He Knows Our Needs

While praying through the Apostle’s Creed this morning, I started thinking about the enormity of what it means that Jesus “was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.”  He walked among us and knows - He knows the joys and sorrows of life, and the awful consequences of sin in our fallen world.

He knows our hearts, our hurts, even our day-to-day needs.  His recorded miracles include healing people and feeding people, taking care of needs...needs necessitated by sin.

As I sat on the porch, I wondered what Jesus, walking among us as “God in the flesh” would say to me at that moment.  Sarah Young wrote the popular book Jesus Calling in which she journals all the things she believes Jesus tells her while she listens.

But, I didn't go in that direction.  These verses, what Jesus actually said, came to mind:

Your Father knows what you need.  Matthew 6:8

Do not be afraid.  Matthew 14:27

I came that [you] may have life.  John 10:10

The Son of Man must suffer many things.  Mark 8:31

It is finished.  John 19:30

Believe in him whom he has sent.  John 6:29

Your sins are forgiven.  Luke 7:48

Take, eat; this is my body.  Matthew 26:26 

Take my yoke...and you will find rest for your souls.  Matthew 11:29 

My peace I give to you.  John 14:27

I go to prepare a place for you.  John 14:2

Love one another as I have loved you.  John 15:12
 

No Excuse, Sir

Recently, my pastor preached a sermon on James 5:7-11.  The sermon was titled Living Patiently, and was to remind us that although we live in an “instant gratification” society, we Christians are to be heavenly minded.  Pastor related a frustrating incident he had while waiting in line at a gas station.  He became visibly impatient, and to compound his failure, he was seen by someone from his church. 

We all know the feeling.  We bear the name of Christian, but fail to live up to that standard, and others see it.  We’re embarrassed because we know that our actions say something to those who are watching.

And we should try, and try hard not to sin.  But, my question is, “How do we react once we sin and someone sees that we’re not perfect?” 
 
We all have an inner hunger to feel good about ourselves, to be righteous, but we’re not...and we hate that about ourselves.  We hate to be caught and confronted with our own messed-up-ness. 

Again I ask, “How do we react?” 
 
Plebes at the Naval Academy are taught Five Basic Responses.  My favorite and the one which best defines life as a plebe is, “No Excuse, Sir,”  to which the upperclass normally respond, “You’re right, there’s no excuse for you.”

One of our biggest difficulties to bear as Christians is living with our own imperfectness.  But, I submit that admitting our failures to a watching world is huge, and is a testament to our faith.

What if we adopted a “No Excuse, Sir” attitude?

“Yes, I messed up.  I’m sorry.  I’m not perfect, and I hate that about myself.  But, that’s why Jesus came and died for my sins.  That’s my peace.” 

For a Christian to share his own sins and the gospel with a struggling sinner is medicine the sinner needs to hear.  We’re all looking for someone who knows everything about us, who knows we’re not perfect, and loves us anyway, enough to die for us.  That person is Jesus.  But He uses us imperfect Christians to get His message and His love to others.

To admit our wretchedness to ourselves is also medicine to our own souls, as Paul said:

Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 7:24-25

It’s hard to do, to say, “I’m sorry. I messed up.”  And, it feels awkward.  The sinner inside us doesn't like it - but the Spirit brings a strange yet comforting peace to our hearts when we confess, repent, and hear the gospel.  “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

John

I saw John today.  He's 50, a few years younger than me, and, until recently, he worked at Walmart.  

I met John a couple of years ago.  As I was leaving the store that day, he was sitting on a bench and called out, "I like your shirt."  I smiled.  It was a Naval Academy shirt, and he told me about his high school friend who had gone to the Naval Academy and about his own appreciation for our military.  We also talked about news and politics.

But what I remember most about that first conversation was John saying, "You're better than me."  I told him that wasn't so, and that's when I knew we were going to be friends.

We had many conversations after that.  John liked to talk about politics, how great this country had been, Fox News, and once about Star Wars.  Sometimes, I'd see John sitting on that bench, resting as he waited for the bus.  If he wasn't sitting, he was pushing a cart.  I think he worked as a stocker, but he also needed that cart for support, since he was disabled.  

Today, as I pulled into the parking lot, John was waiting outside at the bus stop.  I hadn't seen him for awhile, so I drove over and got out of the car.  He told me that he'd been fired a few months prior - can't remember if he said he was now getting disability or unemployment funds.  

Even though it was cold, John had short pants on and I saw how swollen his calves were in relation to his body.  I knew he had trouble walking, but had never seen his legs before.  

While we were talking, the bus drove up.  John told me again that I was special to him.  I gave him a little cash from my wallet,  and told him to find a good church.  He said that he was a Christian, but nothing about a church.  We wished each other Merry Christmas, and he got on the bus.

I had tears driving home...and regret that I hadn't given John more, that I didn't hug him or offer him a ride.  Because of sin, we're all broken bodies in a broken world.  None of us is any better or special than anyone else - we're all "Someone whom Christ died for."   

Dog Tags and What You Believe

Just saw another sign for a Community Church.  And I understand that.  When I entered the military at age 18, I wrote “Christian” on my dog tags form.  That was a mistake; “Christian” was not a choice.  I was sent to a Marine Captain to explain and to pick an approved denomination.  No kidding.

Non-denominational churches are growing in popularity.  In my local homeschool group, many families request recommendations for a conservative church, almost always non-denominational.  Their reasoning is, “I want to follow what the Bible teaches and not a denomination.”

The problem is...different people and churches have different views on what the Bible actually teaches, and each church has to believe and teach something.  Let me say that again, “Each church has to believe and teach something.” 

Non-denominational churches normally don’t like creeds - however, if you read their websites, they have a belief statement that reads like a creed.  In fact, most of these “statements” are in line with the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.  

Non-denominational churches also “take positions” on various Christian issues.  In researching these positions, I’ve noticed that the churches tend to have a Baptist/Wesleyan mix of teachings - believer’s baptism with a focus on living a moral, happy Christian life.
 
As a youth, I attended a Baptist church where baptism was practiced as an ordinance for believer’s or for those who had “made a decision.”  Looking back, I realize that believer’s baptism was taken for granted, and we never studied the Bible to confirm it.  Instead, we interpreted verses in light of the believer’s baptism position. 

As an adult, I was surprised to read Peter’s direction to his listeners after his Pentecost sermon:

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:38 

I had never thought that the answer to, “How do I know my sins are forgiven?” is “I’m baptized.”  I thought baptism was more an act of obedience and a witness to others.  But there it is in God’s Word.

And, I’ve since noted important teachings in many Bible passages that I had previously overlooked.

I wonder what the “non-denominational” appeal is.  When I was young, I attended church without my family, and I had no “belonging” associated with the Baptist church.  I felt like I just “belonged” to the Christian church.  Perhaps many young people also lack a family history of church attendance.  It even sounds “American” to be non-denominational.

I think “Generic Christian” is a better name for these churches, since the teachings vary from church to church, and often change within the same church.  You never know what you might get, and a new leader can mean a new focus, and new teachings.  

Maybe the military was onto something.  You can’t just be “Christian.”

What Do You Want For Christmas?

My son Scott and I used to go on runs together as part of our homeschool PE.  Scott was about 12 and loved to talk and babble.  About 30 seconds into every run, he’d ask, “So who do you want to win Survivor? And what do you want for Christmas?”  My Survivor response changed week-to-week, but my Christmas response became, “Peace and quiet and a good book.” 

And through the years, I continued to answer, “Peace and quiet and a good book.”  Seriously, I was homeschooling three sons.  Peace and quiet was in short supply.

In 2011, Scott left for college, and, with only one son at home, I changed my Christmas request.  I told my husband and sons, “I want each of you to write me a list of ten special memories you have of our family, and three things I can pray for you.” 

The boys weren’t too enthusiastic about this gift, but my husband said, “We’re going to give your mother what she wants.”  He took them to the store and had them buy greeting cards to write their lists on.

In general, I don’t remember Christmas gifts given or received in past years, especially more than a couple of years back.  I bet that’s the case for most people.  But I remember that year and those cards, and I know exactly where those cards are.

Some of their memories include:

• Running the Double Deuce - a 2-mile race, starting just before midnight on New Year's Eve
• Going to Maple Donuts after painting all day
• The Cow in the Basement
• The Crappy Hotel in Odessa

My husband actually found a card with cherries on the front to remind us of our visit to the Grand Canyon when we got sick eating cherries.

Even today, I laugh and tear-up when I read those cards or share them with my family.  They are cherished presents because they represent a giving of self.

And the ultimate gift, the best present, the one that matters most, was given by the One who gave Himself as a ransom for many, the One whose birth we celebrate during Christmas and the One whose return we await.

So, next time someone asks, “What do you want for Christmas?” think of what that person means to you and what it might be cool to get, to enjoy from them or to do with them...and, every now and then, give one of those gifts.

OCD and God's Word and Promises

This follow-up to “OCD and the Lutheran Confessions” is my story, my faith journey of dealing with a son who has a mental illness.

As a homeschool mom, I thought I had it all together.  I did my research; I knew I was doing a good job.  My oldest son, Jake, was a high school senior, National Merit Finalist, he wrote for the local newspaper, took college classes at Penn State.  He was doing well.
 
I remember the day in late December 2006...I knew something was wrong.  Jake was sitting on the couch and didn’t want to talk. Then he started asking questions about his salvation, how did he know for sure that he was a Christian, what if he was fooling himself, what if he was just afraid of hell...and on and on. 

Fairly quickly, I realized this was an anxiety disorder, and got Jake into counseling.  He had 6 initial appointments over 12 weeks.  Naively, I thought all would be fine after that.

During those first months, I often spent a couple of hours a day listening to Jake, and trying to answer him.  He’d be okay for a few days, then his doubts and questions would start again. 
 
I came to dread Sunday morning worship.  Jake would listen to the sermon, and somehow he’d reason that the message meant he wasn’t a Christian and was going to hell.  He'd often signal me that he wanted to leave and talk.  At home, I searched the Bible, looking for answers.  But Jake could always twist my answers into doubt. 

Finally, a psychologist diagnosed  OCD and recommended medication.  The doctor also advised that we not engage Jake in religious discussions, as that would feed his anxiety. 

I had started reading the Bible consistently when I was ten.  But now, reading my Bible or listening to a sermon went one of two ways - I either thought how the passage might help Jake, or I thought how Jake would twist the message. 

That fall, Jake went off to college, and, instead of excitement, I was anxious - worrying every day if he was okay,  wondering how to help him. 

Eventually, I just couldn’t do it anymore.  I shut down spiritually.  I stopped reading the Bible, reading any Christian books; during worship and sermons, I’d write chore lists, lesson plans, menus...anything so I wasn’t engaged.  The one thing, my faith, that had always been there, the thing that always had answers, was now the root cause of this stress.

After attending a Presbyterian church for 2 1/2 more years, the faith strain wore me down.  The drive to church was long, and we spent all Sunday morning at church.  For that reason and theological issues, we decided to attend an LCMS church closer to home. 
 
When Jake started graduate school in 2011, I relaxed a little.  One day, I met a homeschool mom who wanted to talk about End Times theology.  I remember thinking that was the last thing I wanted to discuss...but looking back, it was a safe subject that led me to briefly open my Bible again. 

At about the same time, we got an interim pastor at church, and I started listening to his sermons.  I now recognize that there’s healing in the Lutheran service, and God was healing; even when I wasn’t listening, He was at work.
 
That November, Jake called and was fairly distraught.  He didn’t understand why God made him that way.  It was the first time in almost 5 years that we’d really talked about his OCD.

After that phone call, I knew that I had to have answers for Jake and for me, that as his mother, I needed to be praying for him and needed to know what to pray.  And I knew those answers were in the Bible.  I intentionally set aside a day, December 17, 2011, when I would open my Bible and start searching.  I put a notebook, a pen, and my Bible on a table, ready to go.
 
I thought it was going to be a long process, but it didn’t take long. In His Word, I found God’s promises: God’s promises in His baptism, in being true to His Word.  Within a week or so, I gave up control of Jake to God.  And, I had peace and confidence that God would care for Jake, that God would work all things out for good, as He says He will.

But He also did the same for me.  I thought I had control, had it all together, and was succeeding in my faith and in my life.  In an instant, that faith in myself, in my ability, was shattered.  And, those five years were painful and hard.  I don’t know how I functioned.  But, because of it, I gained...I gained faith, love, trust, knowledge of my God.  I can't even compare my faith before OCD to faith after.  My only regret is that Jake suffers because of his condition.  Other than that, I wouldn’t change any of it.

Stars and Exclamation Points

The overuse of exclamation points is my grammar pet peeve.  Good writing doesn’t rely on punctuation to express emotion, but  allows the words to convey the sentiment.  



Even in Christian writing, exclamation marks are all too common.  Those exclamations, along with the accompanying “feel good” writing, tell the reader that life is fun, happy, and great, as if Christianity equates with constant excitement and bliss.

Certainly, God is good, provides for us, and keeps His promises.  But life is also full of sin, hurt, and death.  It's almost as if those exclamation points are denying and covering up sorrow and tribulation.  



I like to pray outside in the early morning hours.  Blended with the dark and the quiet, the starry sky is like God’s sanctuary, breathtaking and holy.  Creation testifies to a creator.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Psalm 19:1

Sometimes while praying, the experience seems bigger than me, and I’ll sing a hymn or kneel in prayer.  But like exclamation points which say “be happy” my view of God can become defined by looking at the starry sky.  And I’ll realize how easy it was for early man to worship the heavens.  And that I could do the same.

Just as I can't be perpetually happy, I can't simply look to the positive, to the beauty of creation, for my connection to God. He is not in happy, emotional stories, nor is He the majesty of creation.  

Jesus said,

“...Whoever has seen me has seen the Father...”  John 14:9

I look instead to Jesus, my savior, bloody, beaten, hurting, dying on the cross.  That’s our God and that’s where I find real forgiveness, real and lasting joy, not in trite, happy phrases or even in the majesty of creation.  But in Jesus, who walked among us, died for us, and rose again.


 

Money and the Weightier Matters

Contrary to what many people believe, money doesn't guarantee a better life and really can’t change the world.  Likewise, a church can have unlimited resources, all the bells and whistles, and still have empty pews.  God doesn’t change the world with money - He changes hearts. 

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  Ezekiel 36:26

In our New Member class this Sunday, my pastor shared his personal struggles with donating.  Two lessons he learned: 
 
1. Giving is about trusting God to provide.

...to “have a god” is to have something in which the heart entirely trusts.  Large Catechism, Part 1, The First Commandment

Because money meets our needs and brings security, donating money is difficult and risky.  Giving that money away means trusting God.
 
2. Consistent monetary giving is only the beginning of stewardship.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.  Matthew 23:23

Donating money is the easiest way to give.  Writing a check is simple, and we know the exact cost of the gift.  Giving beyond money, giving of self, is risky.

When my kids were little, I was obsessed with saving money.  While grocery shopping, I would watch the items being rung-up, and note any pricing mistakes.  I often got free stuff, since stores routinely don’t charge for items that are wrongly priced.
 
And then it happened; God changed my heart.
 
When I quit watching prices, I started noticing people.  Now, I probably spend a little more money, and it might take me longer to shop, but I've gained, and I've given.

For example... 

One evening, Jen, a cashier and Roman Catholic, shared with me that, because of divorce, the church wouldn't give her communion.  Right there in the check-0ut line, with people waiting behind me, I told her that Jesus died for even that sin, divorce, as I made the sign of the cross over her.  

It just happened.  I didn't even know “that” was something I could give.  

Money can't buy forgiveness of sins, only Jesus can and did.  And somehow, with that forgiveness, He changes our hearts, helps us to trust Him, and frees us to give in ways that change lives.  And, it's all gift from Him.

Voting for President

I confess...I haven't watched any of the presidential debates, interviews, or commentaries.  But I know many Christians are worried about the upcoming presidential election,  so here’s my food for thought...



Question: 
What is your starting part in considering how to vote? 

Your answer might include: military and security issues, the economy, abortion, immigration, gun control, Constitution concerns, or a candidate's character and experience.


While these are all valid points, the Bible doesn't tell us how to vote.  But, God’s Word does speak about government:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Romans 13:1

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.        1 Timothy 2:1-2


In other words, leaders are in their position because of God. The government is instituted by God and is in place for our good and the good of society.  And a well-ordered, law-abiding society helps the spread of the gospel.
 
Regarding the law, Jesus said that, after loving God, the second great commandment is:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  Matthew 22:39

Keeping in mind God's Word about government and His command to love, I'd like to propose a new starting point for voting.  What about voting for the candidate who will best help our neighbor and our neighbor's needs? 

Hmm...The first time I heard that, I was stumped.  All the issues went "out the window" and I was left thinking about neighbors. 



“Who’s my neighbor” brings a different answer for each Christian.  I think of the years I lived in California and saw people who were probably illegal immigrants, working illegally.  We used to joke that these people lived on the golf course near our apartment - they probably did.  On Saturdays, I’d see them at the convenience store, getting groceries and buying money orders to send home to their families.  They were my neighbors.



Now, thinking of voting for “the candidate who would best serve my neighbor” has changed my entire perspective.  Instead of focusing on the election, I think about living as a Christian, about serving my neighbor.  Having to weigh all the election issues isn't a burden anymore.  I can relax and let the unsolvable issues go. 

So this year I'll consider the candidates and vote.  But I'll also recognize God working in the process; I'll rest in His peace, His forgiveness, knowing that He's in control.  He gives me all I need, in Christ, and frees me to serve others.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.            Psalm 9:10

A Man of Prayer - Keith Barnett

About prayer, we Christians know that God commands us to pray.  

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances...1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And what does God do?  He promises to hear and answer our prayers.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  1 John 5:14

Praying is a big part of the Christian faith, and God is faithful; we just don’t know how He answers.  Often a chance occurrence brings an answer.  Or after a long struggle, we see an answer and understand.  And sometimes death happens, and we don’t understand, but still know He’s faithful.

Many people knew Keith as a musician.  I knew him as a man of prayer.  For over 3 years, I regularly attended prayer meetings at First Saint John’s in York, PA, and that’s where I met Keith.  Keith and I were kindred souls - Lutherans from Baptist backgrounds.  At one meeting, when only the two of us were present, we spent a good hour talking about our faith journeys and sharing how much we loved and appreciated Lutheran teachings. 

Praying aloud means sharing with other Christians your personal relationship with God.  It requires being intimate and vulnerable; you can't be fake before God...maybe that’s why so many people don’t like to pray out loud.  It’s not a comfortable thing for me either.  But, I value the times I prayed with Keith.

Keith often started his prayers with parts of the Lord’s Prayer.  He prayed simply, with passion and trust.  And he was always gracious.  On one occasion I remember him saying, “Kathy’s going to close the prayer?  I love it when Kathy prays.”  I was somewhat embarrassed, but also encouraged by his words.  

My tears are not for Keith, but for me.  We live in a sinful, broken world and life is hard.  When Christians share faith and prayers, those times are precious.  Keith, I loved it when you prayed.

...“For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen”

Lutheran Worship - Confession and Absolution

While reading the Bible this morning, I was reminded of one of my favorite parts of the Lutheran service, Confession and Absolution. 

Because I grew up in a Baptist Church, I thought the Baptist service was the correct way to worship.  But over the years, I’ve come to love and appreciate Lutheran worship.  And, I’m continually delighted at its depth and Biblical basis.
 
In the Lutheran service, we, as a church body, confess our sins together, admit our failures, and ask for God’s mercy. The Pastor, as a called servant, announces the forgiveness of sins, based on the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Now about this corporate confession, the Baptist will say, “If I sin, I just tell God in my heart, in my prayers.  I don’t need that preacher to tell me I'm forgiven.”  And, as a former Baptist, I thought the same way and for years didn't realize what was happening in the Lutheran service. 

Then I read...   

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.  John 20:23

The Lutheran teaching is that the pastor, in his office, is “standing in the place” of Jesus and announcing forgiveness of sins. “If you forgive the sins of any...”

As always, it’s God’s Word that both crushes and comforts us.  And we need to hear it.

...And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:14

God’s Word is effective; it does what it says.  If Jesus died for my sins, how do I receive that forgiveness, how do I know it?  The office of the pastor functions to announce that forgiveness...to me.  I hear it and know it.  I know I’m forgiven.  

We also see this forgiveness in the Old Testament, in all the sacrifices that are ultimately fulfilled in Christ.  The Israelites regularly saw the smoke rising from the sacrifice and smelled the pleasant aroma of a lamb burning...the death of another for their sins.

The Psalms speak often of God's forgiveness.

If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.  Psalm 130:3-4

Back to the passage I was reading in Matthew this morning...

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Matthew 27:3-4

Wow...Judas goes to the chief priests and elders and confesses that he's sinned.  Instead of mercy, grace, and hope, they give him nothing, “What is that to us?” and send him away. 

Likewise, we are in need of forgiveness.  “See to it yourself” is not an answer for the guilty conscience.  We sin daily, both outward sins and sins of the heart.  It seems so simple, but it's lost on American Christianity...we need to confess our sins and hear God’s forgiveness, hear that we are forgiven.   And hearing that forgiveness is sweet and precious.