We Need a Living Faith

 

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

 - Deuteronomy 15:11

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. 

- Proverbs 19:17

In a recent Christianity Today article, writer Anthony Baxter related that:

“Churches across the UK are being asked to open their doors this winter as a place of warmth and support for people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Food and energy price rises have sent household bills soaring, leaving many people worried about how they will get through the winter and facing the prospect of choosing between heating or eating. Last month Citizens' Advice forecast that 1 in 4 people will not be able to afford their new energy bills despite the recently announced price cap. Responding to the crisis, the ChurchWorks Commission has launched a new initiative asking churches and community centres to open up as a place of warmth and welcome during the winter months. The 'Warm Welcome' campaign has the support of former prime minister Gordon Brown and 1,000 churches have already signed up.

Mr Brown said, "This crisis goes far beyond politics; this is a moral issue - our responsibilities to our neighbours and in particular to those who have the least and whose needs are the greatest.”

Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham (Church of England) and Chair of the ChurchWorks Commission said, "Over the last few years, we have seen inspiring and meaningful action from churches across the UK stepping up to help those most vulnerable. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Church responded quickly and creatively. Now, during another national crisis, churches and community centres need to once again step up by being places of warm welcome in their localities. As bills increase, even with government support, millions will be affected and unable to afford basics. Churches and community groups are perfectly positioned to help those who need a place of warmth and welcome, but if we are truly going to make an impact on a national level, we need hundreds of groups to pledge their space."

Churches to give a warm welcome this winter as energy prices soar (christiantoday.com)

Now, we know this article is concentrated on the UK. “Why, that’s on the other side of the pond!” you might say. But…

According to recent reports, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) estimates the average American family may pay up to $1,200 more this winter to heat their home…which is notable considering most families are already feeling financially strapped.

What’s more, the 40% of U.S. families that use natural gas to heat their homes could see their winter heating costs increase by 30%, according to NEADA.

Yeah, we are all going to have a tough winter. But, for some, it could be economically catastrophic. It’s why we should remember the words, And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased - Hebrews 13:16.

We all need to be there for one another. We need others to be there for us.

After all, today may be a good day. There may be money in the bank. Electricity in the house. Food in the refrigerator. Health in the home. Your team winning. Happiness in the heart.

But, tomorrow? Well, we don’t know about tomorrow. Neither do you. Therefore, we must remember to care for one another…to love one another. After all, Jesus said, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” - Luke 6:38.

That’s good news. I care for you. You care for me. We care for one another. It’s Christian.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. - James 2:14-17

In our lives, Missy and I have seen a lot of Christians not act like Christ. Likewise, we’ve seen a lot of non-Christ followers act like Christ. Things that make you go, “Hmmm.”

This winter - let’s open our hearts and yes our churches to those in need. We know what is coming. We know how to help. But, knowing and doing are two different things. Knowing what Jesus said and doing what Jesus said? Yeah, there’s a difference.

So, it’s going to get cold. What can we (followers of Jesus) do about it?
    1.) Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as God speaks to you and directs your path.
    2.) Listen to others. Look at others. You will know if they need help.
    3.) If you need help, crush pride and reach out - give someone else the opportunity to care and love you.
    4.) Don’t say, “I’ll be praying about that.” Do something about that.
    5.) Encourage your religious leaders to create opportunities for the entire fellowship to do something about the physical needs of those in your community.
    6.) Don’t play the blame game for others unfortunate circumstances. You wouldn’t want people blaming you for something that is beyond your control either.

You say you love Jesus? “Go, and do likewise.” Sisters and brothers, the world needs our living faith.

Just Who is Your Teacher?

August 9, 2022

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. - John 16:19-24 (NLT)

A friend once asked Isidor I. Rabi, a Nobel prize winner in science, how he became a scientist. Rabi replied that every day after school his mother would talk to him about his school day. She wasn't so much interested in what he had learned that day, but she always inquired, "Did you ask a good question today?"

"Asking good questions," Rabi said, "made me become a scientist."

Asking good questions should help us become better followers of Jesus.

It has been said, and rightly so, that there are no dumb questions…only questions we stupidly neglected to ask!

A disciple/student of Jesus should have lots of questions. As a matter of fact, one might argue that the person with the least amount of questions has not opened the Bible.

Questions allow us time to think, consider, unlearn, learn, remember, and apply. Asking questions should be a normal part of the life of every believer.

Recently, a new friend recommended to Missy and I the book, The 5Q Method of Discipleship, by Matt Friedeman. We haven’t thoroughly mined through it yet but we wanted to share with you the five questions the author suggests “will change your life.”

Question 1: Scripture
    Read a passage of Scripture, asking the Lord: “What do You want to say to us through Your Word?”

Question 2: Adoration
    From the passage, how can we praise God?

Question 3: Change
    From this Scripture, what does the Lord want us to do/change?

Question 4: Testimony and Thanks
    From the theme (or one of the themes/words/precepts) of the passage, how can we testify and give        thanks for how the Lord has helped us or given us an example of the theme in His Body?

Question 5: Supplication
    How can I pray for a member of this group from our text for the day?

Well, as you may have well figured out, this is some pretty intensive discipleship. It is decidedly for the one who truly wants to be a student of the Master - Jesus of Nazareth.

It’s not for the casual Christian. It’s not for the carnal Christian. It’s not for the cheap-grace Christian. This is for those who truly want to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn.

It is for those who are not afraid to ask questions…and find answers.

The world is being discipled by news agencies, political parties, social media, and group think. The world’s discipleship programs aim at dividing, squashing original thought, destroying culture, blasting tradition, and conquering hope.

Following a discipleship plan - based on the words and thoughts of God - strives only to unite, mature the mind, and create a loving and serving culture. It reminds us of our foundations that have stood the test of time and breathes hope to the hopeless, mercy to the hurting, and healing to the broken.

The only question left to ask is: when will you start asking the right questions?

Well, we’ve listed five of them for you! (Thanks to Hal Perkins and Matt Friedeman!)

Now, grab your bible (or click on that app).

Open to John 3:16-17.

Ask the questions.

And let’s get together soon to see what God is revealing to us; what God is calling us to do in response; what God is seeking to change in us; how God can use what we learn in our lives and the lives of those we love; and let us rejoice in the fact that the “mysteries of God” have been revealed to his children and for that we are grateful!

Help! The Gift of Learning to Lean...on Others

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 

(Proverbs 15:14)

Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.

(Proverbs 15:22)

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 

(Proverbs 18:15)

Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words. 

(Proverbs 23:9)

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. 

(Proverbs 23:12)

There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. (Proverbs 20:15)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Most people hate to ask others for help. Rather than seeking a “helping hand” they have that “I can do it on my own” mentality. Sure, YouTube can help us repair our cars, dryers, and computers. Shoot, you can even learn how to build a house out of pallets!

But, there are some things in life that you just can’t YouTube. Some problems, some situations are just beyond help from a video.

Yet, we still remain stubborn and refuse to ask for help. Maybe we don’t want to feel like a burden…maybe we are a bit too prideful…maybe we are embarrassed…maybe we just like being in control of everything all the time…or maybe we hate anything that feels like a hand out.

Well, we are here to say that there is nothing wrong with asking for or seeking help. In fact, Scripture encourages it. In truth - Christians must ask God for help daily or we will not get very far in life while trying to live off of our own strength or wisdom.

We are such a prideful and arrogant bunch…and remember, “Pride comes before the fall…”

In any situation you find yourself, God wants you to ask for help. The church has far too long spread the lies that, “This is your cross to bear,” or “You just gotta have faith and it will all work out.” We are not meant to go through life alone, without one another, without help. Why do you think in Genesis, God says, “It is not right that a man should be alone…?” Hmmmm.

Believing that we can do everything by ourselves without any help ultimately leads to failure. Trusting in the Lord God is the only solution we should ever seek. As it says in Proverbs 3:5&6 - “Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and do not lean unto your own understanding - in all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Trust in the Lord.

Sometimes God helps us by doing things Himself (miracle) and sometimes God helps us through other people (still a miracle). None of us must never be fearful of asking for help - from God or from one another.

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak - even though we usually do not ask for help until we finally figure out we cannot do whatever it is we need done on our own! Actually, seeking help from God and from others proves you are strong and wise.

Being proud is a sin - and an act of pure rebellion against our Creator - and it is why many people fail to ask for help even when they so desperately need it. My, oh my, how the enemy must love it when we try to do everything on our own.

Why are we writing about this? Yesterday, Missy and I were outside. Our dogs were sniffing around and I noticed one of them stopping under a tree. I went over to inspect whatever it was he was focused on.

It was a baby bird. Helpless. Laying on the ground. Its nest a good ten feet above its head.

Momma bird was screeching at the top of her lungs. Daddy bird was swirling everywhere. They were both helpless as well.

We went and got the ladder, gently picked up the helpless little fellow, climbed up the ladder to the nest and, with both bird parents going berserk, placed it back with its siblings.

After another thirty minutes or so of Momma bird screaming and Daddy bird flying circles they finally settled down. Next thing we noticed was Momma bird getting food and taking it back to the nest while Daddy bird sat on the fence. All was well in the Mulberry tree once again.

All they needed was a little help.

Don’t we all?

William Shultz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip tells this story. “People need people. Our daughter Laurie was about three when one night she requested my aid in getting undressed. I was downstairs and she was upstairs, and ... well. ‘You know how to undress yourself,’ I reminded her. ‘Yes,’ she explained, 'but sometimes people need people anyway, even if they do know how to do things by themselves." (Bits & Pieces, December 1990).

People need people. People need God. Learn to ask for help from both.

We are so great at giving help we forget that when we do not ask for help from others we are denying them that same great feeling we receive when we help others. True, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” but it sure feels good when we are drowning and someone throws us a life-line.

Ask for help. You will find it. And, you will be blest. By the way, if you need help with anything - we are here for you. And, we hope and pray, you are here for us…

Food! Glorious Food!

 

May 17, 2022

When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come!” Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere. When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of (measuring) scales in his hand. And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.”

Revelation 6:3-6 (NLT)

In his book, A Meal with Jesus, Tim Chester writes: “There are three ways the New Testament completes the sentence, “The Son of Man came . . .” “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45); “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10); “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking . . .” (Luke 7:34).

The first two are statements of purpose. Why did Jesus come? He came to serve, to give his life as a ransom, to seek and save the lost. The third is a statement of method. How did Jesus come? He came eating and drinking…

The Jews of Jesus’s day would have said the Son of Man would come to vindicate the righteous and defeat God’s enemies. They didn’t expect him to come to seek and save the lost. And they would have said the Son of Man would come in glory and power. They would never have said he would come eating and drinking.

And Luke is not talking about just subsistence eating and drinking. Jesus says: “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (7:34)...Jesus was seriously into eating and drinking—so much so that his enemies accused him of doing it to excess… Jesus spent his time eating and drinking—a lot of his time…His mission strategy was a long meal, stretching into the evening. He did evangelism and discipleship around a table with some grilled fish, a loaf of bread, and a pitcher of wine.” 

Count us in for that kind of evangelism!

Luke’s Gospel is full of stories of Jesus eating with people:

• In Luke 5 Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners at the home of Levi.

• In Luke 7 Jesus is anointed at the home of Simon the Pharisee during a meal.

• In Luke 9 Jesus feeds the five thousand.

• In Luke 10 Jesus eats in the home of Martha and Mary.

• In Luke 11 Jesus condemns the Pharisees and teachers of the law at a meal.

• In Luke 14 Jesus is at a meal when he urges people to invite the poor to their meals rather than their friends.

• In Luke 19 Jesus invites himself to dinner with Zacchaeus.

• In Luke 22 we have the account of the Last Supper.

• In Luke 24 the risen Christ has a meal with the two disciples in Emmaus, and then later eats fish with the disciples in Jerusalem.

Robert Karris concludes: “In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” Never considered that before but it is true!

So, why the talk about food? Why spend time discussing Jesus’ dietary proclivities? As we write this newsletter there is every strong indication that we are on the verge of a food shortage. Never mind that people don’t have enough money to purchase food…now we are headed to a possible food shortage.

In addition to that: the amount of available diesel fuel is quickly disappearing which in turn keeps truckers from delivering food to local stores. The pandemic has already exacerbated food issues in communities across the world. Compound the cost of food going through the proverbial roof while all of our income stays the same - that equals a loss for us all. So, does the Bible have anything to say about all of this?

If you consider the context of the first century A.D. where we find the Revelation of Jesus Christ - John clearly predicted a very dramatic increase in the price of food. Specifically, wheat.

A person reading what we find in Revelation 6:5-6 in the first century A.D. would have read that a denarius would buy only enough wheat to make 1.5 - 1 lbs loaves of bread instead of their normal 25 loaves of bread. This would represent between a 1333%-1667% increase in price. That catastrophic rise in the price of wheat John describes indicated a great food shortage will come. 

Food prices rarely rise this much without a major supply shortage. And that, our friends, is exactly where we find ourselves. So, what to do? 

Purchase foods you only need. Maybe even plan out your weekly meals so you will be sure to eat what you buy and not let any of it go bad. If you have some extra food - and, we are not talking about that ten year old can of salmon - give some to someone else. If you are in need of food - reach out to someone in the church…now. We cannot emphasize this enough - do not go hungry because you have “Pride.” Pride is of Satan and his dominion. Asking for help - that is what followers of Jesus do. If you are not growing your own food - pick up a few small items and begin! It’s easy! And, if you need a little help there is always YouTube or just ask Missy! 

As we write this, we can tell you we planted 45 tomato plants this year. Okay, quit laughing. There are different reasons for that (salsa is number one) but we also love to share what God blesses us with. Just as you share with those around you. Plus, tomatoes for lunch during the summer are simply hard to beat… 

So, are we in the midst of difficult times? Yes. Will there be more hard moments ahead of us? Yes, Do any of us know what tomorrow will bring? No. Do we need to be scared? No. We cannot say what John saw in his vision on the Island of Patmos is what is occurring today - as a matter of fact, we are 100% sure it isn’t. What it does show, however, is that God’s word speaks to every aspect of every life. Even about food. 

Food is vital to all of our lives. Without it, well, you cannot exist. We need to make certain we are there for each other in the days ahead. After all, if food and fellowship were important to the One Who has told us to follow Him, then it should be important to us too. 

In the 1960’s Lionel Bart wrote the song “Food, Glorious Food!” for the Broadway musical Oliver! It is sung when the workhouse boys are dreaming and fantasizing about food while going to collect their gruel from the staff of the workhouse. The words are as follows:

Food, glorious food, we're anxious to try it!

Three banquets a day - our favorite diet!

Just picture a great big steak - fried, roasted, or stewed.

Oh food! Magical food! Wonderful food! Marvelous food!

So, remember - eat well, share much, and enjoy time feasting together…