Transition

For many months Blogger/Blog Spot, who is the host for The Christian Ear, has worked on transitioning to a new interface. Blogger is at the point where they insist all users transition to the new format by the end of the month. No doubt there is financial component behind the switch; however, I am not willing to jump through the hoops.

So, after writing a daily, five-day a week blog, I have decided it is time to discontinue writing The Christian Ear. 

Thanks to all who have joined me over the last 14-plus years in looking for God in everyday life experiences.    

Blessings, 

Gail

Growing Together

There are online games that allow players to chat with one another and unfortunately, some unscrupulous people try to build a relationship with others in order to victimize them. I’ll admit that I was once suckered into building a chat-relationship with a fictitious player and I learned a valuable lesson. I discovered I can still play the game with these frauds; I just don’t chat or build a relationship with them. The Parable of the Weeds is applicable. A man’s enemy sowed weeds among good seeds that were planted in his field, “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn’” (Matt 13:28b-30 NIV).

Servants of the Word

Luke opens his Gospel with his purpose for writing, the intended audience, and his methodology in approaching the subject. Doctor Luke said, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word” (Luke 1:1-2 NIV). We may not be eyewitnesses, but those in this generation who diligently study the Bible are indeed servants of the Word.   

Lonely Places

I struggle with feeling that ministry opportunities have been ripped away from us because of COVID-19. We are in a lonely place because we can no longer reach or serve people in the same manner we once did. However, I recently realized we are in good company. Jesus experienced something similar, but rather than wringing his hands and abandoning his ministry, he worked around the obstacles. At the start of his ministry Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.” (Luke 4:43-44 NIV). However, the Lord’s preaching in the synagogues was short lived when he healed a man with leprosy. “Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere” (Mark 1:43-45 NIV).

Wrong Motives

Last Thursday I watched the funeral service for Senator John Lewis and found myself mentally recoiling at the politically motivated prayers that were prayed in the name of Jesus Christ. For instance, praying to God for worldwide white supremacy to be eliminated, Black Lives Matter would be upheld, black people would have equality in housing, that all black people would be united in their votes in the upcoming presidential election, etc. James said, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:1-3 NIV).

God’s Wrath

Fake news is everywhere and social media keeps it alive. Recently there was a post about an incident in Walmart where the voice over the PA system said Walmart no longer supports the police. Many people commented on the post saying they would never shop at Walmart again; however, a quick fact-check proved the post to be false. No doubt the originator of the post thinks he/she will never be held accountable for instigating lies and misinformation. Paul said, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them” (Eph 5:6-7 NIV).

Taking a Knee in Heaven, on Earth and Under the Earth

Peer pressure has athletes, coaches and owners in every national sport taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In my mind this comes very close to bowing before a BLM altar and I’m reminded of the remnant of Israel, 7,000 in all, who had not bowed the knee to Baal (Ro 11:4). People of faith should consider carefully the ramifications of taking a knee to anyone or anything other than Jesus. Speaking of Christ, Paul said “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11 NIV).

Worthless Religion

 In witness and testimony, my outspoken friend puts her faith on display daily. At times she is aggressive, in-your-face and caustic in speaking her mind. I have to admit she has positioned herself as someone not to be challenged — either politically, spiritually, or socially. James said, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:26-27 NIV).

Lawlessness

One thing that makes America unique among other countries is that she is a nation of laws. It’s not only unsettling to see the lawlessness taking place in the US today, but startling to realize the masses taking part in such activity are not children of God. John said, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:4-10 NIV).

Called to Persevere

The call for Americans to repent and to pray that our nation will be healed is becoming more intense. Many believers worry about the loss of culture, history and personal assets. The writer of Hebrews speaks to me, “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Heb 10:32-36 NIV).

Misjudged

This week we went shopping for a large screen all-in-one computer and the young, long-haired sales clerk tried to guide us to a basic computer, rather than the larger, fully loaded computer. He reasoned that the bigger computers were more powerful than what we would probably need. He said, “The bigger computers with larger screens have more graphics. They are used more by people like designers and gamers…and they cost quite a bit more.” Bill and I laughed as we left the store. Did we look like we couldn’t afford the more expensive computer? Or, did the young man think that a computer with graphic capabilities would be wasted on us because it would be beyond our skill level? Similar situations can occur among believers and many of us are guilty of having, at one time or another, misjudged another person. With sarcasm Paul defended himself to the Corinthians when some false apostles challenged Paul’s authority, “But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super–apostles.” I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way” (2 Cor 11:5-6 NIV).

Check Your Sources

A person of faith posted an article on Facebook that was purportedly written by radio host Dave Ramsey. Within less than an hour she posted again, “Yikes ... found out this isn't by Dave Ramsey ... but what this person has written is prophetic in my opinion.” No doubt Mr. Ramsey appreciates the correction. However, the poster then not only gives credence to an unknown author, but goes a step further by declaring it, in her opinion, prophetic. Today, as in biblical times, believers must verify their sources. Concluding his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” (2 Thess 3:16 NIV).

Who’s Footing the Bill

The riots in Portland, Oregon have been going on for almost 55 days. Most hard-working Americans can’t afford to take a two-month vacation, but yet these vandals carry out a sustained two-month rampage of destruction. I can’t help but wonder who would give room and board for these folks while they destroy their community. Paul said, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thess 3:10-13 NIV).

Put Into Practice

The Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything; however, everything we hear on the news or on social media keep our minds focused on turmoil and unrest. In today’s world it’s up to us to make a conscious effort to find things that are praiseworthy. Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:8-9 NIV).

House Church

COVID-19 has disrupted worship services and the way we minister to one another. I’m reminded of Paul who, while he waited for the Jews to press for a trial, was under guard in Rome. In a sense Paul’s ministry efforts were restricted because he could no longer go to the temple, to the churches, or to the river to find a place of prayer. However, his situation of being in a physical lock down did not keep the Gospel in lock down, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30 NIV).

Captive Thoughts

On so many fronts, America is at war with herself. Many of us want to join the battle, but unfortunately the weapons we reach for to combat riots, racism, socialism, and injustices are the weapons of the world. Paul said, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:3-5 NIV).

 

What Did You Go Out to See?

Our new house is on a large lot and although we have a little grass to mow, the majority of the landscaping is xeriscape. We have a variety of ornamental grasses (pampas, hot rod, etc.) scattered around berms, an assortment of rocks/gravel, and boulders. Each plant looks like an oasis in the middle of the rocky landscape and I often step out the door to watch the foot-high grasses sway in the breeze. Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John the Baptist. He said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matt 11:7:11 NIV).

Called to Give an Account

A fellow believer wrote on Facebook, “I don’t want any confrontation on this post. Just getting my feelings out. If you don’t agree, just pass this by…I want to vent…” I have to laugh when I consider God’s view of his petulant children. We don’t want to be confronted by anyone, or anything…including Scripture. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb 4:12-13 NIV).

Shame On You

Whether it is on Facebook, in the media, or in the local church, believers are trying to shame one another into a certain view or stance, particularly as it applies to COVID-19. What is especially disturbing to me is that these believers are proud and boastful about their ability to shame other believers. Paul reminds us, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Ro 14:13 NIV).

Rapture of the Holy Spirit

Believers are looking forward to the Rapture when we will be taken up in the clouds to be with the Lord. It occurs to me that not only will we be united with the Lord at that time, but the Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us will be raptured with us. The earth without believers is one thing; however, the earth without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is quite another. Paul said, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph 2:19:22 NIV).