So many crazy things are happening in the world. Has it always been this way? It might have been but, the stakes are high with intercontinental ballistic missiles, and advanced biological warfare among other things. International intrigue is part of the history recorded in the Bible. Why would that be? Furthermore, the Bible contains predictions of future intrigue to come.
It has been determined that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's half-brother, Kim Jong Nam was not only slated for execution by his own half-brother, but the agent used to kill him was none other than VX nerve gas. This happened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Right now (March 2018), the trial of two young women who committed the murder is underway. Were they recruited by the North Korean government or just two foolish women who got drawn into what they thought was some sort of reality game show? What about the North Korean military base in Syria? What are they doing over there?
Meanwhile, halfway around the world in the United Kingdom, a similar incident has occurred. A former Russian double agent and his daughter are fighting for their life in a hospital. The toxicology reports have indicated that a similar substance, a nerve agent, was used. Nerve agents work by attacking the central nervous system and result in organ failures in what is a painful death. They were banned by a treaty among some nations (Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997). That is because they are cruel killing agents.
They also remain present in the environment for a long time and can continue to sicken people even after their initial application. Who can forget the horrible pictures of 5,000 dead Kurds at the hands of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1988? Mostly, women, children and the elderly, their deaths showed the evidence of the devastating effects that these highly toxic chemicals can have. The nerve agent rumored to have been used in the Salisbury attack is called "novichok" meaning newcomer. This is perhaps ten times more powerful than any nerve agent thus known. It s a new class of toxin created by Russian scientists. One of the creators was so alarmed that he told the world of this new nerve agent before defecting to the United States.
President Trump will move the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018. The date of the grand opening will coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the modern Jewish state. This, as Israel's enemies plot and plan to disrupt and ultimately destroy this tiny country. Russia, Iran, and Turkey seemed poised to take their place in the ever-increasing power vacuum of the Middle East. China is doing a lot of business there too.
The United States is increasing its handprint in the area as well. We recently shot down Russian military units hostile to Israel in Syria resulting in the death of people involved in military operations. Forces all around this little democracy in the desert are gathering weapons and making alliances with the express purpose of killing the Jews. With that in mind, the United States has just finished joint military maneuvers with Israel to practice for a war on multiple fronts and from multiple neighbors.
What interesting parallels exist between current events and the bible study that I am doing at home. Every morning, my husband and I read the Bible before our days' work begins. We have just finished the part of the Bible (Kings and Chronicles) that tells of the historical battles that ancient Israel fought. What is happening today mirrors what I just read in the Bible. The chapters give record to the Jewish battle to survive amid continual battles fought with neighbors. Those devastating battles were fought with the progeny of the present day countries of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey.
"The Assyrians came down like the wolf on the fold"-from The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron
In 1 Chronicles 5:26 we see the devasting unslaught that the Assyrians brought upon the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. The Assyrians were one of the most brutal empires ever known. Their barbarity created fear among those around them. They were formidable enough to battle the world powers at the time, such as Egypt, Persia and the Hittites. Much like today, we see the ancient Jewsish nation seeking to form alliances against their brutal enemies. The godly King Hezekiah tries appeasement in 2 Kings 18:13-16. Yet, evil King Sennacherib sends his awful message to the King of Judah telling him that he must surrender or be killed (2 Chronicles 32:9-19 & 2 Kings 18 & 19).
I am, by far, not the first one to have seen the similarities between ancient Assyria and the modern Islamic State (ISIS). Everything from the territory they had conquered during the height of their power to the shocking torture and brutality they inflicted upon others has vast similarities. Although ISIS appears to be defeated at the moment, the Word of God does prophesize a coalition of many nations cooperating in an attack on Israel in the future. Many of the alliances described in prophesy exist today. The ancient enemies of Israel plus some novichok like Russia seemed closer than they have been for a very long time to the scenarios described in the Bible when speaking of the end-times. If you don't read the Bible the insane machinations in the Middle East just don't make any sense.
P.S. To learn more about why we should support Israel scroll down and read my post from 2016 entitled:" Report from the Jerusalem Post Conference 2016."
Next Week: Babylon, Then and Now
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Is Love All You Need?
If love was all that we needed, then why are so many people miserable after following that philosophy? The feelings that we have that draw us to another person are very powerful. Let's explore this for a moment. God has divinely created a powerful inclination within us to couple. It is so powerful that, like driving a racing car you can quickly get into a wreck if you don't know how to drive it. The consequences to ourselves, our families and communities are powerful, it is essential that we understand this. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"-Jeremiah 17:9
Shannon* is a case in point. Her very messy divorce (chronicled in Love Gone Wrong) left her hurt and broken. She tried to hang tough but she was very afraid of the depression and anger that now engulfed her. Her husband took her for everything that he could and hooked up with a younger woman. When someone has a trauma such as this, it is critically important to process everything that occurred and make some sense of it. This is not easy of course. "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."-3John2
In order to move on, Shannon has to understand the lifelong pattern that she has of being lead of her emotions. Jõao* is the same way. He loves to be in love! He loves that all-encompassing, all-powerful sexual, and emotional feeling that he gets when he mets a new woman and falls for her. It becomes his obsession. He will text that woman all day, and spend every waking moment thinking about her. He seems to only really be happy though during the early romantic chase and quickly falls into drama and dysfunction soon after that. "How blessed is the man that finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."-Proverbs 3:13
Many people think Jõao is a player but, they don't really understand that he has just been looking for love in all the wrong places. I met Jõao at a Bible study some years ago. He came to church seeking answers after he became separated from his wife. He felt as if he had been used and abused after he had given his wife Amanda* everything. He made good money as a plumber and had gained favor as a contractor on many expensive construction projects in Westchester County, N.Y. He and Amanda used to be living the good life but now it seems that he is spending all his money on lawyers. "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us--how will he also, along with him,graciously give us all things."-Romans 8:31-32
Just as in the case of Shannon, Jõao is being driven to unsatisfying relationships because of patterns in his life that he constantly repeats. He and Shannon both make decisions about love by what their feelings tell them. "I can't help how I feel. You have to be sexually attracted to someone don't you?" Over the years, I have had people tell me that : "I only date (tall,short, big this, small that, blondes, brunettes, black, Asian or well-dressed people)." The list goes on and on : she/he must be (confident, financially successful, handsome, beautiful or do what I like sexually). "Enter ye by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."-Matthew 7:13
None of these criteria will ensure a happy ending for your romance. You could be acting out a childhood trauma. Do you find yourself declining a date with a person who is godly, nice and whom you have lots in common with, only to find yourself on a date with some type that you seem to be stuck on (see above list)? This is something that you should reflect upon. There is a better way. If you want better relationships and you are willing to do some spiritual and emotional work things can get better. The roads to a bad love life are many but when we follow God and do things His way, healing comes into our love life. "The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire."-Isaiah 58:11
* the name is changed
Shannon* is a case in point. Her very messy divorce (chronicled in Love Gone Wrong) left her hurt and broken. She tried to hang tough but she was very afraid of the depression and anger that now engulfed her. Her husband took her for everything that he could and hooked up with a younger woman. When someone has a trauma such as this, it is critically important to process everything that occurred and make some sense of it. This is not easy of course. "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."-3John2
In order to move on, Shannon has to understand the lifelong pattern that she has of being lead of her emotions. Jõao* is the same way. He loves to be in love! He loves that all-encompassing, all-powerful sexual, and emotional feeling that he gets when he mets a new woman and falls for her. It becomes his obsession. He will text that woman all day, and spend every waking moment thinking about her. He seems to only really be happy though during the early romantic chase and quickly falls into drama and dysfunction soon after that. "How blessed is the man that finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."-Proverbs 3:13
Many people think Jõao is a player but, they don't really understand that he has just been looking for love in all the wrong places. I met Jõao at a Bible study some years ago. He came to church seeking answers after he became separated from his wife. He felt as if he had been used and abused after he had given his wife Amanda* everything. He made good money as a plumber and had gained favor as a contractor on many expensive construction projects in Westchester County, N.Y. He and Amanda used to be living the good life but now it seems that he is spending all his money on lawyers. "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us--how will he also, along with him,graciously give us all things."-Romans 8:31-32
Just as in the case of Shannon, Jõao is being driven to unsatisfying relationships because of patterns in his life that he constantly repeats. He and Shannon both make decisions about love by what their feelings tell them. "I can't help how I feel. You have to be sexually attracted to someone don't you?" Over the years, I have had people tell me that : "I only date (tall,short, big this, small that, blondes, brunettes, black, Asian or well-dressed people)." The list goes on and on : she/he must be (confident, financially successful, handsome, beautiful or do what I like sexually). "Enter ye by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."-Matthew 7:13
None of these criteria will ensure a happy ending for your romance. You could be acting out a childhood trauma. Do you find yourself declining a date with a person who is godly, nice and whom you have lots in common with, only to find yourself on a date with some type that you seem to be stuck on (see above list)? This is something that you should reflect upon. There is a better way. If you want better relationships and you are willing to do some spiritual and emotional work things can get better. The roads to a bad love life are many but when we follow God and do things His way, healing comes into our love life. "The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire."-Isaiah 58:11
* the name is changed
Monday, February 5, 2018
Flu Cure
As many of you know, there are a multitude of places in the world which are dealing with terrible and life-threatening strains of the flu. The dominant strain this year is the Influenza A : H3N2 strain, and the flu shots are not very effective against it. I have thus far read reports of cases in: Australia, China, Korea, the U.K. and in the United States. I have also read about the severity and speed with which this illness has sickened and killed many people of all ages. Chances are that wherever you live on this planet (I have readers all-over the globe) you may know someone or have heard of the flu hitting somewhere near your vicinity. Visits to doctor's offices and other medical settings for flu symptoms this winter 2017/2018 surpasses every year since 2009/2010 in the United States. This is something that effects us all, and we need to slow down the speed of disease transmission.
With this flu season adding up to be a serious one, we need to remember all the things that our mothers told us. Remember to cover your mouth when coughing and your nose while sneezing. Even if you do not have the flu, this will help ensure cutting down the rate of disease transmission. Wash your hands frequently. Be conservative when you feel ill. In other words, stay home from work, or don't attend a party, if you have some inkling that you might be coming down with something. Don't send your children to school to infect others either. You may be strong enough to overcome the flu but what if you or your child infects someone and they die from it? As a Christian, thinking this through does come under the banner of Christian caring. We are to remember, what the Bible says in Luke 6:30 -"and as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
As believers, let us try to be in the forefront of caring for one another. Make sure to ask an elderly neighbor or family member how they are doing and if there is anything that you can help them with. Are you willing to lend a hand to the aging population in your community or in your family? I know that it is not easy with your busy schedule but it is part of the social contract and the mark of Christian virtue in your life. Romans 15:1- "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
With all that is at stake we as Christians ought to be in the forefront of this dialogue. Talk to your child's teacher or school administrator and ask what sanitizing methods are in place to stem the tide of flu transmission. Some schools in the United States did a poor job of being proactive resulting in a large number of student sickness and even some school closings. Let's try to prevent that from happening especially when we know that young people have died from this flu strain.
Matthew 25:44-45- "They also will answer, 'Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
While you are at it, let your Pastor or one of the elders at your church know of your concern for the health of the congregation. I once got the flu at a gym so remember to mention your concern the next time you work out. Don't forget to have a hand sanitizer for the next couple of weeks. When in doubt use it. Avoid shaking hands and ask your boss to recommend working from home to those employees who might be sick. Bring alcohol swabs to work to sanitize any shared surfaces such as door knobs, and shared computers. If enough people speak up in their spheres of influence, we might be able to make some positive contribution to slowing the spread of the flu. Hebrews 6:10- "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
Most importantly, let us all commit to praying daily over this matter. The power of God to protect, to heal and to save is just a prayer away. "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."-James 5:15
With this flu season adding up to be a serious one, we need to remember all the things that our mothers told us. Remember to cover your mouth when coughing and your nose while sneezing. Even if you do not have the flu, this will help ensure cutting down the rate of disease transmission. Wash your hands frequently. Be conservative when you feel ill. In other words, stay home from work, or don't attend a party, if you have some inkling that you might be coming down with something. Don't send your children to school to infect others either. You may be strong enough to overcome the flu but what if you or your child infects someone and they die from it? As a Christian, thinking this through does come under the banner of Christian caring. We are to remember, what the Bible says in Luke 6:30 -"and as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
As believers, let us try to be in the forefront of caring for one another. Make sure to ask an elderly neighbor or family member how they are doing and if there is anything that you can help them with. Are you willing to lend a hand to the aging population in your community or in your family? I know that it is not easy with your busy schedule but it is part of the social contract and the mark of Christian virtue in your life. Romans 15:1- "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
With all that is at stake we as Christians ought to be in the forefront of this dialogue. Talk to your child's teacher or school administrator and ask what sanitizing methods are in place to stem the tide of flu transmission. Some schools in the United States did a poor job of being proactive resulting in a large number of student sickness and even some school closings. Let's try to prevent that from happening especially when we know that young people have died from this flu strain.
Matthew 25:44-45- "They also will answer, 'Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
While you are at it, let your Pastor or one of the elders at your church know of your concern for the health of the congregation. I once got the flu at a gym so remember to mention your concern the next time you work out. Don't forget to have a hand sanitizer for the next couple of weeks. When in doubt use it. Avoid shaking hands and ask your boss to recommend working from home to those employees who might be sick. Bring alcohol swabs to work to sanitize any shared surfaces such as door knobs, and shared computers. If enough people speak up in their spheres of influence, we might be able to make some positive contribution to slowing the spread of the flu. Hebrews 6:10- "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
Most importantly, let us all commit to praying daily over this matter. The power of God to protect, to heal and to save is just a prayer away. "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."-James 5:15
Thursday, January 25, 2018
The Hymn Wars
There are hymn wars going on in some Westchester County, N.Y. churches. Some churches love and tout the virtue of their old-time hymns while other churches wouldn't be caught dead playing anything written before the year 2000. On my part, I feel like a kid caught between its' two divorcing parents. Why? Because, I love them both! Yes, my dirty little secret is out. I have never met a song sung to the Lord that left me cold. Just like a child caught in the middle of a bad parental divorce, I hate it when each side bad-mouths the other.
When Lisa* invited me to her marriage re-dedication ceremony, at her new church, she gushed more over the churches' music than her husband. When I asked her what motivated her to leave her old church after fifteen years, her reply surprised me. Well, she said, the music is so amazing! I never liked the music at my old church. People sway to the music, they clap their hands and I am inspired!" She never did explain what she was inspired of.
Bill* was the exact opposite of Lisa. Bill had moved in with his son in Eastchester, N.Y. because he needed a little help. At 77 years of age his health issues necessitated moving in with family and living in a whole new community. He had been born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. and it was with deep regret he would be leaving behind friends at his church that he had known his whole life. His son, who did not attend church, was very supportive in helping his father find a new church home. The problem? The rock band / rock concert atmosphere of many of the churches he visited.
He told his son Dwayne*, five minutes after arrival at one such church, that he simply could not stay because he felt that the Church music might do permanent hearing damage to them both. He even followed up Monday morning with a call to a local environmental agency to check if it were even legal to play music that could possibly cause health damage to its' congregants!
Discussions concerning church music can get quite contentious with people passionate on either side. Some decry the lack of theology and focus of modern Christian music. Those folks feel the lyrics, sound and lightening often add up to a man-centered rather than a God-focused worship. On the other hand, those in the other camp disagree. Claiming instead, that some in the younger set don't even understand some of the antiquated language contained in some of those old hymns.
People on both sides agree that music often effects Church attendance and that various music modes can aide or detract from a Sunday worship service. What both camps never seem to focus on or understand is the damage that they are doing to the greater body of Christ. Would you deny the elders among you the comfort, understanding and closeness to God that they derive from hearing their childhood hymns?
Or what sensible grandparent in the group would rather their grandchild hear a raunchy and ungodly mainstream music lyric and not offer them the alternative that most modern Christian music can bring. Today, Christian artists are singing hymns to God in all the major music genres. These songs offer Godly perspective on the issues of our day. Oh, but the older hymns, while not as issue driven do offer quiet contemplative direction to the listener.
Get the point? This issue is creating segregated churches. You will see churches with primarily a younger congregation, with a few hipster senior citizens involved. Or, there are the churches with a primarily older congregation with a few young people peppered in. Any mature Church of God should be age representative of the community at large. You should see young to old represented in the pews. Jesus Christ declared that he wanted us all to be one in him. Why would we stop going to Church because we don't like the music? We would we oppose having opportunities for people to experience music that might be more understandable to them?
Selfishness, appears to be the answer. Sometimes in our quest for our perfect church experience, we forget what church is all about. We forget how different generations can enhance and teach each other many things. We have forgotten what it means to be a family in our greater society and so, we bring that to all our institutions, including our own churches. The church, on its' part, must be ready to teach godly principles of living, including the concept of serving others. To many people today service to others is some esoteric philosophical value.
Many have grown up in families which did not show what service to others really meant. Some may be in jobs or professions where it just seems to be "every man for himself." Our churches have a real opportunity to teach, nurture and set people in the proper direction. We must take that mantle of responsibility seriously and stop making things like music an obstacle to being closer to one another. Why not try to enjoy each other's music, so that we may better serve one another.
*names have been changed.
Bill* was the exact opposite of Lisa. Bill had moved in with his son in Eastchester, N.Y. because he needed a little help. At 77 years of age his health issues necessitated moving in with family and living in a whole new community. He had been born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. and it was with deep regret he would be leaving behind friends at his church that he had known his whole life. His son, who did not attend church, was very supportive in helping his father find a new church home. The problem? The rock band / rock concert atmosphere of many of the churches he visited.
He told his son Dwayne*, five minutes after arrival at one such church, that he simply could not stay because he felt that the Church music might do permanent hearing damage to them both. He even followed up Monday morning with a call to a local environmental agency to check if it were even legal to play music that could possibly cause health damage to its' congregants!
Discussions concerning church music can get quite contentious with people passionate on either side. Some decry the lack of theology and focus of modern Christian music. Those folks feel the lyrics, sound and lightening often add up to a man-centered rather than a God-focused worship. On the other hand, those in the other camp disagree. Claiming instead, that some in the younger set don't even understand some of the antiquated language contained in some of those old hymns.
People on both sides agree that music often effects Church attendance and that various music modes can aide or detract from a Sunday worship service. What both camps never seem to focus on or understand is the damage that they are doing to the greater body of Christ. Would you deny the elders among you the comfort, understanding and closeness to God that they derive from hearing their childhood hymns?
Or what sensible grandparent in the group would rather their grandchild hear a raunchy and ungodly mainstream music lyric and not offer them the alternative that most modern Christian music can bring. Today, Christian artists are singing hymns to God in all the major music genres. These songs offer Godly perspective on the issues of our day. Oh, but the older hymns, while not as issue driven do offer quiet contemplative direction to the listener.
Get the point? This issue is creating segregated churches. You will see churches with primarily a younger congregation, with a few hipster senior citizens involved. Or, there are the churches with a primarily older congregation with a few young people peppered in. Any mature Church of God should be age representative of the community at large. You should see young to old represented in the pews. Jesus Christ declared that he wanted us all to be one in him. Why would we stop going to Church because we don't like the music? We would we oppose having opportunities for people to experience music that might be more understandable to them?
Selfishness, appears to be the answer. Sometimes in our quest for our perfect church experience, we forget what church is all about. We forget how different generations can enhance and teach each other many things. We have forgotten what it means to be a family in our greater society and so, we bring that to all our institutions, including our own churches. The church, on its' part, must be ready to teach godly principles of living, including the concept of serving others. To many people today service to others is some esoteric philosophical value.
Many have grown up in families which did not show what service to others really meant. Some may be in jobs or professions where it just seems to be "every man for himself." Our churches have a real opportunity to teach, nurture and set people in the proper direction. We must take that mantle of responsibility seriously and stop making things like music an obstacle to being closer to one another. Why not try to enjoy each other's music, so that we may better serve one another.
*names have been changed.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
The Anatomy Of A Sin
Just as my husband and I were getting caught up in all the fun of Christmas activities, the harsh reality of sin reared its' ugly head. We had just finished dinner in a well-known French restaurant in Westchester County New York. Even though Jean-Jâcques Pâtisserie serves some of the best dessserts in Westchester, tonight we would not partake. Instead, we were looking forward to a party that evening at Church that was billed as "Christ, Carols &Cookies." We were laughing about, I don't remember what, as we walked out into the restaurant parking lot. Our mood immediately changed as we saw a large minivan maneuvering strangely right beside the front of our car. The Anatomy Of A Sin! Running toward our car I realized that the driver had just hit our car and dislodged its' bumper. I looked at his license plate number and partially memorized it. As he was about to leave the parking lot, I ran up to the car and frantically called out to the driver.
"Excuse me, excuse me" I said, "but I think you hit our car!" He rolled done his window and in a less than innocent way remarked, "oh, I didn't think I did." The Anatomy Of A Sin! After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence (where I felt as if I could see the inner workings of his conscience contemplating what it should do), he said "I guess I ought to take a look at it." He then proceeds to back his car up until the car behind him, (trying to exit the parking lot), honks because he's about to hit them too!
He tells me that he will exit and then circle back into the parking lot so as to let the cars out behind him. He was skittish,very skittish. At this point, I wondered if he was about to flee. After all, if we had come out to the parking lot one minute later than we did, we would not have caught him in the act. Further, although I feel he was hesitating at the parking lot exit, he had been about to leave when I caught him. No note on the car or anything and he was leaving. The Anatomy Of A Sin
Happily, he did indeed come around, get out of his car and examine the damage. My husband and he, both tried to get the bumper back into place to no avail. We exchanged names and telephone numbers at this point. His name was Jotham Hull.* I definitely was not on the ball that night, all caught up in the holiday season as I was, or else why was I so stupid? I didn't even get the man's full license plate number. He could simply have given us some phony name and telephone number. To my defense, I have never had a fender bender before. A friend later advised me that the thing to do in such a case would be : to take a photo with my phone of the license plate.
As we assessed the damage, I wondered aloud if we would make it to church that night or should we just head home. This seemed to peek Jotham's interest. He remarked, "are you going someplace?" Feeling nervous to reveal anything of a personal nature to this man of a questionable character, I reluctantly related our Christmas party plans. And, from that moment on, I sensed something in his demeanor change. A lightening up perhaps.
I told Jotham that I would take the car to a local body shop and get an estimate of the damage and then call him. Jotham assured us that he would take care of the bill. I thanked him. His response was that "of course I will take care of the bill, after all wouldn't I want someone to pay for damages if they had hit my car?" Furthermore he remarked, "my son just had his car damaged in a train parking lot. Someone hit his car and then just drove away. It cost a thousand dollars to fix it!"
Jotham seemed to be saying all the right things, but was he being truthful or just trying to throw us off the scent? I wondered if mentioning Church and alluding to the holy had not kickstarted his conscience into operation. I would not know the answer until a few days later. In the meantime, I wondered a lot about what is the Anatomy Of A Sin? How does the wrong that we do in our life come about? Is it just the way we are, the way we were raised or something else? When does what we have learned and practiced become our responsibility? After all we all do have a free will.
The word sin connotes missing the mark, as when a spear thrower or archer fails to hit their designated target. If you think of all your actions as archery practice, it is very easy to understand how you could not possibly hit the target every time. The Bible confirms this and says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of the Lord -Romans 3:23. Sin is part of the human condition and we all do it. In fact, I have always been amazed at the fact that you can't read very far in the first book of the Bible before you read about sin, i.e., the Garden of Eden, and Cain and Abel.
God said to Cain : "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But, if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it"-Genesis 4:7. This is the situation in a nutshell. Sin is ever-waiting to ensnare us. It is always at the door waiting to come into our life. We have to realize that fact and get a hold of ourselves the way Jotham apparently did. According to the mechanic at my body shop, there is no way that the driver of the car that hit us did not know that he had almost dragged our bumper off. The Anatomy Of A Sin!
Yet, what made him almost drive off and leave the scene of a collision? What made him hesitate at the exit? He may have saw us and assumed that we had gotten his license plate number. Or, perhaps, he went through a battle with sin and won. I have reason to believe it is the former and not the latter, because a few days later when I called the telephone number that he had given me, he did answer the phone. Then, he had complete mastery over any sin that may have been present. He happily took care of the repair bill, assumed moral responsibility and apologized profusely for putting a damper on our Christmas holiday. He told me during that phone conversation, that he was a committed Christian. I was amazed if not speechless.
Dear readers, to be a Christian does not make us perfect. We are and always will be sinners. Knowing what is right and choosing to fight and rule over our very nature will produce victory in our daily life. We can do this with God's help. Jotham said that he hoped to see us sometime at Jean-Jâcques Pâtisserie in the future, and I could honestly say that I hoped so too. Jotham even sent us a New Years's card with a very nice message. Isn't this the way every auto collision should end?
* the names have been changed.
"Excuse me, excuse me" I said, "but I think you hit our car!" He rolled done his window and in a less than innocent way remarked, "oh, I didn't think I did." The Anatomy Of A Sin! After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence (where I felt as if I could see the inner workings of his conscience contemplating what it should do), he said "I guess I ought to take a look at it." He then proceeds to back his car up until the car behind him, (trying to exit the parking lot), honks because he's about to hit them too!
He tells me that he will exit and then circle back into the parking lot so as to let the cars out behind him. He was skittish,very skittish. At this point, I wondered if he was about to flee. After all, if we had come out to the parking lot one minute later than we did, we would not have caught him in the act. Further, although I feel he was hesitating at the parking lot exit, he had been about to leave when I caught him. No note on the car or anything and he was leaving. The Anatomy Of A Sin
Happily, he did indeed come around, get out of his car and examine the damage. My husband and he, both tried to get the bumper back into place to no avail. We exchanged names and telephone numbers at this point. His name was Jotham Hull.* I definitely was not on the ball that night, all caught up in the holiday season as I was, or else why was I so stupid? I didn't even get the man's full license plate number. He could simply have given us some phony name and telephone number. To my defense, I have never had a fender bender before. A friend later advised me that the thing to do in such a case would be : to take a photo with my phone of the license plate.
As we assessed the damage, I wondered aloud if we would make it to church that night or should we just head home. This seemed to peek Jotham's interest. He remarked, "are you going someplace?" Feeling nervous to reveal anything of a personal nature to this man of a questionable character, I reluctantly related our Christmas party plans. And, from that moment on, I sensed something in his demeanor change. A lightening up perhaps.
I told Jotham that I would take the car to a local body shop and get an estimate of the damage and then call him. Jotham assured us that he would take care of the bill. I thanked him. His response was that "of course I will take care of the bill, after all wouldn't I want someone to pay for damages if they had hit my car?" Furthermore he remarked, "my son just had his car damaged in a train parking lot. Someone hit his car and then just drove away. It cost a thousand dollars to fix it!"
Jotham seemed to be saying all the right things, but was he being truthful or just trying to throw us off the scent? I wondered if mentioning Church and alluding to the holy had not kickstarted his conscience into operation. I would not know the answer until a few days later. In the meantime, I wondered a lot about what is the Anatomy Of A Sin? How does the wrong that we do in our life come about? Is it just the way we are, the way we were raised or something else? When does what we have learned and practiced become our responsibility? After all we all do have a free will.
The word sin connotes missing the mark, as when a spear thrower or archer fails to hit their designated target. If you think of all your actions as archery practice, it is very easy to understand how you could not possibly hit the target every time. The Bible confirms this and says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of the Lord -Romans 3:23. Sin is part of the human condition and we all do it. In fact, I have always been amazed at the fact that you can't read very far in the first book of the Bible before you read about sin, i.e., the Garden of Eden, and Cain and Abel.
God said to Cain : "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But, if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it"-Genesis 4:7. This is the situation in a nutshell. Sin is ever-waiting to ensnare us. It is always at the door waiting to come into our life. We have to realize that fact and get a hold of ourselves the way Jotham apparently did. According to the mechanic at my body shop, there is no way that the driver of the car that hit us did not know that he had almost dragged our bumper off. The Anatomy Of A Sin!
Yet, what made him almost drive off and leave the scene of a collision? What made him hesitate at the exit? He may have saw us and assumed that we had gotten his license plate number. Or, perhaps, he went through a battle with sin and won. I have reason to believe it is the former and not the latter, because a few days later when I called the telephone number that he had given me, he did answer the phone. Then, he had complete mastery over any sin that may have been present. He happily took care of the repair bill, assumed moral responsibility and apologized profusely for putting a damper on our Christmas holiday. He told me during that phone conversation, that he was a committed Christian. I was amazed if not speechless.
Dear readers, to be a Christian does not make us perfect. We are and always will be sinners. Knowing what is right and choosing to fight and rule over our very nature will produce victory in our daily life. We can do this with God's help. Jotham said that he hoped to see us sometime at Jean-Jâcques Pâtisserie in the future, and I could honestly say that I hoped so too. Jotham even sent us a New Years's card with a very nice message. Isn't this the way every auto collision should end?
* the names have been changed.
Friday, January 5, 2018
How Do You Prepare For A Storm?
This winter has been a record breaking cold season for the New York area. A "snow bomb cyclone" just hit the eastern coast of the United States yesterday. Its' name was Winter Storm Grayson. Schools and many businesses were closed as it unfolded. How do you prepare for a storm? When I know a storm is coming, I do a variety of things. I fill up the car with gasoline. I stock up on food, water, and make sure that any outside displays are safely stored away. My husband just re-insulated some pipes in order to keep them from freezing and he made sure that we were stocked up with ice melt. Most importantly, I try to remember to pray before, during and after a storm.
How do you prepare for a storm? If you are like me, you sometimes struggle with the concept of how to best prepare for the storms of this life. When one experiences a health storm, a financial storm or even a family "snow bomb cyclone," what is the best way to handle it? There are times when I worry incessantly, or I get depressed. Other times, I rack my brains trying to figure out what I can do to manage things best. Whenever I feel like that I try and remember that Jesus said, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me- John 6:38. This verse reminds me to keep God's Will central in my life and actions, as Jesus did, no matter what. This way, even through the trials we experience, we can honor God. I am reminded of a mighty woman of God who played the piano and served in a summer ministry for children in Ocean Grove, New Jersey every summer. The children would arrive for their morning study and she would always emphatically say,"this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." She did this with utter joy even as she was dying of scleroderma.
Furthermore, the peace that we are looking for in a crisis will never come from how well we manage things but from how close we stay to God. Although, it is important to act with wisdom in any crisis, that does not mean that we should leave God out of the equation. That is only going to make things worst. So remember when the storms of life hit, the first thing you need to do is pray and ask God to direct you in the situation. Another verse to keep in mind is from the Book of Proverbs, chapter 3, verse 5. It says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
How do you prepare for a storm? If you are like me, you sometimes struggle with the concept of how to best prepare for the storms of this life. When one experiences a health storm, a financial storm or even a family "snow bomb cyclone," what is the best way to handle it? There are times when I worry incessantly, or I get depressed. Other times, I rack my brains trying to figure out what I can do to manage things best. Whenever I feel like that I try and remember that Jesus said, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me- John 6:38. This verse reminds me to keep God's Will central in my life and actions, as Jesus did, no matter what. This way, even through the trials we experience, we can honor God. I am reminded of a mighty woman of God who played the piano and served in a summer ministry for children in Ocean Grove, New Jersey every summer. The children would arrive for their morning study and she would always emphatically say,"this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." She did this with utter joy even as she was dying of scleroderma.
Furthermore, the peace that we are looking for in a crisis will never come from how well we manage things but from how close we stay to God. Although, it is important to act with wisdom in any crisis, that does not mean that we should leave God out of the equation. That is only going to make things worst. So remember when the storms of life hit, the first thing you need to do is pray and ask God to direct you in the situation. Another verse to keep in mind is from the Book of Proverbs, chapter 3, verse 5. It says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
New Year, New You!
As the New Year commences, our minds naturally turn towards thoughts of self-improvement. In most cultures worldwide, the concept of a New Year is associated with new beginnings or a fresh start. In Puerto Rico for example, cleaning one's home is associated with the New Year. Some ceremoniously throw a bucket of water out of their window and unto the street as the midnight hour arrives. These actions dramatically showcase the opportunities inherent in the New Year.
(For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."-Jeremiah 29:11)
Yet, many of us over time, have become jaded or disenfranchised from this concept. Maybe we have tried to start an exercise regime or learn a new language to no avail. Perhaps, this has happened a number of times. If we allow these feelings to persist, we loose an important opportunity to tweek our lives and make some well-needed changes. Open your heart to the possibility of change, that is the first step toward a New Year and a New You!
Where are you physically, emotionally and spiritually at the moment? Perhaps, you should consider this a guide as you resolve to chart a new course in the year ahead. Do you have a dream? Why are you letting time pass? There is no time like the present. Go get a piece of paper. Make three columns at the top of the page, like you did at school. In Column 1, write the word physical, column 2 write emotional and column 3, spiritual. On the other side of the page, write down the words, My Goals For This Year Are.
Without thinking about it too much, write down whatever comes to mind under each category. Allow thoughts that are easy to repress to come forth so that you can, in perfect honesty, access where you are at as you begin this New Year. Have you put on some weight, are there any medical conditions that you need to be mindful of? How are you feeling? As you reflect upon this, and similar questions, you will be able to determine your physical baseline at the beginning of your year's journey.
In Column 2 we think of where we are emotionally. Are you happy? I hope that you are. But, as you begin the New Year, are there emotional issues that you have yet to deal with? These issues might be holding you back. These might include childhood pain, depression, lingering grief or some addiction. Think about patterns in your life which have emerged over this past year. Is there something you would like to change? (So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom-Psalm90:12)
No accessment would be complete without thinking of the spiritual basis by which you run your life. January is a great month to open up your Bible and begin to explore these questions. Do one of those Bible-in-a-Year studies, join a Bible study group or even create a group yourself! (But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you-Matthew 6:33)
Now, turn over your page and focus on the words : My Goals For This Year are. Be sure to say a prayer and ask God to guide and direct you in the year ahead. Then, begin to write down your goals. No goal is too little or too large. Your goal might be to get out of that wheelchair. It might be to get out of debt or start a business. Write it down along with the first steps that you will take towards pursuing your goal in the month of January. (To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven-Ecclesiastes 3:1)
May God bless you in the New Year!
(For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."-Jeremiah 29:11)
Yet, many of us over time, have become jaded or disenfranchised from this concept. Maybe we have tried to start an exercise regime or learn a new language to no avail. Perhaps, this has happened a number of times. If we allow these feelings to persist, we loose an important opportunity to tweek our lives and make some well-needed changes. Open your heart to the possibility of change, that is the first step toward a New Year and a New You!
Where are you physically, emotionally and spiritually at the moment? Perhaps, you should consider this a guide as you resolve to chart a new course in the year ahead. Do you have a dream? Why are you letting time pass? There is no time like the present. Go get a piece of paper. Make three columns at the top of the page, like you did at school. In Column 1, write the word physical, column 2 write emotional and column 3, spiritual. On the other side of the page, write down the words, My Goals For This Year Are.
Without thinking about it too much, write down whatever comes to mind under each category. Allow thoughts that are easy to repress to come forth so that you can, in perfect honesty, access where you are at as you begin this New Year. Have you put on some weight, are there any medical conditions that you need to be mindful of? How are you feeling? As you reflect upon this, and similar questions, you will be able to determine your physical baseline at the beginning of your year's journey.
In Column 2 we think of where we are emotionally. Are you happy? I hope that you are. But, as you begin the New Year, are there emotional issues that you have yet to deal with? These issues might be holding you back. These might include childhood pain, depression, lingering grief or some addiction. Think about patterns in your life which have emerged over this past year. Is there something you would like to change? (So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom-Psalm90:12)
No accessment would be complete without thinking of the spiritual basis by which you run your life. January is a great month to open up your Bible and begin to explore these questions. Do one of those Bible-in-a-Year studies, join a Bible study group or even create a group yourself! (But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you-Matthew 6:33)
Now, turn over your page and focus on the words : My Goals For This Year are. Be sure to say a prayer and ask God to guide and direct you in the year ahead. Then, begin to write down your goals. No goal is too little or too large. Your goal might be to get out of that wheelchair. It might be to get out of debt or start a business. Write it down along with the first steps that you will take towards pursuing your goal in the month of January. (To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven-Ecclesiastes 3:1)
May God bless you in the New Year!
Saturday, December 23, 2017
The Joy Of The Season-Part 2
I try not to lose site of Jesus during the Christmas Season. Of course, just like all of you, my celebrations have grown and evolved to include family and cultural traditions that have absolutely nothing to do with the story surrounding Jesus' miraculous conception and birth. It is a struggle to keep Christ central with so many competing seasonal activities and distractions.
Here is a partial list of some of these distractions: Christmas shopping, Christmas Decorating, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer, Santa, Ugly Sweater Parties, Seasonal Overtime on the Job, and School Exams just before Christmas. Most of these things are not bad in and of themselves but when put all-together, the result is that of crowding Jesus out of a day which purports to celebrate His birth.
How did my Christmas holiday grow to include a requisite office party where drunk co-workers sing sexually suggestive lyrics at a karaoke bar? How did Christmas become linked with yearly videos depicting women fighting over sales items on Black Friday? Yet, it is for us to choose to make an about-face and head back towards the true meaning of the Christmas celebration.
I make small steps every year to choose to put Jesus back in the manger. It begins with reading the prophesies telling of God's promise to send a Savior. Next, I read and reflect upon the Infancy Narratives in the Bible,i.e. the accounts given by Matthew, Luke and John concerning His birth. This year, here are some of the scriptures that I have focused on.
Scriptures for your Christmas Reflections:
Isaiah 11:1-Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
Jeremiah 23:8- Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,"When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as King and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land."
Zechariah 3:8- Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant, the BRANCH.
Zechariah 5:12- Behold the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord
John 1:1-2- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:14- And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 15:1-I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
The first four verses above describe shoots, and branches. These are certainly evocative allusions for me as I face a cold northeastern United States winter. Looking out my window I see trees where sap has ceased to flow, and I think of what it means to have life spring from a stem, as described in Isaiah 11:1. It will certainly be quite some time before any of my trees, such as the cherry and pear trees that I have in my garden, will bring forth fruit. And, so it was for the Jewish people awaiting a Messiah.
This year, I have found myself reflecting upon some of perhaps, the less popular bible verses of the season. I am thinking about the Gospel of John and how he refers to the birth of Jesus. The evangelist John does not repeat the earlier gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. The gospels of Matthew and Luke cover all the details that we have come to know as the Christmas Story. The Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary. Her assent to bear the Child destined to be the Savior of the world. We learn of the glad tidings of Jesus' birth delivered by a multitude of angels to the shephards in the field. And, of His humble birth in the manger. All of the adorable Christmas plays that we have seen with Angels with crooked halos or Joseph tripping over his robe are based on these two accounts.
But what does John have to say and why? John opens with a powerful assertion. That is, that Jesus is indeed God! He pulls no punches as he harkens back to connect this child born in a manger to the creation of the world. This can be seen by the language that he uses. Open the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 and it says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1 opens as you can see (above) with the same first three words,"In the beginning." John then goes on to refer to Jesus as the "Word." Qué rico! How rich it is, to think of Jesus as the Word or divine presence of God. Just like the thought of a ripe and fruitful pear tree makes my mouth water, how much more so to think of God Himself fully present to us, as described in John 1:14 (above). Finally, in our last verse, we again return to an agricultural reference, as Jesus declares, that He is the true vine. This verse again affirms the language of the prophets as they spoke of the coming Messiah.
Scriptures for your Christmas Reflections:
Isaiah 11:1-Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
Jeremiah 23:8- Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,"When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as King and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land."
Zechariah 3:8- Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant, the BRANCH.
Zechariah 5:12- Behold the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord
John 1:1-2- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:14- And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 15:1-I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
The first four verses above describe shoots, and branches. These are certainly evocative allusions for me as I face a cold northeastern United States winter. Looking out my window I see trees where sap has ceased to flow, and I think of what it means to have life spring from a stem, as described in Isaiah 11:1. It will certainly be quite some time before any of my trees, such as the cherry and pear trees that I have in my garden, will bring forth fruit. And, so it was for the Jewish people awaiting a Messiah.
This year, I have found myself reflecting upon some of perhaps, the less popular bible verses of the season. I am thinking about the Gospel of John and how he refers to the birth of Jesus. The evangelist John does not repeat the earlier gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. The gospels of Matthew and Luke cover all the details that we have come to know as the Christmas Story. The Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary. Her assent to bear the Child destined to be the Savior of the world. We learn of the glad tidings of Jesus' birth delivered by a multitude of angels to the shephards in the field. And, of His humble birth in the manger. All of the adorable Christmas plays that we have seen with Angels with crooked halos or Joseph tripping over his robe are based on these two accounts.
But what does John have to say and why? John opens with a powerful assertion. That is, that Jesus is indeed God! He pulls no punches as he harkens back to connect this child born in a manger to the creation of the world. This can be seen by the language that he uses. Open the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 and it says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1 opens as you can see (above) with the same first three words,"In the beginning." John then goes on to refer to Jesus as the "Word." Qué rico! How rich it is, to think of Jesus as the Word or divine presence of God. Just like the thought of a ripe and fruitful pear tree makes my mouth water, how much more so to think of God Himself fully present to us, as described in John 1:14 (above). Finally, in our last verse, we again return to an agricultural reference, as Jesus declares, that He is the true vine. This verse again affirms the language of the prophets as they spoke of the coming Messiah.
The joy of the Christmas season is well expressed in a popular Christmas song that you all know. It says, joy to the world the Lord has come, let earth receive her King. The very essence of the holiday is the simple joy of knowing that the salvation that you have been seeking has arrived. It is up to us to choose to accept the offer. But, unlike the Black Friday deals you missed out on, the offer is always available. May God's presence be manifest in your life and home this season and always. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thursday, December 14, 2017
The Joy Of The Season-Part 1
Tidings of comfort and joy to all my readers. As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I wanted to make sure that you are equipped to make the most of this holiday season. Focusing on the manger message is key. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."-Luke 2:9-10
What is Christmas? It is the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Savior sent by God Almighty to reconcile us to Himself. To create a pathway by which we, in our sinful state, could be washed and made pure. God choose to send His Son into our lives so that we would know that we have a God who has experienced what we have in this life and world. That certainly happened when Jesus was plopped right down in the middle of an impoverished and politically tumultuous environment. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."-Luke2:12
The family, Jesus was to be born into, was humbled by the circumstances of their day. Mary was forced, in her last trimester of pregnancy, to travel under very rough conditions in order that their family could be counted in a government census. That census would indeed enable the fulfillment of prophesy (that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem). But, did that make the trip any easier? Jesus was birthed in an animal stall and put in an animal feeding trough which was used as His bassinet. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."-Micah 5:2
Jesus chose to be with the people of that time and place as a sign that He is with you in all the worst circumstances of your life. The pain, the political tumult, the rough conditions. The joy of the season emanates from this message. We would do well to meditate on the nativity stories in the upcoming weeks. This will help us to have a happy and productive Christmas. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.-Romans 15:13
Throughout the years, I have seen many struggles and challenges during the Christmas season. The struggles usually come from unrealistic expectations of the holiday and veering away from the manger message. There is a lot of additional work entailed in making the holiday magic that we see all around us. This can leave people tired, and frayed nerves often ensue at family gatherings or mall parking lots. How do you cope with tense family gatherings or office parties? Sometimes people dread these events because of the mean things that will be said or the drunkenness that will happen. Do we worry too much about creating the perfect meal, getting the perfect gift or impressing our family? If any of this is you, it is time to put these things in perspective and come up with a plan to better cope with your holiday. These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.-John 16:33
Do you struggle because your family does not help you? If all you and your husband do is fight over the additional chores then do something to make it easier. Sometime this means a compromise. Maybe, as a child, your family had the best lights in the neighborhood. Your husband doesn't care about that, so, reach a compromise. Do a small and easy display. What about taking turns? One year your husband might make you happy by doing a big light display and the following year maybe you can make him happy by just doing the evergreen wreaths and garlands that he enjoys. One year you can have turkey and one year ham. Maybe you can do potluck suppers so that everyone can share the work. Perhaps this can help your family not resent the work they must do. Most of all remember the Christmas baby Jesus who God sent as a gift to us all. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!-2 Corinthians 9:15
What is Christmas? It is the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Savior sent by God Almighty to reconcile us to Himself. To create a pathway by which we, in our sinful state, could be washed and made pure. God choose to send His Son into our lives so that we would know that we have a God who has experienced what we have in this life and world. That certainly happened when Jesus was plopped right down in the middle of an impoverished and politically tumultuous environment. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."-Luke2:12
The family, Jesus was to be born into, was humbled by the circumstances of their day. Mary was forced, in her last trimester of pregnancy, to travel under very rough conditions in order that their family could be counted in a government census. That census would indeed enable the fulfillment of prophesy (that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem). But, did that make the trip any easier? Jesus was birthed in an animal stall and put in an animal feeding trough which was used as His bassinet. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."-Micah 5:2
Jesus chose to be with the people of that time and place as a sign that He is with you in all the worst circumstances of your life. The pain, the political tumult, the rough conditions. The joy of the season emanates from this message. We would do well to meditate on the nativity stories in the upcoming weeks. This will help us to have a happy and productive Christmas. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.-Romans 15:13
Throughout the years, I have seen many struggles and challenges during the Christmas season. The struggles usually come from unrealistic expectations of the holiday and veering away from the manger message. There is a lot of additional work entailed in making the holiday magic that we see all around us. This can leave people tired, and frayed nerves often ensue at family gatherings or mall parking lots. How do you cope with tense family gatherings or office parties? Sometimes people dread these events because of the mean things that will be said or the drunkenness that will happen. Do we worry too much about creating the perfect meal, getting the perfect gift or impressing our family? If any of this is you, it is time to put these things in perspective and come up with a plan to better cope with your holiday. These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.-John 16:33
Do you struggle because your family does not help you? If all you and your husband do is fight over the additional chores then do something to make it easier. Sometime this means a compromise. Maybe, as a child, your family had the best lights in the neighborhood. Your husband doesn't care about that, so, reach a compromise. Do a small and easy display. What about taking turns? One year your husband might make you happy by doing a big light display and the following year maybe you can make him happy by just doing the evergreen wreaths and garlands that he enjoys. One year you can have turkey and one year ham. Maybe you can do potluck suppers so that everyone can share the work. Perhaps this can help your family not resent the work they must do. Most of all remember the Christmas baby Jesus who God sent as a gift to us all. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!-2 Corinthians 9:15
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Groping! What Is This Hollywood?
The first time that I was groped, I was riding a New York City Subway at rush hour. I was thirteen years old. Barely able to give up my dolls as I began high school, I could scarcely imagine what was happening to me. My first thought was disassociative and fearful. I thought that "this touch must be an accident, because the subway is so crowded." So, I moved the few inches away that were available to me, and the man just moved toward me again. I knew that I had been violated but I did not yet have a word to describe it. I quickly pushed through the crowd and got out of that subway car as quickly as I could. That night my mother comforted me and gave a name to what had just happened to me. She told me it was called "groping."
What an evil world we live in. To think that there are those around us who, like the man on that subway, develop a strategy to prey upon people sexually. They do not have a normal sex life. They have justified in their mind why it is okay to sexually touch a child or teenager that they see, or even someone under their care. They have spent time and put thought into how to make it look innocent. They even shop for the most favorable location, such as crowded trains during rush hour. They are big time sinners. Oh Lord help us.
The world is reeling right now after case upon case of sexual predation is revealed. It seems everyday there are dozens of articles about people in movie, television, politics, and the teaching profession who are accused or have been arrested for some form of sexual crime. It seems so out of control. How did we let it get so bad? How did we fall so far from God's sexual standards for us? The answer begins in our rebellion against God and His statutes. Just like Eve in the Garden Of Eden, we desire parity with God Almighty. We want to create our own standards for what is right and wrong.
But, if history has shown us one thing, it is that when left to our own devices, the standards we develop will be screwed up. What does God do with His authority? He creates. He loves in an everlasting way. He gives perfect justice. He does not abuse His Authority but wields it with righteousness. What do we do? We destroy, and we develop systems of inauthentic love. We have justice for hire and we wield our authority with corruption and selfishness. Understanding this is the beginning of cleaning up the sexual cesspool that characterizes our world at the moment.
The fall from innocence that happened when I was first groped at the tender age of thirteen, lead me to develop tactical moves and defensive positions to stand-up to those who would so cruelly use me. I thought that I was in control and victorious. It had been a very long time since I had to deal with this issue on a personal level, but the time came in the last place that I ever expected such a thing to happen-Church.
Theoretical, I knew that it happens there, but deep in my heart I thought that Church was one of the places that I could truly relax and feel safe. That conclusion came to an abrupt end when one day an usher inappropriately touched me. "Why didn't I scream out or draw people's attention to what ******* was doing? Why didn't I tell him off?" The answer that I have will be the same response that women have always given to answer these questions. ******* was an usher at Church, a position of authority. He was one of the insiders at this Church and many members of his family were involved in Church ministries. They taught Sunday School, ran the church kitchen, cleaned and did maintance. This Church was his petty fiefdom and he felt safe and shameless before his family and God. Thank you God, that You give perfect justice in the fullness of time.
My immediate reaction was not unlike that which I felt all those many years ago. I felt violated and hurt. But with adulthood, I was able to give voice to my deeper thoughts,questions and emotions in a more substantial way. "Why did he do that? Why didn't he know that this was wrong before God? After all, he attends bible study, Sunday Service and goes on religious retreats every year. Why such disconnect between what he learned in a lifetime of church attendance and his actions?" All these thoughts crossed my mind immediately. Also, "does his wife or the rest of his family know? How could they not?" Perhaps, I thought, some of them had been victimized too.
I told my husband and best friend at Church. They all felt the same emotions that I did and inevitable frustration concerning confronting a person in a position of authority. Would I be believed? Would I have to leave the Church? Did this Church lack discernment? As the three of us endeavored to answer the many questions and emotions that emerge when people are victimized in any way, some answers began to emerge. Firstly, through observations at Church. Over time, we determined that****** was one of those expert's at making things look like they are all innocent. For example, under the guise of being the good usher, ******* placed a Church blanket on a young woman then patted her upper thigh in the process. Or there was the several women that he gave inappropriately tight hugs that could be characterized less as a good natured bear hug and more as an attempt to get intimate knowledge of a woman's frame.
Secondly, we began to see the family and church system which allowed his behavior to go unabated for so long. I believe God gave me some insight into this sin and it's ecosystem. After service one Sunday, as many were enjoying fellowship and coffee, we were discussing a scripture passage that one of the men, Corey*, had brought up for discussion. Much to my surprise, *******'s wife came over and joined our table. Surprised, because, in this Church everyone seemed to have their own table sort of like high school. Her husband then quickly and rather awkwardly sprinted over to join our group.
I can't remember the Bible verse up for discussion that day. Corey had recently begun to bring a bible verse every Sunday to Church for us to ponder during coffee hour. But, out of the blue ******* started to discuss the topic of how his childhood Church was very affectionate. Everyone at the table except *******and his wife were surprised by the sudden and strange change of topics. He obviously had something on his mind. Was the guilt killing him? Or, did he have the obsessive need to justify his actions to himself and others?
He claimed that his childhood Church was very affectionate. He reminded us that the Bible tells us to greet each other with a holy kiss and so it was practically compulsory! How arrogant and evil does someone have to be to use God's Holy Word to justify groping!? The table discussion turned toward a discussion of proper boundaries and godly love. The discussion became heated. That's because there was a great big pink elephant in the middle of this room and we all were grappling with it in one way or another. I can't say that we made a dent in *******'s thinking that day. I saw a man in complete denial about the truth. I also saw how a wife can defend her husband out of a misguided sense of what submission to your husband entails. I saw loyalty to sin.
I was very unhappy with myself and the way that I handled the whole situation. I know part of being a godly woman is standing up for what is right and standing against what is wrong. None of us gets it right every time. Only God does. Besides forgiving the groper, I had to forgive myself. I saw nepotism in this Church. I was afraid of confronting a system which I thought would favor the groper. I was reminded that I was not as big or tough as I thought, and how very much that I needed a Savior.
Should a Church be a place where one expects fair treatment? Of course. The Church should follow biblical mandates of conduct and when disputes arise it should be settled accordingly. Groping should not exist in a Church but as long as sin exists, we we have to grapple with these issues. If we could handle these problems better than Hollywood does, imagine what a change Christians could make in our world. We must strive for that. We can not do it apart from God.
I left that Church for that and a variety of reasons. A short time after that, when I was shopping at Sam's Club, I ran into a lady who still attends that Church. She gave me a big hug and told me that she missed me. "Why did you stop coming was it because of.........never mind" she said. "No," I replied,"wait a minute did you have a problem with him too?" "Yes", she said. "I am so sorry, did you tell anyone." I asked. "No and for the same reason you didn't. ******* has made himself indespensible plus, I don't think anyone really cares."
******* -the perpetrator, and *-one star is a changed name.
What an evil world we live in. To think that there are those around us who, like the man on that subway, develop a strategy to prey upon people sexually. They do not have a normal sex life. They have justified in their mind why it is okay to sexually touch a child or teenager that they see, or even someone under their care. They have spent time and put thought into how to make it look innocent. They even shop for the most favorable location, such as crowded trains during rush hour. They are big time sinners. Oh Lord help us.
The world is reeling right now after case upon case of sexual predation is revealed. It seems everyday there are dozens of articles about people in movie, television, politics, and the teaching profession who are accused or have been arrested for some form of sexual crime. It seems so out of control. How did we let it get so bad? How did we fall so far from God's sexual standards for us? The answer begins in our rebellion against God and His statutes. Just like Eve in the Garden Of Eden, we desire parity with God Almighty. We want to create our own standards for what is right and wrong.
But, if history has shown us one thing, it is that when left to our own devices, the standards we develop will be screwed up. What does God do with His authority? He creates. He loves in an everlasting way. He gives perfect justice. He does not abuse His Authority but wields it with righteousness. What do we do? We destroy, and we develop systems of inauthentic love. We have justice for hire and we wield our authority with corruption and selfishness. Understanding this is the beginning of cleaning up the sexual cesspool that characterizes our world at the moment.
The fall from innocence that happened when I was first groped at the tender age of thirteen, lead me to develop tactical moves and defensive positions to stand-up to those who would so cruelly use me. I thought that I was in control and victorious. It had been a very long time since I had to deal with this issue on a personal level, but the time came in the last place that I ever expected such a thing to happen-Church.
Theoretical, I knew that it happens there, but deep in my heart I thought that Church was one of the places that I could truly relax and feel safe. That conclusion came to an abrupt end when one day an usher inappropriately touched me. "Why didn't I scream out or draw people's attention to what ******* was doing? Why didn't I tell him off?" The answer that I have will be the same response that women have always given to answer these questions. ******* was an usher at Church, a position of authority. He was one of the insiders at this Church and many members of his family were involved in Church ministries. They taught Sunday School, ran the church kitchen, cleaned and did maintance. This Church was his petty fiefdom and he felt safe and shameless before his family and God. Thank you God, that You give perfect justice in the fullness of time.
My immediate reaction was not unlike that which I felt all those many years ago. I felt violated and hurt. But with adulthood, I was able to give voice to my deeper thoughts,questions and emotions in a more substantial way. "Why did he do that? Why didn't he know that this was wrong before God? After all, he attends bible study, Sunday Service and goes on religious retreats every year. Why such disconnect between what he learned in a lifetime of church attendance and his actions?" All these thoughts crossed my mind immediately. Also, "does his wife or the rest of his family know? How could they not?" Perhaps, I thought, some of them had been victimized too.
I told my husband and best friend at Church. They all felt the same emotions that I did and inevitable frustration concerning confronting a person in a position of authority. Would I be believed? Would I have to leave the Church? Did this Church lack discernment? As the three of us endeavored to answer the many questions and emotions that emerge when people are victimized in any way, some answers began to emerge. Firstly, through observations at Church. Over time, we determined that****** was one of those expert's at making things look like they are all innocent. For example, under the guise of being the good usher, ******* placed a Church blanket on a young woman then patted her upper thigh in the process. Or there was the several women that he gave inappropriately tight hugs that could be characterized less as a good natured bear hug and more as an attempt to get intimate knowledge of a woman's frame.
Secondly, we began to see the family and church system which allowed his behavior to go unabated for so long. I believe God gave me some insight into this sin and it's ecosystem. After service one Sunday, as many were enjoying fellowship and coffee, we were discussing a scripture passage that one of the men, Corey*, had brought up for discussion. Much to my surprise, *******'s wife came over and joined our table. Surprised, because, in this Church everyone seemed to have their own table sort of like high school. Her husband then quickly and rather awkwardly sprinted over to join our group.
I can't remember the Bible verse up for discussion that day. Corey had recently begun to bring a bible verse every Sunday to Church for us to ponder during coffee hour. But, out of the blue ******* started to discuss the topic of how his childhood Church was very affectionate. Everyone at the table except *******and his wife were surprised by the sudden and strange change of topics. He obviously had something on his mind. Was the guilt killing him? Or, did he have the obsessive need to justify his actions to himself and others?
He claimed that his childhood Church was very affectionate. He reminded us that the Bible tells us to greet each other with a holy kiss and so it was practically compulsory! How arrogant and evil does someone have to be to use God's Holy Word to justify groping!? The table discussion turned toward a discussion of proper boundaries and godly love. The discussion became heated. That's because there was a great big pink elephant in the middle of this room and we all were grappling with it in one way or another. I can't say that we made a dent in *******'s thinking that day. I saw a man in complete denial about the truth. I also saw how a wife can defend her husband out of a misguided sense of what submission to your husband entails. I saw loyalty to sin.
I was very unhappy with myself and the way that I handled the whole situation. I know part of being a godly woman is standing up for what is right and standing against what is wrong. None of us gets it right every time. Only God does. Besides forgiving the groper, I had to forgive myself. I saw nepotism in this Church. I was afraid of confronting a system which I thought would favor the groper. I was reminded that I was not as big or tough as I thought, and how very much that I needed a Savior.
Should a Church be a place where one expects fair treatment? Of course. The Church should follow biblical mandates of conduct and when disputes arise it should be settled accordingly. Groping should not exist in a Church but as long as sin exists, we we have to grapple with these issues. If we could handle these problems better than Hollywood does, imagine what a change Christians could make in our world. We must strive for that. We can not do it apart from God.
I left that Church for that and a variety of reasons. A short time after that, when I was shopping at Sam's Club, I ran into a lady who still attends that Church. She gave me a big hug and told me that she missed me. "Why did you stop coming was it because of.........never mind" she said. "No," I replied,"wait a minute did you have a problem with him too?" "Yes", she said. "I am so sorry, did you tell anyone." I asked. "No and for the same reason you didn't. ******* has made himself indespensible plus, I don't think anyone really cares."
******* -the perpetrator, and *-one star is a changed name.
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