I’ve been doing this blog for some time now, and there are weeks where the Holy Spirit will lead me to write something that I really don’t want to write! The truth is, I’ve had to write through pain, through disappointment, and through some pretty tough trials in my life. But you know what? I know that you have been reading through the difficult times in your own life, too. And I thank God that there have been weeks that the blog as been as encouraging to you has it has been to me!
Sometimes, there will be a topic that God gives me to write about and it doesn’t appear in the blog for weeks. That’s because God has to deal with me about some things first. Before I can write about loving your enemies, for example, God throws a couple my way, so I can experience it firsthand.
Then there are the weeks when I will have heard the topic loud and clear and jumped on it right away. But when I sit down to actually write about it, it’s not what I want to say at all. In fact, my very well organized and well-crafted sentences get obliterated by the delete key. And what’s left is not what I sat down and intended to write. But each time, whenever I publish the blog and say, “That’s not what I wanted to say,” that someone leaves a comment of “Amen!” Or just when I feel like that day’s blog entry was out of whack, I’ll run into someone who says, “Wow, the blog today really touched me.” And my reply is always, “To God be the glory!” Because truthfully, it is not about me, it is the working of the Holy Spirit.
Personally, I have grown spiritually through working on this blog and I hope you have too! My prayer is that God will continue to use me, even in this very small way, to encourage the people of God. Each week, I call those who read this blog “Valued Readers,” in honor of those who take the time out of their busy schedules to read and reflect on the topics covered. It’s like when Paul said to the members of the church of Corinth, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)
I thank God for the opportunity to talk to myself—and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to minister to others through these words as well!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Gray Areas
Is stealing a CD from the music store a crime? Most of us would say yes, no question about it. But what about downloading “free” music online? Is talking to an ex on Facebook wrong if you’re married? Should Christians watch violent movies? Many believe there are plenty of “gray areas” that are not covered in the Bible. So how do we apply ancient teaching to today’s high-tech modern era?
It was Jesus himself who, when asked which was the greatest commandment of the Law*, replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” He clarified that this is the basis for all the Law, saying, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)
Hmm. Well, that makes it easier for us to apply God’s Will to our daily lives. If we look at our actions in the context of, “Does this behavior demonstrate a love for God? Does it show love for others?” Some of those “gray areas” become more black and white. Using the previously mentioned examples:
• One may argue that downloading music is no big deal, that no one is getting hurt. However, you’d pretty much have to be living under a rock not to know that it is considered illegal—no matter how easy it is to do, or how unlikely you are to be arrested for it. Does it please God for you to break the law of the land?
• When talking to an ex on Facebook, is the conversation Godly, in the sense that it is open and nonthreatening? If the tables were turned and your spouse was having the same conversation, would you be okay with the content of the transcript? If not, you may not be loving your spouse as you love yourself.
• Murderous movies with graphic representation of body parts blown off and blood everywhere glorifies violence. Is this something that pleases God?
Deciding whether or not to do these things is making a conscious choice to sin or not to sin. But we should not try to absolve ourselves of the consequences of our choice by claiming they are “gray areas.” As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if it’s a sin…it just might be.
When we live in the light of the Son, there are no gray areas.
* A note about the Law: In Exodus 20, the original rules and regulations of living were given to God’s chosen people, the Israelites. These Ten Commandments outlined the way in which they should live. The book of Leviticus expands on those ten commandments and offers even more detailed instructions. But it was difficult for God’s people to live under the Law. The millions of doves, goats, bulls, and other animals that were sacrificed in atonement for their sins (their inability to follow the Law) could hardly suffice. So God offered the ultimate sacrifice. He sent his Son, Jesus, to live a life without sin and to be killed for our sins. Jesus paid the price of our sin (the cost is death). The power of His resurrection is that we were all saved from the penalty of death through Jesus.
It was Jesus himself who, when asked which was the greatest commandment of the Law*, replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” He clarified that this is the basis for all the Law, saying, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)
Hmm. Well, that makes it easier for us to apply God’s Will to our daily lives. If we look at our actions in the context of, “Does this behavior demonstrate a love for God? Does it show love for others?” Some of those “gray areas” become more black and white. Using the previously mentioned examples:
• One may argue that downloading music is no big deal, that no one is getting hurt. However, you’d pretty much have to be living under a rock not to know that it is considered illegal—no matter how easy it is to do, or how unlikely you are to be arrested for it. Does it please God for you to break the law of the land?
• When talking to an ex on Facebook, is the conversation Godly, in the sense that it is open and nonthreatening? If the tables were turned and your spouse was having the same conversation, would you be okay with the content of the transcript? If not, you may not be loving your spouse as you love yourself.
• Murderous movies with graphic representation of body parts blown off and blood everywhere glorifies violence. Is this something that pleases God?
Deciding whether or not to do these things is making a conscious choice to sin or not to sin. But we should not try to absolve ourselves of the consequences of our choice by claiming they are “gray areas.” As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if it’s a sin…it just might be.
When we live in the light of the Son, there are no gray areas.
* A note about the Law: In Exodus 20, the original rules and regulations of living were given to God’s chosen people, the Israelites. These Ten Commandments outlined the way in which they should live. The book of Leviticus expands on those ten commandments and offers even more detailed instructions. But it was difficult for God’s people to live under the Law. The millions of doves, goats, bulls, and other animals that were sacrificed in atonement for their sins (their inability to follow the Law) could hardly suffice. So God offered the ultimate sacrifice. He sent his Son, Jesus, to live a life without sin and to be killed for our sins. Jesus paid the price of our sin (the cost is death). The power of His resurrection is that we were all saved from the penalty of death through Jesus.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Fear vs. Faith
Fear and faith cannot coexist. They are opposites. Fear is paralyzing; in faith, there is freedom. Think about it—you cannot walk freely if you are afraid of everything that lies ahead. There are times in our lives where we have to make the conscious decision to step out on faith or let fear hold us captive. So, what’s it going to be?
One of my favorite scenes in the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is when Jones has succeeded in overcoming a series of dangerous obstacles in trying to reach his treasure. Just when it seemed he had overcome the very last one, he reaches what looks like a dead end at the edge of a cliff. His treasure map tells him that he must press forward—or in other words, he has to basically step out on faith. With nothing but an abyss beneath him, Jones puts forth the first foot and…lands on an invisible bridge! (Not so much invisible, but to the naked eye, you can hardly tell that the bridge is there because it is so well camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings.) It makes my heart leap every time I think about it!
Indiana Jones demonstrated the principle that so many Biblical figures put into practice. Without any evidence of even the slightest possibility of the desired end result, they stepped out on faith. By trusting in God, they received the reward they had hoped for. In Hebrews 11, we see the great Hall of Faith, with a listing of many of those who pleased God by living by faith. It’s also important to note that a couple of them didn’t see the promise completely fulfilled in their lifetimes (for example, Moses never actually entered the Promised Land himself), but God held true to His promises and generations prospered.
What happens to those who allow fear to control their lives? Well, in the Indiana Jones movie, fear would have prevented him from reaching the Holy Grail. In real life, it prevents many people from achieving their goals. Fear of failing keeps some from pursuing higher education or starting a business. Fear of not being good enough prevents some from trying out for a team or applying for a promotion. Those who live in fear don’t end up in a “hall of greats.” It is faith that can help you achieve reward beyond what you can even imagine.
Although some things may frighten me, I refuse to live in fear—I will trust in the Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me to success!
One of my favorite scenes in the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is when Jones has succeeded in overcoming a series of dangerous obstacles in trying to reach his treasure. Just when it seemed he had overcome the very last one, he reaches what looks like a dead end at the edge of a cliff. His treasure map tells him that he must press forward—or in other words, he has to basically step out on faith. With nothing but an abyss beneath him, Jones puts forth the first foot and…lands on an invisible bridge! (Not so much invisible, but to the naked eye, you can hardly tell that the bridge is there because it is so well camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings.) It makes my heart leap every time I think about it!
Indiana Jones demonstrated the principle that so many Biblical figures put into practice. Without any evidence of even the slightest possibility of the desired end result, they stepped out on faith. By trusting in God, they received the reward they had hoped for. In Hebrews 11, we see the great Hall of Faith, with a listing of many of those who pleased God by living by faith. It’s also important to note that a couple of them didn’t see the promise completely fulfilled in their lifetimes (for example, Moses never actually entered the Promised Land himself), but God held true to His promises and generations prospered.
What happens to those who allow fear to control their lives? Well, in the Indiana Jones movie, fear would have prevented him from reaching the Holy Grail. In real life, it prevents many people from achieving their goals. Fear of failing keeps some from pursuing higher education or starting a business. Fear of not being good enough prevents some from trying out for a team or applying for a promotion. Those who live in fear don’t end up in a “hall of greats.” It is faith that can help you achieve reward beyond what you can even imagine.
Although some things may frighten me, I refuse to live in fear—I will trust in the Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me to success!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
In God We Trust
I spent my elementary school years in a private, Christian school. So if you ask me why this nation was established, I would tell you that the original settlers came here for the freedom to worship. I was taught from the beginning that this country was founded on Christian principles. Today, as we celebrate the 234th anniversary of our independence, I challenge anyone to refute that premise.
My textbooks from grammar school were written from a Christian perspective. Prayer, worship, and thanksgiving to God were told to be a part of our founding fathers’ daily lives. These men were persecuted for their religious beliefs in Great Britain and found refuge in the land that would later be known as the United States of America.
At the founding of our country, there was no “separation of church and state.” Ironically, many of those today with a public school education (where prayer is “banned”) may not know about the prayer sessions that were held before those original meetings of Congress. The founding fathers, in spite of their human flaws and failings, turned to God for guidance.
A strong Christian influence helped shape the documents and decisions that affect us to this very day. From the first lines of the Declaration of Independence—which acknowledge the Creator—to the inscription on the Liberty Bell, which is cited from Leviticus 25:10, Christian imagery and references can be found embedded in almost everything from the first days of our nations’ founding. Including our currency, which is imprinted with the covenant, “In God We Trust.”
Christian principles were a significant part of the belief system that established this nation. Today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s especially celebrate our freedom to worship. And please, remember to pray for our political leaders at all times, so that they may make wise decisions and forward the beliefs that established our nation and helped make it great.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
My textbooks from grammar school were written from a Christian perspective. Prayer, worship, and thanksgiving to God were told to be a part of our founding fathers’ daily lives. These men were persecuted for their religious beliefs in Great Britain and found refuge in the land that would later be known as the United States of America.
At the founding of our country, there was no “separation of church and state.” Ironically, many of those today with a public school education (where prayer is “banned”) may not know about the prayer sessions that were held before those original meetings of Congress. The founding fathers, in spite of their human flaws and failings, turned to God for guidance.
A strong Christian influence helped shape the documents and decisions that affect us to this very day. From the first lines of the Declaration of Independence—which acknowledge the Creator—to the inscription on the Liberty Bell, which is cited from Leviticus 25:10, Christian imagery and references can be found embedded in almost everything from the first days of our nations’ founding. Including our currency, which is imprinted with the covenant, “In God We Trust.”
Christian principles were a significant part of the belief system that established this nation. Today, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s especially celebrate our freedom to worship. And please, remember to pray for our political leaders at all times, so that they may make wise decisions and forward the beliefs that established our nation and helped make it great.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Giving Dad His Due
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!
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 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.
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