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Archive for the ‘Christian Living’ Category

Gay Is The New Black

Posted in Christian Living, News & Commentary, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2014|

 

gay2

Gay is the new black.  It appears to be popular, fashionable, trendy, modern, and progressive.  It is also the current direction of our society.  Everyone wants to support these new and modern ideas surrounding sexual behavior.  Hollywood, schools, and multiple media outlets are advancing the idea across America.

A recent news story was pushed to the forefront of many news cycles.  The Topeka City Council voted to create a domestic partner registry for same-sex couples.

While the headlines proclaim equality and advancing rights, the story is very alarming.   The Topeka City Council has now created the legislative authority to define a “couple” or allow citizens to self identify as partners.

Competing definitions of marriage and relationships erode God’s plan for humanity.  Once you abandon the Biblical definition of marriage, any other definition is now fair game for acceptance.  Multiple definitions seem legitimate because relationships are now based on any behavior people may want.  In short, anything goes.

This won’t be comfortable for everyone reading, but try this on for size.  Five council members, a simple majority, can now amend a standing city ordinance to define a “couple” as three people in the city of Topeka.  Let that one soak in for a moment.  Maybe they would call it a “trouple.”  Five council members can now amend an ordinance to allow minors, those under the age of 18, to register their relationship.  This is not an old-fashioned marriage where you have to wait until adulthood.  It is a new, progressive, and cosmopolitan way to record relationships.  Right?

These two scenarios may seem far-fetched.  Your immediate default is to say “this will never happen” or “there is no way someone could do that.”  Why not?  If the traditional standard of marriage is no longer valid any definition can now be used.  The proverbial barn door is already open and continues to swing wide.

How can Christians compete with this contemporary message and share the truth of God’s Word?  The trend continues to grow, so it is time that Christians take a stand in the marketplace of ideas and share our values.  There needs to be a Christian response to the popular arguments out there regarding sexual behavior.  People also need to know God’s message for our lives and the message of salvation through Christ.  Here are some points that deserve discussion.

1.)  People are not born gay.

This is a behavior.  There is no gay gene.  While several studies try to identify chromosomes for this behavior, nothing can prove genetics solely determine homosexual behavior.  The “born-that-way” claim is one from design where people claim that “God made me with these desires, I am only acting on them.”  This overlooks the fact that we are all born with a specific gender.  Why are you following your desires instead of your gender?   Ignoring your desires may be uncomfortable, but ignoring the natural design of your body is unwise and often fatal.  Even if desires are not a choice, sexual behavior always is.  So even if a person honestly believes that he’s been born with homosexual desires, he is certainly capable of controlling his sexual behavior.  If you claim that he is not—that sexual behavior is somehow uncontrollable—then you have made the absurd contention that no one can be morally responsible for any sexual crime, including rape and incest.

2.)  Sexual behavior is not a civil right.

The comparison of homosexuality to race is totally off base and absolutely wrong.  How can you honestly compare slavery to sodomy?  Slavery was human trafficking.  Slavery was dividing a family and selling people on an auction block for profit.  Slavery was counting a human being as three-fifths of a person.  Slavery was forced labor and poor living conditions.  Slavery was banning an education.  Slavery was banning the right to vote.  Slavery was banning the right to own property.  There is no comparison!  Skin color is benign.  Sexual behavior is not benign.  There are serious health consequences for this behavior.  Furthermore, sexual behavior is always a choice; race never is.  You will find former homosexuals, but you will never find a former African, Asian, Caucasian, or Native American.  Slavery, segregation, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws cannot and should not be compared to a ban on blood donations.  Trying to equate sexual preferences with skin color is demeaning and insulting to every American.

3.)  Agreeing with Scripture does not make you a homophobe.

You have a Constitutional right to religion.  Everyone in America is allowed to follow their faith.  Don’t allow this slanderous term to silence you in the cause for Christ.  This is trumped-up name calling at best.  Following Biblical values does not mean you fear or hate gays.  The Bible shares that:  God is our Creator, we are made in the image of God, we are made male and female, and God wants us to abstain from worldly desires and behaviors.  If one believes that immoral behavior is not God’s plan it does not make one phobic, irrational, or hateful.  This is God’s standard for holy and chaste living.  Strait people can also be immoral.  If I preach on immoral behavior does that now mean that I hate traditional families?  No, it just means that I support God’s standard established in the Bible.  Remember to speak the truth in love and follow the example of Jesus.  Do not succumb to their tactics with shouting and hate speech.  Demonstrate a loving faith and witness that glorifies the Father.  God loves us and wants all of us to turn from our past.

4.)  Our God of love is also a God of justice.

If you love someone and see him ruining his life with poor choices (stealing, lying, adultery, homosexuality, promiscuity) you get concerned, worried, and maybe even angry.  If a family member is an alcoholic wouldn’t you address the issue somehow?  You speak out because of your love for him, not out of hatred.  Anger isn’t the opposite of love, hate is and the final form of hate is indifference.  So the most loving thing Christians can do is warn people that they are living a life contrary to God and that jeopardizes where they will spend eternity.  God does not hate people.  Our worldly behaviors and actions displease God.  We are all sinners and are in need of a Savior.  The challenge is for us to repent and live.  Accepting Jesus as Lord reconciles us with God, for all past wrongs.  That means any sin, conducted for any length of time can be forgiven.  Love and justice can coexist through faith in Christ.  Scripture shares in Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

These points can help to form a Christian response to sexual behavior in our world.  It may not be popular, trendy, or fashionable, but it is faithful to our Heavenly Father.  While the world wants Christians to look like fools, remember to take a stand for Christ, speak the truth in love, and share how God’s Word can transform everyone into a new person.

 

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Do You Have a Favorite Place to Pray?

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , on April 26, 2014|

prayer

Prayer is central to our faith.  It is deliberate communication with our Heavenly Father.  It is an act of worship.  It is a spiritual discipline.  It allows us to adore, petition, praise, and confess.  Prayer is the primary way we connect with God.

Scripture shows us that Jesus made time and space to pray.  Mark 1:35 shares that, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  Jesus would often separate himself to pray alone.  He left his family, the crowds, and even the disciples in order to connect with God.

Jesus spent long periods of time in prayer.  This was often done before a major event or difficult time.  Luke 6 shares that Jesus went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying.  This was not done lightly.  Jesus spent several hours in solitary prayer seeking the will of God.  After this long time of prayer, he chose twelve of his followers to be apostles.

We see from the example of Jesus that prayer should be a cornerstone of our Christian faith.  We should frequently make time to connect with God.  We should also seek out the Lord and devote significant amounts of time to prayer when major decisions need to be made.

In light of Christ’s example and seeing the importance of prayer I want to ask a couple of questions.

Do you have a favorite place to pray?

Where is it?

What makes it special?

What draws you there to connect with God?

I know that places, structures, and reasons will vary.  Some want to pray in a sanctuary and smell candles burning.  Others want to pray on their couch while enjoying a cup of coffee.  We can make this a Christian community learning exercise and see how the body of believers demonstrate their faith.  Share your response in the comments section and see how other Christians connect to God in prayer.

Comments are being collected at https://godsquad.me/

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The Fifth Week of Lent. Preparing for the Savior

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , on April 9, 2014|

cross-purple

We are in the final week of Lent.  Palm Sunday is just around the corner.  This time of fasting, abstaining, moderation, and discipline was set aside for preparation. Preparation for Holy Week.  Preparation for a journey to the cross.  Preparation that leads to an empty tomb.

Lent is truly about preparation.  We use fasting, sacrifice, and abstaining from foods as a ritual, but we are preparing ourselves to encounter Christ.  This journey often changes us.  It makes us reflect on our faith and our daily walk with Jesus. Spiritual reflection is difficult because it demands honesty and complete self-examination.  Using a mirror to examine my journey with Jesus is a scary prospect. It forces me to see a total picture of my faith, warts and all.

I have to admit that there were days when skipping my daily spiritual practice would have been easy.  It took time to find a sustaining routine and pace.  As the days went on, I found a greater desire to see it through.  It made me grow.  It held my attitude in check.  It allowed me to apply my faith at work.  In short, it made me a better Christian.  I am a better disciple and follower because of my Lenten practice.  When we make time for Jesus, the time is never lost.

Let us continue to reflect on Jesus.  As Palm Sunday arrives, let us reflect on the arrival of our promised Messiah.  As Holy Thursday arrives, let us reflect on how he washed the feet of his disciples, instituted the Lord’s Supper, and prayed on the Mount of Olives.  As Good Friday arrives, let us reflect on how he suffered for our sins, died as the atoning sacrifice for all humanity, and was buried.  And as darkness gives way to daybreak, let us reflect on an empty tomb and the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Continue your practice.  Continue to prepare for our Savior.  Continue your celebration of Easter by focusing on the life, suffering, sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Risen Lord!

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The Fourth Week of Lent. Disciples and Work Bring Joy.

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2014|

lent 2014

Lenten practices take time, practice, devotion, and patience.  We are often tempted to ignore our spiritual practice and rush into Holy Week.  Many will ask, “shouldn’t we celebrate and rejoice on Palm Sunday?  Shouldn’t we rush to the empty tomb just like the disciples?”  Yes, but within context of the entire story. There is joy at the end of the story, but it is important that we take time to focus on the total ministry of Jesus and the joy that can bring.

In Luke 10: 1-24, Jesus appoints additional disciples to go ahead of him and visit every city and place he intends to go.  They are to travel in pairs.  They are instructed not to carry a wallet, a traveling bag, or sandals.  Take what you have.  Hurry.  Don’t stop to greet anyone on the way.  Stay where you are welcome.  Be courteous, kind, and eat what people serve you.  Heal the sick and tell people, “The kingdom of God is near to you.”

These disciples go, obediently perform mission work, and return.  The disciples come back very happy.  They were not promised lush accommodations.  They were not promised lavish meals.  They were not promised a living wage.  They were told to go and perform the work of a missionary on the charity of others and they returned full of joy.

The disciples performed great miracles on the authority of Christ.  The sick were healed, demons were cast out, and people found salvation through the message of Jesus.  The disciples are full of joy because they were instruments in God’s plan.  Performing the work of God gave them joy.  In short, they have joy because they were used by God in a mighty way.

The work that we are given may not be glamorous, glorious, or even miraculous.  The challenge is to be faithful and obedient, no matter what task we are given.

When we are busy doing the work of Christ, let there be joy in our hearts. When the work seems tedious and complicated, let us focus on the harvest. Apply these lessons to your spiritual practice for Lent.  May God give us a holy perspective on the tasks we have in front of us and the ability to rejoice through the entire journey.

God bless you on your Lenten walk this year.

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The Third Week of Lent. Do Not Miss the Miracle.

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 27, 2014|

lent cross

Lent can be a great time of discovery.  It is often viewed as a time to focus on what is truly important in life.  We also need to examine what is truly important in our Christian walk.

Jesus performs a miracle at the Bethesda pool in John 5:1-15.  Scripture records that a man was healed after being ill for thirty-eight years.  Jesus asks the man if he would like to get well and then commands him to, “Get up, pick up your cot, and walk.”

All these events were done on the Sabbath, a day set aside for worship.  Many people saw this previously crippled man walking through their streets. While there should be shouts of joy, exclamations of praise, hand shakes, back slapping, and chaotic rejoicing people instead focus on our recently healed walker carrying a cot.

Tradition did not allow people to “perform work” on the Sabbath.  Carrying a cot would fall into that category.  It was not the law of Moses but their interpretation of it that prohibited carrying loads of any kind on the Sabbath. Folks were so fearful of ever breaking the Law that they built an artificial “hedge” around it, comprising volumes of extra rules and stipulations. In fact, this hedge created an additional 613 provisions so that people could avoid breaking a commandment. While this was done to avoid offending God, it only drove a wedge between the people and God.  It created an atmosphere where the people focus on works and wrongs instead of the message and ministry of Jesus their Savior.  In short, they missed the miracle.

Jesus was present.  He was in their midst.  The Messiah was alive, active, and at work in Jerusalem.  Jesus was just footsteps from their door.  The Lord performed an incredible miracle where a man’s life was transformed and physically healed.  A crippled man was able to walk, perhaps for the very first time in his life.  But people could only see a Sabbath infraction instead of the Savior.

Let us rejoice when a family shows up to worship instead of snickering that they are fifteen minutes late.  Let us be joyful when a man arrives in the sanctuary instead of judging the clothes on his back.  Let us celebrate the future when a criminal accepts Christ instead of focusing on the past.  Let us see the miracle.  Let us see the Savior.

God bless you on your Lenten walk this year.

 

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The Second Week of Lent. What Offering Will You Bring?

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on March 19, 2014|

lent-give more

Today was exhausting.  After a full day of counseling, visiting Soldiers, and spending four hours in the car, I finally made it home.  I shut the door and breathed a sigh of relief.  There was just enough energy left to go upstairs, kick off my boots and take a nap.  That way I could salvage part of the evening at home. In order to give quality time at home and offer something significant, I needed to take a break and re-engage at a later time.

We often face this dilemma with our families.  We also face the same dilemma with God.  What kind of offering do we give God?  Does God get our first fruits or the leftovers from our day?

As we focus on the season of Lent and strive to maintain our spiritual practice, it is important to examine the offering we bring to God.  Exodus 23:19 shares, “Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God….”  Not only should God get what is currently available, but the best of what we have to offer.

Giving our best to God is a daunting challenge.  It requires time, energy, and devotion.  Allow this Lenten time of self-examination and sacrifice to strengthen your spiritual commitment and resolve.

The Lord has given grace, healing, and redemption to an afflicted world through Jesus Christ.  God has given His Son as the atonement for the sins of humanity. While there is no way to repay this perfect and holy gift, it cries out for a response.  Christ’s crucifixion should call us to tears, shame, seeking forgiveness, acknowledging our need for a Savior, and ultimately changing our lives so that we pursue Him.  It should create a spark in us that never dies or wavers because of God’s great love for us.

As we mark another week in the season of Lent, examine your gift.  What offering did you bring?  Will God see the first fruits or the leftovers of your day?  Do not “call in” this season of sacrifice and commitment.  God deserves our very best from start to finish.

God bless you on your Lenten walk this year.

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The First Week of Lent

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , on March 12, 2014|

lent

Yes, it has been a week since Ash Wednesday, but the season of Lent is still with us.  Lent is an important time where Christians focus on personal sacrifice and ready themselves for the celebration of Easter.  On the liturgical calendar, Lent runs six weeks from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  It is a religious observance where Christians focus on fasting, sacrifice, and abstaining from different foods, acts, or luxuries.

I have to admit that observing Lent is new to me.  It is more common among liturgical or “high church” faith groups.  I was not raised in that tradition, but I have an appreciation for the concept of subtracting something in your life to grow closer to God.  While many will give up meat, sweets, soda, chocolate, or doughnuts during Lent, I like the idea of adding a spiritual practice in your life to grow closer to God.  These practices can include daily devotions, a focused prayer time, creating a spiritual journal, volunteering at a charity, or performing community service projects.

This year I added a practice to help me grow closer to God.  Many Bibles highlight the words of Christ with red letters to separate them from the black lettered text. I am reading through the “red letters” or words of Jesus during the season of Lent. The plan is to eventually arrive at the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday and follow Jesus to the cross throughout Holy Week.

While this approach may not be for everyone, the key is to find a spiritual practice that appeals to you.  It is also helpful to find a practice that will test or stretch your faith.  Don’t fall into a rut and do the same spiritual discipline year after year. That would deny you the growth and opportunity God wants from us.

Yes, the first week of Lent is gone.  If there was a lapse in your daily routine, get back on the horse.  Schedule a time and place to help you focus and maintain your practice.  Whether you are subtracting or adding a practice continue the daily journey toward the cross of Christ.

God bless you on your Lenten walk this year.

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National Marriage Week 2014

Posted in Christian Living, Military Marriages, News & Commentary, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2014| 2 Comments »

couple

Everyone wants a good, strong, happy marriage.  Our marriages often start out well.  They are full of enthusiasm, joy, love, compassion, and devotion.  But as time goes by, couples often find it difficult to carve out time, space, and energy for their one true love.

It seems so odd and sad, but it is a common story line with a majority of married couples.  The things of life get in their way and dampen the romance that once burned bright.  A few years prior, nothing could separate this pair of love birds. Now priorities have changed.  Distractions are everywhere.  Demands must be met. Children must be fed. Bills must be paid.  Somehow couples seem to lose the fire and energy that brought them to the altar.

We all need a wake up call when it come to marriage.  Everyone!  We husbands need a reminder to date our wives and make her a priority.  Wives need a reminder to love and cherish husbands.

February 7-14 is National Marriage Week.  It serves as the national alarm clock for couples to remember why they got married in the first place.  It also allows groups, organizations, and churches to join the fight in saving marriages across America.

If you are planning a marriage enrichment event, a workshop, or presentation, join the campaign by sharing it on the national website.  Let your community know what resources are available in their own backyard.  This simple act can go a long way to encourage or even salvage a couple on the brink of divorce.

National Marriage Week USA, offers several marriage resources, date night suggestions, event guides, reading lists, and videos on how to build a satisfying marriage.  Check out the website to find a tip, idea, or suggestion that can improve your marriage in 2014.

This can be the year that you turn things around.  Stop allowing distractions and insignificant events to suck the life out of your relationship.  Take time to strengthen your marriage.  Reconnect with your spouse.  Focus on the romance that brought you together.  Use National Marriage Week as a way to strengthen your marriage and focus on the one you love.

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Pray for our troops in Afghanistan

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 3, 2014| 2 Comments »

prayer invite

Combat forces are expected to leave Afghanistan sometime this year.  Today about 42,700 troops remain in country; about 30,000 of them are soldiers.  The total number is expected to drop to 34,000 by February.

It is often shared that the most dangerous time on any deployment is the first and last month of your tour.  The first month is dangerous as you learn the ropes and discover how everything needs to work properly.  The last month is dangerous as many folks are in a hurry, tempted to take short cuts, and focus more on going home than the immediate tasks at hand.

Please keep all of our service members in your prayers this year as combat forces continue to return home.

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How to strengthen your faith in 2014

Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 27, 2013|

Bible open

It is that time of year when everyone starts to think about new year resolutions. Do something different this year. Instead of focusing on your diet or exercise plan, take time to consider your spiritual condition and how it can improve.

Here is a list of challenging ways to strengthen your faith in 2014.

First, read your Bible on a daily basis.  This may seem daunting to many, but it is a worthy practice.  Take an honest look at your schedule to determine the best time and place to read scripture.  It is okay to block out the time on your calendar.  You can even set an appointment reminder on your computer or phone.  Try to eliminate potential distractions and interruptions on the front end.  Once you find the right time and place, stick to your plan.  Feed your faith.  Make time to hear the message of Jesus.  Allow it to sustain and encourage you in all things. Remember that reading the Bible is a valuable practice.  Every time you do so, you are making time to meet with God.  That is no trivial event.  Each meeting changes us, develops strength in tough times, and allows believers to grow in the example of Christ.

Second, keep a prayer journal.  As you pray for people, life events, and direction, write what you pray for.  How many prayer lists did you throw in the trash this year?  Too often we turn prayer lists into a “one and done” event with no follow through.  Carry these prayer needs over into the next week or next month.  We need to provide greater support to our brothers and sisters by praying them through the tough times of life.  Prayer needs to be more consistent in our lives.  A prayer journal helps us make the practice more constant and genuine.  It is okay to track prayer requests and organize them as you see fit.  This allows us to be more intentional in our petitions to God.  A prayer journal also allows you to see the progress and changes that take place over time.  Odds are that you will discover being transformed as well.

Third, discover your spiritual gifts.  We all have different gifts and abilities.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6 shares, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”  God has made us all unique, but we are called to use our talents and abilities to glorify God. Discover how God has gifted you.  Take a spiritual gift inventory.  There are plenty of surveys, tests, assessments, and analysis guides online or at your local Christian bookstore.  Remember that there are no wrong answers.  Each survey is a way to discover what characteristics and traits God has implanted in you for service. Once you have completed the survey, pray for God to reveal the best way to use your gifts and talents for the body of Christ.  Seek wisdom and opportunities to use the gifts that you have received from God.

As we prepare for 2014, remember to include God in your personal improvement plan.  These simple steps can strengthen your faith and build the spiritual muscle God wants you to have for the year ahead.

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