, Author at The Narrow Path

December 25, 2018December 25, 2018

Savior In A Stable

It is Christmas morning and there is quiet in my world. My silent contemplation is interrupted only by the sounds of the coffee pot and my dogs playfully celebrating a new day. The tree is lit with its many twinkling lights. Cyn is still trying to become fully awake or fully asleep amongst the flannel sheets. I have been awakened by the need to share the message that the Holy Spirit implanted in my head before the first light of dawn, way before my eyes were open. When one is trying to live a disciple’s life I guess one does not get to choose the hour that Divine inspiration will strike. However, I thank God that the inspiration does strike. My gift this morning, one I would like to share with you, nay, I must share with you, is part of the amazing beauty of the Savior in a stable.

The Gospel According to Luke

At Christmas Eve service in Anglican Churches everywhere our readings centered around the appearance of the Christ child. So many of us have heard it so often we can recite it from memory. The words of St. Luke are always beautiful in their depiction of the arrival of Jesus.

⁸And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2: 8-14 (ESV)

Here Comes the Revelation

Can you imagine how this must have appeared to the shepherds? Here they were, hanging out quietly on a hillside, tending their flocks when the serenity all around them exploded with a multitude of Angels. But, I believe the most important part of this passage lies not in the Heavenly Host but to whom the message was delivered and then, the message inside the message.

The angels did not appear to anyone remotely considered to be upper crust. In fact, shepherds were amongst the lowest class of people in those days. They were, by their occupation, probably dirty and shall I say a bit on the aromatic side. Shepherds were probably the least educated and crude in the social graces of the time. Yet, God chose them for the big reveal! Equally amazing was the fact that the Savior of mankind was not born into royalty. He didn’t even come into a family with money and great status. The Christ, the King of Kings, the Savior of all mankind was brought into this world in a stable and laid in a food trough! I can’t imagine a less kingly setting.

The Message in The Message

The Hope of all mankind, the long awaited Immanuel (God with us) came into this world in such low estate and was revealed to the lowest class of men to bring salvation to every man and woman on earth. Christ’s birth was an intentional work of God’s amazing mercy, given to any and all. One needn’t climb a ladder to reach the Babe. No fortune and no status was required. God’s love was within easy reach. O come all ye faithful. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. The Savior in a stable is God’s greatest gift, given to all!

Most merciful God, we give you thanks for the greatest gift of all. May we always rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, remembering that He was sent to save us all. Help us to rejoice in Him and not let the commercialization of Christmas confuse the reason that we celebrate. We praise you for sending Hope and Peace into this world. We pray in the name of Jesus, Your most beloved Son. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

December 15, 2018December 16, 2018

Dude, Don’t Rush It!

Many cannot wait to put up the Christmas tree before the leftover Thanksgiving turkey is gone. Have you been hearing Christmas music ad nauseam? Did you even know that there is another Christian season of observance that takes place before December 25^th? I am all about the entire celebration of the Birth of Christ, However, as an Anglican, I must first observe Advent. Advent is a season of contemplation, repentance, and eager expectation that takes place leading up Christmas. The Season of Advent is very much like the Season of Lent, which proceeds Easter. They are closely related, both are a time for reflection, fasting or abstinence (feasting is coming). Both times to repent for our sinfulness. They are both times for hopeful expectation. Advent and Lent are sort of the calm before the storm. The celebration is right around the corner! Dude, don’t rush it!

Advent 101

Not everyone celebrates Advent, and I think that is a shame. They are missing out on some of the Joy and deeper meaning of Christmas. Nearly everyone has heard of or seen an Advent Calendar or Advent Wreath. For the unenlightened, there is a great primer on Advent that can be found on Anglican Pastor. The post tells us that “Advent comes from the Latin adventus which means coming or arrival” and it is the beginning of the Christian calendar year. During Advent, we observe with expectation, the arrival of the Baby Jesus, but also the second “arrival” of Jesus Christ. As foretold, this is when Jesus comes on the clouds and will judge the living and the dead, ushering in a new Heaven on Earth. Advent occurs over four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. Each of those weeks reflects upon a different theme. Advent 101 continues…

Prepare and Wait

There are many likenesses between the Jews of ancient times waiting and preparing for the arrival of the promised Messiah, and the Christians of modern times who are anxiously awaiting the return of the Redeemer. We study and they studied the words of the Prophets, particularly John the Baptist who gave God’s people their revelations of the word of God as He had revealed His words to them. For both groups there was/is Hope of the arrival. There was/is preparation for the arrival. All should have been reflective and repentant in making their hearts ready to receive the Promised One, the greatest Gift of all.

There has been and always will be great Joy and Rejoicing of the Christian Soul when Christ comes into this world and into our hearts as well as an overwhelming feeling of Love as the coming of our LORD is made known to our longing hearts. Advent reminds us that the time is not yet. The time of great joy and celebration is coming. Prepare and wait. Sing O Come, O Come Emanuel, and Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! Think about the words. The time is near.

Dude, Don’t Rush It!

Modern society is in such a hurry to commercialize Christmas and Easter that the celebration starts way too early, dulling suspense and pregnant expectation. Again, I love the festiveness of the seasons, but really, aren’t we just a little burned out on Christmas by the time it does arrive on the calendar. The Christmas season according to many religious traditions does not begin until Christmas Eve. Then there are the Twelve Days of Christmas ending in “Little Christmas” celebrating the Wise Men’s arrival in Bethlehem. This is when many will take down the Christmas tree and all the decorations, marking the true end to the Christmas celebration. If you start the celebration too soon (and the celebration should be a big one, if only in your heart) you might miss out on taking in all the beauty and promise, all the wonder that Christmas truly holds. Dude, don’t rush it!

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Week Two of Advent
Anglican Book of Common Prayer

November 28, 2018November 28, 2018

Give Thanks, Always

Thanksgiving: Family prays during holiday dinner.

In the United States, we have just come through the Thanksgiving Holiday. Family and friends gathered from across the miles. Huge meals that took hours or days to prepare were laid out. Blessings were said. This day many folks ate until their buttons were strained to stay closed. We spent time with people we had not seen for months. Many of us were joyous as we marked the beginning to the Holiday Season. My own Thanksgiving was spent with our wonderful friends, our family, and extended family. I was blessed to be with them all. However, as wonderful as this time was; it left me with a nagging question. Why is it that we have to choose (since 1941) the fourth Thursday in November to give thanks for all of our blessings? Should we not give thanks, always?

We Are Blessed Beyond Measure

We are all greatly blessed, no matter our social or financial strata. Most of us have roofs over our heads, warm beds to sleep in, we know where our next meal is coming from, and we don’t have to walk for miles to fetch the family’s daily water supply. Most of our children have shoes on their feet and thrive in a loving family. The majority of us do not know abject poverty or pandemic sickness. Our Maker wakes us every morning and gives us the opportunity to live in the knowledge that we are loved beyond measure. No matter what obstacles we face, we are never alone in the struggle to overcome them. As Children of God, Brothers and Sisters of Christ we have already defeated the worst this world has to offer.

Give Thanks, Always

It is easy to give thanks when everything is coming up roses but should we not be thankful also on the days when the clouds loom dark overhead? Christians have so much to be thankful for every day. We should give thanks, always. We are alive and we have Hope and Faith. Hebrews 11 explains what it means to have Faith.

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ²For by it the people of old received their commendation. ³By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he tells us why we should be faithful.

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Because we have Faith, we can look forward to our lives with our Master, free of ills and sorrow. Our worries are like everything else in this life. They are just temporary. We are only here for a short time compared to eternity in Paradise. Hallelujah! Shout praise to Heaven! There is always something to be thankful for even in the stormiest of times. Should we not give thanks, always!

No Matter What

I will agree that we all have troubles and trials from time to time. Some of our lives just suck. I, myself, suffer from anxiety, as I have confessed previously and I have come to realize that there is always something to be thankful for. I am alive, and I am loved. God is beside me no matter what. He carries me when I am too weak to stand. He protects me from Evil. No matter what this world throws at me; God is there right beside me to get me through it. I am put here to learn and grow, preparing for the next life. We, so often, find that growth in hardship. The prophet Isaiah revealed God’s thoughts about our trials.

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10 (ESV)

Be Thankful to God in His Mercy

Let us look at more of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Christians at Ephesus.

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ²in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. ⁴But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)

Be Thankful Every Day

If one can’t find anything else to be thankful for, these words from Ephesians should do the trick. See how far we have come from sin and darkness, from death in our sins to eternal life through Grace. I certainly want to give thanks, always.

Merciful Heavenly Father we humbly give You thanks for Your mercy and grace, but most of all for Your immeasurable love. We remember that You loved us so much that You gave Your Son to die on a cross so that we might gain Life Eternal. Help us to do the work you have given us to do so that others may come to find Your grace in their lives. In Jesus holy name we pray. Amen

October 6, 2018October 6, 2018

No Matter What

That I am a hopeless audiophile has been discussed here more than once. My current song with significant impact is No Matter What by Ryan Stevenson. I have played it repeatedly (ad nauseam, I am sure, for the ones around me). I even laid awake a couple nights ago playing it over and over in my mind. It is a good thing that I like it. I believe that it will be one of those songs that will last such as I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me. At least No Matter What will be a song on my short list for a long while. It speaks to some fundamental issues, some basic fears that many of us likely have experienced. God’s love is unconditional. It doesn’t hurt that the song has a catchy 50’s-ish sound. Stevenson’s simple rhythm grabs you like a reggae tune. like God’s love, simple and pure and to the heart.

To The Heart

More than making one sway to the rhythm, The message is easy and clean. There is a soothing balm in the honest reassurance that the lyrics convey.

No matter what you’ve done
You can’t erase His love
Nothing can change it
You’re not separated
No matter what

Numberless people grew up as I did. I was wholly unchurched until my mid-twenties. My understanding of God and His undying Love for us was incomplete, at best. Perhaps even misguided. Through the “darker” periods of my life, I conceived that my LORD would have discarded me as too far gone, damaged goods. I needed the reminder herein:

A lot of us grew up believing
At any moment we could lose it all
And at the drop of a hat
God might turn His back and move on
A lot of us feel like we blew it
Thinking that we’re just too far gone
But I want you to know
There’s still a hope for you now

No Matter What God’s Love is Unconditional

Brothers and sisters, I know that someone out there needs this arrow aimed at their hearts. No matter what you have done, God will never turn His back on you. He will never forsake you, leave you defenseless. No matter what you are going through. You are never too far gone. Once His seal has been placed upon you, it will never come off. Hallelujah! Man,there can be no better news!

No matter what you’ve done
You can’t erase His love
Nothing can change it
You’re not separated
No matter where you run
He’s always holding on
You’re still a daughter, you’re still a son
No matter what

Rejoice!

Stand up! Turn your faces toward Heaven and lift your praises to the One who made you. By the Grace of God, you are never alone. No matter what you are going through, you need not fear or be of low spirits. No matter what you are struggling with, give it over to the God who made all that is visible and invisible. God has got this! No Matter what!

Merciful God, I thank you for all of Creation, but I thank you most of all for your immeasurable Love. Father, I pray that You will reveal Yourself to all who are in need, sorrow or in any way being oppressed. Shine the light of your Love on those who are hurting LORD and warm them with the knowledge of the Divine Truth of Your Power and Love. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray. Amen

September 21, 2018September 21, 2018

What Are You Wearing Today?

Well, if my title didn’t startle you last time it probably did this time. Becoming a fashion-first type of guy is the furthest thing from my mind. Hopefully we can continue the get-out-and-be-counted-idea that I wrote about last time we were together. I have written before that I believe that we are all called to Christian Discipleship for the Savior who died for us. One does not have to be a Pastor or Priest, a Deacon or Bishop to live a life of discipleship, loving his fellow man as himself, being the face of Jesus to any and all with whom he or she might come into contact. I believe that living one’s life in this manner is equivalent to clothing oneself in one’s Christianity. Just as one’s daily choices from the closet, these pieces of one’s Christ-like wardrobe, this mantle should be visible for all to see. What are you wearing today?

Christian Discipleship – A Conscious Decision

Just as we dig through our closets and make up our minds about what clothes to wear for the day or the occasion; we can make a decision before we leave the house to present ourselves as either visible or invisible to those around us. Most of us choose to make an impression of some sort. Depending on our state of mind, our appearance may invoke a positive or negative response in people. Perhaps we chose to make no impression, be invisible to the public eye. That is still a choice, a conscious decision. It is the same with our faith. We can choose to be without visible faith or faith-neutral, or we can choose for our faith to be visible and make an impression. Jesus called us to make a conscious decision to wear our faith to make an impression.

Faith Without Works

In the Anglican Church, this past Sunday’s New Testament reading taught that faith without works is dead. The second chapter of James points out very clearly that claiming we have faith is worthless unless we practice that faith.

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17 (ESV)

Be Significant!

Dr. John Temple, a significant man in his own right, charged his nephew, Matthew, at his ordination not to be successful but to be significant.

“We are not called to be a success. We are called to be significant.”

Reverend Matt Temple and Family
Credit: Overflow Church

I was struck with the profoundness of this statement. Success marks a fleeting moment in time. Significance leaves a legacy. Should we not likewise strive to leave a lasting impression? Perhaps changing the lives of not just one person but future generations as well. Matt’s parents lived a Godly life. They raised Godly children. Their sons and daughter are following their examples by raising their own children to love the Lord and live Christ-like lives. I would bank on the next generation of this beautiful family being raised in the same manner. Fred Temple, Matt’s father, and my dear friend is just a plain fellow by society’s standards. A simple man. Hard working and quiet. Fred is a significant man. He puts on the mantle of Christian Discipleship every day. He chooses to be significant. By doing so, he has left lasting marks on an ever-expanding part of the world.

What Are You Wearing Today?

In the future, no one will remember the clothes you wore today. But, if you are clothed in Christ, if you show one person true Christian charity, the Love of Christ, that person will never forget. The mantle of Christian Discipleship, worn for all to see, accompanied by acts of compassion and humanity will certainly be significant in this world where these things are rare and lacking. What are you wearing today?

Most merciful Father, I pray that you will bless Matt Temple and his family as they strive to do the work you have given them to do. Give them strength and courage to be significant in the lives of others. Abba, I pray we all carry our working faith into our everyday lives. Remind us that it is our duty to actively be the Body of Christ, that being a disciple is a call to action and not just a call to education only. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen

September 12, 2018September 12, 2018

We Eat But We Do Not Exercise

Okay folks, before you go running for the exits, hitting the escape button or otherwise tuning out this post; please bear with me for just one paragraph before you split. I am going to climb up on a soapbox, but not to preach about the obesity that runs rampant in American society. At 6”4” and 315 pounds, that would be a bit like the guilty throwing the first stone. I will rather today, preach about a complacency that is thriving in our churches today. Particularly in the western world.

Many, too many, Christians have fallen into a trap. We congregate in our Churches on the Sabbath, sing praises, recite prayers, hear the Word of God, many take Communion, we smile and visit with one another and we go home to go about our week. We feel we have done out duty to our God. Dearly beloved, this is the shame we bear. We have come to Christ’s table. We have partaken of the very Body of Christ. And we feel good about ourselves, in that we have done as we should. However, we have not exercised our duty to our Savior. We eat but do not exercise. All too many of us do not even consider the discipleship to which we are called. We are called to spread the Gospel of Christ “even to the ends of the earth.”

It is not enough

It is not enough to go to Church only. It surely isn’t enough to grow a congregation, teach and preach and praise within the confines of our beloved buildings. As disciples, we must be the Body of Christ outside those four walls. A lot of us can not remember the last time, if ever, when we simply mentioned the name of Jesus to someone in our day to day world. Are we being an example of Christ’s teaching to others? If we are not showing love for our fellow man we are not doing enough.

Fear is the tool of the Devil

I believe that many of us are being held back as disciples by fear of some sort. We may be afraid of rejection, or of ridicule. Possibly that we might not know what to say. Some may feel that they cannot quote enough scripture. I think that these thoughts are put in our heads by the evil one. If we falter here he is ecstatic.

The Devil is a Liar

The evil one is the Supreme Liar and we have Truth on our side. We can always speak of the truth of how God has worked in our own lives. Who can dispute the beauty of your own personal experiences with the Love of Christ? If you have seen God work a miracle in your life, by all means, tell someone, tell everyone! We probably shouldn’t stand on a busy street corner with a sign and a megaphone, but we absolutely must speak up. We don’t have to close the deal, but we must approach the subject. It is easier than you may think and it feels so good.

Discipleship…If not you, who?

Christ gave us the Great Commission. I don’t think he meant only the eleven disciples to follow his words. It is hard for me to fathom that Jesus meant for his followers to practice his instructions for just a little while. In the Anglican Faith, after sharing communion, our priests will offer this prayer before our recessional.

Heavenly Father,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious body and blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal Kingdom.
And now Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer, Anglican Church of North America

We eat but we do not exercise

One of the big reasons that Christianity is taking such a beating today is that, as Christians, we are not taking what we have been given and giving that gift to others. The Love of Christ is meant to be shared. Discipleship requires action. We eat but we do not exercise! We must discharge the duties we have been given, get out of our comfort zone. Go forth and share the Light with this darkened world.

Before I end in prayer, I would like to thank Reverend Canon Keith Allen of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi for laying these thoughts on my heart. God bless you always, my Brother.

Blessed Creator of all that is visible and invisible, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son to die for us, giving us eternal life. Go with us, I pray, as we endeavor to go about the work you have given us to do. Quiet our fears, filling us with the power of the Holy Spirit and give us Grace to carry the Love of Christ even to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray. Amen

August 31, 2018September 17, 2018

Ain’t God Good!

One morning this week while savoring a cup of coffee at the dining room table, lost in thought, contemplating the busy work day ahead; I was struck by what I have frequently called a “God Moment”, when God reaches down from Heaven and taps you on the shoulder, providing you with just exactly what you need at the moment. At arm’s reach through the window pane hangs two, very busy, bird feeders. Most mornings there is an albeit small, cacophony of raucous commotion from a growing group of finches. These little guys enjoy a friendly riot, vying for their spot at the free meal. But, this particular morning, it is the hummingbird feeder or its visitors, that captured my attention. We usually have three ruby-throated hummingbirds that frequent our offering but the last few days have brought a few more to sample our hospitality. Their presence breaks through my “mind-in-neutral” state like shattering glass. Tiny, synchronized flight patterns, my own aerial ballet, and all I can think is…”Ain’t God Good”!

Miracles in a Thimble

These wonders of nature are, at the least, beautiful. More than that, they are a miracle that would nearly fit in a thimble. They remind me

that marvelous wonders can be beheld in the most simple of things. We just have to open our eyes and our hearts to take them in. Just to emphasize the point, these little emerald streaks have hearts that beat over 1200 beats per minute inside their chests. Hummingbirds breathe around 250 times a minute, even at rest. They flap their wings an average of 53 beats per second. Due to being able to rotate their wings in a complete circle, they are the only birds that are capable of flying backward. Pretty cool stuff, huh?

Back to the God Moment

As I stated earlier, sometimes God reaches out and gives us a tap on the shoulder, giving us just the right message. You may remember that in the last post, I shared that I have been suffering from anxiety issues. I believe that the Evil One is at the core of that suffering. I am getting better but God sent me an Instant Message that He surely knew I needed to speed my recovery. My message was clear. “Even in the midst of the chaos, there is beauty.” God is present wherever you are.

My whole countenance changed as my iridescent messengers flitted about. My heart became lighter with each wingbeat. I had a new message to share with the world within my reach. Today I would happily proclaim a message to all. Today I would make this Psalm my own.

This is the day that the LORD has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 ESV

This day I would do as the Psalmist instructed us to do.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;

Break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4

Ain’t God Good!

The people in my office, the students who came to the bookstore, could all sense something was afoot. I enthusiastically shared my morning with all who inquired and the joyful noise was magnified. Those bright green marvels had done their work and brought God’s word to so many. I hope that you will take the time to slow down a little and just look around you for the beauty and marvel at the miraculous works of out Creator. Chances are, you we find your own “God Moment.” Ain’t God Good!

Wonderful Creator, We thank you for the blessing of your Creation. Help us to see your hand in our lives, making us mindful of Your great love for us. Remembering that You are always with us and that You are always for us. We give You thanks and praise. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

August 15, 2018

Be Not Afraid

There appears to be much debate over how many times that God tells His people not to be afraid. Some say 365 (once for every day of the year). Many reliable sources say the sentiment, if not the exact words, actually appear somewhere closer to one-third that many times, but the message is still pretty clear. God wants us to fear only Him and if we do, we will not have reason to fear anything else. The connotation of fear of the Lord that the Bible refers to is not the “quaking-in-your-boots” sort of fear that we think of today but more a “love and obey” type of thing. Trust plays a huge part in this idea. If we obey God’s commands and trust in His promises for us, we show Him our Love (yes, that’s Love with a capital L) then God is always Faithful to His Promise. Be not afraid, fear not, or don’t be afraid are not reckless statements, not instructions to possess false bravado. Be Not Afraid (again, notice the capitalization) is a command from God Almighty meant to give us peace.

Fear Is A Liar

We all wrestle with demons. The Evil One loves to torment and distract us. He loves to cause us to fear. Maybe we fear the future, the unknown, or just uncertainty over a job in turmoil, but as Zach Williams says “Fear is a Liar”. Fear can, and so often does, rob you of strength, of focus, of peace of mind, and in the worst cases, of the very will to live.

What is your Flavor?

We all have our particular fear, the thing that gnaws at us, keeps you awake at night. My own peculiar flavor of fear is anxiety. Anxiety is the dis-ease that causes one a nagging disquietude, an uneasy restlessness over things that are unknown or beyond one’s power to control. It is quite debilitating and many suffer from anxiety’s clutches. We mostly suffer in silence, feeling somehow responsible for things that may or may not be real or rational. Many feel somehow less than we should be. Lots of us become ashamed of our perceived failure and we keep it to ourselves, as best we can. No one likes a public shaming. I have been suffering from just this type of fear for the last couple of months.

I have neglected you, my readers, but I have also neglected myself and my wife. I have given much energy, too much, to being anxious over things beyond my control. I hated it but it has been kicking my backside. I was unable to be as I truly want to be. Thankfully, through God’s Grace, I am slowly regaining my equilibrium, crawling out from under the weight of my anxiety..

Don’t be Anxious About Anything…

Paul tells us in Philippians, chapter 4, just what I need to hear (maybe over and over). He admonishes the church at Philippi that Jesus is at hand and that they should give thanks for all that they have and while rejoicing in their spirit they should pray to God, in the name of Jesus Christ to provide for their needs. The message is the same for Christians today. I obviously need these words etched onto the back of my hand. They are some of my favorite in the Bible.

⁶do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV.

Be Not Afraid

This is some profound stuff! I have heard it paraphrased all my adult life. But until just now I had not put the second verse together with the first. The promise in the second verse is the part to hang your hat on. Paul is telling us that if we do a simple thing, God promises to give us a greater Peace than we can imagine. Talk to God, He has got this! Whatever this is. We are never alone. When God is for us who (or what) can stand against us? Why be distracted by fear? Anxiety and fear, the tools of the Devil, can have no effect in the face of God’s protection and love. Be not afraid.

Abba, I pray that you have mercy on all of us who suffer from any kind of fear. Watch over us as we sleep and bring us Your Peace. Reveal our inner strengths to us and increase in us the knowledge that our strength comes from you, the One God Almighty. In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray. Amen

June 27, 2018

All You Need Is Love

I have spent several weeks thinking about and writing about the Holy Spirit, His gifts and the fruits of those gifts. I thought I was finished with that subject matter for a while but I can’t shake the need to share these thoughts with you. As I listen to the nightly news (the outlet isn’t important), peruse social media, hear people talking in public; I am saddened that the most important of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the second most important commandment from God himself (Matthew 22:35-40 ESV), is being found in such short supply in today’s socio-political climate. People are so intolerant, so hate-filled. I, for one, am losing patience. If we could just find some common ground, some respect. It should be easy to do. There is no cost, no qualification; all you need is Love.

The Solution is Simple

My apologies to the Fab Four for borrowing their title. And now the song is playing in both our heads. Cool. Thanks, guys. But I digress.

Could not most of the problems that we face today be solved if more people practiced the love that we are called to by God. If we would just love one another. I think that love of self has gone too far. Don’t get me wrong. I have a love for myself as God’s creation. I have been gifted with grace and mercy beyond measure. I pray that I will use those gifts for God’s glory, I believe that is the reason that they were poured out on this broken sinner. I am not the point of God’s Creation. I am a servant (I pray to be, daily), helping to fulfill His plan.

Compassion On The Cross

Mankind was given the perfect example of love, unconditional, in the person of Christ Jesus. He loved us so much that he gave His life up to death on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven, giving us direct access to the Father through prayer, and giving us life eternal through that death and resurrection.

¹³Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 ESV

Credit: Pixabay

Can’t We Just All Get Along?

Are we not hearing the right words from the pulpit of our churches on Sundays? Is no one paying attention? Or are we making a conscious choice to live as though those words don’t apply to us? And when there are hatred and violence committed against one another in our cities; where are our churches? Why are they so often silent? Why are they not among the first on the scene to heal the hurt and to bring the love of Christ into the places where it is needed most?

All You Need is Love

Look, I am not perfect. I am not saying that loving everyone is easy. It isn’t. What I know is that love is a healing salve that can cure a whole sack full of hurt. Our world will not get better by itself. We are headed on an express lane toward the End of Days and the only way to slow down the runaway hatred and despair is to apply that salve liberally. You may not be able to change the whole world, but you can make your portion of it a better place… all you need is love.

Abba, Father, fill us with a love for each other that flows from us like the waters of a great river. Take away any fears that keep us from sharing that love with those who need it most. Create in us compassionate hearts and guide us to show that compassion unashamedly. All this we ask in Jesus’ name, who was the perfect example of your love. Amen

June 19, 2018

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The last couple of posts have been regarding the arrival as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I would expect that we each have a story or two to tell of how the Holy Spirit has shown Himself in our lives. I pray that each of us has come to know the Holy Spirit personally as he touches and guides our lives. As we walk as the Spirit leads us we will begin to change from worldly creatures, driven by the desires of self and desires of the flesh. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will begin to bear fruit and we will transform into beings who are driven by the Spirit, mindful of things that make us more holy, children of God.

Credit: Andreas F. Borchert
Dublin Christ Church Cathedral

The Desires of the Flesh vs. the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Saint Paul wrote of the Fruits of the Spirit in his letter to the Church in Galatia. He told the Galatians that the fruits of the Spirit were in direct opposition to the desires of the flesh.

¹⁶But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 ESV

Mankind is weak-willed when it comes to the desires of the flesh. We are all too easily distracted and even more easily swayed. It is far too easy today to follow our flawed nature. St. Paul goes on to identify the desires of the flesh and to point out their danger.

¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ²¹envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ESV

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit come with an Inheritance

Finally, Paul tells us that if we use the gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, Fear of the Lord, they will manifest in us and bear fruit. That fruit will lead us to our Heavenly reward.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5 22-24 ESV

Jesus ascending to Heaven; Credit: John Singleton Copley

Lead Me Holy Spirit

So, as Jesus was preparing to ascend to Heaven, He promised to ask the Father to send us a Helper. The Father sent us the Holy Spirit to be that helper, that guide to light our path. He came with a great commotion that Pentecost Day long ago and rested upon the Twelve. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the thousands of Jews who were gathered and they too received the Spirit. Through the succession of generations, we too, have received, been counseled, led, and strengthened. Within us, the seeds of Salvation have been sown. We must bear fruit. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

⁸For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:8-9 ESV

Father, I pray that each of us gathered here will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that they will grow within us, bearing fruit through their use and practice. Erase our fears and send us into the world to love and serve with a compassionate heart. Let us become a reflection of your love for all who are lost, neglected, sick and downtrodden. Abba, I pray these things not for our glory, but for Your Glory. In Jesus‘ name, I pray. Amen