Pray for Your Enemies

 

Lately, I have been grieved by the actions of my fellow humans. Politicians (all parties!) using other fellow humans as pawns. Hate, greed, selfishness, and disobedience abound. Lying, cheating, anarchy, are not hard to find. Now before you get on the train of “The world is worse than it ever has been”, one needs to be a student of history. There have always been corrupt leaders. Abuse was happening then, it was just covered up or not talked about. Whole groups of people treated like mere animals. The list goes on. It makes one almost wish that they had the super power to zap the offenders in their heinous acts. The current political climate especially irritates me. I have even heard some who have said crazy things like “Someone just needs to take them out”. It’s kind of the superhero conundrum. I feel like there are lots of rules for us, but none for the bad guys. It’s a mess to be sure.

What is really amazing is that we feel this way, and we have it good. According to a report from Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Over 22,000 Christians have been killed in Africa just this year. In Somalia totals are harder to find, mostly because Christians have to stay hidden there, but it seems thousands have been beheaded for their faith there also. North Korea, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, all are also facing terrible persecution. Yet they continue steadfast and still try to show love and compassion. I fear they are more righteous than most here.

Jesus was no stranger to such things. He saw oppression, treachery, false accusations, and neglect first hand. If anyone had the right to zap someone, It would be Him. As the creator of the world he understood that violence and retribution are not the answer. In part of the Sermon on the Mount he said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5: 44-48 NIV

Here’s where it hit me. I have whined, complained, argued, quoted statistics, and talked to others about what should be done, but there has been very little prayer about it. Do I think some of our elected officials are doing the wrong thing? Love & Pray. Do I feel persecuted by unfair taxes, laws or rules? Love and Pray. Has someone made a personal, unfounded attack on you? Love & Pray. It sounds counter intuitive, but it’s God’s way. Its’s the only way. I think the Apostle Paul summed it up well for us.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NIV

Blessings!

Waiting for Something?

 

Waiting. It’s an American pastime. In fact, I think we 21^st century Americans are trying to monopolize it. There are so many fun phrases about waiting.

Waiting for the paint to dry. Waiting for the dust to settle. Waiting for the right moment. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Waiting for something to turn up. Waiting on pins and needles.  Waiting in the wings.  An accident waiting to happen. Waiting with bated breath. (That one caused quite a stir with one of my bilingual friends. They had no idea what I meant!)

It didn’t used to be that way, at least from what I have read. Oh, you might have been waiting for the pot to boil, but there were a thousand other things to do so that you didn’t hear “a watched pot never boils”.

I remember watching a documentary about what it was like to homestead in the northern states. The man helping them prepare for the coming winter gave them this advice. If you have any spare time at all, chop wood. Done with laundry? Chop wood. Chores done. Chop wood. Done chopping wood? Chop some more. It seems now that we have so many modern conveniences, all designed to save time, we now have loads of spare time on our hands. We don’t have to garden, we stand in line at the local grocery store while we wait to purchase our goods. We don’t have to wash clothes down at the local creek, we let the machines do it, while we wait. Because we like the luxuries of living in the city, we get to wait for the stoplight to change.

Truthfully, because of our own lifestyle choices, the waiting game is not going away soon. But there is something you can do. Find something to do. But please, make it productive. I’m not advocating numbing your senses with mindless phone app scrolling. I mean something real, helpful, and fulfilling.

Find something to learn in those downtime moments. Carry notecards. Bring a good book - a classic or something aimed at self-improvement. Imagine how the world would change if we used some of that dreaded “wait time” to memorize or meditate on scripture? For those more outgoing, what if we used that time to connect with those around us? Grand children need to hear grandpa and grandma’s stories. There are many who could use some encouragement. They’re doing fine and headed in the right direction, they just need a little reassurance on their journey. There are some who would just love for someone to acknowledge that they exist.

Even though we seem to have everything we could ever need, there may be times when we find ourselves “waiting on the Lord” for Him to bring about change, an answer to a prayer, or some provision. Don’t let these be idle times either. There is always plenty of work to do, and it also helps to take our mind off of the worrying. So next time you are “stuck waiting”, look for those “good works” that God has for us to do. You will find the waiting is transformed into activity and the time will begin to fly by!

When You’ve Seen the End of the Story

Those that really know me would agree that I like fantasy fiction (Lord of the Rings et.al.) but they may not know my dirty little secret. I like to read ahead to make sure that a character isn’t going to die. Whereas my wife hates spoilers, I will purposely look them up. Like who’s going to win Top Chef this season kind of peeking.  Kind of cheating I guess. Still, I am smart enough not to say anything. Not because I don’t like spoilers, but because I would like to eat something besides my own cooking. (If I have to explain, don’t ask.)

For a Christian though, it is a necessity. Jesus reassured us that the end is already written and that He has overcome. Without that assurance, I don’t think many of us could carry on. Knowing that heaven is assured and good will overcome evil allows us to serve Him no matter the cost. Paul said “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Knowing our final future removes the fear of death. And that’s what Jesus did.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV

This kind of thinking, Kingdom Mindedness does not fit in very well will this current world’s philosophy. In fact, they basically think were crazy.

Case in point. The Modesto area has a rich history of Dutch immigrants, many of who are descendants of the Dutch Anabaptists. They did not choose this name willingly. It came as a slander from their enemies. Although I don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye with them in all of their practices, I guess in some form I would be called an Anabaptist too.  An account from 1569 recently caught my eye. Dirk Willems lived in what is now the Netherlands during a time where they were governed over by The Holy Roman Empire (AKA the Catholic Church.) The Catholic church and many of the local protestant groups where practicing infant baptism. Dirk and others were considered Anabaptists because they believed you should be baptized after a pledge of faith in Christ, not as a baby. Because if this and because he had helped others to be “rebaptized”, he was tortured and jailed. Here’s where the unusual mindset occurs. He fashioned a rope of rags and escaped through a window. Unfortunately he is spotted, and the “catcher” is sent after him. He made his way across a small frozen lake and because he was thin from his meager prison rations, manages to not break the ice. His pursuer however, was not so lucky. The jailor fell through the ice and was in peril of drowning. Dirk, the godly man that he was, could not let go of Christ’s admonition, “Love your enemies”, and so went back and pulled him out. The man did not want to arrest Dirk, but at the chastening of the burgomaster (kind of like the mayor) to “remember his oaths”, he was rearrested and brought back to trial. Because of his confession of rebaptism, his crime aiding and abetting others to get rebaptized, and his unwillingness to recant, he was sentenced to be burned at the stake. He was executed the 16, of May, 1569, a long and torturous ordeal I might add. You can read about it here. https://anabaptistfaith.org/dirk-willems/

What I found so interesting were people’s comments about his actions. Most thought he was unwise, nay stupid, for saving the guards life. Phrases like, “He was the enemy. You never help the enemy” abounded. Some used the old adage, “No good deed goes unpunished”. Very few thought it was a noble gesture.

Dirk Willems did not fear death. What he feared was doing the wrong thing - disobeying the commands of Christ. I think he knew if he went back, that would be the end. Yet he did. We are not told what happened to the guard. I’m sure he thought long and hard about what Dirk had done. Will we meet him in heaven? There’s no way to be sure. At least Dirk’s sacrifice gave him another day to think about it.

No, like Dirk, we shouldn’t fear death. Not because we are stupid, but because we have read to the end of the story, and we know who wins.

When the Story Doesn’t End (But Should!)

The last two posts about stories were looking at timelines that had reached their finale. This one takes it in the other direction. For some reason over the last week or so, I have been bombarded with memories of past mishaps, failures, and many the times I have let people down. They mostly started in the form of dream events. But once you start rehearsing the past, it has a way of continuing in your thoughts. To be honest, none of them are the Earth-shattering things that you would think would haunt your dreams, but none the less, if you dwell on them, they can get you down. The time in 1^st grade that I led the group in “Chicken Little” too far to the side of the stage so that some of them were running into the curtain. (In my defense, I was the understudy so I never really got to practice.) Or the time the speaker system I had borrowed for homecoming music wasn’t good enough. Not “being a fit” for the job I was in. The time I forgot some equipment on a camping trip. Pressing “buy”, and then realizing I had checked $100 instead of $10. And on and on.

None of these were really that important. So why was it bothering me? I’ve tried to narrow down the causes and here’s what I came up with.

1. It is a direct attack of Satan because I’m getting too spiritual. Ya, don’t think so.

2. I have some deep trauma that I need to face through regression therapy. Serious doubt it. 

3. It was the pizza. Ok, could be part of it, but kinda shallow.

4. We are all in a spiritual battle with the forces of this world, and as long as I focus on what’s wrong with me, I’m not much good for helping others.  There, now I think we are getting somewhere.

My wife and I have a passion for the homeless and under-resourced in our area. I do notice a correlation between successes at the ministry we volunteer at and the spiritual battles we face. We have seen some great life changing stories lately.  I really get the feeling that the side of spiritual wickedness does not like this.

I think the Apostle Paul went through the same thing. And he had some major regrets. He had persecuted Christians in Jerusalem and beyond. He had tried to destroy the early Church. He had consented to the death of Stephen, and was there when it happened. I’m sure he battled with memories from the past.

So how did he handle it? Philippians 3:13-14 says: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. NIV

Because of God’s wonderful forgiveness, we are allowed the luxury of forgetting the past and it’s failures and looking forward to the end of the race that really matters. If Paul, who called himself “the least of the Apostles” can do it, we can too. Let us leave out past failures at the foot of the cross and continue ahead to hear that “Well Done” at the end of the race. The past is past, unchangeable, to be learned from but not dwelled on. It’s what we do now, today, that can change those around us and possibly, even the world. Let it go. Press on soldier, press on!

Going Nowhere Fast

 Most of us have been in situations where we realize that no matter what we do, the forward progress seems to come to a grinding halt. It’s 3 steps forward, two steps back. It’s spinning your wheels. My dad used to call it going nowhere fast. I experience this recently at 6^th grade science camp. Most of the time the students were running full steam ahead, mostly because they were doing things that they already knew and were already good at. They ran. They played games. They snacked. Then there was kayaking.

I found myself riding with a very inexperienced 6^th grader who, through no fault of their own, knew absolutely nothing about kayaking, let alone how to steer while paddling. I found myself surrounded by students vigorously trying to get across the water, yet going in circles or accidentally ramming into one another and myself. Again, not their fault. For most of them it was their first time in a boat, let alone a kayak that they were supposed to move in a specific direction. This is one of those situations where you really shouldn’t take life too seriously. You try to explain, demonstrate, cheer, and hope for the best. Needless to say, I did most of the heavy lifting on this one. We were going nowhere fast, but we were having fun, well I guess most of us were.

So what is your response when you feel like you are spinning your wheels? It’s taken me many years, but I have grown to understand that when this happens, you need to look for a cause. Sometimes we will just find out we’re doing it wrong. But as a believer in “divine appointments” - those times where God has put you in the right spot, at the right time, with the right tools to be a help to someone. I’ve noticed that very often, if you really pay attention, there is someone or something that God wants you to notice. It might be a situation that is totally unrelated to you current predicament that He desires you to notice. Call it a side-line if you will, but it might just be the best thing you do all day. It could be a need, a project, or a hurting person. It just might be that God needed to slow you down from you 90 mph day so that it/they would get your attention.  So if you ever have that feeling of going nowhere fast, try this.

1. Stop and take notice. Are you doing something wrong, or is there someone in need.

2. Pray that God would guide you to where you need to be, both physically and in your awareness around you.

3. Look for those “divine appointments”. They happen more often than you think.

4. Leave those people and places you touch that day a little better for you being there.

5. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. (And don’t argue with him in your head. You will find out that God also has a sense of humor.)

It takes being in the moment, being aware of what is happening around us. It takes a little work on our part, but being someone’s hero for the day is a great place to end up. It might just help you stop spinning your own wheels and get you on with your day – only this time with a smile on your face. 

When The Story Ends (part 2)

Yesterday we went to a Celebration of Life for my wife’s aunt and uncle. He passed away a couple years ago, but they wanted to have the celebration for them together when she passed. It seems that I am at a point in my life where I am losing friends faster than I am making new ones. This probably isn’t true, but it feels like it.

It wasn’t really a sad time; they both lived into their 80s and had a good life. It just isn’t the same without them. Their youngest son gave a wonderful life summary. As crazy as he is, he has always been good with words. He ended with a quote from, of all people, Dr. Seuss.

On the surface, Dr. Seuss is known for a collection of children’s books that are silly, thoughtful, fanciful, outrageous, and educational, all at the same time. Some books like Green Eggs and Ham are just plain silly. I am told that book was written as a challenge to use only certain words given to him. But others taught us about prejudice (Sneetches) care for nature (The Lorax) forgiveness & redemption (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and even counting & colors (1Fish 2 Fish). There was much more to the man than is seen on the surface.

The quote he used was “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” It’s an amazing little quote if you really ponder it. Things end. Situations change. If we dwell on the loss, we will always be sad. Today was the last day of this year’s work season for me at the State Park. It will be strange not working, but oh the stories I have from this year! It is in remembering the fun times, the journeys, the serendipitous happenings, were we can smile and be glad we were part of it. Grieving is a part of healing. But don’t settle there. Take time to recall the joy, the laughter, and the triumphs in the season you just finished. Many times what seems to be extreme chaos looks totally different when viewed from the hindsight vantage point. Take time to reflect, admire, and appreciate where you have been. God promises the journey will be worthwhile.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good

of those who love him, who  have been

called according to his purpose.”  

Romans 8:28 NIV

When the Story Ends

Have you ever had a book with a story so inviting, so captivating, that you struggle to put it down? I have a student in one of my classes that is never seen without his book. I joked with him today when I had to ask him to put it away during science class that "I know his pain". There have been times that a book is so intriguing that I struggled to put it down. I would think about it as I did other chores. Sometimes I might even dream about it. Books can be amazing, how they can captivate the mind. Yet there was one moment that I always dreaded - The end of the book. Oh, I was glad the hero finally won, that there was plot resolution, and that the evil characters had been thwarted. But there was also that feeling of sadness that it was all finished. It sounds silly, and it may be a reason that I really enjoy book series, but it is still a real thing.

And that’s how I am feeling now. Once again, life’s relentless forward motion has gained another of my friends. Two days ago, one of our volunteers at the homeless and under-resourced ministry we help at, passed away. Louis was a joy to be around. He and his wife really needed the groceries, meals, extras that we gave out every week. But I think he came mostly because he wanted to help. He would always be there on Wednesdays to help pack and hand out groceries. He would sing the songs with a gusto usually reserved for worship leaders. One of his favorite songs was “Oh There’s Nothing Better Than You”. He would say the verse of the month almost every time we met. You could get a $10 gift card to the Dollar Store if you could quote it from memory. You can only get one gift card a month, but that never stopped him. He would even help others, especially children, learn it. I don’t think I ever saw him complain. Even though he had lost part of his leg to an infection, he always had a smile and something good to say.

And now he’s gone. His story with us has ended. But it’s really not The End. He has started a whole new story. Happily, this one will last a good while! For eternity! God speed Louis! Save a spot at the table for us!

Have you ever had a book with a story so inviting, so captivating, that you struggle to put it down? I have a student in one of my classes that is never seen without his book. I joked with him today when I had to ask him to put it away during science class that "I know his pain". There have been times that a book is so intriguing that I struggled to put it down. I would think about it as I did other chores. Sometimes I might even dream about it. Books can be amazing, how they can captivate the mind. Yet there was one moment that I always dreaded - The end of the book. Oh, I was glad the hero finally won, that there was plot resolution, and that the evil characters had been thwarted. But there was also that feeling of sadness that it was all finished. It sounds silly, and it may be a reason that I really enjoy book series, but it is still a real thing.

And that’s how I am feeling now. Once again, life’s relentless forward motion has gained another of my friends. Two days ago, one of our volunteers at the homeless and under-resourced ministry we help at, passed away. Louis was a joy to be around. He and his wife really needed the groceries, meals, extras that we gave out every week. But I think he came mostly because he wanted to help. He would always be there on Wednesdays to help pack and hand out groceries. He would sing the songs with a gusto usually reserved for worship leaders. One of his favorite songs was “Oh There’s Nothing Better Than You”. He would say the verse of the month almost every time we met. You could get a $10 gift card to the Dollar Store if you could quote it from memory. You can only get one gift card a month, but that never stopped him. He would even help others, especially children, learn it. I don’t think I ever saw him complain. Even though he had lost part of his leg to an infection, he always had a smile and something good to say.

And now he’s gone. His story with us has ended. But it’s really not The End. He has started a whole new story. Happily, this one will last a good while! For eternity! God speed Louis! Save a spot at the table for us!