When you fall asleep each night, only God knows what will occur in the dark of night. However, you don’t have to rest for the world to change. Rather, the moment you begin to stop standing up for what you believe, eventualy you will wake up in the minority.
America is a good case study to test this theory. Prior to the 1960’s, faith was a foundation for most communities with the local church serving as a beacon of hope. Yet, when the religious community was lulled to sleep by apathy, Woodstock transformed the worldview for future generations. Subsequently, only 33 % of Americas believe in absolute truth, now in the minority.
All you have to do is take a look at the war on Christmas, banning Nativity Scenes even in the Bible belt to recognize this societal change. It’s no wonder that public schools are erasing Christian holidays from its calendars. Freedom of speech is free unless you profess Christ, then you will be silenced. If this trend continues, you too may wake up one day, finding yourself in the minority.
John Wise is one of those individuals who has been forgotten by history. A reverend at the Congregational Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Wise blazed a trial which the founding fathers of America emulated. Until yesterday, I never realized that the Declaration of Independence was based upon by a sermon series John Wise preached in 1687. These messages were inspired by a tax levied by royal Governor Andros without the representation of a legislative body. Wise was one of the first civil rights leader, going to jail for his opposition, a pioneer who used his pulpit to preach liberty and justice for all.
John Wise devoted his entire life to the ministry, serving from the time of his ordination to his death in 1725. Prior to his passing, Wise completed his most famous work, A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches in 1717. This compilation became a blue print that was adopted in 1776 during the Continental Congress, known as the Declaration of Independence. When reverend Wise spoke to his community, he didn’t see black, red or white skin. Rather, Wise developed an expression saying, “there are only 2 kinds of races, those who believe in God and those who don’t!” This is just a glimpse of the sermons of John Wise. These inspired words are simply Supernatural as DC Talk once sang.
There is much to learn from this second generation Pilgrim leader. First, a preacher should not be muzzled by the government. Church should be a place of refuge where worshipers can experience heaven on earth before going back into the world like disciples for the next 6 days. Second, the Bible is a blue print for life, liberty and the American way. Allowing atheists to silence the spiritual foundation of this country is like spitting the reverend Wise in the face. Finally, history is like a true National Treasure, full of mentors, stars and visionaries who have made America a great nation. Go to a local library today to examine diamonds in the rough, lost over the course of time, by a media ashamed of God. If you want to know more about John Wise, David Barton has written books about his impact on American History.
If you read the title of professions such as Civil Rights Leader, Community Organizer and Man of the Cloth, common sense would lead you to believe each is in the business of solutions. In fact, when working together in unison, these positions play a vital role in dictating the environment that exists in their own cities across America. Unfortunately, when the cameras of the media show up in town, rogue individuals often lose sight of the goal by assigning blame.
Ratings, selfish ambition and talking points do just the opposite as negative words incite relational forest fires, placing classes, races and political ideologies against one another. Ferguson, Missouri is the latest epicenter, as citizens searching for justice and revenge did not receive the verdict from the Darren Wilson Grand Jury as they had hoped. Despite the collaborating accounts of eyewitnesses, the media has withheld key facts from this investigation to encourage outrage. Instead of wanting the truth like Col. Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men, they have chosen to assign blame.
I’m not an expert on the media, but it appears they are suppressing the news rather than presenting it. What this nation and every country needs are people hungry for developing solutions. When placed in charge, the United States government has a history of failure. As the number of individuals on Food Stamps and Unemployment continue to grow, who will get behind visionaries like Glenn Beck to start solving problems one community at a time. While Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, unless neighbors put aside their petty differences, this dream will never become a reality.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, Christmas Classics won’t be far behind, airing in the next month. One of my favorites, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” tries to explain how angels can influence human beings. Henry Travers, plays Clarence, an angel longing to earn his wings by helping George, played by Jimmy Stewart, see how great his life is despite the financial woes of the Great Depression. This film portrays the noise inside of heaven, ringing bells, as angels complete their assignment thereby earning their wings.
According to the Bible, heaven is compared to a party, similar to a wedding reception, Matthew 22:1-14. From an eyewitness, the son of God, rejoicing occurs every time a sinner repents, Luke 15:7. While there are certain stereotypes linked to born again Christians, this doesn’t mean that a church service can’t turn into a football frenzy audience. In additional, beyond the emotions of any celebration, there will be no tears in heaven, Revelation 21:4, wiped away by Jesus
On earth, the sound of gun shots, screams and violence make heaven seem like an eternity away. Instead of letting a doom and gloom mentality cause you to give up hope, take advantage of the coming Christmas Spirit. May believers bring Joy to the World as the sweet sound of worship music revive souls, bringing the noise inside of heaven down to earth.
Whether you’re a child busy day dreaming or an adult trying to crunch financial numbers, everyone has a desired destination. Some dreams may appear lofty, others middle of the road with a few unrealistic. Nonetheless, without vision, people perish, Hosea 4:6, dying inside without anything tangible to live for.
Israel longed for a promised land, African Americans envisioned a nation free from slavery and the poor seek a life without hunger. On the road to success, doubt, a lack of resources and time stand in the way. Depending upon the voices you hear, the people you surround yourself with and what you choose to believe, your destination may be altered, seeing but never reaching the Land of Oz.
The apostle Paul understood this concept, writing to the church in Philippi, Philippians 3:12-14. Pride didn’t get in the way of his goal. Despite his past ideology, Paul set his mind on heaven. While his life was cut short on earth, martyred for his belief in Christ, faith allowed this servant of God to reach his desired destination. May promises like Philippians 1:6 encourage you to never waiver until you arrive where you belong.
Novelist Orson Scott Card made a interesting observation in regards to sacrifice. “Happiness is not a life without pain, but rather is life in which pain is traded for a worthy price.” Whether you are referring to freedom of speech, defending a just cause or standing up for what you believe, nothing is accomplished with a cost.
Perhaps, your reputation takes a hit, attacked by those with opposing views. Or friendships are estranged as your worldview comes in direct conflict with a person you care about. Either way, actions, choices and decisions will create enemies, hatred or jealousy. What you need to determine is… is it worth the price?
When becoming of disciple of Jesus became popular, motives for following were mixed. Some wanted to join because it was cool, others for the fame and a few for the right reasons. Thus, Jesus set the bar high in Luke 9:57-62, causing many to quit, unable to pay the price. Whether you are excelling as an athlete, student or servant, to become the greatest in anything takes unswerving devotion. May you consider the costs, make up your mind and take a leap of faith, paying the price today to achieve a better tomorrow.
Once upon a time, there was a mother who gave birth to a son who was blind. Heart-broken but not hopeless, this loving mom became the eyes to illuminate her son’s darkness. Similar to a radio broadcast, she tried to paint a vivid picture of the world her son could not see. Day after day, this scene repeated itself until news of a medical miracle arrived.
After saving up enough money, this woman made an appointment with an eye doctor who had success with a cutting edge operation. Following a consultation, a surgery was schedule for this boy who had only known darkness. Anticipation was in the air, yet to achieve maximum vision, bandages were required to remain over the boy’s eyes for a couple of days post this procedure. Time would tell if the boy would be teased or thankful.
What happened next was like a scene from out of the Bible, John 9:6-7. As the doctor unwrapped the cloth, rays of light penetrated the boys face. Exuberant, the boy ran to the window to look outside for the very first time. Speechless, a joyful mother listened as tears began to stream down her face. “Mom, it’s more beautiful than I ever imagined! I can’t believe how many details you left out.” In response, wiping away tears, she replied, “I couldn’t do it justice my darling for God’s creation is beyond our understanding.”
If you believe everything happens for a reason, then my first full time teaching position after college was a blessing in disguise. Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest, I spent the Spring Semester of 1993 counseling, teaching and tutoring junior high students who were considered career underachievers. The learning never stopped, continuing through breakfast, lunch and dinner. My only true break was for 40 minutes, from 12:20-1:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Titled 20/20 Time, students and teachers spent 40 minutes in solitude either on a hillside, in the valley or along the banks of a stream. The goal of this exercise was to spend 20 minutes reflecting and 20 writing. To my amazement, I developed a love for journaling; eventually inspiring 12 songs that formed my first album, A Simple Confession.
For those of us who love food, eating is like a race to see who can devour a meal the fastest. Yet, for businessmen, savvy entrepreneurs and relational individuals, meals are maximized to get work done, explore new opportunities or develop permanent meaningful lasting relationships. Prior to the rise in youth sports, families spent 30-60 minutes a day at their kitchen table talking . Now, some households eat out breakfast, lunch and dinner, working meals around busy schedules. Although hunger is a natural part of the body, appetites can vary from delicacies to worldly obsessions. Realizing this truth, Jesus introduced a new concept for his listeners to digest, “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Matthew 5:6.
The Psalms of the Bible illuminate how to hunger and thirst after righteousness. Beginning in Psalm 1:1-3, the author compares this type of individual with an evergreen, a tree that stays green throughout the year. Known as conifers, the key to this tree is its root system. When planted near a creek, river or stream, daily nutrients are widely available. The spiritual dimension to this analogy can be found in Joshua 1:8, where meditating on the Bible day and night results in a similar outcome. Therefore, if you want to maximize your own meals, start by consuming the Word of God before every breakfast, lunch and dinner. If this concept takes ahold of your heart, soul and mind, then will resemble the tree in Psalm 1. This leads me to the chorus from one of the first songs the Holy Spirit inspired me to write, Psalm 1.
“I want to be the tree, down by the river”
“I want to be the tree, down by the bank”
“I want to be the tree, that walks and talks like Jesus”
“Reaching out for nourishment by staying in God’s Word.”
Depending upon who you listen to or believe, many revisionist historians blame Christianity for the demise of great empires of the past. Quite contrary, often its the lack of morality, either absent from followers of Jesus or invisible from societies which contribute to the fall of once great nations. You don’t have to go any further than America’s current view of their justice system. In the eyes of the media, you are now guilty until proven innocent.
Names like Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy, NFL stars accused of domestic violence, are guinea pigs on this slippery slope. While the facts may not support their innocence, cable news networks and radio talk shows have already made up their minds. Who needs a jury anyway? In the court of public opinion, the decision is clear, guilty as charged!
Psalm 103:6-8 speaks up for any citizen who has been through under the bus. The Lord hears the cries of the oppressed, bringing justice and working righteousness in the midst of despair. God’s love is not distant, introduced to Moses and passed on through generations by reminding earth’s residents of His compassion, love and mercy. Although, the evidence may not look good for anyone accused of a crime, don’t forget that in the America that I remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
In a chapter entitled, Anatomy of Adultery, Dr. James Dobson addresses a shocking trend in America. Although men were more guilty of committing adultery in previous decades, today married women 29 years of age and younger have turned the tables on their spouses, indulging in significantly more affairs than men. Another study from Dr. Kelly Bonewell reveals 4 out of 10 Americans believe adultery is morally acceptable. If this is true, many adults are inches away from adultery.
The topic of adultery is nothing new. During his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus threw a curve ball to those in attendance. Formerly regarded as something only a married man or woman could commit, Jesus introduces a spiritual element to adultery in Matthew 5:27-30. This perspective has no limitations, including all ages, who are also vulnerable to temptation. Adultery isn’t just a sin, its a byproduct of lust. Therefore, if flirting gives birth to lust, James 1:13-15, even Christians can draw close, inches away from adultery.
The first time I read Jesus’ comments in Matthew 5:29-30, I thought He was being unreasonable. However, once I did a little research, I discovered Jesus was referencing the Old Testament principle of purging. When someone removes the atmosphere, environment and traces of lust, thoughts of adultery will fade from their minds. However, if you put yourself into a compromising position one too many times, the line will be crossed so that inches become reality. May the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 serve as a warning before its too late to alter history.
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