When we first went to work with the boys at the ranch, we never considered that burying them would be something we’d ever have to do. But the harsh realities of life for many lends itself to tragedies like the one we’ve experienced this week.
Ronnie came to us an angry, hard, anti-God, anti-authority, hurting young man. It took some time and loving patience, but eventually we began to see that he was opening up to us and God was drawing Ronnie to himself. He wanted no parts of it at first. His life was his own and he could take care of himself, or so he wanted to believe. After church one Sunday he was especially agitated and miserable. I called him over to where I was sitting in the recliner and quietly said “I can explain why you’re so miserable if you’d like.” He sat down on the floor next to me and began to listen. He was such a thinker. He was not going to make a decision without thinking it through and it being his own. And there were things he wasn’t giving up for anyone, not even God. I explained that God was not as concerned with all of that as he might think. We talked of Christ and His love, what He desires to do in a person’s heart and life, and how insignificant all those things become in light of eternity. I assured him Rog and I loved him, God loved him and that wasn’t going to change regardless of what he decided.
Weeks went by. There was confrontation; there was firm, loving discipline. There was acceptance and understanding. One night as they were heading to their rooms for bed after being a bit rambunctious in a fun-loving way, I yelled down the hall, “Good night you knuckleheads! I love you!” He stuck his head out of his room and yelled back, “I would have told you I loved you back if you hadn’t called me a knucklehead!” There was a big smile on his face.
It was a late fall Sunday morning not long after, that I stayed home with a couple of boys that were sick while Rog took the rest on in for church. About the time church was over the phone rang. It was Ronnie. My first thought was “what are you doing on the phone and where are you calling from?” since unsupervised phone use is not allowed. But he laughed and explained, “Brother Rog let me use his cell phone. I wanted to let you know I got saved this morning.” He was too excited to wait until he got home to tell me. I was elated!
Were there still some challenges to overcome? Yes, but we saw a drastic change in him. There were a lot of old habits, a lot of old friends, that made it hard to completely and immediately break away from some things. Ronnie left the ranch the following July but continued to keep in touch with us. He came to church quite a few times too. I talked to him on his 18th birthday in March. Rog saw him just a few weeks ago in the mall.
On Saturday morning we received word that Ronnie had been stabbed and killed in his sister’s home. His mom had left a message on my cell phone after leaving the hospital. Ronnie didn’t go looking for this. He wasn’t out on the streets getting into trouble. He wasn’t out partying or carousing. He was at his sister’s watching a movie. But trouble knew where to find him. Past connections don’t always stay in the past. The young man responsible for bursting into the home and drawing him into this altercation has been arrested and charged with murder, but Ronnie is still gone. His mom asked Rog to handle his funeral.
We are shocked, grieved, but comforted at the same time. I don’t question, but I do wonder about God’s divine plan. Last July when we returned to the ranch after our days off to learn that Ronnie was no longer there, I went to his room to look, think, pray. Sometimes when they leave we don’t ever see them again. His things were all still there. I would have to pack them and ready them for a worker or relative to pick up. His Bible was open on his desk to what had become a favorite passage of Scripture that we talked about often:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
This may seem to fly in the face of all that has happened, but not really. For what is our future and hope as a believer but Christ Himself? Praise the God of all grace, the Giver of faith and hope. There are no hard cases with God. He will save all those who come to Him. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Rog and his Quad
It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's...just Rog on his quad; quadcycle to be exact. It's different, and it's so Rog.
So he took it to the mall for a trial run "just to get a feel for it and work the kinks out before a real run." Sounds simple enough.
However, little did he know that the Mall Police (you know, those folks that walk around the mall with their shiny badges and crisp uniforms looking very serious and official)needed a bit of excitement in their lives. So when he heard the horn honking behind him and the light flashing (yep, they have a bright yellow flashing light for the top of their vehicle but unfortunately no siren so the horn has to do) he "pulled over".
"What the heck is that thing?" was the first question. After an explanation and inspection, "the card" was pulled out that explained that skateboards and rollerblades were not allowed and bicycles were not allowed on the sidewalks.
Well, since Rog was riding around the outside of the parking lot, and he wasn't on a skateboard or rollerblades, he wasn't sure what the problem was. And, she wasn't either exactly. Long story short he was "free to go", with a note to "be safe". End of story right?
Not exactly. The next day he goes back for his morning run, only to once again hear the honking horn and see the flashing light on the miniature SUV in his rear-view mirror riding slowly behind him.
"You need to get that thing out of here, whatever it is. I thought it was a go-cart at first." Other comments went something like this:
"People can't see you." (this mall po po saw him!)
"What is that thing anyway?" (another explanation)
"Do you want me to call my supervisor?" (actually, that would be a good idea, since
I had this discussion yesterday and really don't want to have it everyday!)
Security on her walkie-talkie: "I need some help out here!" You know what kind of reaction that open-ended comment drew! Yep, they came running from every direction. Who knew there were so many security people in one little mall anyway?? This is Beckley WV for heaven's sake!! The further this went the more amusing it became, and Rog handled it like he handles most everything, kindness, patience, humor (sometimes he really urks me!!). The comments went something like this:
"Is this what you called us out here for?"
"This running is too much for a fat man!"
"What the heck is that thing anyway?" (he'd heard that before!)
"I don't think it's safe"
"It's a quad, don't you know anything?" (this from the lady Rog explained yesterday
to)
"I already told him he was fine."
"I still don't think it's safe."
"Look at that thing go!"
It was finally decided he was approved to be on mall property with his "whatever it's called". So he packed it up and came home.
He's out this morning riding all over the ranch, and looking forward to hitting some bike trails and then his first lengthy trip across the Outer Banks hopefully this fall. He's been working toward this since discovering his first peddle car nearly five years ago. While in Utah he came across a bike shop that specializes in them. They start with a basic frame and custom build them, then ship to anywhere in the states.
Somehow I don't think this will be the last of these "little incidents". Not a bike, not a trike, it's a quad!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Waiting
Our Wednesday evening Bible Study on aging...yes aging (and we all are doing it, whether we like it or not!)...has struck some interesting chords in me. This week Rog zeroed in on Caleb. What an example! I was amazed once again to be reminded that Caleb waited 45 years to see the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Let me say that again...45 Years!!
Now I know I'm the only one that struggles with this, so just let me get it out of my system. How often I've prayed, "Lord, anything but wait...don't ask me to do that!" But then when He sees fit to have me wait anyway, I'm always amazed at His perfect timing, and the perfect work He has done in me while waiting. Mind you, the perfecting work didn't feel so great while I was in the process, but knowing it was a perfect work that He in His soverfeign love for me, was attempting to accomplish, well, that's what kept me going.
I'm old enough now to look back and reflect on times when the waiting turned into seasons of my life. Much like what Caleb experienced I suppose, when waiting is not just for days or weeks, but years. For him, God's promise involved a physical inheritance; land. This came as a direct Word from God through Moses. There were several things I see from Joshua 12 that kept Caleb going and that can apply to me personally as I look to the Lord to fulfil the promises of His Word in a very real way.
1) Caleb knew God's promise and even though days passed into months, and months into years he held on to it, not forgetting. You must know and understand God's promises to you. They must come from His Word, not just be personal feelings or desires. And you cannot try to understand and interpret them from a man-centered, needs-based perspective that does not give God His rightful place as Sovereign.
In other words, before supposing that God has not been faithful to His Word, give God the benefit of the doubt and confidently wait. (Josh 12: 6, 10 and 12;
2) While Caleb waited for God to be faithful in fulfilling His promise to him he did not waiver in his faithfulness to God. Rather, he was able to look back on his life and say he had "wholly followed the Lord [his] God"; and this was not said in arrogance but as an affirmation of Caleb's confidence in God's faithfulness to Him. I have seen all too often a disillusionment with God when He doesn't act as quickly as expected. Caleb allowed himself no reason to doubt God. And if anyone had a reason to become angry and bitter it was Caleb. It was because of the disobedience of "his brethren" (12:9) that Caleb's promise was delayed 45 years!!
3) Caleb claimed God's promise personally and specifically. Rog once had a gentleman tell him "you just take the Word of God too personally." What this gentleman intended as an insult Rog took as a compliment. It's not real until it's personal. God is all-powerful, all-sufficient, all-knowing. He knows where you are, He knows what you need, and when you need it. Who are we to demand from God? No, it is for us to trust, and wait.
4) Caleb was reassured by ongoing evidences of God’s faithfulness those forty-five years. He was kept physically strong and capable. He was sustained in the wilderness as he watched his own generation die off as God had said they would. He would “enter into rest” with the younger generation because his own generation had rebelled against God and chosen the path of unbelief. I couldn’t help but think of “the blessed hope” we cling to now of Christ’s return for us and all that God has in store (I Peter 1), but also the many “spiritual blessings” He has blessed us with now as we wait (Eph 1). It’s just like God to give us these affirmations of His love, reaffirming His commitment to fulfilling His promises by providing ongoing evidences of His faithfulness not just to us, but primarily to His Word. That’s just who He is.
What is it you are waiting for today? “My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him.” (Ps. 62: 5) And what did I learn from this about aging? I guess there are some things that come just with growing old!
Now I know I'm the only one that struggles with this, so just let me get it out of my system. How often I've prayed, "Lord, anything but wait...don't ask me to do that!" But then when He sees fit to have me wait anyway, I'm always amazed at His perfect timing, and the perfect work He has done in me while waiting. Mind you, the perfecting work didn't feel so great while I was in the process, but knowing it was a perfect work that He in His soverfeign love for me, was attempting to accomplish, well, that's what kept me going.
I'm old enough now to look back and reflect on times when the waiting turned into seasons of my life. Much like what Caleb experienced I suppose, when waiting is not just for days or weeks, but years. For him, God's promise involved a physical inheritance; land. This came as a direct Word from God through Moses. There were several things I see from Joshua 12 that kept Caleb going and that can apply to me personally as I look to the Lord to fulfil the promises of His Word in a very real way.
1) Caleb knew God's promise and even though days passed into months, and months into years he held on to it, not forgetting. You must know and understand God's promises to you. They must come from His Word, not just be personal feelings or desires. And you cannot try to understand and interpret them from a man-centered, needs-based perspective that does not give God His rightful place as Sovereign.
In other words, before supposing that God has not been faithful to His Word, give God the benefit of the doubt and confidently wait. (Josh 12: 6, 10 and 12;
2) While Caleb waited for God to be faithful in fulfilling His promise to him he did not waiver in his faithfulness to God. Rather, he was able to look back on his life and say he had "wholly followed the Lord [his] God"; and this was not said in arrogance but as an affirmation of Caleb's confidence in God's faithfulness to Him. I have seen all too often a disillusionment with God when He doesn't act as quickly as expected. Caleb allowed himself no reason to doubt God. And if anyone had a reason to become angry and bitter it was Caleb. It was because of the disobedience of "his brethren" (12:9) that Caleb's promise was delayed 45 years!!
3) Caleb claimed God's promise personally and specifically. Rog once had a gentleman tell him "you just take the Word of God too personally." What this gentleman intended as an insult Rog took as a compliment. It's not real until it's personal. God is all-powerful, all-sufficient, all-knowing. He knows where you are, He knows what you need, and when you need it. Who are we to demand from God? No, it is for us to trust, and wait.
4) Caleb was reassured by ongoing evidences of God’s faithfulness those forty-five years. He was kept physically strong and capable. He was sustained in the wilderness as he watched his own generation die off as God had said they would. He would “enter into rest” with the younger generation because his own generation had rebelled against God and chosen the path of unbelief. I couldn’t help but think of “the blessed hope” we cling to now of Christ’s return for us and all that God has in store (I Peter 1), but also the many “spiritual blessings” He has blessed us with now as we wait (Eph 1). It’s just like God to give us these affirmations of His love, reaffirming His commitment to fulfilling His promises by providing ongoing evidences of His faithfulness not just to us, but primarily to His Word. That’s just who He is.
What is it you are waiting for today? “My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him.” (Ps. 62: 5) And what did I learn from this about aging? I guess there are some things that come just with growing old!
Friday, January 23, 2009
I AM THAT I AM
My Christianity is my existence. My relationship with Christ defines me. My belief moves me. I live it, breathe it. But sometimes I must take a step back to reflect and remember, reflect on who He is and what He has done. And not just who He is to me, or what He has done for me, but rather, Who He is in His existence, and what He has done because of who He is...His wonderful works of creation, redemption, heaven.
It is humbling to acknowledge that I often revert to seeing from a foggy self-perspective. To think outside of myself for a moment brings understanding to the Psalmist's question, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that Thou visitest him" (Ps 8:4).
Consider Isaiah after King Uzziah's death, able to see God high and lifted up in all His holiness. Isaiah turns from a moment of loss and grief, uncertainty, to awe-inspired humility and committed service to the Holy One. Consider John on the Isle of Patmos who hears the thunderous voice and sees the eyes as flames of fire, and falls as dead in awe-inspired worship. Consider Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, rendered speechless in awe of His glory.
In Exodus, Moses questions God as to how he is to explain to the children of Israel and to Pharoah just Whom he is speaking for. How do you explain His Person? How do you fully convey the power, the authority, the holiness? Moses intimately knows God in His great power. He has left his presence veiled so that others would not be blinded by the brightness of the Glory of God that Moses has experienced. The explanation rests in His Name. "Tell them I AM has sent you." "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM." It was enough.
I AM. The Ever-existing One. The All-Sufficient One. The All-Powerful One.
We function on beginnings and endings. We begin a day, a week, a year, and plan it with the end in mind. We age from birthday to birthday. We change from one season of life to the next as moments and milestones make us keenly aware there is no going back. It is understandable that the Eternality of our God is a concept we readily accept but find mind-boggling to comprehend and act on.
I need an occasional mind-boggling. If you're like me, you think concretely, you live routinely. Our world can become so small and it takes a determined effort to be sure it is not revolving around us. It's not that I stop believing. I know and believe, but day spills into day before I realize I'm not fully experiencing the impacting awe of His Person. I know His works, but all of a sudden they're not inspiring me anymore to passion and worship. I would not deny His Power and Greatness. I know He is Holy, but suddenly I realize the awe has wained, and my adoration and humble service have become routine. And I wonder what has happened!
The Great I AM does not change. He is "the eternal, self-existent, and immutable Being; the only being who can say that He always will be what He always has been."*
That's awesome. Be awed today.
"this is my Name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." Exodus 3:15b
*quote by Bible commentator G. Bush
It is humbling to acknowledge that I often revert to seeing from a foggy self-perspective. To think outside of myself for a moment brings understanding to the Psalmist's question, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that Thou visitest him" (Ps 8:4).
Consider Isaiah after King Uzziah's death, able to see God high and lifted up in all His holiness. Isaiah turns from a moment of loss and grief, uncertainty, to awe-inspired humility and committed service to the Holy One. Consider John on the Isle of Patmos who hears the thunderous voice and sees the eyes as flames of fire, and falls as dead in awe-inspired worship. Consider Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, rendered speechless in awe of His glory.
In Exodus, Moses questions God as to how he is to explain to the children of Israel and to Pharoah just Whom he is speaking for. How do you explain His Person? How do you fully convey the power, the authority, the holiness? Moses intimately knows God in His great power. He has left his presence veiled so that others would not be blinded by the brightness of the Glory of God that Moses has experienced. The explanation rests in His Name. "Tell them I AM has sent you." "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM." It was enough.
I AM. The Ever-existing One. The All-Sufficient One. The All-Powerful One.
We function on beginnings and endings. We begin a day, a week, a year, and plan it with the end in mind. We age from birthday to birthday. We change from one season of life to the next as moments and milestones make us keenly aware there is no going back. It is understandable that the Eternality of our God is a concept we readily accept but find mind-boggling to comprehend and act on.
I need an occasional mind-boggling. If you're like me, you think concretely, you live routinely. Our world can become so small and it takes a determined effort to be sure it is not revolving around us. It's not that I stop believing. I know and believe, but day spills into day before I realize I'm not fully experiencing the impacting awe of His Person. I know His works, but all of a sudden they're not inspiring me anymore to passion and worship. I would not deny His Power and Greatness. I know He is Holy, but suddenly I realize the awe has wained, and my adoration and humble service have become routine. And I wonder what has happened!
The Great I AM does not change. He is "the eternal, self-existent, and immutable Being; the only being who can say that He always will be what He always has been."*
That's awesome. Be awed today.
"this is my Name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." Exodus 3:15b
*quote by Bible commentator G. Bush
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Manger Memory
"Emmanuel, God with us" This reality has rung in my ears over and over again this Christmas. "What is man that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that Thou visitest him?" (Ps. 8:4) It is an awesome and overwhelming thought that God the Creator would make a way for us to not only know Him through His dear Son, but would allow for His abiding presence with us always. And not just that we can come to Him, but He came to us.
Roger and I have always made it a practice to read the Christmas story together as a family on Christmas morning before opening gifts and beginning our day. We knew this year would be different primarily because we'd be spending Christmas at the ranch with "our boys" there, those that did not have families to spend time with, or families they could not be with. Rog suggested we do something a little different.
So last night on Christmas Eve, we gathered down in the barn. We invited the girls' cottage next door and our resident wrangler and her family that was visiting, to join us. Rog placed a manger, one used in countless manger scenes and Christmas plays, in an empty straw-strewn stall. With a couple of horses occasionally snorting, the barn cats mewing at the invasion of their space, and the smell of wood and hay and leather in the air, we crowded in that little stall around the manger and listened in the quiet as Rog read the Christmas story from Luke. I then began singing Away in a Manger, then Silent Night as everyone joined in.
We worshiped last night in that barn stall, and celebrated the presence of our Savior who was with us in a very real way. Some of the kids wanted explanations..."what's a manger anyway...what does swaddling clothes mean??" The beautiful story so familiar to me is still foreign to many.
We have so many wonderful Christmas memories, time with family, time with special friends, times with our dear church family. Our boys are now making memories of their own with the beautiful families God has given them. And even though Rog and I celebrate a little differently than we used to, we're still making memories.
Standing in the quiet of that rough stall last night I thanked Jesus that He "became flesh and dwelt among us, and for the promise of his abiding presence still.
Roger and I have always made it a practice to read the Christmas story together as a family on Christmas morning before opening gifts and beginning our day. We knew this year would be different primarily because we'd be spending Christmas at the ranch with "our boys" there, those that did not have families to spend time with, or families they could not be with. Rog suggested we do something a little different.
So last night on Christmas Eve, we gathered down in the barn. We invited the girls' cottage next door and our resident wrangler and her family that was visiting, to join us. Rog placed a manger, one used in countless manger scenes and Christmas plays, in an empty straw-strewn stall. With a couple of horses occasionally snorting, the barn cats mewing at the invasion of their space, and the smell of wood and hay and leather in the air, we crowded in that little stall around the manger and listened in the quiet as Rog read the Christmas story from Luke. I then began singing Away in a Manger, then Silent Night as everyone joined in.
We worshiped last night in that barn stall, and celebrated the presence of our Savior who was with us in a very real way. Some of the kids wanted explanations..."what's a manger anyway...what does swaddling clothes mean??" The beautiful story so familiar to me is still foreign to many.
We have so many wonderful Christmas memories, time with family, time with special friends, times with our dear church family. Our boys are now making memories of their own with the beautiful families God has given them. And even though Rog and I celebrate a little differently than we used to, we're still making memories.
Standing in the quiet of that rough stall last night I thanked Jesus that He "became flesh and dwelt among us, and for the promise of his abiding presence still.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Beauty in Simplicity
God knows what I need and when I need it. I am so easily overwhelmed when I'm tired. My thoughts get cloudy and my mood meloncholy. I need quiet. I need life to slow down a bit and not be so demanding. But we know that's not always possible. Sometimes we must push through relying on the grace of God and His joy which is our strength. And His grace is even more precious when we are at the end of ourselves and know it His grace sustaining us.
But then there are those moments...and yes they are often just moments...that He allows us to have some sought out solitude, a tiny respite from the craziness. Like today, right now. Even though life is pressing, I pause to enjoy the scene outside my window. A soft, steady snow is falling. From a full, gray sky it blankets the earth and calls me to stop and take notice of the beauty and simplicity of this season.
Maybe for you it is the laughter of a child, the warm glow of a candle, a soft breeze on your face, the peaceful breathing of a sleeping baby, a favorite song on the radio that draws you to sing along. Whatever it is, don't let the moment slip by unnoticed. These are just a few of the many ways the Lord expresses His love for us, assures us of His presence with us. We can't afford to pass this by.
I have learned to treasure the beauty and simplicity of these moments as a gift from my Father who knows where I am and what I need.
But then there are those moments...and yes they are often just moments...that He allows us to have some sought out solitude, a tiny respite from the craziness. Like today, right now. Even though life is pressing, I pause to enjoy the scene outside my window. A soft, steady snow is falling. From a full, gray sky it blankets the earth and calls me to stop and take notice of the beauty and simplicity of this season.
Maybe for you it is the laughter of a child, the warm glow of a candle, a soft breeze on your face, the peaceful breathing of a sleeping baby, a favorite song on the radio that draws you to sing along. Whatever it is, don't let the moment slip by unnoticed. These are just a few of the many ways the Lord expresses His love for us, assures us of His presence with us. We can't afford to pass this by.
I have learned to treasure the beauty and simplicity of these moments as a gift from my Father who knows where I am and what I need.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hope Now
If there was one thing stirred in the hearts of many this year concerning the 2008 election, it was hope, hope for change. I don’t doubt the hope was real, just perhaps misplaced.
Proverbs 23:18 says, “For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” The KJV renders it this way: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Hope is the expectation of a desired end. But for hope to be more than just wishful thinking, it has to be grounded in something more than just our expectations or we will be sorely disappointed when hopes are not realized.
Hope cannot rest in a man or in an ideal. Even for the believer, hope standing alone is diminished. “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three” (I Cor. 13: 13). The believer has hope and can rest assured our hopes will be realized because it rests in the Eternal God. This hope is grounded in faith, our faith in Christ and His faithfulness to His Word. His promises are sure because His Word is authoritative and eternal Truth. His promises are a testimony to His character, who He is and what He has done, and they do not change.
Our hope is grounded in faith, and it is fueled and energized by love. We love Him, we wait for Him, because He first loved us (I John 4:19). When we grasp the great reality of God’s love for us and know that it will not let us go there is every reason to have faith, to keep believing; thus hope is flamed.
Hope is an amazing thing, but hopes dashed are devastating. And what does this have to do with the recent election? This election brought out a great passion in people on both ends of the political spectrum. Issues, philosophies, even our very system of government in this country were brought into question. Hatred reared its ugly head in the form of feminism, racism, extremism, and yes, even socialism in its rudimentary ideology.
Being involved in choosing our country’s leadership wouldn’t be an issue if we lived in one of those countries or cultures where the system of government doesn’t allow for that. It would be decided for us. Being involved, and the degree to which we become involved is an area we must rely on the wisdom and leadership of the spirit of God to help us decide. There is no debating our responsibility to pray “for kings, and for all that are in authority" (I Tim. 2: 1-3). We also have the admonition to “render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s" (Matt. 22:21). We must also use discernment in determining when the authorities God has ordained (Rom. 13) would cause us to deny or dishonor God as our ultimate authority, leaving us no choice but to “obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29).
Paul encouraged those that struggled with eating meat offered to idols, believing that to do so brought them into the pagan idolatry, to consider not only what was “lawful”, but what was “expedient”; some things are not necessary, but are allowed. We know “that there is none other God but one” (I Cor. 8: 4), and we serve Him. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). But God has instituted and ordained government for our good (Rom 13: 1-7) and uses even pagan leadership to His purposes (consider Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Artaxerxes for instance). Also, we are stewards of that which is committed to us (the country and culture in which we live) and we are to be responsible and faithful in that stewardship (I Cor. 4:2). And we must live before God with a pure conscience, trusting Him to teach us. Therefore, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” because “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14: 5, 23).
We involve ourselves everyday in systems and services that are not necessarily biblical. In other words, there are a lot of areas out there that aren’t clear cut as to whether or not being involved would associate us with something that would dishonor God in some way. I was taught as a young Christian that to go to movies was to associate myself with and support, an “evil” industry set on destroying values and morality; I was taught that to buy groceries from a grocery store that sold alcohol or cigarettes was again, putting my dollars in support of those things. I could list other examples. I grappled with these issues, not wanting to disappoint my Savior and be anything other than a faithful witness for Him. But I soon realized that first and foremost, I could not live a victorious Christian life with guilt over one issue or another. I also understood that I am responsible for the impression of Christ I leave with others. I had to study the Scripture for myself where these issues were concerned, come to a conclusion before God on these issues, and then live these beliefs out. This also meant respecting those that viewed things differently, often becoming the “weaker brother’ (I Cor 8: 9) rather than being offended by another’s liberty, and on the other hand never using my liberty “as an occasion of offense or stumbling” if I could help it.
I have chosen to be involved in the political process, the privilege to vote and support one candidate or the other, the opportunity to let my voice be heard on important issues facing our nation today. But I do so with a keen awareness of my ultimate allegiance to the Eternal God, to “the Lord Jesus Christ…who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Tim. 6:15); confidently assured that “the kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it whatever way He determines” (Prov 21:1); He “is the judge; He putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Ps. 75:7). I am careful to search the Scripture to avoid forming opinions and making decisions based solely on how I feel, what I prefer, or how my economic situation will be affected (as my mom used to say, “it all comes down to the almighty dollar”.) And I do so not with a misplaced hope for a bright future in a man, an ideal, or a system of government, but with a hope “both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6: 17-19) in the God of the future, Jesus Christ “the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (Rev. 1: 8).
My thoughts were jarred sitting in our Wednesday night Bible study as my pastor/husband directed us to the verse from Proverbs about hope and “an expected end”. I had muddled through these thoughts over the past months as I grew weary of the political battle, bias, and bunk. I struggled initially with putting all my thoughts into words and with the need to even do so. I felt compelled to examine once again why I do what I do. I have over the years had a tendency to be both patriotic and passionate about issues of conscience, and about my country. Is it a nation of great spiritual barrenness? I believe it is as barren as it has ever been. But I have enjoyed so much of its beauty, its freedoms, its traditional historical ideals. Then, on a daily basis I am surrounded by those with dashed hopes and misplaced trust and have no faith in anyone or anything, God or country. They own no heritage, know no greater culture outside the small world that is their reality whatever that may be. It is a generation bereft of values, morals, and ideals that has dismissed God and His Sovereignty and sacrificed a common good for a selfish individualism. Yet, they clamor for a genuine love, a faith in something or someone bigger than themselves, and just a glimmer of hope for a decent future. So when someone promising change and promoting hope comes on the scene, well, this is where we are.
I then questioned my passion and the urgency with which I share the message of hope I have in Christ. Was I doing all I could do? Was the church? Have we failed in many respects? Yes, but then righteous Noah preached faithfully for 120 years to see only his family respond because “the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5), and thank God he at least saw his family saved, which should be an example to all of us. It was the reassurance from the Word on that Wednesday evening as the verse sailed off the page about my “expectation not being cut off” that I was encouraged and settled, and my thoughts about hope and this election started to make sense at least to me. Then, just this evening as I drove across town a new release on the radio caught my attention. It solidified in my mind that a message of “faith, hope, and love, these three” was a reminder from the Lord for these tumultuous times. I leave you with this:
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters
all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be okay and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
refrain & chorus from Hope Now; Addison Road
Proverbs 23:18 says, “For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” The KJV renders it this way: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Hope is the expectation of a desired end. But for hope to be more than just wishful thinking, it has to be grounded in something more than just our expectations or we will be sorely disappointed when hopes are not realized.
Hope cannot rest in a man or in an ideal. Even for the believer, hope standing alone is diminished. “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three” (I Cor. 13: 13). The believer has hope and can rest assured our hopes will be realized because it rests in the Eternal God. This hope is grounded in faith, our faith in Christ and His faithfulness to His Word. His promises are sure because His Word is authoritative and eternal Truth. His promises are a testimony to His character, who He is and what He has done, and they do not change.
Our hope is grounded in faith, and it is fueled and energized by love. We love Him, we wait for Him, because He first loved us (I John 4:19). When we grasp the great reality of God’s love for us and know that it will not let us go there is every reason to have faith, to keep believing; thus hope is flamed.
Hope is an amazing thing, but hopes dashed are devastating. And what does this have to do with the recent election? This election brought out a great passion in people on both ends of the political spectrum. Issues, philosophies, even our very system of government in this country were brought into question. Hatred reared its ugly head in the form of feminism, racism, extremism, and yes, even socialism in its rudimentary ideology.
Being involved in choosing our country’s leadership wouldn’t be an issue if we lived in one of those countries or cultures where the system of government doesn’t allow for that. It would be decided for us. Being involved, and the degree to which we become involved is an area we must rely on the wisdom and leadership of the spirit of God to help us decide. There is no debating our responsibility to pray “for kings, and for all that are in authority" (I Tim. 2: 1-3). We also have the admonition to “render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s" (Matt. 22:21). We must also use discernment in determining when the authorities God has ordained (Rom. 13) would cause us to deny or dishonor God as our ultimate authority, leaving us no choice but to “obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29).
Paul encouraged those that struggled with eating meat offered to idols, believing that to do so brought them into the pagan idolatry, to consider not only what was “lawful”, but what was “expedient”; some things are not necessary, but are allowed. We know “that there is none other God but one” (I Cor. 8: 4), and we serve Him. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). But God has instituted and ordained government for our good (Rom 13: 1-7) and uses even pagan leadership to His purposes (consider Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Artaxerxes for instance). Also, we are stewards of that which is committed to us (the country and culture in which we live) and we are to be responsible and faithful in that stewardship (I Cor. 4:2). And we must live before God with a pure conscience, trusting Him to teach us. Therefore, “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” because “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14: 5, 23).
We involve ourselves everyday in systems and services that are not necessarily biblical. In other words, there are a lot of areas out there that aren’t clear cut as to whether or not being involved would associate us with something that would dishonor God in some way. I was taught as a young Christian that to go to movies was to associate myself with and support, an “evil” industry set on destroying values and morality; I was taught that to buy groceries from a grocery store that sold alcohol or cigarettes was again, putting my dollars in support of those things. I could list other examples. I grappled with these issues, not wanting to disappoint my Savior and be anything other than a faithful witness for Him. But I soon realized that first and foremost, I could not live a victorious Christian life with guilt over one issue or another. I also understood that I am responsible for the impression of Christ I leave with others. I had to study the Scripture for myself where these issues were concerned, come to a conclusion before God on these issues, and then live these beliefs out. This also meant respecting those that viewed things differently, often becoming the “weaker brother’ (I Cor 8: 9) rather than being offended by another’s liberty, and on the other hand never using my liberty “as an occasion of offense or stumbling” if I could help it.
I have chosen to be involved in the political process, the privilege to vote and support one candidate or the other, the opportunity to let my voice be heard on important issues facing our nation today. But I do so with a keen awareness of my ultimate allegiance to the Eternal God, to “the Lord Jesus Christ…who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Tim. 6:15); confidently assured that “the kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it whatever way He determines” (Prov 21:1); He “is the judge; He putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Ps. 75:7). I am careful to search the Scripture to avoid forming opinions and making decisions based solely on how I feel, what I prefer, or how my economic situation will be affected (as my mom used to say, “it all comes down to the almighty dollar”.) And I do so not with a misplaced hope for a bright future in a man, an ideal, or a system of government, but with a hope “both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6: 17-19) in the God of the future, Jesus Christ “the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (Rev. 1: 8).
My thoughts were jarred sitting in our Wednesday night Bible study as my pastor/husband directed us to the verse from Proverbs about hope and “an expected end”. I had muddled through these thoughts over the past months as I grew weary of the political battle, bias, and bunk. I struggled initially with putting all my thoughts into words and with the need to even do so. I felt compelled to examine once again why I do what I do. I have over the years had a tendency to be both patriotic and passionate about issues of conscience, and about my country. Is it a nation of great spiritual barrenness? I believe it is as barren as it has ever been. But I have enjoyed so much of its beauty, its freedoms, its traditional historical ideals. Then, on a daily basis I am surrounded by those with dashed hopes and misplaced trust and have no faith in anyone or anything, God or country. They own no heritage, know no greater culture outside the small world that is their reality whatever that may be. It is a generation bereft of values, morals, and ideals that has dismissed God and His Sovereignty and sacrificed a common good for a selfish individualism. Yet, they clamor for a genuine love, a faith in something or someone bigger than themselves, and just a glimmer of hope for a decent future. So when someone promising change and promoting hope comes on the scene, well, this is where we are.
I then questioned my passion and the urgency with which I share the message of hope I have in Christ. Was I doing all I could do? Was the church? Have we failed in many respects? Yes, but then righteous Noah preached faithfully for 120 years to see only his family respond because “the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5), and thank God he at least saw his family saved, which should be an example to all of us. It was the reassurance from the Word on that Wednesday evening as the verse sailed off the page about my “expectation not being cut off” that I was encouraged and settled, and my thoughts about hope and this election started to make sense at least to me. Then, just this evening as I drove across town a new release on the radio caught my attention. It solidified in my mind that a message of “faith, hope, and love, these three” was a reminder from the Lord for these tumultuous times. I leave you with this:
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters
all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be okay and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
refrain & chorus from Hope Now; Addison Road
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