What Kind of Fool am I?

It has been several months since I communicated on my blog site. Although I may be retired, I am active in several volunteer ministries that require preparation. One of these teaching ministries has been completed so I have a little more free time. 

Today I feel constrained to share due to a recent incident that brought both shame and pain to me and other persons. Along with my confession I also want to share some painful, but valuable, lessons I have learned.

First, the backstory.I purchased some "fresh" Oregon strawberries last week intending to enjoy some home-made strawberry shortcake. When I brought the berries home and began to wash and prepare them I discovered the berries on the top layer were very red and fresh, but below the berries were extremely overripe. I immediately felt I had been deceived and was angry. Rather than returning the berries to the purveyor who would have gladly replaced them, in the passion of the moment, I unleashed my anger on social media. I charged the purveryor with deliberately deceiving customers. That may sound mild, but I assure you the spirit in which I wrote was hostile and inapproptiate. 

I soon felt convicted and had deep remorse and shame. Because my anger had been vented publicly, I knew I had to confess and apologize publicly to both the business owner and to everyone who had read the post. God also used a public rebuke on Facebook from a Christian brother that I deeply respect.

Since the purpose of this blog is not to defend myself or justify my actions, let's wait till the conclusion of this blog to share how it all came out in the end. Meanwhile, I want to share some valuable, but painful, lessons I have learned.

First, I have to admit I have an anger problem. Most people who know me see me as very "laid back" and always in control of my emotions.But, I confess that my frustration level is very low when it comes to computer glitches or plumbing or similar things. Oh, yes, I also like to remind drivers that the lever on the side of the steering column is called a turn signal for a reason "so USE IT!" Especially here in Bend with all of the Round Abouts. 

Now,I can boast that I don't kick the dog (haven't had one for decades) or bust holes in the walls or use profanity when I am angry so that makes me okay, right? Wrong! If there was an "Anger Anonymous" therapy group, I would have to introduce myself and say, "Hi, my name is Syd, and I am an angry man." Just a few days ago, over a Father's Day lunch, my wife of fifty-one years shared her concerns about my low frustration threshold at this stage in my life.

As a retreaded pastor I still caution people about wrong anger. Over the years I have frequently quoted James and The Proverbs and Paul while warning against wrong anger. I love Paul's instructions about unhealthy speech and anger in Eph. 4. When angry, we are not to sin and to not let the "sun set on our anger." I assure you the sun did not set on my anger when I vented my frustration over a few strawberries, but I would have been wiser to let my emotions settle before firing off my post on Facebook. In fact, had I not responded in the heat of the moment, I would never have used social media as a weapon.

Anger, in itself, is not sin. Righteous anger responds to injustice and calls it out for what it is. It is safe to say every positive reform movement began with anger over injustice being done to the weak and vulnerable. I have no problem feeling anger when I see injustice. It's comes naturally. In fact, I even tried to justify my anger over the strawberries as "righteous anger". After all God's prophets called out fraudulent business practices. But, that was not the issue in my situation. The problem was me and my angry outburst that brought disgrace upon Jesus, upon myself, upon the ministres where I have served and presently serve . I have no justification for what I did. I am guilty.

When I teach from The Proverbs I like to poke fun at the "fools" Solomon describes. I especially enjoy the descriptions of the sluggard hinged on his bed. Solomon calls him a fool. But, another fool we discover in The Proverbs is the angry man. I realize I am that fool. 

However, in this blog, it is James who exposed me and my willful anger. James warns, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20) 

I wonder how many times I have preached or taught these principles. Now it is time for me to "take note" that I should be more eager to listen than to speak. I have prided myself as a man who is not impetuous but self-controlled. I consider myself a pretty good listener most of the time. But, two weeks ago I certainly did not listen to my wife or to the Holy Spirit before ranting like a fool. Does it matter if my speech was not verbal? Does sitting at the keyboard letting my fingers do the talking, rather than speaking with my mouth, make it less wicked? Do printed words sting less severely than verbal? Is this one of the little "white sins" we often try to rationalize? No! Resoundly no! In fact choosing to put my words on social media was more damaging than verbal speech. I have often used the illustration of comparing gossip or ungodly speaking with cutting open a feather pillow and letting the feathers fly in the wind. No matter how the speaker may regret his/her words, and no matter how we try to apologize and make it right, it can never be restored. We can't retrieve every feather. So in this matter, I sinned grievously! I was able to remove the post on the business Website, but, as I understand it, the post will remain forever on social media. 

James also landed a solid blow to my self rightous chin in the very next paragraph: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourwselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." (James 1:22-24) I am ashamedof  and very critical of our President's inability to control his tongue (or in most cases, his fingers). "Would to God somebody would take his phone away", I grumble. 

But, God's Word, like Nathan the prophet confronted King David, rebukes me and says, "Syd, you are the man." I went from disappointment over a batch of strawberries to venting in anger. I let my fingers do the talking. The very attribute I despise in the President was staring back at me in the mirrior! 

So, after confessing my guilt, let me tell the rest of the story.

I posted a public apology on Facebook. The businessman and I began communicating on social media. In desparation to meet him and to personally apologize I even submitted my telephone number (a risky thing to do). We moved to communicating on Messenger and agreed to meet at Starbucks. After the essential small talk about ourselves and our families I apologized personally. There we sat across from each other on a small table in the center of Starbucks, but it felt like there were only two of us present. Agreeing that we may never resolve how or what happened with the berries, we shared a piece of our life stories. An hour flew like minutes. Too soon, I had to leave for another appointment. But, when we parted we shook hands as brothers in Christ and have agreed to meet again to share more of our lives and to discuss theology as brothers in the family of God. Even though I boasted on Facebook I would never spend another dollar at this business I am eager to return- prehaps for more Oregon strawberries of our wonderful Marionberries.

I share one last lesson from my experience. Having gone through the process of the initial sin and forgiveness and restoration with a brother and with God, I appreciate grace more than ever. Admitting I have sinned with my anger has been freeing. It feels like a monkey has been taken off my back. There is nothing to hide. Nothing to defend or justify. I have experienced David's emotions in the thrity-second Psalm: "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered." I have prayed David's prayer, "Create in a pure heart in me, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit in me." Praise God, He has done just that!

Being exposed by the Holy Spirit and Scriptpure I clearly see the old nature lying just below the surface in my life. I can identify with Paul when he struggled between doing what he knows is right and wants to do but fails tp do because "sin is living in me." So, if anyone out there reads this, I welcome your prayer support as I strive to put my selfish anger to death. Those who know me well have heard me say that I want to finish my life and my ministry strongly. I want to be a man of integrity. 

Thanks for bearing with my ramblings, perhaps it woudl be better to say, my recantations. Perhaps we can all learn from my story. 

Cherish Me as I Cherish You- it only gets better with time

Cherish Me

If you had five minutes to evacuate your home in case of a fire, what would you choose to take with you? Living out here in the Mountain West, every summer families, unfortunately, need to make that difficult decision. A few minutes to pack your vehicle (out here the ranchers call them "rigs") and to escape a raging inferno. So, think about it for a moment. What would you leave behind to perish, and what would you value enough to take with you? Or, to use another descriptive word, what do you cherish?

Most families leave big screen flat screen television sets- too bulky. With insurance, we can replace all the gadgets and appliances. But, those irreplaceable items like the family albums filled with memories that we cherish is what most people choose to save as they evacuate their home.

Cherish- that is my word for the day. Cherish is a word that I seldom spoke even though it was always in my working vocabulary. But when Mary, wife of fifty years and lover of good fiction, discovered the word "cherish" in one of her favorite series, "The Mitford Years", by Jan Karon, the word cherish has become more frequently spoken in our home. In the book, a young couple preparing to wed are counseled that the secret of a long, happy marriage is the word cherish. 

Now I have several things that I value. I often say I love my truck, but if I had to leave it in the garage if the house was on fire, I wouldn't hesitate a moment. A few years ago, I received a KitchenAid mixer. It remains one of my favorite gifts in recent memory (it has to be recent because I forget so much anymore). I love to watch the dough hook turn and twist and kneed that whole wheat bread dough. But, the KitchenAid mixer would not be on my "cherish" list of things to save. 

Isn't it strange, that some of the least expensive and simplest items are what we learn to cherish? Usually these are things that have sentimental value. Often the older the item is the more we have come to cherish it. That is the way with marriage.

Mary and I have shared life- both good times and painful times- for over a half-century. In our retirement years we have enjoyed several memorable long road trips in our truck. Recently we returned from a 5,670 mile trip through the Midwest and then back to our beloved Oregon country. The last two days of the trip Mary began to feel ill. All she wanted when we stopped to eat each night was a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Now for the past two weeks Mary's condition has worsened. She finally went to her physician a week ago today and received a couple of prescriptions. But, she still struggles with nausea. Her severe coughing spells seem endless. She is tired and very weak. I know that it true because she even asked if I would clean the bathroom last week. That is significant because Mary prides herself in doing her homemaking chores. She seems to feel guilty when I just pitch in and do chores around the house. Frankly, I enjoy helping around the home, but when Mary asks for help I know she is very weary.

But after all, what else does an old retired preacher have to do? No more days in the office. No more sermons always in the incubator preparing for the next Sunday. So, all this chatter is just to make a point about the word of the day, "cherish".

Why do I want to help Mary with housekeeping and cooking? Honestly, I like to cook and bake, but that is not why I chose to do it these past two weeks. I want to prepare meals, to refill her ice-water glass, to fetch her medicine etc. I want to do these things because I cherish her!

Yes, I also do these things because that is what I said I would do when I held her hand and vowed to "love her like Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for her." So, in a manner of speaking, I am just doing what I promised to do fifty years ago.

Also, I am not serving Mary through this difficult time because she has done it for me twice when I fractured my spine back in 1984 and again in 2015. The first time required six weeks hospitalization. Because she cherished me back then she was there every day with me. For six months she nursed me and helped me get back on my feet again. Mary has had to do everything for me that any nurse or what we used to call nurses aids, has to do for a patient that is immobile.

But, today, after fifty years sharing life and love together, I choose to serve Mary simply because I cherish her.

When we make these long road trips Mary always takes along a bunch of CD tapes including religious, country and western (her favorite genre) and the pop songs from the sixties. One of pop songs that we heard at least twice on this last trip was, "Cherish Me as Much as I Cherish You." The lyrics were by Terry Kirkman. “Cherish Me” was number two on the hit parade for three weeks in 1966. (Yes, youngsters, we also had music back then too.)

So, in this blog about my favorite person and my very best friend, I share a few lyrics for your edification and contemplation. But, mostly I share them in honor of the wife I cherish deeply.

Cherish is the word I use to describe

All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside

You don't know how many times I've wished that I had told you

You don't know how many times I've wished that I could hold you

You don't know how many times I've wished that I could

Mold you into someone who could

Cherish me as much as I cherish you

And I do cherish you

And I do cherish you

Cherish is the word

Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel

A Must Read Book by Russell Moore

While on our recent road trip in the Midwest, as usual, I took along reading material. I like the feel of a book in my hands and know that dates me. One of the books that I began to read was Onward- Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel by Russell Moore. Moore was a new author to me, but I suspect that I will read anything he has or will write. Moore has a unique ability to speak as a prophet to our culture without coming across as angry or manipulative. On the trip I did not have the marker pen that I usually use when reading a book, but after a few chapters I knew that this was a book I needed to read a second time.

As the subtitle suggests, Moore is challenging Christians to engage the culture by learning to apply the Gospel. It is my desire in this blog to stimulate some of you readers, if there are any of you, to read this relevant book. I believe the book would make a good study for any small group or Sunday School Class, and it comes with a workbook to stimulate discussion.

So, to hopefully whet your appetite, let me share a few quotations from the book:

In the chapter, From Moral Majority to Prophetic Minority consider this: "The church of Jesus Christ ought to be the last people to fall for hucksters and demagogues. After all, the church bears the Spirit of God, who gifts the Body with discernment and wisdom. But too often we do. We receive celebrities simply because they are 'conservative', without asking what are they conserving. If you are angry with the same people we are, you must be one of us. But it would be a tragedy to get the right president, the right congress, and the wrong Christ." (emphasis mine, pages 31-32)

From the chapter entitled Kingdom: "The church is a signpost of God's coming kingdom (Eph. 3:10), a preview to the watching world of what the reign of God in Christ is to look like, a colony of the kingdom coming."

Or try this one on for size: "Our vote for President of the Untied States is important. We are held accountable, as we'll discuss, for the discharge of our ruling responsibilities in this life. But our vote for President is less important than our vote to receive new members for baptism into our churches. A President is term-limited and, for that matter, so is the United States (and every other nation). The reception of members into the church, however, marks out the future kings and queens of the universe. Our church membership rolls say to the people on them, and to the outside world, 'These are those we believe will inherit the universe as joint-heirs with Christ.'" (pg. 63)

In the chapter entitled, Mission, consider this: "In our attempts to keep the gospel from being too big, we must not end up with a gospel to small to do what Jesus commanded us to do." 

Moore is addressing the issue of how the G\gospel and, what we call the Great Commission, call for Christ-followers to be involved in confronting social injustices that are embedded in every culture. We cannot choose between evangelism and justice. But, how do we biblically address injustices? Two other quotes to consider in answering that question: "We empower darkness when we refuse to warn of judgment....The gospel does not expose sin in order to condemn but in order to reconcile...We speak of sin, and we warn of judgment, but in order to see persons made right with God, not in order to vent our spleens."

Moore effectively deals with issues such as abortion and capital punishment when he addresses human dignity or what it means to be image bearers of Deity. As usual, Moore ties every point back to the gospel. 

So, without boring you (and because I want to get back to finishing the book) let me share one more quote about human dignity and the gospel. "Our mission then is defined not just by precepts and principles and priorities but by a person."

After all, isn't it all about Jesus? Isn't He the only hope for our culture and our world? Isn't He the coming king who will set up the only perfect culture?

So, consider my challenge to read this relevant book. I welcome your feedback.

Forgive me for one more quote from the back cover: The signs of the times tell us we are in for days our parents and grandparents never knew. But that's no call for panic or surrender or outrage. Jesus is alive. Let's act like it. Let's follow him, onward to the future."

Precious Memories - visiting friends from our past churches

Precious Memories- revisiting friends in Ohio

Mary and I recently completed a twenty-six day road trip through the Midwest. The odometer registered 5,670 miles when we arrived back home in Bend. Although physically exhausted, our hearts and minds were filled with precious memories. I believe the apostle John captured our emotions best when he wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

The primary focus for the trip was to visit friends from our first two churches in Ohio where we spent ten years at The Pulaskiville Bible Church near Mt. Gilead and at the Berean Baptist Church in Marion Ohio. Since we are both getting much older we wanted to visit old friends one more time.

While in Chicago we also visited two classmates from our days at Moody. Sam was my best man and Laura was one of Mary's bridesmaids. The four of us visited Moody Bible Institute and attended the President's chapel. Listening to the Moody Chorale in Torrey Gray Auditorium brought back memories as we were reminded of the quality of the music program at Moody.

Bob and Debbie Barnett

On our return trip from Ohio we visited Bob and Debbie Barnett in Woodstock, Illinois. Bob was a student at Western Seminary and served as the custodian at Powellhurst Baptist Church in Portland where I was the pastor. Bob and I spent lots of hours discussing Scripture, and Bob would pick my brain about ministry. After years in the pastorate, Bob is training to be a professional counselor.

Don and Joan Bowman

We spent a week and a half with friends from Pulaskiville; some of them now live in Kalamazoo Michigan where we spent time with the Bowman family en route to Ohio. Don and his four sons each professed faith in Christ through our ministry at Pulaskiville. Three of their sons have served in local church ministry. Bruce even served as the pastor at the Pulaskiville church. However, we will need to wait to re-acquaint with Bruce since he died around age forty. But, we enjoyed sharing with his brothers Dan and Brian. I felt such joy hearing them share their about passion for Jesus and their leadership in the local churches where they serve.

Jim Rupp and I at the pulpit in Pulaskiville where we both have served

 

Jim and Shirley Rupp- our hosts for a week

A week was spent with Jim and Shirley Rupp who live only a few miles from the Pulaskiville Church building. Jim was saved under our ministry and immediately had a passion to study God's Word. He was part of a group of men that I mentored and taught biblical studies on Saturday mornings. Jim has also served as the pastor of Pulaskiville Church where he was saved. Today Jim serves as the interim pastor of The Edison Bible Church near Mt. Gilead. As usual, Jim was filled with questions about theology; it was just like old times. We were able to listen to Jim expound the Word on Sunday, and I was so proud of him. I suspect he has outgrown his old pastor and mentor.

We also visited with Chuck and Beryl Reed. He was my co-pastor at Berean Baptist in Marion. While in Marion we visited the Wilson's, a very special family at Berean.

        Rick and Kathryn Van Horn                                           Two preachers on the throne

                             

After a week in Ohio we spent three days with Rick and Kathryn Van Horn in Indiana. Rick was in Middle School when we went to Pulaskiville. He was always a great kid. Rick has planted Christ Community Church near Fort Wayne, and we were able to attend a Sunday service in the local high school. Again, I felt such joy and satisfaction as I listened to Rick preach so creatively and effectively. I was also impressed as I watched how he loved and shepherded his flock. Rick also fired questions at me and even asked me for input into his next sermon.

Man, how much I love these two guys! They are like sons to me, and it gives me such joy to see they still preach grace and truth so effectively. It was great to spend time with them and their wives. The fellowship was so sweet that we have asked them to visit us next summer so we can show them Central Oregon. But, the highlight of their visit will be the wonderful fellowship we will enjoy.

When we were at the Rupp's in Ohio, they had invited several people from the Pulaskiville Church to an open house. Wow! It was almost overwhelming to see so many of them again and to hear them, one after another, share how they came to faith through the preaching of The Word under our ministry. Those seven years at Pulaskiville are still the most exciting and memorable of the forty-five years that I have served as a pastor. I have served as pastor of larger churches and have led building programs and other significant ministries, but the memories we have from Pulaskiville are the most precious. I was so young when I began serving as their pastor. Looking back I wonder why anybody would even listen to me or follow my leadership. But, God did such amazing things in that small country church!

Home of The Pulaskiville Community Church- many memories to cherish forever

Worship center where God released His amazing power one special Sunday

It was not the excitement of having the attendance grow from around 45 to over 200. No, it was the number of entire families that came to faith in Jesus Christ and then brought their friends and neighbors to hear the gospel. Pulaskiville was no longer a little country church because people came from surrounding towns to see what God was doing. Mary has always said, "It was only true revival I have ever experienced." Personally, I don't know if it was a revival, since that usually refers to God's people coming back to Him after drifting away, but I do know that what happened in that little country church in Ohio was a "God-thing." I had no strategy for church growth. I didn't even have a great vision for the church. I only know that one Sunday The Holy Spirit moved mightily among us. Don Bowman was the first to respond, followed by his family. Then another man followed by his wife and children. And, then another. Soon the front of the church was filled with more seekers than we had trained counselors. From that Sunday on (as I write this the tears still come to my eyes) God grew the church in numbers and more deeply into Himself! Like the church in Acts, the power of the gospel spread outward from a small country church.  I thank God for the privilege to have been the recipient of His grace and power and have always said Pulaskiville was the best seminary I ever attended.

As precious as it was for me to listen to their stories of how they came to The Faith through our ministry, the most fulfilling experience of all was seeing that so many were still walking and loving Jesus. After all, it is not how we start a race but how we persevere and finish the race.
However, on a sadder note, there were some painful memories from our trip. I grieve over those who once professed faith in Christ and had followed Him in baptism but who have drifted away. Some who began so well no longer follow Jesus. Their eternal destiny is not for me to determine; God knows those who are truly His children. The Good Shepherd will not abandon His sheep.

Bob Jenkins- teenager saved under our ministry

Jean Bush- we paid her a surprise visit near Delaware Ohio

There were so many visits with special people that I cannot share. Two stand out because of recent losses in their lives. Jean Bush recently lost her adult son, Eric, but her faith is strong even though her heart grieves deeply. Bob Jenkins' wife Peggy was killed in an auto accident in May. They both recently retired and anticipated traveling together. Again, Bob is grieving but his confidence in God remains firm. Seeing these two people made the trip worth all the miles and weariness.

With all the precious memories from our trip, there was another observation that grieved me. I learned that churches, including Pulaskiville, have split over less than significant things. Small, struggling churches now dot the landscape. Each church seems to be competing for survival. None seem to be thriving. Their witness in the community is being weakened by a petty and divisive spirit.

If John could say that he had no greater joy than knowing some of his converts were still walking in the truth, I suspect Jesus might say that He has no greater grief than knowing that some of His disciples are not walking in love. Did He not say, "By this the world will know you are my disciples that you have love for one another?" The Gospel has power to reconcile us to God, but it also has the power to reconcile us to one another.
Now that we are home again, I thank God for those precious memories and those precious people He brought into our lives so many years ago and so many miles away.

The Power of Pedagogy or why is Trump, Trump and Hillary, Hillary?

The Power of Pedagogy 

Who made Trump, Trump and Hillary, Hillary?

I love the father of the bride in the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. "Gus" Portokalos, the patriarch of the family and father of the bride, is Greek through and through. Every word has its origin in the Greek language according to Gus. 

My first exposure to Greek was as a freshman at The Moody Bible Institute back in 1964. Even before my first Koine Greek class began, I was exposed to a brand new word, pedagogy, when I perused the curriculum Moody offered. Pedagogy is Academia's $50,000 word for educating a child. It is derived from two Greek words: "pais" or child and "ago" the verb to go or to lead. Hence, pedagogy means to teach or to lead a child or young person.This involves more than simply expounding information but also influencing the child as a mentor.

Up front, I need to give credit for information in this blog. A week or so ago I read an article on line and this week read the hard copy in the September, 2016 edition of World Magazine. This article by Jamie Dean was an eye opener for me. I share brief thoughts from the article and encourage you to read it in its entirety. World Magazine  is a monthly news magazine from a conservative Christian worldview. I highly recommend it for your consideration. 

The Bible frequently uses the image of a teacher or mentor training a youth on how to live life effectively or wisely.  Paul taught that The Law was a pedagogue (teacher or mentor) to lead us to the ultimate reality in Jesus Christ. 

So who influenced our presidential candidates? Who helped shape their worldview and value systems? 

Jamie Dean shares that Hillary Rodham was raised in a traditional Methodist Church in Park Ridge, Ill. But, First United Methodist Church hired a youth pastor who was unorthodox. "He introduced the youth group to the civil rights movement but also to existentialist philosophy and radical thinkers like Saul Alinsky, who skewered capitalism and religion." (quoted from the World Magazine article) The youth pastor, Don Jones, gave Hillary a subscription to Motive, a progressive journal that at one time ran a mock obituary of God.

As a freshman at Wellesly College in 1965 Hillary joined the Young Republicans and was a "bona fide 'Goldwater Girl'". A liberal college education and the mentor-ship of a youth pastor shaped Hillary's present worldview including supporting abortion and gay marriage. The Marxist ideas of Alinsky have also influenced her greatly. She eventually campaigned for Eugene McCarthy.

Now who shaped Trump's worldview? His story has similarities with that of Hillary. Donald Trump was baptized as an infant at First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). His parents began to attend Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan were Norman Vincent Peale was pastor. Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking became the first major "self-help" advocate of the 20th Century. The youthful Trump was fascinated by Peale's positive thinking and saw how it could relate to business. Is it any wonder Trump has such difficulty admitting error or confessing sin? Do we need to wonder why Trump boasts that he alone can fix the mess we are in?

Enough of that! Read the article for yourself. 

But, now an old retired preacher needs to land the plane quickly. So what is my point? First, remember how much influence a mentor or teacher can have on a youth? Parents, help your child choose friends and mentors wisely. We become what we think. We think like those who taught us. Do we need to wonder why so many  "Church-raised" youth lose their faith after four years of a liberal education with professors who belittle the Bible and Christianity?

My second application is this: Let us humble ourselves like Daniel, in chapter nine, where he prays for his nation while still living in captivity in Persia. Let us confess our corporate sins as a nation. Our national sins run deep and wide. We have tossed aside truth and righteousness for a mess of pottage. We dare to call evil good and good evil. 

I confess that I have fretted a lot about our present political situation, but I have never fasted or diligently prayed for my nation or the candidates. Think of this: if a mentor can shape a child's mind for life, can God also use a godly adviser to reshape a politician's values and philosophy? Can God use a Christian Vice President candidate, Pence, to challenge Trump? Can God raise up a godly counselor for Hillary? Or, do I believe God can still humble America to the point we cry out to Him in national repentance/ That is revival! That is what we need in America more than another presidential candidate.

And Now, The Final Word from The Supreme Court

And Now, The Final Word

I just returned from teaching another lesson at The Shepherd's House here in Bend. I love the time I get to spend at "The House"  because the men have become my friends and brothers in Christ. The Shepherd's House is a unique, faith-based residential recovery program. "The House", as we call it, was once a woolen mill the early days of Bend. The ministry is truly "grace based", because unconditional love and acceptance is the heart of the recovery "program". Most of the men have never experienced unconditional love or grace.

Recently I have been leading studies through the book of Daniel. My original intent was to just cover the first six chapters that are filled with familiar stories like the fiery furnace and a lion's den. I wondered how the last six chapters that contain prophecy could be relevant to the men seeking recovery from chemical addictions etc. But, being a retired pastor who has always preferred preaching through a book, it was difficult to toss aside the last six chapters of Daniel. So, yes, you guessed it- we waded  into the prophetic chapters where I discover a universal principle that is still relevant today. That is the point of this blog.

First, a little disclaimer. Prophecy was not included in Scripture to give us a sneak preview about the future or to provide fodder for theological debates. Prophecy, I believe, is meant to motivate us to godly living and deeper faith. Most, if not every, prophetic utterance in the Bible is preceded by or followed by a "therefore"- that is a practical application such as "therefore pray" or "therefore be holy."

Daniel seven and eight include visions that Daniel received about four successive world empires that would rise to world dominance only to fall and be replaced. The visions use animals to describe each successive empire. For example, Babylon was "like a lion". The lion was the national symbol for Babylon. As strong and proud as Babylon was, it fell to the Medes and Persians who were symbolized by a bear. You can read these chapters in Daniel for yourself, but the essence of the vision was that Babylon would be replaced by Persian empire who would then fall to the Alexander the Great and the Greeks. Alexander would die without an heir, and his kingdom would be divided into four parts ruled by four generals. A Greek ruler, Antiochus IV, would invade Jerusalem and defile the temple. Daniel's prophecy  not only predicted the invasion but also the length of time Antiochus Epiphanes would be permitted to defile the temple before the Maccabees liberated Jerusalem. The Greeks eventually fell to Rome just as God had revealed to Daniel.

Now, if Daniel 7-8 were a history lesson we could ask, " what is so special about the Bible?" But, if I take the Bible literally (and I have no reason not to), Daniel wrote hundreds of years before some of these events happened! Greece did not exist as a nation, yet it is actually named by Daniel! The details about the invasion of Antiochus IV include information one could not know in advance unless the author was also in control of history- if it is actually was His Story.

So that leads me to the obvious question: "What does all this have to do with me today? What does it have to do with the men at the Shepherd's House?"

I love how Daniel reverts to poetry in 7:9:

"Thrones were set in place,

 and the Ancient of Days took His seat. 

His clothing was as white as snow;

 the hair of his head was white like wool. 

His throne was flaming with fire,

and its wheels were all ablaze. 

A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. 

Thousands upon thousands attended him; 

ten thousand times then thousand stood before Him. 

The court was seated

 and the books were opened."

If you are familiar with Scripture you note similar descriptions of God on the throne. Consider Revelation one and Ezekiel or the transfiguration of Christ. 

But, the words that fascinate me are the first two and last two lines of the poem that I have highlighted. Little men with big egos may sit on their thrones or behind the desk in the Oval Office and rule a limited kingdom for a limited time. They may rattle their sabers and boast their accomplishments, but each one dies and/or falls to another little man on his throne. But, the eternal God, the ruler of the universe, will upon a day take His seat on The Throne and the great judge will be seated to judge every man, woman boy or girl. Some of us will be rewarded; some may lose rewards and others lose their lives forever and ever. The Great Judge will have the final word. Finally, all the earth will be silent before Him. 

So what about me today? What do I take away from these chapters in Daniel? 

When I consider the choices of the major candidates for President of the United States, I don't want to vote for either. I don't want a President that will appoint more liberal justices to our Supreme Court. I say "our Supreme Court", because I realize their is a higher Court- The True Supreme Court. Some day, when the books are opened, five justices will need to answer for their decision that raped the the institution of marriage. Other justices will be accountable or legalizing infanticide in America. Today, more deaths are caused by abortion than any other reason. Yes, I don't want either candidate to win, but I can trust the God who has written the story. Perhaps America deserves less than desirable leaders. After all, such was the case in ancient Israel.

For the men at the Shepherd's House, I asked if they could trust God in their situations? Some need jobs. Some struggle with health issues. Some face a turbulent future without the support of family or friends. But, each of the men, and that includes me, can rest assured God will have the final word. 

Do I believe God is both kind and severe as Paul wrote? Do I believe He is in charge of my life now? Tomorrow? Am I at peace with knowing that He will have the final word?

Another Police Shooting- the rest of the story

Another Police Shooting

Hardly a week passes anymore without a report of another black man (usually young) being shot and killed by the police.  I am wearied from hearing these tragic stories. It certainly seems like this is happening more frequently, but I wonder if the prevalence of smart phones has simply captured what used to remain invisible and unreported in the media. Also, social media facilitates the dissemination of information today so almost nothing escapes being exposed to the public.

It is tragic whenever a young person's life is terminated no matter the cause of death. Whether or not the shooting was legally justified, one cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the needless waste of the potential in that young life. Even when the police action is exonerated, the fact remains- a tragedy has occurred. When public rioting and looting is the response to a police shooting or when there is lethal retaliation against innocent police officers, it is even more tragic.

But, I am frustrated by how often the focus in the media seems skewed. Frequently, in the evening newscast, we see pictures of the victim of a police shooting posed in their graduation cap and gown. Yes,the picture emphasizes the tragic waste of another young person's life. The picture of the young man in his cap and gown helps create empathy for the victim and anger toward the police officers who were responsible for the shooting death of the victim.

What often seems to be missing in these reports of police shootings is the fact that several of the victims were involved in criminal activity when they were killed by the police. Being involved in a crime does not in itself justify the death of the perpetrator. But, the near silence in the media about the criminal activity of the victim encourages greater moral outrage against the police. So, all I am asking is what about telling the rest of the story surrounding the incident?

If the motivation for not consistently reporting any criminal activity of the person who was killed by the police is out of respect for the deceased and their loved ones, I can understand. But, when we don't tell the whole story- when we only focus on the tragic death at the hands of police- do we not disrespect the reputation of the police officers and their family if they acted appropriately within the law?

Now, my blog title says that I am a retired preacher so you may ask why am I speaking out on this subject? Every death of a person, young or old, who was involved in criminal activity reminds me of the warnings in the first  chapter of The Proverbs where Wisdom is addressing a young man as a father would address his son.  

         Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction 

         and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 

         They will be a garland to grace your head 

         and a chain to adorn your neck. 

         My son, if sinners entice you, 

         do not give in to them. 

         If they say, “Come along with us; 

         let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, 

         let’s waylay some harmless soul; 

         let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,

         and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 

         we will get all sorts of valuable things 

         and fill our houses with plunder; 

         throw in your lot with us, 

         and we will share a common purse”— 

         my son, do not go along with them, 

         do not set foot on their paths; 

         for their feet rush into sin, 

         they are swift to shed blood. 

         How useless to spread a net 

         in full view of all the birds! 

         These men lie in wait for their own blood; 

         they waylay only themselves! 

         Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; 

         it takes away the lives of those who get it. 

The New International Version. (1984). (Pr 1:8–19). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I believe there are really two basic questions  regarding these police shootings. The obvious question is "why are there so many police shootings?" The bigger question though is "what is happening in our culture- especially that of the predominately black neighborhoods in the inner-city?" Some may answer that it is the result of gang activity. Others point to the breakdown of the family, especially in the black community where too often there is an absence of a positive father image in the family. Did you note above in above quote from Proverbs that it was a father counseling his son about the danger of choosing the wrong friends? Destructive activity often boomerangs to come band and destroy the perpetrator.

Do you. like I, wonder why so many inner-city children are being reared without the influence of a father? I will let the sociologists and professionals offer their answers, but could it also be that our social welfare policies share some responsibility? Then, there is also the question about the lack of influence of the local churches? I pray that God will grant the pastors of our churches (whether inner-city or suburbia) the wisdom and boldness to proclaim truth and to provide biblical counsel for strong families.

Meanwhile, when the media posts pictures of victims (I don't like that word) of police shootings, why not share the rest of the story?