God, Why Don't You Just Come Down and Show These Heretics a Thing or Two? (Daily Reflections on Isa. 64)

Sometimes I look at the world around us with its collapsing morals, injustices, political corruption, selfishness and defaming or mocking of God and His principles and I want to cry out like Isaiah "Tear open the skies and come down to earth so that the mountains will tremble before you. Like a fire that burns twigs, like a fire that makes water boil, let your enemies know who you are. Then all nations will shake with fear when they see you." Okay call me James or John who wanted to call down fire on the Samaritan village in Luke 9 for not welcoming Jesus. I know, I know, Jesus rebuked them for that. But sometimes I just want God to show Himself and put those other people in their place.

Just like Isaiah, I want people to see the amazing things of God. There is no one like Him. He is always there to help those who trust in Him and enjoy doing good, who strive to live according to His truths. I get tired and grieved by those, the world, who work against God's principles, who flaunt their sin and declare their own brand of morals. I just want God to show them who's boss, to show His righteousness and power and really let them have it.

In the back of my mind, I keep hearing that rebuke from Jesus to James and John, and probably the rest of the disciples too. I'm sure they all felt the same thing. Jesus, why do you let those punks push you around. You've done so many cool things, amazing things, beneficial things. You're offering hope and life and unconditional love and forgiveness and they are just bashing you. Just take care of them, bring on the fire.

But I can't help but look at my own life. Just as Isaiah said, my acts of righteousness are only filthy rags to God. I have my own sin. I have my own rejection of His truths. I, too, am disobedient. And deep down, I'm selfish, wanting what I want for me and my benefit. Even my so called righteous anger is more about me wanting what I want.

If I really pause and reflect, asking God to come down and burn out all the unrighteous is actually asking Him to burn me up as well. If I'm asking Him to wipe out all who sin against God or have rejected Him in any way by their behavior, I'm really asking Him to take me out as well. 

Perhaps Isaiah's cry is a better one, But you are our father, Lord. We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us,  so do not be too angry with us or hold our sins against us forever. We are your people; be merciful to us. Instead of crying out for God to show up in a big way and wipe out or even just intimidate all those who oppose Him, maybe we should be praying that God would mold us into becoming truly what He would want us to be. Maybe if we took seriously His commands of loving Him and loving our neighbors in a real and practical way the world would be different. Maybe if we dedicated our life to announcing and proclaiming the Kingdom the way Jesus did, as Michael Frost suggests, we would see throngs coming to Him. Maybe if we made the Kingdom of God tangible, as Hugh Halter suggests, people would experience the glory, goodness, love, and compassion of Jesus and be consumed by Him. Maybe if we took seriously the commands of Jesus as His people, the world would long for the touch of God.

God, I cry out to you with the prayer of Isaiah. You are my father, Lord. I am just clay. Mold me and shape after your will. Forgive my insolence, my arrogance, my self righteousness and sin. Don't be angry with me. Be merciful, please. Make me an instrument of your peace and message of Good News. Use me as your vessel so that people can see Jesus and experience your grace.

How Should I Deal with Homosexuality, Same Sex Marriage and the Transgendered as a Christian? (Daily Reflections on Mt. 10:16-20)

Fifteen to twenty years ago there was little discussion about same sex marriage and transgendered personalities. Homosexuality was was moving from the view of a chosen lifestyle fraught with the dangers of AIDS to a natural inborn preference. Now the news and media is filled with images of gay married couples and transgendered persons. To be honest, I'm glad my kids are grown, because I don't think I would want to be having to explain transgendered to a six year old. As the old commercial used to say, "What's a mother to do?"

However, I've have been concerned about the many posts by "Christians" regarding the issues of homosexuality, same sex marriage, and the transgendered. I've been concerned by some who embrace these issues wholeheartedly and suggest that all believers should accept gay marriage and the transgendered without hesitation because God does. I've also been concerned by some who have belittled, mocked, etc. homosexual couples/individuals and transgendered persons. Some of the posts/blogs I've read are down right vitriolic. What's baffling is that some of those same "Christian" individuals who bash homosexual behavior are non condemning of heterosexual couples who are engaging in sex outside of marriage or the guys who engage porn. 

It's an issue facing the church today that many never even imagined would have to face. A year ago I approached the elders of my church regarding what our policy would be when same sex marriage became legal in our state. One of my elders emphatically stated, "This is Oklahoma. We won't have to be facing that for a long time." Within months of that encounter, Oklahoma's law prohibiting same sex marriage was struck down by the courts and same sex marriage is now legal in our state. Now I'm wondering how the church is going to deal with transgendered persons, including children who attend our churches and want to go on ladies' or men's retreats, use their transgendered restrooms, or children in our youth programs.

I've often wondered how the Apostle Paul felt when he started preaching in Corinth and Ephesus, communities known for their pagan temple worship involving homosexuality. I heard a speaker one time exclaim that Corinth made San Francisco look like a Sunday School picnic. Sexual immorality of all kinds were prevalent in both cities, yet Paul stayed three years in Ephesus and wrote more than one letter to the church at Corinth. Other than Romans, Ephesians may be the most theological book in the New Testament.

Although there are some clear teachings prohibiting homosexual practice, we have to remember that Jesus also clearly stated in John 3:17 that He didn't come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him would be saved. If we are to be like Jesus, then our practice and speech should like that of Jesus. Remember, Jesus said to the religious leaders of His day when criticized for hanging out with publicans and sinners that He came to the sick, those in need of healing.

So how are we, as believers today, supposed to handle the issues of homosexuality, same sex marriage and the transgendered? How do you think Jesus would have handled it? We are aliens to this world. Our citizenship is in heaven. This isn't our world. As the old Negro Spiritual proclaims, "This world is not my home. I'm just a passin' through."

So if this isn't our turf, what should be our approach to these issues? Jesus has some counsel for us in Matthew 10:16-20. He recognizes that He is sending us into the world as sheep among wolves. First of all, remember, HE is doing the sending. We are HIS representatives proclaiming HIS message of love, grace and redemption. When people encounter us, they should be encountering Jesus, and as Jesus said, whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.

Second, He told us to be wise or shrewd as serpents, but harmless/inoffensive as doves. The Message Version says we shouldn't be calling attention to ourselves as we run through the wolf pack. Jesus tells us that some people will impugn our motives and smear our reputation. Some will even try to take legal action against us. He then tells us that we should rejoice because it will give us the perfect opportunity to announce and proclaim the Kingdom and show, demonstrate and share the Good News of Jesus. And in those moments of confrontation, as we align ourselves with Christ, the Holy Spirit will give us what we should say. Isn't that cool? God says that He will give us the right words to say in those critical moments through His Holy Spirit! What a promise! When I don't know what to say or how to react, respond, etc, The Holy Spirit will jump in and show us, tell us, speak for us. That is awesome!

Knowing that causes me to want to go back and read through the Gospels again and again, paying attention to the patterns and practices of Jesus. I want to be ready when the time comes. Not to respond in my theology, but in love and grace and wisdom and mercy and hope of Jesus.

God, sometimes I just don't know what to say or do. I don't know the best way to stand up for Your truths. I know You said that we shouldn't cast our pearls before swine, but it become awkward trying to live and proclaim Your standards in world that is moving in the opposite direction, in fact stand opposed to Your truths. I want to love people the way You do, to see people the way You see them. Pour Your Spirit out on me anew. Flow through me. Allow me to have the wisdom and words and behavior that best represents You. Take away my condemning Spirit and grant me the air of Your presence.

So When Do These Things Become Beautiful? (Daily Reflections on Eccl. 3:11-14)

It's amazing how quick things can change! People change. Circumstances change. Weather changes. It seems like everywhere that I have lived people tell me, "If you don't like the weather, just stick around because it will change in a minute." I've seen it do that many times in all the places I've lived. We've just been through a season of that here in Central Oklahoma. The whole state has been under a drought, but in the month of May this year we've been deluged with rain. When I say deluged, I mean deluged. Towns flooded. Roads and bridges washed away. Unfortunately so have cars, houses, people and live stalk. Several have lost their lives. We had an all time record amount of precipitation for any month in the history of record keeping. The year prior, we had a little more than 3 inches for the whole month. This year over 20 inches. We already have more than two thirds of our annual rainfall totals.

Living in Oklahoma we also are used to dodging tornadoes in the spring. It's can be a sunshiny day and all of the sudden conditions change and a tornado forms. We all know the drill here and you can forget watching your favorite show on any of the main channels, in the month of May especially, because they will be showing nonstop coverage of where the tornadoes are and where they are headed. This May we only had about 70 in the state.

The springtime is a volatile time weather wise here. This year, we only had 7 days in May that were not stormy. All but 7 counties had severe storm/flooding damage. It was wet and cold. But now it's June! Within a week we have gone from cool wet temps to hot and somewhat muggy conditions. It was in the upper 60's/low 70's a couple weeks ago. The last few days it's upper 90's. It even reached 101 on my car thermometer as I pulled into my garage this afternoon. It's amazing how fast things can change.

I've walked with people who went from a picture of perfect health to terminal in a matter of hours. I've sat with people who were gainfully employed with a six figure salary when they went to work in the morning and within a few hours after arriving at work they were laid off by corporate with no severance pay. I've counseled with people who thought they were happily married only to find out that their spouse was leaving them for another person. It's amazing how fast things can change.

The seasons of life can be challenging at best. We never know what is going to strike us or when it's coming. Just like us here in Oklahoma, it's sunny and the skies seem clear one minute, only to be headed for our tornado shelter the next.

I've always be intrigued by Ecclesiastes 3. There is a time for everything under heaven. I've used the passage at both weddings and funerals. There is a time to be born, a time to die, a time to sow, a time to gather in, a time to keep, a time to throw away, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to weep and a time dance, etc., etc. But my favorite part of this passage are verses 11-14. Solomon reassures us with these words, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Solomon goes on to talk about the fact that it's the changes that God brings about in our life that causes us to long for Heaven and the things of God. He says that we should rejoice in the moments of life and opportunities and challenges and rewards and jobs and people God brings into our lives. 

Most of us would love to control our environment. In fact, we do everything in our power to control our environment. It's when things are not in our control that we get anxious or uncomfortable or worried or depressed. Yet Solomon assures us that things are not in our control. There is nothing we can do to gain control. Jesus has the power to say "Peace be still to the raging storms." But, if I tried that with an oncoming tornado...well let's just say I'm no Pecos Bill. I'd be more like Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind and ended up in Heaven. The changes of life, including the severe ones, difficult ones and their ultimate resolutions are designed for us to "fear" or more accurately "be in awe of" God. 

God says that HE will make all things beautiful in its time. God is working HIS plan in us. Our job is to cooperate with Him and trust Him. We certainly can't add or take anything away. We can only focus on Him. 

Ok God, I confess I hate not being to see how everything works out in advance. I hate having to struggle through difficult times. I hate facing hardships. I hate the hard lessons I have to endure for you to mold my life. I hate that I don't get a say so in your divine plan. But I trust in you. I can't wait to see how things become beautiful in its time as you mold things toward fruition. I want to be awed by you! I want to see your glorious power and creative spirit unleashed in my life. Give me a glimpse of the land flowing with milk and honey that's awaiting. 

Graduation Counsel (Daily Reflections on Prov. 6:20-23)

Graduation time is always exciting. Donning the cap and gown. Marching down the aisle to "Pomp and Circumstance." Traversing the stage as your name is called to receive THAT diploma. Flipping the tassel or being hooded. Tossing the cap as the ceremony closes. Embracing loved ones who greet you with congratulatory remarks. It's all exciting! You did it!

I can remember all three of my graduations, although I confess it's a little more hazy with age. In high school after everything was over it was a race to get from the football field back to the check in station in the school to turn in our robes and get our actual diplomas. Since I was pretty fast in those days, I was one of the first. There was no hanging around and hugging classmates. It was get in and get out as fast as possible. I was in an out so fast that I beat my parents back to my house for the reception being held in my honor.

At my college graduation, I will never forget that my parents had to leave immediately because my grandmother's house was on fire. I had to finish to packing my things and all my fish and tanks. (I used to raise tropical fish in college.) By the time I got packed and made the 60 mile trip, her house was nothing but a crispy critter. My grandmother at the time was in Tennessee, recouping from a broken hip. We were able to drag a few things from the embers, and I was so grateful that my bass amp, which I had taken over days before graduation was spared any damage.

By the time my Masters graduation came, I was married with children. Having my wife and daughters there is about the only thing I really remember. Hanging out with my parents and family was more meaningful at that time than it was seventeen years prior and getting out of high school.

I couldn't wait to get out of high school. I had moved my senior year and missed my friends with whom I had carved out life from grade school. I moved back to "my" hometown to find work within two weeks of graduating and never lived at home again. 

I remember how weird it was sitting on that plane, waving good-bye to my folks, knowing that I was leaving the nest. I was now on my own. It was a pretty daunting thought. You can't wait to get out, but once you're on your own the reality can be frightening.

Making your own way in the world is a challenge. Even though you've had plenty of counsel growing up, you are bound to make mistakes; sometimes major mistakes. Everyone makes them. I made them. You made them or will make them. It's the hard elements of life. They say we learn from our mistakes. My observation is that some do and some don't. Some of us are prone to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. If only we had the assurance that everything, every decision, every move we made was the right one in advance.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived actually gives us some counsel that will help us in choosing the right path. In Proverbs 6 he advises, My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline  is the way to life.

Solomon is talking about Godly instruction from your parents that teach you Godly principles for living. He's saying that we need to incorporate those principles into our everyday life. If we do, then more than likely we will be able to choose the right path, the right actions, say and do the right things that will profit us. It's the incorporating of those principles that will form and shape our character. You won't have to question whether something is right or not because  those principles are second nature to you, they are part of you. 

As you set out to conquer your world upon graduation, grabbing hold of God's principles will serve you well. You are free from household rules, but you are not free from consequences of your actions. Many just want to run wild once they leave the safety of the nest. To those I would say, you will soon find out that the principles that God lays out are the most solid, profitable, beneficial ones you could wrap your life around.

God, thanks for sharing your wisdom for living life with us. Thanks for demonstrating it through your son, Jesus. Thanks for granting us Your Word and Your Holy Spirit to guides and instruct us. Thanks also for forgiving us and helping us find our way back to the right path.