Conviction

We can be inspired by people who are devoted to Christ and who demonstrate a sense of conviction,
informed by and consistent with the Scriptures. The apostle Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians 6:
1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God...

So, what does a minister of God look like?  Well, I would contend that we can look into the mirror. Because we are all called to do ministry, to be His workers.  And, a worker on behalf of Jesus Christ is encouraged to think as He thinks and act as He acts.  We are called to be people of conviction, who make our decisions in line with the teachings of the Scriptures, who follow through according to His power and exhibit a determination that flows from the depths of our souls.  We are believers, and we are called to be people of conviction!

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We have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, who informs our convictions, resulting in good decisions, which bear fruit as we follow through with determination. 2nd Peter 1 says:
(3) ...His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Dan Walker is a broadcaster in the U.K., known as a "presenter" for BBC Breakfast.  That's a high honor, but he's been offered others.  The website, ChristianHeadlines.com, referred to a Christian Today article, which cited an interview for the Radio Times, in which Walker tells the man who helped him land the Breakfast gig that even if he were to be offered a plum role, such as presenting BBC Sports Personality of the Year, said to the be top job in "broadcast sport," he'd turn it down.

What?  Why?  Well, that award is handed out on a Sunday night. Walker explained: "I've been in that position before with people who offered me large and significant carrots, and my answer then would
be the same answer that I'd give you now."  He added, "As a Christian, I'd say that some things are more important than even the best job in the world."

The man who helped Walker, celebrity broadcaster Eamonn Holmes said that he was likewise a Christian, but didn't hold the same convictions about working on the Sabbath. Walker responded: "I totally understand. But for practical and spiritual reasons it's really important to me. It's a personal decision I made for the good of my family, and I've managed somehow to maintain it for 20 years. I'm in the job because I love doing it, but it's not the be all and end all."

Christian Headlines said that "Walker became a Christian at the age of 12 and has remained committed to his faith ever since. He and his wife, Sarah, have three children."

A profile of Walker on the UK Daily Mail website stated:

As a youngster, he dreamed of being a professional footballer, but turned down invitations from the youth teams of major clubs because they played their matches on Sundays.

And when he became a TV presenter, fronting various sporting events and hosting BBC1’s Football Focus, he struck a deal with bosses that he would never have to work on the Sabbath.

‘I was convinced that it was the right thing to honour God and follow his commandments,’ he said in 2010. ‘Observing the Lord’s Day is a great privilege and brings with it loads of blessings.’

Walker also takes care not to swear, blasphemy or laugh at risque jokes – something that can make life difficult as a broadcaster on live TV.

The son of a Baptist preacher, Walker – who grew up in Crawley, West Sussex – has been a regular churchgoer all his life.

A less flattering picture of Walker is offered by The Guardian, which stated:

In picking Walker, it emerges, BBC management was also fulfilling God’s plan for Dan Walker. “I firmly believe that God has a plan for me to progress in the industry,” he once said, quoting 1 Samuel 2:30: “Those who honour me I will honour.” Yea, even unto an red pulpit on a flagship BBC news programme.

So, at least that writer was not impressed by Walker's Christian cred.  But, I've got to admit, when the secular press is poking fun at your faith, and you're living that out, it can be a badge of honor.

According to the Guardian article, Walker likes to quote Eric Liddell, whose story was portrayed in the movie, Chariots of Fire, and who would not run on the Sabbath.

What a refreshing instance of a man who holds conviction that is consistent with the Bible!   Dan Walker made a determination 20 years ago, and has held to it.  He has a Biblical basis for living out that conviction; and I highlight this not to denigrate those who hold a different view about observing the Sabbath, but to challenge each of us to think about our own convictions.

There will be for all of us, I hope, instances of decisions that we have determined will be what is referred to as a "hill to die on."  Another saying is that "if you stand for anything, you'll stand for nothing."  You have to be Scriptural in your convictions, but I think you also have to be selective - if you're just practicing something out of superstition or because you think it's right or acceptable in the eyes of other people, but it's perhaps not Biblical, well, you can be caught up in legalism, which doesn't testify well to the gospel.  So we develop conviction and then make our decisions based on those deeply-held values.  God's Word and our application to our own lives can result in making sure that our decisions are informed by those beliefs.

We also have to include in the mix one of the "secret sauces" involved in the recipe for true conviction, and that is to follow through.   We have to do more than try and more than hope for the desired results - we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to equip us to walk according to what God has laid on our hearts.  Through that attitude, we develop determination, which enables us to stick by our convictions no matter what.

So, we can evaluate - what are we convicted about?  Or do we become that person whose foundation collapses when the winds blow and the storms come?   Convictions yield informed decisions, resulting in follow through and a sense of determination.  These are components that serve us well as we pursue excellence in the Christian life.

Fake

Just to navigate our way through this troubled world as believers in Christ demands Godly wisdom, which is made available to us, according to James chapter 1:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Double-mindedness comes when the wisdom of God, the bedrock principles we find in His Word, the direction of His Spirit, is in conflict with our own human wisdom, which is futile.  We have no excuses to rely on our own devices, when God has called us to avail ourselves of His wisdom.  We are not called to walk on impulse or instinct, but to develop discernment and an ability to think Biblically about the issues with which we're confronted.

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In Philippians 4, we see a verse that can be instructive in the area of guarding and controlling our
thoughts:
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

I routinely dismiss information that I see comes from the website BuzzFeed, but when a conservative commentator like Erick Erickson over at The Resurgent calls attention, to it - well, I will give some credence to it.

The topic is: fake news.  Erick writes:

Of course, the truth is that fake news is a problem. I have more than once tweeted out a fake news story only to have to apologize. Over the past year I have written several pieces critical of rightwing news sites that peddle lies for traffic. Other sites push out misinformation or they take truthful stories and magnify untrue motives to explain the story.

So, on to the BuzzFeed report, which says:

The review of more than 1,000 posts from six large hyperpartisan Facebook pages selected from the right and from the left also found that the least accurate pages generated some of the highest numbers of shares, reactions, and comments on Facebook — far more than the three large mainstream political news pages analyzed for comparison.

Our analysis of three hyperpartisan right-wing Facebook pages found that 38% of all posts were either a mixture of true and false or mostly false, compared to 19% of posts from three hyperpartisan left-wing pages that were either a mixture of true and false or mostly false.

Erickson contends, "The only reason it has been higher on the right has been because Barack Obama was in the White House."  BuzzFeed states that:

The rapid growth of these pages combines with BuzzFeed News’ findings to suggest a troubling conclusion: The best way to attract and grow an audience for political content on the world’s biggest social network is to eschew factual reporting and instead play to partisan biases using false or misleading information that simply tells people what they want to hear.

Now, I would point out that while these so-called "mainstream" political news pages may not deal in "fake news," the choice of what they choose to report or not report and how it is processed and presented could illustrate a bias in a particular direction.

But, it does appear that Facebook is the main offender in the trafficking of fake news - it's not entirely the social media giant's fault - these sites post content on Facebook, then consumers share it with others.  And, consider, according to Pew Research Center, that "Roughly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults use the site, and half of those users get news there — amounting to 30% of the general population."

Not only do you have sites that peddle extreme information to their bases, but you have people who are posing as sources of a different ideological viewpoint to attempt to discredit them.  A few months ago, Rachel Alexander at The Stream, identified some of the worst offenders in dealing with fake news.  In these cases, you have people who pose as conservatives to tweak them.  For instance, she writes:

The publisher of the fake news site National Report, “Allen Montgomery” (a pseudonym), brazenly admitted to Wyoming’s Casper Star-Tribune, “We have been targeting Tea Party types recently as they are the most gullible and are willing to spread misinformation across the internet with little/no research.” Conservative Headlines, which has compiled a list of sites that “troll conservatives,” observed, “The site NationalReport.net seems to be actively trying to embarrass conservatives on social media.”

Another site Alexander points out is Christwire, which is apparently no longer up.  She says:

It features fake articles that put conservative Christians in an unflattering light, which is also reflected in its fire-and-brimstone mission statement. Splitsider describes it as “a played-extremely-straight satire of the religious far right,” which is “designed to be sexist, racist and homophobic.”

This site is not to be confused with Faithwire, which is a nice new site that is affiliated with CBN.

So, what are some takeaways for us?

Well, for one thing, we should be diligent pursuers of the truth.  The Bible instructs us about what we should fix our minds on, and we can have a built-in filter by which we discern what is true and what is not.

And, that concept extends to our engagement with social media.  On Facebook, especially, we have to be so careful to process what comes across our news feed, because there may be inaccuracy.  We can also be challenged to think and verify before you post or share.

It may also be helpful to develop a working list of news sources, including websites, that you trust. Of course, there is the myth-busting site, Snopes.  Rachel Alexander refers to FakeNewsWatch.com.

We also have to be discerning about bias that may appear in mainstream media.  The point of view of many journalists will not line up with our own worldview, so there may be stories important to us that are either not covered or packaged in a way that shows a bias.

Finally, make sure your consumption of content lines up with the best news source of all, the source of truth, the Bible.  The living and active Word of God is a necessary aid to develop discernment.

Rest

The contrast between God's resources and human effort is clearly seen in a passage from Isaiah 30,
which says:
15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." But you would not,
16 And you said, "No, for we will flee on horses"-- Therefore you shall flee! And, "We will ride on swift horses"-- Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!

God tells His people to return to Him and to rest in Him, exuding a quiet reliance on His strength, but instead, they chose to utilize their own strength.  Human effort can be tiring and ends up being futile from God's point of view.  His effort, working through us, can bring effectiveness in fulfilling our calling, and as His effort is released for the task at hand, we can know and enter into a rest that is supernatural and refreshing.   Jesus calls us to abide in Him, and allow His Spirit to do the work.

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Jesus taught on the supernatural rest - in Him - that He offers to believers. Matthew 11 says:
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is now history, Black Friday and its accompanying sales are in the record books, and Christians across the world are celebrating Advent, the coming of the Christmas season.  My annual Advent-ure, which I call 25, will begin this Thursday, December 1st, as together we explore various symbols that point to the coming of Jesus into the world.

And, for the next few weeks, in what is traditionally a very busy season, perhaps we search for pockets of rest that can help rejuvenate our souls and our bodies when weariness sets in.  Actually, it's really not just a seasonal thing...Jesus tells us to come to Him for rest, but the demands and distractions of everyday life can keep us from enjoying that experience.

I came across a piece on the Boston Globe website about a conference that was held at the Old South Church there.  Interestingly enough, a crowd described as dozens gathered at this "interfaith" event. To me, that implies that it was a small crowd; perhaps many were just too busy to come.  It was sponsored by what is called the Lord's Day Alliance. The article says the organization was "founded by six major Protestant denominations in 1888," and it "spent a century fighting to force industrialists to give workers time to attend religious services and, later, to protect the Blue Laws. But little by little, drinking, sporting, and shopping became permissible on Sundays; in the last 20 or so years, the group has shifted to advocating for an internal recognition of the Sabbath."

The group's executive director, Rev. Rodney L. Petersen, is quoted as saying, “The point is, where can a stressed-out society find regeneration and renewal?”

Rev. Demetrios Tonias, dean of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, was interviewed for the article. He related, “Over the last few decades, we have slowly and steadily lost our concept of sacred time,” adding, “The temporal creeps in and cuts us off from the eternal.” The story points out that, "The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos, or measurable, sequential time, and kairos, a more abstract period of time in which something significant happens."

The article points out that...

...digital responsibilities — be they related to school, work, household, or social obligations — seem to seep into every crevice of waking life.

“That is the biggest dilemma,” said Nancy T. Ammerman, a Boston University professor of the sociology of religion. “Once we say to people, you know, it would be a really good thing to have some sacred time, you choose when it is . . . . It’s the kind of thing that sounds perfect, it’s so American, design your own Sabbath. But that kind of discipline and observance is extremely difficult, done individually, or even just as a family.”

It refers to the so-called "blue laws," when stores were closed and very little activity took place on Sunday.  We still see remnants of those in our culture today - malls opening later, some stores closed altogether, and for the Christian church, Sunday is still the primary day of worship.  But, the greater concept of rest for our souls is something that the Boston Globe article is exploring, stating: "...some people are looking longingly at the religious structures that once forced even the nonreligious to take time to relax and enjoy life, and experimenting with ways to embrace something like the Sabbath to help authorize a day away from workaday concerns."

The good news is that rest is still available for the believer, and we should take time to pursue it. Hebrews 4 says:
9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.
10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

The familiar verse in Hebrews 4:12 follows, telling us that we are to appropriate the "living and powerful" Word of God.  In verse 16, we are invited to "come boldly before the "throne of grace."

We recognize that Jesus is the source of our rest.  In Him, in His presence, before His Holy Word, we can lay down our burdens and we can find peace for our souls, the peace we seek, that passes all understanding.  

So, we make it an aim to seek out that rest.  It is rather odd that we are actually pursuing inactivity. But, the human condition these days seems to be so wrapped up in perpetual motion.   He is calling us to, as Psalm 46 says, "be still and know" that He is God.

This is a worthy priority for us, and we can be challenged to set a time for rest.  We may have to schedule a time to spend with our Lord and to enjoy His presence and to enter into that rest.  We have to be careful we do not allow this important component of our spiritual life to be crowded out by the pervasive activity in which we engage.

Greed and Thanksgiving

In 1st Timothy 6, Paul writes to Timothy about the beauty of contentment and how the love of money is contrary to the love of Christ:
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

In operating in a true spirit of thanksgiving, we can be reminded that God is our source, He is our provider, and we are called to be content with what we have.  In the flesh, in the futility and volatility of human greed, we can possess an attitude that runs counter to the perspectives and practices that God would want to take root in our hearts.  He calls us to display thankfulness and to avoid being caught up in a thirst for "more," which can have harmful effects for us and the people we love.

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We can be thankful for the material possessions that we have, and not become ensnared by an
unhealthy thirst for more. Hebrews 13 says:
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

This Thanksgiving season, we remember that there are many individuals and families who are suffering, and today, I want to call attention to a group of people who have become addicted to a practice that runs counter to the practice of thankfulness - the gambling addicts.  I think this is a very timely topic to discuss, since there is a committee that has begun to meet to try to craft legislation that would somehow use the harmful practice of gambling to generate additional revenue for our state.

The Stop Predatory Gambling website has a link to an article from The Atlantic that it describes as "one of the most compelling and revealing stories ever written about the issue."  It goes on to say:

The country’s political establishment (both on the Left and the Right) has forced predatory gambling onto working class, rural and urban Americans alike over the last twenty years, casting it as “an economic engine.” One of the major results has been a lower standard of living for almost all of us, regardless whether you gamble or not.

Another tragic result has been the destruction of millions of American lives. Scott Stevens, the primary focus of The Atlantic story, [sic] is one of them.

According to The Atlantic story, Stevens started gambling at a trade show in Las Vegas in 2006.  On a return visit, he hit the jackpot.  He and his wife, Stacy, made several trips a year to Vegas.  The story says: "Over the next six years, his gambling hobby became an addiction. Though he won occasional jackpots, some of them six figures, he lost far more—as much as $4.8 million in a single year."  Stevens began to take money from his company to feed his habit. By the time he took his own life, he had stolen $4 million.  After Scott's death, his wife "studied gambling addiction and the ways slot machines entice customers to part with their money."  She filed a lawsuit against the casino he frequented and the slot machine manufacturer.  The lead attorney on the suit, Terry Noffsinger, is quoted as saying, “The manufacturers know these machines are addictive and do their best to make them addictive so they can make more money,” adding, "This isn’t negligence. It’s intentional.”

The story points out that:

Even by the estimates of the National Center for Responsible Gaming, which was founded by industry members, 1.1 to 1.6 percent of the adult population in the United States—approximately 3 million to 4 million Americans—has a gambling disorder. That is more than the number of women living in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer. The center estimates that another 2 to 3 percent of adults, or an additional 5 million to 8 million Americans, meets some of the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for addiction but have not yet progressed to the pathological, or disordered, stage. Others outside the industry estimate the number of gambling addicts in the country to be higher.

The insidious nature of the industry is highlighted in these statements:

Problem gamblers are worth a lot of money to casinos. According to some research, 20 percent of regular gamblers are problem or pathological gamblers. Moreover, when they gamble, they spend—which is to say, lose—more than other players. At least nine independent studies demonstrate that problem gamblers generate anywhere from 30 to 60 percent of total gambling revenues.

Richard Daynard, a law professor at Northeastern University and the president of the Public Health Advocacy Institute, said at the organization's forum on casino gambling in the fall of 2014, “The business plan for casinos is not based on the occasional gambler. The business plan for casinos is based on the addicted gambler.”

Back to Stacy Stevens lawsuit:  In June of this year, the West Virginia Court of Appeals stated that “no duty of care under West Virginia law exists on the part of manufacturers of video lottery terminals, or the casinos in which the terminals are located, to protect users from compulsively gambling.”   The ruling, according to The Atlantic, focused on the “economic boon,” “increased public revenues,” and “enhanced employment opportunities” provided by gambling, as opposed to the state’s responsibilities to problem gamblers. Sharon Eubanks, co-counsel on the Stevens suit, said: "What this tells us is the states are addicted to gambling themselves. They seem unwilling to deal with the social costs.”

Les Bernal of Stop Predatory Gambling said: "Essentially what the West Virginia Supreme Court has said is that gambling interests in West Virginia are immune from liability.”  In other words, there is a partnership with government and gambling, according to the Atlantic article:

Indeed, experts argue that many states have created a government-gambling complex that implicates them in the casinos’ practices. Many states provide tribal casinos with regional monopolies in exchange for revenues skimmed off the top of casino profits—as much as 30 to 40 percent in some places. West Virginia has a proprietary interest in the slot machines’ software. Kansas actually owns the games and operations of nontribal casinos. New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island have all provided financial bailouts to faltering casinos. “It’s a pretty sleazy way to fund state government,” says Peter Franchot, the comptroller of Maryland. “We have set ourselves up in partnership with a predatory industry … The profits come mainly from a group of addicts that are recruited and nurtured by casinos until they’re out of money.”

The false promise of economic security is yielding increased insecurity.  One more passage from this lengthy article:

Communities typically build casinos based on a mirage of false promises: that they will provide jobs, fund schools, and boost the local economy. But Earl Grinols, an economics professor at Baylor University, in Texas, and the author of Gambling in America: Costs and Benefits, has estimated that every dollar of benefit a casino brings to a community entails about $3 in social costs—whether it’s increased crime, or declining productivity, or more spending on services such as unemployment payments. “It’s a social negative,” Grinols told me. “Casino gambling is bad for the economy. It should not be allowed by anyone, anywhere, anytime.”

So, on this Monday before Thanksgiving, we are actually focusing on practices that counter the spirit of thankfulness.  Greed is such a strong component here - the false notion of "getting rich quick." The orchestration of a predatory industry with cash-strapped governments to create false hope.  The destruction of lives because people have become ensnared with the false security of "winning."

As believers, we have to be on guard against any practices that would ensnare us and take our minds and hearts away from our pure love for Christ.  Gambling preys on human greed, furthering the promise of "more."  It can no doubt become a powerful force, and one that believers in Christ should stay away from and that society, including our lawmakers who are charged with working for order and the common good, should reject.

The pursuit of worldly possessions can be an idol to us, and while gambling may not be your poison, there are other areas in which greed can manifest itself.  We have to take a Biblical approach to money and not allow the pursuit of the things of this world to supersede our pursuit of the things of God.

Fine-Tuning the Filter

God is calling us to grow deeper in Him, and to develop discernment, applying His truth to what we
see and hear. Hebrews 5 says:
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The Word of God can serve as a filter for us - we are bombarded by ideas and influences each day, and we can choose to accept certain thoughts or reject them.  If we allow ourselves to give into mindsets that do not line up for Scriptures, we open ourselves up to inaccuracies, which can lead us astray.  We can be challenged to grow in our knowledge of the Word and in our relationship with Christ, so we stand strong against ideas that do not honor Him.

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The apostle Paul, in a prayer found in Philippians 1, a prayer that indicates the will of God for us, writes:
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ...
On Fridays at The Meeting House, I try to offer some updates about celebrities or high-profile people who have injected God into the conversation - hopefully, that will be positive.  Sometimes, you will find a celebrity who will offer a distorted picture of God's truth, and that is what I want to present to you today.

Just because someone has the title of "Christian blogger" or, in the case I will relate, "Christian mommy blogger," doesn't mean that you'll find Scriptural truth there.  So, buyer - or reader - beware.

It has been announced that a blogger at the Momastery website, Glendon Doyle Melton, who, prior to this week I had never heard of, is now in a lesbian relationship with soccer star Abby Wambach. Ponder that for just a second.  ChristianHeadlines.com published the story, which says:

“Feels like the world could use all the love it can get right now,” she wrote on social media, “So today, I’m going to share with you my new love.”

Her new love is soccer star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Abby Wambach.

“Abby is deeply sensitive and kind,” Melton writes in a Facebook post, “The kids call her an M&M because she looks tough on the outside but inside she’s really mushy and sweet. Abby’s brave. Not just with her words but with her entire being. She has never been afraid to be herself, even when the world told her not to be.”

This comes on the heels of Melton's announcement of a divorce from her husband, Craig Melton. Also, Wambach was in a same-sex so-called "marriage" with another woman until recently.  She got a divorce following an April DUI arrest that reportedly forced Wambach to deal with substance abuse issues.

Melton actually has been a long-time advocate for same-sex marriage, according to the article.  She created a non-profit organization called Together Rising that's raised over 4 million dollars through its Love Flash Mobs.  The article includes this content from 2013 on the blog that Melton writes: “Figuring out my stance on homosexuality felt like a life and death decision,” adding, “I know my Jesus, I love Him, and I think if he needed me to believe that homosexuality was a sin, He would have mentioned it.”

Classic example of picking and choosing, which is so dangerous - there are clear instances in the Scriptures where homosexual behavior is characterized as sinful, and Jesus outlined clearly the prescription for marriage in God's eyes.

Recently, she shared on Facebook, "The most revolutionary thing a woman can do is not explain herself. What I need you to know -- and what I know you need to know -- is that I am deeply, finally, FINE. Fine through my bones and soul and mind and just every fiber of me. You have the room to feel and react with your truth….because I am so unshakably certain inside of mine. I have officially become a woman who knows who she is and refuses to betray herself.”

"Your truth," i.e. truth is relative - it may be true for you, but not for me.  This stands in contrast with God's absolute truth.

You know, I came across a tweet that I found direct and refreshing this week.  It's from Gabe Lyons, whom I perceive has a strong voice to the millennial generation through his organization, Q.  He tweeted this:

"Christian leaders" who celebrate same-sex relationships & gender confusion, aren't leading the Church.

They're following the culture.

Well, that got some people really rattled, and he was immediately accused of aligning with hate and striking a bad tone and not loving LGBT.  The fact is that the best thing that you can do for someone who is gay is to speak the truth to him or her - and that certainly can arise from relationship.  The truth is, homosexuality is not a special class of sin and is certainly should not be a protected class in law. And, this approach is not limited to homosexuality - all sin is contrary to God's ways, and we are not to identify with certain sins and coddle them as if somehow God isn't big enough to remove them. Speaking truth in love is how God does His loving, protecting work - and He uses His people in the process.

So, when, as People Magazine proclaims, a "Christian Mommy Blogger" announces she is in a same-sex relationship, that is not to be celebrated.  It should inform or remind us as believers that the world, exemplified by the media, is committed to the normalization of homosexuality, which is a practice that the Bible, the whole counsel of God, clearly illustrates as being opposed to His ways.

We have to be careful what we expose ourselves to as believers.  We need to fine-tune our Biblical filter.  There is so much content that is out there on the Internet, and just because a blog or a book calls itself "Christian," doesn't mean that it lines up with Biblical truth.  And, people can be led astray by buying in to the writings of popular authors.  We have to be discerning and know God's Word to determine what lines up - and what doesn't.

Earworms and Renewed Mindedness

The opening verses of Psalm 95 give us encouragement to express our love for God in various forms of worship:
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.

As we come into His presence, we can offer different forms of praise and worship.  The Bible talks about coming before Him with a heart of thanksgiving, and that gratitude and love for Jesus can produce various forms of expression.  You may not be a singer, but you can tell the Lord what you're thankful for.  As you think about the incredible relationship God has made possible through Christ, it will shift your thinking and allow you to develop a greater appreciation for our great and mighty God.

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There's a passage in 2nd Corinthians 10 that can remind us of the mighty power we possess in Christ and how we can take steps to release that in our thinking:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...

Have you ever been going about your own business and then all of a sudden a song pops into your head?  Or you hear part of a particular song or someone mentions one and, boom, it's in your head all day?

There's a name for this phenomenon.  They're called "earworms!"  And, a researcher from Durham University in England, Dr. Kelly Jakubowski, recently published a paper on the topic in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, according to RealClearLife.com.  According to the story:

Jakubowski and her team found that earworms have three distinct qualities that separate them from other songs: pace, melodic shape, and unique intervals.

The story goes on to say that, "Many commonly cited earworms have upbeat, danceable tempos, but are still slow enough to easily track. Most earworms follow the melodic preferences of Western pop music, which in turn follows many of the melodic contour patterns in nursery rhymes."

But that's not all - a true "earworm"...

...changes its game up with at least one unusual interval structure, defined by the study as “unexpected leaps,” repeated notes, or any other idiosyncratic tick in the song’s composition that makes it memorable, in addition to catchy. The opening riffs of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and the Doobie Brothers’ “China Grove” are good examples of this.

There were 3000 people surveyed, and some of the leading "earworm" songs include "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, three Lady Gaga songs, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.

I would kinda hope that maybe a song you hear on Faith Radio might turn into one of those "earworms." You know, after all, God created music, and I believe that He recognizes what a powerful force it truly is to remind us of Himself, to provide a vehicle through which we worship Him, and to even commit to our minds elements of spiritual truth. So, I would say that it is important to recognize the power of music - including worship songs, hymns, and other songs that communicate spiritual truth.  No wonder Paul encouraged believers to participate in "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."

We also recognize that not only songs, but other words, phrases, and images get caught in our minds. And, they're not all good.  The lures of the flesh and this world can pull us away from our devotion to Christ, and Satan will place thoughts in our minds to deceive us.  And, if we have dwelt on errant thoughts for long enough, a stronghold is built.  But, the Bible, through the Spirit, gives us the power to pull down strongholds.  We just have to recognize those misaligned thought patterns in order to correct our thinking and eliminate those ungodly thoughts by replacing them with truth.

It's all about the process of renewing our minds.   The Word of God provides the instruction and the infusion of power to be able to do this.  We have been made new by Christ, but we have to train ourselves to think in a manner consistent with that new creation.  Allowing the Word to penetrate our consciousness will help us in our pursuit of God's best for us.

At the Coffee Shop

God is at work in incredible ways all around us - He wants to move through you to do ministry for His glory. And, Galatians 6 speaks to how our willingness to serve could impact others.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

If we are on that positive trajectory to which God has called us, if we are walking in obedience, sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that He will use us to touch others. He will open doors through which we can share Christ's love.  We are planters of seed, and we may not always see the result, i.e. reap the harvest, but we are called to do our part, to speak and act in a manner that is consistent with His character flowing through us.

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The apostle Paul, in 1st Corinthians 3, outlines the way that God will use multiple people to minister to someone who needs to know Christ.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.

Well, last year, one of the faux controversies of the holiday season was Starbucks' introduction of its simple red cup, devoid of any decor that would communicate special elements of the season.  This year, simple is out and multiple designs have been introduced.  Fortune reports:

Featuring 13 more traditionally festive designs, the cups were created by 13 women from six countries, including the U.S, Indonesia, Dubai, Canada, Russia and South Korea. By choosing several motifs, the company has for the first time abandoned its 24-year-old one-cup campaign approach, Mashable reports.

And, on top of that, earlier this month, the coffee chain introduced a festive green cup, described on the Starbucks website:

A single line connects the figures. A coffee farmer, a family, a barista, friends embracing. A mosaic of more than a hundred people drawn in one continuous stroke is featured on a new Starbucks green cup.

Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said: “The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers. During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other."

There's a bit of commentary to be had there, and Schultz released two statements relative the election calling for people to treat one another better.  But, for the purposes of this commentary, I want to concentrate not on the cups or what's in the cups, or what Starbucks represents, but what's in the coffee shop - the opportunity for interaction, shared experiences, and even ministry.

I don't know what coffee shop Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary professor Brandon Kiesling was visiting on a missions trip to Australia last year, but he certainly made an impact on a man named Todd, according to a Baptist Press article.  Seems that Brandon and Todd had engaged in a discussion about Christian theology, and Todd shared his misgivings.  Kiesling had pleaded with Todd to turn his life over to Christ.

Fourteen months later, the two reconnected - Todd sent Brandon an e-mail. He wrote: "Well, there remains plenty I don't understand, but I believe I know enough that I feel compelled to be baptized next month." Todd has been attending a Baptist church in Brisbane, and attached a copy of the testimony that he would be sharing with the congregation during his baptism. 

In his testimony, Todd shared how witnessing encounters with Christians, such as the one he had with Kiesling, ultimately led him to profess faith in Christ. The article says that he wrote: "Every so often, I'd encounter Christians -- while traveling, in the workplace, on the street, or even through mainstream media," he said. "In retrospect, they may have had quite varied theologies, but what held them together in my mind then was the central character of Jesus Christ."

This led Todd to think about spiritual matters, and he accepted invitations to attend church. As he did, God reached him through sermons and hymns to cut "straight through" to his heart. Gradually, the message of the Gospel became clear.  He accepted Jesus as the Lord of his life.

Brandon Kiesling said: "Sometimes we may think our evangelistic efforts fail, but God could be up to something that we don't see at the time. Praise God for another soul entering the Kingdom!"

I think one of the principles that strikes me here is the concept of a divine appointment.  We can be sensitive to the Spirit as He directs us into divinely inspired conversations.  And, we can depend on Him to say just the right words that can produce His desired result.

Todd's story can also reinforce the notion that Christians who are living like Christians can be a powerful witness for Christ.  His encounters with Christians were positive, and they showed him who Jesus is.

We also recognize that God is working in amazing ways to bring people to Christ.  You may have the opportunity to share your own testimony, or just live your life in front of someone.  But you may not think you are seeing the fruit.  He's powerful, He is at work, and maybe another person will come along with just the right words or actions at the right time who can actually lead that person into a saving knowledge of Christ.  Never underestimate what God is doing in a person's heart.

Thankful

In Colossians 3, we see a listing of certain activities and attitudes that are marks of our relationship
with Christ:
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We are called to allow the Word of God to be preeminent in our thinking - we are to possess a working knowledge of His principles, empowered by His Spirit.  We are also called to encourage one another, and the Bible, in verse 16, mentions music as an activity we are to use.  Worship is used by God in our lives to strengthen us, and in the corporate sense, to strengthen the body of Christ.  We are called to do all things in the name of Jesus, realizing we're representing Him, and to possess a thankful heart as we do them.

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1st Thessalonians 5 contains a passage of Scripture that can challenge us in our walk with Christ:
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

One week from today, Americans will be celebrating a holiday that is distinctive in its invitation to practice a very Biblical principle - thanksgiving to God!   In this case, the national celebration stems from a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 which encouraged Americans, according to the History Channel website to...

...ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”

Thanksgiving was scheduled for the final Thursday in November, that was the day on which it was celebrated until 1939, when, according to the site, "Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November."

A new LifeWay Research poll explores the object of Thanksgiving, as well as the things for which Americans are thankful. 63 percent of respondents say they give thanks to God on that day. 57 percent give thanks to their family. 31 percent thank friends, 8 percent thank themselves, while 4 percent thank fate.  

The summary of that survey also invoked Lincoln, saying: "Lincoln credited God for the nation’s blessings: 'They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.'"

In this representative online survey of 1,000 Americans, LifeWay researchers gave respondents 10 options to be thankful for.  The top response: family...88 percent of Americans are thankful for family.   The next one was health, at 77 percent, then personal freedom, at 72 percent, followed by friends, at 71.  Only 32 percent are thankful for wealth and 51 percent give thanks for achievement.

Those surveyed were also asked to rate what they are most thankful for.  61% say they are most thankful for family, and it's not even close.  The next response, health, garners 13%, while 9% say personal freedom.

Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, said: “The blessings that matter most are the ones money can’t buy."  McConnell also said, "Many Americans have felt discouraged about events of the past year,” adding, “But they still find a lot to be thankful for.”

Let's reflect on several principles related to this survey and its topic:

First of all, we recognize that the Bible encourages Thanksgiving.  We're told to give thanks in all circumstances.  It is God's will for us to be grateful.  That flows from a heart that adores the Lord and recognizes His blessings.  We can be thankful for who God is and for our relationship with Jesus, Who died for us so we may live.   Our willingness to be thankful and to verbalize that can result in a hopeful outlook.

We can be thankful, but we have to be careful that we are directing our gratitude in the right direction.  Thanksgiving is not merely a gushy, warm feeling, but it is a Biblical component, and our giving of thanks to God produces a greater awareness of His presence and His faithfulness. 

Finally, we can be reminded to regularly reflect on the blessings that God has released in your life.  Thanksgiving is more than a day, more than a feeling - it is a critical component of our spiritual walk.  By reflecting on how we have seen God work in our lives and the blessings that we have received, we draw closer to Him.

Not the Spirit of Fear

God's love and truth are powerful antidotes to fear - and the study of and meditation in God's Word
can prepare us for the challenges we encounter. Isaiah 26 reminds us:
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

When we are beset by external turmoil, it doesn't help us if we are eaten up internally.  Fear can completely take over our minds and render us ineffective in dealing with our challenges.  We need the truth we find in God's Word to burst through.  That is why a working knowledge of the Word of God is beneficial for us.  His perfect peace can mitigate the fearful thoughts and impulses that can shut us down - His resources enable us to overcome.

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In Psalm 56, we can read these verses, written by David the Psalmist when he encountered opposition:
3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

It was a routine after-church visit to a local drug store for a woman in the Dallas area recently.  Carrie Coy had visited the store to pick up a birthday card and was in line when, according to a story on the Christian Today website,  a young man ran into the store, grabbed her and began to drag her to the back.

This man, according to WFAA.com, was a suspect in a series of robberies at fast food restaurants, as well as a carjacking.  SWAT teams were dispatched to the scene to apprehend the man after he took Carrie hostage.  The store was evacuated.  The man, identified as Joe Torres, had been placed on probation last year on three counts of sexual assault of a child and was in danger of losing his probation because of failing a drug test and violating terms of his designation as a sex offender.

He held Carrie at gunpoint, and according to Christian Today, she stayed calm and turned to prayer. She even talked to Torres.  According to KHOU.com, she said: "When he pulled me back and we were on the floor, and he kept saying, 'I have done some bad things, but I have never hurt nobody,'" adding, "He says, 'I have never hurt nobody,' and I said, 'If you ain't going to hurt nobody, would you move that gun from the side of my face?' He did."

She said, ""I never felt fear and I said to myself, 'God does not give us a spirit of fear. God does not give us a spirit of fear."

Christian Today reports that Carrie Coy also shared the truth of God's love with her captor. She related, "I said, 'You know, God still loves you. I don't know what you have done, but you are going to make it worse, and remember God still loves you.'"  Torres settled down and eventually surrendered to police; Carrie left the store without being harmed and rejoined her husband of 46 years who was waiting outside. She said, "All the time, I felt peace. God was in control and that He was going to take care of me and everyone else."   He held Coy captive for over an hour, according to KHOU.com.

Remember what Carrie Coy said to herself in the midst of the ordeal: "God does not give us the spirit of fear..."  In the time of need, she relied on the Word.  A specific word for a specific situation and emotion.  It's important that we have hidden God's Word in our heart and rely on it to come to the surface when we encounter difficulty, when we need guidance, or a measure of His strength.

Fear paralyzes, but faith liberates.  Our minds can completely be locked down when fear is preeminent in our consciousness.  To break free from that lockdown, we can turn to the resources of our Savior, whose perfect love casts out fear.  Our faith in Him will set us free.

In order to experience that, we can develop a mindset of looking to the Lord first.  He is a source of courage to do what needs to be done in the circumstances we face.  Rather than regarding our faith as the final option, we can turn to Him as our first option, unleashing the resources of heaven to invade our earthly challenges.

Checking the Bible

In 1st Peter 2, we read about Jesus, our Chief Cornerstone, rejected by some, but for us, He is our
strong foundation.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,"
8 and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

The practice of our Christian faith will be maligned by some.  There are those who would want to either denigrate the Scriptures entirely or tailor them to fit their own morality.  The Bible is our authority for living, and if we are living with sin in our lives, the Spirit will use the Word to convict us - the Word should always be shaping our lives, not the other way around.   The entirety of the Word of God, inspired and infallible, brings us into conformity with God's will.

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The Bible tells us that the message of the cross will be offensive, and I would dare say even the possession of our Bible, the Holy Scriptures, can give some people a cause to oppose.  1st
Corinthians 1 says:
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Gene Lingerfelt is the pastor of Faith Christian Center in Arlington, Texas - he and his wife were going through the TSA checkpoint at an airport recently when the security check took an ominous tone.

According to a piece at ToddStarnes.com, the pastor, who had paid for the TSA Pre-Check program, was stopped for "bag check."  He said: “That particular bag was filled with all of my cords – charger cords, computer power cords – in some airports like Heathrow – I always get stopped."  Lingerfelt continued, "This very nice young man starts going through and pulling out my computer, iPad, paperback books and then he came to my Bible."

Starnes relates, "At that point, the government agent set aside all the tech gadgets and began rifling through the pastor’s Bible." That's right - the pastor said: "“I thought it was so strange,” adding, “He fanned through the entire Bible and very nicely explained to us that we got stopped because of the Bible.”

Todd emphasizes this: "Let that thought linger for just a moment – an American pastor on American soil was stopped by a government agent because of a Bible." The pastor was not sure what the TSA agent was looking for. He said, "There was nothing in it except book marks and notes."

I don't think that the agent was trying to do a quick Bible study at the checkpoint - it does make you wonder, though: Why was the Bible a "red flag" to this TSA agent?  I did not find a follow-up story, so I don't know if the pastor complained or that the agency apologized for the misunderstanding.

I'm reminded that there are certain elements of our faith that we cherish, but that others find offensive.  The Bible tells us that the cross is an offense to people who don't know the Lord.  The teachings of the Bible certainly and even the presence of God's Word can cause people to show disdain for it.  We live in a culture where there are people who don't understand our Christian faith or the practice of it; and it's been said that people are afraid of what they don't understand.  Perhaps it opens a door for us to demonstrate the love and character of Christ.

The cause of religious freedom was a major factor, I believe, in the Presidential election, but we as believers should not be caught up in "illusory thinking" on that matter.  There is only so much that one man can do quickly - the election was not an instant reprieve from the challenges to the First Amendment and free expression of religion that we have seen throughout the past few years.  And, there will be those who have a contrary worldview to our own that will attempt to hinder that freedom of religion.  But, we can be vigilant and prayerful, so that we ensure that we live in peace and freedom to practice our faith.

The Moon and Mars

In Psalm 148, we can see a passage that reminds us of the sovereignty and the supremacy of Almighty God, the One to whom all creation testifies:
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!
3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created.

We serve a great, Creator God who made heaven and earth, and is full of glory and majesty.  But, He is not too far away for every human being to reach out to Him and develop a relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Creation tells us that He exists, and the cross shows us that He establishes salvation for the person who believes on Him.  We give God praise for all that He has done and what He wants to do in our lives - His power is great and we can trust in Him!

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In Psalm 89, we read a passage of the faithfulness of God and how heavenly objects can remind us of that:
34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
35 Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:
36 His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me;
37 It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky."

Here's a significant number for you today: 221,519.  That's the distance of the moon from earth earlier today, at the peak of the so-called "supermoon" phenomenon, when the moon was at its closest point to earth since January 1948, according to International Business Times.

The article quotes NASA, which said that the moon would appear 15 percent larger than the smallest moon of the year; also there won't another that big again until 2034.  The moon will actually be closer to the earth then.

Now, this supermoon does arouse curiosity, and there are actually manifestations on earth.  For instance, the article says: "A supermoon may bring the largest tides of the year, but the variation is not large enough to account for earthquakes, flooding or volcanoes — or for driving people insane."

A number of live streams have been made available, and can be linked through Space.com.

Interestingly enough, as the Sky and Telescope website points out, "The so-called Moon Illusion causes the Moon to appear bigger when viewed along the horizon and can fool people into believing" what it calls "the supermoon myth."

There are two theories: one is the Ponzo Illusion, which attempts to explain why the Moon appears larger near the horizon.  This theory claims "that our brain perceives the distance to the sky directly overhead as closer than the distance to the horizon. We think the Moon must be bigger along the horizon because we perceive the distance to the horizon as farther away."

Then there's the Ebbinghaus Illusion, which says that we perceive an object's size based on the relative size of its surroundings. Psychologists suggest that "an overhead Moon looks smaller because it’s surrounded by empty space, while a Moon near the horizon appears larger juxtaposed against trees and buildings."

Not only is there a fascination with the supermoon today, but the National Geographic Channel launches its semi-documentary, Mars, tonight.  A review of the first episode, by Michael Foust of the Christian Examiner website, states:

The project by executive producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard imagines an international effort that involves sending a multi-person crew aboard the fictional Daedalus spacecraft on a seven-month journey to Mars, where they will stay for the rest of their lives and help launch a human colony.

The article describes the series as "part documentary, part scripted drama...," and relates:

A series of flashbacks are employed, switching the viewer from the 2033 mission to 2016 modern-day America, whereby leaders such as SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk look to the future and lay out their vision. Of course, the filmmakers know that not everyone cares that much about the scientific details, and so they use drama to keep us all hooked. In episode 1 – which I screened – the first manned mission to Mars in 2033 is forced to land some 70 kilometers from their supplies. (How will they survive? We'll have to watch the next episodes to find out.)

Foust writes:

The only criticism I had of the first episode is that it is too human-centric. We are going to Mars, we are told, in order to guarantee the survival of the species. I suppose there's nothing wrong with that – and perhaps such a goal is necessary in order to get backing and funding – but what happened to exploring the wonders of the universe because the universe, is, well, wonderful? Not to mention created by an incredible God. When Apollo 8 was circling the moon on Christmas Eve in 1968, astronaut Jim Lovell opened a Bible and read the first few verse [sic] of Genesis 1 – the story of creation. And the entire planet listened.

 The website, HearItFirst.com, offers this quote from Louie Giglio's Indescribable DVD:

“We haven’t built a big enough telescope yet to see exactly what is out there that God has created, but every time we build a bigger telescope we’re ‘Wowed’ once again, that it’s (the universe) bigger than we thought. There’s more amazing stuff out there that we have never seen, and God is laughing all over again going ‘Yeah, congratulations. Is that all you’ve got? Go back and build a bigger one and I’ll show you something else that you haven’t seen yet."

What is out there?  We don't know, but God does - He created it all, and what we see is beyond comprehension.   There is a fascination with what is going on in the heavens and we recognize that, as the Bible says, "the heavens declare the glory of God."   And, think about how God has placed us here on this earth, just the right distance from the Sun, resulting, in part, in this planet being inhabitable.

Our curiosity can cause us to develop a greater appreciation of God, His movements, and His systems - the laws of nature that result from God originating them.  We can reflect on His greatness as Creator and sustainer.  We can be more convinced that life as we know it and the grandeur of nature did not arise from randomness.

The fascination with space and discovery can teach us an important lesson about how we can get caught up with what you might call illusory thinking.   I mentioned the illusions of the moon's size because I think we have to be careful with illusions that we allow our brain to craft.  In the decisions we make, we need to stay grounded in Christ, and not be lured away by inaccuracies.  For instance, we can easily make our choices based on selfishness or the pursuit of sinful pleasures.  We might even be swayed by fear, which can distort our knowledge of the truth.  That is why the Bible reminds us that God has given us sound-mindedness, perfect peace, the ability to renew our minds. He wants us to think rationally and Biblically.

Faith & Support for Vets

Each of us is called to be a servant - humbling ourselves before God and allowing Him to use us as we seek to serve others.  Today, we remember our Veterans who have served our country.  Romans 12 gives some insight into the mind of a servant:
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer...

Today, we recognize those who have served us, and we can be inspired to be people of service.  As our military veterans have been willing to give their lives for others, so we remember our call to follow Christ in submitting to Him and to one another.  He demonstrated ultimate servanthood by laying down His life so we could be free in Him, and calls us to develop a sensitivity to minister to the needs of those around us.

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On this Veteran's Day, we remember those who have served our country.  We as Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for their humble service.  Service is a characteristic that is consistent with the character of Christ, and we can be challenged to develop a servant's heart.  Jesus said in Mark 10:

42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

When the Newsboys took the stage in Nashville recently at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University, they were performing and ministering for a cause greater than themselves, not only the cause of Christ, but also veterans in the challenges they face.

According to a press release, proceeds from the Nashville concert benefited the Guardian for Heroes Foundation, which was established by the late U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, also known as the “American Sniper."  The organization assists combat veterans transitioning to post-military life.

During the concert, Chris' brother Jeff talked about the mission and purpose of the foundation. Also, George Chmiel of BeastMode for the Brave joined Kyle onstage to share about his run across America, which was designed to "pay homage to veterans and drive awareness of the serious issues they face upon returning home from the battlefield." These issues can sometimes result in veterans taking their own lives, as more than 20 commit suicide each day.  Chmiel was on track to run more than 3,000 miles in 60 days.

Five days prior to the Newsboys concert, George was in Nashville for a 2-mile run around Belmont's campus, in association with Reboot Combat Recovery.  According to the university's website: 

Through its 12-week proprietary curriculum, which is rooted in both clinical expertise and foundational Christian values, Reboot sees a 76 percent graduation rate, with 41 percent of its graduates becoming leaders and 85 percent of graduates staying involved with advanced courses and reunions. With more than 1,000 graduates and more than 25 locations across the country, not a single one has died of suicide as a solution to their struggle with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).

The intersection of faith and support for veterans is strong.  Just yesterday, perhaps you heard my conversation with Dan Wallrath, who founded Operation Finally Home.  He has been in construction for over 30 years, and God stirred his heart to provide housing for veterans returning home, as well as families of the fallen.  Or, my conversation with Welby O'Brien, whose husband is a veteran who suffers with PTSD.  She has founded a national support group called "Love Our Vets - PTSD Family Support."

And, months ago, I caught up with Marine veteran Michael Priddy and U.S. Army veteran David Allison on their transcontinental bicycle ride, No Man Rides Alone, to call attention to the struggles of veterans with PTSD, in association with the Mighty Oaks Warrior Foundation.  

In a CBN News story incorporating material from The Christian Post, Priddy is quoted as saying that PTSD made him feel "like a monster."  It caused him to lose his wife and family.  But, as the article says... 

...his life completely turned around after he attended a six-day retreat program at Mighty Oaks, a place where he says "suicide gets taken off the table," once attendees recognize their lives have a higher purpose ordered by God through Christ.

None of the 1,000 graduates of the program have taken their own life.  The article quotes Priddy describing the transformation made possible through Christ:

"It's just the gospel of Jesus Christ and the healing power that can only come from Him and when the men decide to accept Christ," Priddy said.

"It is just that instance when you make that decision and that instance that you get it and finally submit and fall to the altar and say, 'Okay God, do with me what You will,'" he said. "That is the thing that starts the healing process."

So today, we remember those who have bravely served our country in the military, those who have lost their lives in fighting for our freedom, as well as those who continue to serve.  And, we also remember those who struggle.  I am grateful that there are Christians who are taking or have taken bold steps to help veterans who are facing a variety of issues.  As people of faith, we can be on the front lines of promoting hope for those who seek to be made whole.

Our Christian faith gives us the sensitivity to identify needs and the opportunity to point people to the love of our Savior.  We always do well to remember the challenges of those in our military, people who have bravely served our country or continue to serve.   The weight that is placed on families who are in military service, including the frequent moving from place to place and the separation by deployment, is enormous.  Factor in so many who have been or who are currently in harm's way and I would imagine that the anxiety can be overwhelming at times.  We remember that God is faithful, and He meets all of us in our point of need, if only we will cry out to Him.

The Voice of the Church?

A nation that is devoted to upholding God's principles is a nation that will experience God's blessing - and the converse is true. Proverbs 14 says:
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Our selection of leaders does not absolve us of the responsibility of doing what the Church is called to do.  We cannot make the mistake of looking to a President or member of Congress, a Governor or a Mayor to do that job of the body of Christ.  So, the votes have been cast, leadership has changed, but our perspective should not change - we are called to be salt and light, tellers of truth, people of prayer, so that God might be exalted in our land.

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From Psalm 67, we can be reminded of God's ultimate authority over the nations:
(1b) God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us. Selah
2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.
4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah

The analysis and reaction has continued over the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.  One piece of exit poll data that has already begun to attract attention is the white, evangelical vote.  Christianity Today offers this analysis:

Despite reservations expressed by many evangelical and Republican leaders, white born-again/evangelical Christians cast their ballots for the controversial real estate mogul-turned-politician at an 81 percent to 16 percent margin over Hillary Clinton.

Evangelicals of color—who represent 2 in 5 evangelicals, but aren’t segmented out in most national political polls—largely preferred Clinton leading up to the election. But she ultimately underperformed among Hispanics and African Americans compared to President Barack Obama before her.

The article also pointed out that, "White evangelicals made up 1 in 4 of all voters in the 2016 election," and said:

Americans who attend religious services weekly also favored Trump, but by a narrower 56 percent to 40 percent margin over Clinton. Monthly worshipers also broke for Trump more narrowly, 49 percent to 46 percent.

Also, Trump won with Catholic voters, 52-45%.  Obama had won the Catholic vote the previous two elections.

39% of voters said that they most wanted a president who “can bring change,” and Trump took 83% of those.  Clinton won 53% of the voters who most wanted a president who “cares about me,” 90% who wanted a president with the “right experience," and 66% of those saying they wanted one with “good judgment."

The role and composition of the Supreme Court seemed to be a major factor.  Writing for the First Things website, Biola University professor Daniel Patrick Guerra wrote, "...70 percent of the electorate said that the composition of the Supreme Court was the most important or an important factor in their vote for president. Trump won these voters, 50 percent to 46 percent. Among those to whom the Court mattered little, Trump lost by ten percentage points. The composition of the Court thus was a major factor in the election’s outcome, and religious voters seemed to emphasize it in debates over whether or not to support Trump."

One further thing: CNN reports that, "Some 88% of African-American voters supported Clinton, versus 8% for Donald Trump, as of very early Wednesday morning. While that's a large margin, it's not as big as Obama's victory over Mitt Romney in 2012. Obama locked up 93% of the black vote to Romney's 7%."  This year, around 12% of the electorate was African-American, compared to 13% in the last election.  Trump also fared better with Latino voters than Romney, winning 29% of that demographic vs. 65% for Clinton.  In 2012, it was 71% for Obama vs. 27% for Romney.

In considering some of this data, some random thoughts come to mind.

For one thing, we are a deeply divided nation, and it is helpful to understand one another's position. Even in the faith community, different voting patterns can be seen: white evangelicals trend Republican, minorities in the faith community seem to go the other direction.  There is much to contribute to this, including traditional constituencies.  But, I think this points out that the Church, regarding matters of public policy, has some challenges in coming together in unity to address really massive issues in our culture.  And, while we will likely not come into agreement, I think it's important that well-meaning people are devoted to understanding one another and can sit down and have conversations how to make for a better culture.

Also, there has been way too much finger-pointing within the evangelical community, especially on social media, regarding support or opposition to Donald Trump.   Evangelicals who voted Trump did so, apparently, because of their disdain for the policies that Hillary Clinton would bring to the Presidency.  Certainly, the Trump victory does not signal some sort of death knell for evangelical Christianity.  Because no politician can ultimately overcome or override the Church.  There are some who think that evangelicals sold out by voting for Trump - others disagree.  Fact is, Trump has been elected as President for all the people, and it is up to evangelicals to pray for him and to continue to speak truth to him.  We regard him in the right context - he is a tool who can be used of God for His purposes.

Trumped II: Hail to the Chief

On this day after Election Day, I want to offer some words from the 47th Psalm:
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.
8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.

We have selected a new President, as well as members of Congress, but our ultimate devotion is not to a politician, although the Bible does instruct us to pray for and submit to our authorities.  We are called to surrender to a mighty King, the One who is seated on the throne, Who holds all things together by His mighty power, who works His purposes throughout the earth in accordance to His will.  We humble ourselves before our mighty King today, as in the days before.

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In chapter 2 of the book of Daniel, we find the words of Daniel, who had just taken on the responsibility of interpreting a dream for the king. We read:
20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.
21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king's demand."

An October Gallup poll measured respondents' answer to this simple question: In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?  Only 28% of those surveyed said they were satisfied; 70% said they were dissatisfied.  Even though that number is down from 82% in July, nevertheless, people do not like the way things are going in this country.

Many of those, I would imagine, cast a vote for change yesterday, and Donald Trump will take the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States in January.

Can he correct the numbers?  One would hope, but there is plenty of work to do.  Trump may think he can "Make America Great Again," but he has to recognize the value of the people who make America.

Ed Stetzer of Breakpoint This Week, in a column on the Christianity Today website responding to the election results, writes:

There are many Evangelicals who voted for Trump, and many Evangelicals who advised him. It’s time to advise him now that immigrants are made in the image of God, women are not tools and toys, racial and religious prejudice must be confronted, and so much more. The answer is not for us to change our views on character, it’s to help a flawed candidate become a President of character.

Evangelicals elected Trump. Now they need to call him to a better way.

It's a thoughtful column, and makes some strong cases for what to do going forward.  Stetzer also wrote:

We’ve spent months talking about the things that matter. Don’t cast off issues that came to the surface in this election. Just because we aren’t talking about debate questions or party platforms on Facebook doesn’t mean we stop standing up for the unborn, raising our voices for religious liberty, caring for refugees, pursuing racial reconciliation, and more. It’s easy to go back to our own lives and become self-focused when we don’t have a reason to think about these issues. But they matter. And casting our votes doesn’t mean our job is done. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and share the love of Jesus in an angry moment in our culture.

So, I say that even though leadership may change, the mandate for the Church does not.  Evangelicals played a part in electing Trump, but we don't need to look to him, or any other political leader, to do what God has ordained the Church today in our culture.  And, those concerned about matters of life and religious liberty and who voted for Trump may feel a reprieve today, but we have to recognize that prayer and prudent action are necessary components in seeing those matters turn more in our direction.   I would hope that Mr. Trump was not just using the Church as a means to an end, as politicians have done for years - people I trust within the Christian community supported him, and I would hope that they would continue to have influence as he moves into the nation's, and I dare say the world's highest office.

On November 9, we hold true to the sovereignty of God - He has given us the President that He intends - Daniel is clear that he exalts and deposes leaders.  And for a nation that has faced a wholesale rejection of the principles of God in so many ways, some may say that Trump is the President we deserve.  There are those that have asked throughout the general election cycle, "is this the best we can do?" Now that one of two unpopular candidates have garnered millions of votes, we have to ponder what God might be saying to us as a nation.  This may not have been the result many wanted, but it's the outcome that He has intended.

But, a President's power is limited, but the power of God is unlimited.  Again, you hope that the faith leaders that have served as advisors to his campaign will continue to have a place at the table and speak truth to power.  And, those faith leaders who have vehemently opposed his campaign will also continue to be purveyors of truth.  Because, honestly, they're both right - Trump was and is a person who has demonstrated questionable and even offensive character who also represented a variety of policy positions that resonated with a number of Christian voters.  His personal character did not.  God has chosen a flawed individual and given him the opportunity to be used of Him - and isn't that just like the Lord, just like characters we see in the Bible?

Finally, we have a political leadership change, but our allegiance is to Someone greater.  As Dr. Ronnie Floyd, former President of the Southern Baptist Convention, wrote before the election:

The testimony of the gospel is serious business. One’s involvement in the political world today does not bring harm to the gospel. We are called by Jesus to be the salt and the light in this darkness. We should do so both wisely and courageously. God will use this kind of testimony.

This I do know: we live in a sinful world. The gospel is the only answer, not politics. Yet, we must still engage and operate in this sinful political climate and in this evil world. Our hope should never be in a politician or a party, but only in the Lord Jesus Christ.