This week’s blog is dedicated to all the fathers who are doing the best they can to provide for their families. It’s for the fathers who understand their role in the household and tirelessly handle their responsibilities. It’s in appreciation for the men who put God first in their lives and trust the Holy Spirit to guide their decision-making. Believe me, these men are out there.
A growing trend is to use Father’s Day as a platform to point out all that is wrong with families in our society. In particular, it’s often used as a sounding board to air grievances against fathers. This week, I’ve heard quite a few statistics about absentee dads, deadbeat dads, and how the declining presence of men in families is corrupting the young people in homes across America. In fact, it’s all made to sound very hopeless.
Yet, when I look around, I see so many men who are striving to do the best they can for their families. Men who have been put out of work in this economy, but have taken on jobs for which they are overqualified, just to support their families. Men who are raising their sons and daughters on their own, but are unrecognized in the “single parent” conversation. Men who have married women with children and have become fathers, not by seed, but by selection. All of these are men who are often overlooked and undervalued in favor of sensational headlines that reinforce the downfall of the modern family.
Today, in some churches, the pastor may ask for all the fathers to stand in recognition of Father’s Day. And there will actually be some women who stand as well. “I’m both a mother AND a father to my kids,” they will contend. While there are certainly plenty of women who are raising kids all alone, and doing a commendable job by themselves, there is a time to recognize their efforts. It’s called Mother’s Day.
Exodus 20:12 tells us to honor our father and our mother. On Father’s Day, let’s give dad his due. Let’s really take the time to recognize the men in our communities who are trying to do the right thing.
I thank my Heavenly Father for the fathers on earth who put Him first!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
40
I’ve been thinking a lot about the significance of the number 40 lately. It certainly appears very prominently in certain events in the Bible. Think about it: Noah’s ark was afloat for 40 days and 40 nights. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Hmm…maybe there’s something to this number.
According to Biblical references, “40” can refer to a long trial, or a probation of some kind. Noah spent 40 days and nights in the ark while the world was under water. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the land without a home. Jesus spent 40 days and nights without food in the wilderness. In each instance, they had to completely trust and rely on the Lord. These were periods of testing…and preparation.
It’s amazing when you stop to think about what happens after the trial has ended. After 40 days, the waters stopped—and when they receded, Noah stepped off the ark onto a new earth (Genesis 7-8). After 40 years, the Israelites entered the promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 8). After Jesus’ 40-day fast, He began the greatest ministry known to man (Matthew 4).
There used to be a saying among sassy older women that went, “Life begins after 40.” From a Biblical perspective, perhaps those earlier years were just trial and error for the fabulous 40-somethings they were to become.
Thank God that after the trial of 40 we can enjoy His countless blessings!
According to Biblical references, “40” can refer to a long trial, or a probation of some kind. Noah spent 40 days and nights in the ark while the world was under water. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the land without a home. Jesus spent 40 days and nights without food in the wilderness. In each instance, they had to completely trust and rely on the Lord. These were periods of testing…and preparation.
It’s amazing when you stop to think about what happens after the trial has ended. After 40 days, the waters stopped—and when they receded, Noah stepped off the ark onto a new earth (Genesis 7-8). After 40 years, the Israelites entered the promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 8). After Jesus’ 40-day fast, He began the greatest ministry known to man (Matthew 4).
There used to be a saying among sassy older women that went, “Life begins after 40.” From a Biblical perspective, perhaps those earlier years were just trial and error for the fabulous 40-somethings they were to become.
Thank God that after the trial of 40 we can enjoy His countless blessings!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Poison Ivy and Milkweed
As a child I adopted a great love for the outdoors. Leaving Newark for rural West Virginia, where I lived for 8 years, I was intrigued by nature and quickly adapted to the outdoor life. Unfortunately, in my woodland adventures I soon discovered the perils of this green environment. Poison ivy came to be a frequent interruption to my enjoyment.
However, rising through and towering above the contagious vine-covered field of poison ivy was another notable plant—milkweed. An old-timer dropped an invaluable bit of wisdom on me to ease my suffering. He taught me how to extract the thick white sap (hence the name milkweed) from the plant and apply it to my rash. I must admit—at first it stings like alcohol and later creates an intense itch as it dries, but it dries out the blisters and commences healing.
As Christians, we’re occasionally tempted to take walk on the wild side. We take the chance and turn away from where God’s been leading and keeping us safe, thus, ending up poisoned from the experience. The Lord wants us to steer clear of these known dangers set by the enemy, understanding what looks so enticing at first can leave us with a tremendous itch. Trust and believe that there are serious consequences for flirting with a sinful world—and who knows just what may rub off on us.
I still wondered why the remedy is found amidst the poison ivy itself. I then realized that sometimes the only way we can discover the cure from our ailment is from within the center of our pain. I won’t say that God’s way of getting our attention is by inflicting pain, discomfort, or distress (we often do that ourselves), but He uses these trials to our advantage by remaining present in our times of suffering. In compassion, He stands above the creeping ivy teaching us to look to the hills from which cometh our help. He helps us to stand fast among a sea of evildoers and rise above our negative and wretched circumstances. And we learn the cure can only be found in Christ—His blood and His love, which covers a multitude of sins—and all that’s needed is its application.
So, if by chance, you’ve found your way into a hurtful situation and are left blistered by the experience, look for the One who stands above it all and is ready to nurse us back to health with His milk of understanding, guidance, patience, and love. Sure, it’s going to sting at first, but let go of your pride and admit you’re in a bad way, and be soothed by His balm and relieved by His healing.
This week’s blog is brought to you by Min. Reginald Harris, Youth Leader of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, NJ.
However, rising through and towering above the contagious vine-covered field of poison ivy was another notable plant—milkweed. An old-timer dropped an invaluable bit of wisdom on me to ease my suffering. He taught me how to extract the thick white sap (hence the name milkweed) from the plant and apply it to my rash. I must admit—at first it stings like alcohol and later creates an intense itch as it dries, but it dries out the blisters and commences healing.
As Christians, we’re occasionally tempted to take walk on the wild side. We take the chance and turn away from where God’s been leading and keeping us safe, thus, ending up poisoned from the experience. The Lord wants us to steer clear of these known dangers set by the enemy, understanding what looks so enticing at first can leave us with a tremendous itch. Trust and believe that there are serious consequences for flirting with a sinful world—and who knows just what may rub off on us.
I still wondered why the remedy is found amidst the poison ivy itself. I then realized that sometimes the only way we can discover the cure from our ailment is from within the center of our pain. I won’t say that God’s way of getting our attention is by inflicting pain, discomfort, or distress (we often do that ourselves), but He uses these trials to our advantage by remaining present in our times of suffering. In compassion, He stands above the creeping ivy teaching us to look to the hills from which cometh our help. He helps us to stand fast among a sea of evildoers and rise above our negative and wretched circumstances. And we learn the cure can only be found in Christ—His blood and His love, which covers a multitude of sins—and all that’s needed is its application.
So, if by chance, you’ve found your way into a hurtful situation and are left blistered by the experience, look for the One who stands above it all and is ready to nurse us back to health with His milk of understanding, guidance, patience, and love. Sure, it’s going to sting at first, but let go of your pride and admit you’re in a bad way, and be soothed by His balm and relieved by His healing.
This week’s blog is brought to you by Min. Reginald Harris, Youth Leader of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, NJ.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Does He Have Your Attention?
I once heard a preacher say that people often form very a close relationship with God when they are in the hospital or in jail. He said that these are two occasions in which God has their full attention. He went on to declare, “God, you have my full attention right now—so if it’s okay with You, I’d like to skip the hospital and the jailbed!” In the spirit of levity, he still makes a good point.
When we are going through a trial or a rough patch in our lives, we often call out to God in prayer. Then we actively look for His hand of deliverance. Financial problem? We seek a miraculous blessing to solve it. Family problem? We ask God to make it right. Many of us have gotten very good at reaching out to God in times of need.
But what about when all is well? Those times when there are no burning issues to petition God about. Are we listening for His voice to us? Still praying faithfully? Reading His Word daily? Too often, we get “caught up” in our daily lives and don’t pay God much attention. We begin to develop this one-way relationship of sorts, talking to Him only when we need something.
God desires an ongoing relationship with us, rich with communication. He wants our attention. He desires for us to set aside private time for Him, and include Him in our daily walk. When we make ourselves available to open communication with the Lord, we begin to see Him in everything we do. He’s at our job, in our home, on the street, in the car. And that makes for an awesome relationship. Jesus gave us the example we should follow. He often prayed to the Father, and in Matthew 6, outlines how we should pray to remain in fellowship with God.
I want to hear what God has to say to me, so I’m giving Him my full attention!
When we are going through a trial or a rough patch in our lives, we often call out to God in prayer. Then we actively look for His hand of deliverance. Financial problem? We seek a miraculous blessing to solve it. Family problem? We ask God to make it right. Many of us have gotten very good at reaching out to God in times of need.
But what about when all is well? Those times when there are no burning issues to petition God about. Are we listening for His voice to us? Still praying faithfully? Reading His Word daily? Too often, we get “caught up” in our daily lives and don’t pay God much attention. We begin to develop this one-way relationship of sorts, talking to Him only when we need something.
God desires an ongoing relationship with us, rich with communication. He wants our attention. He desires for us to set aside private time for Him, and include Him in our daily walk. When we make ourselves available to open communication with the Lord, we begin to see Him in everything we do. He’s at our job, in our home, on the street, in the car. And that makes for an awesome relationship. Jesus gave us the example we should follow. He often prayed to the Father, and in Matthew 6, outlines how we should pray to remain in fellowship with God.
I want to hear what God has to say to me, so I’m giving Him my full attention!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Why Church? (Part 2)
My husband has taught “Children’s Church” for a number of years. It’s a lot like Sunday School, as the children are taught Bible lessons and participate in age-appropriate activities. However, Children’s Church takes place during the regular adult church service—and lasts as long. Often, when service runs longer than usual, a grumpy child will ask my husband, “When is church over?” His patent reply is, “Church is never over. Because YOU are the church.” I often wonder how many adult Christians know this.
The church is a body of believers who come together at an appointed time and place to worship the Lord. As a “body”—just like the human body—each part is essential. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul constructs a beautifully vivid picture of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.
We are all part of the body, and each of us plays an important role in the church. There are some who have obvious responsibilities, such as the pastor, deacon, usher, and trustee. But even those of us who sit in the pews have a part. We participate in singing the praise and worship songs, we bring tithes and offerings, we unite in prayer, and in some churches we “turn to your neighbor” as the preacher instructs during the sermon. Whether you are at the “head” or just a “foot” in the door, you are essential to the body of Christ.
But what happens when a part of the body becomes injured? I can tell you from personal experience that there’s no hurt like church hurt. But do you know that God is a Healer? Through prayer and forgiveness, He can help overcome the pain, and make us stronger for it. In Hebrews 10:25, Paul says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Why church? Because you are an important part of the body of believers.
The church is a body of believers who come together at an appointed time and place to worship the Lord. As a “body”—just like the human body—each part is essential. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul constructs a beautifully vivid picture of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.
We are all part of the body, and each of us plays an important role in the church. There are some who have obvious responsibilities, such as the pastor, deacon, usher, and trustee. But even those of us who sit in the pews have a part. We participate in singing the praise and worship songs, we bring tithes and offerings, we unite in prayer, and in some churches we “turn to your neighbor” as the preacher instructs during the sermon. Whether you are at the “head” or just a “foot” in the door, you are essential to the body of Christ.
But what happens when a part of the body becomes injured? I can tell you from personal experience that there’s no hurt like church hurt. But do you know that God is a Healer? Through prayer and forgiveness, He can help overcome the pain, and make us stronger for it. In Hebrews 10:25, Paul says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Why church? Because you are an important part of the body of believers.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Why Church? (Part 1)
This morning, many will put on their “Sunday best” and make their way to their local place of worship. Yet there are those who will sit at home and wonder, “Why do I have to go to church? Can’t I be a Christian all by myself?” The answer to that depends on what you understand about church.
There are several definitions for “church.” One speaks to the physical building in which Christian worship takes place. But the other, more relevant definition, is that a “church” is a body of believers. It is a congregation of like-minded Christians who come together to serve the Lord and fellowship with one another.
I’ve heard many people say, “I get my church on TV,” and proceed to name their favorite Christian cable network and/or televangelist. For those with no means of getting to church, this may suffice. But unfortunately, many people use this medium as a way to avoid contact with other Christians altogether.
On the flip side, there are those who go to church every week—because it’s a tradition. They put no more thought into going to the church house on Sunday than they do of getting into the shower in the morning. It’s just the thing to do.
As Christians, our attitude toward church should not be one of avoidance nor obligation. We should actually be excited about the thought of coming together! On Sunday morning, we get to go to a building that is dedicated to our Father and join a group of people in acknowledging all that He has done for us! We sing songs to His glory! We learn more about His promises to us and how to live life with Him! This is why in Psalm 122:1, David said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”
Why church? For those who love the Lord, it’s a place to enjoy worship with people who love Him also.
There are several definitions for “church.” One speaks to the physical building in which Christian worship takes place. But the other, more relevant definition, is that a “church” is a body of believers. It is a congregation of like-minded Christians who come together to serve the Lord and fellowship with one another.
I’ve heard many people say, “I get my church on TV,” and proceed to name their favorite Christian cable network and/or televangelist. For those with no means of getting to church, this may suffice. But unfortunately, many people use this medium as a way to avoid contact with other Christians altogether.
On the flip side, there are those who go to church every week—because it’s a tradition. They put no more thought into going to the church house on Sunday than they do of getting into the shower in the morning. It’s just the thing to do.
As Christians, our attitude toward church should not be one of avoidance nor obligation. We should actually be excited about the thought of coming together! On Sunday morning, we get to go to a building that is dedicated to our Father and join a group of people in acknowledging all that He has done for us! We sing songs to His glory! We learn more about His promises to us and how to live life with Him! This is why in Psalm 122:1, David said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”
Why church? For those who love the Lord, it’s a place to enjoy worship with people who love Him also.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
For many, Mother’s Day is a day filled with cards and flowers. Moms are given gifts and many are taken out to dinner. It’s a day set aside to show mom a little appreciation for the great things she’s done and sacrifices she has made. But especially today, let’s not forget about the motherless. And the moms whose children are no longer here to give them handmade treasures. Today’s blog is dedicated to the moms and the children for whom Mother’s Day has a different meaning.
The Baptist church has a tradition where women are pinned with carnations on Mother’s Day. A red carnation signifies that mom is still living. A white carnation indicates that mom has passed on. Maybe your church does the same thing. You may even overhear an elder woman of your congregation who has the distinction of wearing a red carnation proudly declare, “Yep, my mother is 92 [or insert incredible age here] and is still with us!” But do not overlook the young woman wearing a white flower pinned to her chest. Maybe the sting of her mother passing is as fresh of the flower she’s wearing.
The pews may be filled with moms whose adult children have decided to join them for service this morning. (These same adult children will be elbowed sharply to stand on their feet for the Visitor’s Welcome, so that mom can beam proudly as they introduce themselves.) But do not ignore the mom who sits alone today, who may even wipe a tear every now and then while the pastor delivers a patent sermon about “a mother’s love.”
We live in a society that’s anything but traditional. More common today than ever before, we have stepfamilies, blended families, extended families, adoptive families and more. We should not take it for granted that our experience with our mother is the same as everyone else’s. One person’s definition of a mom (“the woman who gave birth to me”) may be different from another’s (“the woman who raised me”). And even being a mother has different meanings. One mom may be struggling to make ends meet to feed her children, and another has given her children away to someone who can better provide for them. Both are mothers, regardless of our judgment.
Today, let’s remember that Mother’s Day is truly a celebration of our Father, who has put certain women in our lives to help mold us into the people He wants us to be. But we are not to place the gift of being a mom, or having a mom, above the gift of God. In fact, in Matthew 10:37-38, Jesus reminds us that we are to love Him above all else: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
And a special word to those who are feeling alone today: God has not left you without hope or comfort (John 14). Just as He has helped you get through each day so far, He is with you—especially today. God has wrapped you in the covering of His love, which you can wear proudly as you go out today. So celebrate with those who celebrate, and love with the Love that your Father has given you. That is the best gift you can give on Mother’s Day and one that will be returned to you in abundance.
Celebrate Mother’s Day through the love of our Father!
The Baptist church has a tradition where women are pinned with carnations on Mother’s Day. A red carnation signifies that mom is still living. A white carnation indicates that mom has passed on. Maybe your church does the same thing. You may even overhear an elder woman of your congregation who has the distinction of wearing a red carnation proudly declare, “Yep, my mother is 92 [or insert incredible age here] and is still with us!” But do not overlook the young woman wearing a white flower pinned to her chest. Maybe the sting of her mother passing is as fresh of the flower she’s wearing.
The pews may be filled with moms whose adult children have decided to join them for service this morning. (These same adult children will be elbowed sharply to stand on their feet for the Visitor’s Welcome, so that mom can beam proudly as they introduce themselves.) But do not ignore the mom who sits alone today, who may even wipe a tear every now and then while the pastor delivers a patent sermon about “a mother’s love.”
We live in a society that’s anything but traditional. More common today than ever before, we have stepfamilies, blended families, extended families, adoptive families and more. We should not take it for granted that our experience with our mother is the same as everyone else’s. One person’s definition of a mom (“the woman who gave birth to me”) may be different from another’s (“the woman who raised me”). And even being a mother has different meanings. One mom may be struggling to make ends meet to feed her children, and another has given her children away to someone who can better provide for them. Both are mothers, regardless of our judgment.
Today, let’s remember that Mother’s Day is truly a celebration of our Father, who has put certain women in our lives to help mold us into the people He wants us to be. But we are not to place the gift of being a mom, or having a mom, above the gift of God. In fact, in Matthew 10:37-38, Jesus reminds us that we are to love Him above all else: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
And a special word to those who are feeling alone today: God has not left you without hope or comfort (John 14). Just as He has helped you get through each day so far, He is with you—especially today. God has wrapped you in the covering of His love, which you can wear proudly as you go out today. So celebrate with those who celebrate, and love with the Love that your Father has given you. That is the best gift you can give on Mother’s Day and one that will be returned to you in abundance.
Celebrate Mother’s Day through the love of our Father!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
