A View on Independence

 

July 4 2022

July 4 is one of those days that takes no thought to recognize what happened on that day. Anniversaries, birthdays, certain religious holidays etc etc derive enough importance that just a brief mention of them automatically registers in our brain and our hearts. Independence Day for the United States of America is a well-known holiday – even around the world. It is mostly known as a secular, patriotic celebration. But here is a different spin from our Founding Fathers.

The Founding Fathers were highly religious and faith-oriented men. Despite popular thinking, most were not deists. There are plenty of examples of their writings and proclamations that back up their faith and involvement with God in the founding of the country and the writing of the Constitution, as well as in their everyday lives. They were certainly not perfect, but it is important to reflect on their backgrounds and perspectives as they fashioned the nation and Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were clear in their faith in word and deed. Some were even pastors – Rev Dr John Witherspoon, Robert Treat Paine, Lyman Hall, Francis Hopkinson, Roger Sherman. Other well-known colonists who were active in that time such as Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield were very influential in the culture of the colonies, preaching and influencing communities all over.

Which brings me to Independence Day. John Adams recommended that the day “be celebrated by succeeding generations… as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” And Thomas Jefferson noted “God who gave us life, gave us liberty.” Many early Independence Day celebrations included a faith-based perspective, annually recognizing God’s influence in our nation’s independence and creation.

I hope we will all thank Almighty God on this most important national holiday for what he has trusted us with.

There are many other examples of Divine influence in our independence and founding, and I for one am grateful that we have that Godly foundation of our nation. I think I see it rising again from God and in His people. Pray for our Nation. God knows.

Information and quotes from The American Story, by David Barton and Tim Barton.

Have an excellent and enjoyable Independence Day 2022!

Prayers for families and staff in Uvalde TX

 I don't have anything to say right now about the people suffering in Uvalde. Nothing I'd say changes what happened or makes it go away. I will later. As a sub teacher this semester I have thought of this many times, and was in class when I heard about it. The world is an evil place, but the people make it better. PRAYERS FOR THOSE FAMILIES AND STAFF IN UCISD AS THEY GRIEVE.

Is Good Friday really good?

 When I was a teenager most kids had a newspaper route. I had an egg route. My family bought eggs from a nearby farmer and one day he asked me if I would take over the deliveries to his customers in my neighborhood. I used my bike, but I didn’t throw the egg cartons like the paper boy did. 

One Friday afternoon I was delivering to a nearby home and the mother asked me what I was doing that night. “You don’t have a date tonight do you? Its Good Friday, you know.” I didn’t have a date that night. Not even close! But more importantly, her remark has remained with me for all these years, and set an indelible impression on me about this day. 

In today’s busy, culturally and spiritually diverse atmosphere, and with Church attendance fading, Good Friday has become an afterthought. If you are a believer you likely go to church for Stations of the Cross, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. But I think that is a minority of people. Life goes on like any other Friday. Its not solemn. Some take the day off, some have to work. I am almost always thinking about the Cross between noon and 3 pm that day. I try to imagine with my mind’s eye what that day looked like. I have seen it portrayed in theatrical events over the years, but I doubt that’s very accurate. We read about it during this week but again that doesn’t do the story justice.

No one will deny that the past 15 months have been very weird, unsettling, and in some cases downright depressing. Covid, lockdowns, economic turmoil, being separated from loved ones- in some cases forever, and just an eerie dark cloud over everything has been following us all around. 

But does Good Friday have any influence on how we perceive our circumstances these days? The Bible foretells of the events, so even back in that day there was a clue of hope coming. We know the end of the story now, so despite the tragedy of Good Friday, we know that the victory of the Resurrection is coming. Do we act like it “in these troubled times?”  What’s our posture toward our circumstances, our faith, our family, friends, neighbors? Even just the strangers we meet or pass by as we are going about our day. 

I’m no psychiatrist but I’m pretty sure most people are hungry for just some sane, pleasant, genuine interaction from others. Even if its just a greeting to a stranger in the parking lot as we are headed into Kroger. 

We tend to want to jump ahead and focus on Easter Sunday. And with good reason. But Easter Sunday is just another pretty spring day without Good Friday. And we have no hope for our own redemption without it. Its really uncomfortable to think about that, but it was deadly for Jesus. Without Jesus on the Cross, we can’t do enough to impress God for our salvation.

Psalm 22, especially v16-18 describes in detail what will happen hundreds of years later. Isaiah 53 talks about it too, and in v11, about the Resurrection. Jesus himself talks about his impending Messianic calling in Matthew 17:22-23.

The Bible is a book, but it is the Word of God. Inspired by Him and written down by chosen men for us to read, know and live 2000 years later. In my talks with various folks in different venues and circumstances over the past year I have become convinced that there are a sizeable number of believers in the world who know the Word, work to live it, and share it with others. 

More on that on Sunday. 

For now, this is Good Friday. 

And it is Good.

What does all this mean this year? 2020

 

I don’t know any better than you do.

Our house in Sugar Land

A few days ago Jupiter and Saturn aligned themselves in the current sky. We have spoken of that here in the past, but we actually got to see it on Monday. They are planets, not stars, and they appear close but are really very far away. Just visible in the same plane from time to time. And they move, and their movement in relation to each other can make it look like one is stationery while the other moved around it.  We see it one way, but it is actually different. This happened when the Baby Jesus was born. It led the Wise Men to the manger where Jesus lay. The movement is a known astrological event, but it was used for a purpose

Have you ever been looking for something, and then found it but in a completely different place? Have you ever experienced an event that is unexplainable, that occurred against all odds? Something that happened and seemed to fall apart, but then as time goes on an unexpected shift happens, and things go in a completely different direction and a much better one? #2020

I’m tired of dealing with life in “these troubled times.” I don’t like to hear or say that phrase. I’m tired of masks, as I am sure you are. And not being able to go to the movies, have a large party or go to one. Not able to go to church as a family (ours is open, but we are being careful due to our family situation). It seems like our whole world – and the literal world – is falling apart. 2020 has been a real bust. We thought the Covid would be gone in a few weeks or months, but we are in month 10 or 13, depending on when you think it started. I’m not going to list all the messes of 2020 – you know them all to well. But have you stopped to wonder? Is there something going on in this? Is there a silver lining in this monster storm cloud? I don’t believe in coincidences. There’s more to this than we can see now. I don’t have an answer. I don’t even know if we come out of this for the better or the wors-er. But as a Bible believing Christian I know that God is in control. There have been quite a few events occur in my family’s life the past few months. I have been to or restricted from going to, 6 funerals this year. None actually were Covid deaths. Other trials and challenges that have disrupted our “normal” life. Yet we are very, VERY blessed. I’m sure some of you reading this have much more difficult circumstances. I talk almost every day to people who don’t have 2 nickels to rub together. They are afraid they are going to lose their house. They are dependent on other family members for food and support. And yet a number of those people still acknowledge God and their faith in him.

It seems that there is alot of destruction going on in the world today. Physical, social, economic, civil, faith, etc etc etc. I hope and pray that something stronger, better rises up out of those ashes. Some people call that a miracle. I don’t know how you define a miracle, but I say its something that happens that is beyond the ability of us to comprehend or control, such that only Divine Intervention can explain it. I would really like a Divine Intervention right now. I have my requests in, but evidently the time is not right. But I feel blessed. I am blessed. Even in these times (I didn’t say it). A believer knows that God is always in control, His ways are not our ways, and He will bring his Will for us at the right time. The perfect time. Could it be that He hasn’t fixed stuff yet because the purpose of the trouble is still going on?

We learned in 9^th grade English that a paper has an introduction, body and conclusion. I don’t have a conclusion here. The conclusion is still coming. But there is an end. It’s a light, and its not a freight train. Christmas is filled with all kinds of Light. Light means hope, just like rain means provision. Jesus is the Light of the World. Where there is light, darkness cannot stand. Where Jesus is, sin cannot stand. You have to pick up a flashlight to shine it, you have to accept Jesus to remove your sin. That’s it. One ingredient in this recipe. There are certainly other things around that light and what it reveals, but no other ingredients. I’m pretty sure God is shining his flashlight on something He wants us to see. Maybe just Himself.

Merry Christmas !!!

May I suggest you search for the song “Is He Worthy” by Jakedog Music. I didn’t want to infringe on their copyright so I didn’t put it here. But it inspired parts of this message. Also inspired by my pastor Neil McClendon’s message from Christmas Eve. He’s at Grand Parkway Baptist Church, Richmond, Texas. You can YouTube that as well.

More Good

Personal opinion only, and not lecturing anyone. I live in the south. I live in one of the 3 or 4 most diverse counties in America. Made up of some native or generational, some first or second generation from other parts of the world.

As a past business owner, church member, neighbor, citizen, patron, I interact with all kinds of people all the time. Probly just like you. Some in only superficial ways such as a smile or wave or head nod. Some to a much more personal level. My experience is that there are many people in my exposure who are friendly, respectful, pleasant, helpful, concerned, polite. Or at the very least, just minding their own business.
I love God, family, country, in that order. My country is most valuable to me. I treasure and learn of its history. Both good and bad. I believe it is a beacon to the rest of the world. I believe that the vast majority of us are trying to get along, be nice, take care of our families neighbors and friends, and make the world a better place than when we got here. I try to be nice and friendly to anyone and everyone I see. Sometimes its just holding a door, letting someone in line, checking on a 96 year old neighbor.
I'm not special. I think there are many many many others like me who do the same thing. Every. Single. Day. The world is a messy, sinful place, but there is plenty of Good in it as well. I believe more than we recognize. I believe the best way to keep that up is to pray, be a good neighbor, and not be influenced by bad behavior.
Keep going. Be a light. Let it be seen by others. One person at a time this will spread like candles in the dark.

Its Easter Sunday, finally!

Good Morning. It is Sunday, April 12, 2020.

Christians celebrate our Sabbath day on Sunday, not Saturday, because we believe in The Resurrection of Jesus Christ on that first Easter Sunday. There were no eggs or chocolate bunnies that year. There were no yard decorations or fancy dresses. Because no one knew. Except God.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me.” 
Matthew 28:2, 10

We have been through a trying and upsetting Lent. Nothing like it. Ever. But Jesus went through a week of torture, (undeserved) judgment, and death 2000 years ago. His week was worse. But He did it anyway, because that was the plan. To save us from sin and bring us to a permanent, divinely inspired relationship with God. HE did. The Resurrection. There is no WE. Except to accept that and believe.

God has a plan for us too. For each of us. I hope you celebrate it or accept it this Sunday. The Church is celebrating Easter 2020 as never before. To think that every church building is locked and quiet this day is unthinkable. But thinking doesn’t matter in this. Believing does.

One of my favorite songs, this is the opening.

Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty
Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Savior
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus
- Hillsong Worship.

Blessings on this Easter Day!

Supper Time

It is Thursday afternoon. My daughter Kassie and I are making dinner tonight. Since I’m not the cook in the family, we will be sticking with what we know. Burgers, fries and salad. A simple, traditional American meal that I probably can’t screw up.

Today is Holy Thursday. Maundy Thursday. The beginning of the end for Jesus. There is another supper for this time. I’m not sure what was on the menu that night, but it was another traditional fare I expect. Jesus and His twelve disciples sat and ate. Jesus washed their feet. The symbolism of that is of service to others, the washing away of sins by Jesus upcoming death and burial. John 13:1-9. A “transaction” occurred later. We know now that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen.
Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin for commandment. The command to love one another as He has loved us. By this you will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.  John 13:34-35

We will not be having our traditional Maundy Thursday service this year due to the corona virus. But we will probably have a dinner on Thursday night. And the Church is not a building, it is the people. We don’t need a building to worship our God. How many times did Jesus and the disciples have church in a building? And you don’t need a pastor or other minister to have a remembrance of this night. As a believer you have enough of an understanding, no matter what that is, to be able to foster that yourself.

I gotta say, folks, I don’t know God’s plan or intent for this virus. President Trump was hoping a few weeks ago we would be done with this threat in time to gather back in our church buildings for Easter. That’s not gonna happen. We are being forced out of the building, out of our normal routine of Holy Week.  And Easter week. My sister told me that her parish priest took the Monstrance out the church doors and walked it down the main street in a small procession last weekend, to another nearby church that he also ministers at. Everyone there on that street saw it. It wasn’t cooped up in a building. It was on display for the world to see. Many Christians, especially Catholics, know what that is about. They might have been surprised to see it on the sidewalk in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, but I’m sure it registered quickly. Lots of people in our neighborhood down here in Sugar Land, Texas are decorating their yards with reminders of the upcoming Easter holy day. Some I saw had chalk pictures and sayings on the driveway or on their vehicles. There will be some who see these signs and do not understand. But they will see something that has been cooped up inside four walls for thousands of years. (Yes, I know, there are outdoor Easter Sunday services and such, but nothing like this.) They might be confused, but the Holy Spirit will take care of that. We might be called on to assist or support.

It is our duty and responsibility to take the situation and turn these circumstances into a new way of worshipping our Lord. Or, actually, to do it like they did back in Biblical times. The Church has crashed the doors of the building, and the Church is on every street in America, and the world. Has been for several weeks actually. Any type of denominational worship is available to you. There is literally no barrier to the world being able to see what Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday are like. I encourage you to use your spiritual gifts, personality, creativity and love for the Lord to show those around you how this works, what you believe, and why.
This looks to be an exciting Easter, not because of what we think it should be, but because of what God can use it to be. Despite the tragedy and despair and uncertainty. God has a way of cleaning all that up. And then it will be supper time again on Sunday, when we can rejoice and celebrate with another meal. God Bless Us All.

Parts from the Baptist News, catholic.org and Scripture as referenced.