In 1987 Pat and I took our oldest child, Candace, on a tour to visit colleges. The day we arrived at Wheaton College, John Stott, the great Anglican preacher and world-class author, was the morning chapel speaker. Reverend Stott’s text was James 1:19, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” The sermon was simple, profound, unforgettable!
In answering the question, “To whom should we listen?” Stott said, “Listen to your parents! You will never hear God if you cannot hear your parents. He added, “Listen to your pastors and teachers, they are gifts God puts in your life to help you.” Dr. Stott added layer upon layer of people, from whom we may learn. I had an image of many people making a strong platform, as thicknesses in plywood. During the sermon, Candace leaned toward me and said, “I want to come here to study.” I wanted her to, she did, and graduated in 1991.
When reading through Ezekiel recently, I was reminded of our day at Wheaton College when I noticed that the duty of priests is, “To teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” (44:23) None of us came into the world with spiritual discernment and natural inclination toward the holy. We all need teachers.
Early in my training for the ministry, our homiletics professor invited a pastor to teach a session of the class. The pastor said, “Don’t limit your reading to those with whom you already agree.” He added, “Dare to read and listen to those who have a different view. We learn more from those with whom we disagree than those who simply affirm what we already know!” That was great advice! Let us spend some time today listening and learning.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Giving Everything, Keeping Nothing
In a few days Holy Week 2012 begins with Palm Sunday celebrations. Holy Week is one of my favorite seasons, a time when Christians are reminded of the cross and resurrection in a concerted way. Pat and I are planning our Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter worship schedule.
One of the highlights of my annual Scripture reading during Holy Week is the account of the woman memorialized by Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12)
While reflecting on Jesus’ lesson, “Offerings are measured by how much we keep, not by how much we give,” I was reminded of three deeply moving experiences. The first experience that powerfully impacted me was our family’s first visit to Arlington National Cemetery. After passing the memorial to Iwo Jima fighters at the entrance, I was stunned by the endless rows of headstones marking the graves of US servicemen and women. Many of those buried were killed in action well before their thirtieth birthday, my age at the time of my first visit.
The second sobering, disconcerting event occurred while Pat and I casually approached the memorial at Pearl Harbor. We were vacationing, enjoying the beauty of Hawaii, and totally unprepared for what happened. The bridge over the sunken USS Arizona spans the watery graves of more than eleven hundred men. In addition to more than a thousand lives abruptly ended, more than eleven hundred families, parents, children, siblings, and spouses were forever changed.
I was unprepared for the depth of feelings in the committal shelter at the Springfield Veterans Cemetery in Missouri. I was leading Pastor Charles Green’s family and friends with brief remarks, a Scripture reading, and prayer. An officer’s orders cut through the cold air, rifle shots rang out immediately afterward. Military personnel in dress uniform proceeded to fold a flag that had draped Pastor Green’s casket, and then an officer made a short speech while presenting the flag to Sister Green. At that moment I more fully realized that one of my best friends had given several years of his life for others.
The sacrifices of others ought to sober us. I am embarrassed that it took so long to realize how costly the best things in life are. During Holy Week we are called to remember the death of the cross, the price paid for our salvation and eternal life.
One of the highlights of my annual Scripture reading during Holy Week is the account of the woman memorialized by Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12)
While reflecting on Jesus’ lesson, “Offerings are measured by how much we keep, not by how much we give,” I was reminded of three deeply moving experiences. The first experience that powerfully impacted me was our family’s first visit to Arlington National Cemetery. After passing the memorial to Iwo Jima fighters at the entrance, I was stunned by the endless rows of headstones marking the graves of US servicemen and women. Many of those buried were killed in action well before their thirtieth birthday, my age at the time of my first visit.
The second sobering, disconcerting event occurred while Pat and I casually approached the memorial at Pearl Harbor. We were vacationing, enjoying the beauty of Hawaii, and totally unprepared for what happened. The bridge over the sunken USS Arizona spans the watery graves of more than eleven hundred men. In addition to more than a thousand lives abruptly ended, more than eleven hundred families, parents, children, siblings, and spouses were forever changed.
I was unprepared for the depth of feelings in the committal shelter at the Springfield Veterans Cemetery in Missouri. I was leading Pastor Charles Green’s family and friends with brief remarks, a Scripture reading, and prayer. An officer’s orders cut through the cold air, rifle shots rang out immediately afterward. Military personnel in dress uniform proceeded to fold a flag that had draped Pastor Green’s casket, and then an officer made a short speech while presenting the flag to Sister Green. At that moment I more fully realized that one of my best friends had given several years of his life for others.
The sacrifices of others ought to sober us. I am embarrassed that it took so long to realize how costly the best things in life are. During Holy Week we are called to remember the death of the cross, the price paid for our salvation and eternal life.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Music Must Continue
During lulls in battle, on occasions when young soldiers or navy corpsmen are training, Israeli military personnel sing a song in honor of those who have fallen in battle.
And we play on with one string less;
And again one string less;
And some strings that break will not be mended;
And some are mended, and again they will sound.
And this song can never stop;
And we’re forced to play on, play on –
The song is also a musical call to a commitment to continue in spite of the costs.
Israel’s land mass is only one seventieth of the State of Alaska. In addition to its diminutive size, Israelis can nearly feel the breath of neighbors hostile to Israeli existence. The nation has known adversity throughout its history. Ancient nations like Egypt, Philistia, and Babylon have modern counterparts. It has never been easy to be an Israeli.
The human tendency is to seek a course of minimal resistance, and one path is quitting. But, for those who are convinced of their calling to be the people of God, who enjoy a clear sense of belonging to Him and know the nobility of their cause, don’t shrink from the challenge. They sing the song that moves their forces forward.
The writer to the Hebrews urges all God’s children forward with encouraging words.
“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. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (10:35-38)”
Strings break. The music must continue. The costs are high. The cause is noble enough to give everything!
And we play on with one string less;
And again one string less;
And some strings that break will not be mended;
And some are mended, and again they will sound.
And this song can never stop;
And we’re forced to play on, play on –
The song is also a musical call to a commitment to continue in spite of the costs.
Israel’s land mass is only one seventieth of the State of Alaska. In addition to its diminutive size, Israelis can nearly feel the breath of neighbors hostile to Israeli existence. The nation has known adversity throughout its history. Ancient nations like Egypt, Philistia, and Babylon have modern counterparts. It has never been easy to be an Israeli.
The human tendency is to seek a course of minimal resistance, and one path is quitting. But, for those who are convinced of their calling to be the people of God, who enjoy a clear sense of belonging to Him and know the nobility of their cause, don’t shrink from the challenge. They sing the song that moves their forces forward.
The writer to the Hebrews urges all God’s children forward with encouraging words.
“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. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (10:35-38)”
Strings break. The music must continue. The costs are high. The cause is noble enough to give everything!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Employ the best qualified while balancing the budget.
A few decades ago, a person celebrating his 100th birthday was rare. Nowadays, NBC’s Willard Scott announces an ever-growing list of centenarians. The announcements are routine and are mingled with couples observing their 65th wedding anniversary.
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that life expectancy at birth increased dramatically over the past century in the United States — from 49.2 years (the average for 1900-1902) to 77.5 years in 2003, the most recent year for which official data have been released by the Centers for Disease Control. Baby Boomers, those born after World War II can expect to live nearly 50% longer than their parents. Some studies indicate that the life expectancy may be even higher.
Many people are now living 25 or more years after completing their first vocation. The question that comes to mind is, “How will we use those added years?” Will we squander the time with a “this-is-my-time-to-be-served” attitude? Is there any long-term satisfaction to be found in attending events segregated by age? While enjoyable, seniors’ luncheons, field trips reminiscent of junior high group and other activities may wear thin in time.
I propose the following before we allow a growing segment of our population to slip into a breathing without living mode, into a hedonistic egocentric existence. The church in the US may create forums for discussion and allow those completing their first vocation to ask –
• What is my responsibility for using the time once allocated to my wage-earning vocation? What is a Biblical stewardship of life?
• What skills and knowledge do I have which I ought to share with the next generation? In my opinion, pastors and church leaders are responsible for learning the strengths of the retiring generation and to be poised to make use of everyone’s gifts, skills, calling and life experience.
After answering the “what” questions, the “how” questions naturally follow.
• How do bankers, plumbers, personnel managers, lawyers, electricians, medical professionals, carpenters, and a myriad of other experts apply themselves to advance the Kingdom of God in a concerted, planned manner?
• What needs in the community can be met by the generation we are discussing? Are opportunities being overlooked because we don’t have financial resources? Then, “employ” those who thrive on appreciation, and appreciate being useful!
Our experiences have been rich! Alas, many of those who taught us about the proper way to spend end-of-life years have passed away or are now in poor health. But, Fannie, Mabel, Jeannie, Minnie, and others gave several years worth of Thursdays to helping Pat get Growing Garden Preschool up and running. Ralph, Bud and Bert were invaluable “sidekicks” in attempting and completing some tasks from which all others ran away.
Our total financial expenditure for these who have taught us and challenged us has been next to nothing. An occasional meal, a card and bouquet of flowers, a framed photo and many thank you notes were met with, “You didn’t need to do that Otto!” I cannot imagine my life without those whom I have mentioned by name, and many others.
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that life expectancy at birth increased dramatically over the past century in the United States — from 49.2 years (the average for 1900-1902) to 77.5 years in 2003, the most recent year for which official data have been released by the Centers for Disease Control. Baby Boomers, those born after World War II can expect to live nearly 50% longer than their parents. Some studies indicate that the life expectancy may be even higher.
Many people are now living 25 or more years after completing their first vocation. The question that comes to mind is, “How will we use those added years?” Will we squander the time with a “this-is-my-time-to-be-served” attitude? Is there any long-term satisfaction to be found in attending events segregated by age? While enjoyable, seniors’ luncheons, field trips reminiscent of junior high group and other activities may wear thin in time.
I propose the following before we allow a growing segment of our population to slip into a breathing without living mode, into a hedonistic egocentric existence. The church in the US may create forums for discussion and allow those completing their first vocation to ask –
• What is my responsibility for using the time once allocated to my wage-earning vocation? What is a Biblical stewardship of life?
• What skills and knowledge do I have which I ought to share with the next generation? In my opinion, pastors and church leaders are responsible for learning the strengths of the retiring generation and to be poised to make use of everyone’s gifts, skills, calling and life experience.
After answering the “what” questions, the “how” questions naturally follow.
• How do bankers, plumbers, personnel managers, lawyers, electricians, medical professionals, carpenters, and a myriad of other experts apply themselves to advance the Kingdom of God in a concerted, planned manner?
• What needs in the community can be met by the generation we are discussing? Are opportunities being overlooked because we don’t have financial resources? Then, “employ” those who thrive on appreciation, and appreciate being useful!
Our experiences have been rich! Alas, many of those who taught us about the proper way to spend end-of-life years have passed away or are now in poor health. But, Fannie, Mabel, Jeannie, Minnie, and others gave several years worth of Thursdays to helping Pat get Growing Garden Preschool up and running. Ralph, Bud and Bert were invaluable “sidekicks” in attempting and completing some tasks from which all others ran away.
Our total financial expenditure for these who have taught us and challenged us has been next to nothing. An occasional meal, a card and bouquet of flowers, a framed photo and many thank you notes were met with, “You didn’t need to do that Otto!” I cannot imagine my life without those whom I have mentioned by name, and many others.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Beauty of Jesus - Part Three - An example to be experienced
The Beauty of Jesus - Part Three – An example to be experienced
When revisiting Andrew Murray’s Like Christ, his insights into Jesus’ example begin to etch into ones thoughts and conscience. Murray’s text from 1 Peter is familiar to Bible readers, but I am one who has wrongly glanced over the mention of “example” without proper consideration.
The text calls to a quality of spiritual life usually missing in the religious marketplace, one not readily pursued by the natural man. Peter wrote “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:21-25. As I seriously consider the Spirit’s call, I find prayers come more freely than instructions.
My morning prayers include:
• “Lord, remind me that I need your example in suffering. I run away from some of the best opportunities I have to grow into your likeness when I am confronted with inconveniences, adversity and stress. Forgive me!”
• “Retaliation remains an instinctive reaction for me! Fill me with your Spirit again. Teach me to forgive as freely as getting even and defending my reputation.”
• “Lord, since I am still learning trust, use whatever circumstance or experience needed to teach me. You know better than anyone how I can learn to trust the ‘one who judges justly’ as completely as you.”
• “Lord, I keep straying! Death to sin is elusive. Help me as I keep returning to the ‘overseer of my soul.’”
Some are far more religious than I and have processed the lessons to perfection. A few who have attained what I haven’t suggest areas of quality of spiritual life need additional attention. God’s Word and Andrew Murray’s Like Christ reminders are timely. I thank God for printed pages which continue to deliver life challenging, life changing truths nearly one hundred years after the death of the author.
Solomon understood and celebrated good counsel, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” (Proverbs 25:11-12)
When revisiting Andrew Murray’s Like Christ, his insights into Jesus’ example begin to etch into ones thoughts and conscience. Murray’s text from 1 Peter is familiar to Bible readers, but I am one who has wrongly glanced over the mention of “example” without proper consideration.
The text calls to a quality of spiritual life usually missing in the religious marketplace, one not readily pursued by the natural man. Peter wrote “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:21-25. As I seriously consider the Spirit’s call, I find prayers come more freely than instructions.
My morning prayers include:
• “Lord, remind me that I need your example in suffering. I run away from some of the best opportunities I have to grow into your likeness when I am confronted with inconveniences, adversity and stress. Forgive me!”
• “Retaliation remains an instinctive reaction for me! Fill me with your Spirit again. Teach me to forgive as freely as getting even and defending my reputation.”
• “Lord, since I am still learning trust, use whatever circumstance or experience needed to teach me. You know better than anyone how I can learn to trust the ‘one who judges justly’ as completely as you.”
• “Lord, I keep straying! Death to sin is elusive. Help me as I keep returning to the ‘overseer of my soul.’”
Some are far more religious than I and have processed the lessons to perfection. A few who have attained what I haven’t suggest areas of quality of spiritual life need additional attention. God’s Word and Andrew Murray’s Like Christ reminders are timely. I thank God for printed pages which continue to deliver life challenging, life changing truths nearly one hundred years after the death of the author.
Solomon understood and celebrated good counsel, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” (Proverbs 25:11-12)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Beauty of Jesus - Part Two - "Stop and Stoop"
The Beauty of Jesus - Part Two – Stop and Stoop
I have been unable to find the exact publication date for Andrew Murray’s Like Christ. But, because we know Murray’s life bridged the late 19th and early 20th century, and that he wrote from South Africa, he certainly wrote from a different world view than anyone reading this article. We are able to fly from coast to coast, access instant information, and multitask continuously. Murray rode trains and horses and drove cars over roads primitive by today’s Interstate standards. Radio was in its infancy at the end of Murray’s life, television was still an idea, and “Skype” was material for science fiction writers.
Part of the value of reading Murray’s works is that readers must slow down to understand quaint language and muse over what appears to us as primitive Christianity. The contemporary Christian world tends to celebrate star power personalities, measure success with business model values, and wink at contradictions between Jesus’ servant model for His followers and the lifestyles of favorite authors and experts on things religious. The “Wow factor” is marketed by merchants in the temple courts and sought by zealous, well-intentioned organizers of religious events. Jesus’ example is to stop and stoop!
Andrew Murray’s text for the chapter titled, “He Himself calls us to it,” is John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” You may read Murray’s applications on line, free. A PDF copy of Like Christ is posted at http://www.jesus.org.uk/vault/library/murray_like_christ.pdf. I hesitate to add anything to Murray’s work, but go forward anyway.
Jesus’ foot washing was not ceremonial, in a public arena with religious trappings, but a practical task usually performed by a servant. It may be wise to conduct a personal inventory on how we serve. Are we following Jesus’ example? That is the reason Jesus stopped and stooped to bathe feet, so we would have His example.
And, Jesus served those whom he knew best, practically doing what was needed, and in this way drew attention to His nature and underlined His expectations for His Kingdom. In an era of ever-expanding religious properties and programs housing complex organizations offering smorgasbords of goods and services, it may be wise to step back and ask, “How much of this did Jesus have in mind when He called out, ‘Follow me?’” Would complex systems for distributions of goods and services be needed if each of Jesus’ disciples would simply stop frenzied activity and stoop to serve practically, simply?
I have been unable to find the exact publication date for Andrew Murray’s Like Christ. But, because we know Murray’s life bridged the late 19th and early 20th century, and that he wrote from South Africa, he certainly wrote from a different world view than anyone reading this article. We are able to fly from coast to coast, access instant information, and multitask continuously. Murray rode trains and horses and drove cars over roads primitive by today’s Interstate standards. Radio was in its infancy at the end of Murray’s life, television was still an idea, and “Skype” was material for science fiction writers.
Part of the value of reading Murray’s works is that readers must slow down to understand quaint language and muse over what appears to us as primitive Christianity. The contemporary Christian world tends to celebrate star power personalities, measure success with business model values, and wink at contradictions between Jesus’ servant model for His followers and the lifestyles of favorite authors and experts on things religious. The “Wow factor” is marketed by merchants in the temple courts and sought by zealous, well-intentioned organizers of religious events. Jesus’ example is to stop and stoop!
Andrew Murray’s text for the chapter titled, “He Himself calls us to it,” is John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” You may read Murray’s applications on line, free. A PDF copy of Like Christ is posted at http://www.jesus.org.uk/vault/library/murray_like_christ.pdf. I hesitate to add anything to Murray’s work, but go forward anyway.
Jesus’ foot washing was not ceremonial, in a public arena with religious trappings, but a practical task usually performed by a servant. It may be wise to conduct a personal inventory on how we serve. Are we following Jesus’ example? That is the reason Jesus stopped and stooped to bathe feet, so we would have His example.
And, Jesus served those whom he knew best, practically doing what was needed, and in this way drew attention to His nature and underlined His expectations for His Kingdom. In an era of ever-expanding religious properties and programs housing complex organizations offering smorgasbords of goods and services, it may be wise to step back and ask, “How much of this did Jesus have in mind when He called out, ‘Follow me?’” Would complex systems for distributions of goods and services be needed if each of Jesus’ disciples would simply stop frenzied activity and stoop to serve practically, simply?
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Beauty of Jesus - Part One
Occasionally a book in my library will stand out and I’ll take it from the shelf and read. Today I was drawn to an old book given to me which was once in another pastor’s library, Like Christ, by Andrew Murray. A South African of Scottish-Dutch heritage, Murray lived from 1828-1917, wrote prolifically and authored a small library of more than 240 books from which the church still learns.
The core lesson of Like Christ is taken from 1 John. In John’s discourse on the centrality of love in Jesus’ disciples, the Authorized Version says, “because as he is, so are we in this world.” (4:17) Andrew Murray considered missionary work the chief activity of the church. It is interesting that in the small volume Murray tied behavior inseparably to faith.
The Apostle Paul adds to the discussion, “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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” (Romans 8:28-29) The “good” God works is for the expressed purpose of forming us into the likeness of Jesus.
An old Gospel song is echoing in my spirit this morning. It says:
“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me;
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine;
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
Written by a second generation Salvation Army officer, Albert Orsborn, the song is part of the church music literature that formed my life. I am familiar with only a single verse, additional verses bring depth of Orsborn’s insight.
"When your burden is heavy and hard to bear,
When your neighbors refuse all your load to share,
When you’re feeling so blue,
Don’t know just what to do,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you."
"When somebody has been so unkind to you,
Some word spoken that pierces you through and through,
Think how He was beguiled, Spat upon and reviled;
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you."
Fewer words may be needed if the likeness of Jesus were more distinctly focused in us.
The core lesson of Like Christ is taken from 1 John. In John’s discourse on the centrality of love in Jesus’ disciples, the Authorized Version says, “because as he is, so are we in this world.” (4:17) Andrew Murray considered missionary work the chief activity of the church. It is interesting that in the small volume Murray tied behavior inseparably to faith.
The Apostle Paul adds to the discussion, “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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.” (Romans 8:28-29) The “good” God works is for the expressed purpose of forming us into the likeness of Jesus.
An old Gospel song is echoing in my spirit this morning. It says:
“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me;
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine;
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
Written by a second generation Salvation Army officer, Albert Orsborn, the song is part of the church music literature that formed my life. I am familiar with only a single verse, additional verses bring depth of Orsborn’s insight.
"When your burden is heavy and hard to bear,
When your neighbors refuse all your load to share,
When you’re feeling so blue,
Don’t know just what to do,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you."
"When somebody has been so unkind to you,
Some word spoken that pierces you through and through,
Think how He was beguiled, Spat upon and reviled;
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you."
Fewer words may be needed if the likeness of Jesus were more distinctly focused in us.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Witness Intimidation?
The quality of witnesses determines guilt or innocense. Prosecutors and defense attorneys both prepare witnesses to help their cases, employing forensic specialists and psychiatric doctors who might influence the outcomes of trials. Philadelphia city prosecutors have struggled with a spate of witness intimidation cases. Many are capital offenses resulting with mistrials or dropped charges because eyewitnesses are threatened.
The following is copied from the “Philadelphia Inquirer,” March 8, 2012.
“The judge did what he could: sentencing Susan Coulter's antagonists, the women who had threatened to kill her and her child because she testified at a double-murder trial.
“What he could not do was restore Coulter's sense of safety in her neighborhood.
‘I'm scared for my life,’ a weeping Coulter told Common Pleas Court Judge Benjamin Lerner on Thursday. ‘I beg you not to let people like this hurt people.’
Lerner tried to reassure Coulter but said there was a limit to what he could do to former neighbors Theresa Merlo and Tara McDowell.”
From the December 14, 2009 edition of the same newspaper,
“Martin Thomas looked at the flier and blanched.
‘Don't stand next to this man. You might get shot.’
The threat was scribbled on a copy of his signed statement to police, implicating a man in a murder.
Thomas, then 20, had revealed a buried cache of weapons and named one of the gunmen who killed a man at 22d and Somerset on a summer night. Now, there were his words to detectives, posted on the wall of a Chinese restaurant in North Philadelphia for all to see. Panicked, Thomas fled, flagged down a police car, and told the officers he feared for his life. Police and prosecutors, who described Thomas' flight from the restaurant, said he had every reason to be frightened. Another witness in the murder case, a 17-year-old, had been killed 10 days after testifying at a preliminary hearing. They said Thomas worried that he could be next.
Witness intimidation pervades the Philadelphia criminal courts, increasingly extracting a heavy toll in no-show witnesses, recanted testimony - and collapsed cases. ‘It's endemic. People are frightened to death,’ said District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham. ‘We've had witness after witness intimidated, threatened, frightened.’ And the city cannot guarantee their protection.”
Justice cannot be served in an arena of intimidation. The bad guys win when they cannot be brought to account for their crimes.
I was awakened from a sound sleep this morning with two passages ringing in my spirit, one from Hebrews, the second from The Revelation. My soul swelled with a sense of awe and emotions ran deep while still in bed. I tried sleeping, but could not. Seldom have I been more deeply moved. I am writing well before dawn.
The paragraph in Revelation seven begins with, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Verses 9-10) Then the key statement, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Verse 14)
The complimentary verses are found in Hebrews twelve, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Verses 1-3)
Both the quality and quantity of witnesses are profoundly convincing. The antagonists who would undermine faith and erode the well being of the saints will not intimidate those whose eyes are on Jesus. The “cloud of witnesses” are in place forever. Saints throw off threats and intimidation like runners shed clothes before a race.
There is so much more. Let us expect the Spirit to make life applications and that the sheer power of the passages to which I awakened will live powerfully within us all.
The following is copied from the “Philadelphia Inquirer,” March 8, 2012.
“The judge did what he could: sentencing Susan Coulter's antagonists, the women who had threatened to kill her and her child because she testified at a double-murder trial.
“What he could not do was restore Coulter's sense of safety in her neighborhood.
‘I'm scared for my life,’ a weeping Coulter told Common Pleas Court Judge Benjamin Lerner on Thursday. ‘I beg you not to let people like this hurt people.’
Lerner tried to reassure Coulter but said there was a limit to what he could do to former neighbors Theresa Merlo and Tara McDowell.”
From the December 14, 2009 edition of the same newspaper,
“Martin Thomas looked at the flier and blanched.
‘Don't stand next to this man. You might get shot.’
The threat was scribbled on a copy of his signed statement to police, implicating a man in a murder.
Thomas, then 20, had revealed a buried cache of weapons and named one of the gunmen who killed a man at 22d and Somerset on a summer night. Now, there were his words to detectives, posted on the wall of a Chinese restaurant in North Philadelphia for all to see. Panicked, Thomas fled, flagged down a police car, and told the officers he feared for his life. Police and prosecutors, who described Thomas' flight from the restaurant, said he had every reason to be frightened. Another witness in the murder case, a 17-year-old, had been killed 10 days after testifying at a preliminary hearing. They said Thomas worried that he could be next.
Witness intimidation pervades the Philadelphia criminal courts, increasingly extracting a heavy toll in no-show witnesses, recanted testimony - and collapsed cases. ‘It's endemic. People are frightened to death,’ said District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham. ‘We've had witness after witness intimidated, threatened, frightened.’ And the city cannot guarantee their protection.”
Justice cannot be served in an arena of intimidation. The bad guys win when they cannot be brought to account for their crimes.
I was awakened from a sound sleep this morning with two passages ringing in my spirit, one from Hebrews, the second from The Revelation. My soul swelled with a sense of awe and emotions ran deep while still in bed. I tried sleeping, but could not. Seldom have I been more deeply moved. I am writing well before dawn.
The paragraph in Revelation seven begins with, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Verses 9-10) Then the key statement, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Verse 14)
The complimentary verses are found in Hebrews twelve, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Verses 1-3)
Both the quality and quantity of witnesses are profoundly convincing. The antagonists who would undermine faith and erode the well being of the saints will not intimidate those whose eyes are on Jesus. The “cloud of witnesses” are in place forever. Saints throw off threats and intimidation like runners shed clothes before a race.
There is so much more. Let us expect the Spirit to make life applications and that the sheer power of the passages to which I awakened will live powerfully within us all.
Friday, March 16, 2012
I'll have it my way!
Prophets are not easygoing company men. They are not popular figures with celebrity status. We like religious leaders who understand our problems, leaders with a touch of glamour. We prefer those who look good on posters, book jackets and television.
Prophets don’t help us fit God into our way of life. We who are accustomed to “making room for God,” try to keep him tucked into Sunday morning time slots, special buildings, and on call for ceremonial duties. The God of the prophets is far too large to fit into our tightly planned lives. He demands that we allow Him to invade every nook and cranny of life.
Israeli citizens called on Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord on their behalf. Ten days later, Jeremiah delivered the message and the people rose up accusing the prophet of being a liar. (42:5-43:3) In the secret places of all men’s hearts we demand, “Tell us what we want to hear!” If what we want to hear is not delivered, the messenger is a liar!
We remind each other of Jeremiah’s message from the Lord in chapter 29, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’” (Verse 11). Have you noticed the context? The promise is immediately preceded with, “This is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.’” (Verse 10) I like the truncated version better, leave out the years of captivity! Who needs them?
The truth of the story comes to a head when “arrogant men,” family leaders, accused Jeremiah of lying and challenged the prophet’s credentials in chapters 42-43. Arrogant men experience the horrors of God’s wrath for pride filled refusal of God’s counsel. The variable is in the heart of man. The question for men in every age is, “Will we demand God’s spokesmen to speak what we want to hear, or will we bow before the One who calls us to obedience?” The story in Jeremiah, God’s nonconformism oracle, is too important to ignore.
Prophets don’t help us fit God into our way of life. We who are accustomed to “making room for God,” try to keep him tucked into Sunday morning time slots, special buildings, and on call for ceremonial duties. The God of the prophets is far too large to fit into our tightly planned lives. He demands that we allow Him to invade every nook and cranny of life.
Israeli citizens called on Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord on their behalf. Ten days later, Jeremiah delivered the message and the people rose up accusing the prophet of being a liar. (42:5-43:3) In the secret places of all men’s hearts we demand, “Tell us what we want to hear!” If what we want to hear is not delivered, the messenger is a liar!
We remind each other of Jeremiah’s message from the Lord in chapter 29, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’” (Verse 11). Have you noticed the context? The promise is immediately preceded with, “This is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.’” (Verse 10) I like the truncated version better, leave out the years of captivity! Who needs them?
The truth of the story comes to a head when “arrogant men,” family leaders, accused Jeremiah of lying and challenged the prophet’s credentials in chapters 42-43. Arrogant men experience the horrors of God’s wrath for pride filled refusal of God’s counsel. The variable is in the heart of man. The question for men in every age is, “Will we demand God’s spokesmen to speak what we want to hear, or will we bow before the One who calls us to obedience?” The story in Jeremiah, God’s nonconformism oracle, is too important to ignore.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Practical Justice
One of the most despicable seasons in United States history was an outbreak of race-based violence that took place in the late 1940's, when several blacks were lynched, beaten, and police brutality was directed at African Americans. African American soldiers proved their worth and exhibited extreme valor in battle, but were reminded that, whatever freedom they had enjoyed overseas, they were back home now, and the old racial codes applied.
An infamous case, the February 1946 beating and blinding of Sergeant Isaac Woodard Jr., a twenty-seven-year-old Army veteran recently discharged from duty in the Pacific, was a flint that sparked interest in systemic injustices. Sergeant Woodard, in uniform, was on board a Greyhound bus in South Carolina, heading north to his home in New York, when he got into a dispute with the bus driver. The result was an atrocity that made headlines around the nation. The driver stopped in Batesburg, SC, contacted the local police chief, Lynwood Shull, and claimed that Woodard was drunk and disorderly.
The sergeant was taken off the bus, clubbed repeatedly in the face, and hauled in to jail, where he was jabbed in the eyes with the end of a billy club. By morning, Sergeant Woodward was permanently blind. At trial, the actions of the police were upheld and Sergeant Woodward was fined.
People have a long memory. When we are injured or abused, it is difficult to forget past hurts and injustices. Forgiveness is the path to peace. In the template for profitable prayer, Jesus taught, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12-14)
Two or more generations have been born since the infamous days of blatant, systemic injustice was the norm. But, the scars of brutality remain. Solutions to inequities are impossible, but indifference is never acceptable. The people of God ought to be the most sensitive to injustice in every form, and eager to heal wounds. Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation,” men and women like Sergeant Woodward, are daily passing away by the thousands. One of the tributes we may pay those who are passing away is to acknowledge how brutal we can be and determine to never stoop to that sort of misbehavior again.
An infamous case, the February 1946 beating and blinding of Sergeant Isaac Woodard Jr., a twenty-seven-year-old Army veteran recently discharged from duty in the Pacific, was a flint that sparked interest in systemic injustices. Sergeant Woodard, in uniform, was on board a Greyhound bus in South Carolina, heading north to his home in New York, when he got into a dispute with the bus driver. The result was an atrocity that made headlines around the nation. The driver stopped in Batesburg, SC, contacted the local police chief, Lynwood Shull, and claimed that Woodard was drunk and disorderly.
The sergeant was taken off the bus, clubbed repeatedly in the face, and hauled in to jail, where he was jabbed in the eyes with the end of a billy club. By morning, Sergeant Woodward was permanently blind. At trial, the actions of the police were upheld and Sergeant Woodward was fined.
People have a long memory. When we are injured or abused, it is difficult to forget past hurts and injustices. Forgiveness is the path to peace. In the template for profitable prayer, Jesus taught, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12-14)
Two or more generations have been born since the infamous days of blatant, systemic injustice was the norm. But, the scars of brutality remain. Solutions to inequities are impossible, but indifference is never acceptable. The people of God ought to be the most sensitive to injustice in every form, and eager to heal wounds. Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation,” men and women like Sergeant Woodward, are daily passing away by the thousands. One of the tributes we may pay those who are passing away is to acknowledge how brutal we can be and determine to never stoop to that sort of misbehavior again.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Maintenance for friendships
Taking care of ones tools is key to a craftsman’s effectiveness. Regular maintenance extends the life of vehicles and machinery. Proper diet and exercise helps the human body perform as designed.
Pat and I have made a hobby of visiting yard sales and rescuing stuff abandoned by others. Our latest acquisition is a nicely carved wood pedestal. We plan to use it as an end table, the all-important place in my study for my morning cup of coffee. The carved piece is not museum quality, but nice enough to catch our eye. We found it on the front yard of a home where an estate sale was being conducted. It will need several hours, or days, of restoration. It would have been so much better if the owners had taken care of my future table.
Relationships are that way. Give others enough time to keep lines of communication wide open, oiled with caring exchanges. To maintain friendships one must share life’s joys and sorrows, challenges and successes. A little time with friends and teammates, shared regularly, is like a coat of wax on a fine wood surface, a drop of oil in a moving joint, a honed edge on a cutting tool. Alas, we often become too busy to do simple things together and the edges of life are dulled. When friends are needed most, those who have been inattentive find themselves powerless, dull, unable to function correctly.
The spiritual disciplines of prayer, Word and witness are repetitively mentioned. Spending time with others, encouraging faith and sharing life too frequently falls into disrepair. Text messages and e-mail messages cannot communicate tone of voice, nuances of hurt and happiness. Rushed greetings can numb the edges of relationships as surely as dropped tools are dulled. Digital stuff is quickly shared and then, easily erased. To communicate real feelings and share ones heart nothing beats meeting with friends face-to-face. A handwritten note takes longer and usually touches more deeply.
My “new” old table will look great, but at the cost of hours of restoration. The second use will be better than the fate it would have had if it remained on the front lawn unprotected for another season or two. The original beauty will never be seen again. Someone neglected it. Friendships are best when well-maintained.
Pat and I have made a hobby of visiting yard sales and rescuing stuff abandoned by others. Our latest acquisition is a nicely carved wood pedestal. We plan to use it as an end table, the all-important place in my study for my morning cup of coffee. The carved piece is not museum quality, but nice enough to catch our eye. We found it on the front yard of a home where an estate sale was being conducted. It will need several hours, or days, of restoration. It would have been so much better if the owners had taken care of my future table.
Relationships are that way. Give others enough time to keep lines of communication wide open, oiled with caring exchanges. To maintain friendships one must share life’s joys and sorrows, challenges and successes. A little time with friends and teammates, shared regularly, is like a coat of wax on a fine wood surface, a drop of oil in a moving joint, a honed edge on a cutting tool. Alas, we often become too busy to do simple things together and the edges of life are dulled. When friends are needed most, those who have been inattentive find themselves powerless, dull, unable to function correctly.
The spiritual disciplines of prayer, Word and witness are repetitively mentioned. Spending time with others, encouraging faith and sharing life too frequently falls into disrepair. Text messages and e-mail messages cannot communicate tone of voice, nuances of hurt and happiness. Rushed greetings can numb the edges of relationships as surely as dropped tools are dulled. Digital stuff is quickly shared and then, easily erased. To communicate real feelings and share ones heart nothing beats meeting with friends face-to-face. A handwritten note takes longer and usually touches more deeply.
My “new” old table will look great, but at the cost of hours of restoration. The second use will be better than the fate it would have had if it remained on the front lawn unprotected for another season or two. The original beauty will never be seen again. Someone neglected it. Friendships are best when well-maintained.
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