We're Not Okay and That's Alright

As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching. (Matthew 27:57-61 NLT)

The 27th chapter of Matthew is a rather depressing and sad chapter. Here is a brief synopsis:

Jesus’ death is planned out by the religious leaders
    Judas hangs himself
        An innocent man (Jesus) is put on trial
            The audience of the trial wants a guilty man set free
                An innocent man (Jesus) is found “guilty” and humiliated publicly
                    Jesus is crucified
                        As he is dying, Jesus is further ridiculed and verbally assaulted
                            Certain women could/would only watch from a distance
                                Jesus dies and is buried in a “borrowed” tomb
                                    Plans are made and kept to guard the tomb of someone dead

Ugh. Like we said, depressing.

Many Christians believe - some adamantly - that a follower of Jesus can never be depressed. After all, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Yet, pulling one verse out of context does not make one a biblical scholar.

Depression, sadness, hurt, anxiety, pain, stress…these are all found throughout the Holy Scriptures and afflicted even the stoutest of biblical saints.

One of Christianity’s greatest preachers, C.H. Spurgeon was frequently plunged into severe depression. Quite a bit of his mental crises were due in part to gout. In a biography of this "prince of preachers", Arnold Dallimore wrote, "What he suffered in those times of darkness we may not know...even his desperate calling on God brought no relief. Spurgeon himself once wrote: “There are dungeons beneath the castles of despair.”

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any lower…dungeons.

In all honesty - we’ve all been there. A loss of a loved one. Loss of a job. Destruction of a friendship. Frail health. Chronic pain. Addiction. Financial stress. Impatient demands of others. All of these, plus countless other things, can drive even the sweetest of saints to a moment of mental anguish and spiritual struggle.

Chuck Swindoll once wrote: “Many years ago a young Midwestern lawyer suffered from such deep depression that his friends thought it best to keep all knives and razors out of his reach. He questioned his life's calling and the prudence of even attempting to follow it through. During this time he wrote, ‘I am now the most miserable man living. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not.’ But somehow, from somewhere, Abraham Lincoln received the encouragement he needed, and the achievements of his life thoroughly vindicated his bout with discouragement. You and Your Problems Transformed by Thorns, p. 58.

Even the early followers of Jesus despaired. Matthew 27:61 - “Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.” Do you think they were waiting for his triumphant resurrection? No, more than likely, these two could only see and feel: “The One we believed in and followed is gone! Our Messiah is dead!”

We too, often become overwhelmed by life and its often relentless and choking grip…and in our limited thinking we say to ourselves: “Where is God? Why doesn’t he hear me? Why doesn’t he hear my prayers? Does God not care for me or my problems?”

Be honest - you know we’ve all done it. So, quit being ashamed of being human. After all, if you’re reading this, “Surprise! You’re human.” You are flesh. You are bone. You are blood. You are at times weak. At times you fail. This is what it means to live in a fallen world.

Instead, give thanks that God extends mercy and grace when we do fall. He gives us what we do not deserve and does not give us what we do deserve in those moments of despair.

In the midst of their pain and loss, God reached out to the two Marys. Even though it was at a tomb, guarded by the enemy, without joy and hope, God had not abandoned them. God had not left them to their own demise. God did not discard them because they were filled with sadness.

Rather God met them there. He brought forth the greatest moment of joy the world would ever know. He raised from the dead the One who could lead all the captives of sin and death to eternal and everlasting freedom. God brought to life the only One who can give us life.

Holy week is upon us. It is a tough week. Maybe you are encountering a tough time. Know this: it’s okay to fret. It’s alright to stress. It’s normal to get overwhelmed. It’s fine that you are not fine.

That is the reason for Christ Jesus.

Christ has come.
    Christ has died.
        Christ has been buried.
            Christ has been raised from the dead.
                Christ has ascended to the right hand of the Father.
                       Christ is coming again.

That’s good news brothers and sisters. We pray it brings a glimpse of hope to your burdened hearts and a smile of joy to your face. It’s okay to not be okay…because, in the end, it will all be okay.

Advent - A Season of Joy!

 

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. 

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.

For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:1-7 NLT)

Joy. What an incredibly powerful three letter word. In a world filled with four letter words - that often show a lack of creativity and happiness - joy is a word we should all endeavor to place in our hearts and vocabulary.

What makes you joyful?

For Missy it would be (in no particular order):
    1.) Sea turtles
    2.) Rocks
    3.) Mexican food
    4.) Sand between her toes
    5.) Warm, sunny days

    6.) Playing the piano
    7.) Board and card games with family and friends
    8.) The University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and Football

For Steve it would be (in no particular order):
    1.) TCU Football
    2.) World Cup Futbol (soccer to us Westerners)
    3.) Playing games with family and friends
    4.) Listening to Missy play the piano
    5.) Reading
    6.) Peppermint melts in my coffee
    7.) Teaching, preaching and writing
    

“These are a few of our favorite things…”

Now, you may notice one glaring omission from each of those lists. Perhaps you even wondered out loud - why didn’t they put God on those lists? Where is Jesus? Where is the church? “I thought they were Christians!?” Shouldn’t God be first on the lists?!?!

Actually, God is in every single one of those things that brings us joy. And, He is first.

You see it don’t you? God is the reason for every single thing we enjoy. Every single thing you enjoy. God is the Author of joy and He is writing your story even now - and joy is on every page.

Yes, joy even when we are feeling desperation. Joy when we are sad. Joy when we are frustrated. Joy when we are disappointed. Joy when we are doubtful. Joy when we grieve. Joy when we bid farewell to one another. Joy when our team loses.

As Paul told the church at Philippi - “Be joyful in the LORD always! Again, I say, be joyful!” (Philippians 4:4)

As Peter wrote to those who follow Jesus: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very joyful—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (I Peter 4:12&13)

Perhaps Theodore Baker understood as well as anyone when in the 16th century (we think) he penned these lines…

While by the sheep we watched at night, glad tidings brought an angel bright.

There shall be born, so He did say, in Bethlehem a Child today.

There shall the Child lie in a stall, this Child who shall redeem us all.

This gift of God we’ll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill.

How great our joy! (Great our joy!)

Joy, joy, joy! (Joy, joy, joy!)

Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high! (Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!)

Indeed, how great our joy!

Lost and Found: You are His Treasure

 

November 15, 2022

“Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate,” Luke 15:23-24

"And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day," John 6:39

As some of you may know, Missy and I have opened our own online store on Ebay. It’s called Wildcat Wares and Wonders. You can check it out here: Wildcat Wares and Wonders | eBay Stores. (Missy and Ryan did a stellar job creating it!)

The way we are building our business is by finding “treasures” that others have thrown away or have been lost to time. One person’s junk is certainly another’s treasure!

It can be fascinating what you find.

But, it can also be a little depressing and sad when you realize that someone has discarded or cast aside an item that truly meant something to someone at some time.

This past weekend Missy purchased a beautiful vintage pitcher. Gorgeous colors, no chips, and a part of history.

It made its way to our house and I began to wash and clean it up. I took the top off only to find someone’s red and white graduation tassel from 1982 inside the pitcher - and an Honor Society Golden Cord.

Someone’s history had been hidden away and forgotten. (And no, there is no way for us to retrace the steps to find the original owner). Like I said, sad.

Cast aside. Neglected. Hidden away. Forgotten.

Thank God he does not do that to us. To his creation. To his beloved.

In the scriptures above we see that sometimes we do get lost.
    Lost in life.
        Lost in our decisions.
            Lost in life’s often harsh moments.
                Lost on our way.

Yet, we are never truly, completely lost.

We all have a “heavenly Father” who is ever ready to run to us as he does to every wayward child who longs for home.

We all have a “Son of the heavenly Father” who will never lose his grip on us. Even in death - we are not lost. He will remember us. He will lift us up once again.

It is reassuring to know someone remembers you. Remembers what we are going through. Remembers we are only human. Remembers we often get lost - and need someone to come and find us, bring us home, clean us up and feed us.

Perhaps that is why Jesus spends time in Luke 15 talking about:
    The lost sheep. 

        The lost coin. 

            The lost son.

It’s unfortunate but true we mostly focus on what is already found. But, oh the joy we receive when we go out and find that which was lost and bring it home! It’s why in Luke 15 the purpose is not to point out that which was lost, but rather bring to our attention that each thing which was lost (even the son) was eventually found - and the celebrations which followed each return!

And, better than a beautiful multi-colored pitcher, is the fact that we can go and find the people (created in the image of God) who are lost, bring them home and rejoice that “That which was lost has been found! It’s time to celebrate!”

And, one last word: You are his greatest treasure…

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God, Romans 5:8-11

Whistle While You Work

May 3, 2022

Whistle While You Work

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:14-17;23-24 (NLT)

Maybe you are one of those folk (much like Missy and I) who have bumper stickers on your car. We like to collect them from different places we have visited. Some people like to reveal their life philosophies via their bumper stickers. Perhaps you have seen the one that says: "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go."

It’s an unfortunate truth, but often it appears the best reason some can muster for going to their job each day is because of the amount of debt they have accrued. Going to a job you “hate” is one of the worst feelings in all the world. Amen?

According to a Forbes poll from 2019 less than 50% of American office workers are satisfied with their jobs. In Japan, the figure dips to less than 20%. Eegads…

But what about just doing anything? Not a job - but, you know, chores, daily tasks, taking care of loved ones that are sick, cooking, cleaning, etc. Everyday life - filled with all of its “things to do” - can be overbearing at times…and sometimes overwhelming.

Mix that with poor health, bad nutrition, lack of self care, mental stress…and well, that’s “a recipe for disaster.”

So, what are we to do? Is there anything we can do?

A simple, yet significant and often overlooked way we can break through the everyday grind is by realizing we serve God in how we approach and complete our everyday tasks. What is that way? The way of joy - the joy of serving Jesus.

Martin Luther understood this when he wrote, "The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays -- not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship."

Yes, God - Elohim, El Shaddai, Yahweh - God is interested in what you do and that should be the one, single motivating factor for us to do our best. It does not matter what “it” is. Mowing the lawn? Do your best - for Christ. Dusting the cabinet? Do you best - for Christ. Making your bed (Oh, wait, do we have to make our beds?)? Do your best - for Christ.

The fact is this: if we can focus our effort on Christ in the little things we will definitely do the same for the major things. It’s no wonder Jesus said: “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!'”(Matthew 25:23 NIV)

Many of you are going through a difficult season of life. Time seems to be standing still. You’re weary. You’re worn out. You feel like giving up. You have nothing - we mean, absolutely nothing - left to give. May we speak to you for a moment?

Take a very deep breath. Close your eyes. Speak honestly, openly and out loud what you are feeling and where you are…to God. No one else, to God.

After a few minutes - take your time - get up and take the next step. Take the next step. It cannot be overstated - not moving forward is as bad a decision as we can make. Sure, we are to “Be still and know that Yahweh is God…” (Psalm 46:10). But, do not forget, the Son of God told his followers to “Go.”

And we can “go.” We can move forward - for Jesus is with us every step of the way.

Find what needs to be done today. You don’t need a list (although that may help you). But, you probably already know what needs to be done today. Do not allow the drudgery of such things to keep you from doing them. Do what you need to do today as if you were doing it for Jesus.

After all, that’s exactly what you are doing.

Steve and Missy

Don't Forget to Laugh

 

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one's strength” Proverbs 17:22 (GWT)

The late Heath Ledger played one of the most iconic roles in movie history. As part of the Batman movies he played a truly crazy and sadistic Joker. In one scene, which is as frightening as all get out, he speaks one of the most quoted lines in recent movie history: “Why so serious?”

In the Church, laughter has often not been seen as very spiritual. After all, if you are laughing you are being silly and certainly NO CHRISTIAN EVER should be silly. We are to be mature and serious! We should be shoving Chick Tracks into every face we greet!

Do you know anyone who is serious all the time? We bet you do. And, you probably also may note - those who are serious all the time are usually somewhat depressed, deal with various ailments, and overall - well - you don’t want to hang around them.

Don’t get us wrong. There is a time for being somber…serious. As a matter of fact, you may remember these important words: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, BSB)

Note it says: there is a time…for both. And if there was ever a time for laughing it is now. Anybody else just plain wore out from all the bad news surrounding us?

In all seriousness (see what we did there?) we need to be a people of joy. People of humor, cheer and gladness. Why? Well, reread the opening verse from Proverbs: “A joyful heart is good medicine!”

It’s true - scientific and empirical evidence prove it: joy and laughter have vital spiritual and health ramifications.

Frank Powell, a minister, gives a few reasons every Christian should laugh:

1. Laughter drives out fear. This is particularly important when it comes to theology. If you believe God is always judging you, there’s little room for lightheartedness and fun. However, when you realize God receives you despite your mistakes and failures, you’re free to enjoy life. You can even laugh at yourself. As Habib Bourguiba puts it: “Happy is the person who can laugh at themself. They will never cease to be amused.”

2. Humor is a powerful tool for evangelism. James Martin makes this point in his book Between Heaven and Mirth. He says, “For believers in general, humor shows your trust in God, who will ultimately make all things well.” We are all inundated with stress and anxiety. Christians, however, serve a God who is greater than all we are dealing with. To smile and laugh with joy in today’s world sends a powerful message and will draw the attention of others.

3. Laughter cultivates humility. C. S. Lewis says, “A proud man cannot laugh because he must protect his dignity…But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego.” Joy and laughter are a great way to combat pride. Don’t believe us? Go look in the mirror and try not to laugh. Mean and ugly people cannot laugh at themselves and refuse to allow others to laugh at them. Stay humble my friends - laugh at yourself.

4. Humor keeps us in touch with reality. Manipulated and fake news is a gargantuan problem in the world today: “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see!” Humor and laughter go a long way in dealing with all the noise the world is creating. “Might as well laugh as to cry” is a great saying. When life tries to completely crush you - laugh. “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave…”

5. Laughter reveals courage. Elton Trueblood, in The Humor of Christ, says, “The Christian is merry, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate.” How is this true? The serious side keeps us focused on the fight - the humorous keeps us focused on Who’s in charge. Christians should never be indifferent to evil while never doubting that God will bring us through.

6. Humor can have positive effects. Preachers, physicians and psychologists agree that humor and laughter are essential to healing the body, mind and soul. When you laugh your brain releases God-created chemicals which reduce stress, relax your body, boost your immune system, reduce pain and break negative thought patterns, among other benefits. And there are no side-effects! (Other than appearing to be a silly-head.)

With all the above in mind - it’s time for you to laugh. We present to you the following jokes to be read at your own discretion:

Why can't you hear the pterodactyl go to the toilet? Because the 'p' is silent.

How did the picture end up in jail? It was framed!

My wife refuses to go to the beach with me. I think she'd just being clothes-minded!

I wanted to take pictures of the fog this morning. But I mist my chance, so I guess I could dew it tomorrow!

Bad puns. It's how eye roll.

I made a pencil with two erasers. It was pointless.

What did the artery say to the muscle? You're being a little vein.

Why did the balloons run away from the concert? They were playing pop music!

What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows.

When a dad drives past a graveyard: Did you know that's a popular cemetery? Yep, people are just dying to get in there but it’s the last place I want to go! The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

A Song for Everything

April 5, 2022

The priests of every group had gone through the ceremony to make themselves clean and acceptable to the LORD. The Levite musicians, including Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives, were wearing robes of fine linen. They were standing on the east side of the altar, playing cymbals, small harps, and other stringed instruments. One hundred and twenty priests were with these musicians, and they were blowing trumpets. They were praising the LORD by playing music and singing: “The LORD is good, and his love never ends.” Suddenly a cloud filled the temple as the priests were leaving the holy place. The LORD's glory was in that cloud, and the light from it was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work. 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 (CEV)

…let the Spirit fill your life. When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart. Always use the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to thank God the Father for everything. Ephesians 5:18b-20 (CEV)

“Where words fail, music speaks” - Hans Christian Andersen

This week we went to a flea market of sorts. It was fantastic! So much stuff…so many vendors…so many opportunities to spend money…We were walking around to the back end of this particular place and then, BOOM! We begin hearing “country” music from speakers placed directly above our heads.

Now, don’t get us wrong. We love all kinds of music, but I (Steve) cannot stand anything from the new country genre. It makes me nauseous. I am revolted by it. As a Texan - trust me on this - I know good country music. Today’s trash is not it…(Ok, I’ll stop bashing it now)...but if I ever hear “Body like a back road” one more time in this life I may be in jeopardy of losing my salvation.

Music has always played a part in human history. Your history. Our history. From simple vocals, to clapping, to stomping feet, jumping up and down, swaying back and forth, or closing your eyes and dreaming of being anywhere but where you are - music has been instrumental (pun intended) in our development as God’s creation.

Music brings people together. Think of a concert - do you worry about who is a Trumpster or who is a Yellow Dog Democrat? No. You focus on the music. You don’t care about others or their opinions. You are all united and excited about listening to the music that creates a moment in your life when everyone can be happy and get along.

We read in the Bible of music in heaven. We read about the tribes of Israel singing and blowing trumpets. We learn from the New Testament that music was a critical part of the early church. The Psalms are filled with commands to “make music.” It's why music should play a significant role in our worship services and other gatherings.

One of my proven and authentic rules in life is this: There is a song for everything and for everything there is a song. Try to disprove that!

What role does music play in your life? Streaming? Albums? CDs? Cassettes? 8 tracks?!

What style of music do you like? What brings a smile to your face? What lifts your heart? What fills you with energy? What do you like sharing with your friends?

Right now I am listening to Tommy Johansson - a singer, guitar player from Sweden. Tommy is an unashamed believer in Jesus Christ. He has used his gifts to bless others in ways we can only dream of. There are only two three tenors in life that I could listen to constantly - my Dad; Guy Penrod; Tommy Johansson.

I have never been ashamed of the music I love even though 99% of people would never listen to it. Neither should you be. Just because someone else doesn’t like it does not mean you should not enjoy it!

Here is your homework for today: if you are in your car (roll down your windows) or if you are at home (open your windows) and just play your favorite music. Allow the sun, the wind and the music to bless you and lift you up. There is nothing - we repeat - nothing sinful or evil about music or listening to music. Music makes the heart happy.

The great philosopher Plato put it like this: “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”

Is it any wonder that music/singing is important to us? It’s important to God:

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” - Zephaniah 3:17

And, finally, for your listening pleasure…I present to you, Tommy Johansson…

(2) YOU RAISE ME UP (1 OCTAVE CHALLANGE) - TOMMY JOHANSSON - YouTube

(2) STEELHEART - I'LL NEVER LET YOU GO (cover by Tommy Johansson) - YouTube

Who are you listening to today? Shoot us a message and let us know!

Steve and Missy

Jesus is On Your Side

 

03-22-2022

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. ...the LORD will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned…The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirit is crushed.

 Psalm 34:1-3;17-19; 22 (New Living Translation)

You may, or may not, have noticed that we did not do a newsletter this past week. There have been three funerals this past couple of weeks and it has taken a mental toll on all of us.

Funerals tend to bring out a lot of emotions, for obvious reasons. But we want to share with you the reason Christians can go through loss and grief and still maintain their joy in the Lord.

We first want to say that grief is real. Loss hurts. And, yes, there are moments in life when you feel like you will never draw in your next breath. Life can be crushing and cruel. Yet we are often told just to suck it up and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Ironically, the Bible NEVER EVER teaches this flawed and fatal humanistic thinking. Indeed, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

We wish we could explain how that happens. No book, no website, no speaker can do that. And, yes, there will be times in your life when comfort seems like either an abstract idea or illusion.

Yet, we believe we will be comforted. And that is why followers of Jesus are different. In spite of the “reality” around us - we believe and trust in a greater “Reality” to guide us.

Why do we believe? What causes us to throw our lot in with an Invisible Force? The world offers nothing but temporary assistance when we are hurting - not that there's anything wrong with that, by the way. The body of Christ, though, has something “in addition” and permanent to that.

Ann Voskamp, in her book The Broken Way, states, “When the church isn’t for the suffering and broken, then the church isn’t for Christ. Because Jesus, with His pierced side, is always on the side of the broken.”

Jesus is on the side of the broken and crushed. Jesus is on your side. He is on our side.

Look at Mary and Martha and how he went to them during the loss of their beloved brother Lazarus - “Jesus wept.” Remember when Jesus “... saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd,” (Mark 6:34). In Luke, two blind men cry out to Jesus and: “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him,” (Matthew 20:34).

Jesus is compassion personified. He is God’s compassion made flesh. 

 We believe in him. Therefore, his compassion is ours.

Even today, Jesus seeks out the suffering and that is where he will be found. As Ann Voskamp reminded us, the wound in His side proves that Jesus is always on the side of the suffering. Today, let us assure you that Jesus is on your side.

We do not know all of what you are going through. We cannot imagine the pain your heart may be bearing. Yet, there is something to be said about embracing the pain, the loss and the grief.

It is a sad truth that so often we try to run away from difficult situations. We try to smooth over the rough moments of our lives. We do all we can to numb ourselves, so pain and hurt do not overwhelm us.

Sadly, a lot of Christians do not want you to know that suffering, loss, disappointment and hurt are an integral part of all our lives. We speak of the joy of Jesus so much that we neglect - to our own demise - the comfort of the only One Who truly understands what we are going through.

Never forget, “Jesus wept.”

And Jesus is weeping with us on this day. He is weeping over your loss. He is weeping over your sin. He is weeping over the destruction of nations. He is weeping over the addiction plaguing you and your family. He is weeping over the fact you are not getting enough rest. He is weeping over the fact you cannot get the health care you need. He is weeping over the gossip among his children. He is weeping. Why? Because he cares…and wants to comfort you and me.

Euegene Peterson, writing in the foreword of Alan Nelson’s book, Embracing Brokenness: How God Refines Us Through Life’s Disappointments, confirms a powerful truth: 

 “Suffering is not evidence of God’s absence, but of God’s presence, and it is in our experience of being broken that God does his surest and most characteristic salvation work. There is a way to accept, embrace, and deal with suffering that results in a better life, not a worse one, and more of the experience of God, not less. God is working out his salvation in our lives the way he has always worked it out—at the place of brokenness, at the cross of Jesus, and at the very place where we take up our cross.”

It was at the cross of Jesus that the love of all loves - the hope of all hopes - was given without remorse or regret. To a planet filled with sin, pain and suffering, the God of all creation sent His one and only Son to show He alone can empathize and carry us through. As David sings in Psalm 34: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirit is crushed,” (Psalm 34:18).

It is our prayer and hope that Jesus would comfort, console and encompass you this day. May God grant you strength to endure, grace to overcome, and peace to continue living.

Steve and Missy

"Is It Really the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?"

12-08-2021

    And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
    Suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people on whom His favor rests!”
    When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
    So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.   (Luke 2:8-20 New Living Translation)

Advent season is such a wonderful time of the year. For most of my (Steve) life I never really heard about Advent. There were no Advent candles, no Advent devotions, no Advent moments - that was for “high Church” folk and we were just good old down-home church people. I am certainly glad that God led me to Kentucky - Asbury Theological Seminary and “the prettiest little thing I had ever seen” (her name is Missy by the way…). And she led me to Camargo United Methodist Church - which has celebrated Advent for over two centuries. Thus, my introduction to Advent.

In a nutshell, Advent is simply the people of Jesus anticipating his appointed arrival to the earth. Strictly speaking, Jesus has already arrived, so we replay the nativity each year individually, as families and as a community of faith as a reminder of how amazing and supernatural Advent truly is.

It is a time of waiting. A time of anticipation. Just as when we were kids and couldn’t wait to unwrap our presents (or, like Missy, try and find them before they were wrapped so you could already know what you were getting) so it is that as adults we look back at the anticipation of Joseph and Mary as they, along with all of Israel, waited for the coming Messiah.

As a kid, we would hear the Christmas story and about how Mary was “expecting.” In the celebration of Advent we also hear people talk about living in “expectant waiting” and how all of this is seen as the “season of anticipation.

And what are we expecting? Anticipating? Hoping for?

The answer, of course, depends on who you ask. Our children and grandchildren are expecting something to tear into on Christmas Day. Some employees are expecting a day off. Retailers are expecting profits. Credit card companies are expecting interest. Us? We are expecting to gain a couple of pounds and play a lot of games.

Which brings me to a moment we had this week. Driving home from a doctor’s appointment we noticed an ambulance, police car and what looked like a social worker standing on the side of the road trying desperately to talk with a man who was obviously hurting mentally. He became quite demonstrative, yelled into the air - walking away from them and refused their help.

Cue the next day and there he was again. This time sitting down, yelling at cars as they drove by and drawing unrecognizable images on his large pad of paper. Aside from the obvious “What is going on with this person?” concern there is the nagging question of “What is this person expecting? What are they hoping for?”

The answer is, more than likely, something negative. For those who are homeless, unemployed, uninsured, struggling with a lack of food or clean water - Christmas is not something to have any positive expectations about. For people who have lost loved ones recently, who are experiencing relationship conflicts, who are looking at their empty bank account, who are amid a lengthy illness…their expectations are probably a whole lot different than most.

The question therefore is really this - is your hope, is your expectation positive or negative? Are you hoping or hopeless? Faithful or faithless? Joyful or joyless? Anticipating or apprehensive?

Everyone and everything is breathing with hope and anticipation. That’s what makes Advent so remarkable. Above all other times of the year - this is the time for positive hope and joyful anticipation.

We hope you are having a good day. We believe this holiday season will be filled with joy. We anticipate hearing good news from you when we next see you. We expect God to see you through.

Now, if we could just figure out how to clearly explain to elementary kids what Mary was “expecting.” Anybody have one of those old flannelgraph felt boards?

Missy and Steve

Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Immortality and You

10-20-2021

“The Father and I are one,” - John 10:30

“Though he was God, (Jesus) did not think of equality with God as something to cling to,” 

- Philippians  2:6.

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily..” Colossians 2:9.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth,“ John 1:1;14.

J. Oswald Chambers stated: “If Jesus is not God, then there is no Christianity, and we who worship Him are nothing more than idolaters...If He is not God, He is not even good.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, on Christ’s divinity: “If Jesus Christ is not the true God, how could he help us? If he is not true man, how could he help us?” C.S. Lewis, author of Mere Christianity, wrote, “Either Jesus is the Son of God or a madman or worse. But His being a great teacher? He’s not left that open to us.”

One of the unquestionable truths of the Bible is that Jesus is both God and human. Divine and flesh. It’s a very tough issue to discuss coherently and a much more difficult truth to comprehend...at least for us.

Now, why are we revisiting these statements regarding the validity of Christ’s divinity? Because, we are going to talk about AI (artificial intelligence) this week! Stop rolling your eyes…

Last week we looked at the (intended?) negative consequences of social media - especially in regards to the next generation. At the end of the newsletter we teased a possible look into AI. Well, here you go.

First, let’s look at the three forms of AI. Eban Escott, a writer for Codebots says this: “There are 3 types of artificial intelligence(AI): narrow or weak AI, general or strong AI, and artificial superintelligence. We have currently only achieved narrow AI. He continues: “As machine learning capabilities continue to evolve, and scientists get closer to achieving general AI, theories and speculations regarding the future of AI are circulating.”

There are two main theories: “One theory is based on fear of a dystopian future, where super intelligent killer robots take over the world, either wiping out the human race or enslaving all of humanity, as depicted in many science fiction narratives. The other theory predicts a more optimistic future, where humans and bots work together, humans using artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance their life experience.” https://codebots.com/artificial-intelligence/the-3-types-of-ai-is-the-third-even-possible.

The highlighted sentence above speaks volumes. In his book Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari - via humor, science, history and philosophy - speaks to the heart of the matter when it comes to AI and the desire of those who are proponents of said technology. His work examines possible futures of Homo sapiens. His premise is that during the 21st century, humanity is likely to make a significant attempt to gain happiness, immortality, and God-like powers. 

Why? According to Harari, technological developments have threatened the continued ability of humans to give meaning to their lives. Therefore, as AI grows Harari sees the possibility of the replacement of humankind with the "super-man", or "homo Deus" (Latin for human-God) endowed with abilities such as eternal life.” We will let you re-read the above paragraph a couple of times to contemplate it.

How does society create a symbiotic relationship between flawed humanity and AI through which human happiness and fulfillment is the goal? Harari argues that humanism, a form of religion that worships humankind instead of a god, is the vehicle to use. Its desire to put humankind and its desires as a top priority in the world, will be the only way to do it. Selfie anyone? FYI - humanists believe that ethics and values are derived internally within each individual, rather than from an external source. Cue John Lennon’s song, Imagine.

During the 21st century, Harari believes humanism may push society to search for immortality, happiness, and power. Their search will lead them to artificial intelligence and themselves as the ultimate answer in creating their own happiness and joy, fulfillment and realization. We become gods.

Now, go back and reread the verses at the beginning of this installment. In our faith, only Jesus is equal to God. Only Jesus is God. The Son and Father are one. Yet, in Yahweh’s wisdom (humans would call it foolish) God invites us to join Him in a relationship where we become one with the Son and the Father...through the Spirit of God. This process has nothing to do with us. Jesus stated in John 14:6 -“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Hey, medical operations are almost miraculous nowadays. Prosthetics are incredible. Planes can fly themselves. Text messages can cross the globe instantly. We can see a dear one’s face from across the miles in a matter of seconds. Facebook Live allows us to stream our worship services to those who don’t feel comfortable being with other people.

But, and this is a big but (he-he), technology and science, philosophy and human wisdom, cannot lead one to Divinity. AI may change the stoplight to green but it cannot change your life. AI may drive and park your car but it cannot forgive and restore. As Billy Graham preached: “Jesus Christ is God in human flesh, and the story of His life, death, and resurrection is the only Good News the world will ever hear.”

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to go and read more about Dimitry Itskov, the founder of the 2045 Initiative. His organization is working with a network of scientists to develop 'cybernetic immortality' within the next few decades...the goal which is to download their brains into robots...and live eternally.

Mind blown,


Steve and Missy

I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down Here Somewhere

 

If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:10-12.

A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy! - Psalm 126:1-3

According to Reuters News Service reporter Ciara Lee, “Toymaker Lego doubled its earnings over the first six months of the year as customers flocked to its reopened stores to buy Star Wars building sets and flower bouquets made from its colourful plastic bricks.”

The main protagonists in this increased volume in sales? Adults. Part of the increase is due to the Fox TV series: Lego Masters. Yes, there is a popular, fun and entertaining television series about people building incredible scenes simply out of “bricks” - hip lingo for Lego pieces.

Before you discard the first two paragraphs and look at it as silly - “People should grow up and act like adults!” - might we remind you that Jesus came to bring us joy? JOY! Laughter! Happiness! Yes, Christians should be invaded and overwhelmed by JOY!

Joy is a beautiful word. Yet, what does it mean? In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word is שִׂמְחָה - simchah. It is translated as the following: delight, exceeding joy, festival, gladness, happiness, joy, mirth, pleasure, rejoice, rejoicing. In the New Testament, the Greek term is χαρά - chara. It means: extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed – properly speaking it refers to being aware of/recognizing God's grace, favor; joy.

Joy is a foundational gift of the Lord for his people. What do we mean by that? Joy is not based on how you feel nor is it dependent upon the situation you find yourself in. Joy is a gift to be received, utilized and employed in your life. There is enough complaining, criticizing, griping and grumbling in the world already! AND IT SHOULD NEVER BE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST!

Remember what happened in Numbers 11? If not, allow us to refresh your memory. After all the miracles the children of Israel had seen God do in Egypt, including the parting of the Red Sea so that they could walk through on dry land and then swallow their enemies whole, they still complained so bitterly that God heard a constant rumbling from their encampment in the wilderness. Probably not what their Savior wanted to hear by the way…nor does ours.

The Isrealites complained about food and water. When they had manna from heaven, they complained they had no meat. They grumbled and rebelled against Moses’ leadership. Aaron and Miriam, Moses’ siblings, complained about Zipporah, Moses’ wife. The people even complained about God’s judgment that resulted from their complaints! Sound familiar?

There was a conference at a Presbyterian church. People were given helium filled balloons and told to release them during the service when they felt like expressing the joy in their hearts. When it was over 1/3 of the balloons were unreleased. (Bruce Larson, Luke, p. 43.) That is the epitome of what is at the heart of so many Christians. No joy. And that, our friends, is sad.

Since Jesus came to bring us joy and to complete our joy, we should take a closer look at that gift. Perhaps you are encountering rough waters presently. Maybe your life is not what you hoped it would be. The case may be that everything in your life is topsy-turvy and everyone seems to have abandoned you. But remember - that is one point of view. Yours.

Dr. R.B. Ouellette tells of a Russian countess who believed in Jesus as her Saviour and was open about her testimony. The Tsar was displeased and threw her into prison. After 24 hours with the lowest level of Russian society, in the most miserable conditions imaginable, he ordered her brought into his presence. He smiled sardonically and said, “Well, are you ready now to renounce your silly faith and come back to the pleasures of the court?”

To his surprise, the countess smiled serenely and said, “I have known more real joy and more real happiness in one day in prison with Jesus than I have known in a lifetime in the courts of the Tsar.” Where you are at or how you feel never dictate the presence or absence of joy.

Where does your joy come from? Or, rather, for some, what is the cause of your lack of joy? And, no, you cannot blame others. If Jesus gave you his joy then no one - and we repeat - no one is able to take it away. The only person who can take it away is the person who received it. You. Blame solely rests upon the recipient who rather than unwrapping and enjoying this free gift, complains about the wrapping paper, all the tape around it, the size of the box, and then tosses it aside to find another present more to their liking. Only you can reject or receive the Lord’s joy.

God’s word reminds us that “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10. If you are feeling weak, helpless, hopeless, discouraged, sorrowful, or miserable, might we offer a three letter word to lift you up, fill you with hope, to cheer and comfort you? JOY!

A final thought from the prophet Zephaniah, where one of our favorite verses in scripture found in chapter 3 says: “Cheer up...! Don’t be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” If that doesn’t fill you with joy, nothing will! Now, go take some Legos from your kids, have some fun and build something.

Steve and Missy

09/28/2021

If You're Happy and You Know It...Show Your Face!

 08-25-2021

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live!
I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist! Do not trust in princes,
or in human beings, who cannot deliver! Their life’s breath departs, they return to the ground; on that day their plans die. How blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the one who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them, who remains forever faithful, vindicates the oppressed,
and gives food to the hungry. The Lord releases the imprisoned. The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up all who are bent over. The Lord loves the godly.
Psalms 146:1-8

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

If you're happy and your know it then your face will surely show it

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

Ah, those thrilling days of yesteryear when every summer saw parental units drop their over-sugared kids off at the church for the annual tradition of Vacation Bible School. It was always a week filled with Kool-Aid, hot dogs, water games, sword drills and in my (Steve) case - a guy dressed up as the devil sitting in the church’s sanctuary beams staring down on a gathering of unsuspecting children and scaring the last ounce of rebellion out of us with his red suit, long tail and pitchfork.  Yeah, that really happened.

One of the most noted characteristics of VBS is the music. It was in those days of yore that we learned that the B-I-B-L-E yeah that’s the book for me...we discovered we were in the Lord’s army...we were taught Jesus loves me this I know...and that God is bigger than the boogie man - thank you Veggie Tales.

The one song that stands tall above all the rest - in my not so humble opinion - is “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”  EVERY. SINGLE. VERSE. It always got the kids jumping up and down - which was helpful for the teachers who had the over rambunctious kiddies who did not know what it meant to sit still. Those of us who led the opening always thought it was our job to “Wear em out and then send em out.”

Unfortunately, something happened between those days of innocent shouting and memory verses and today when people are just simply not happy. Or sure, we excel at opinions, we are adept at arguing, and we can deflate someone’s joy in a matter of seconds. SOME PEOPLE  JUST CANNOT BE HAPPY. What’s worse - they don’t want anyone else around them to be happy either! (Don’t believe me? Here’s your homework for this next Sunday: When the people are singing hymns celebrating God and His Son Jesus watch how many actually smile...tally the total and report back next week.) I won’t need a calculator...

There are many people we know who attend church (where you are supposed to praise and celebrate) and you never see them smile! It looks as if they are preparing for an Olan Mills portrait circa 1904. Black and white photo. Grim faces. It looks as if they just received news about the store being out of toilet paper again.  You would never know they follow the Author of joy and happiness.

The Bible definitely speaks more of joy (eternal) than happiness (temporary). But, we wonder. If you are filled with joy - shouldn’t your face and voice translate that to the world as happiness? Certainly there are times when we are not happy - again, it is temporary. But, for the most part, should Christians not be the happiest people?

It reminds us of a great story a pastor once told. There was a woman in his congregation that never smiled. One Sunday she approached him after the service and told him how much his message on love and laughter really moved her. Seeing she still wasn’t smiling, the pastor placed his hand upon her shoulder and looking into her eyes said, “Well, I wish you would notify your face!”

Alright. Now that you’re finished perusing this fantastic piece of writing, pull out your phone, turn on the camera, switch the view so you can see your face.  Are you happy? Then notify your face…

Steve and Missy