General

My wife, Mary, and I were praying in the church chapel on Good Friday evening.  We were reading various Scriptures appropriate for this night.  I chose to read some parts of 1 Peter on the topic of "suffering for doing good":  Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Reflecting on these instructions in light of the political debate going on in our nation right now, I fear that many Christians believe that the ends are more important than the means.  In other words, getting the right policy in position is the important thing rather than our behavior in getting there.  It seems that anger and hostility are tolerated for Christians in the name of getting the other party (the enemy) out of office.

I certainly believe that we as Christians are called to prayerful involvement in the politics of our nations.  And passion is wonderful.  But I believe our calling to bear witness to our Lord in all things involves not justing winning a point but, maybe more importantly, displaying compassion and humility along the journey.

Both Mary and I are passionate about the pro-life issue.  We pray and speak out on this matter as followers of Jesus.  But I believe Mary also truly reflects the heart of Jesus when she puts the political banner aside for a moment and seeks to do ministry with women who have had abortions and who need God's healing and forgiveness.

...be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Brent   

Not a day goes by that I don’t frequently hear people refer to “this economy” ~ the reason for this, the cause of that or the blame for this other thing. In the season of "this economy" it is a great time to continually remind one another, as Christians, who our Provider is. That is... All that is going on in the economy is not out of sight from God nor does it tie His hands in the ways He cares for His children. Reading in the Bible about the creative ways God took care of His people beyond normal channels (Exodus 14, 16; Matthew 14:15-21) causes us to reflect on the new and different ways God may be providing for us “in this economy.” It is often in the difficult times God is able to get our attention for the changes He wants to make in our lives and hearts. In “this economy”, may we be open to changes God might be doing in us concerning money matters. Ultimately God is always drawing His people to a greater trust relationship with Him. There is something about money that tempts us to put our ultimate trust in it. Jesus taught that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 19:21). David affirmed that the Lord was His Shepherd (Psalm 23). And Paul encourages the church that God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Every day in conversation, watching the news and reading the newspaper, we are constantly reminded of the woes of “this economy.” May we find ways to offset this worldly news in our minds, our hearts, and in our encouragement of one another, that our faith is NOT in “this economy” but in the Lord God, our Provider. Blessings, Pastor Brent