How often do you think about your story? You know, the bestseller novel about your life? I’m guessing, for most of us, we don’t think about our personal story that often. If we do, it’s probably just about the current events only. We forget about all the parts of our journey leading up to the moment currently occupying our thoughts.
I’m currently writing a book. And it’s all about the stories of people I’ve had the honor of knowing through my counseling practice. These are people of many different walks of life. Young, old, rich, poor. Each person has a very unique story. One of the aspects of my job is encourage people to tell their story and learn from it.
What story do you have to tell? I bet you’re thinking about it now. In fact, I would bet that right now you are thinking of moments and/or situations in your life which you haven’t thought about in quite some time. Why do you think that is? Why do we push down pivotal moments in our life which directly impact who we are today?
Well, some of these moments are painful. And most people don’t like to feel pain. In fact, that is why the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse is so incredibly high today; people want to avoid pain. There is a desire to just be numb as opposed to feeling pain. But, friends, it is through pain that we grow in our discipleship the most.
“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” — Romans 5:3-5
And that is why it is important to embrace your story… all of it. Of course it is easier to think of and talk about the moments of smooth sailing. But how often are we moved to a place of surrender to God when life is going well? For many of us, we don’t go to our knees during the good times. We should but we don’t. It’s during the trials that we find ourselves in need of strength that is beyond our abilities.
I think about my patients and their vulnerabilities when they sit in my office. Almost without fail, I see a sense of relief come upon them when they get to simply tell me their story. All of it… the good, the bad, and the parts tossed deep in the proverbial closet. And it is through the telling of their stories that they begin to heal. For you see, once you begin to see your moments… where you were, where you are, and where you are going …you can see exactly where God has been present the entire time. And that turns your story into a testimony to His glory and the healing He gives to those who believe.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3
Take some time to sit for a while with God, asking Him to help you write your story. You will be amazed at the way His hand has always been upon you. Hopefully, you will then share your story so that others may find comfort in God’s healing mercies. You are modern day disciple. Go tell the world of the wonderful works He has done within you.
I don’t know about you but I’m feel pretty heart-heavy this week. I can’t really focus on anything. There seems to be so much hopelessness in the air. Let’s face it, life right now is challenging.
I’m currently sitting at the lake. It’s my place, my anchoring place. It’s where I go when I feel out of sorts with the rest of the world. So here I am, listening to the birds and insects chirp and sing. There’s a slight breeze, causing just enough of a ripple that I can hear the water lap on the bank. Occasionally a fish jumps, interrupting the calmness of the water with its chaotic splash. Even the dragonflies wings make a buzzing sound by my ears as they look for a place to light.
Peace typically finds me here. But not today. Instead, my mind can’t escape the pain that threatens to consume everyone. Just in the past month, I’ve had patients bring to me some of the most intense struggles I’ve ever worked with.
Homelessness, poverty, addiction, despair.
Loss of a child, loss of a job, loss of a home, abandonment.
Human trafficking, abuse, rape, suicide, murder.
Covid, death, Afghanistan, betrayal.
This is just in the past month!
I am a bit angry about it all, to be honest. I don’t want to see these people suffering like they are. I don’t want to know they are in a pain I can’t fix. I don’t want them to hurt.
And then God responds, “Neither do I.”
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
It is so hard to not be afraid or to feel hopeless but God continuously tells us in scripture that He has not forgotten us. We are not without hope or healing. We are not without mercy and grace. When the world tells us that it is only going to get worse and that there is no hope to be found, God tells us that He is the hope. He is the reason we have to be joyful in the face of tribulation.
But still, I throw up my hands in frustration at the state of the world. I don’t want to be like the toddler, throwing a fit when I don’t get my way;I can’t help but wonder when it’ll all finally end. When will the pain and suffering cease? When are you coming back, Jesus? Is it now?
They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” — Acts 1:11
How easy it would be to focus on the empty sky, just waiting impatiently for Jesus to return. But that’s not our job. Instead, be alert while boldly living the life each is given.
Yes, there is a tremendous amount of pain and sadness in the world. But much of scripture is being relived right before our eyes. And with all of the despair, it is such a comfort to hear God’s word and remember that it still remains true today.
For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.” The God who has compassion on you says so.
“Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, Lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, Your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher— what a mentor for your children! You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won’t even come close! If anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, And if any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer— but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God’s servants can expect. I’ll see to it that everything works out for the best.” God’s Decree. — Isaiah 54:10-17
I’m thankful for my anchoring place. It helps me to escape the world, instead falling into the Holy Spirit’s unfailing guidance. I may struggle with carrying the pain of others but I will joyfully proclaim His healing for the pain.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps you’re exhausted with the world and just need a respite. Won’t you allow God’s Word to embrace you, covering you like a blanket? There is nothing you are going through that He doesn’t understand. Praise be to God, He always understands.
Therefore, the Lord proclaims: If you return to me, I will take you back and let you stand before me. If you utter what is worthwhile, not what is worthless, you will be my spokesman. They will turn to you, not you to them! — Jeremiah 15:19
Wait. What did he just say?
“If you return to me…”
Why have I never heard this verse before? And why now?
I was sitting in church, only our second visit to this particular one, and the words uttered by the pastor seemed to scream at me. “If you return to me…” It wasn’t a coincidence. I actually don’t believe in them. It was a direct word from God to the core of my soul. At that moment, those words were meant for me and me alone. I felt that a spotlight was shining down on me, calling me to once again take my rightful place as a spokesman for God. Now the answer was up to me.
“If you return to me…”
To say I can be stubborn would not be completely off base. But I didn’t really consider that I was stubborn with God. I actually thought I was rather obedient. But the light had definitely been turned on to highlight my sinful ways. The truth is, I didn’t realize I had ever left God. Clearly, I had.
I was called to ordained deacon ministry many years ago for those who may not be familiar with my backstory. Coming from the Greek word diákonos (διάκονος), my calling was to mimmick that of Phoebe and Stephen, as a messenger or servant of God.
What exactly was my calling? It was mental health counseling, specifically as a Biblical counselor. Sometimes it would be in an office setting. Other times, it would be in another country. It was often trauma-related, and always spiritual. I was mandated by God to not only share the Gospel, but to also Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. — Matthew 28:19-20 I was called to deliver the message to those in need that their healing could only come from Jesus Christ.
Because of the uniqueness of my call, God set me apart to live a higher standard, thus, ordaining me before Himself and the Church. I had absolutely no desire to be ordained. But God wouldn’t leave me alone. From the time I was a young girl, I fought with God about my life and what I would do with it. Even after obtaining my mental health license, God continued to convict me in my work. I would offer people secular tools to deal with their problems, knowing in my heart that I was denying them the one thing that could ultimately heal them. In the end, I surrendered to God, knowing the tremendous amount of pressure I would face the moment I said, “yes.” Backlash from the mental health community. Isolation from peers.But most of all, I knew what it would mean on my eternal soul.
My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be so eager to become a teacher in the church since you know that we who teach are held to a higher standard of judgment. — James 3:1
After saying yes, I felt like the world took over. As with all of human history, man and God collided. I stayed quiet as I was ushered by the local church into the pulpit rather than supported within the true nature of my calling. I began to fill a role as preacher and administrator in order to please those I admired. As a consequence, God’s desire for me as His servant took a backseat in my life. This was the reality of my existence for seven years.
But God.
Oh how precious those two words are. But God intervened when I cried out to Him to rescue me from a place I didn’t really know how to escape. Leaving the local church was awful. There is no other way to say it. But it should have been freeing. Unfortunately, I focused so much on the pain that I had no room to see the freedom. And somewhere along the way, I left God. I left Him.
I never stopped believing. I never stopped loving Him or desiring Him. But I stopped being with Him. I stopped seeing Him in my life. He was there but kept at a distance. All the while, my mental health practice was growing.
I would have patients tell me that God spoke to them through me and still I didn’t reach to Him. I witnessed miraculous healing from traumas and grief. I heard many stories of newfound faith after working with me. And still, I neglected Him.
The truth be told, I was living out my true calling while ignoring the strength of my savior. No wonder I was so tired all of the time. No wonder I was so empty.
If you return to me, Janean…
So there I was, sitting in a new church and all eyes were on me as the Lord called me out. Okay, maybe the eyes of those within the building weren’t on me but I can tell you that the angels were collectively holding their breath as they awaited my answer.
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. — 2 Timothy 1:8
There it was. The mandate from God, placed on my heart. It was time to pick it back up obediently and be as Christ commanded me to be. I am called as a deacon in the Church. I am to work alongside those suffering in this temporary world, pointing them to the salvation promised by Jesus Christ. I am to sacrifice my comforts, my wants, and my will for His alone. I am to share in the suffering of others for the sake of the gospel, relying on the power of God. What about you? God calls each of us in very unique and intentional ways. We don’t get to pick and choose how we are to serve. God chooses for us. Are you obedient? Or, are you ready to return to Him?
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me and so all the nations could hear it. — 2 Timothy 4:17
This week, I said good-bye to a precious childhood friend, Casey. She succumbed to the effects of Covid-19. She was 47 years-old.
Next month will mark seven years since I said good-bye to my best friend, Jodi. She died from complications after a motorcycle accident. She was 39 years-old.
Death. It’s something we never want to talk about, yet, none of us will avoid it.
When reading scripture, it’s obvious that death is a big part of life. Jesus Christ showed us the importance of life and death. The truth is, however, that living seems much easier, doesn’t it? Even when life is difficult, we at least know what to expect with living. But death… well it seems so mysterious and final. Even for Christians, we have a difficulty grasping the glory of death. I think it’s because we are seeing it through the eyes of earthly life.
The Apostle Paul understood the conundrum of life and death. In Philippians 1:21-26, he says, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.“
There is an old saying that says a person is not ready to live until they are first ready to die. In other words, only once we are ready to die, are we truly ready to live. So what do I mean, exactly? To be ready to die can only come with a life-surrender to Jesus Christ. We must die of our old self, our sinful self, in order to live in our freedom granted only through the cross. When that happens, an earthly death is not something we fear. We may not want it to come quickly but we don’t fear it. That’s the point of being ready to die which allows us to truly live. And yet, many people wait until it’s too late to come to this realization. They use their final days to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ but they never get the opportunity to live their life for Christ.
Paul was ready to die. He wanted to die so he could live eternally with Jesus. But Paul understood that his work on earth was not completed. He was needed for those around him. His life … and death … was in God’s hands.
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
“For me.” That’s a powerful phrase. From the depth of his soul, Paul is saying, “Regardless of how anyone else is living… for me; regardless of what my friends are doing… for me. For me to live is Christ, whether anyone else lives for Christ.”
Do you ever feel like the world is just out to get you? Do you ever feel like you have to reign in your faith because the world believes it’s just too big or too much? Do you wonder if you’re going to make it through whatever difficulty you are going through? We all struggle with these things from time to time. But, friends, we don’t have to wonder if we are cut out to make it through the tough times.
Did you know that when Paul said this verse, he was in prison in Rome? He had been charged with insurrection against the Empire and was awaiting trial before Caesar. If found guilty, the sentence is death. So Paul was facing the real possibility that he would end soon.
And as Paul sits in his dark cell, he writes this letter to the Philippians. For all he knows, it would be the last letter. And yet, he is not fearful; he is not filled with anxiety; he is a man at peace because to live is Christ.
“Regardless of what the world says, regardless of what the circumstances are that threaten me, for me to live is Christ.” It was the single greatest purpose of his existence. And the same should be true for each of us.
Over the past week, as I joined in prayer with so many friends and family of Casey, it was amazing to read the number of comments about her faith. She wasn’t just a believer in Jesus. She was a disciple of Jesus. She consistently lived her life by following His commandments and bringing others the Good News. Did she love her neighbors as Jesus commanded? Yes. Did she just stop there? No. She talked constantly about Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. She shared her story of faith and how it was through her willingness to die for Christ that she was able live for Christ. And live is what she did. He legacy is her faith. When people talk about Casey, they will also talk about Jesus Christ. That is a legacy worth dying for.
Casey makes it easy to celebrate her life. She celebrated life the moment she was reborn and she celebrated life until the moment she had her earthly death. But she is not dead. She is very much alive through all the people who have come to either know Jesus or grow their intimacy with Jesus because of her witness.
I can’t help but wonder if my life reflects that kind of faith. I know I have failed my Jesus so many times. I have been Peter, and denied him. I have been Judas, and given him the kiss of betrayal. I have been Thomas and doubted. I have been Paul and cried in anguish as I’ve struggled between doing what I knew was right and what I knew was wrong. I have clung to things of this world, fearful of what is unknown about the next.
“All the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.” (Phil 3:8-11 MSG)
We cling to our achievements and our prestige in this world. We spend hours on social media bragging in one way or another about the greatness in our lives. But how many people do you see proclaiming bolding that they want to be a partner in Christ’s suffering, all the way to the suffering on the cross? It’s not a popular concept. But it is the only true way to live.
I think Casey was like Paul. I think she was ready to die which is exactly why she so boldly lived. If you are a Christian, you should be like Paul, too. The fact is, in the midst of a pandemic, we are faced with death in a more aggressive way, it seems. Sometimes it feels like the angel of death is just hovering over all of us, breathing down our necks just a bit closer than we like to admit. But in reality, death is always just a moment away. Too many well-meaning Christians (pastors included) don’t prepare each other to face death. That’s why we live in such fear of it.
So, I want to ask you this very personal question. Are you ready to die if death were to knock on your door? Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ completely? Do you believe that he is your Lord and your Savior? If you were to die tonight, would you receive the ultimate reward of heaven? Friend, if you do not know Jesus Christ, if he is not the reason you live and breathe, I would be honored to introduce him to you. Once you know him… really know him… you’ll give up everything to have the only thing — eternal life. “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Ninety-nine percent of the time, when I write, it’s about my story or experiences. But today, I get the privilege of being the voice for someone else. It’s exciting because I know God set all of this in motion and He chose me to play a very small role.
This is the story of Naomi.
Naomi was born in Tarime, Tanzania December 2, 2020. Tarime is a small village in northwestern Tanzania near the Tanzania-Kenyan border. While you might look at this perfect little face and think she’s healthy and happy, Naomi’s young life almost wasn’t.
Naomi’s mother, Bhoke, was only 3 years old when she came to Angel House. Angel House is for orphaned and abandoned children. Bhoke and her sister Nossi were found by police eating from a trash pile, abandoned by their mother. The police brought the two young children to Angel House in hopes of providing them a safe place to grow and live since their mother was also homeless and suffered from mental illness, preventing her from providing a stable upbringing for her children.
For several years, Bhoke did very well at Angel House. She did well in school and had friends. Unfortunately, in 2019 Bhoke’s sense of safety and trust was shattered when a teacher began to make unwelcome sexual advances toward her. It was frightening for Bhoke to have this person of authority sexually harass her. She found herself scared, confused, and alone. This sexual harassment continued, causing Bhoke to seek safety and acceptance in the arms of a male student.
Bhoke became pregnant at 17 years old. The pregnancy only increased her feelings of fear and isolation. To add to her desperation, Angel House rules stated she was no longer allowed to stay there due to the pregnancy.
Bhoke now had no home. No family. And no support. Thinking she had no alternative, Bhoke decided her best course of action was to get an abortion. But God had other plans…
Anna Migara was instrumental in starting Angel House and continues to serve the orphaned and abandoned children who live there. Anna knew Bhoke’s story all too well. Concerned for her wellbeing, Anna brought Bhoke to live with her.
Even though Bhoke now had a roof over her head, she still felt abortion was the best choice. She attempted an abortion twice. BOTH times, the abortion failed and baby Naomi survived! That should stop you in your tracks, my friend. Two times, satan tried to prevail and God’s protection was triumphant. Twice!
Baby Naomi entered this world with a whole lot stacked against her. But God was obviously protecting her. I think it’s because God has big plans for this baby girl.
Bhoke and Naomi currently live with Anna. However, Bhoke will return to Angel House in October to complete her schooling. That means that Naomi will be left with Anna to raise. That’s not easy, considering Anna has other mouths to feed. It’s a true sacrifice to take on the full-time care of an infant. Anna works full-time, ministers to people, and has just finished college. She is very busy but also very obedient to God. And God has told her that she is the one to take care of Naomi.
As Anna and I were talking recently, I asked her to describe Naomi. This is what she said, “She is so sweet. She’s hard to get to smile but laughs when her stomach is full.”
Do you ever remember a time when you said something like that? Of course not! Because for us, our stomachs are always full. Our little ones have what they need and we don’t typically have to wonder how we are going to feed our children. “She laughs when her stomach is full.”
Naomi needs your help, my friend. Anna simply cannot do this on her own. Like me, Anna believes it takes a village to raise a child. We are her village! Naomi survived a death sentence twice. She is going to change the world in the name of Jesus Christ and you get to be a part of her life.
Right now, her needs are simple but important. She needs proper food, diapers, and clothes. She has no toys but Anna does what she can to entertain her. She is recovering from malaria so medicine and proper medical care is also needed. $185 a month is an approximate amount which will help Naomi have the best care. To help, go to https://gofund.me/1cb91677
If you feel led by God to invest your prayers and/or finances into Naomi’s care, Anna, Bhoke, and Naomi will be forever grateful. Please I have known Anna for four years. Her story is powerful and it changed my life. As strong as she is, she can’t do it alone. Please join me in changing the world through one child at a time.
“You will make her feel the love of God and the kingdom of God here on earth.”— Anna Migera
I read an article recently by Rev. Josh Moody about pain and the church. It’s astonishing how many people … good-hearted Christians … who have been hurt by or who have hurt other church folk. It really makes you realize that the brokenness within each person doesn’t miraculously heal by sitting in a pew. I actually think church hurt is the most traumatic pain a Christian might go through outside of a death of a loved one. And yet, we don’t talk about it. Ever.
How many times have you noticed a fellow church member’s continued absence? If you sit near them, you are much more likely to notice momentarily. But did you reach out to them? Did you let them know they were missed? It’s not something we typically do. That vacant seat is more than likely empty because of some type of church hurt. And yet, we don’t talk about it.
Healing from a trauma of any kind is a slow process. It takes time, intentionality, and lots of prayer. But church trauma is different because it usually surrounds a betrayal or rejection of the very people who are supposed to walk in all the shadows with you. They are the ones you’re supposed to lean on when the rest of the world breaks your heart. So, when you get hurt by the church, you become a leper, outcast and alone to suffer and beg for the scraps of pity that are thrown your way.
This morning I had some serious wounds re-opened. And it stinks! I cried. I got mad. My heart rate shot up and my hands shook. I thought of words I won’t repeat. But here’s what I didn’t do. Pray.
In the moment of my pain, I fell right back into the pit of despair without grabbing onto the only absolute lifeline — God.
All through scripture, we read about ordinary people in the midst of deep pain. It is so easy to think of these stories as just stories. But these stories are our stories, too! And they give us a blueprint as to how to navigate through life. Even the messiness of church.
“Most of the writing in the New Testament about how to live in a church exists because the church has never been perfect. Most, if not all, of the letters were written to solve problems in the church:
Philippians to solve conflict and selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3–22).
1 and 2 Corinthians to solve a whole host of problems centered around the issues of human pride in gifting and speaking that led to loveless and arrogant religious activity.
And that’s not even to mention the letters to the churches in Revelation (chapters 2–3), one of which is so unhealthy, it makes Jesus want to vomit (Revelation 3:16).” (Moody, 2015)
It might not be something we want to talk about but if scripture addresses it, it must be pretty important to God. And if it’s important to God, we should find it important, too.
In Moody’s article, he gives us three steps to consider taking when we’ve experienced hurt within the church. This hurt can come from a pastor or other church leaders, members, sister churches, even visitors. It can come in the form of an off-the-cuff comment, an ill-placed joke, an anonymous letter, gossip, avoidance, lying, and straight-in-your-face verbal assaults. Sometimes hurt is intentional but other times, it happens and no one is aware except for the victim. Regardless of where the hurt comes from or how it happened, there are some good steps to follow to begin to heal from the grief.
1. Stay in God’s manual for our grief.
Unashamedly, unshakably, and unreservedly draw your hope for life and healing from the teaching of the Bible. The more we are centered on God’s truth spoken in love (Ephesians 4:1–16), the more we will grow up into maturity and the more resources we’ll have at our disposal to heal from hurt ourselves and to avoid hurting one another.
The temptation will be to avoid God’s word. But keep reading the Bible, even if for just a few minutes each day. It’s like eating. What counts is every single day getting what we need to get through that day. Knowing God’s word will help us as we process hurt and find truth to satisfy and guide us.
2. Pursue the holiness you hope for in others.
Passionately, sacrificially, and deliberately persevere in pursuing Christ-like discipleship. When you’re faced with betrayal or disappointment, it will require perseverance — supernatural perseverance. Learn. Grow. Forgive. Repent. Repent some more. Fight the good fight. Urge each other on. Do not give up meeting together. Stay on the path of discipleship, knowing it will be rugged at times. Trust that the good work God is doing in you and in other believers around you will ultimately be for the good of all who believe in him.
3. Trust that love will eventually prevail.
Love anyway. It seems impossible in the moment, but it’s the call of every Christian in every situation. In the end, only love will abide (1 Corinthians 13:13). And without love, our lives will be meaningless and unfruitful (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Therefore, the wisest and safest way forward is always love. Love as if your life depends on it.
To love someone is to seek his best. I can love someone without even liking him. I can find someone frustrating, but still genuinely and truly want what is best for him. Love does not mean avoiding tough conversations or life-on-life accountability, but doing those sorts of things from a loving, humble, gracious, and patient position which is from a mind and heart like Christ’s.
Jesus said you could tell his disciples by how they love one another (John 13:35), and so we who are loved by him love each other in turn — even through the darkest, most difficult days. (Moody, 2015)
It took me a bit to get back into God’s word. I was genuinely angry at God for allowing my pain to happen. Let’s be honest, we all love the free will God gives us until we experience pain. Then we want Him to fix it. But that’s not how it works. He gives us the ability to fix our own situations by leaning upon Him and His word.
By not staying in God’s word for a while, I was unable to pursue holiness as defined by Jesus Christ. I was completely parched yet refusing to drink the living water. You can’t live your life for Christ when you aren’t filling your life up with Christ.
But loving those who hurt me… that I did. And it’s because I loved them and still love them that the hurt reopened today. Unlike a year ago, however, I’m grateful for the love I have for the gossips, the dividers, the rejectors, and the silencers. I’m grateful because we are all broken, sinful people. And if I can still love with all of my heart someone who hurt me, then that means that I can be loved, too.
A year ago, I wondered if I’d ever step foot in a church again where I would be able to take down some of the wall I have built around my heart. Thankfully, I’m finding that place again.
“I am aware of the many ways the Church has failed me, and I have failed her. Yet I claim this Church as mine. She is my mother; my home. A broken home, yes! Broken because you and I are broken.” — Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
“He sat down in the ashes” after his whole life had crashed. — Job 2:8
The ocean is an amazing place to be. The power and majesty it holds demands respect. I was privileged enough to spend a week at the beach, resting in God’s creation. As the week passed on, the ocean grew more and more angry as a tropical depression moved in.
On the last day I was there, I sat just observing and listening to the sounds of the great waves beating the shoreline. In the midst of the crashes, I could almost hear the roar of God making His presence known. I’m certain, if given the chance, I could have sat there all night listening to Him.
While sitting there, I noticed a little sandcastle a small child had built earlier. He was so very proud. I remember him chattering to his family to “look!!” But now the huge swells were crashing down on the little castle, washing it away in a single moment. I couldn’t help but think of Job 2:8. Satan wouldn’t let up on Job, convinced he could get Job to sin against God. As Job’s whole life seemed to crash around him, leaving him sitting in the ashes, he still praised God. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” (Job 2:10)
How often does life treat us like the waves crashing on that little sandcastle? If you’re like me, you have experienced a few moments sitting in the ashes while your whole world seemed to crash around you. But unlike the sandcastle, if you have surrendered your entire life to Jesus Christ, you will ultimately rise above those waves. Only through Jesus. Only through His strength. Only Jesus.
As I sit here in my office, I can’t help but notice the busyness all around me. Cars flying by. People walking here and there. Children playing on the playground behind me. Life is busy today. And as I notice this, I can’t help but wonder if any one of these people know today is Ascension Day. Today marks the moment when Jesus Christ completed his work on earth and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. Today is a BIG day. Did you miss it?
Ascension. It’s not really celebrated in our society. Even churches will give a cursory acknowledgement of it but it doesn’t get the same headlines that Easter or Christmas receive. And yet, without it, the Holy Spirit would not be with us. Without it, many of the promises of Jesus would not be fulfilled.
Forty days after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. It was there that Jesus explained that He would send a counselor to guide them — the Holy Spirit. He promised them the Spirit but asked them to remain in Jerusalem until the day the Spirit would come (it is called Pentecost).
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. —Acts 1 6-9
It was in that moment that Jesus Christ finished his work here on earth. He would now prepare a place in heaven for each of us. And it is that promise that is the gift of our salvation. To be forgiven for our sins here on earth is incredible but to have a place prepared for us by Jesus to live with him for all eternity is priceless.
So why don’t we celebrate Ascension like we do other Christian holidays? I think it’s because we have stopped believing in resurrection power and promises that come with it. We have stopped believing that we have been raised with Christ. We talk about our time with Jesus as if it’s in the future. When we do that, we deny him in the present.
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:1-3
“Seek the things that are above…” One translation (the NLT) says it like this: “Set your sights on the realities of heaven.” How much of a reality is heaven in your life? Do you focus on the things of the world so much that you miss out on the reality of what Jesus Christ has done for you? The resurrection is not the end of the story. He defeated death but he did much much more. And we neglect to honor that when we focus on things of this world.
Author Stephen Seamans said of Colossians 3:1-3, “Paul was not merely making a suggestion. In the original Greek, the verbs are in the imperative mood. That means he was giving a command. They are also in the present tense, which implies continuous ongoing action. Paul, then, was insisting that the Colossians do this, keep on doing this, and do it always. His concern was not that these young Christians would be too heavenly minded, but not heavenly minded enough.”
Why should we be so focused on heaven when we live here on earth? Because that is where Jesus is. And that is where our hearts should be. If we continue to only think of Jesus as the earthly being, we will fail to live into the new creations that we are.
We can’t see all things through the risen Christ if we only see him as the earthly Jesus. We cannot stay stuck here in this world, in all of the dismay that surrounds us. We must glue our eyes to heaven, not as a “when is He coming back” but rather as a “that’s where my heart is.”
So, if you haven’t already, take a moment to acknowledge the Ascension. Take a moment to give thanks for the fact that Jesus Christ continues to reign and that we are right there with him. Take a moment to worship the Lord our God.
I was sent a message today with the question, “Did Paul really not ever preach on hell?” Apparently, my friend’s preacher told the church that Paul didn’t talk about hell when sharing the Gospel. Instead, the preacher insinuated that if Paul didn’t preach about it, hell either doesn’t exist or isn’t important. *sigh*
“Yes, my dear friend, Paul warned of hell because he taught exactly what Jesus Christ taught.”
First things first … Paul never says the word “hell.” This is true. The word was not found in the Greek language. But to simply say he did not tell his listeners about hell is distorting the truth because Paul absolutely spoke of eternal consequences.
Paul spoke of the fate of ponērós. It is the Greek word for wicked. He taught that ponērós are condemned and will suffer God’s wrath. 2 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “All will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” Truth in Paul’s teachings is believing in Jesus Christ. Therefore, anyone who does not believe in the truth equates to wickedness.
Romans 2:5, 8 says, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed…But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” Paul describes God’s action against unbelievers and deniers of the truth with the word “wrath.” Wrath is never used when talking about salvation and sanctification. Why? Because the believer is not wicked, requiring eternal judgment.
Paul is clear that those who are unrepentant of their sins and reject the Lord will face God’s wrath on the Day of Judgment. “It is because of these things (lust, idolatry, greed, sexual immorality, and other sinful deeds) that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.” Colossians 3:6
However, Paul doesn’t just give us the fate of the ponērós. He tells us the good news that those who believe in Jesus Christ will have eternal salvation, showing his listeners that there is a choice to be made: eternal salvation or eternal judgment.
• “Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” — Romans 5:9
• “For they themselves report about us, tellingwhat kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to [look forward and confidently] wait for [the coming of] His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who [personally] rescues us from the coming wrath [and draws us to Himself, granting us all the privileges and rewards of a new life with Him].” — 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
• “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life].” — 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
Paul wrote the letter to the Galatian church to combat false teaching. He opposed the false teaching so strongly that he said, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” — Galatians 1:8-9 Eternally condemned certainly does not equate to anything good.
Paul wants everyone to fully understand that they have a choice to make. And they must make it quickly. “He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.” — Romans 2:7-8
Paul continues his teaching of hell. Romans 2:9, “There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil.” This is a picture of the afterlife because we know that those who do evil don’t always experience trouble and distress. It is most often the righteous who are persecuted and go through tribulation (trouble). Paul is teaching that those who reject God and do evil will experience trouble and distress in the next life rather than this one. It’s satan’s way of seducing us into turning our backs on Jesus Christ.
Paul was profoundly intent on sharing the Gospel everywhere he went. He did not leave out the parts that made people uncomfortable or offended them. He understood that their eternal souls were at stake with each word he spoke. Unfortunately, there are many preachers today who fail to live by this same conviction. They twist the words of scripture so that it’s more appealing to sinful ears. And the result is more sin, more wickedness, and more lost.
But Paul wasn’t finished. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 is one of the most important passages about hell that Paul preaches. “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among those who have believed.”
Everlastingdestruction. This means that the punishment for those unbelievers and twisters of truth is to be “shut out from the presence of the Lord” eternally. If this isn’t hell, what is?
Paul talks of eternal destruction several times.
• The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. — Galatians 6:8
• And in no way be alarmed or intimidated [in anything] by your opponents, for such [constancy and fearlessness on your part] is a [clear] sign [a proof and a seal] for them of [their impending] destruction, but [a clear sign] for you of deliverance and salvation, and that too, from God —Philippians 1:28
• For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], whose fate is destruction, whose god is theirbelly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. — Philippians 3:19
• “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:10
Quite simply, the ungodly will be destroyed, but believers will be given eternal life. Therefore, ‘eternal destruction’ is the severity of the punishment awaiting the enemies of God for eternity. Considering that Jesus spoke of heaven as a place of joy, the place where those not of God’s kingdom would be hell. Although Paul does not use the Greek words translated “hell,” he speaks about extensively.
Finally, Paul was an extraordinary apostle and his example is one to follow. But Paul was a sinful human being. Our ultimate teacher is Jesus Christ. Paul did not contradict Jesus so we can look to Jesus’s teachings for a final authority.
Jesus talked about hell more than any other person in scripture. In Luke 16, he describes a great chasm over which “none may cross from there to us.” In Matthew 25, Jesus tells of a time when people will be separated into two groups, one entering into his presence, the other banished to “eternal fire.”
Jesus says hell is a place of eternal torment (Luke 16:23), of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43), where the worm does not die (Mark 9:48), where people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret (Matt. 13:42), and from which there is no return, even to warn loved ones (Luke 16:19–31). He calls hell a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30), comparing it to “Gehenna” (Matt. 10:28), which was a trash dump outside the walls of Jerusalem where rubbish was burned and maggots abounded. Jesus talks about hell more than he talks about heaven, and describes it more vividly.
The fact is, without hell, there is no eternal punishment. Without eternal punishment, there is no need for salvation. Without salvation, there is no need for Jesus Christ. Be warned, my friends, of the false teachers. They tickle your ears with the teachings of satan, luring you closer to eternal destruction.
“On April 26, Dr. Ray surrendered his credentials as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Our pastor’s actions were done with a heavy heart, but also with a clear conscience.”
Most of you have likely not heard of Mt Bethel UMC in Marietta, Georgia even though it’s the largest Methodist church in north Georgia. This church has been a beacon in that area for over 175 years. They believe quite simply, “At the center of our mission is a great desire to evolve and stay relevant in our community–to find new ways to share an unchanging Gospel in a changing world.”
Sounds good, right? Well… this church has been in the religion news outlets the past few weeks. Why? Because the pastor of this very large, growing church believes in the truth of the Holy Bible. Rev. Dr. Jody Ray has been the senior pastor of Mt. Bethel for five years and has made it quite clear of his unwavering orthodoxy belief. The North Georgia Conference… well … it’s led by a very progressive bishop. Without so much as a consultation, the pastor received word he was being reappointed effective in less than a month. He and the church were caught off guard and requested the bishop reconsider. The answer was a strong, “no.”
“As an elder in the church I certainly understand the appointive process,” said Ray. “Unfortunately, my options were to accept the move, take a leave of absence, or surrender my credentials. That’s not exactly the way colleagues in the Order of Elders expect to be treated.”
So Rev. Ray announced today he was surrendering his credentials rather than stay embedded in the nightmare that the United Methodist Church has become because of the battle between good and evil.
For those not familiar with the ordination process in the UMC, it’s a long, exhausting process reaped in unobtainable expectations. In other words, it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s easily 10 years from start to finish, and more intensive then many residencies. Beyond the incredible hard work, time, and tears, the road to ordination is deeply personal because God calls us to the ministry and God ordains us. Unfortunately, many people have forgotten that very powerful fact. God is the ONLY one who can ordain us.
So why am I talking about all of this? Because I’ve been in a similar situation as Rev. Ray. Being placed in that position — new appointment, leave of absence, or surrender credentials — it’s incredibly painful. When you surrender your credentials, your life does not simply gone on. Your life is changed. You are changed. You ache deeply. You question yourself. You even question God. It’s not a simple choice. But it’s a necessary step when you can no longer represent a denomination because of their departure from God. And just like Ray, it all came down to being pro-sin or pro-Truth.
There are more and more of us who are being pushed out of the UMC simply for our unshakable faith in the inerrancy of scripture. It’s hard to even process that a church is no longer a place to hear Truth. It’s no longer a place to learn accountability to what’s right and wrong. It’s a place where the world has been embraced while God has been replaced. But so many churches from many different denominations are taking this approach. I focus on the UMC because of my personal experience.
There are several private forums online for those of us who are traditional believers. These forums provide a place for us to listen, lift each other up, discuss scripture, and pray together. Unfortunately, we are forced to be in hiding for our beliefs. Recently, we were warned to be very careful because we were being targeted. One person wrote, “Some one invited a friend of mine who could lose his/her job if affiliation here [the forum] was known. I recommended NOT participating here. Some clergy and lay conference staff are very vulnerable.”
It’s difficult for most people to understand the gravity of the pain clergy and laity are in because of the progressive leadership of the UMC. Threats, verbal assaults, loss of jobs, loss of friends… and this is only the beginning. With the split of the UMC looming , many more innocents will become victims of this fight.
For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. — 2 Timothy 4:3-5
Scripture tells us over and over to be aware of false teachers. God knew that this day would come. And He clearly knew we would fall prey without constantly abiding in Him.
Friend, if you find yourself in the midst of this battle, the time has come for you to rise up. Remaining lukewarm is no longer an option. Eternity is on the line. So I leave you with these words from the Apostle Simon Peter:
But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They’ll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They’ve put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can’t tell right from wrong.
They give the way of truth a bad name. They’re only out for themselves. They’ll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you. They won’t, of course, get by with it. They’ll come to a bad end, for God has never just stood by and let that kind of thing go on.
God didn’t let the rebel angels off the hook, but jailed them in hell till Judgment Day. Neither did he let the ancient ungodly world off. He wiped it out with a flood, rescuing only eight people—Noah, the sole voice of righteousness, was one of them.
God decreed destruction for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. A mound of ashes was all that was left—grim warning to anyone bent on an ungodly life. But that good man Lot, driven nearly out of his mind by the sexual filth and perversity, was rescued. Surrounded by moral rot day after day after day, that righteous man was in constant torment.
So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day.
God is especially incensed against these “teachers” who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don’t hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures. Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn’t think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.
These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. Their evil will boomerang on them. They’re so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. They’re obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they’re experts at it. Dead souls!
They’ve left the main road and are directionless, having taken the way of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophet who turned profiteer, a connoisseur of evil. But Balaam was stopped in his wayward tracks: A dumb animal spoke in a human voice and prevented the prophet’s craziness.
There’s nothing to these people—they’re dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell. They are loudmouths, full of hot air, but still they’re dangerous. Men and women who have recently escaped from a deviant life are most susceptible to their brand of seduction. They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they’re addicted to corruption—and they are—they’re enslaved.
If they’ve escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they’re worse than if they had never left. Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command. They prove the point of the proverbs, “A dog goes back to its own vomit” and “A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud.” — 2 Peter 2
Lord, have mercy… 