Every once in while I think to prudent to give honor to whom honor is due. In this case I would like to lift in high esteem the nonprofit Rebuilding Together Baltimore. The reason I want to highlight this agency is because last week a number of volunteers from the agency found themselves on my block in Baltimore. But they did not come making a ruckus and disturbing the neighborhood. Instead they came with great respect and a mind to work.
Let me explain. My neighborhood was once thriving with life and full of vitality. But time had taken its toll and many of the aging homes have fallen to disrepair. Making matters worse a number of the homeowners have either abandoned their properties, are unable to maintain them or have died (as is the case with my mother). The result was that some parts of the neighborhood have become less than desirable. But this was not to deter Rebuilding Baltimore Together. They came in a cars and trucks. A port-a-potty was placed next door to my home, tents were erected and the work began.
Here is the thing that I am most astonished about. While it would appear that Rebuilding Together Baltimore would be concerned only with the two homes they came to work for that was not the case. They came quickly and quietly respecting not only the targeted homeowners but their properties and the community at large. They did not simply do repairs to the homes but they cleaned surrounding areas of all manner of debris. It is something they did not have to do but something they did nonetheless. In fact they left the area in better condition than they found it.
Rebuilding Together Baltimore is a testament to what private citizens can do once they come together. Now, I do not know if any of the workers were Christians but they certainly performed Christ like services by helping those that has need of help. My hat is off to www.rtbaltimore.org and I bid them well as they continue to work with a mind to work.
It is not my norm to give personal testimonies in a public forum such as this but in light of my post yesterday I think this one to be pertinent.
This morning I had an early appointment with my doctor. We have been working on one issue of concern with me and that concern is my blood pressure. I have been on medications for a couple years but I believe that we can live life without medications. I truly believe in divine health. But there are times when we do things that pull from our health. Even so my discussion with my doctor included the fact that I did not want to spend my entire life taking medication.
Here is the good news. Over the past two years I have lost about forty pounds. When I last saw my doctor I was a little anemic. I was provided vitamins to resolve the issue and anemia is now a thing of the past. And, to top it off, my doctor has reduced my medications by 25% which is on the way to my goal of no medications.
One might say that the wisdom of the doctor is just cause for celebration. While I thank God for a good doctor it is God that has given him the wisdom to guide me to good health. Even more God’s faithfulness to me allows me to walk according to His Word which provides me divine health. The bottom line is that God has my health on the upswing rather than degenerating.
There is much talk today about faith. People are starting groups entitled “Faith” and others suggest that their faith in God is immovable. Preachers are slamming their fists on pulpits to make the point of the necessity of faith. Yet many people still have no idea what faith really is nor are they sure how to employ it. Despite this the matter of faith is a rather simple one and one that even a baby can employ in his life.
The fact is that faith, at its simplest level, is nothing more than absolute assurance that God is true to His Word. It is the realization that God cannot and will not lie to the extent that the Word of God has never failed. Faith is knowing that no matter how long and difficult the journey God will bring it to a successful end. He has to because God has promised man that He would never leave nor forsake him. And If God will never leave man then His Word is true and has to stand on its own.
This being the case why do so many Christians live defeated lives? Why is there not only discouragement on a large scale but many Christians seem not to understand the very fundamentals of faith as laid out here? Perhaps the answer is found in Romans 14:23, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Hereby we see the problem, doubt which sin is. But the question must be answered as to what doubt is. Specific to Romans 14:23 doubt is “to be at variance with one’s self, hesitate, doubt.”[1]
The picture of doubt here is an internal struggle. The fight is whether or not to trust God. And if God is trusted is it feasible to depend on Him? And if there is a dependency on God will He do what He says? Is what God says for me? And the questions go on and on. It is for this reason that doubt becomes strong thereby eradicating faith. The fact is that doubt is sin and God cannot operate where there is sin. This is the reason when doubt raises its head God is forced to withdraw His hand. Even so the tables can just as easily be turned.
Let not faith be a word of convenience rather it should be part of the Christian lifestyle. Faith recognizes that God is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23) and will do just what He says. So don’t waver because the winds blow. Instead pull your coat closer, bow your head toward the wind in prayer and continue to move toward the promise. It is there and waiting for you. Just don’t doubt. No, don’t give in and let God pull from you because of the sin of doubt. No, hold on to the promise of God and let God bring it to pass.
[1] Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for diakrinō (Strong’s 1252)“. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2012. 28 Nov 2012. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1252&t=KJV
It is official, the day set aside to give thanksgiving is over. Turkey has been eaten and potatoes mashed. Pies and cakes have been devoured causing many to sit back in easy chairs unable to move in that gluttony has taken over thanksgiving allowing only for deep breathing and occasional sighs of relief as the mounds of food finally settle within the bodies of many.
Now, there is no suggestion here that there should be no enjoyment of things God has provided for us. But the real attitude of Thanksgiving has little to do with the plenteous foods now being stored in refrigerators and freezers. In fact I would venture to say that attitudes of thanksgiving actually fall short of the meals that we eat.
Let me explain. When I woke this morning it was more than evident that I did not wake under my own power. In fact I am sadly reminded of a gentleman who lived across the street from me. You see he went to the hospital for a kidney transplant. While I understand the surgery was initially a success things began to go wrong. Things went so bad medically that this gentleman crossed into eternity this past Tuesday. You see, I have much to be thankful for.
Not only did I rise this morning but I rose with a sound mind. Some have not that luxury. Even more I rose with no sicknesses and able to move without the aid of a walking stick. Some have not this blessing. Even more my children are well and growing in prosperity (and I mean not merely monetarily). Many do not share my testimony.
My point to this brief missive is simple. Thanksgiving is not merely a temporary utterance of words said to God just before we dive into well prepared meals rather it is the recognition of God and Who He is. But thanksgiving still goes well beyond that. The fact is that God loved man so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. Immanuel loved us so much that He gave His life so that we could live. And as I pen these words I can think of a multiplicity of reasons for which to be thankful which have nothing to do with cranberry sauce nor the fatted pig. Yet if I were to enumerate upon the goodness of God in my life I suppose that I could fill volumes. So, I will not start in on my testimonies at this point rather I will simply say please do not give up on offering thanksgiving to God merely because the end of a formal holiday has arrived rather have a perpetual attitude of thanksgiving for which God will be pleased and receive as a sweet smelling savour.
This article was written a few months ago but still has much bearing today.
Looking at Christianity today one would be inclined to think that Christianity and political correctness are one in the same. What is going on in the political world seems to be making its way into the church world. This often comes at the expense of the Gospel and despite the godly traditions that have been handed down over many generations. Yet the very idea of political correctness seems to not only be permeating the church at large but the many Christians that make up the church.
Let’s, take a look at one example of political correctness. There are some fully persuaded that telling “white lies” is acceptable depending upon the circumstances upon which the lies are told. This practice is often found in schools by re-writing history and greatly in the political arena so that some are more able to court certain segments for votes. Even so the idea of telling lies in order to make certain ends better is still telling lies. The Scripture provides no room for political correctness or lying (Revelation 21:18). As such the Christian is obligated to stand against the grain of political correctness in the matter of lies, no matter the purported color, in exchange for the truth.
But it seems that lies are among the smallest part of our problems. One great issue prevalent in the news today is the fact that the founder of Chick-fil-A made a simple statement stating that he believes in marriage as being a union between one man and one woman as God has ordained it.[1] Times past would have allowed for much support of Mr. Dan Cathy but immorality coupled with political correctness caused a whirlwind of activity not only in the media but also in the political world.[2] The very fact of politicians embroiling themselves against the biblical stand on marriage is a clear sign that political correctness has gone well beyond being out of control. Even so Christians are not to succumb to the convenience of political correctness rather it is prudent for Christians to take a stand in the face of political convenience.
Romans 1:26-27 clearly shows God’s displeasure with immorality. The text, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet” is a clear demonstration of God’s opposition to not just sin at large but homosexuality in particular.
Hence political correctness is not an option for the Christian rather there is the absolute need for Christians to hold fast to biblical truths without wavering. When this is done political correctness becomes a nonissue while the Word of God remains strong and relevant.
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