Spreading the Word

We can be sensitive to the hand of God and recognize that He is positioning us to do ministry in His name. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in 1st Corinthians 16:
7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

We are part of a body of Christ that stretches around the world.  We can be ready to do Christ's work around our neighborhood as well as around the world, acting in tandem with our partners in ministry to share the love of Jesus.  We can be confident that He is orchestrating circumstances, opening doors, and opening hearts so that people may come into a saving knowledge of Him.  We are part of God's plan to reach people with His love. 

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We can be confident in God's ability to open doors for the gospel to be shared.  Paul asked for prayer to 
that end in Colossians 4:
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

A relatively small congregation in the state of Indiana is reportedly touching thousands halfway around the world through its generosity, even though worship attendance has been diminished due to COVID.  The Christian Post reported on Plymouth Baptist Church, which is located in Northern Indiana, which had begun to pray regarding how it could partner with a foreign missions work.  Executive Pastor Doug Dieterly, according to the article, "...asked the church to pray for a connection to a Christian work in a foreign country, and members readily responded, having gone through Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God several times as a body. One of Blackaby’s primary principles is to be open to seeing the Lord’s activity in unexpected places and join Him there rather than starting a ministry on our own and trying to get Him to bless it."

A visitor to the church named Adam introduced the congregation to the work of a missionary working in Pakistan referred to as "Paul," whom he supported.  Paul had to leave the country, and ended up staying at Adam's home. Paul came to church with Adam and heard Doug lead a 12-week Experiencing God study. The article says that Paul "...asked Dieterly if he could get copies of the study in Urdu to take it with him to Pakistan."  Unfortunately, there was not a translation into Urdu.

Paul basically said, no problem, and he set out to translate the Bible study.  Adam made a connection with a pastor, Rafiq, and his daughter, Sana, in Pakistan and the church sent copies of the study to them; Doug then led them through it via video conference calls.  The Christian Post reports: "Within a few weeks of finishing, Rafiq called the executive pastor and explained he had 22 pastors and Sunday school teachers from the churches he had planted who wanted to go through the study but needed materials."  

The price tag: an estimated $3500, which was about 3500 more than the church had on hand.  But, God provided through a tent sale, and the first set of materials were made available.  Then, another 20 requests, another $3500, another move of God's hand.  The article was released in mid-November, and at that time, another 100 wanted the Experiencing God training.  And, another Southern Baptist church in California has another ministry partnership in Pakistan that would likewise desire the training materials in the Urdu language.

Henry Blackaby says to find out where God is working and join Him in His work.  The church in Indiana stepped out in faith, God provided the resources - human and otherwise, and His Word is spreading through the faithfulness of His people.  We can consider what incredible things that God can do through the obedience of His servants.

People are hungry - to experience the Word of God and to see the presence of God.  Rather than isolate from the world during the coronavirus plight, this church and those partnering with it continued to have a "go" mentality, and God is continuing to do His work to meet the needs of people.

Jesus came into the world to spread His love, and He has placed us in this world in order to multiply it. We cannot save people from their sins, but we can introduce them to the One who can. We are His representatives, and multiplication is His specialty.

Where Darkness Reigns

The Bible reminds us that Christ is the light in the darkness we face, and while we may be encountering hopeless situations - and many people are, still we can cling to the faithfulness of God.  In our suffering, He is producing strength. Romans 5 states:
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

We will face instances of what would be termed "suffering" or "tribulation" in our lives.  When confronted with difficulty, we can choose to give in to fear and despondency or give over to the Lord our anxiety and lack of trust.  We can continue to remain hopeful and steadfast through the challenges we experience, being confident in the Lord, whom we know is producing fruit for His glory through our difficulty.

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The children of Israel suffered greatly at the hands of Pharoah, and while God sent a deliverer, Moses, it was by no means a smooth process. In Exodus 5, we find that Moses and Aaron appealed to Pharoah to allow the people to undertake a religious exercise:

4 Then the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people from their work? Get back to your labor."
5 And Pharaoh said, "Look, the people of the land are many now, and you make them rest from their labor!"
6 So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying,
7 "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.
8 And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'
9 Let more work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard false words."

While in America, we enter into the Christmas season with hope and optimism even in the middle of a widespread increase in coronavirus cases.  And, I believe that we should be sensitive to the suffering that is around us, which takes various forms.

In North Korea, the country designated by Open Doors as the leading country that persecutes Christians, the government has implemented what is known as an "80-day battle," reported on by The Christian Post, which says that it has been implemented "purportedly to increase production in farming, mining, factories and to rebuild structures destroyed in a typhoon that hit the country’s eastern region in September." The article continues:

These so-called “battles,” in which the Kim regime forces North Koreans to work extra hours on government goals, are common in the country, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, Greg Scarlatoiu, told The Christian Post.

“They call it a battle. [It] really is a public mobilization campaign. North Korea’s economy is very awkward. Their approach to doing more is to simply throw in more input, the input being labor,” he said. “There are groups reporting that children get mobilized to work on railway construction.”

Don't take your freedom as an American for granted - while some want to take our country in a more socialist direction, which would inevitably lead to greater government intrusion and control - the North Korean model is a sobering reminder of how that driving ideology can grow and result in widespread oppression.

And, the removal of their religious freedom.  Another Christian Post article relates examples of persecution of Christians in the nation known as the "Hermit Kingdom."  It says:

The London-based Korea Future Initiative published its latest report, “Persecuting Faith: Documenting religious freedom violations in North Korea,” which includes information from 117 interviews with those exiled from the isolated country.

The investigation documents 273 victims of religious freedom violations, ranging in age from just 3 years old to over 80 years old.

Though adherents of various religions are held in North Korea’s “reeducation” camps, the harshest punishments are reserved for Christians, the report found.

The report notes that there were in excess of 200 Christians who were punished for a variety of offenses, including "religious practice, religious activities in China, possessing religious items, contact with religious persons, attending a place of worship, and sharing religious beliefs."  There were "several" cases of Koreans possessing a Bible being executed in front of a firing squad.  And, the study included instances of women being sexually assaulted and forced to abort their children.  Some pregnant women were injected and forced to go into labor, then the baby would be delivered and smothered.

The article wraps up with some insight into the fear of Christianity that North Korean officials have, resulting in a desire to snuff it out.  The Christian Post story says:

Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American pastor who was held hostage in North Korea from 2012 to 2014, shared how the North Korean government is more afraid of Christians than nuclear weapons. According to Bae, most North Koreans have never heard the name of Jesus.

"They said, 'we are not afraid of nuclear weapons ... we are afraid of someone like you bringing religion into our country and use it against us and then everybody will turn to God and this will become God's country and we will fall," Bae said.

For this week of Thanksgiving, let's consider these four principles:

1) Remaining hopeful when the temptation is to do otherwise.  Biblical optimism is not wishful thinking.  We can choose to walk in hope and reject fear because we acknowledge that God is with us, even in the middle of a fallen world.

2) Remembering the suffering around the world and how Jesus came, lived, suffered, died, and rose from the dead to bring hope to people who are experiencing great trial.  And, the Bible teaches that suffering will fortify our faith - spiritual growth occurs among persecuted Christians because of their dependence on the Lord in difficult circumstances.

3) Rejoicing in our own blessings. We can't take God's blessings for granted. We are very fortunate to be living in America, because of the freedoms that we enjoy.  That is a gift of God, by the grace of God. We certainly have been given more than we deserve, so we can be thankful.

4) Recognizing that there are those less fortunate than we.  It's been a tough year for so many, so we can look for opportunities to be charitable, to be conduits of God's incredible grace and love.

Flying High

Humility is a key to allowing God to use us for His glory. We can function according to how God is leading and equipping us. Romans chapter 12 has this to say:
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

The Lord places us in the positions in which we are best suited in this life.  We can recognize that, if our hearts are right before Him, that He intends to use us in the place to which He has called us. We can recognize the giftedness we have and be willing to allow Him to express Himself.  As each person in the body of Christ walks in obedience, we can see how God is blending us together to be effective ambassadors for the truth of the gospel.

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There is an incredible tapestry of people, churches, and ministries through which God does His work, demonstrating His love in this world. 1st Corinthians 3 states:
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.

Jesus said to go into all the world, and what is being billed as potentially the "world's first Christian airline," has been doing just that, enabling missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission.  ChristianHeadlines.com reported on Judah 1, which was founded back in 2011 by a gentleman named Everett Aaron, who told CBN News: “We give wings to missionaries. The Great Commission tells us we go to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature..."  

Christian Headlines states: "While the ministry currently transports missionaries onto the mission field, a commercial fleet would be able to carry larger teams and cargo."  Aaron declared:

“We're able to get out into the mission field to take smaller teams, 12 to 10 member teams...taking them into the field,” Aaron noted. “But in the future, once we get our certification, the 125 certifications for the large plane, then we can carry the larger teams of up to 136 with our MP83 and 17,000 pounds of cargo and, of course, we can go anywhere with those.”

Aaron really sensed God's call on this unique opportunity to facilitate the spread of the gospel. The article goes on to say:

In 2021, Aaron hopes to see Judah 1 transition from a private, non-profit organization to the world's first Christian airline so that the ministry can “go anywhere in the world.”

Aaron also noted that becoming an airline would also enable the ministry to possibly open their own flight school in the future. “We want to be able to train missionary pilots...it opens doors for us to do so many things," Aaron told CBN news.

The CBN story related that "Humanitarian aid groups like Samaritan's Purse and Operation Blessing are eager to use their services now more than ever." Operation Blessing partnered with Judah 1 in the attempt to provide relief to the Bahamas when Hurricane Dorian hit.

This can remind us of how God has the body of Christ structured: Some do the visible work, others facilitate.  That is actually how it works with Faith Radio - our listeners who support this ministry in prayer and with finances, play a critical role; while Faith Radio broadcasts the content, God provides the resources through our listeners.

Sometimes we may struggle with the place to which God has called us - so the word of encouragement would be: stay in your lane.  We can be content in the place to which God has called us.  When He calls us to move, we can move, but the important thing is to be obedient. 

Finally, consider this: Is God directing you into a certain type of ministry; is there a call that you have discerned on your life?   Step out in faith, depend on God to provide, and allow the Holy Spirit to take you each step of the way.

Walking, Praying, and Thanking

In Psalm 30, we find where the Psalmist is crying out to God, and offers praise and thanksgiving for His faithfulness. We can read:
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!"
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, and while the nature of our gatherings may look different this year, we can still remember to give thanks to God for what He has done, even in the midst of adversity.  When we are disappointed, we can allow Him to turn our despair into delight; He brings gladness in the midst of suffering, and by giving Him thanks and calling upon Him, we can enjoy His presence and gain a greater knowledge that He is with us.

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God will display His glory as His people come together to exalt His name.  Fully equipped, we can be 
called to pray and make a statement. Ephesians 6 states:
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

On this day before Thanksgiving, I think that, even though this year has had some miserable moments for so many people and has been fraught with disappointment in our nation and around the world, we can still recognize the presence of the God who has brought us through.  The body of Christ, although facing seasons of isolation, has had the opportunity to provide hope and to show people the answer to crippling fear.

We can prioritize thanksgiving and prayer as we enter into the Advent season at the conclusion of Thanksgiving weekend.  Faith Radio has an Advent Guide, our annual Christmas "Advent-ure," that is centered on the names of Jesus.  You can find it in our most recent Ministry Magazine and you can download it from our website at FaithRadio.org.  As we reflect together on the meaning of the names of Jesus, it can strengthen our faith and enrich our spiritual life. 

Leah Brinker is 18-years old and sensed God's direction to lift up the name of Jesus in her city in Coshocton County, Ohio. A CBN.com story included this quote from the teenager: 

"This year has been kind of troublesome. I lost both of my grandparents. There's been a lot of division this year and not a lot of unity," she said. "I wanted to show that we don't need to live in fear. God has a plan. I wanted to show that we can be stronger together. We don't have to live behind these barriers."

She said that she was inspired to organize the prayer walk after hearing about the Washington Prayer March organized by Franklin Graham back in September.  The Ohio walk that she organized featured 80 people who walked two-and-a-half miles.  Leah says, "I prayed to God about this...I had no idea where my starting point was, but I felt that God was leading me to do it."

The story says that, "Participants were encouraged to carry faith-based signs, bring hot drinks, and prepare to seek God. The prayer walk lasted about one hour and she said participants were grateful for the opportunity to come together." She declared, "There is something bigger than all the earthly stuff. It was important to show that God is working...it might not always show, but He definitely is..."

Leah Brinker believed that God was calling her to do something to impact her community, so she organized the prayer walk; even the local mayor and sheriff supported the idea.  And, you know, sometimes the simplest ideas can be used effectively by the Lord - the concept is not complicated, very straightforward, as a matter of fact, yet people were drawn to come out.   When He calls, we can be confident that He will provide.

One thing that was notable is that people "appreciated being together," according to Leah. Even though God has done amazing things even in a worldwide pandemic, we know that the cohesion in the Church has been adversely affected.  We can always look for ways in which God's people can come together - in-person or virtual - and pray and come before Him together.  Speaking of coming together, Faith Radio will be offering a worship opportunity next Thursday night, as the Shelly E. Johnson "Christmas is Beautiful" Virtual Concert will be heard on Faith Radio, as well as a variety of online platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Frazer Christian Television.  Thanksgiving and Christmas, even though they may look different this year, still offers opportunities to connect our hearts with each other and with our God in corporate prayer and worship.

Leah Brinker's "Prayer Walk 2020" is a testimony to how God's presence is needed in our communities.  The local church, in the cities or areas it is called to serve, can certainly be involved in making a strong impact - in providing leadership and being an example of the love of God.  Those who gather for the OUR Montgomery monthly prayer walk the first Saturday of every month have a heart for the River Region and a desire to see God magnified - a number of "walks" this year have been virtual in nature.  The next one is coming up one week from Saturday, on December 5.

Out of this World

The Bible tells us that we are in the world, but not of it - we belong to Christ, not to this world, and our citizenship is in heaven.  Yet, we live in this world according to God's sovereign purpose.  1st Peter 2 states:

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.

So, there you have it - we are called to a very important mission; our ultimate home is in heaven, but Jesus has things for us to do here.  Jesus Himself came from another place to earth, so that He would die for the sins of the world. It's important that we regard ourselves according to that heavenly citizenship that we have been granted.  We are not of this world, and we are called to stand against the world's ways and ideologies and apply ourselves to living the Word of God.

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Jesus stood before Pilate, completely convinced of who He was and to whom He belonged. In John 18, He declared...
(36) ... "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

During this time of COVID, perhaps many people and their families have learned a little bit, or even a lot, about isolation.  But, can you imagine being in outer space, with just a few people with you, thousands of miles away from earth?

Astronaut Victor Glover is experiencing that right now - he and his crew lifted off over the weekend in the Space X Dragon capsule, Resilience, for a six-month stint at the International Space Station. By doing so, he became the first African-American astronaut on a long-term space mission.

CBN.com recently spotlighted Glover, who told the Christian Chronicle that he "...sent up communion cups and a Bible, and we have really good internet connectivity." He shared that he plans to stay connected to his church, saying: "So honestly, I will probably continue in what we've been doing: virtual service, virtual giving, reading my Bible and praying."

Glover relates:

"This has been a really interesting journey, the seven years I've been at NASA, and it's been a real exercise personally and professionally, but also spiritually," he explained. "Understanding the role of God in my life and God's authority and my submission to that and the love, support, and encouragement that that can create in my life."

"I want to use the abilities that God has given me to do my job well and support my crewmates and mission and NASA," Glover added. "That's really the thing I think the most about."

And, he is certainly devoted to his family; Glover said: "God assigned me a few really important things: this life, this vessel, but also my wife and that relationship, the two of us becoming one and then the family that we've grown with our four daughters."

The article goes on to say that...

...Glover shared his thoughts on how the church has reacted to the current issues going on in America. "We all need to lean on God but we also need to lean on each other and be encouraging to one another," he said.

Victor Glover has an inspiring story, and is devoted to being used of the Lord for His glory.  He is cognizant that he can go literally anywhere, and the presence of God will go with Him. It's a great reminder of how God accompanies His children.  Victor can also remind us that when we feel isolation, we can still stay connected to God.

There is also some imagery here - Glover has had the unique vantage point of being in a space capsule and looking down at this world. Jesus talked about being above the world - He told His disciples when they face tribulation to be cheerful, because He has overcome the world.  We can live at a higher level in Christ and not be ensnared by the philosophies of this world.  We also know that we are not of this world, and that is certainly out of this world!  We are called strangers and aliens; we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, and ultimately the value system of heaven is to govern our behavior here on earth.

Love and Marriage

There's a certain level of intensity that we should possess for our marriages, recognizing that the family 
is an essential component of a well-functioning society. Ecclesiastes 9 states:
9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. 

When you read those verses together, you could conclude that God wants us to devote time and energy into building our marriages - "with your might," as verse 10 suggests.  Instead of fighting with one another, we can purpose to fight for our marriages against the cultural and individual threats that could destroy what God has placed together.  God intentionally connects two sinners together - a man and woman - so that they can love each other, fulfill His purposes, and glorify Him to a world that needs to see His light. 

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Marriage is such an important concept - established and ordained by God, representative of the relationship between His Son and His bride, the Church. And, Hebrews 13 provides this direction:
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
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?"

We certainly know that the institution of marriage has been threatened throughout the last few decades - significant rates of divorce, sinful behavior, such as pornography that can have a negative impact on the love relationship, couples who cohabitate, and a redefinition of marriage, have all chipped away at the institution in general. And, specific challenges in the culture have weighed down individual marriages. We need the Lord to be at the center of our marriage relationships, so that we can grow in our love for one another and so that our marriages can function in the way that He intends.

A new survey indicates that there is some good news in the area of marriage.  A ChristianHeadlines.com story indicates that the divorce rate in America in 2019 was the lowest it has been within the last 50 years.  The article states:

The new data shows that 14.9 marriages per 1,000 ended in divorce in 2019, a rate that is the lowest it’s been since 1970, according to an analysis by author Wendy Wang, director of research for the Institute for Family Studies. It’s even slightly less than in 1970 when it was 15.0, Wang wrote in an online analysis.

Regarding this data, from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Wang states: “This is great news for Americans who are married,” adding, “It means that their marriages will likely be more stable, and their children will be more likely to grow up with two married parents, which provides them the best chance for success later in life.”

But, the data shows that the marriage rate has declined, as well, with only 33 out of every 1,000 unmarried adults getting married, according to Wang.  She also points out what she sees as a "marriage divide," writing:  “With the rates of both divorce and marriage dropping in America, we expect to see the marriage divide deepen and poor and working-class Americans increasingly disconnected from the institution of marriage...The impact of this disconnection on our family lives can be destructive, which makes it an issue that policymakers, community leaders, and scholars should continue to pay attention to.”

And, Wang anticipates that the divorce rate will decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article notes:

New data from the American Family Survey shows that 58 percent of married Americans say “the pandemic has made them appreciate their spouse more and half agree that their commitment to marriage has deepened,” Wang wrote.

“Moreover, initial data from some states suggest that divorce filings have indeed declined,” she wrote. “It is likely that divorce may increase a bit after COVID-19 because of the pent-up demands, but the overall decline in divorce appears to be a consistent trend.”

Even though the marriage rate and divorce rate have declined and there are those who don't believe in or understand the importance of marriage, still, we recognize, as it's been said, that marriage is a key building block of our society.  It was an institution ordained by God in Genesis, and intended to be foundational.  And, it's a representation of Christ and the Church - God holds marriage in high esteem.

He provides the tools for a marriage to last, even through conflicts and pandemics.  Married couples can navigate the challenges and uncertainties by gaining a sense that we are walking together, as a team, in unity, reliant on the Holy Spirit to help one another.

Marriage is an institution, a concept, that really can transcend societal factors - while Wendy Wang highlights the distance that she has seen between poor and working-class people in the U.S. and participation in marriage, we know that it brings love and stability into our lives, and should be promoted by those who are in positions of influence, including leaders in the Church.

Payback

When we encounter opposition, when we are hurt by another person or group of people, or when people merely don't act the way we think they should, we have to be careful that we don't keep a retribution list or a list of people whom we don't forgive, who we regard to be our enemies. Hebrews 12 states: 

(13)...make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled...

If we are keeping a list in our minds about wrongs done to us, to wounds perpetrated by people in our lives, it can weigh us down and seriously inhibit our walk with God.  He desires for us and gives us the capacity to forgive those whom we perceive to have done us wrong.  Instead of a list of perceived slights or outright rejection, we can place those people on our prayer list, so that we can take them before the Lord in prayer - and than can certainly have an impact on our attitude toward them.

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I maintain that Christians should keep short accounts with others, being quick to forgive and not to try 
to be consumed with how to retaliate when harmed. Romans 12 states:
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

No matter what the circumstances, we know that Christians are not called to be vengeful.  No matter how much we may have been wounded or mistreated, the Bible tells us to not allow a spirit of bitterness to grow.  Romans tells us that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  So, we can pray for those whom we are tempted to call our "enemies," but we are called to be focused and faithful to our King.

Not long after the election, the existence of a list of people who are candidates for "retribution" was stated.  Faithwire reported on it, the new Trump Accountability Project, saying:

Hari Sevugan has been a prominent voice pushing to make life miserable for Trump supporters, even encouraging people to contact potential employers and let them know “there are consequences for hiring anyone who helped Trump attack American values.”

The article notes that re-elected member of Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, someone who will certainly be a key player as balance of power is determined in Washington over the next two years, "called for Trump supporters to be put on a list or archive of some sort, wondering out loud if anyone was tracking them."  It also states:

Drew Holden reported on several others who have threatened some form of retribution against Trump supporters. Robert Reich called for a “truth and reconciliation commission” while MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes echoed the same. “Lincoln Project” flak and MSNBC pundit Steve Schmidt said people who have worked for the President are “complicit in the assault against American democracy” while adding that “none of them should be forgiven.”

This comes amidst calls for "unity" and "healing" from Joe Biden, who is prepared to take the reins at the White House if Donald Trump's legal actions are unsuccessful.  And, Dr. Everett Piper, who is President Emeritus at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, wrote at The Washington Times about a quote that he had shared, that had been incorrectly attributed to Kamala Harris, but turned out to be part of a satirical article: "And once he’s gone and we have regained our rightful place in the White House, look out if you supported him and endorsed his actions because we’ll be coming for you next. You will feel the vengeance of a nation. No stone will be left unturned as we seek you out in every corner … For it is you who have betrayed us." So she apparently didn't say it, but as Dr. Piper points out, there is little difference between that quote and some of the promises of retribution that are going around.

He relates, as did Faithwire, that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: “Is anyone archiving these Trump sycophants for when they try to downplay or deny their complicity in the future? I foresee decent probability of many deleted tweets, writings, photos …” And, a Michael Simon of the TAP (Trump Accountability Project) said: "Yes, we are … Every Administration staffer, campaign staffer, bundler, lawyer, who represented them — everyone."  Former Presidential candidate Evan McMullin stated, "We should keep and publish a list of everyone who assists Trump’s frivolous and dangerous attacks on the election. Name and shame forever.”  Piper also points out that:

Joe Biden himself who, in a 2018 speech to the Human Rights Campaign, described conservative Christians and Jews who live by the 4,000-year-old moral teachings of the Bible as “virulent people, some of them the dregs of society …”

So what is "unity" and "healing" going to look like?  I think it means that the expectation is that disagreement will not be tolerated.  Christians who speak up for good government that upholds Biblical principles such as life and marriage, get in line.  Piper, after listing 10 quotes, then delivers this proclamation:

Kamala Harris has said nothing to condemn any of these comments. She has said nothing about Jennifer Rubin’s, Keith Olbermann’s, Chris Hayes’ and Robert Reich’s thirst for pay-back. She has said nothing about the implied Bolshevik violence of Bhaskar Sunkara and Dick Costolo. She has said nothing about the spooky Orwellian lunacy of Evan McMullin. She has said nothing to condemn the derogation of Judeo-Christian people by her own “boss.” Nothing. Crickets. Total silence.

Just yesterday, as The Federalist reports, in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn took aim at tech heads Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Jack Dorsey of Twitter, declaring, "You have used this power," that's the power to host, post, and even censor speech, "to run amok."  She had choice words for Zuckerberg:

“You say you don’t keep a list. Obviously, you have a list, because there are some of us who are regularly censored and called down by your content moderators,” she said, noting that one of her recent Facebook posts discussing the Trump Accountability Project which is creating a blacklist of people who staffed for, donated to, or even endorsed President Donald Trump and his administration, was slapped with an “elections flag sticker.”

Even though not all Christians have supported the President, many have, according to exit polling data - at least three-quarters of white evangelicals indicated they voted for Trump this year. And, an Atlantic piece recently spoke of an "Evangelical Reckoning," a phrase that was actually used in a 2016 piece by the same author.  

So, what's up with these lists?  There is now concern that lists are being kept and people are being targeted for retribution. Public quotes indicate this is occurring, and you can certainly believe that there will be evangelical Christians who will face scorn as a result of their support for the President. And, as I have reported to you in the past, conservatives - and that includes a number of evangelicals - have found their content on social media removed or flagged.  As it's been pointed out, Facebook and Twitter are private companies, so they can allow what they wish.  But, they have pretended to be a neutral arbiter and received government protection - they should not enjoy a public shield if they censor the public.  

So, let's personalize this - who is on your list?  Do you have an "enemies' list?"  Are there people about whom you harbor bitterness or have determined to get even with?  Do you find yourself thinking in a less than charitable way about certain individuals?  Perhaps someone has wounded you in the past - it's important to be careful that the wound does not result in relational paralysis.  When we don't forgive, it inhibits our walk with God.

But, we can certainly put people on our prayer list.  That's much more productive than to allow what Scripture calls the "root of bitterness" to take hold.  We should be mindful of the needs of others and continue to hold them up before the Lord in prayer.  And, when there has been hurt and harm done, it makes it even more important that the person is lifted up, which can, of course, change our attitude.  

Finally, I do foresee policies that will be crafted by a potential Biden Administration that will be contradictory to our deeply held beliefs, under the influence of progressives who hold to views that are diametrically opposed to Biblical truth.  From pro-abortion policies to the hideous Equality Act to possible restrictions on freedom of religion, we should be prepared to be in prayer for the years to come, and be determined to continue to do God's work and uphold His truth in a potentially hostile environment. 

Thanks

The Bible, in the book of 1st Thessalonians, chapter 5, gives us encouragement regarding a proper attitude that we can reflect, regardless of a pandemic, civil unrest, or an election season and its 
aftermath. We find some helpful principles here:
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In everything.  In everything - we can be thankful.  Even when we encounter disappointment and seeming defeat, we can recognize who God is and what He has done and is doing in our lives. We can give Him thanks in everything because we are confident that He is truly in everything. Our trials can be a source or irritation, but adopting a thankful attitude that God is walking with us and He is in the midst of doing a work in us can help us keep the right perspective.  And, remember to rejoice and pray.

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What is Thanksgiving going to look like for you this year?  It may be a bit different regarding those traditional family gatherings.  For the believer, this is what thanksgiving looks like, according to 
Ephesians 5:
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

We are just over a week away from the celebration known as Thanksgiving Day - and I would project that many families are planning to spend the day in a different manner than before.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a list of suggestions regarding Thanksgiving in light of the coronavirus.  I say suggestions, in contrast to mandates that we have seen from some government officials, who are attempting to mandate how Thanksgiving is to be commemorated.

You have probably heard of some of the restrictions that were announced several weeks ago by California Governor Gavin Newsom; New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has also enacted a set of rules dictating how you are to spend Thanksgiving.  Recently, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, according to Fox Business, is "cracking down on indoor gatherings ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, noting that gathering with those outside your home will be banned unless everyone involved quarantines for two weeks and tests negative for the virus."  This does not sound like mere suggestions. Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan has issued sweeping regulations for next three weeks, including, according to Fox Business, "Gatherings inside homes will...be limited to two households at a time under the new order. Health officials strongly urge familes [sic] to pick a single other household to interact with over the next three weeks."  Both of these states have issued sweeping new regulations on indoor gatherings, including indoor dining. 

And, Disrn.com reports that:

Former Vice President Joe Biden advised Americans on Monday to limit their Thanksgiving celebrations to "five people, maximum 10 people" who wear masks and practice social distancing.

The report also says that Mr. Biden related that "the people who attend should be people who have been in quarantine, and that the recommendations he mentioned had been conveyed to him by health officials. He added that he and his wife had decided to gather with people who 'were tested, recently tested within 24 hours.'"

Writing at CBN.com, Dan Andros says that "government officials who have grown comfortable making lifestyle recommendations issued some interesting thoughts ahead of Thanksgiving." He goes on to say:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a URL for “daily life coping” with the coronavirus, and with a major family-oriented holiday just around the corner, they apparently felt the need to instruct Americans on how to — and how not to — celebrate.

“Make your celebration safer” the post begins. “Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils” it continues. Of course, they urge people to wear masks and to “safely store your mask while eating and drinking.”

And, he points out:

They also urge people to use alternative methods to celebrate, like hosting a virtual dinner and “watching television” or “find a fun game” to play, rather than having people over.

At least these are not mandates.  And, the guidelines do offer these ideas which actually can provide some ministry focus:

• Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).

And...

• Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.

Thanksgiving Day will look different this year, thanks to COVID.  And, I want to stress that families need to make responsible choices about their celebrations.  But, our practice of thanksgiving as believers in Christ is something that should always be occurring.  

So, while there are many who will be canceling or rearranging Thanksgiving plans, we can certainly develop a perspective on gratitude, and how we can show gratitude to God by serving others, just as He served us by sending His only son to die.

We can certainly be responsible and be resourceful, but we can also check our attitude - even though there will be inconvenience, we can handle the change of plans gracefully and without toxicity. 

Marvellous

Jesus calls us to be faithful to Him - every single day.  He will take what we offer to Him and use it for His glory, and we can experience spiritual fruitfulness. Luke 16 states:
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

So, we can determine what we have to offer to our Savior, that He might use for His honor and glory.  We can act in unselfish ways on a consistent basis, so that Jesus is seen through us.  We can realize that what we have materially, as well as our personal gifts, can be used to bring honor to our Savior. So, we can make sure that we are abiding in Him and following the direction of His Spirit, willing to allow the love of Christ to flow through us.

+++++

Jesus possesses the capacity to multiply His grace and love, taking what is seemingly small and using what we offer to Him for His glory.  In John 6, we read that a large crowd had gathered around Jesus - it was time to eat. We can read:
8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,
9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"
10 Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

Marvellous is a college student in Charlotte, North Carolina - he is from Central Africa, and his mother gave him his name because she wanted to give God praise because he had been faithful to their family through challenges in their lives.

Marvellous was separated from his parents when he was six - their family had heard gunfire while on a bus attempting to flee their homeland. They began to run - he ran a different way from his family, and he was placed in an orphanage along with other children for a period of time.  But, he was reunited with his parents. 

Two years later, something very special happened in this little boy's life.  According to the Samaritan's Purse website:

At age 8, Marvellous received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at church. He was elated to receive school supplies in his shoebox, calling it an answer to prayer to help him start school. He loved to write and draw, so he was especially thankful for the notebooks, pens, and pencils.

“God hears the cries of His children,” said Marvellous, who is now a 22-year-old college student in Charlotte, North Carolina. “My shoebox gave me hope. Still today, I think that it was a message, a gift from God. These precious shoeboxes share the love of Christ with children around the world.”

The website had shared the information about the struggles of the family, who originally lived in an area of Central Africa where Christians were persecuted.  His family relocated to another part of the country, where his parents had difficulty finding work and could not afford to send their children to school. Nevertheless, they believed that God would provide for them.  Certainly, He had been with them through challenging times in the past.  And, a note inside that Operation Christmas Child shoebox was a reminder to Marvellous; it read: “No matter where you are, just know that God loves you no matter what you are going through in life.”

Samaritan's Purse is headed by Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, and Edward Graham, who is Franklin's son, recently told The Christian Post: 

God is using this ministry to further the name of Jesus Christ more so than probably even my grandpa. More kids have heard Christ through these shoebox distributions than ever heard about Christ in stadiums with my grandfather, that's incredible. Those numbers are absolutely incredible to see decisions being made.

I love my grandfather's ministry and it's still going strong and millions of people are coming to Christ through that ministry. This is just another tool for evangelism that God's using.

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child begins today and continues through next Monday.  Collection centers across the Faith Radio broadcast area will be offering curbside pickup of your shoeboxes.  And, Operation Christmas Child offers the opportunity to "build" your own box online.  You can go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ to learn more.  

Who would have thought?  It was certainly a novel idea that God has taken and multiplied. It reminds me of a little boy who brought five loaves and two fish to Jesus. He took that small offering and used it to feed thousands.  We can remember the He is able to take what we offer Him and multiply it.

We all need reminders of His faithfulness.  That's especially important during this unusual time in human history. These shoebox gifts come to children, many of them in seemingly hopeless situations, and remind them of a loving God who gave of Himself by giving His Son to die for them.  I've seen the excitement of an Operation Christmas Child distribution, and it's really a challenge to each of us to be enthusiastic of what God has done for us. 

316

In the pages of the Bible, we find stories of reluctant servants - Moses comes to mind; when God called him, he made an excuse; said he could not speak well. In Jeremiah 1, we see the future prophet's resistance to God's call:
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
6 Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."
7 But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.

God has given each of us raw material in order that we might bring praise to His name - but we have to recognize it and use it, activated by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It's part of our mission here on earth. But, as humans, we can find ways to resist - we may have problems coming to grips with the fact that, yes, God can use us. We may find that the enemy has stolen our motivation or confidence. But, God has given us the stuff so that He can bear fruit through us.  

+++++

We can search our hearts and determine what we can offer to God for His glory - you were created to honor and reflect Him. 1st Peter 4 says:
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We cannot deny the power of entertainment media to not only, well, entertain, but also to influence our thinking.  And, an article at The Christian Post about a Hollywood actor caught my attention recently. She has formed a company called, Threesixteen Productions. And, yes, that is a reference to the familiar Scripture verse, John 3:16.

The article says that Letitia Wright, who played the role of King T'Challa's tech-savvy sister in the film, Black Panther, told Porter magazine: “It was a name that was pressed on my heart. When I was in a dark place, God reached out to me and I kind of see my production company in that sense: there’s an issue and it needs a little bit of saving..." The article notes that the company's purpose, stated on its website, is to "produce 'meaningful content within the entertainment industry.'"

The Post notes that:

Wright has made it known in the mainstream media that it’s her faith in Jesus that keeps her focused.

"I'm centered in who I am and I'm really grateful. I'm not perfect," she stated. "Especially as a Christian, you're not perfect. But you're walking every day and trying to just stay connected and yeah it's helped me a lot so I'm really grateful."

The star previously opened up to The Hollywood Reporter and explained that a trip to a Bible study helped her out of the “very dark place,” which is why she is so solid in her Christianity today and chooses her roles through that lens.

The article relates that Wright is still grieving the death of Chadwick Boseman, who played the title role in Black Panther; it says:

After Boseman's death, she honored her costar with a moving spoken-word piece on Instagram where she revealed what God shared with her about the late actor.

"I'll never forget the day that I met you, before I got on the plane to L.A. for my first meeting with you, God told me that you were my brother and that I am to love you as such. And I always did, and I always will," Wright said of Boseman.

Now, I don't know how the establishment of this company translates into "meaningful" content, but it is refreshing to see someone who claims the name of Christ being outspoken about her faith.  

Her story is reminiscent of the desire of Birmingham's Jon and Andy Erwin to make a strong impact, working within the film industry, to tell stories that are consistent with a Christian worldview.  That has certainly been seen in their films, including Woodlawn, I Can Only Imagine, and this year's GMA Dove Award-winning film, I Still Believe.  A biopic called, Jesus Revolution, about the incredible life and faith story of Greg Laurie, is in the works, and The Oklahoman website has just announced a new project - about the new projected movie, The Unbreakable Boy, the article says:

According to the casting notice, "The Unbreakable Boy" centers on a teenager with autism who also has a rare brittle bone disease.

Described as "told in the charmingly unpredictable voice" of the teen, the film is billed as "a funny and inspiring true story of a young couple stumbling through parenthood, who find constant inspiration from the joy and optimism of their spectacularly unique son."

It goes on to say:

It will be based on the true story of Iowan Austin LeRette, whose father, Scott, candidly chronicled his son's life, struggles and faith in God in the book "The Unbreakable Boy," co-written with New York Times best-selling author Susy Flory.

The article also reports that the company will produce a biopic called, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story, as well. 

Yesterday, I featured conversations with individuals who are using their God-given forms of artistic expression to glorify Him.  We can all examine our own gifts and talents and ask God to show us how we can use them for His glory.  The point isn't to make us famous, but to make Him famous. There may be an interest that we have, something that we like to do or were even born to do, that God has instilled within us so that we might bring honor to Him.  By His Spirit, He can use us for His purposes.

We also recognize that stories are all around us.  Stories with meaning.  Stories that illustrate truth.  We each have a story that God has worked through us, and by reflecting on it and telling it, we have the chance to make a bold statement for Christ. And, we can surround ourselves with inspiring stories that build us up - we certainly need the encouragement.

Crunching the Faith Numbers

We are all called into the body of Christ, with Jesus Himself at the head. If we are keeping focused on 
Him and following His commands, it brings us together in true unity. Ephesians 4 states:
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We have opportunities day by day to disagree - social media is a great example, in many instances, of how to disagree in the wrong way. But, we are called as believers to set a higher standard.  The enemy, through deception and distraction, gets us focused on the wrong things sometimes, and we have to guard against those threats that would weaken our ability to carry out the mission of the gospel. If we are living in love, we can communicate effectively in the power of the Spirit.

+++++

There is a direct relationship between peace in the body of Christ and adherence to the Scriptures, and we can look to the Bible to help bring us together as a powerful force in our culture.  In adjacent verses 
in Colossians 3, we can see a connection between peace and truth:
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
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. 

We can continue to contend for unity based on the truth of the Scripture.  We can find a common purpose in Christ.

The exit poll data has begun to come in, and it appears that generally speaking, President Trump held his percentage with white evangelical voters. Interestingly enough, news outlets are telling a different story.

ReligionNews.com declared that: 

Exit polls conducted with voters by Edison Research for the National Election Pool and by AP VoteCast show that white evangelicals and Catholics changed their minds very little from 2016.

Support for Trump among white evangelicals remained constant (82%), according to VoteCast, but somewhat lower in the NEP exit poll (76%) — in keeping with 2016 results.

The story added that, "Likewise, Catholics, who evenly split their vote in 2016, were also split between Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden this year...Trump got 47% of the overall Catholic vote this time, according to the NEP, and 50%, according to VoteCast."

If there was a decline, the decline in the religious vote may have been enough to lessen the President's impact in the so-called Rust Belt states, according to Politico, which reported:

Between 47 percent and 50 percent of Catholic voters supported Trump — a small decline from 2016, but enough to cost him the Rust Belt states that mattered most to his path to victory. Nationally, the president carried white Catholics by a 15-point margin, according to AP/VoteCast data, marking a significant decline from his 33-point margin of victory over Hillary Clinton four years ago.

Trump’s slippage with white evangelicals was less pronounced — surveys showed him carrying 76 percent to 78 percent of the white, born-again Christian vote — a slight decrease from 2016, when he won support from about 8 in 10 white evangelicals. But it had far-reaching implications for the president in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia, where current vote totals show him losing by less than 1 percent.

While one could charge Hillary Clinton with ignoring evangelical voters, the former Vice-President's campaign actually embraced them. Josh Dickson, faith engagement director for the Biden campaign, stated, “In the Midwest, we saw gains that in a number of ways outpaced our margin of victory,” adding, “The reason we won in these key states is because of the coalition we built. I think the work we did to engage evangelicals and Catholics undoubtedly helped us get there.”

Politico quotes Michael Wear, described as a former faith adviser in the Obama administration. “To be clear, if Biden would have performed as poorly as Clinton did four years ago among white evangelicals, he would have lost Georgia and this election.”  Wear is a leader in a organization called the AND Campaign and has been a speaker for the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

But, the organization My Faith Votes tells a bit of a different story. On its website, it declares that, "Evangelical voter turnout increased by 20% outpacing even the overall voter increase of 15%."  Reporting that Trump took 81% of the white evangelical votes, compared to 14% for Biden, it states: "Biden not only received a lower number of the evangelical voter turnout compared to Trump, he received the lowest share of the evangelical vote ever recorded for a major presidential candidate. Christians overwhelmingly rejected Biden and Harris’s policies of late-term abortion, redefining marriage and gender, and diminishing religious freedom in the name of 'equality.'”  But, I think you still have to consider the significance of those 5% of white evangelicals who voted for "none of the above."  That certainly could have made a difference in a close election.  

So, these stories show us the breakdown of how Christians may have voted, but a Pew survey tells us there are fewer voters who identify as believers, according to The Christian Post, which states:

The share of registered voters in the United States who say they are Christian has declined by about 15% since 2008 while the number of religiously unaffiliated voters has nearly doubled, Pew Research Center data suggests.

Pew drew the data from a balanced survey of over 360,000 registered voters surveyed over a 25-year span that include over 12,000 voters questioned in 2018 and 2019.

The data indicates that 64% of all registered voters surveyed in 2019 self-identified as Christian. That figure is down from 79% of registered voters surveyed in 2008 who identified themselves as followers of Christ.

So, what do we do with this information?  First of all, we need to continue to be involved in the process.  This was a watershed election in the eyes of many, and while the result is still being disputed and litigated, we can continue to pray and stand.  Even a Trump victory will not mitigate threats to our religious freedom and the attempted advancement of a radical social agenda that conflicts with Scriptural principles.  Our trust has to continue ultimately to be in the Lord - we don't look to politicians to save us, but we certainly know that God will use them to serve His purpose, and He calls us to pray and to speak truth.

We also have to recapture a definition about true unity in the Church.  In the political realm, it has been contended that politicians calling for "unity" really mean that they demand that those who disagree get on board so that they can implement their agenda.  In the spiritual realm, our unity should always be centered on truth, based on the Scriptures.  There will be elements over which we disagree, yet, we can strive to unite for the common goal of glorifying Christ and carrying out His mission to proclaim the gospel.  

Fighting

 

There is a verse in the book of 1st Peter that can speak powerfully to us as we honor those who serve in our military, who are involved in the work of our government, which Romans 13 tells us is ordained of God. Verse 17 states, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."

Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served, many throughout the years having laid down their lives, a visible reminder of what it means to sacrifice one's life. I don't believe we are called to take such service for granted, and we are called to show honor to "all people," and then the verse tells us to "honor the king."  We can be thankful for the people whom God has placed in authority and recognize faithful service.  

+++++

Romans 13 speaks to us about authority, and we are reminded of the holy calling that God has given to those who serve in that capacity.  Our military is part of that authority structure.  Verses 3 and 4 of that 
chapter in Romans say:
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

On this Veterans Day, we can remember those who have been willing to give their lives for the sake of our country.  It was gratifying to me to see the large crowds that came out, in the midst of a pandemic that has been attributed with the loss of hundreds of thousands of Americans, to exercise a right - the right to vote, that has been earned, preserved, and defended by those who have served in our Armed Forces.  And, even though results are being challenged, we can continue to uphold the ideals of a democratic republic.  As Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries wrote recently for The Stream: "During this critical time in our nation it should be churches and people of faith who stand firm, not for our preferred candidate, but for justice and the rule of law to be upheld in our communities and in our electoral process."

In response, Myers, who is a scheduled guest on The Meeting House soon, encouraged Christians to do the following:

First and foremost, pray and fast to beseech God to intervene and restore justice in our land. Then, take action by studying the issue of election integrity at a website and contacting your state’s election officials to ensure that your vote was counted. If your state is one where corruption is suspected, ask God for wisdom in how to hold your elected officials accountable.

Tricia Goyer tells the story of a World War II veteran, LeRoy "Pete" Peterson, in her book, Stories from a Soldiers Heart. An excerpt that ran last year on the Crosswalk.com website included the story of this medic who found himself, as well as a Major serving with him, under fire from the Germans.  She tells the story in his voice:

I knew I had little protection and figured I was a goner since the Germans were firing from my side. Then, something amazing happened. As I lay there, I felt someone pushing on my back, pushing me deeper into the ground and telling me to get down.

Rounds three, four, and five landed on the jeep. There was nothing left. But as I lay in that ditch I had a sensation of protection, one I’ll never forget. When it was over, blood dripped from my nose and ears. The Major was okay, but I had concussion problems from the shells that shook the ground. It took five days of rest before I could resume my duties. And even though I looked fine on the outside, something had changed within.

I’d been a Christian since I was a small child, but I had even greater faith after feeling the protection of the Lord pressing upon me. I’m still a strong Christian today because of that experience. Many people can deny the fact that God exists, but not me. I’ve felt His hand... and heard His whisper in the midst of war.

First of all, we recognize those who have faithfully served our country on this Veterans Day.  They have contributed to obtaining and preserving the freedoms we enjoy today.  

Peterson is quoted as saying that he heard God's whisper in the midst of war. So, what are the wars you are facing today?  While the wars rage externally, or internally, we can lose a sense of knowing the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Absorbing and applying God's Word can help restore a sense of peace and security, and we can be reminded that we are more than conquerors, as Romans 8 says, through Christ.

Veterans Day is certainly a time to remember.  We can remember incredible service and sacrifice and can reflect on the strong constitutional foundations of our nation.  We can also, as believers, rejoice in our foundation in Christ and in how we have seen God's hand in our lives.  And, we can think about the notion of sacrifices - those made by who serve in our military, and ultimate sacrifice made for humanity, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Upon This Rock

The Bible speaks about building our lives on a strong foundation, a foundation that is centered on the truth of the Scriptures and person of Christ.  What flows from that foundation is addressed in 1st 
Corinthians 3:
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; 
and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

We can consider whether or not we have built and are building our lives on that firm foundation.  If we have professed faith in Christ yet continue to be reliant on the world's systems and ideologies to govern our mindset and behavior, then we are not exhibiting the consistency that God would want for us. In a shifting culture, where the attempt is to adapt our practice of Christianity to the ways of the world, we have to remain tightly tethered to the ways and words of our Savior.

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In Matthew 16, we find that Jesus had traveled with His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, and asked them who people had said He was - the answer: perhaps John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or some other 
prophet. But, Jesus honed in on the truth; on a central principle that unites us as believers; we can read:
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Hundreds of years after this declaration, according to a recent report, there may have been people who responded by building a literal church.  That's the word from a Christian Post article, which says:

The Times of Israel reports that the church might have been built in the area once known as Caesarea Philippi to commemorate the events recorded in Matthew 16.

Ruins of what is believed to have been a church building were recently found in Northern Israel "at the foot of a waterfall in the Banias Nature Reserve."

The Post relates:

University of Haifa Professor Adi Erlich, who announced the find in a Hebrew language video, noted that the area was also the site of an earlier temple to the pagan god Pan.

Erlich described the site to Haaretz as having “a continuity of holiness,” which involved “converting a site” from “one religion into one of another religion.”

He noted that, based on history, "When Christianity rose to power, they didn’t look for a new site, they converted a pagan site into a Christian site."  The Christian Post also says that, "Among the ruins was a large stone that had several small crosses etched into it, most likely from Christian pilgrims to the site who wanted to note that they had been to the church."

This discovery came through archaeology, through the study of what was left behind. They found that a church was likely built on the site where Jesus declared, "I will build My church."  We can consider what we are leaving behind...the Bible tells us to strengthen what remains, and relates to us about the importance of building on a strong foundation. 

So, what is that foundation? Let's look at the Scripture. What was the truth that "flesh and blood" had not revealed to Peter? "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  That's it!  The Son of God, who would die and rise from the dead, would build an everlasting Church on that foundation, on the foundation of His triumph over sin and death.  And, our lives are built on "the rock," His firm foundation.  Not altered by shifting cultural trends, social upheaval, political changes, or even a worldwide virus.

In the midst of a world that is characterized by shift and instability, there are certain principles for the believer in Christ that are unchanged.  For one thing, our mission is unchanged - and by holding on to that mission, we can prevent the work of the Church in our communities from becoming a relic.  The Church will last forever, because Jesus will not abandon His Church; but, we have to remain connected to its work.  The Church will live because Jesus is alive. 

Holding on to Life

The Bible is clear about thoughts, intents, and actions that are not pleasing to God, and we have to
make sure that we are upholding His principles. Proverbs chapter 6 says:
16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

The Bible is an incredible measuring stick by which we compare ourselves.  We have to make sure that we are walking in honesty and integrity, devoted to upholding the truth.  We are also, as verse 17 says, called to not "shed innocent blood."  That can certainly apply to how we regard the most vulnerable among us, which most certainly refers to the unborn.  We have to make sure that our hearts are pure and our motives are in line with God's intentions for us.

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We submit to a Creator God, who has made us in His image and has formed us according to His
sovereign plan - Psalm 139 lays it out so beautifully:

13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

For those that say that the Scripture does not address abortion, this is a text that declares otherwise.  We are a creation of God, and the Bible says that we are not to take the life of His creation: "Thou shalt not kill!"

British efforts to allow, and in some reported cases, pressure pregnant women to have abortions of Down syndrome children are being stood against, according to a recent article at The Christian Institute website from the U.K., which says:

In the UK, abortion is permitted up to 24 weeks for most reasons but is available up to birth for children deemed to have a ‘severely life-limiting condition’ – including Down’s syndrome.

 The article says that one mother...

...said she was pressured to abort her daughter 15 times and was told at 38 weeks pregnant that she could change her mind right up until being induced.

Emma Mellor explained that “even though we made it really clear that it wasn’t an option for us” they “really seemed to push and really seemed to want us to terminate”.

Another mother says that she was pressured by a sonographer who was performing an ultrasound, and says, "The support was only there if I chose to have an abortion..."

But the good news is that a challenge to the law has been allowed.  The Christian Institute reports:

Earlier this month, a woman with Down’s syndrome was granted permission to challenge the current law on abortion at the High Court.

Heidi Crowter and fellow campaigner Máire Lea-Wilson said the law discriminates against unborn babies with the condition.

Nicola Enoch was also quoted in the article, as well as a piece on The Christian Post website, which says:

The U.K.'s government-funded NHS uses prenatal testing to find out whether a baby has Down syndrome, said Enoch. Then, it frames the baby as a disaster for the mother.

“It’s the subliminal messages that we don’t even realize. The tone of the conversation,” she said. “That tone of ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘this baby is to be avoided.’”

Research conducted by Positive about Down syndrome showed that upon receiving news from the NHS that their baby had Down syndrome, 69% of pregnant women were immediately offered an abortion. If they said no, NHS officials would ask them again. And again. One woman was asked 15 times, the BBC reported.

It is concerning when government promotes abortion, and Christians across America have taken a stand against that practice.  The availability of abortion during the entire pregnancy, taxpayer funding of abortion, and refusal to allow babies who survive abortion to receive proper medical care are all trends that have continued to influence American elections. But, state legislatures are continuing to pass pro-life bills that protect life at various stages and will likely be able to do more if and when Roe v. Wade is overturned.  No matter what the final outcome will be in the Presidential election, believers can continue to pray, stand, and be involved in speaking up for the unborn. 

We recognize that a disability should never be a valid reason for an abortion. The Joni and Friends Public Policy Center states...

...while data on the United States is limited, the most recent study estimates abortion rates following prenatal diagnoses have resulted in reducing the overall population of persons with Down syndrome by 30%. As usage of prenatal screening increases, research predicts termination rates will also increase as demonstrated by more reliable studies in the European context, which have consistently indicated an approximately 90-92% termination rate for preborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome.

It mentions a report from three years ago from Iceland that it had almost "eradicated" Down syndrome by "prenatal testing and abortion."  The policy brief goes on to say...

...when we intentionally end the life of a preborn child—with or without a disabling condition—we claim a right that is not ours to assume. Moreover, from a Christian perspective “weakness” and “suffering” are not things to be avoided at all costs. Instead, our own weaknesses often provide the greatest opportunity for God’s strength and power to be manifested, thereby bringing glory to him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This is just one of the ways in which God redeems the suffering and difficulties we face in life—including the challenges associated with having a disability.

This is the essence of why so many Christians do not believe they should vote for pro-abortion politicians - instead of "playing God," they should be interested in submitting to God, the one who is the author of life. 

Peace in Purpose

The Bible reinforces the notion that we are known by God, and that He desires for us to come to know 
Him and reflect His glory. There is a passage in 2nd Timothy 1 that begins with a rather familiar verse:
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began...

Knowing that we belong to Christ can bring a sense of peace, recognizing that He lives in our hearts and that He desires to work to bring us more in conformity to His will.  He has called us into a relationship with Himself, and He offers, according to Philippians chapter 4, a peace that passes all understanding - the result of a deep trust in Him to hear and answer our prayers.  Our confidence in the Lord flows from our deep commitment to know and obey Him.

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In Psalm 138, we find a reminder of God's hand on our lives, working in us so that we might know His peace and fulfill His purpose for us. We can read this:
6 Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Well, certainly, there has been an incredible amount of attention placed on the yet-to-be-decided election, and the weekend's coming.  It will be a wonderful time for Christians to attend our house of worship and perhaps refocus on what God says is truly most important in our lives, and that is our relationship with Him.

And, there will be opportunities to view sporting activities, as well. I'm not sure how to prove this, but the escape of sports was missing during those few months at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, which was probably not good for the American psyche. And, when major league sports did return, there were reports of lower ratings, which some have attributed to the mix of sports and politics that was present.  If people view sports as a source of "escape," reminders of tension and conflict in the world perhaps did not set well with fans.

Major League Baseball played an abbreviated schedule throughout the summer in empty stadiums, and the bulk of its playoff slate was in empty stadiums.  Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series - Movieguide published some recent stories of faith elements present during the October Classic.

One story featured the manager of the Dodgers, Dave Roberts.  The story relates that Roberts, in his fifth season, led the Dodgers to their first World Series title since 1988.  The article says:

Before the start of the 2019 season, Roberts sat down with Scott Rae, a professor with the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, in Los Angeles, to discuss his faith in God.

“My faith has impacted the clubhouse because I live my life a certain way,” Roberts told Rae, the “Think Biblically” host. “There’s no question that I’m a believer. I can quite honestly say I live that the way I should, and I’m bold about that. But I am respectful of the profession and the job that guys have to do. So there’s a couple layers: number one, people knowing who I am inside and out, and I am consistent with that, and being open to listening and leading and trying to do things the right way. I think that people see Christ through me, and that’s sort of what we want to create in the clubhouse.”

Roberts related how his relationship with Christ affects his state of mind: "...at the end of the day, I feel that if I live my life and prepare the way and compete the way that Christ wants me to compete, I’ll live with any result.”  He elaborated by saying: "I do feel that I’m here for a greater purpose, and I do have a platform to share my faith and to make the men around me better people and see Christ in me. If their time comes that they get to know the Lord, great. I do have a job to do, and that’s that I work for the Dodgers. But I think that it gives me a really good peace where I have anxiety or stress, frustration, and I put it on God. I really do.”

The story also focused on Dodger great Clayton Kershaw, who has been known for His Christian faith and charitable work.

In the other dugout, a young man was making headlines by his post-season performance.  According to another Movieguide article, the Rays' Randy Arozarena, who broke Barry Bonds' rookie postseason home run record and Derek Jeter's postseason rookie hit record, made a strong statement in his second year, after starting the year with COVID-19.  Like Roberts, Arozarena has stated that he believes that God has a purpose for him.  The article relates:

Arozarena is candid about his faith on social media.

After the Rays’ win against the Yankees, clinching the team’s berth in the ALCS, Arozarena posted an image on Instagram with a caption that read, “God is great,” translated from Spanish.

Arozarena has captions on Instagram like, “If God has me here, it’s for a purpose,” and, “God makes everything possible.”

Arozarena also mentioned the peace of God activated in his life, relating that after joining the Rays from St. Louis: “Ever since I got traded over, it has been a very close-knit, family-like environment, and I felt very comfortable,” adding, “As far as the baseball side of things, I just let it be in God’s hands. I feel very relaxed.” The article reports that a movie is in the works about Randy's life.

Two men - one who has ended his playing career and who is in a managerial season now, and the other who is apparently just getting started - have both been speaking out about their faith.  When there is so much in this world to be anxious or disturbed about - COVID, the economy, tension in human relationships, and the election - we can continue to look for inspiring stories, and these instances from the world of sports can certainly motivate us to draw near to Christ and to prioritize our relationship with Him.  They both can also remind us to seek to walk in God's peace.

As Roberts and Arozarena remind us, God has a purpose for each of us. We are here because He wants us to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and then, by His power, testify to the work of God in us. Our lives in Christ can transcend the turmoil and trial of the world, and our faith enables us to live an overcoming life.