Back to Life

Our God, the One whom we serve, who has provided salvation for us through His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus, is the One True God, and Psalm 85 states:
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.

I'm reminded of Psalm 20, which says in verse 7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

So we can consider this - in whom do we put our trust?  Are we trusting in human strength or ingenuity or placing our trust in what we idolize, which cannot save.  We can be reminded to call upon the Lord in Jesus' name whenever we face danger or tragedy, uncertainty or indecision. When we need healing - physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can call upon the One who makes us whole, who, because He loves us, makes His power available to us. 

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In a prayer at the end of Ephesians chapter 3, Paul reminds us of the matchless power of God - he prays for the readers, that they:
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Last August, the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Ryan Marlow, was hospitalized with a listeria infection, which led to an injury of his brain, according to a story at The Christian Post, which recalled that his wife, Megan, released a Facebook Live video on Aug. 31 and said, “The doctor came out [of husband’s hospital room] with about 20 other people as my witness and said your husband has clinically passed. He is clinically deceased. He has passed away. He has suffered neurological death..."

But two days later, she received a call from the doctor saying that he was not brain dead, after all, but he was in a coma and that he would not be able to live without life support.  The next day, his organs were due to be harvested, but the article says:

Meghan Marlow said when she arrived at the hospital her niece, who was in the room with her husband that Tuesday, saw Pastor Marlow moved his feet while she played videos of his three children singing.

Meghan Marlow was so confused at the news, she said she went to her husband’s room and asked everyone to leave.

And then, as she relates: “I told Ryan all the things that I wanted to tell him. That I loved him, people were taking care of me, that God was gonna make sure our babies were taken care of and it was gonna be alright. And at the very end I tell him, ‘If you’re inside of there and you can hear me, I need you to fight. I need you to fight like crazy. Because I’m about to stop this process of organ donating and we’re gonna get some tests done because I don’t know what’s going on...Long story short, he’s not brain dead my friends. The doctor would not even do the brain death test because they said that there is brain activity.”

Just a few weeks ago, Ryan Marlow returned home, greeting hundreds of well-wishers. Megan, posting on a Facebook page called Ryan’s Recovery, stated:

“Ryan was just shocked at all the love that was shown. For the last six months, I’ve been able to see all the messages and the comments and the support and the prayers. But he has seen just glimpses here and there which is what made yesterday that much more amazing. For three hours Ryan waved, smiled and interacted with hundreds of people. I’m so proud of him, I know he was exhausted..."

Last Thursday, Megan posted on Facebook: "This morning he signed to us that he needs us for everything. And then shook his head in agreement that it made him feel bad...I told him we were all happy to be there and we were just thankful we had him to take care of. But that it won’t be like this forever and to use that as motivation to work on getting stronger. He firmly nodded his head and signed he’s ready to work!!

The Christian Post article noted:

In celebration of National Brain Injury Awareness month in March, Meghan Marlow called her husband her “hero.”

It quoted from the Facebook page: "He was living a beautiful and healthy life and then something as innocent as eating supper turned his world upside down with an Acquired Brain Injury from listeria...He is a fighter. He is the strongest man I know. He is my hero.”

This is certainly an inspiring story, and can remind us of the power and faithfulness of God. Pastor Ryan Marlow was declared to be brain dead, within hours of having his organs harvested - but God intervened!  Now, people are praying for his recovery, because there is a still a long road back. 

This story can help us to remember to pray when we are facing seemingly impossible situations.  The devastating medical diagnosis, the financial misfortune, the broken relationships - no matter what may seem impossible, we know that we serve the God of the possible - who is able to do, as the Scriptures say, exceedingly abundantly beyond what we can ask or think. 

God has brought us out of death to life, and He is more than capable of bringing what is dead to life - He is the God of resurrection; Jesus said that He is the "resurrection and the life."  So, for whatever may seem dead or hopeless in our lives, we can call upon the one who brings abundant life. 

Father of Our Country

The Lord, by His Spirit, has given us the capacity to be an influence for Him in the places we are sent by Him. 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 states:
6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Yes, even the way we respond to trials can demonstrate to the world around us the presence of Jesus in us. We can make a responsible statement about our devotion to Him as we show that we love and trust Him - and that we possess a God-given love for others.  We can be so forthright in our obedience that people experience Him when they interact with us. So, we can be mindful of our opportunities to be influential for the sake of the gospel. 

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The Bible speaks of influential Christian believers in 1st Peter chapter 2, where we can find these words:
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

On this St. Patrick's Day, it's a great time to reflect on how each of us can be a person of influence,  whose faith impacts the people to whom we are sent, those we are called to serve, relative to some comments I made yesterday.  

I came across an article recently that featured some comments who has been sent to the entertainment industry and has had a tremendous Christian impact. His name is Chuck Norris; yes, that Chuck Norris. Just last week, Chuck turned 83 years old.  U.S. Veterans Magazine, to honor his 80th, shared some favorite Chuck Norris jokes:

• Chuck Norris was once bitten by a cobra. After days of excruciating pain, the cobra passed away.

How about this one:

• Few people know that Chuck Norris has a diary—it’s called the Guinness Book of World Records.

Or, this: 

• Chuck Norris has never had to put gas in his tank. All of his vehicles run on fear.

And...

• When life gave Chuck Norris lemons, he squeezed the lemons and made orange juice.

Well, Chuck Norris loves God and loves America - and you can certainly do both! Movieguide reported on how Chuck Norris extolled one of the founders of our country in a column at WND.com recently, stating:

Norris wrote about Washington’s accolades as a soldier, leader and president, adding that he was a “constant” attendee at church throughout his life.

The actor also cites a video presentation at Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, that details his faith.

In that video, it quotes Washington as saying, "...every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshiping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience.”

The video also notes:

It is clear in Washington’s writings that he was a deeply spiritual man, with a strong belief that a benevolent power was acting in his life and in the founding of the United States: “Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

Chuck Norris' response?  

“Wow!” Norris marveled. “Does all that sound like it could have come from a deist, who didn’t believe God intervened in the affairs of men? Just the opposite. If only today’s presidents and government officials were as religiously devoted as Washington!”

Movieguide also related: 

He shared Washington’s devotion to praying every day, and Dr. George Tsakiridis, Ph.D, professor of religion at South Dakota State University, even said that Washington did “personal devotions” every morning and evening.

Norris then encouraged his readers to pray the prayer Washington wrote for our country and that Americans still read every day at Mount Vernon’s public wreath-laying ceremony at his tomb...

So, today, we've already covered Chuck Norris, George Washington, and of course, we recognize the contributions of St. Patrick, a man who fulfilled his call to share the gospel.  And, added to the list of influencers - you and me!  We're on the list, so we have to then recognize how God would use us to impact society for the sake of gospel, to do good and glorify God.  

We bring our Christian faith into the areas where we are sent.  Yesterday, I shared from an article that seemed to diss political candidates who embraced their Christian faith.  Again, we need more parents serving on our school boards and attorneys who run for judicial offices - Jason Yates of My Faith Votes illustrates that need on today's Meeting House program.  We need believers who will be salt and light in the workplace, people who follow Christ's instruction to love our neighbor, who will put the needs of their customers foremost, unlike those bankers that put a social agenda over the concerns of their stakeholders.  We need people of influence in every realm.  We can step up and stand strong in the Lord. 

Be Ye Separate?

Because we know Jesus, we can be confident that we have been called by God and given a purpose - we have been sent in order to bring Him glory wherever we are. Isaiah 42 states:
5 Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,
7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.

Jesus, as THE Light of the World, told His disciples that we are the light of the world - so wherever we are, we are directed and empowered to shine His light. I believe that means that we are not only to interact with people one-on-one and share our faith, but also to impact the society in which we live. He gives us the capacity to be people of influence, to bring Christian principles and presence into public settings, in matters of practice and policy.  

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The apostle Paul gave some insight regarding where we live and how we live in Acts chapter 17, when he proclaimed:
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

While Christians are instructed by Scripture to be separate, and some are taking that principle to another level - actually moving to an area that seems to be more sympathetic to their faith and values.  

The place is Northern Idaho, and recently, Religion News did what could be considered a work of opinion journalism on what is occurring in the city of Moscow.  The story related:

North Idaho has long been known for its hyperlibertarians, apocalyptic “preppers” and white supremacist groups who have retreated to the region’s sweeping frozen lakes and wild forests to await the collapse of American society, when they’ll assert control over what remains.

But in recent years, the state’s existing separatists have been joined by conservatives fleeing bluer Western states, opportunistic faith leaders, real-estate developers and, most recently, those opposed to COVID-19 restrictions and vaccines. Though few arrived carrying Christian nationalist banners, many have quickly adopted aspects of the ideology to advance conservative causes and seek strength in unity.

The article goes on to highlight Chris Walsh of Revolutionary Realty, who said...

...that the latest, and by his estimate the largest, concentrated wave of newcomers came during the pandemic.

“The COVID thing really drove a lot of people to get out of Portland, Seattle, San Francisco — anyplace where the government was acting very tyrantlike in terms of lockdowns,” he said. “Up here, we locked down for about three and a half weeks.”

The article notes that:

Many churches in northern Idaho refused to close even as the pandemic peaked here. In September 2020, at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, founded by Reformed pastor Douglas Wilson, members staged a protest outside City Hall, singing Psalms maskless in defiance of local ordinances, resulting in three arrests.

And, the Religion News piece says: "Far from shutting down, Wilson’s congregation has doubled over the past four years. 'A lot of the fomented discontent of the last two years, I would say, is 80% of the reason people come here,' said Wilson in a recent interview in his office."  I certainly understand the sentiment of Christians desire to settle and raise a family in safe spaces, spaces that reflect our deeply held values.  You have to go where God has called. 

But, the force of "Christian nationalism" is strong there, according to the article, which noted: "Congregations such as Pastor Tim Remington’s The Altar Church, in Coeur D’Alene, regularly host forums for right-wing candidates, and since the pandemic they increasingly, and dramatically, espouse Christian nationalist ideas." What did Pastor Tim do, for heaven's sake? Well, he "welcomed into the sanctuary a slate of 15 candidates for state and local office...most made a point to connect their campaigns to their Christian faith, and four noted they were members of Altar Church. When they finished, Remington asked for a show of hands of those who intended to vote for 'biblical values' while in office. All 15 lifted their hands."

And the problem with that is...? So, Christians who want to live out their faith, love their country, and desire to experience the freedom that was envisioned by our founders are "Christian nationalists?" But, of course, and the Public Religion Research Institute indicates you could be one, if you love God and your country.  

Last month, Religion News ran a story about a recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute; it said that the survey...

...finds that 10% of Americans are avowed Christian nationalists, what the survey calls “adherents,” while an additional 19% are sympathetic to Christian nationalist ideals.

That's a pretty broad statement - so one must ask, well, what are the "qualifications" for being a Christian nationalist, as defined by PRRI.  It seems that the initial premise is off and the survey results are manipulated in order to derive a conclusion.  

What?  What sort of "extreme" ideas are being held by this group?  Well, you could be a Christian nationalist if, according to the PRRI survey summary, you score 50% or more across a total of five questions.  You could be an "adherent" or "sympathizer."  The summary says:

Respondents were asked whether they completely agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or completely disagree with each of the following statements:

• The U.S. government should declare America a Christian nation.
• U.S. laws should be based on Christian values.
• If the U.S. moves away from our Christian foundations, we will not have a country anymore.
• Being Christian is an important part of being truly American.
• God has called Christians to exercise dominion over all areas of American society.

And, PRRI contends that this philosophy is being taught in our churches: Robert P. Jones, president and founder of PRRI, is quoted as saying: “There’s a strong positive correlation between frequency of church attendance and likelihood of being a Christian nationalism adherent or sympathizer,” and “Christian nationalism adherents are more than six times as likely as Christian nationalism rejectors to attend church weekly.”

It could be an interesting study to discuss all five of these principles that comprise the "Christian nationalist" score, but I would submit that PRRI's tactic here is to identify people's viewpoints toward God and country and define them in a negative manner.  

Suffice it to say, the evidence is overwhelming that our founders established this nation on Christian principles, consistent with the Bible. Even the U.S. Supreme Court used the phrase "Christian nation." And, I would submit, to use the that term is not to say that people of other faith perspectives are unwelcome.  It's the principles, not the population.  These are foundational, and the Bible is clearly the influence for our laws and the fabric of our country.  Now "Christian" and "American" are not necessarily synonymous, but it has been contended that what makes one a good Christian makes him or her a good citizen. 

I do submit that God has called us to have influence in whatever sphere he has called us - if we are a Christian, and live in America, then we should work - and vote - according to those deeply held Biblical beliefs.  And, why should a Christian who loves God and wants to impact culture not run for office and seek to have influence?  Unfortunately, Christian ideas have been suppressed in our public discourse and there are legitimate threats to Christians expressing our faith - how's that working out?  I would submit we need more Christian influence, not less; call it what you will, but we need to be impacting our society for good, for God's glory.  

I do appreciate the sentiment of those who want to move to areas where there is a better atmosphere to practice their Christian faith.  That may be the right choice for some; for others, it may seem like it's separating from the world too greatly. Regardless, we should submit the decision about where we will live and other decisions we will make, according to the will of God for us. 

Asleep at the Switch

We should always be mindful that we belong to Christ, and we are not our own - and when we are given a stewardship responsibility, we should avoid selfishness. 1st Corinthians 4 states:
1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Believers in Christ are called to set a different standard in a selfish world.  While many seek power and control, we are called to exhibit humility.  When the world is focused on what it can acquire, we are called to give.  And, while some would resort to dishonest means with the ambition of getting ahead, we are called to be truth-tellers.  Our priorities are to be aligned with the Scriptures, and we should always be awake to doing the will of God rather than allowing selfishness and irresponsibility to put us to sleep.

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The Bible teaches a principle of putting the needs of others above our own; we can find these words in Philippians chapter 2:
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.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, which has branches all across the nation, has apparently been the first domino to fall in a progression of instability of certain financial institutions. And, we should certainly be wise in how each of us responds.

But, it does strike me that there is an enormous amount of irresponsibility here and disregard for the financial resources with which these banks have been entrusted.  And, while banking officials have been poor stewards of other people's money, there are still indications that government officials are wanting to take other people's money - yours and mine, as taxpayers - to fix it.

Someone was clearly asleep at the switch, and the pursuit of agendas that really have nothing to do with dollars and cents and really make no sense, seems to be a factor in the failure of Silicon Valley Bank.

Home Depot Co-Founder Bernie Marcus stated on Neil Cavuto's program, according to FoxNews.com, "I feel bad for all of these people that lost all their money in this woke bank. You know, it was more distressing to hear that the bank officials sold off their stock before this happened. It's depressing to me. Who knows whether the Justice Department would go after them? They're a woke company, so I guess not. And they'll probably get away with it," he said to host Neil Cavuto.

Marcus also said: "I think that the system, that the administration has pushed many of these banks into [being] more concerned about global warming than they do about shareholder return." He contended that these "badly run" banks "not concentrating on the one thing they should, which is, shareholder returns," adding, "Instead of protecting the shareholders and their employees, they are more concerned about the social policies."

The New York Post reported:

A head of risk management at Silicon Valley Bank spent considerable time spearheading multiple “woke” LGBTQ+ programs, including a “safe space” for coming-out stories, as the firm raced toward collapse.

Jay Ersapah, the boss of financial risk management at SVB’s UK branch, launched initiatives such as the company’s first month-long Pride campaign and a new blog emphasizing mental health awareness for LGBTQ+ youth.

“The phrase ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ resonates with me,’” Ersapah was quoted as saying on the company website.

The Daily Mail notes: "The now-failed bank had an A rating for its Environmental, Social and Governance policies according to the MSCI index..."

So, how about that ESG score - focusing on the three tenets of environment, social, and governance, supporting policies that are offensive to those with a Christian worldview?  Well, SVB got an A for being woke, but gets an F for being awake to its responsibility to its customers.  Again, from The Daily Mail:  

...for eight months last year, the bank did not have a chief risk operator, as it invested clients' money in low-interest government bonds and securities.

Then when the Federal Reserve increased interest rates, the value of SVB's assets fell while customers tried to withdraw their money.

Now, many are slamming the financial institution for focusing too much on woke policies and not enough on its investments.

The article quoted from Will Hild, the executive director for Consumers' Research, who said: "The bank suffered from a combination of senior officers more focused on identity politics than risk management and investments in unprofitable virtue signaling boondoggles, like reportedly financing 62 percent of all US solar projects." He also said:

'It's also poetic that SVB would be the first bank to fail from "going woke," as the general business culture in Silicon Valley itself is notoriously far left and similarly out-of-step with the rest of the country,' he said. 'Let this be a warning, not just to other banks, but all of corporate America: Focus on serving your customers, not woke politicians.'

Looks like somebody was asleep at the switch, embracing a political and social agenda rather than being responsible to its customers.  The Christian ethic demonstrates that we are to look out for the interests of others before our own.  That's a great perspective for doing good business. This bank clearly did not put customers first; furthermore, it was investing in ideology that contradicts a Christian worldview perspective. 

As it's been pointed out, an emphasis on ESG ultimately leads to financial institutions punishing customers who do not adhere to those standards.  That mindset could ultimately lead to individual customers being denied participation in commerce because of their deeply held beliefs.  This plays into the scenario found in Revelation chapter 13.  As stewards, we have to be aware of how financial institutions are investing the money with which they are entrusted. 

The Good Fight

Moses was coming to the end of his life and the end of his journey with the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land - even though he knew he would not see it, he continued to be faithful to God's call upon his life. We can read his words in Deuteronomy 30:
15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,
16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.
17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them,
18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.

God has called us to a life of obedience to Christ, and we have the capacity to be obedient to Him. Moses made his share of mistakes, but you can see how he was determined to fulfill the mission that the Lord had given him, even during his final days.  We can have that determination in the Spirit - being resolute to do what God has called us to do, until the day He calls us home, to, as Paul writes, "fight the good fight," and embracing all the Lord has in store for us. 

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The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in what you may consider the "final act" of his life and exhibited an attitude that each of us can possess - to be faithful until God calls us home. 2nd Timothy 4 states:
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Roy is a pastor from North Carolina, who just stepped away from ministry as a full-time pastor about a year ago.  He's also ministered on Native American reservations for over 50 years. But, he continues to do ministry, preaching online through Facebook.  His eyes have been affected by macular degeneration and his hearing is not what it once was, but he's taken care of himself physically.  Roy Jernigan is quoted at The Christian Post:

“Well, I'm going to be honest with you. In my life, [I] just simply stayed with the Lord. He saved me when I was 28 years of age. I turned my life over to the Lord. And from that time on, I have tried to eat properly. And I have exercised, kept my body in good condition, and I live right..."

He goes on to say: 

“As you probably are aware, I don't have a doctor and I'm on no medication and I have been doing exercises. I do body exercises or push-ups every day. And I generally walk about a mile or two. And I've been doing that for years and [this] has kept my physical body in good condition,” Jernigan said when asked how he has managed to stay so healthy in his old age. “My whole life, people say, ‘Why don't you retire?’ My life, really, to be honest with you, my life is my ministry.”

And, on January 24 of this year, he celebrated his 98th birthday by doing something unusual: he went skydiving!  Pastor Roy said:

“In about September, October (2022), I started praying about this thing. And I said, 'Lord, if you can get the glory out of it, I’ll do it. But it's not for me. I'm not a thrill seeker. I have nothing to prove. I have been up the mountain, down the mountain, through the valleys. I'm not trying to prove anything. But if I can give you the glory out of this, and you will give us the weather fitting, I'll jump unless you tell me no,'” Jernigan said. “If it's a bad day, I'll know it's a no. And so I left it and I prayed continually every day.”

The article notes, "Jernigan took the jump with Skydive Coastal Carolinas and survived, much like he did in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a Naval Corpsman."

So, after losing his wife in 2011, which was a particular challenging time for him, he lived alone, then moved back to North Carolina in 2021 with his daughter, Linda, who had also lost her spouse.  She now is responsible for driving him around due to his eye struggles. Regarding the loss of his wife, Pastor Roy states:

“When she was going through the great difficulties it was very tough, but prayer and trusting the Lord, He brought me through it,” he said of his wife’s passing. “I didn't really see any purpose. But then I recognized that I had a lot of people that loved and prayed for me and wanted me to keep going. So I picked up the pieces and by God's grace and mercy, I have continued on,” he said. “There's no doubt about it. When my wife died, part of me died. One of the people said the best part.”

So what about you?  Are you ready to "take the jump?"  To enter in to what God has for you, that is.  Even if that is somewhat uncomfortable?  Just a thought.  God has so much in store for us, just as His plan for Pastor Roy has been amazing and seemingly unending, just the way it should be. This can be an inspiration to us.

Because God doesn't set an "expiration date" for our usefulness - until he calls us home! Now, there may be limitations along the way, especially as we age.  But, the determination of the length of our ministry belongs to Him, not to an artificial decision we may make.  Just as the length of our days on earth are determined by Him.

So, we can do what we can when we can. And, when it seems we no longer can, then we can come to terms with that, according to God's timetable.  But, we can continue, as Paul writes, to fight the good fight, to not give up, and continue to trust in the Lord, being a good steward of the time we are given here on this earth.

Facing the Danger

There is evil around us in the world today - we have the ability to discern what is from God and what is not and to stand strong in the power and presence of the Lord. 1st Peter 5 states:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

When we experience danger, it can certainly be a fear-producing situation; but God does not call us to walk in fear, but in those times when we are afraid, we can dig deep into our faith resources, that are produced as we immersed in the Word of God.  We can experience strength that is not our own and a sense of confidence in our Lord who has said He would never leave us nor forsake us.  The power to resist the devil comes as we clothe ourselves in Christ's armor and release His resources.

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Because we know Jesus as our Savior and have been born again, we can know and experience His power of spiritual forces arrayed against us. 2nd Corinthians chapter 2 reminds us:
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

A pastor in Ferguson, Missouri had a potentially deadly event occur in his church not long ago. The Stream featured an article about the incident, stating that, "Pastor Marquaello Futrell of All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church in Ferguson, Missouri, noticed several men enter the sanctuary with guns in their waistbands. He told The Ingraham Angle on Fox News: “We believe that they were intending to rob us, do some harm,” adding, “We believe God is the greatest power. We cannot be defeated, so I had those instincts. I engaged them and we prayed for them, and they knew that they were being recorded.”

Pastor Futrell, in fact, is a former police officer, and he had this exchange with the men:

“Who sent you?” Futrell asked the men. “Can I pray for you?” he asked each one. Then he, along with some of the congregants, prayed for the men. One of the congregants slipped out and called 911.

The pastor noted:  “A lot of people really didn’t know what was going on. Many did and we had our children’s ministry on lockdown. Many of the congregants were just thankful that I was able to navigate them through that process with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost.”  Actually, the men had robbed a convenience store a few hours before entering the church.

KSDK Television reported on the incident, stating that the after the men entered the church, the pastor said, “I immediately directed my media team to zoom in on them because I knew we needed some face recognition..." The article goes on to say:

He acted quickly, calling the gunmen out on his livestream.

"(You) saw the church and decided to come? Talk to me," he said in the video.

But he described what happened next as an act of God.

"I've still got a cop anointing and I still know what's going on and what's about to happen. God's about to change the enemy," he said in the video. "Lift your voice and shout unto God!"

He and other members of the church placed their hands over the men, drawing them to prayer.

The pastor believes that they were driven away by the "power of God." He also noted, “The Bible speaks of watch and pray, so while we’re being spiritual, I’m also watching around, trying to protect the congregants." The article also states:

Futrell said he hopes this serves as a wake-up call to every pastor and every church.

“How is it going to look if there’s an intruder, how are we going to protect our children, background checks, all of the above," he said.

It was no doubt a scary time for the congregants of All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church in Ferguson, Missouri, but it took the leadership of the Holy Spirit and an astute pastor to turn that fear around by faith.  We should never make decisions based on fear, but confront our fears directly in the power of the Holy Spirit; this series of events shows us what happens when fear is confronted and faith is exalted. 

In the spirit realm, there is a clear battle between good and evil.  We have to clearly see what the Bible identifies as obedient action and do that, and reject what is disobedient.  The Word of God gives us not only the clarity to see the distinction, but gives us access to the power and confidence to exercise God's authority when evil stands in our way.  

When we stand in that authority, clothed in the Holy Spirit, we can experience the supernatural presence of the Lord.  We have victory in Christ, the One who has defeated the enemy and enabled us to walk in triumph.  We can claim the resources that God has given us in Jesus Christ.

Life and Forgiveness

You've probably heard the phrase, "you know better than that."  Maybe it's been spoken to you when you mess up.  Perhaps it's something you have said or maybe heard a parent say to a child. Truth is, the Bible has given us solid principles to live by. Many of us claim to know the Word, but our lives reflect a sense of forgetfulness.  Romans 14 states:
22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

So often in various situations, we know what to do.  Our conscience may be providing us direction - sometimes it's the still, small voice of the Spirit, other times, we may experience our conscience screaming at us, warning us against doing what our human tendencies would lead us to do. We can train our minds to think Biblically - and we should - but, we also have to discipline ourselves to act in a manner that is consistent with the truth of God we say we believe. 

+++++

To know what is right and to not do it, the Bible says in Romans, is sin. And, we have people walking around who have been exposed to the truth, who know what's right, but choose to reject God and the truth He has established. Hebrews 10 states:
28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people."
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The Oscars will be presented this weekend, recognizing movies that a select few believe represent some sort of cinematic achievement.  Seems most of the winners are films that very few have seen and I think, from a Christian perspective, you likely won't find very many films with a Christian worldview perspective reflected.

I struggled to think about what last year's Best Picture was.  Or, was it the year before that, the emcee actually said that the wrong film won?  The most memorable moment in last year's Oscars, sadly enough, was one actor, who actually went on to win an award, I believe, slapping another actor - the host of the show - because of derogatory comments about the man's wife that the host apparently thought were funny. 

So, we'll probably hear a little about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock - from what I see, the two men have not reconciled; Rock has woven the material into his comedy special on Netflix, called Selective Outrage.  A New York Times article says that in the special Rock was "saying that he was 'not a victim' in the situation." Rock said, "I took that hit like Pacquiao..."

Regarding Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith's wife, the article said:

“She hurt him way more than he hurt me,” Rock said, making fun of the couple’s airing of their personal issues on Pinkett Smith’s Facebook talk show, “Red Table Talk.”

The Times reported:

Since the episode, Smith has apologized several times, saying in a video posted to YouTube last year that he was “deeply remorseful” and, addressing Rock directly, that he was ready to talk at any point. (At a show in London with the comedian Dave Chappelle, Rock was dismissive of the recorded apology, likening it to a “hostage video,” according to a report by Deadline.)

But, Rock said he watched Smith's latest movie just to see him get "whooped."

In his Selective Outrage special, according to the Washington Examiner, Rock also offered a warped view of the life issue, which, while certainly not a pro-life view, did acknowledge a truth about an unborn child.  The article said - and this is really offensive:

“I’m like, ‘Hey! I’ve paid for more abortions than any woman in this room!’” the comedian continued to great laughter. “When I go to the clinic, I say, ‘Give me the usual.’ When I go in, they give me a punch card. ‘Here you go.’ Two more, and I get a free smoothie. Mango!”

Debating where he stands on being pro-life or pro-choice, Rock continued, “I have two beautiful daughters. So there’s a part of me that’s pro-life. Because I’m definitely pro their lives. ... But since I love my daughters unconditionally, I love them not just as little girls, I love them as grown women. I want my daughters to live in a world where they have complete control of their bodies.”

That line popped the crowd, drawing loud applause. He had firmly established that he was pro-choice. That’s when Rock flipped the switch.

“And because of that, I am pro-choice. I’m absolutely pro-choice,” Rock reaffirmed. “I believe women should have the right to kill babies.”

This is absolutely disgusting and insensitive. The article went on to say: "...Rock wanted to make sure he was being absolutely clear on what abortion really is: 'But let’s not get it twisted. It is killing a baby.'”

Live Action, on its Instagram page, quoted from its leader Lila Rose, who stated:

“He’s basically showing people this is the extremism of being pro-abortion to the point that you’re proud of paying for women’s abortions, and then he calls it murder.

If you’re sitting in the audience and you’re pro-choice, you’re uncomfortable because he called abortion what it is. It’s killing a baby.”

A recent Movieguide piece documented evangelist's Dylan Novak's attempt to share the gospel with Chris Rock. Novak notes that, "During a 2017 stand up special he told the audience, ‘I’m trying to get a little bit of religion…Not a lot. I want to find God before God finds me.’”

So, I think we're safe to conclude two things: 1) Chris Rock has never extended forgiveness to Will Smith for the unfortunate incident at the Oscars last year and if reports are to be believed, he has rejected attempts by Smith to make amends. 2) Chris Rock knows the truth about the sanctity of life and not only does not heed it, but he uses the taking of human life in his comedy routine. Despicable.

Hebrews 10 says, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Romans 14 states: "whatever is not from faith is sin."  We put ourselves in a dangerous place when we fail to live according to what we know is truth.  We are hypocrites to say we believe one thing and do the other. Chris Rock knows that abortion takes a human life; says, "It's killing a baby."  But, he brags about the frequency with which he has paid for abortions. He's proud of it. Oh, that God would take hold of his heart and that he would repent of this godless point of view. 

This story is about lack of respect for life - in the womb, as well as a fellow human being. Will Smith was wrong in what he did, and he has apologized.  For believers, when we fail to forgive, it hinders our prayers, and, it's been pointed out that failure to forgive has the effect of holding the other person in bondage.   In truly loving another person, we have to make sure that we are extending the grace toward him or her that God has extended toward us.  And, may God extend His grace toward Mr. Rock, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and those with whom they interact.