Reading the Bible every morning is a great way to start your day. I know that it is not easy to find time in your daily schedule to read the Bible but it is well worth it. The blessings that come from a daily reading of the Bible are clarity and direction for your life. Just the other day, we opened up the Word to 1 Kings 21 and received such blessings.
1 Kings 21 tells the story of King Ahab attempting to procure the vineyard of a local Jewish man named Naboth. The story begins when King Ahab makes a plea to buy the property that Naboth owns. He tells Naboth that his property is close to his palace and he would like to buy it for a good price and place his own garden there. Money is no object. What does Naboth want? A better than market value price? Perhaps a better vineyard somewhere else?
What ensues is a tale of human treachery and God intervention. King Ahab made an offer which was declined, but he was not willing to accept the answer that Naboth gave him. Naboth explained that he could not sell his land because the Lord gave the land to his tribe and to his people the Jews. King Ahab and his wife Jezebel did not accept this answer. Instead, they had a plan to bring him down so they could get their hands on this land which they coveted. They falsely accused him of treason and he was sentenced to death by stoning.
The King leads a powerful and privileged life, yet with all his power as the King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel he tantrums like a reality television star when he learns Naboth will not sell him his vineyard. He has not learned to be grateful for what he has and finds another man's property to be the object of his affection. It reminds me of the sort of discontent that Eve had in the Garden of Eden. "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; "but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said 'you shall not eat it, nor touch it, lest you die.'" Genesis 3:2-3
There are many King Ahab's in Westchester County, New York and in our world. People who think the world is their oyster and you had just better get out of the way! The week that I read 1 Kings 21, I also heard that a new Westchester luxury apartment building had gone up in flames. This fire appears to be no accident. This luxury building had just celebrated its' grand opening and would be welcoming new tenants shortly. But, now, all that was on hold as police and fire officials tried to determine who was responsible for this fire. The possibilities are : disgruntled construction workers, or community members unhappy with the development project. Thoughts of King Ahab come to mind as I think of the evil of setting a building on fire.
It seems that real estate deals and business not going someone's way has been and still is justification in some people's minds for doing ungodly and evil things. Those things can run the gambit from sabotage, arson, all the way to the taking of human life, as in the case of poor Naboth. There are consequences for all such actions. We may get the thing we want initially but what will be the cost in our life or the lives of others? Let us look at what happens to King Ahab.
He gets the vineyard alright, but in one generation his family reaps the consequences of his dastardly deed. Our families reep the consequences of our poor choices. Sometimes, the family tree grows crooked because we drink, we steal or manipulate. We kill goodness in our family everyday with harsh and cruel words. If you are jealous of your neighbors' cars or swimming pool, you are setting up the next generation on the wrong path. The Bible advises us to pray for our enemies and those who harm us. So, we start with prayer and we study God's instruction book, the Bible. We try to achieve our goals through appropriate channels, such as hard work, and democratic processes. In doing so we help to ensure success of future generations. We must role-model graciousness in defeat. Furthermore, we must keep in mind that God does intervene. He is a present help in times of trouble. He also tells us that judgement is His and He will repay. So, we resist the temptation to take justice into our own hand and rest in the comfort that God is in control..
Monday, May 29, 2017
Sunday, May 21, 2017
My Amish Adventures
Many readers may wonder why I would venture to put the words, Amish and Adventure within the same context. Perhaps, the popular view of the communities of people, whose religious beliefs and lifestyle seem to be old-fashioned, would make some people think that the life of the Amish person would lack excitement. However, a closer look would tell an opposite story.
I have been fascinated as long as I can remember with Amish thoughts on the Christian walk. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the beliefs of the Amish Christian denomination, here is a brief discussion. The Amish are what are known as Anabaptists, which refers to belief in an adult baptism. The movement started in the German speaking part of Switzerland and Germany. That is why, even today, most Amish speak a dialect of German.
This sixteenth century European movement began during a time of questioning Church beliefs, known as the Protestant Reformation. The people who began this movement felt as if the reforms occurring in the newly formed Protestant denominations did not go far enough toward addressing major issues of godly living.
Some of these issues were : Christian conduct and accountability. Certain biblical verses conveyed the importance of this, such as "come out from among them and be ye separate"- 2 Corinthians 6:17. "We must obey God rather than men"- Acts 5:29. And,"Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment"-Matthew 5:21-22.
The above verses reflect why Amish people choose to live and act in a way that continues to show that they are distinct from those around them. For example, they have consistently remained seperate and modest in dress. They have also maintained an admirable lack of violence in their communities and refused military service. In addition to this, a recent killing at an Amish schoolhouse showed the world just what radical Christian forgiveness is. Not bad for a people still clothed in nineteenth century garb!
As I write this, it is the last night of a trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have visited this area many times over the years. The reasons are always the same. Seeking peace in the midst of a busy life, religious retreat and good, clean fun. My husband managed to get four days of vacation during a busy time at work. I knew these four days would give him a small reprieve from the rigors of his demanding job. I also planned this trip to coincide with a visit this month from my cousin. Cousin Jerry* is at a crossroads in his life.
Jerry had made some disasterous mistakes in the past five years. He also has been plagued with health problems, a divorce, family problems and financial disaster. Yet, in the midst of this, he also sought out God in a profound way. I was hoping that this time of wholesome good fun and godly reflection could work wonders in all our lives, but especially Jerry's. I did everything that I could to ensure this.
I booked rooms for us all at the Amishview Inn and Suites on Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The hotel abuts Amish farmland and all the rooms offer views of the farmers working the land in traditional ways with no modern conveniences. The trucks and cars blend together in the landscape alongside horse and buggies. Old farmhouses with no electrical wires or telephone cables are in close proximity to the suburban sprawl that makes this a rural area with a twist.
The sense of God is everywhere. When in the area, I attend the Community Bible Church of Gordonville. It is there that we attended a Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Time. For me it was an amazing time of reflection and fellowship with a mature group of believers. Another godly activity that we enjoyed while in the area was the Sight and Sound Theatre. The theatre was started by a dairy farmer and his wife who dared to have a godly dream. It is now, the largest Christian Musical Theatre in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing Bible stories to the stage and mentoring young Christian performers. Now playing is the story of Jonah. Christians are doing amazing things in godly entertainment, so go support these endeavors.
Since cousin Jerry had begun attending a Messianic Jewish Congregation, I also thought he would be happy to see a reproduction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness at the Mennonite Information Center. The woman who gave us our tour of the Tabernacle had worked there for nineteen years and had obviously devoted immense amounts of time to studying the Holy Tabernacle because she was a walking encyclopedia of its' facts. What a wonderful ministry! In fact, whenever I visit the Lancaster area, I always meet many people who have quietly spent many years devoted to some Christian endeavor that uplifts those around them and points to God. There is Eby Bed and Breakfast in Gordonville, a godly place to stay while in the area. Your home-cooked farm breakfast is accompanied by a Christian song or prayer.
Then there are the Amish. Quietly tending to the land and consistently producing the fruits, vegetables and meals that feed themselves and others. While keeping their hand to the plow, they also take care of their extended families, help community members in need and are courteous to rude visitors who trample their property and ask discourteous questions. There is much fruit in their lives. We can learn a lot from them.
*Names have been changed but the stories are true.
Some of these issues were : Christian conduct and accountability. Certain biblical verses conveyed the importance of this, such as "come out from among them and be ye separate"- 2 Corinthians 6:17. "We must obey God rather than men"- Acts 5:29. And,"Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment"-Matthew 5:21-22.
The above verses reflect why Amish people choose to live and act in a way that continues to show that they are distinct from those around them. For example, they have consistently remained seperate and modest in dress. They have also maintained an admirable lack of violence in their communities and refused military service. In addition to this, a recent killing at an Amish schoolhouse showed the world just what radical Christian forgiveness is. Not bad for a people still clothed in nineteenth century garb!
As I write this, it is the last night of a trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I have visited this area many times over the years. The reasons are always the same. Seeking peace in the midst of a busy life, religious retreat and good, clean fun. My husband managed to get four days of vacation during a busy time at work. I knew these four days would give him a small reprieve from the rigors of his demanding job. I also planned this trip to coincide with a visit this month from my cousin. Cousin Jerry* is at a crossroads in his life.
Jerry had made some disasterous mistakes in the past five years. He also has been plagued with health problems, a divorce, family problems and financial disaster. Yet, in the midst of this, he also sought out God in a profound way. I was hoping that this time of wholesome good fun and godly reflection could work wonders in all our lives, but especially Jerry's. I did everything that I could to ensure this.
I booked rooms for us all at the Amishview Inn and Suites on Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The hotel abuts Amish farmland and all the rooms offer views of the farmers working the land in traditional ways with no modern conveniences. The trucks and cars blend together in the landscape alongside horse and buggies. Old farmhouses with no electrical wires or telephone cables are in close proximity to the suburban sprawl that makes this a rural area with a twist.
The sense of God is everywhere. When in the area, I attend the Community Bible Church of Gordonville. It is there that we attended a Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Time. For me it was an amazing time of reflection and fellowship with a mature group of believers. Another godly activity that we enjoyed while in the area was the Sight and Sound Theatre. The theatre was started by a dairy farmer and his wife who dared to have a godly dream. It is now, the largest Christian Musical Theatre in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing Bible stories to the stage and mentoring young Christian performers. Now playing is the story of Jonah. Christians are doing amazing things in godly entertainment, so go support these endeavors.
Since cousin Jerry had begun attending a Messianic Jewish Congregation, I also thought he would be happy to see a reproduction of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness at the Mennonite Information Center. The woman who gave us our tour of the Tabernacle had worked there for nineteen years and had obviously devoted immense amounts of time to studying the Holy Tabernacle because she was a walking encyclopedia of its' facts. What a wonderful ministry! In fact, whenever I visit the Lancaster area, I always meet many people who have quietly spent many years devoted to some Christian endeavor that uplifts those around them and points to God. There is Eby Bed and Breakfast in Gordonville, a godly place to stay while in the area. Your home-cooked farm breakfast is accompanied by a Christian song or prayer.
Then there are the Amish. Quietly tending to the land and consistently producing the fruits, vegetables and meals that feed themselves and others. While keeping their hand to the plow, they also take care of their extended families, help community members in need and are courteous to rude visitors who trample their property and ask discourteous questions. There is much fruit in their lives. We can learn a lot from them.
*Names have been changed but the stories are true.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Loving God And One Another
I. Loving God
Proverbs 18:24bKing James Version (KJV) 24b. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
God is our creator. He knew us even before we were born. He is not a distant God that is unconcerned with our lives. Sometimes our families let us down and so we imagine that God is that way. But, His ways are higher than our ways. So, no, God is not ever going to let us down.
2Peter 1:3-7 King James Version (KJV) 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Proverbs 18:24bKing James Version (KJV) 24b. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
God is our creator. He knew us even before we were born. He is not a distant God that is unconcerned with our lives. Sometimes our families let us down and so we imagine that God is that way. But, His ways are higher than our ways. So, no, God is not ever going to let us down.
Genesis 1:27King James Version (KJV) 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
God created the natural world and He described it as "good." He is a God who connects with His creation. We are all special in God's eyes because He made us "in His image and likeness." From the beginning God's intention was to have a close relationship with us. Sin became a complicating factor when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden. Ever since then, it became a little complicated.John 3:16King James Version (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God planned a way to straighten out this big mess through the atoning death of His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible tells the story of how this all came about. The Bible tells us that no one comes to the Father except through (Jesus) the Son. Loving God first begins with developing a relationship to Jesus.1 Peter 1:15-17King James Version (KJV) 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
As we study the Bible, we see that God sets His people apart. He encourages us to be holy as He (God) is holy. So, we try to act with character and treat people fairly. We dress modestly and treat our bodies in a way that is concordant with the knowledge that God is present. We work hard, read the Bible and attend Church on Sunday. Our leisure time is spent engaging in worthy pursuits. We pray. In these ways we are loving God.2Peter 1:3-7 King James Version (KJV) 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
II. Loving One Another
Loving one another properly comes after we really get to know God. When we understand godly principles for living, we can see people as God does. The way God sees people is often in opposition to what we have learned. Sometimes we have learned that we are number one and that has encouraged us to treat others with less than the respect that they deserve. We think our needs come first so we use others in selfish ways and fail to serve. We might have learned that "men are dogs" or "women are goldiggers" or a variety of other incorrect things. The Bible teaches that this is not true and so God begins to heal our lives of wrong precepts. Then we learn virtue or right character in ourselves. We increase in knowledge of the Bible and before you know it our relationships improve with our bosses, spouses, children and neighbors.
Loving one another properly comes after we really get to know God. When we understand godly principles for living, we can see people as God does. The way God sees people is often in opposition to what we have learned. Sometimes we have learned that we are number one and that has encouraged us to treat others with less than the respect that they deserve. We think our needs come first so we use others in selfish ways and fail to serve. We might have learned that "men are dogs" or "women are goldiggers" or a variety of other incorrect things. The Bible teaches that this is not true and so God begins to heal our lives of wrong precepts. Then we learn virtue or right character in ourselves. We increase in knowledge of the Bible and before you know it our relationships improve with our bosses, spouses, children and neighbors.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
The Hokey-Pokey Is Not What It's All About!
Love thy neighbor as thyself. What does that mean to you? To me, it is one of the hardest mandates that Jesus gave to us. Here is the conversation that Jesus had about this topic :
Jesus told us that loving God and loving people are what this crazy life we live is really all about. We have to get up, take a shower, make breakfast and put out the garbage, but, loving God and one another is what it's all about. We have to get our kids dressed, fed, off to school and ourselves to work but, loving God and people are what it's all about. We have to decide what we will study in school and manage our career but, loving God and people are what it's all about. That is rather dramatic isn't it?
We often choose other priorities in our life and fail to choose love as the center of it. Some people are so jaded they don't think love even really exists. Maybe they have had some bad experiences with people and can't seem to get past that. But, in the above biblical verses, Jesus tells us that everything hinges upon love. Jesus is not jaded about love at all. It is not enough to just obey God. No, it should go deeper than that. The meaning of our life is to love God. Our life begins to get better when we do this. We can dutifully do the right thing at work and secretly hate our boss. Nope, that is not the meaning of love. Or, we can go to church every Sunday while ignoring how much we hate our next door neighbor for playing basketball when we are trying to sleep, but this is not loving God or your neighbor.
The growing narcissism in our world is a direct result of the decline of belief and love of the one-true God. The belief and following of false gods, throughout the Biblical discourse, and in present times, always results in the uptick of selfishness. As a society moves farther away from a God-centric point of view, the message of service to others becomes less of a priority. Marriage becomes less of a priority, and children can seem more of an incumbrance than the blessing they are. We lose the deep truth of why honoring our parents is so important and the results are apparent. Just look at the terrible neglect of elders in nursing homes. It used to be quite common for churches, Girl Scout troops and various civic groups to visit hospitals, nursing homes and the sick in our community. I had these experiences growing up but today I see less and less churches even keeping up with the elders among their own congregation. At the heart of all these societal problems is the problem of love!
NEXT THURSDAY: Some thoughts on how to better love God and one another.
Matthew 22:36-40King James Version (KJV)
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.Jesus told us that loving God and loving people are what this crazy life we live is really all about. We have to get up, take a shower, make breakfast and put out the garbage, but, loving God and one another is what it's all about. We have to get our kids dressed, fed, off to school and ourselves to work but, loving God and people are what it's all about. We have to decide what we will study in school and manage our career but, loving God and people are what it's all about. That is rather dramatic isn't it?
We often choose other priorities in our life and fail to choose love as the center of it. Some people are so jaded they don't think love even really exists. Maybe they have had some bad experiences with people and can't seem to get past that. But, in the above biblical verses, Jesus tells us that everything hinges upon love. Jesus is not jaded about love at all. It is not enough to just obey God. No, it should go deeper than that. The meaning of our life is to love God. Our life begins to get better when we do this. We can dutifully do the right thing at work and secretly hate our boss. Nope, that is not the meaning of love. Or, we can go to church every Sunday while ignoring how much we hate our next door neighbor for playing basketball when we are trying to sleep, but this is not loving God or your neighbor.
The growing narcissism in our world is a direct result of the decline of belief and love of the one-true God. The belief and following of false gods, throughout the Biblical discourse, and in present times, always results in the uptick of selfishness. As a society moves farther away from a God-centric point of view, the message of service to others becomes less of a priority. Marriage becomes less of a priority, and children can seem more of an incumbrance than the blessing they are. We lose the deep truth of why honoring our parents is so important and the results are apparent. Just look at the terrible neglect of elders in nursing homes. It used to be quite common for churches, Girl Scout troops and various civic groups to visit hospitals, nursing homes and the sick in our community. I had these experiences growing up but today I see less and less churches even keeping up with the elders among their own congregation. At the heart of all these societal problems is the problem of love!
NEXT THURSDAY: Some thoughts on how to better love God and one another.
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