Sticks and Stones

When we face opposition or in a position of conflict with someone else, we can remember that Jesus
is our example, according to 1st Peter 2:
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously...

Not only does Jesus model for us how to respond in difficult or adversarial situations, but He gives us the power to actually act in accordance with His will and His nature, because He lives within us.  That is beauty of Scripture: not only do we gain instruction and encouragement, but we also discover the strength that we need in order to walk in His ways.  He calls us to obey and He empowers us to do it!  And, this can be evident in interpersonal relationships.

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In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew chapter 5, Jesus taught on responding to people with whom you are at odds or people who mistreat you.
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you...

One of the truly unexpected news developments over the weekend came from Washington, DC, but it really didn't have to do with legislative action or matters of policy - not really.  It indirectly involved the President; even had the words "White House" in its name.

It's the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an annual event in which the media get together to underscore their own importance, maybe enjoy an entertaining event, and hear some jokes about - and from - the President.  This current President is 0-for-2 in attending the dinner, but this year, he sent representatives.  His press secretary, Sarah Sanders, sat at the head table, and in the past few days, she has gone to the head of the class in the eyes of quite a few members of the media, for her class in handling distasteful jokes aimed at her.

Al Perrotta of The Stream has written at least two articles about the debacle.  His play-by-play goes like this:

...last night brought a new low from Michelle Wolf. The Daily Show contributor — I won’t use the word “comedian” — mixed malice and vulgarity in a vicious, disgraceful assault on Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The left-leaning Yahoo News! called it “an astonishing barrage of mockery.” Even CNN — CNN! — was dismayed: “Being funny is one thing,” said CNN’s Chris Cillizza, “Bullying people because you can is another. And Wolf’s treatment of Sanders was bullying.”

With Sanders seated just a few feet away, Wolf opened her attack with “I love you as Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid’s Tale.” Aunt Lydia is the show’s evil disciplinarian. That, as Yahoo News says, was “one of the kinder barbs.” “I’m just excited Sarah finally gets to go to the prom,” she cracked. “She burns facts and uses the ash to create a perfect smokey eye,” she hissed.

Perrotta, who has done comedy himself and appeared on my show to discuss distasteful content on late-night television, also noted that the routine included, a "grotesque celebrate abortion schtick."  She basically chided people for criticizing abortion, saying, in essence, not to "knock" it unless you've tried it.  A disgusting moment of insensitivity among many.

Yesterday, Al included a number of responses in an article.  He quoted from the head of the White House Correspondents' Association, Margaret Talev, who said:

Last night’s program was meant to offer a unifying message about our common commitment to a vigorous and free press while honoring civility, great reporting and scholarship winners, not to divide people. Unfortunately, the entertainer’s monologue was not in the spirit of that mission.

He had included in the other article comments from Maggie Haberman of the New York Times, who tweeted: "That @PressSec sat and absorbed intense criticism of her physical appearance, her job performance, and so forth, instead of walking out, on national television, was impressive.”

And, as you might expect, the father of the press secretary was not silent.  A Politico article quoted former Arkansas governor and talk show host:

"After seeing the young female hired to verbally bully anyone who worked for @realDonaldTrump I now understand why eating Tide Pods is popular," the former Arkansas governor wrote on Twitter, referring to an online meme about the detergent-filled packets appearing edible.

"That level of vulgarity is best handled with a mouth washed out w/ soap," Huckabee wrote.

Sign him up for next year's dinner, if there is one!  Good-natured political humor.  The story went on to say that Huckabee "...said the dinner intended to honor the First Amendment turned into a night of 'bullying, vulgarity, and hate' by Wolf, the comedian who headlined the event.

Of course, there has been plenty of reaction on social media, including from Wolf herself, who has seemingly doubled down on her "performance."

Perrotta also pointed out that Sarah Sanders did not go straight home after the dinner; no, she stopped at an after party - the MSNBC after party!  Hardly a room where you might find a lot of supporters of the President.  He related a report from a writer for the Daily Caller:

He ran into White House staffers at the MSNBC after-party. “I don’t know how she does it,” one of staffers told Johnson, “She kills them with kindness — she puts up with it. Good-hearted American people see that — and she wins.”

He reports what happened next.

Then, Sarah Sanders walks into the party. The MSNBC party. A network that lives to savage and promote the godless vitriol that just attacked her. Guess what? Sarah Sanders was smiling. She owned it. I asked her about the attack and she shrugged with a smile and just said the attacks didn’t bother her and that she’s praying for the comedian. 

It actually is not surprising that Sarah Huckabee Sanders showed grace under pressure.  Of course, she goes into the arena known as the White House press room daily.  She's been in the rough-and-tumble world of politics - and she's a Christian who relies on God for strength.  The Washington Examiner reported:

Everyday there's a briefing, Sarah Huckabee Sanders follows the same routine. First she reads a devotion, then she says a prayer, and finally she meets the press.

Naturally the New York Times is shocked by this odd ritual. "President Trump's new press secretary is an evangelical who reads a Christian devotional before news briefings," the paper reports with a curiosity normally reserved for anthropologists.

A Baptist Press story quoted Sanders as saying:

"A lot of times people say you need to separate faith and work, and my answer is that you can't. Because if you are a deep-rooted Christian, your faith is what defines you, and I think that's something that I try to take with me in everything I do and certainly don't separate that when I go to work every day."

So, what people saw Saturday night in another arena was the product of a deeply-rooted faith in Christ.  Quick takeaways:

You may be called into the arena, into the fire, but God has grace available to withstand.  Sarah could have easily spent a quite evening at home with her husband and three kids, but she chose to attend.  By doing that, she showed a willingness to interact with people that she is called to work with, many of whom have what might be called an adversarial relationship with her.  Don't know if she may have seen what was coming, but she was well-prepared.

Remember, the time to prepare to respond with Christian grace is not in the midst of conflict or pressure, but beforehand.  This, for some, myself included, can be a lifetime learning opportunity, but God's Spirit is available to us, and as we submit to Him, He will give us inner fortitude to respond correctly in difficult situations.

We can make this our aim: when we are criticized, we can respond with grace and peace.  That doesn't mean there won't be disagreements or times of tension, but we can learn to disagree in an agreeable manner.

There are those that say that no one should be upset with Wolf because, after all, the President throws out insults.  I would submit that no one should resort to personally insulting another person - we can disagree on ideas and policies, but this is all-too-common practice in politics.  But, it is improper to justify harsh words in the name of "well, the other person does it."  Believers in Christ should reflect a higher standard.

Side by Side

Our love for one another as believers in Christ provides a powerful witness to the world.  As we love Him and follow Him in obedience to love others, people will be drawn to what, or better said, Who,
is flowing through us. Philippians 2 instructs us:
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

We are the people of God, called to be in fellowship with our Savior, and called to walk in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  If the world sees a divided Church, then it diminishes the degree to which people want to be associated with it.  But, if they see the love of Jesus operating through the Church, through believers, motivated by humility and compassion, then we become a powerful witness to a world that needs to see His grace.

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In John chapter 13, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to truly love each other.  It is described as a
"new commandment," as we see here, and our obedience to it provides a witness to the world:
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

We can be thankful for the men and women who drive across our country to bring needed food and supplies to various areas.  Those who drive the 18-wheelers provide an incredible service.

Now, I have to admit, that doesn't cross my mind, when you are on a interstate, you want to pass, and it might be difficult to do so because our friends are driving either side-by-side or close to one another.   But, in Detroit recently, there was an instance where truckers banded together and totally blocked an area interstate - 13 trucks side-by-side.

You see, according to local television station, Fox 2, a man was on a bridge over a local freeway, known as 696.  He was apparently planning or threatening to commit suicide.  Michigan State Police swung into action.  Here's what was reported:

The first call came in a little before 1 a.m. on Tuesday as the unnamed man was on the bridge over the highway. The eastbound lanes were closed as MSP started organizing semi-truck passing through.

A few minutes later, the westbound lanes were also closed as more semis showed up to cross the highway. All told, 13 semi trucks were parked under the overpass to shorten the distance he would fall, if he were to have jumped.

Thankfully, the man did not jump and the situation ended as the man walked off the bridge. He was taken by Huntington Woods Police to Beaumont hospital for evaluation.

MSP, Huntington Woods and Oak Park police were all on scene and all had negotiators talking to the man for several hours until it ended peacefully.

MSP stands for Michigan State Police.

One of the trucking companies represented was Moon Star.  The Detroit Free Press stated:

Renee Osaer, safety director for Moon Star, said she was proud that one of the company's drivers was involved.

"At Moon Star (Express) we believe in safety and giving people chances," Osaer said. "We were very pleased to be able to assist in the situation because we feel that all of our drivers and everyone out there are people, and that's ultimately the goal — safety and people."

Both of the stories I referenced included the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is 1-800-273-8255.

There are several takeaways that I'd like to spotlight here.

First of all, there's the reminder that there are people who are hurting in our society today.  Their lives have been racked by hopelessness and we have the opportunity to relate the hope of the gospel.  It is important that we get help for people who are despondent, even to the point of taking their own lives.  And, we can be sensitive to the warning signs.

Also, as Franklin Graham points out, this gives us an opportunity to reflect on the key role that law enforcement plays in our lives.  He wrote on Facebook:

...the Michigan State Police had 13 tractor-trailers pull together to break his fall. What an incredible idea—and what a great way to show this man that people cared and that his life mattered. Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond to protect and serve every day in our communities—it’s just that many times we don’t hear the stories. I’m truly thankful for these heroes—including every trucker who helped—aren’t you?

Finally, this image of thirteen semi-trucks lined up together to help save a life presents an image of how the Church, the body of Christ can unite to help people in need.  When a member of the body is down, we can join together - side-by-side - to stand with and support that person. And, when someone who is outside the Church suffers, we can intervene with the love of Jesus, as well.  Jesus talked about the witness to the world that occurs as we love one another.

Making the Change

We are called to be followers of the Most High King, saved and called into a life of obedience and
spiritual growth, so that we may reflect His glory. Jesus taught in John 15:
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

Jesus uses that powerful analogy of being connected to the vine - we are the branches, and we receive life as we maintain and grow in that relationship.  But, if we decide to do things our own way, sometimes even putting a spiritual stamp on secular behavior, we end up not bearing the fruit that He would desire.  We don't act and ask God to bless; rather, we seek the heart of God and depend on the hand of God to direct us, so that He may receive the honor.

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Jesus is calling us to be His disciples - we have professed faith in Christ, and that has opened the door to a wonderful life of obedience to Him; as we grow, we have the capability to see more of the nature
of Jesus through us. Matthew 16 says:
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

This week, if you look over the Billboard gospel chart, you will see that the #16 song is called, Blessing Me Again.  It features a collaboration between Rance Allen and...no this is not a typo, Snoop Dogg!  The well-known rapper has released a gospel album, and he has included a number of well-known gospel music artists, including Shirley Caesar, Kim Burrell, and the Clark Sisters.

The Christian Post offered an article on the singer's declared transformation, and reported about Snoop Dogg's 16th album, Bible of Love:

Snoop explained why he wanted to make a gospel album, telling TV One, "It was just time to put my money where my mouth was and have it not be about money but about spirit. Give love to get love."

And, because of his past, there is an abundance of skepticism, it seems, and Snoop took the occasion of the recent Stellar Awards to confront his critics:

"The devil is a liar. I thought church was supposed to welcome sinners," he told TV One after taking the stage at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the oldest televised awards show honoring gospel music artists. "If you find someone trying to find their way back home, the natural thing would be to accept him with open arms. We not gonna throw stones while you trying to get right and walking back into the church house.

"That's what's running people away from church right now as we speak: We're trying to get people back in church with a different perspective of come as you are, show love. We show love, we give love," Snoop added. "What about you? Have you checked your status? Are you going to Heaven? Why are you judging me? How much have you done for the Lord?"

But, there is apparently much to overcome. The article says, "he...has an alarming history of crime and sexual exploitation."

Who knows what God is doing in this man's heart?  Sure, there are concerns, such as his close ties with smoking marijuana, and, according to USA Today, a multi-million dollar relationship with the cannabis industry.  But, there are some lyrics from a piece on the album called, Pain, which can be instructive, according to the article:

"A lot of times, you see me performing for thousands of people, filling their hearts with love and joy, not knowing that I'm going through so much pain," he intones. "But God knows everything, and I mean everything, that I'm going through."

CCM Magazine describes the album, Bible of Love, "surprisingly impressive."  The review states;

Launching the imprint All The Time Entertainment alongside with this release, Snoop has vowed to use it and his massive platform to “provide more opportunities for gospel music artists.” We’re not sure gospel music necessarily needs his help, but if he and his label continues to produce the type of positive, unifying messages and stellar sounds found here, we’ll be more than welcoming. Now that he’s got our attention, Bible Of Love leaves us with even more questions about this “character,” but namely, and after all this time: Are we all finally getting to know the real heart of Calvin Broadus, Jr.?

There is obviously the potential for something good to come out of this association with gospel music - and, as he says in that song to which I referred, "God knows everything...that I'm going through."

The question becomes, then, do we believe that God can truly change a person?  Is anyone beyond the saving hand of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Obviously, Snoop Dogg has been long associated with the things of this world, but who knows the nature of what God is doing in his heart.

We also know that change will not be instantaneous - yes, the heart is instantly transformed, born again, but that decision and that new life begins that process of sanctification.  This can be problematic when you have a high-profile person makes a profession of faith or who is beginning to do Christian things.  I remember a certain pop singer over three decades ago who recorded a Christian album and the expectation was placed upon him to exemplify the Christian life.  It doesn't necessarily work that way - for anyone!

Discipleship and accountability are two important factors - in order to point a person in the right direction and to challenge him or her to grow in Christ.  Since our behavior doesn't become perfect at the moment of salvation, we have to recognize that we are called into a growth process.  The Holy Spirit is more than capable of setting a person free from his or her past sins and shortcomings, in order to make that person an example who radiates the light of Christ.

Thought Leaders

We have to be so careful to make sure that we are being taught in accordance with the Scriptures - that we are discerning and expose ourselves to what can shape our thoughts to be in line with God's
Word. 2nd Timothy 4 says:
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The Bible instructs us to follow sound teaching and to be faithful to do His will.  Our immersion in God's Word should be centered around our own personal time of study; then, we can choose people of good reputation to teach us, to help us to grow in our walk with Christ.  We can develop discernment about the things of God so that we are not led astray.  And, as we learn and apply the Scriptures, we develop a refined sense of how He has called us to act.

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God has raised up people who can teach and model the Word of God, who can help shape our
thoughts and our lives for His glory. Ephesians 4 says:
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...

There has been no shortage of coverage, especially in some sectors of Christian media, about a relatively small gathering of evangelicals that took place at Wheaton College last week.  The purpose of the meeting was described in a Christian Post article by Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary, who said: "It is an attempt to try and show how we should be thinking in such a way that our theology is what is the central concern versus our political commitments..."  Another organizer, Doug Birdsall, honorary chair of the Lausanne movement said, "When people say what does it mean to be an evangelical, people don't say evangelism or the Gospel. There's a grotesque caricature of what it means to be an evangelical."

So, who made the invitation list?  Well, the Post said, "Dozens of leaders from prominant [sic] evangelical seminaries, churches and organizations..." Birdsall stated, "Those who have been invited have been invited by virtue of their individual and institutional leadership influence. The group that did the inviting was made up of leaders of organizations in our country that are known and trusted around the world as pillars of evangelicalism..."

Anybody who is part of the President's evangelical advisory board invited?  Birdsall said, regarding "informal" advisors: "I have been in touch with two of their offices with a desire to engage in a meaningful conversation," adding, "I don't think they are globally perceived as evangelical thought leaders by virtue of what they have written or by virtue of the values that are reflected in their public statements."

CBN News traced reaction to the meeting before and after.  An article quoted one of those advisory board members, Richard Land of Southern Evangelical Seminary, who said, "Any definition of 'thought leaders' and any definition of evangelicalism that excludes the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Franklin Graham is a pale imitation – anemic and incomplete..." Oh, and just to note, Franklin Graham is not a member of that advisory board and conducted non-partisan pre-election prayer meetings in all 50 states.

The website also stated, "CBN News has confirmed that at least a few people walked out of an intense invite-only evangelical meeting this week at Wheaton College after the affair turned into 'crazy Trump bashing.'"

Bock's take on the meeting, which included Tim Keller, A.R. Bernard, Ed Stetzer, and others, was a bit different, according to the Christian Post, in which he is quoted: "That was the idea that this had a political agenda to it and that kind of thing or that it was about being anti-one particular group, which it wasn't. It was about discovering with one another where we are and where we see things and how that relates to the ministries that we participate in." 

This meeting, and the discussion surrounding it, brings to mind two important questions:  Who are considered to be thought leaders for you?  And, what does it mean to be evangelical?

Let's go with the second one first.  The Christian Post said:

According to the National Association of Evangelicals, the term "evangelical" classifies all Christians regardless of political beliefs who believe in four basic truths:

• The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.

• It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.

• Jesus Christ's death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.

• Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God's free gift of eternal salvation.

The afore-mentioned Franklin Graham, who was not invited to this meeting at Wheaton College, where his father attended and which has a Billy Graham Center, weighed in on the meeting, and his comments are quite instructive.  A Faithwire article stated:

Graham wrote on his Facebook:

“Recently some people have had discussions about the state of evangelicalism today, almost referring to it as a politically-related term. I can’t speak for others, and I’m certainly not a spokesperson for any kind of evangelical movement, but I can tell you what I believe.

“I believe in God. I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. And I believe in the Holy Spirit,” Graham said. “I believe my God is three-in-one. I believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to take our sins. That He died on a cross and shed His blood for all the sins of mankind. I believe He took our sins to the grave, and I believe in the resurrection. God raised Him to life on the third day, and I believe He is coming again. This is God’s Gospel.”

Graham stressed his involvement in reaching out to the lost through the humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

I think meetings can be instructive, but this one has attracted quite a bit of attention - for the composition and even the content, which reportedly included critical comments about the President and other Christians.  Apparently, these were people considered to be "thought leaders," but there was not a high-ranking leader, for instance, of the Southern Baptist Convention; the head of the world's largest Christian university, Jerry Falwell, Jr. - not invited.  Look at our Faith Radio lineup of prominent Bible teachers - off the list!  

So, back to that first question about who our thought leaders are.  We can examine who is leading us?  Who do we trust to teach us and set a godly example?  We have to hold those "thought leaders" to a high standard and have a working knowledge of God's Word in order so that we can ascertain that what is being taught is consistent with Scripture.  We can even seek to be a "thought leader" in our own sphere of influence.   

The local church plays a key role in keeping us grounded and accountable.  God has placed pastors, Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, and fellow believers in our lives so that we can be positively influenced and motivated to do the will of God.  We can also rejoice and take advantage of the abundance of Bible teaching available today.  At Faith Radio, we count it a privilege to present to you solid Bible teaching from some of the nation's foremost and knowledgeable Bible teachers, and we encourage you to avail yourself of these incredible gifts to the body of Christ.  They can shape and lead our thoughts, along with personal study of the Word, so that what we think lines up with what God says.

Soaring

I want to concentrate on two verses from Isaiah 40 that point to the sufficiency and supremacy of our
God and how His power is made available to us as we trust in Him. One is verse 28:
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

In verse 31, we can see how that can be appropriated:
31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

We have the opportunity to be in relationship with the God of the Universe, and He calls us to fellowship with Him, to worship Him, to wait on Him, with expectancy in our hearts.  When we feel overwhelmed and disappointed, God wants us to rise above that.  If we feel we have lost our way or the answers we seek are not being manifested, we can renew our sense of purpose in Him and know that He loves us and grants us the strength to live each day in the glory of His presence.

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There is a sense of alertness that believers in Christ can possess, and it can be applied in so many areas of our lives, including responding properly in times of pressure.  1st Peter 1 identifies this
dependence on Christ:
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

You go into the experience of an airplane flight with the expectation that you will routinely get to your destination, more or less on time, with only a minimum of inconvenience - maybe some turbulence, perhaps a snafu with the baggage.  But, the passengers on that flight from New York to Dallas recently had another thing coming.

The ChurchLeaders.com website tells the story of what happened to the 149 passengers on that plane that day: "An explosion in the left engine of the plane sent a piece of shrapnel through one of the windows of the plane. A woman was partially sucked out the window but other passengers managed to pull her body back into the plane and a registered nurse administered CPR until the plane landed."

That passenger, Jennifer Riordan, did lose her life; 7 others were injured.

The pilot guided the plane to safety, making an emergency landing in Philadelphia.  Her name is Tammie Jo Shults.  The article says:

Shults would have had plenty of practice keeping cool under pressure during her career in the Navy. She was the first female pilot to fly an F-18, a fighter jet. While she wasn’t allowed to fly in combat situations, Shults was an instructor pilot.

She was a graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas.  The article states:

MidAmerica Nazarene’s director of alumni relations, Kevin Garber, describes Shults as a “solid woman of faith,” NBC News reports. Shults’ brother-in-law, Gary Shults, describes her as “a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people.”

Indeed, Shults’ concern for others was apparent after she landed the damaged plane. Passengers on board report Shults walked through the aisle to check on everyone. According to passengers, the plane erupted in applause as she came through the cabin.

And, according to the ChurchLeaders.com story, "She says being a pilot gives her the opportunity 'to witness for Christ on almost every flight,'" and it points out that she was certainly a witness to those 149 passengers.

A Dallas Morning News story on Shults reports that she and her husband, also a pilot, attend the First Baptist Church in Boerne, Texas, about 30 miles from San Antonio.  It says:

Longtime friend and fellow church member Staci Thompson said a deep Christian faith has guided the way Shults lives.

Shults has taught nearly every grade level of Sunday school at their church. She’s volunteered at a school for at-risk kids and turned a cottage on her family’s property into a temporary home for victims of Hurricane Rita and widows.

“She would tell you everything she has she’s been given from God, so she wants to share it,” Thompson said.

Tammie Jo was one of the first female pilots in the Navy, and is profiled in a book called, Military Fly Moms. Even though she had faced rejection, she is quoted as saying, "In my heart, I hoped that God had given me an interest in flying for a reason. I had never touched an airplane, but I knew flying was my future."

Tammie Jo Shults can teach us about that sense of readiness that I talked about yesterday.  The ChurchLeaders.com story states:

You can listen to an audio recording of Shults talking to air traffic control as she makes the emergency landing. Shults is a picture of keeping calm under pressure. She is also an exemplary leader.

She was trained, she was prepared, so when the pressure hit, when the trial came, she was able to activate her skills and apply her training, so that she could land the plane successfully.

Also, her view of her call and purpose is inspiring.  Every flight could be an opportunity to witness for Christ, in her estimation.  And, as the result of her application of honed skill to land a plane under adverse circumstances, her story has spread and her Savior has been glorified.

She is someone who has a sense of purpose and, as the Dallas News story described it, "fierce determination and laser focus," combined with "sweetness."  The story pointed out that she had been told in a high school vocational day that her dream of being a pilot was not realistic because there were no professional female pilots; and, she did not allow her initial rejection from the Air Force to deter her.  She was convinced that God had instilled in her an "interest in flying for a reason."  She did not give up in her pursuit of what she believed the Lord had called her to do, and neither should we.

In Harm's Way

We can recognize that God grants us the capacity to be strong and ready to face challenging
situations. As Moses said his farewell before his death, he related in Deuteronomy 31:
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it.
8 And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

Life is going to present challenges to us, and our faith will be tested.  A big question is whether or not we will be ready to face those trials and depend on the strength of the Lord.  The best time to face adversity is when we are not experiencing it.  We can build ourselves up, "work out" our faith so that when the pressure comes, we are able to appropriate the resources that God makes available to us. He will strengthen us from the inside, and the growth of His Word in our hearts and minds will assist us in that preparation.

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There is a verse in 1st Corinthians 16 that encourages us to be prepared, alert, and dependent on
God's strength. We can read:
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Then,
14 Let all that you do be done with love.

It was certainly a harrowing day in the Nashville area, with an early morning shooting in which 4 people lost their lives and four others were injured at a Waffle House in Antioch, one of the Nashville suburbs where there was a church shooting last year.  By sunset, the alleged gunman, who had fled the scene, was still at large.

But, in addition to the tragedy that occurred at the restaurant, an encouraging story line emerged, and it had to do with a customer by the name of James Shaw.  WSMV Television reported:

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, James Shaw Jr. saw the suspect wrestling with the gun and interfered with him, taking it from him and tossing it behind the counter.

The gunman was near the front door and was "having issues with restocking" and "Shaw ran through the door as hard as he could and hit him with the door, forcing him to drop the gun." The article reported:

The two men wrestled until Shaw was able to grab the AR-15 and throw it over the counter. Shaw said he ran the gunman out of the restaurant before going inside to check on the other victims.

Shaw said, "I have a 4-year-old daughter, And that came to mind probably after the fact. The only thing I was thinking was save yourself and get the gun away from him..."

WSMV stated, "Police are crediting Shaw for stopping the violence before any more people were
killed." Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson said, "The real definition of a hero is someone who knows the danger they are facing, and yet, takes that action..."

But, the story said that Shaw is downplaying the characterization as a hero. He said, "I did what I think most people would've done in that situation if you actually think about it," adding, "Once you're in that position and you see there's nothing else for you to do, there's a brick wall, and he's standing there with a gun. You have to react."

Shaw was "grazed by a bullet" and "burned his hand while trying to grab the gun."  But, after enduring what was no doubt a frightening, emotional experience, James Shaw Jr. did not go back home and stay for the rest of the day.  As the television station reported:

After getting released from the hospital, Shaw went to church with his family and friends.

"I'm not over it, but it helped me," he said.

The Tennessean reported that:

Shaw Jr. received a phone call from Nashville Mayor David Briley after the shooting.

The hero invited Briley to the Nashville church he has attended since he was a baby.

With Briley by his side, Shaw Jr. cried for the third time during the church service.

It goes on to say:

During the 10 a.m. church service, friends and fraternity brothers flocked to see Shaw Jr.

Over 10 fraternity brothers went to the church to see him, with his hand wrapped, but bleeding from the burns and altercation.

One of his friends said, "What he did, it never crossed my mind as something he wouldn’t have done,” adding, “He’s a man of honor.”

Shaw told WKRN Television, "I’m not a greatly religious person,” and added, “I don’t want this to be a major moment in my life. I went to church to get past it.” 

It will likely take a while for Mr. Shaw to "get over it" or "get past it."  And, he will need the encouragement and reinforcement of his church family for strength.  Even though he downplays the importance of faith, perhaps this is an event, tragic as it is, that God will use in his life.  We never know what God will use in order to draw us closer to Himself, but Scripture teaches that even tragedy can be a precursor to God's glory - He works out His character in us through our trials.  And, I do not think it is a small thing that James went to church after this ordeal.

James Shaw obviously had the reputation of being a "man of honor;" what he did was not a surprise to the gentlemen who commented to the newspaper.  We can be challenged to think about the reputation that we build and make sure that by our lives, we are projecting a sense of integrity.  We can aspire to be honorable people.

I think we can also consider the concept of readiness.  This was a dangerous situation, in which a man with a rifle was shooting people in a restaurant; James Ward disarmed him and saved lives - yes, he is a hero!  But, there may be situations, not necessarily life-threatening, in which we are called to intervene.  There may be a conflict that needs the touch of a peacemaker, there may be truth that needs to be spoken in the life of a friend or family member.  There may be resources that God has given to us that are needed in a particular situation. We are called to be ready for those moments in which God calls us to act and realize that He provides the resources in order that we may work effectively to bring Him glory.

Take Care

In the fifth chapter of 1st Thessalonians, the apostle Paul is bidding farewell, and writes these instructive words:
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

God is concerned with the totality of our being, and He wants us to grow strong in Him in our spirits, as well as our souls, which grow as we are committed to seek the truth that is contained within God's Word.  Romans 12 speaks of renewing the mind.  If our soul is not at peace, or we have allowed our souls to be corrupted or polluted, we cannot experience the mental and emotional condition that God would desire for us to have.  He wants us to grow in Him and to conform to Christ in the way we think.

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In the first chapter of the book of Joshua, we see that God has given him some important keys to his development as the leader of the people of Israel.  You might say that God's instructions dealt with
the way Joshua made His walk with God and the condition of His soul high priorities:
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

One of the phrases that is used when people part company is "take care."  It's a pretty innocuous phrase, really, but it can cause us to think about Who is really taking care of us and how we can connect with the Lord through the care of various areas of our lives.

Barna has released a survey about the topic of "self-care."  In the survey summary, it says: "...conversations about 'self-care" have entered the mainstream as people seek out ways to unplug, relax and pursue personal health and growth." The group says that "we asked American adults who identify as Christian and / or spiritual to identify practices they participate in on a regular basis—some more spiritual in nature, some that could be more broadly categorized as self-help or self-improvement."

According to this survey of so-called "spiritual" people, including Christians, 1-in-4 indicated that "time in nature for reflection" was their preferred practice of self-care.  That area finished in the top position, followed by "reading books on spiritual topics" - a little over 1 out of 5 gave that answer. Then, there was a trio of what could be described as "contemplative" practices: meditation, at 19%, silence or solitude, at 16%, and journaling, the response of 14% of those surveyed.

Interestingly enough, 28% of Millennials said that they journal, as opposed to just 3% of the Elder category.  Boomers and Elders, it seems, gravitate toward reading and nature.

Those in higher income categories tended to move toward activities which might require a financial investment. Those in the higher education categories were drawn to more "cerebral expressions of self-care, such as silence and solitude, or meditation."

But, across the board in the income and education categories, "spending time in nature or journaling are similarly appealing to all spiritually-inclined adults sampled."

This survey can help us to consider what we are doing to take care of our souls.   Certainly, there is plenty of emphasis on physical health, including diet and exercise.  But, the ways we feed and develop our spirits are of paramount importance.

First of all, I think there is something that is therapeutic about being immersed in God's creation. The simple act of getting out of the house or the office can be refreshing, especially now that the temperatures are rising and the pollen count might be declining.  And, while we don't worship nature or seek to be one with it or commune with it, the Bible is replete with Scripture verses that tell us we can see the Creator in His creation.

I also like the concept of writing things down.  What is God teaching you through His Word?  We can certainly commit principles to ministry, but that act of journaling, which Barna shows is popular among young adults, can help reinforce what He is teaching us and can be helpful for all believers.  Good ol' spiral notebooks or bound journals can be places where we can write - or even draw - our thoughts.

Finally, a word about meditation.  This word can have a negative connotation if the object of our meditation is not God and His Word.  But, the Lord spoke to Joshua about speaking of and meditating in the Scriptures so that we can be careful to do what is in them.  Meditation involves study, it can involved memorization, and it can involve the Holy Spirit showing us how we can make Scripture operational in our lives.  Through meditation, we train our minds to think about, to carefully consider, the ways of God.

He is inviting us to practices through which we can fellowship with Him and know Him better.  As we come to know Christ better and allow Him to renew our minds by His Word, we are participating in a restorative act of "soul care."