Musings of a Prodigal Son: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I haven’t written in awhile because I have been distracted. I wish I could say it was all good things that distracted me but it wasn’t. As I look around and see all the things that people are going through, illnesses, deaths of loved ones, loss of jobs, major life changes that are not by choice, it somehow makes me feel inadequate to have anything much to say. But… God says we are to use the voice and gifts he has given each of us because each of us has a timely word and/or deed for someone who needs it. This is all made possible because of what we celebrate at this time of year. 

Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Creator of the World was born in a stable cave a little over two centuries ago. All history hinges on that single moment. That baby Jesus grew into a man, died on a Cross and ushered in the salvation of ALL who will receive Him as the first Christmas Gift. Regardless of our circumstances, we ALL have this if we will receive and “open” that gift by receiving the gift of salvation in our hearts. 

I think we are all subjected to the pressures that the holidays bring to purchase gifts that we cannot afford, to focus on things we have no business, while leaving the weightier matters undone. Things like passing someone by on the way to Christmas shopping when that person may have been the whole purpose of our “Christmas” giving. Gifts are the most appreciated by people that need them. We often give people what they don’t need while neglecting what they do. Maybe a hug, a look in the eye, a heart-felt “I Love You” is a better gift than the box of candy or even the PlayStation. I’m not saying that giving gifts is wrong but let us not detract from the things that matter most. Remember, the greatest gift some of you could ever imagine would often be one more hour with someone with whom you can no longer spend time. Make the purpose of this season to focus on things that cannot be purchased with a credit or amazon card. 

Christmas should be a time to focus on the gift that allows us to spend eternity with God and to prepare for that reality by focusing on the priceless things that are eternal, such as other people and family, that can also experience the gift that Jesus came to give us all. 

For unto us a Child is born, 
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end. 

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

Musings of a Prodigal Son: The Battle for Souls

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and he shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is lightfor my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)

There is an intensifying battle raging for the souls of all people. Particularly in our own country, the United States, there is a battle waging for the very souls of every living member of our society. With the modern marvels of the internet and an ever-expanding social network, information is being dispensed at a never before seen pace. Propaganda, much of which is false, is spreading like wildfire throughout our world. One nation under God, although a form of propaganda within itself (as we have never been completely united), has become a rare commodity as our “me” society continues to divide people for every reason while espousing to unify. There is the “I want to keep my culture”, “I want to keep my individuality” interpreted to the absurd. Everyone seems to want to assert their uniqueness but not pay the price for unity. As Jesus once stated to the Pharisees, you “strain at insignificant things (assembly, form of worship, rules, etc.)  but leave the greater things (visiting the sick, those in need, sharing the gospel with the hurting by loving them and ministering to them, taking care of the elderly, etc.) undone…” Even the individual has not escaped this rampant movement to de-unify. Many individuals have conflict within themselves and now have trouble identifying themselves. Absolute and obvious truths are ignored. Every truth is relative, and no one wants to take any responsibilities for living out objective truths. Everything is about the individual until it is time to take responsibility for something and suddenly the individual is a victim of another individual. We are fast approaching a season when everyone is a “victimizer” and everyone is also a “victim” of something. As responsibility for actions and accountability fades in our society, chaos is on the rise. What do we do? We blame each other. We choose to listen to the information that only supports the lies that we have already bought into. We further separate from one another while discussing how we are becoming better as a people and more “enlightened” than we have ever been in the past. Suicide, Murder, Rape, Mental Illness, and a whole host of other problems continue to increase at alarming rates. The Church has become a silent bystander as we are now two generations into the “lets take care of our own” mentality. Churches have been resting stops for the weary (and sometimes not weary but lazy) Christian as a rule for the last 50 years. The radical message of the New Testament to “go into all the world (which includes our next door neighbor), has been somewhat forgotten except for the occasional mission offering. Our Lives have focused on us. Not them. Not the focus of Jesus. As a result, the stagnation that has resulted in the condition of many modern churches has led to their closing or a membership so meager that they struggle to keep the lights on week to week. As isolation becomes rampant we retreat to our Amazon served homes and come out only to go to work, the occasional outing, and to any number of “fun” activities. Pop Psychology has replaced prayer, self-help seminars have replaced fasting, and movies have replaced preaching. Making the gospel a modern production is the quest of the day to compete with the other forms of entertainment. But where is the power? Where is the conviction of Sin? Where is thirst for righteousness? Where is the deliverance from persistent Sin? The bottom line is: Where is the Holy Spirit? Where are the changed lives?

Did you know that most public schools, even those in rural areas, have many students who laugh at the Cross of Christ and consider the gospel message an outdated myth? With the information of falsehood flowing rampantly on the internet, many of these students are witnessing more to these things than many Christians are standing up for their faith. There are many other students who believe that with more education, they “outgrow” the beliefs of the Bible and that Christianity (and the Church) is just one of many “institutions” that are a hold-over from a less enlightened age? Colleges and Universities have positioned themselves as “enlightened” institutions that subtlety(often brazenly) contradict the teachings of God’s Word. Christianity, for many Christians, has become more of a label than a life-changing experience. 

And we wonder why we have so many problems We wonder why there is so much depravity in the world. The “enlightened of this present world” don’t stand a chance against the forces of evil. Only God in Christ can overcome the world. Only a heart change can make the world better. Billy Graham said it best in one of the last messages he preached when he said that America and the World will not survive without a true revival among the people of God that brings conviction of such power that Christians recommit again to God and many that are lost turn to Him in Faith through His Son Jesus Christ. Only Prayer and Fasting can bring this about. Are we willing to do it? Or will we keep our heads in the sand and believe that “this too shall pass”. The only thing that can change our nation now is an outpouring of the Spirit of God in such power that lives are radically changed and those who profess Christ take a stand and put on his yoke. We have to choose. Jesus said take my yoke. It’s easy to take his yoke. We simply believe and follow (obey) him. The Heavy Burden of watching the world crumple around those we love will become lighter as we watch Him change what only HE can change. Deception begins to lose its power in light of the Truth overflowing in those who know Him. 

Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

Musings of a Prodigal Son: Radical Faith, Radical Purpose

It would seem that the gulf between what it means to be a Christian and what is acceptable in our society is widening. It is becoming more and more radical for us to live the “normal” Christian life. To express one’s beliefs and faith is often labeled as being intolerant. It often amazes me that those who espouse to be the most tolerant are often the most intolerant of all. It seems that everyone is free to express their own beliefs, no matter how radical they may be, unless they are Christian. If you are Christian and express what you really believe, it is not accepted in our society. Christians have gone to “church” and remained passive for too long. Instead of going to “church”, it is time for Christians to be “The Church.” In an age where intellectualism has educated people “beyond” Christianity, our society has digressed to new depths as old problems have continued to increase. Suicides, Divorce, Drug Addiction, and many other problems have increased. As we have become more “enlightened” our problems have become greater. Since right and wrong are now relative in our society, many don’t seem to have any anchor on which to moor their life. The result is chaos with no unified purpose. Man was not created to self-serve. He was created to help all of creation have fellowship with God. I see many entries on the internet, particularly social media, of people who have been hurt by others who claim to follow Christ. The result has been to throw Christianity out the window because some who have a religious spirit have judged others instead of loving them. This type of religious spirit was the same thing that Jesus confronted while on this earth and that the Holy Spirit inspires Christians today to confront. Religion has never been the way to God. Religion is often man’s idea of how God wants us to be. Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus. It is about receiving a sacrifice because none of us measure up. None of us WILL measure up in the future no matter how much we “learn.” Real Christianity is about receiving Christ and letting Him change us from the inside out. Why are we constantly searching for something that will change us from the outside in? (i.e. education, pop psychology, philosophy, etc.). Man’s best thinking got him into this jam and certainly will not get him out of it. Man, since the beginning of time has rebelled against a truth outside himself that he must adhere to. We like to map our own course. No matter how many times we crash the ship of life into the rocks, we still want to navigate. Christianitysays there is a truth outside of ourselves that is to navigate (guide) us. There are only two choices. We continue to rebel, or we surrender to the truth and live by it. Three things need to be shared in urgency: 1) Don’t let anyone convince you that you are being intolerant for proclaiming and believing in a truth outside of yourself. 2) Love Your Neighbor As Yourself (no matter how difficult he or she may be). Remember, you were very difficult,and God saved you. You didn’t do anything to deserve it and had no merit within yourself. God loved you simply because he did. Be radical enough to love others that way. The only way to truly love others in that way is to spend time with God who loves them unconditionally just as he loves you. True love for others is an overflow of His Love. Pray for others, worship God, read His Word. 3)Share Truth with Others in Love. Don’t share it if you can’t do it in love. If you do, you will continue to foster that religious spirit that pushes people away from Christ (from God). Share it in Love and watch it change OTHERS. Share it in Love and watch it change YOU. 

Radical times call for Radical Faith and Radical purpose.

Musings of a Prodigal Son: Don't Let Ministry Pass You By

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Most of you reading this blog have heard that all who have put their faith and trust in Jesus are a kingdom of Priests (royal priesthood) and ministry is the responsibility and privilege of us all.

On a Tuesday night approximately 2 months ago, as Michelle and I were getting ready to leave to go to a Bible Study sponsored by one of the couples of our church, my neighbor  stopped on the sidewalk next to my car. When I said hello to him, he proceeded to tell me that he was not doing so well as his wife had passed away approx 2 weeks prior. Michelle, who was already in the car, met me on the sidewalk and we prayed with our neighbor who I will call Mr. B. We had also begun a Bible Study with my mom (she was visiting us at the time) and Mr. B was invited to attend our Bible study which was every other Tuesday (we alternated Tuesdays in order to attend the one by the couple in our church). Since he was hurting, he was also invited to attend a Bible Study at our home the next night (which was Wednesday).  It was obvious at that first encounter that he was hurting deeply as he and his wife had been married for 47 years prior to her death. Once he met with us, we discovered that he and his wife did missionary work in other countries for many years serving in an administrative capacity for the distribution of Bible materials for a major denomination. They had recently retired and leased the home next door to us and were having a home built in a neighboring city. His wife had died unexpectedly from a major stroke. As we begun the Bible Study in our home, it became apparent that it was also a ministry time for us as a co-worker also joined us along with my mother. Mr. B continued with us bi-weekly until  approximately two weeks ago. He was there every every other Tuesday and did not miss at all. Two weeks ago, mom prayed for him in his grief as it was apparent that she was anointed to do so, having gone through something similar in regard to my father approximately 11 years ago. On that night, Mr. B lingered at our home after the Bible Study and talked with me at length. He began to share his hurt and grief. He also discussed his service time as he was an Egyptian Soldier during the 6 Days War of 1967. He expressed many difficult things as his grief let many barriers down for him. It  was obvious that his heart was broken and he missed his wife greatly. He expressed that he appreciated our group and that he considered us dear friends.

Last night, as we prepared for the Bible Study and our co-worker arrived, Mr. B did not come to our door at 7pm the way that he normally did. I told Michelle and the other participant that I was going to walk over to his home to remind him. (he told me that if he ever forgot, to please remind him). So I went to his home and his son answered the door. He preceded to tell me that his father had passed away on Sunday at Church. He told me that he believes that his father died of a broken heart and one of the things that brought him the most comfort after his wife's death was our Bible Study. He stated that His Father looked forward to it and benefited from meeting with us greatly. So, approximately 2 months after his wife's death, Mr. B joined her in paradise with our Lord Jesus Christ. Now they rejoice and fellowship together in Heaven. As I arrived back at our home to began the Bible Study, we spent time discussing the impact that Mr. B had on our lives the short time we were allowed to meet with him. We reminded each other of the importance of ministering to each other in the name of the Lord Jesus. We were also reminded that our paths and purpose are often only seen when we look back. We certainly did not think that the meeting we had with him the previous week would be our last on this side of heaven. The fact that he lived next door to us and we could have easily not known anything about him or his pain reminded me again that there are so many people close to each of us who need ministry and healing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Next time you see your neighbor, look again. Really look. Next time you are in the grocery stores and someone lingers next to you and that voice inside you tells you to say, "hello", do it. The next time that voice inside you says to tell that person that you are happy to see them today, do it. It may be their life line until Jesus calls them home.