"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist." -Dom Helder Camara
This quote by the Archbishop of Brazil is one I use often, and one that has gotten me into trouble on a regular basis. But, it is a powerful statement that Christians need to both understand and to take to heart.
Feeding the poor is an act of compassion. It is surely an act and even a means of grace according to John Wesley. But, feeding the poor is not enough. Feeding the poor is addressing the symptom and not the sickness.
Addressing the cause of the poor being hungry gets at the root of the problem. This is a radical approach to ending hunger. This is eliminating the root cause of the issue. It addresses systems and power. It is a matter of justice and not just charity at this level.
If asking why the poor are hungry causes me to be labeled a Communist I am fine with that. In fact, more believers in Christ need to work hard enough on behalf of the poor and hungry to be so labeled.
Demonstrating the love of Christ is supposed to be radical. It demonstrates a faithfulness to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ that is far more glorifying to His Kingdom than just playing church.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
spiritual fearlessness
"Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral." - Mohandas K. Gandhi.
Perfect love casts out fear according to the writer of the First Letter of John. The more love we receive from God the less we should fear. The deeper our spirituality the more fearless we should become. How fearless are you?
Perfect love casts out fear according to the writer of the First Letter of John. The more love we receive from God the less we should fear. The deeper our spirituality the more fearless we should become. How fearless are you?
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Seventy Years of Faithfulness!
Seventy years is a long time. And for the past 70 years Forest Road United Methodist Church has provided a beacon of hope in our community. That is worthy of celebration, and that is what we are doing this morning.Today is HOMECOMING SUNDAY!
There is great difficulty in attempting to capture 70 years of memories in a single day. That, however, is what we are trying to do. We are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the wonderful history of our congregation.
Months of work and effort have gone into making this day special for all those attending. Our festivities actually began last night with a delightful Dinner at Charly's Restuarant. There were 33 of us who had a delicious meal while sharing stories and memories.
That brings us to today. And what a day it is going to be.
At 10 am we begin with a social hour: more stories, more shared memories with a history video and tables of photos and historical items.
Our 11 am worship will feature special music and our own District Superintendent, the Rev. Scott Davis, preaching. Worship will be followed by one of our memorably delicious fellowship meals.
But, that's not all. After our meal we will have a great afternoon of special music with the Fort Hill UMC Bell Ringers and several other exceptionally talented artists, some well known and fondly remembered as past members of our congregation.
Today is Homecoming Sunday! Join us as we celebrate 70 years of faithfulness!
There is great difficulty in attempting to capture 70 years of memories in a single day. That, however, is what we are trying to do. We are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the wonderful history of our congregation.
Months of work and effort have gone into making this day special for all those attending. Our festivities actually began last night with a delightful Dinner at Charly's Restuarant. There were 33 of us who had a delicious meal while sharing stories and memories.
That brings us to today. And what a day it is going to be.
At 10 am we begin with a social hour: more stories, more shared memories with a history video and tables of photos and historical items.
Our 11 am worship will feature special music and our own District Superintendent, the Rev. Scott Davis, preaching. Worship will be followed by one of our memorably delicious fellowship meals.
But, that's not all. After our meal we will have a great afternoon of special music with the Fort Hill UMC Bell Ringers and several other exceptionally talented artists, some well known and fondly remembered as past members of our congregation.
Today is Homecoming Sunday! Join us as we celebrate 70 years of faithfulness!
Sunday, September 18, 2016
just shine
"It is better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannons to call attention to their shining; they just shine." - Dwight L. Moody
Moody, the great 19th century evangelist, nails it. What is important is not what we say. That counts for little.
What is supremely critical, however, is how we live. The sermon most people will see is how we live. Most of the time our lifestyle says far more about our faithfulness to the Gospel than anything we might say about our beliefs.
Love. Live in love, and let that love shine out into the darkness. The light of that love will bring more into a safe harbor than any noise we will ever make.
Moody, the great 19th century evangelist, nails it. What is important is not what we say. That counts for little.
What is supremely critical, however, is how we live. The sermon most people will see is how we live. Most of the time our lifestyle says far more about our faithfulness to the Gospel than anything we might say about our beliefs.
Love. Live in love, and let that love shine out into the darkness. The light of that love will bring more into a safe harbor than any noise we will ever make.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
the lesser of two evils
Numerous times during this Presidential campaign season I have heard the statement that neither of the two leading candidates are worthy of the office of President of the United States. I have been told that both candidates have serious, even major, flaws in their character or their personality that should disqualify them to hold our nation's highest office.
Those statements usually precede a remark that this year we will be voting for the lesser of two evils. That so many people feel this way is a truly sad state of affairs. And it points out the deepening sense of doubt and alienation so many of us feel about the leadership and governance of our country.
It's a good time to be reminded of the words of the immortal Jerry Garcia. He wrote,
"Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil."
Whoever we choose to support for the next leader of our nation, we need to do so prayerfully. We need to measure the words and actions of all the candidates against their faithfulness to scriptural holiness and a lifestyle of love.
Before we go to the polls in November it may be again time to ask "What would Jesus do?"
Those statements usually precede a remark that this year we will be voting for the lesser of two evils. That so many people feel this way is a truly sad state of affairs. And it points out the deepening sense of doubt and alienation so many of us feel about the leadership and governance of our country.
It's a good time to be reminded of the words of the immortal Jerry Garcia. He wrote,
"Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil."
Whoever we choose to support for the next leader of our nation, we need to do so prayerfully. We need to measure the words and actions of all the candidates against their faithfulness to scriptural holiness and a lifestyle of love.
Before we go to the polls in November it may be again time to ask "What would Jesus do?"
Monday, September 12, 2016
President Dwight D. Eisenhower once stated a profound truth that bears repeating;
"This world of ours...must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect."
These are words we again need to hear and take to heart. Perfect love casts our fear.
As disciples of the man from Nazareth, we are called to live in love, and not in fear. Loving each other as we have first been loved leads to the mutual trust and respect that eradicates hatred.
"This world of ours...must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect."
These are words we again need to hear and take to heart. Perfect love casts our fear.
As disciples of the man from Nazareth, we are called to live in love, and not in fear. Loving each other as we have first been loved leads to the mutual trust and respect that eradicates hatred.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
it's a fact
Perfect love casts out fear. That is not a promise. It is a fact.
And in a world where we see fear and mistrust growing every day, it is a fact to which we need to pay more attention.
When we live in fear we are denying that God is in control. If a God who loved the world enough to give his Son so that all could be saved is in control, well, why are we afraid? What do we have to fear if God loves us?
Fear is just another tool in the devil's toolkit. It is definitely a big one, but we just need to understand that love casts out fear.
Trust in God's love. Extend that love to all you meet. Live in that love.
Surround yourself in God's perfect love, for perfect love casts out fear.
And in a world where we see fear and mistrust growing every day, it is a fact to which we need to pay more attention.
When we live in fear we are denying that God is in control. If a God who loved the world enough to give his Son so that all could be saved is in control, well, why are we afraid? What do we have to fear if God loves us?
Fear is just another tool in the devil's toolkit. It is definitely a big one, but we just need to understand that love casts out fear.
Trust in God's love. Extend that love to all you meet. Live in that love.
Surround yourself in God's perfect love, for perfect love casts out fear.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 22, 2016
in distressing disguise
If sometimes our poor people have had to die of starvation, it is not that God didn't care for them, but because you and I didn't give, were not an instrument in the hands of God, to give them that bread, that clothing; because we did not recognize him, when once more the Christ came in distressing disguise, in the hungry man, in the lonely man, in the homeless child, and seeking for shelter. - Mother Teresa
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Put on the Armor of God by: Mike Bennett
http://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/christian-conversion/armor-of-god/
In our war with Satan, his society and our human weaknesses, we need spiritual help. God provides the powerful armor we need for protection—and victory!
The Bible tells us we are in a war, and our adversary, Satan the devil, is bent on destroying us. The apostle Paul warns us to beware of Satan’s devices and tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11). How can we defend ourselves from his stealthy and deadly attacks?
Paul addressed this in Ephesians 6:10-20 where he talks about putting on the whole armor of God. Ephesians was one of Paul’s letters written from prison. During Paul’s time in prison he obviously became well acquainted with the armor worn and carried by his captors in the Roman army. Following Isaiah’s lead (Isaiah 59:17), Paul drew a powerful comparison between a soldier’s armor and the spiritual armor of God.
Paul wrote: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10).
You see, we don’t have to be discouraged by Satan’s devices or by his power and stealth. We aren’t in this battle alone. We have access to the greatest power in the universe!
Verse 11 continues: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
This is a comprehensive defense strategy, and we have to pay attention to all parts of this armor God offers. But if we do, we will be able to withstand Satan’s attacks.
Spiritual battles
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (verse 12).
The Bible describes unseen spiritual battles, such as the titanic battle at the end of the age that the apostle John witnessed: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was any place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:7-9).
All this is happening behind the scenes in the spiritual world, but it has great influence over the physical world. Satan and the demons are invisible, and he is a master of camouflage. He is able to convince people that he doesn’t exist, and he is able to sway society and suggest wrong thoughts to us without our even realizing he is there.
Paul continued in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
What does he mean, “to stand”? He was emphasizing that with God’s help, we will be able to hold the line, to not retreat, to not give up an inch of God’s territory.
Now Paul starts to list the individual elements of this spiritual armor.
A belt was the first piece of equipment put on, and it secures all the other pieces of our armor. Wearing the belt showed that the soldier was ready for action, since he would only loosen his belt when he went off duty.
Truth should surround us like a belt. Knowing God’s truth is the surefire antidote to Satan’s lies and deception. And to be truly ready for the battle, we must be completely truthful ourselves in our inner being, like our Creator.
Next, Paul tells us to “put on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Without righteousness, we leave ourselves open to Satan’s attacks. To be righteous is first of all to repent and be forgiven of our sins, and then to do what is right in God’s eyes. Psalm 119:172 tells us that God’s commandments are righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God’s laws of love.
Isaiah 59:17 says that God Himself puts on righteousness as a breastplate! This may be part of what inspired Paul to use this analogy. Isaiah 59 starts by explaining that “your iniquities have separated you from your God” (verse 2). Iniquity is the opposite of righteousness, so when we give in to sin without repenting, we are removing our breastplate and leaving ourselves open to more of Satan’s attacks.
Shoes might not be the most exciting piece of armor, but the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary highlights their importance:
“The military successes both of Alexander the Great and of Julius Caesar were due in large measure to their armies being well shod and thus able to undertake long marches at incredible speed over rough terrain.”
The word “preparation,” denoting readiness, reminds us that we are to be eager to preach the gospel of peace. The Church of God is sent to announce the good news of God’s Kingdom, which will spread His way of peace around the whole world. Having our spiritual shoes on, we will be ready to spread the news to others.
Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible tells us that the sandals of the Roman soldier “often were fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make the hold firm in the ground.” God’s good news and our mission—our marching orders—to preach it serve as our firm foundation.
When our faith in God’s power and love is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land a blow. Faith means more than just believing that God exists, of course. It includes a firm belief that everything God does is truly for our good. Also, faith is the absolute conviction that God will always do what He has promised (Romans 4:18-21).
Faith protects us in many ways. Think about Daniel in the lion’s den. Faith was like a force field to protect Daniel from those vicious teeth! AndShadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were protected from the fiery furnace! Faith is powerful and protects us not only from those physical dangers, but from the spiritual temptations and dangers.
The shield of faith is not just for personal protection. The Roman soldiers had a strategy of joining their shields together. If we join our shields—that is, strengthen each other with our faith, building up and serving as we are able—we will be able to take on any challenge.
We can receive tremendous hope and comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Jesus Christ gave to save us and the wonderful Kingdom that is the goal of our salvation. This hope protects our minds from the discouragement and despair in this world.
The sword of the Spirit, like the Roman gladius, can also help us to conquer all our enemies, including that most difficult one, our entrenched human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:12 explains: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Remember how Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan (Matthew 4:1-10)? Christ used scripture quotes three times. He brought to mind the scriptures that dealt with the situation, that showed what He should do and that strengthened His resolve. And so should we.
Our sword won’t stay sharp on its own. We must continually sharpen it with regular and focused Bible study.
Paul ends this section encouraging us to pray fervently for ourselves, for each other and for the work of the Church.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20).
The Church, and each of us individually, moves forward on our knees. Praying reminds us of the battle, reminds us of the source of our strength and defense, and reminds God that we are fully committed to following Him as obedient and faithful soldiers. Prayer and Bible study are the most powerful tools for combating Satan’s weapons.
When we put on this whole armor of God, we will be prepared for Satan’s attempts to attack us with pride, envy, lust for forbidden pleasures, itching ears, disappointment, discouragement, doubt or division—or any other tricks he may use.
There is so much more we can learn from this powerful list of defenses God makes available to us. Hopefully, this article has whetted your appetite to study this important subject in more detail. Make it a goal to study the armor of God in greater depth.
Remember, we’re at war. Let’s be alert to Satan’s devices, and let’s put on the whole armor of God!
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Mother's Day
Ann M. Jarvis first suggested the national observance of an annual day to honor all mothers. On May 10, 1908 she gave a carnation (her mother's favorite flower) to all who attended. The observance quickly gain wide popularity, and was being observed in a number of large cities in the United States.
On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. It was established as a time of "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.
On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. It was established as a time of "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
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