!

—Norma Stockton

*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.

Our Present Endurance Has A Source!

One of my favorite parts in hero movies is when the hero seems just about to be defeated or destroyed by the bad guys and he or she somehow manages to endure and give the last push that will save the day. Sometimes it is a memory or a message that was spoken over them that stirs up the courage or the strength to do the final heroic act. Something similar happens in the life of Jesus. In Hebrews 12:2, we are exhorted to live "...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Here we see that Jesus endured the suffering of the Cross because He called to memory the anticipation of certain joys. Jesus is both our example of endurance and the provider of endurance.

How did Jesus endure? He endured in the present because a future joy was motivating His actions. God the Father had set future joys that were certain and secured for Jesus. As Jesus focused on those future joys, He then was able to endure, to put Himself under certain realities, even to the extent of despising the shame involved in His acts of endurance. We see in Jesus a person willing to exchange pleasures or relief from suffering for suffering itself. And the suffering He was willing to embrace was the kind an unrighteous person would have to suffer, yet He was found with no sin. Here are two examples of the joys set before Jesus:

1. They joy of being glorified by the Father Himself: "Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ (John 8:54).

2. The joy of presenting many sons to the glory of God: "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:10).

—Diego Cuartas

*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 Hunt

He is risen! Hallelujah!

Thank you, Pastoral staff and worship teams and all the behind the scenes folks who so beautifully led us through this significant Lent season. From the darkest moments of human despair and loss to the most glorious heights of hope and joy, you inspired us to raise our voices in humble gratitude to our Father for His incredible plan to redeem us and give us new life. Oh, give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good!

Easter is incredibly meaningful to me. I enjoy all its sacred traditions and moving celebrations. And to be honest, I even enjoy some of its secular customs.

For example, I love egg hunts.  

In fact, I love almost any hunt.

As a child, we entertained ourselves for endless hours playing Huckle, Buckle Beanstalk. Anybody even heard of that look-for-the-button game? I’m showing my age. And how we loved Hide and Seek, especially after dark, lurking in the pole beans. It was simply magical.

Our curious family frequently scoured freshly-plowed fields for ancient Indian arrowheads and relics. We braved post-storm, windy ocean beaches searching for unusual shells. We hiked the trails at Parvin’s to find a variety of flora and fauna. I can still sprawl on my arthritic knees for hours on Sunset Beach collecting Cape May Diamonds just like I did as a kid.

From an early age, I was trained to be an observant hunter—one with no weapon, but with an eye for God’s creative genius and His story.

In Elementary School, I hunted for four-leaf clovers on the little hill behind Elmer School every recess.

Even back then, I loved hunting for just the right gifts for those I love. I still do.   

I still enjoy a good hunt for a lost pair of glasses or a misplaced set of keys...an almost daily event in our house. I even like to hunt for the one earring or one sock or one Tupperware lid that always seem to be mysteriously disappearing.

I love scrolling through Pinterest, hunting for new recipes to try for parties and holiday ideas to add to my repertoire. 

I love hunting for golf balls in the rough and in the woods. Kenny? Not so much. We don’t golf together anymore...

I love hunting for birds to identify, another pattern learned from my dear family of origin. Now it is just another of my golfing distractions!

I love hunting for bargains. I coupon, I thrift, I make lists and plan menus from circulars, and I shop the sales. Kenny insists I drive 30 miles and spend hours of my time to save a nickel. 

I hunt endlessly for charming Bed and Breakfasts and out-of-the-way get-away or vacation spots. I love searching for fun activities to do with my family.

I can easily spend an entire joyous day hunting through a dusty, old, used book store or a library.

I love hunting the internet for new, helpful marriage curricula and funny video clips to share when we teach.

I love searching Scripture, tracing words or themes through its pages. I love to hunt through commentaries to help me understand what I’m reading.

And, quite frankly, I have one favorite search. I really do love seeking God. I want to know Him...so much more than I do.  

But to be honest as well as frank, I don’t always do a very good job in that worthy search. I am so easily distracted! I find myself quite impatient, lazy, sporadic, and faithless in my pursuit. I often find myself seeking my Father’s gifts more than I am seeking Him. Instead of just sitting at His feet and basking in His beauty, worshiping Him in spirit and in truth, I find myself filling the air with my whiny complaints and endless petitions or my legalistic acts of service and rituals.

Oh, to always have a Mary’s heart and choose the best thing! For in the quiet, at His feet, my Bible open, my confessions made, my attention fully engaged, my eyes fixed on my Master—I am able to hear His tender voice. And in His Presence, I am transformed. My heart is taught to desire, to seek after the important, urgent things that fill His heart. All other searches, all interesting hunts for the glittering treasures or the vain pursuits of this world, helpful though they may be, they suddenly lose their appeal and fade into the background.

You see, Jesus came to earth for a single purpose. Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” He is on a search and rescue mission, the only “hunt” that really matters in light of eternity, don’t you think?

I was vividly and poignantly reminded of this mission Easter evening as I wept and laughed through the premier of The Chosen, season 2. I hope you saw it. It was magnificent.

Do you remember the scene where Jesus was speaking to the crowd and addressing the shepherd standing in the background? It was a creative retelling of the parable of the good shepherd in Luke 15:3-7, the shepherd  who leaves his ninety nine sheep out in the open country and goes out into the night, risking his own life, searching for the one who has gone missing, wandered off. When he finds the one, he joyfully lays it across his shoulders and carries it lovingly home. He then invites his neighbors to come to a feast to celebrate. What a beautiful picture of our true Good Shepherd!

Now, to be honest, in my flesh, this heroic act by this kind herdsman in the story irks me a little. I consider myself, dripping in humility as I am, as one of the crowd, the good, obedient sheep, who gets left to their own devices because of some rebellious, arrogant lamb who selfishly does his own thing. I kind of resent that he so thoughtlessly puts the protector and leader of the flock in danger for a self-centered little joy walk.

But I am missing the whole point. I obviously don’t have the shepherd’s heart. Not yet.

The shepherd in this story loved EACH of his sheep, rebel or saint.

Just like our Good Shepherd does.

So much so, according to the Father’s plan, that He left the splendor of heaven to die a bloody, cruel death on a Roman cross—not as a Shepherd, but as a sacrificial Lamb, slain for the sins of those clueless sheep who think they are righteous and also for those who know they are not. Oh, that we all would see ourselves for who we really are and come to repentance!

So this begs the question: If I am seeking my Father and desiring to know Him, really know His heart and His desires, and if His plan is to send His Son to seek the wandering and lost men and women of this world and to save them by Jesus willingly and cruelly dying in their place to satisfy the judgment against them, what am I doing about it? Looking for seashells? Sneezing in a moldy bookshop?  I am appalled at my waste of time! Shouldn’t I join Him?

Now, I am not saying that all these “hunts” of my delight are evil and that I should not clip coupons ever again. But I am saying, dear ones, the time is short. I certainly need to prioritize my resources (my energy, my time, my talents, my money, my gifts, my family) for what My Father considers His urgent purpose, the seeking and saving of those who are lost. And broken. And guilt ridden. And discouraged. And sick. And lonely. And abused. And poor. And powerless. And enslaved. And proud. And despised. And messy. Couldn’t we go on and on?

The Good Shepherd is seeking them all. Just as He sought us.

Shouldn’t I care about them too? Shouldn’t I be pursuing them too? Shouldn’t you?

Who has the Holy Spirit brought to mind this very instant? Be honest. There is someone who needs you to seek after them, to bring them to the Good Shepherd, the One Who laid down His life for them. It is someone who desperately needs to be rescued from himself and the entanglements of this fallen world. It may be hard. It may involve personal sacrifice. It may be ugly. It may be humiliating. Who is it?  Can you hear His voice?

The Father promises that He won’t hide. He will be found by those who earnestly, diligently seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). His own sheep and those who are not yet His. And He will save.

Will you join the Master’s search and rescue mission?

Or find another golf ball?

Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).

 —Eileen Hill

*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.

On a Pilgrimage

In some parts of the world the concept of going on a pilgrimage to a shrine or holy place is quite familiar. Unless you count the use of favorite vacation spots or going down the shore, the idea of going somewhere far away for spiritual pursuit is a concept largely lost in our culture.   

But…

listen to what happens when people set their heart to tread unfamiliar highways in pursuit of God.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.[c]

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
    they make it a place of springs;
    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]
They go from strength to strength,
    till each appears before God in Zion.

PSALM 84:1-7 NIV 

Where do the highways take us?

Although the psalmist was thinking of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, it is interesting to note that the translators adjusted the actual words to the context of going up to Jerusalem. They are more literally translated along the lines of the roads within their hearts.

What lands do these roads pass through? The valley of tears (Baka). What happens when we pursue pilgrimage? Those places become springs that form pools of strength that lead us to more strength.

Where do we end up?

Like the sparrows around the temple building, we find a home with our God. Our pilgrimage delivers us to a place our hearts have sought to go. But, it is still a pilgrimage – a willingness to go somewhere with our Beloved, a cost and energy expended that changes everything.

Some believers, regardless of church, cultural predilection, or geography have their hiking boots on and ‘looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.’  I’ve worn out a few pairs of “shoes” but I’m not giving up.  I know where the place of blessing is, and my beloved is there.   

Looking for some trail mates who will hear the invitation and will join the triumphal procession as we go up to our blessing and inheritance, changing our tears and those of others, along the way.

If you would like to chat more about it – send me an email!

—George Davis

Preparing for a Fruitful Harvest

There are many factors that influence the yield of a crop. There are big factors and little factors. We can influence these factors to varying degrees. Experienced farmers know how to prioritize their time and resources. A few years ago, without much knowledge, I finally got the courage to break ground for a community garden at Ranch Hope. For help, I sought the advice of Dr. Veg to get things started. As an answer to prayer, he not only provided consultation, he also volunteered many hours on site to make the vision become a reality.  

Dr. Veg, A.K.A. Steve Garrison, spent his career with Rutgers University studying how to improve the yield of different crops without jeopardizing taste and nutrition. Initially, I thought his mere presence would guarantee lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and watermelons for everyone. After our first meeting, Steve helped me quickly realize that success could not be guaranteed, only encouraged.   

I was caught off guard by his first two questions: “Have you done a soil test?” and “How will you prevent pest damage?” To Steve, it was premature and foolish to think about putting seeds into the ground before establishing the right setting for them to grow. As Thomas A. Kempis stated, “The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.” Expecting a seed to produce a bountiful harvest without preparing and protecting the soil will lead to either great disappointment or greatly lowered expectations. This is also the case if we expect a great harvest when sharing truthful words with those we have not first loved. 

Just as scattering seed is easier than preparing soil, sharing the truth is easier than loving people. With little encouragement, we will gladly choose to “scatter seed” among the heathen, leaving the result to God, over the work it takes to love the heathen. The cutting of corners leads to assumptions to justify the outcome such as, “No one wants to hear God’s word anymore” or “Only God can change the heart”.  Hopeful expectations wane. I am reminded of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13. Maybe our eloquent presentation of truth sounds like a resounding gong because we have not love. Maybe this is the reason for gaining nothing.

To be jointly yoked with Christ is to make every effort to fertilize the soil with love before planting. James tells us that “wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” 

 A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Simply stated, connection comes before correction. Justification before sanctification. We were saved because He loved us while we were still sinners. In light of this, may we remember the words of our Lord: “As I have loved you, you must also love one another.” Jesus seeks to win our heart by first demonstrating His love to us. This is the secret of the harvest. To be involved in the harvest we must love. This is easier said than done. 

Jesus has reclaimed us by associating with us. He ate dinner with the “sinner”. He crossed cultural, racial, political, and societal boundaries for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Are we willing to lay down our selfish ambition to prepare the soil? He redeemed us by sacrificing His life for us. Are we willing to sacrifice what is ours to prepare the soil? He was long-suffering and patient as He remained with people through the renewal process after they struggled to maintain their commitment to Him. Are we willing to endure to prepare the soil? Like the keeper of the vineyard in Luke 13:8, may our request be for more time to work the soil, more time to demonstrate His love. His harvest results from a labor of love for God and others. May the Spirit of God make us able. 

 —Roger Garrison