A "Captive" Audience

 The corona virus pandemic has certainly held the world hostage in 2020. Some may even say the virus has held us captive for a year. The after effects of being held in captivity can be devastating. The emotional and psychological damage can leave some people struggling to put their lives back together. Those who are resilient can move on with their lives while sadly others can feel there's no longer any reason to live and choose to end their lives. The Israelites knew what it felt like to live in captivity. For over 400 years, they were enslaved by the Egyptians until God sent them a deliverer in Moses. (Exodus 3) However, throughout the Old Testament, the Israelite people continued to experience various seasons of captivity related to their ongoing disobedience to God. At one point in time they were sent into exile under the Babylonians as a result of their failure to follow and worship the one true God.(Jeremiah 52) In Jesus day, the Israelites once again found themselves under oppression and captivity, this time from the Roman government. However, they had received deliverance by the hand of God many times in the past from their oppressors. Moreover, the Israelites had also been promised that one greater than Moses would one day overthrow their enemies once and for all. "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9 NIV)

"Holy Captivity"

 Ironically, the Christmas story is a story of captivity. The Son of God left eternity and became captive in time. He gave up the glories of heaven and became captive in a human body. He lived among His people and became captive to their suffering. He was nailed to a cross and became a captive of the sins of the world to save us. The world today remains captive to sin and its negative influence on our lives. However, the Christmas story continues to remind us that we don't have to remain prisoners to sin. "But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship...So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir." (Galatians 4:4,7 NIV) So in essence we have become a "captive" audience. However, our captivity is not that which restricts us and holds us hostage but rather we have become captive to the awe and wonder of the greatest gift we could receive, a baby born into our world to save us from our sins. I encourage you this Christmas not to be a hopeless prisoner to a pandemic but a captive to hope. For hope has a name--Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Sheree 

"We Will Give Thanks!"

Thanksgiving is a few days away and this year presents many challenges. In past years, there was no need to think about how we were going to celebrate the day. For those fortunate enough to be able to have their need for food, clothing, and shelter met, the typical scenario includes gathering together in groups of various sizes around a table overflowing with delicious delicacies. Thanksgiving was seen as one of the times during the year when we gave ourselves permission to overindulge. It is also a time of reflection where for some families the tradition is going around the table sharing reasons to be thankful. This year we can still overindulge except we have to make a conscious decision about with whom we will eat and how many people will be a part of the celebration. State governors and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are strongly recommending celebrations be numerically toned down in order to curtail the ongoing spread of the corona virus. The unwelcome interruption in our typical Thanksgiving traditions have prompted some people to question for what reason are we to be thankful? 

The "Great Hallel"

In Psalm 136, we find what is called a litany of thanksgiving. Psalm 136 is known as the "Great Hallel." The word "hallel" is from the Hebrew meaning "to praise." The structure of Psalm 136 is what's called an antiphon which is a chant set to music, typically recited by two groups. The Psalm recalls the beloved history and culture of the Israelites and God's faithfulness to His people. The repetition of the response "His love endures forever" is a call to the audience  to join and affirm what the Psalmist has composed. The call and response was most likely used as part of a worship service. Despite the current situation we are living through, there's always a reason to give thanks, especially to the Creator of heaven and earth. Therefore, I recommend consideration of starting a new tradition this year. No matter how many people are present at the table, we can focus on engaging in our own "Great Hallel" wherein one person serves as the "worship leader" and those gathered respond with affirmation. The following is an example:

Praise the Lord, Creator of heaven and earth.

We will give thanks!

From the rising of the sun until its going down.

We will give thanks!

For every breath and every heart beat.

We will give thanks!

For our frontline workers who are sacrificing every day.

We will give thanks!

For our government officials who are making the hard choices for our well-being.

We will give thanks!

For the gift of relationship.

We will give thanks!

For God so loving the world that He sent His only Son to save us.

We will give thanks!

For Jesus' resurrection which has conquered sin and death.

We will give thanks!

For God's promise that He will never leave or forsake us even in the darkest times.

We will give thanks!

For anticipation of the day of Jesus' return.

We will give thanks!

Praise the Lord, whose love endures forever.

We will give thanks!

No matter how long or short your personal "Great Hallel" may be, there's many things for which to be thankful. May God bless and keep you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving Day and bring comfort to those who are suffering and have experienced loss this year.

Pastor Sheree

Who Is Your King?

There is less than a week left before the election of a new President. The political climate has been extremely tense with frustration and anger amongst people, escalating at times into violence. Voters have expressed concern about the voting process related to possible suppression of votes among certain minority populations as well as perceptions of intimidation tactics. Both Democratic and Republican constituents believe that their nominee will be the one to make everything better. The thinking is and has been regardless of who is running for office in any given year, if we just elect the "right" person with the "right" policies the country's challenges will be resolved and everything will run smoothly. Sometimes the expectations people have and the pressure placed on a presidential candidate almost feels like electing a king to take full control of the country. The idea that any human being is able to fulfill all our needs and expectations is unrealistic. The only One capable of fulfilling our deepest need, which is spiritual, is God. However, today there appears to be little interest or belief in God or what He has done for us in Jesus Christ. 

History Repeats Itself

We read about a similar situation in 1 Samuel 8:1-22. The Israelites had been experiencing fear from the threats of the Philistines. Additionally, the Philistines had captured the Ark of God. Moreover, the Israelites had demonstrated unfaithfulness to the Lord and pursued foreign gods. In response, God called and raised up the prophet Samuel to lead the people. Samuel challenged the people to return to the Lord and stop their idolatry if they expected to be delivered from the Philistines. The Israelites repented and returned to the Lord with their whole hearts and became obedient to His will. As a result, Samuel led the people resulting in a victory over the Philistines. However, years later after Samuel was well advanced in age, his son's were appointed as leaders over Israel. Unfortunately, Samuel's sons did not follow in their father's footsteps and engaged in behaviors that were contrary to the laws handed down to the people through Moses. In their anger the people rose up and demanded new leadership. We read in 1 Samuel 8:4-5, "So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (NIV) The text indicates that Samuel was displeased with their request. He may have wondered how the people could dare to make such a demand after all that God had done for them through delivering them from their enemies. Samuel's response was to go before the Lord in prayer. "And the Lord told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." (1 Samuel 8:7 NIV italics mine) God went on to tell Samuel to share with the people all the negative consequences that would result if their request was granted.(vv.10-18) Unfortunately the people did not take seriously what Samuel shared and insisted they have a king so they could be like the other nations who had kings that led their people, went before them, and fought their battles. (vv.19-20) The Lord in His grace told Samuel to grant the people's request perhaps to Samuel's surprise. (v.22) 

We Need A True King

The rest of the book of 1 Samuel plays out the result of God's warning to the people. When the true King is removed from the picture, the outcome is disastrous.The political unrest in our nation coupled with ongoing violence and underlying racism is the result of hearts that are hardened towards God. He has provided us a King called Jesus who was willing to leave behind the glories of heaven, live among us, and die for us. Moreover, this King rose again from the grave to give all who commit to following Him eternal life and residence in an everlasting kingdom. Yet, like the Israelites, people choose to reject Him and seek to be like all the other nations who have placed their hope and trust in a leader who is just as fallible as the people they are leading. Some world leaders are ruthless and although elected by the people, they operate like a king using their power to oppress and suppress any attempts to overthrow the government. We can be thankful that our system of government has checks and balances towards avoiding dictatorship. However, as long as there is an insistence that we don't need the King of kings and Lord of lords, hearts will not change and circumstances will remain chaotic for years to come. So, who is your king? The choice we make has eternal consequences. 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Sheree

A Tale of Two Ruths

This past week, our country bid farewell to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsberg was a "pioneer" in the true sense of the word. Against all odds she attended the prestigious Harvard Law School where she was one of only 9 women out of a class of 500 prompting the dean of Harvard to ask her why she was taking up a place that "should go to a man." However, Justice Ginsburg was undaunted by such comments and became the catalyst for advocacy of women's rights. Some would say Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the "architect" of the legal fight for women's rights in the 1970's. She changed the way the country treated American women. For more than a decade until her first judicial appointment in 1980, Justice Ginsburg led the fight for gender equality. When she began her legal crusade, women were treated, by law, differently from men. Hundreds of state and federal laws restricted what women could do, barring then from jobs, rights, and even jury service. By the time she was elected to the Supreme Court, however, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had worked a revolution. 

A Revolutionary "Rock Star"

For over 27 years of serving on the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg's decisions forever changed life for American women. By the time she was in her 80's, Justice Ginsburg had become something of a "rock star" to women of all ages and was dubbed the "Notorious RBG." She was so well respected on the Supreme Court that Justice Ginsburg and her conservative colleague Justice Antonin Scalia developed a close personal friendship. Despite their political differences, Justice Scalia once gave Justice Ginsberg two dozen roses on her birthday after she had denied him a vote that he needed for a particular case. When asked why he gave her the roses, Justice Scalia replied, "Some things are more important than votes." Indeed it can be said that Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer. Even in death she was still breaking down barriers not only as the first Supreme Court Justice to have two days of viewing at the Supreme Court but also becoming the first woman in U.S. history to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she was the first Jewish American to ever lie in state at the U.S. Congress. 

The "Other" Ruth

The Bible tells us about another woman named Ruth who changed history forever. Her beginnings were more humble. In fact she was a foreigner, a Moabite, who left behind all she was familiar with, including her family, to stay by her mother-in-law's side after she and her mother-in-law were both widowed. We read in the book of Ruth after Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own people and their gods, Ruth declares, "Don't urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17 NIV) Ruth's commitment to Naomi was significant. One could say it was life changing. We're told when the two women returned to Bethlehem, "the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?" (Ruth 1:19b NIV) Can you imagine what it was like for Ruth to become the center of attention? A Moabite among a people that were ethnically and culturally different. However, this did not hinder Ruth's determination to do whatever it took to help her mother-in-law. 

A Sacrificial Love

Ruth loved her mother-in-law so much that she was willing to go into the barley fields to pick up leftover grain to help support them. In Biblical times, women were considered property and were dependent on men to support them. If a woman was widowed, she lost that source of support, especially if she had no children, specifically sons.  Naomi was equally dedicated to Ruth as she suggested Ruth go down to the threshing floor of a close relative named Boaz. Boaz subsequently falls in love with Ruth and is able to secure the rights to Naomi's deceased husband's property from a guardian-redeemer who had first rights to the property. However, that person also had to marry Ruth in order to maintain the name of the dead man with his property. When the guardian-redeemer refused to marry Ruth for fear of endangering his own estate, he willingly turned the property over to Boaz. (Ruth 4:1-8) Ruth and Boaz married and brought forth a son. Ruth 4:17b states, "And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (NIV) The Davidic line ultimately brought forth the Messiah, Jesus. 

A Lasting Legacy

Women helping women. Two Ruths, both women the unlikely beneficiaries of lasting legacies. One Ruth, whose legacy made a difference here on earth, the other Ruth whose legacy has eternal value. Through one woman came freedom for women from oppression in the here and now. Through the other woman came freedom from sin forever for all humanity through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both women willing to stand against culture and convention out of love for others. Praise God for the sacrifice of these women to accomplish God's sovereign plan. 

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Sheree

 

"Good Trouble"

The passing of Congressman John R. Lewis brought a pivotal point in history to a close. John Lewis was one of the significant figures in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality. The funeral service which took place on July 30, 2020 was a mixture of politics and praise for the many accomplishments of the congressman and the lives that he touched during his 80 years on earth. There are very few public figures that are eulogized by three living former United States presidents, however John Lewis earned that respect for his selfless contributions to better the lives of not only black Americans but all Americans. Despite the political references, the consistent thread that ran through the many testimonies from friends, family, and notable public figures was John Lewis' sacrificial spirit. The congressman poured himself into so many people and causes that some considered him a modern day saint. In fact one of the people who shared at his service stated, "John Lewis was truly human and divine." Some believers may be disturbed at such a statement as we acknowledge that there is only one who was truly human and truly divine--Jesus. However, I believe the intention of this person was not in any way to deify John Lewis but demonstrate how he reflected the character of Christ. 

"TROUBLEMAKER"

One of Congressman Lewis' favorite sayings was lets get into"good trouble." This saying was meant to challenge people to fight for what was right and just even if it costs us everything. Isn't that so like Jesus? Jesus like John Lewis was constantly in "good trouble" during His brief time on earth. He stood in opposition to the religious leaders and their failure to recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus' claims often drew such anger from the teachers of the law that they wanted to kill Him. (Luke 14:14-28; John 8:58) Jesus was ultimately crucified not because of any thing that He had done wrong but because He spoke God's truth and came to deliver humanity from sin through His death and resurrection. John Lewis almost lost his life after marching across the Edmund Pettus bridge in Alabama to protest racial inequality and secure voting rights for black Americans. The marchers were met with police hostility and Lewis ended up in the hospital after a blow to his head from a police officer's baton. Lewis was not doing anything illegal, immoral, or even violent as he peacefully lead the march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other protesters. He spoke the truth about the evils of segregation and sought to bring about change as the book of Micah declares, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NIV) 

A REFLECTION OF GOD's HEART

John Lewis knew that before God, all human beings are created equal regardless of race or gender. John Lewis knew that in heaven there is no segregation as the book of Revelation states, "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 before 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." (Revelation 7:9-10 NIV) The challenge of the church today is to have a desire to get into "good trouble" for the sake of the gospel. The early church knew and demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice all for Christ, even if it meant losing their lives. Are believers today willing to follow in Jesus' footsteps like John Lewis? The times we live in may be different but the call upon the life of God's people has not changed, to love God with our entire being, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and preach the gospel. (Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5) John Lewis loved God and his neighbor so much that he was willing to sacrifice His life. Let's follow his example as he followed Jesus and get into "good trouble" for the sake of Christ and the gospel.

To God Be The Glory!

Pastor Sheree

Holy Applause!

Many of you are aware that the baseball season has begun. Teams will be vying for a spot in the World's Series in this somewhat modified and shortened season. Additionally basketball players are gearing up in "the bubble" down at Disney in Florida to commence their season. Some teams including our own Boston Celtics have already begun engaging in scrimmage games with other teams. The Boston Bruins hockey team is about to begin their season in Canada. Finally, the NFL has submitted their plans to protect players and their families during the corona virus pandemic. The Patriots are scheduled to start their training camp on time. One thing that all of these sports teams share in common is they will be playing without fans in the stadiums. The corona virus has hindered the ability of people to actively support their teams in person. The various leagues have tried to enhance the experience for the players through piped in crowd noise as well as cardboard cut outs in the stands. The option has even been offered to fans to take a picture and purchase a cardboard cut out which can be placed in the seat of a particular stadium. We as human beings thrive on the support and accolades of others. Players on the various sports teams will be quick to acknowledge that a crowd of fans shouting and clapping energizes them to perform at the highest level. What happens when there is no longer any crowd noise? The game can still be played but there is a sense of loss and diminished level of energy.

 

FOREVER FANS

Followers of Christ are forever receiving encouragement as they walk through the challenges of this life. No matter what may take place, there is a "heavenly crowd of fans" cheering us on. We read in the book of Hebrews "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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)

 ETERNAL VICTORY

Team players have their eyes fixed on accomplishing the ultimate goal of being crowned "the best" in their sport. After the victory of winning the ultimate prize, players will often comment that they won the trophy for their fans with whom they share the prize. A celebratory parade in a major city often follows with ongoing cheers and applause. The lack of an active fan base in the stands and the cancellation of victory parades may diminish the joy in celebrating the win. However, when our eyes are fixed on Jesus and the ultimate prize of sharing eternity with Him, it encourages us to keep persevering in this life. Our "fan base" are all the saints that have gone before us. Friends, family, and other brothers and sisters who have finished the race are now participating in the never ending celebration of glory to God for what Jesus has done through His sacrifice on the cross. So I encourage you as the writer of Hebrews states, not "to grow weary or lose heart" when life challenges us and others oppose us for our faithfulness to the Lord. We have an ongoing "holy applause" that resonates in heaven which will never be silenced by anyone or anything!

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Sheree

"Do And Teach"

I enjoy reading the devotional booklet, "Our Daily Bread" published by RBC Ministries located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The most recent post was a timely message in light of the violence in our country resulting from the murder of George Floyd. The devotional focused on the story of a young man named Patrick, who was wounded yet managed to survive the Colombine High School massacre in Colorado. The story emphasized how Patrick harbored feelings of bitterness following the shootings and wondered why he had survived. During his recovery, God showed Patrick that the key to forgiveness is to stop focusing on what others have done to us and to focus on what Jesus has done for us. Twenty years after the tragedy, Patrick came to the conclusion that maybe God had spared him and chosen him to forgive. Perhaps, God was calling Patrick to a ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation, the very thing that Jesus demonstrated to us.

JESUS WASHED HIS DISCIPLE'S FEET

 After reading this devotional I was drawn to John chapter 13. This is the story of Jesus' last time of intimacy with His disciples prior to His crucifixion. Jesus, in a total act of humility washes His disciples feet, including the feet of the one who was to betray Him. John tells us, "When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" He asked them. "You call Me 'Teacher and Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17 NIV) Notice how Jesus emphasis in the text is on "doing" and this is the heart of the story. Luke reinforces this principle in the book of Acts, "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen." (Acts 1:1-2 NIV)

WE ARE CALLED TO ACTION

 We in the church tend to focus on teaching and then telling people what to do. However, many times we fail to follow through with what we have learned. We can acknowledge what a great sermon we heard but then return to our homes and continue on with our lives. When we actively do something first, it opens the door for people to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Many of us will never endure the horrible tragedy of Colombine or have our lives needlessly cut short by someone's knee on our throat cutting off our air supply while we beg for mercy. However, all of us will experience at some point being wronged by another person. A spouse commits adultery, a child rebels, an employer is abusive. What action can we take to move on? Perhaps, we need to look at the example of our Savior. In the face of betrayal, Jesus chose to do something, He washed His disciple's feet. He didn't merely lecture His disciples, He showed them what to do. In the face of rejection, abandonment, torture, and crucifixion, Jesus chose to do something, He went to the cross and ultimately forgave those who crucified Him. (Luke 23:34) Jesus died for our collective sins, for the officer who put his knee on George Floyd's neck, for the people who are perpetrating violence in our cities, for you and for me.

WE ARE CALLED TO EMULATE JESUS

In some ways we are not unlike that officer, putting our collective knees on the throat of Jesus, allowing a sinless, innocent man to die and suffer on a cross in agony. It's an ugly truth to think about and even harder to swallow. However, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, called to be His messengers of forgiveness and reconciliation then we need to emulate the example of our Lord. We need to stop sitting around in our peaceful bubble exchanging gracious platitudes like, "I have nothing against black people", or "I don't even notice color", or "Some of my best friends are black." We need to actively be peacemakers literally "making peace" through standing up for and speaking out against racial inequality. If Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had sat back and simply adopted the attitude, "Well, I'll just pray that the Lord will open the eyes of the white people and hopefully things will change," there would have been no Civil Rights Movement. However, He followed the example of Jesus to do and teach without violence and as a result the world took notice, responded, and change took place. I applaud similar actions that are taking place even in the midst of today's violence. Police officers are walking with protestors and at times kneeling with them. These officers are doing something and by their actions teaching people that the injustice needs to end. I am a black woman but my identity is not found in my color or my gender but my identity is rooted in Jesus Christ. Racism is sewn into the fabric of our culture and will continue to exist as long as the heart of mankind remains unchanged apart from transformation through Jesus Christ. However, like Dr. King brought forth change through peaceful non-violence we can do the same and teach others by example. And as our Lord told His disciples, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:17 NIV)
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree

The New "Underground Church"

"On the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." (John 20:19-20)

The corona virus pandemic has certainly changed our world. The ability to move freely from place to place, to come together in large gatherings, and spend time in close proximity to one another has been radically transformed. The disciples world had also been radically altered after Jesus' death. The ability to walk with Him, talk with Him, and eat with Him shifted dramatically after the crucifixion. The rules of the game had changed and the disciples found themselves adopting a new coping strategy. John tells us that the disciples had locked themselves away behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. (John 20:19 NIV) When, in the past, had they ever experienced a situation so dramatic, that it negatively impacted their behavior and the way they did life together? After Jesus' death, the disciples didn't immediately go home to their families, John tells us they were locked behind closed doors together. The text appears to imply there was no family contact out of fear of the consequences. These consequences which could result in potential arrest by the Jews, appeared to be a matter of life or death. 

JESUS IS WITH US.

Our current stay at home advisory is not unlike the feelings the disciples may have experienced. We are "locked away" from our loved ones. We dare not venture out too far or have too much physical contact with others, lest we find ourselves in a life or death situation. As the disciples found themselves with their backs against the wall, they received a wonderful surprise, Jesus came to be with them. Jesus knew what was happening and He came to bring peace, the shalom of God, to their anxious hearts. Jesus could have immediately ascended back to His heavenly Father and left the disciples to figure things out on their own. However, even after undergoing torturous suffering and an agonizing death, Jesus after His resurrection came back to take care of His disciples. After confirming that His presence was real, showing them His hands and side, the reaction of the disciples was one of overwhelming joy because as John states, "they saw the Lord." (John 20:20 NIV) For us, Jesus has ascended back to His heavenly Father but He has not left us on our own. His presence is with us through His Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks the same "peace be with you" as He did to his frightened disciples. When we realize that His presence is always with us, we have in essence "seen" the Lord, not with physical but spiritual eyes. 

JESUS SPEAKS PEACE TO US.

Prior to this pandemic, we as the church are aware that we have brothers and sisters who today find themselves in a similar situation as the disciples. There are places in the world where Christians have the potential to be persecuted and even martyred for publicly sharing the gospel. They need to meet behind closed doors and are often referred to as the "underground church." Yet, they experience the presence of Christ behind those locked doors as they continue to meet, study God's word, and pray together. In our present situation, we in some ways are the new "underground church." We may not be in hiding out of fear of persecution but we are meeting behind closed doors out of concern for ourselves and others related to contracting the corona virus. Nevertheless, like the disciples we are together behind closed doors not physically, yet we remain spiritually connected to one another through the God-given gift of technology. Moreover, Jesus still speaks, "peace be with you" in the midst of our struggles. As a result of knowing our Lord is with us, we like the disciples can experience great joy for we have "seen" the Lord. May the shalom of our Lord encourage and sustain you during this challenging time.
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Sheree

New Life

"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5 NIV)

  It is no secret that we are in the midst of a serious crisis with the corona virus pandemic. Every day we receive the latest reports through television or other social media of the increasing number of cases as well as those who have died from complications associated with the virus. It feels like we are smothered with darkness and surrounded by death on every side. At my home, we have a bird box attached to our deck. As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm, it is always interesting to see who will be the new occupants of the house. This year it is a pair of house sparrows. As I sat in my den, watching their activity, it occurred to me that these birds live in the same world as I do. Yet, they are not preoccupied with the chaos going on around them but rather they are focused on preparing to bring new life into the world. Yes, while death and darkness right now appear to be our daily companions, we can easily miss out on the reality that new life still takes place. Nature does not deviate from the rhythmic dance that comes with the seasonal changes. God doesn't suddenly change the script on how nature operates when a crisis takes place. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus encourages us not to worry and uses the birds as an example, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26 NIV) 

GOD IS WITH US!

I do not want to imply in any way, shape, or form that we throw fear and anxiety out the window when it comes to this pandemic. We are human and under the circumstances it is quite normal to experience these feelings. To try and cover up our concerns and attempt to quench all fear and anxiety through adopting a "super spiritual" attitude is presenting a false self and denying our humanity. Jesus in Matthew chapter 6 is trying to encourage us not shame us. He is pointing to God's sovereignty over all situations and circumstances. God is with us! 

GOD IS MAKING ALL THINGS NEW

Moreover, in the book of Revelation, John points to new life beyond this world! Many people often get bogged down in the temporary and dismiss the eternal. Yes, we will make it through this corona virus crisis but after all is said and done, if we do not consider things eternal, we have missed a huge message. In the verse from Revelation 21:5, we are told God is making everything new. In the Greek, the present tense is considered a tense of ongoing action. In other words not only is God making everything new (happening right now), He will continue that process, until we reach the final consummation of all things, a new heaven and a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a beautiful bride dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4 NIV) 

JESUS IS OUR HOPE

New life and the passing away of the old order of things started with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On April 12th, we will celebrate Easter. Although we cannot be together physically, it does not change the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death. No pandemic will ever rob us of the gift of salvation we have received because He is risen! So, let us learn a lesson from our resident sparrow couple that are focused on bringing forth new life in the midst of chaos. Our God is making all things new! He's bringing life out of the darkness and it's because of Jesus!
Have a Blessed Easter!
Pastor Sheree

The Unholy Trinity-Part 3

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." (Genesis 3:8-10)


We have all made poor choices in our lives. It's part of our human nature to ignore advice or warnings not to engage in a particular behavior. We see evidence of this ignorance from childhood. Children tend to push the limits of their autonomy despite parent's efforts to protect them from the consequences of their poor choices. Over time as we mature the reality of our poor choices can result in outcomes that negatively impact ourselves and others. This is when the third member of the "unholy trinity", Guilt does its best work. If Fear serves up the cake and Shame adds the icing, Guilt  places the cherry on top. Guilt declares that you have done something wrong and never lets you forget it! Guilt delights in reminding you about mistakes that have been made as far back as you can remember. Many of us carry uneccesary guilt from childhood or adolescence and hold on to it into our adult lives. Moreover, guilt can torture our hearts and minds with something that we have done which resulted in another person experiencing emotional pain. 

HIDING OUT

What is our reaction to guilt's condemnation? The same reaction as that of Adam and Eve after they sinned in the Garden of Eden. "I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." (Genesis 3:10) Guilt sends us into hiding. We want to hide our mistakes and cover up disclosure of our poor choices. We want to avoid people who have been emotionally wounded through our careless words or actions. We feel we are doomed to forever carry the weight of guilt for the rest of our lives. However, like fear and shame we can let go of guilt through turning to God's word. Romans 8:1-4 states, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (NIV)  Guilt slams its gavel down on the bench of your past mistakes and screams "guilty as charged!" Jesus Christ is our defense and declares, "Set free!" because He is God's response to guilt's condemnation. The "unholy trinity" as mentioned in the previous two parts of this series is constantly sending out invitations to draw us into a party of false claims and lies. 

THE VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD

Our response to guilt needs to be the same as that towards fear and shame, "Don't listen and don't go to the party!" The only voice we need to hear is that of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who states, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:27-28 NIV) We can release the weight of guilt that we carry and rest in the assurance of God's promises. "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a Great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23 NIV) My encouragement to you is to leave the "unholy trinity" behind and walk with confidence by faith alongside the Holy Trinity, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who will lead you and guide you into all truth.
Glory to God!
Pastor Sheree

The Unholy Trinity-Part 2

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." (Genesis 3:8-10)

What's wrong with you? How many times have we heard that familiar question growing up? How many times have you heard it as an adult? This is the question often asked by the second member of the "unholy trinity." Shame manifests itself by declaring there is something wrong with you. The "wrong" may be a physical difference like skin color, some physical disability or anything that society labels as outside of the "norm." Growing up we may have experienced an adult or some authority figure pointing a finger at us for a poor choice that had been made or unkind words that may have been spoken declaring, "Shame on you!"  It's not too far from the truth in those instances that shame is figuratively speaking all over us! Shame enjoys adding to the menu at the party that fear has already initiated. If fear is offering up the cake, shame is the icing on top. The two of them work hand in hand to point out how inadequate we are as well as the rejection that we are going to experience because we are "different."  

GOD DELIGHTS IN OUR DIFFERENCES

After the Fall, Adam and Eve experienced shame in being exposed by virtue of their nakedness, "I was afraid because I was naked..." (Genesis 3:10) They noticed something was wrong with them. They noticed their differences. However, like fear, God's word has an answer to shame's taunting. The Bible tells us that God delights in His creation and that includes us. A psalm attributed to King David declares, "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14) Furthermore, Genesis tells us that God created us, both men and women in His image. (Genesis 1:26) Why would the God of the universe place His image on something shameful? Jesus often ministered to many individuals who were considered shameful for their conditions or poor choices. (Mark 5:25-34; Luke 17:11-19; John 7:53-8:11) Moreover, God gave up His only Son to remove any sense of shame we may carry. The author of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, "For the joy set before Him He 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2-3) 

TAKE UP THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Shame like its buddy fear, is constantly wooing us to come join the party, constantly trying to convince us that we will be better off tasting their delicacies. As mentioned in part 1 of this series, the warning is "Don't listen and don't go to the party!" Take hold of God's word which Paul declares in Ephesians 6:17 is the "sword of the Spirit." The Bible is God's weapon to help us combat fear, shame, and the third member of the "unholy trinity"(guilt) that we will read about in part 3. Be encouraged as the psalmist declares, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." (Psalm 28:7a)
Be blessed,
Pastor Sheree

The Unholy Trinity-Part 1

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." (Genesis 3:8-10)

Over the next three months I will be sharing a foundational key as to what underlies all of the emotional challenges which we may face. It's what I call the "unholy trinity," which are fear, shame, and guilt. After the Fall, these three emotions emerged as the core of every struggle humanity faces and will face until Christ returns. Every challenge we encounter either has one or more of these characters at the center of it all. I like to visualize the unholy trinity as throwing an ongoing party to which we have a never ending invitation. Our first character, fear, often manifests in feelings of anxiety and insecurity. Many of the clients I see in my practice often express feelings of anxiety. Fear was the first thing that Adam expressed after God called to him in the garden, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid....(Genesis 3:10) When we accept the party invitation from fear, we are hindered from moving forward with what God has called and gifted us to do. 

Fear Is Always Inviting Us To The Party

Fear is always holding out our favorite food and whispering in our ear, "You don't want to do that, you may fail" or "what happens if..." or "what's that person going to think if you say or do that?" "Come join the party and eat your fill of fear!" My word of encouragement when clients are expressing these fears is, "Don't listen and don't go to the party!" The words, "Do not be afraid" are expressed in both the Old and New Testaments. Some scholars have estimated the phrase occurs over 365 times, which shows how much emphasis God places on the significance of those words. For example, the Lord said to Joshua before he was to lead the people into the Promised Land, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9) Joshua had a monumental task ahead of him but God promises that He would be with Joshua. Jesus also comforted His disciples after He informed them that He would be leaving them, but that He would send the Holy Spirit to be their strength in Jesus' absence, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) 

God's Word Is Our Weapon Against Fear

God knew after the Fall fear would try its best to hinder us from following Him. Therefore, God encourages us through His word to trust Him, to listen to His voice and don't go to the party! There are times when fear is healthy and serves as an ally versus an adversary. For example, in situations when our safety is threatened, fear triggers within us the need to flee in the opposite direction. However, in circumstances where self doubt and insecurity arise, God is our strength, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) Moreover, like Joshua, we have the promise that God will always be with us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5b-6) So in those moments when fear holds out that party invitation, we can counter with a better invitation. The invitation of God's word, which grounds us and strengthens us through His promises.
Thanks be to God!
Pastor Sheree