Tag Archives: Jesus

12.11.13
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Christmas Post Office Push: Show Love

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Like many people during this time of year, it was a must that I venture to the post office.  I needed stamps to mail my Christmas greeting cards. Guessing by the packed post office lobby, so was everyone else.  We all stood there patiently waiting in the long single line, mixed with other patrons looking to send out packages.  Suddenly a glimmer of hope: the clerks opened a register for stamp purchase only. I quietly thought to myself, “This is it; only one person in front of me now.” Like everyone else, I was in a hurry.  You would have thought they were giving away a million dollars, the way everyone darted for the line.  People began cutting in front of others, who had been patiently waiting longer than them.  This all got me wondering about how Jesus sees us, especially this time of year.  I read in a Christmas book before, “If I have a perfect house and give the perfect gift but do not show love to my family what good is it?”

Isn’t that so true? We can all become wrapped up in the Idea of Christmas and really miss the point.  Jesus is not concerned with how perfect your house is decorated, or if you mailed your greetings cards on time.  He is more concerned with your inward condition.  Are you showing His love to those around you? Even at the post office?  If we take a minute and stop rushing we might see that there are people hurting and many in need of a Savior. So I challenge you to take a moment and ask Jesus what He wants from you this year, for His birthday!

Luke 2: 13-14

13– And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14- “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principals are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

12.02.13
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Searching for Real Love

Award-winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige (my girl!) produced her 9os hit “Real Love” that became an anthem for many in search of ‘real love.’ With the chorus, “I’m searchin’ for a a real love, someone who sets my heart free, real love!” And subsequent lyrics, “So I try my best and pray to God he’d send me someone real, to caress me and to guide me toward a love my heart can feel…” You know the rest!

What is ‘real love’? Our first exposure to real love was when God sent US His Son Jesus Christ to Earth to become flesh and die for our sins, so we would be saved from eternal death and separation from God, with our flawed selves. This is agape love; an unconditional love; a love we don’t deserve.

Though there are other forms of love (friend love, family love, parent-child love, love for community, eros/romantic love), real love in any form should consist of these attributes as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 4- “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5- or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6- It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7- Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Read today’s post below written by Voices Against the Grain guest blogger, Herbert Bowen, Jr., on the subject of romantic love. In today’s microwave generation lead by “anything goes,” many people want a quick love and want it NOW, usually for selfish reasons and with multiple partners. In our search for real love, how are we demonstrating love toward others? Many want the world’s version of romantic love and  forgo  expressing the love Christ asks us to give. We should model after Christ our love (in any form) toward others. Laying this foundation first helps build the right kind of love required for romantic and non-romantic relationships.

-Nicole

Song of Songs 8:6-7- “Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love nor can rivers drown it.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Love is to be treasured. For if love is awakened before its time, we will expend a lifetime of energy seeking what we once had. Love is to be saved. We as a culture have fallen victim to the fads of desensitization. We have lost the meaning of companionship to indulge in every desire. We have lost the meaning of love. Romantic love is monogamous. A concept that will probably fall on deaf ears, but is the only way to live our lives the way God intended. Men and women are too quick to rush into the bedroom, too quick to fulfill their lusts only to be in search for a new fix the next night. How does it feel, because for every immediate gratification there are eons of misery and regret. Love is Christ.

1 John 4:19 says, “We love each other because he loved us first.” In essence, His sacrifice is love incarnate. So before jumping in blindly with another individual, seek out the meaning of true love, as it may save you precious time. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 24, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

10.14.13
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Low Cash Flow? Lonely? Press On

Listen to Herbert Bowen, Jr., this Wednesday at 1-2p ET on the Voices Against the Grain Radio Show as he shares how Jesus has helped him as a 24-year-old abstain from sex and navigate around society’s unrelenting “pleasure principles.” He’ll be joined by Myranda Dorsey, 26, who shares how through Christ Jesus she overcame a confused identity predicated by low self-esteem, and now views herself as Jesus sees her.

Philippians 3:12- “But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

I’m not perfect and neither are you. If we were perfect would we need God too? If money was stacked to the ceiling would our lives be easier? If loneliness was eradicated and everyone had ONE companion, would our lives be sweeter? If worry was engulfed by reassurance would anything affect us? The answer is simple, but the effect it has on our lives is complex. Broken down, we were given free will to choose our routes in life. Some stand affixed in faith, some don’t. Some die daily in the flesh, while some indulge in it. Ultimately, loneliness doesn’t have to result in suicide or catastrophe. Minimal funds doesn’t mean we will never be self-sufficient. Such situations are temporary. Trust that fear can flee our side and be replaced by the spear of courage. Thus, let us move toward perfection knowing God will never abandon us on our journey. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 24, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

08.20.13
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Be Watchful of Faulty Shepherds and Helicopter Upgrades

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Ticked” is the politest word I can use to describe my feelings in reading the following article. Houston megachurch pastor Bishop I.V. Hilliard of New Light Christian Center asks his members to sow a “$52 favor seed” to upgrade his helicopter with new blades. He said the upgrade would save the church $50,000 in future costs (but why is this his choice of transportation??).  According to the article published by BlackEnterprise.com, Hilliard sent a newsletter to members, saying their blessing in return for the seed sown would be a “breakthrough favor” within 52 days or 52 weeks. For the low, low price of $52, of course. He said he heard the small voice of the Holy Spirit instructing him to seek this special seed.

Whaatt?? Help me shut my mouth. Enough with the promises of prosperity. Did Jesus need a helicopter to accomplish His purposes? Would Jesus ask those 5,000 on the hillside in which he fed loaves of bread and fish, to please sow a seed for upgraded shoes and donkey to help Him on his travels??

New Light Christian Center megachurch pastor Bishop I.V. Hilliard (sunglasses) exits church helicopter for which he now seeks a financial seed from members for a blade upgrade.

New Light Christian Center megachurch pastor Bishop I.V. Hilliard (sunglasses) exits church helicopter for which he now seeks a financial seed from members for a blade upgrade.

Here seems another example of a wayward pastor fleecing God’s sheep. It’s unfortunate that it happens. But remember, places of worship are run by who? A: Flawed human beings. So, problems will inherently arise. It’s our job here to expose you to what God says about corrupt leaders.

Trust and know God will take serious measures against such people.  When God judges shepherds/leaders, it is to deliver His people from the hands of deceptive leaders—particularly those who only seek to profit off their flock. Certainly, flawed leadership will deter some people from coming to church (understandable) or from seeking God. But remember—God isn’t the bad guy. Those who perpetrate the fraud, indeed are. Because God is Sovereign he is able to save and reach hearts beyond the church walls. Don’t allow poor leadership examples to keep you from having your relationship with God.

In Ezekiel 13, God tells of his condemnation toward false prophets.

In verses 13:2-3, 8 God instructs Ezekiel, 2- “Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! 3-This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 8-Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD. 9- My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations.” The New Living Translation reads, “destruction is certain for the false prophets following their own imaginations and have seen nothing at all!”

Ezekiel 34:2-5 reads, 2- Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3- You eat curds, clothe yourselves with wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4- You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the wicked. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5- So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for wild animals.”

Case and point- “djgrandstand,” a former New Light Christian Center member, posted this comment on the article:

“I was a member of this church back in like ’94 I think. Then it was still in a strip mall. I left the church because I noticed over time the entire sermon was always becoming about prosperity… But the final straw for me was when Hilliard refused to help a member in need but had the nerve to ask for the helicopter in the first place. I knew then something wasn’t right. I was out done. That was the last time I was an official member of any church.”
God is displeased with such fleecing and corruption. These folks need to repent and step aside. God is raising up new witnesses whose eyes are wide open to the deception and willing to call it out. As God’s elect, we are to instruct, preserve and provide for His people. We are to be salt and light. God doesn’t say anything about us asking others to come out of their pockets for a new helicopter blade. A good shepherd will first and foremost seek God’s will and care for His people. Period. We need to truly revisit how the church should look and operate. 
Believers: We can’t blame this entirely on the faulty shepherd. We also have a shared responsibility from becoming victims of such abuses. More of us need to study and know God’s Word and ways for ourselves so we can quickly recognize deception before it ensnares us. As Hosea 4:6 ascribes, “My people perish for a lack of knowledge.”

07.29.13
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Assured of His Promises

Psalm 119:38-“Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!,” is the well-known intro verse from the song hymn “Blessed Assurance” written by Fanny J Crosby. If you were assured of immortality, what would you do? Would you go skydiving? Would you traverse the Sahara desert in search of hidden jewels cached beneath the sand? What if you were assured infinite wealth? Would you go to Turks and Caicos and lounge in the sun? Would you buy a yacht to navigate the seven seas? If guarantees were possible, everyone would live in bliss. However, our lives here on Earth aren’t assured, which is why our hope must be in Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins and granted us eternal life. Too often we seek insurance to battle the unknowns in our lives, only to find out that not everything can be covered. Therefore, seek out that long-term investment plan to store and build the spiritual currency needed to garner a secured future. For the interest will triple and the blessings will rain down. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

07.19.13
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Filling the God-Shaped Vacuum Within Us

Dear Friends. I am happy to share with you a guest devotional from a great brother in Christ, Dracy Jenkins. His devotional reminds us that when we were formed in our mother’s womb, God deliberately created a void within us that only He can fill. People seek other people, things and behaviors to fill this void and find themselves feeling empty and always seeking but never finding the joy, love, peace and security only He can provide.  Thank you Dracy! God bless each of you.   -Nicole

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ. —Blaise Pascal (17th century mathematician, physicist and Christian philosopher)

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Philippians 1:9-11- 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (New Living Translation)

I still remember how I tried to fill the emptiness in my life with so many different things, in order to bring me joy and happiness.  The more I purchased or did, the more that was required to appease the desire to be someone that I wasn’t.  At that time, like so many of us, I had bought in to the lie that to be somebody, I had to look and act like what was being portrayed in the media.  And every time, I achieved a certain level or purchased the next great thing, I was left emptier than before.

It wasn’t until I was in the midst of my frustration, despair and anger, that I was able to hear Christ knocking at the door to my heart.  I heard Him speak to my spirit and tell me that I wasn’t created to be like the world, and that no matter how hard I tried to fill my life with anything other than God’s love, I would never be satisfied or complete.  He said that only He could adequately change me into the person that would be pleasing to God and to me.  He then said it was my choice.

Maybe you are struggling to be satisfied with your life and are looking to fill that emptiness you feel inside with everything you see or hear from society.  Can I share with you how futile that is going to be?  Maybe you already realize it.  But the reason that the things of the world will not fit the void in our lives is because that void is shaped exactly like a cross.  It’s an old rugged, wooden cross, where our Savior Jesus was nailed to and died upon for our sins.  There are many things of the world that appear to fit, but a closer self-examination will show gaps, voids, air pockets and holes, that continue to leave one incomplete, unfulfilled and without hope.

But I’m here to tell you that Jesus is still knocking on a lot of our doors with the answer to our incompleteness.  He wants to fully fill that emptiness in your heart, but He’s not going to force Himself into it.  You have to ask Him.  It’s your choice.

My prayer today is that we all will do a self-assessment to determine if there are holes or gaps in our heart.  If so, let’s remove those things that are inappropriately in the cross-shaped vacuum of our hearts and allow Christ to complete us and make us whole again.  He’s standing at the door and knocking.  Will you open the door?

God bless.

07.12.13
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Jesus: A Name Above All Names

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Hi Dear Friends. Reflecting on this week’s events whereupon I have engaged in more prayer and praise as of late, there’s something unmistakable: The name of Jesus will take you there. Sitting in the quietness of my worship space, the mere utterance of His Name…my body even responds in such a way as to give Him reverence as best as a mere human can. Sometimes it’s just the uplifting of my hand(s) that signifies His nearness to me and presence. Thank you Lord for being a God who desires to be near us, loves us and is interested in our needs great and small.  The name of Jesus is powerful. Who would use His Name for any other purposes other than to worship Him? Some use His name recklessly, unaware of the power and authority it holds.

Jesus-name-above-all-names

Today I share with you this morning’s devotional from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The devotionals are rooted in scripture and presented in the perspective of Jesus speaking to

jesus_names_2you. It reads:

“WHENEVER YOU FEEL DISTANT from Me, whisper My Name in loving trust. This simple prayer can restore your awareness of My Presence.

MY Name is constantly abused in the world, where people use it as a curse word. This verbal assault reaches all the way to heaven; every word is heard and recorded. When you trustingly whisper My Name, My aching ears are soothed. The grating rancor of the world’s blasphemies cannot compete with a trusting child’s utterance: “Jesus.” The power of My Name to bless both you and Me is beyond your understanding.”

Accompanying Scriptures: John 16:24, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”  Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Hallelujah for His Name!

Thank you Lord for all you have done for me. Jesus, I lift up your name, which is above all names. I am reminded of this song’s words:

Daily I will worship thee

Lamb of God who died for me

Who extendeth endless mercy

Daily I will worship thee

May you find him ever so near to you today, as near as calling on His Name.

07.09.13
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Invitation of God’s Elect

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

(Because the topic of God’s love and election is complex, we will revisit this in a follow up post)

Imagine receiving an elegant, white shiny envelope, hand-delivered by courier. You flip the envelope over to read your name written to suggest this invitation is elite. You open the nicely sealed envelope and see the gold foil lining, and pull out the card which reads in gold gilded text, “By Invitation Only.”  Reading the invitation’s event details, you are in awe—uncertain what you did or who thought so highly to invite you to such an elite event. The shocking fact is this: You didn’t do anything to deserve it.

Such is the invitation from God extended to us through Jesus when He died on the cross for you and me, so that we may be freed from the weight of sin and death and live freely and eternally with Him.  God loves all and desires all would seek Him. Ultimately, many will not choose Him. God chooses those with willing ears and open hearts to receive Him for this invitation. God called me in my early childhood, drawing me to lay it all down for Him at age 12. I’ve been following Him since. So why doesn’t everyone hear this call?

by invitation only

In the simplest answer, some things are a mystery and left to God. This concept is complex for even the most mature believer in Christ to fully grasp. A person’s unbelief/rejection of Christ, unrepentant nature or hardened heart can certainly lead to this. British Christian theologian, J.I. Packer wrote an article,  Election: God Chooses His Own that perhaps offers one of the clearest explanations of this concept that I’ve been able to understand. In the article, Packer begins:

“The verb elect means “to select, or choose out.” The biblical doctrine of election is that before Creation God selected out of the human race, foreseen as fallen, those whom he would redeem, bring to faith, justify, and glorify in and through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-39; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:9-10). This divine choice is an expression of free and sovereign grace, for it is unconstrained and unconditional, not merited by anything in those who are its subjects. God owes sinners no mercy of any kind, only condemnation; so it is a wonder, and matter for endless praise, that he should choose to save any of us; and doubly so when his choice involved the giving of his own Son to suffer as sin-bearer for the elect (Romans 8:32).”

Romans 9:15-16, God says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 

Fact is, God loves all and it is God who saves. God seeks the earth to and fro examining the hearts of those for who will follow Him. “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1).  THIS is why Christians will forever, gratefully celebrate (sometimes with tears of joy as we remember our lives before and now) the goodness and love of God! But for His grace and mercy, “he saved a wretch like you and me.”

This very notion of God choosing who He wants to follow Him confuses some people. Isn’t the invitation open to everyone? Doesn’t God want to save everyone? What then is the Christian’s duty if God already knows who He will and won’t choose?

God knows people’s true hearts and intentions. We don’t.  As Christians, we are asked to be a loving and willing vessel of His light and love to others. It is not for us to judge or question who is/who isn’t “savable.”

Our role as Christians (appropriately worded by my dear friend Rachel) is “we are laboring to harvest the elect.”  This is a great way to view our calling as opposed to “working to save souls.” That’s the role of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to be willing to plant the seed and allow the Holy Spirit to draw those intended. Wow. Paints the picture a little differently, doesn’t it?

If He is drawing you, listen.  Turn to  Him.  Answer His call. This invitation, for which I am grateful to have received and accepted and did not deserve,  is given by His grace.

07.03.13
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Need Answers? Ask Jesus!

Dear Friends. I am happy to share with you a guest devotional from a great brother in Christ, Dracy Jenkins. His devotional reminds us WHO holds the answers in a world where people desperately seek relief in imperfect, flawed sources. I so loved his devotional that I’m sharing with you as an encouragement and reminder.  Thank you Dracy! God bless each of you.   -Nicole

“Christians must learn again what Christians have always known — how to live without immediate hopes in the world.” — T. R. Milford (author of  Foolishness to the Greeks, and Christian Decision in the Nuclear Age)

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Philippians 3:6-7 NLT 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

It seems like every news story, conversation or report is geared to strike fear and worry in our hearts.  The only way to guard against this is to have a little conversation with God. We can talk about many of the ills in this world, but can never solve them.  However, finding out what God says about the troubles of this world and His solution, is well worth the time to talk to the only ONE who has the answer.

Stop listening to Oprah or calling Dr. Phil.  Have yourself a little talk with Jesus.  I guarantee, you will cease from your worrying after you hear His voice tell you that He knows about your situation and that He is the answer.

We serve an awesome God.  No matter what is happening in our lives, nothing can change this fact, at least in my mind.  He’s done too much for me, forgiven me countless times, encouraged me and continues to love me.  If you take just a moment to think about it, He has done the same for you too.

Father, God, we thank you for being our loving protector, guide and friend. Thank you for your many blessings, seen and unseen.  Thank you for your yes, your no and your not now.  Thank you for knowing what we need, exactly when we need it and for keeping those things that we don’t need, away from us.  We give you glory and praise for your ever watchful eye over us.  Help us to be more faithful, loving, humble, compassionate and caring towards each other. And Father, help us to put our complete trust and confidence in you and only you.  We pray and ask this in Jesus name, amen.

06.26.13
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Reparative Therapy or Repair Our Compassion?

The following topic is likened to the intensity of a powder keg few would touch with a 10-foot pole while wearing protective gear, encased in a fortified tank.  But I am not so intimidated to approach. I trust the Holy Spirit to deliver the message as He desires.

Last week, national news outlets buzzed with fervor and perhaps a hint of excitement that would finally dismantle Christians’ positions on the conversation of homosexuality and whether someone engaging in this lifestyle could ever become “straight.”

This Washington Post piece is one of many articles published featuring Alan Chambers, Exodus International president, who said God has instructed him to shut down the 37-year-old ministry that utilized reparative therapy to help persons reduce and remove feelings of same-sex attraction. In a public letter, Chambers apologized for his treatment of gays and not acting toward them in love as God would. He also said that though he gave over years ago to Christ his same-sex attraction and that he and his wife are happily married with children, he still at times experiences attraction to men.  Furthermore, in this June 21, 2013 Christian Post interview, Chambers replies to a portion of his letter by saying, “I cannot apologize for my beliefs about marriage, but I do not have any desire to fight you on your beliefs or the rights that you seek.” Chambers desires to promote “peace at all costs” and share the good news of the Gospel.

Apology letter from Alan Chambers, Exodus International president

Apology letter from Alan Chambers, Exodus International president

The news of Chambers’ decision to close Exodus International (notice I’m not calling it a ‘ministry’ as he did), gained steam as CNN’s Anderson Cooper (who has been public about his homosexuality), seemed thrilled that finally a ‘Christian’ organization has recognized they are wrong to try and change or pray for someone from being gay.

In reading the Washington Post article, it appears Chambers’ issue was not his belief that same-sex attraction is not God’s way for relationships—rather, it was Chambers‘ lack of compassion, condemnation and brow beating of homosexuals that was the problem. This is something entirely different. My concern is that if this issue is not communicated clearly, it will only increase some homosexuals’ hate toward Christians for our prayers to help those overcome such lifestyles— and encourage the unwitting to support same-sex relationships/attractions (which is the enemy’s hope and trajectory).

Let’s be real clear here. There are a few issues within this situation requiring clarity.

1. Certainly, the techniques of reparative or conversion therapy seem questionable and inhumane. The techniques seem to do little to demonstrate the love and compassion of God. Chambers’ decision to close Exodus International was likely best as he and others within the organization need to re-evaluate God’s command to love one another and show compassion. A Christian’s walk is often challenged to show compassion and love for those who express and promote opposing views that contradict God’s Word.  As God’s Elect and Ambassadors of Christ, we are asked to “deal gently with those who are ignorant or misguided since we ourselves are subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:2)

Salt and Light Living

2. Don’t be fooled. While a Christian’s charge is to extend compassion along with faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace and self-control to those we encounter (family, friends, colleagues, strangers), it doesn’t mean we shy away from instructing God’s truth—even when it is unpopular.  While many images depict Jesus as a gentle lamb, He is also a brazen and bold lion. So we must be.  Christians have been called to be “salt and light,” dispersing truth in a world that would rather pursue gods and vehicles that allow more fleshly freedoms rather than pursue freedom in Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:13-16 says,13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

3.  Since the creation of time, humans have engaged in all forms of immorality. Homosexuality is only one of these forms and is not new to the scene.  Since God has made Himself known to man, people have invariably exchanged the truth for a lie (with enticements from Satan) to satisfy their flesh. Ultimately, God’s wrath against mankind has turned many over to their lusts (Romans 1:18-32).

There are a number of scriptures (James 5:16 about confessing our faults to one another to be healed to help overcome fleshly struggles) or Deuteronomy 30:19 (I set before you life and death; blessings and curses) that indicates God presents us opportunities to choose not to accept or become slaves to our dysfunctions and tendencies; to break free from negative generational cycles. Through Christ, we have opportunity to live free from bondage. Flesh will always want it’s way over the spirit. We cannot overcome such struggles in our own strength. Only in Jesus Christ can we have this victory.

All of us are subject to battles of the flesh. Reparative therapy is not a solution.  Demonstrating compassion toward those who struggle with the flesh and have not turned it over to God, is our charge. However, this doesn’t suggest as Christians show compassion, we should also support the ways of the world. God’s Word does not change to conform to the laws and votes of our society.

Today, people wait to celebrate or shake their fists at the Supreme Court’s impending rulings on Prop 8, same-sex marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Yet, yesterday, today AND tomorrow, God’s Word remains consistent in his creation of man and woman for fruitful relationships. It is Satan’s hope that Christians will unwittingly retreat from the truth in their pursuit to keep harmony among unbelievers. But we know Satan is only interested in gaining co-workers with him instead of leaving people to become co-workers of Christ.

Today’s answer to tomorrow’s challenges: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.”