The Forgotten

 

"But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?  He is not the God of the dead but the God of the living."

Mark 12: 26 - 27 NKJV 

There is a time honored tradition for a soldier who dies in the battlefield.  Once the soldier is carried from his final battle, a makeshift memorial is left behind, that others may know who walked before them.  It's simple, really, merely a reminder that we never forget.  The soldiers rifle, helmet and dog tags are meant as a sign of prayer, to remember a fallen friend.  The soldiers boots, worn and used, are meant to signify his final march into battle.  For most of my life I have been somewhat of a amateur student of military history.  I have devoured many a book about our nations conflicts from the past.  I'm not a warmonger by any means, I'm simply interested in history.  It's an interest which, looking back, triggered a emotional reaction from my mother.  It seems one day while out shopping my mom decided to ask me what it was I wanted to do when I got older.  Well, up to this point I had read almost every military history book in the school library so to me the choice was simple.  I wanted to be a soldier.  Up until that point, I had never seen my mother come as close to crying as she did in that moment.  Back then I couldn't comprehend what she was thinking.  I mean, soldiers were honored and respected, right?  What I didn't realize back then was that my mom had endured the long years of watching television and seeing the reports coming out of Vietnam of the fighting there.  She had seen the flag draped coffins of American servicemen coming home on their final journey.  She didn't want that for her youngest son.  Like I said, all I do is read books.  I was reminded this memorial day weekend of the many young men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  In a way, giving ones life for their country has always been seen as one of the most noble acts one can do.  Not according to general George Patton, however.  It was Patton who was once quoted as saying, 'Make the other poor bastard give his life for his own country.'  I agree.  There is yet another quote which is significant, 'Only the dead have seen the end of war.'  Indeed, regional conflicts and armed skirmishes seem to have haunted human history for centuries.  Perhaps realizing that war is inevitable and thus preparing for it is our best defense as a nation.  

Only the dead have seen the end of war.

~Plato~ 

I've never known the loss of a family member to military service.  My own father did his bit in the navy, but he passed away years after leaving the frog corps.  The loss I have had to deal with in my life is the death of my parents and a few close friends.  It is inevitable that sooner or later death touches us all in one way or another.  How can we prepare for this?  Well, I believe that the best way to prepare for the end of our life in this world is to realize that it is indeed not the end of our life.  The apostle Paul assures us of this in Romans where he describes the work which Christ accomplished on the cross.  We're told that Jesus defeated death once and for all {Romans 6:9}.  Now, here's where too many people get tripped up.  Paul assures us that we LIVE with Christ {Romans 6:8, Galatians 2:20}.  As in the verse of Moses and the burning bush, Jesus IS our savior.  God IS our merciful Lord.  There is noting past tense about our life in Christ Jesus.  It is not something which we must wait for as a reward after our life here has ended.  No, our life in Christ Jesus is alive and well today.  If there were a battlefield cross that would signify what Jesus has accomplished, it would be that image of the cross which He bled and died upon.  Yet, as believers we do not need such artifacts to know what Jesus has done for us.  We know because the Lord has instructed us through His word.  In our hearts we know that we are His.  What better memorial is there to Jesus than in the very hearts of those who believe?  Of course, memorials are for the dead are they not?  Not likely for someone alive in Christ Jesus.  

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

A God Of Convenience

 

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Peter 4: 3 - 4 NKJV 

I've heard it more than a few times.  Someone, at some point, will become bored or disillusioned with the church which they are in and start searching for another church home.  Some will claim that they are searching for a church that "Fits their beliefs."  I've often wondered, what are the beliefs of these people?  To leave once something gets too uncomfortable?  I suppose that is the reason why there seems to be a church on every corner in whatever city you might be in.  Somewhere, there is a church who will preach God the way YOU want him preached.  If you prefer a traditional church service, there's a church for that.  If you prefer a new age church service, there's a church for that as well.  Is it just me, or has God suddenly become a God of popular opinion?  Because I will tell you, in any traditional church, eventually you will find something that will make you question why it is that you are there.  I'm guessing that it's human nature or something akin to it.  There have been times where I have questioned why I've stayed at my job for so long.  I've been in my share of churches, and there have been many times where I have come face to face with something in the church I didn't agree with.  The music was too loud, they didn't follow the bible as close as I wanted them too, The men's ministry was lacking, stay in any church long enough and you will find something that irritates you.  The reason for this is that churches, for the most part, are a man created system.  How wonderful it would be if I could walk into church on a Sunday and listen to the pastor talk about who we are in Christ.  Now, to me, THAT is a good church.  My itching ears were longing to hear about Jesus.  Thankfully we have a small group who gathers via video chat each Sunday to talk about all things Jesus.  Yet, I suppose that isn't for everyone.  Like I said, there are many other churches out there that satisfy many itching ears.  That many churches, however, does come with a down side. 

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

1 Corinthians 12: 27 NKJV 

What is the down side to so many people darting back and forth between churches?  Well, all too often relationships suffer as a result.  I know that there are those out there who will say that it's "Just church," and that their friendships and relationships will not be affected.  Well, that isn't how it always happened in my experience.  I've been involved in more than a few churches where a change in pastors would bring a shift in the congregation as many would follow one pastor or another to their new church home.  I've been witness to pastors becoming so disgruntled over not being named head pastor that they up and left the church to start a new one of their own.  Does this sound like a sound reason to leave a church?  Is there ever a sound reason to walk away from a church?  I believe so.  I believe that if the Spirit leads us elsewhere because of what is being taught in a church, it is a sound reason.  Yet, in the end, we are the ones who decide where it is we will worship.  I make no secret of the fact that I have not stepped into a church to worship in over twelve years.  My reasons for doing this were personal to me, and I do not regret that decision I made.  For one of the results of my decision has been coming to know Jesus as I had never known Him before.  I have never been in a church where the Jesus I now know has been taught.  Jesus who lives in me {Galatians 2:20}.  I'll go out on a limb and say that I am not aware of any church which preaches the truth of Christ in us.  So, despite leaving the traditional church format, did I walk away from God?  No!  In fact, the exact opposite occurred, the revelation of who I am in Christ was revealed to me as I contemplated why it is I left the church.  I don't need a brick and mortar building to know who I am in Jesus.  Perhaps maybe one day someone will open a church and start preaching Christ in us.  Now, that's a church.  

Those who are leaving our churches aren't rejecting Jesus, just those who are representing Him badly

~Wayne Jacobsen~ 

~Scott~ 

A Life Once Lived

 This one a long time have I watched.  All his life he has looked away...to the future, to the horizon.  Never his mind on where he was...Hmm?  What he was doing.

~Yoda~

Young Luke grew up in the shadows of the Jedi knights, yet never realized who he was until later in life.  Despite his family history, he was blind to the man he truly was.  I was reminded this this week as I listened to a radio minister talk about the legacy which we leave.  What is it that we will ultimately leave behind for others to look upon?  Far too many people have been judged by what they did, or did not do, during their lifetimes.  So, what will be my legacy?  What will I leave behind for others to know me by?  That remains to be seen, but I add to it each and every day.  I think the greater question is, what is it that we judge others by?  I think of my own parents, long departed from this life.  What did they leave behind?  Well, for one thing, they left me.  Yes, I carry a part of my parents within me whether I like it or not.  For my own father left behind a legacy of what many would call failing as a parent.  Yet, I was thinking the other day, how is it that God looks upon a man like my father?  Does God judge my father for his life once lived?  I don't believe so.  I believe that God grieves for those who fail to realize who it is that they truly are in the Lords eyes.  Every day I am surrounded by people, events and situations which, if I am not careful, will shape how I feel about myself.  Do I slap myself because my neighbor doesn't like me?  No, but I pray for him that God will reveal Christ in him as He did in me.  I think that we put way too much emphasis on our lives and what we could have or should have done.  We have been discussing the concept of God being all in all in our little circle.  However, do we really believe in God being all in all when we believe that we ourselves are in control of our own legacy?  How can God, the creator of all that we see, not be present in all He has created?  I used to build model airplanes growing up.  I recall the best one I ever built was a F-4 Phantom II.  I spent hours on end perfecting it.  In the end, I was proud of my creation.  Yet, did I create it?  I mean, the model came in a box with all the pieces I needed to assemble it already there.  I did not create it, I simply put the pieces together.  

Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

1 Corinthians 15: 28 

What is it about your life that you want to be remembered by?  Money?  Good deeds?  Tell me, when you finally pass from this life will it at all matter to you what others remember you for?  My mother was a good, Godly lady.  Many who were blessed to have met her have described her this way.  After her memorial service, I was amazed at just how many people commented to me that my mothers friendship helped them with their own relationships with the Lord.  I don't know about you, but I'd take that legacy any day.  The apostle Paul is remembered as one of the greatest defenders of the faith who ever lived.  Yet how is it that Paul is remembered?  Is he remembered for his ministry?  Or, is he remembered for the lives of the believers he took as he sought to persecute the early church?  I will tell you, that the deeds of the man Saul and Paul both accounted for a life once lived.  I don't think that I need to elaborate too much on the fact that the life which we live is not our all in all.  This isn't a one and done scenario.  No, for once we've lived our lives for this short time, those who know Jesus will enter into a new life.  Our life once lived will be no more.  How will those who have known me remember me?  Hopefully as the man I really am, the expression of Christ {Galatians 2:20}.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Street Preacher

 

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanliness.  Even so you also appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Matthew 23: 27 - 28 NKJV 

I was reminded recently of Jesus' distaste for the organized religion of His day.  I'm assuming that the organized religion of Jesus' time was pretty much the same as we have today.  Nothing much has changed.  So, why would Jesus dislike organized religion?  Why would He dislike something which taught of righteous men and of the Father?  Well, I think I'll jump out on another shaky limb here and say that perhaps the reason that Jesus thought so badly about mans organized religion (that's right, we did it) was because of the fact of what it did to those who followed it.  Indeed, Jesus had a huge issue with the religious authorities of the day.  His "Woes to the Pharisees" we find in Matthew 23 pretty much lay out the issues which Jesus had not only with organized religion, but with those who presided over it.  Jesus proclaimed never to do anything according to the works of the religious Pharisees {Matthew 23:3}.  Why?  I'm assuming that these Pharisees were big on telling others what to do while not practicing it themselves.  Jesus was also not fond of the burdens which Organized religion placed upon Gods children {Matthew 23:4}.  Of course, I have seen this in practice in my own experience in the mainstream church.  Of pastors who lay down a gauntlet of guilt and shame, all the while not allowing their congregations to break through into the love and acceptance we will find in Christ Jesus.  Jesus also warned those of His day of the motivation of many of these Pharisees {Matthew 23:5-7}.  Indeed, how many of us have been witness to pastors and leaders of church congregations placing themselves above the people which God has placed them to serve?  I believe that this is exactly why Jesus claimed the virtue of being humble {Matthew 23:12}.  I firmly believe that someone who chooses to go into the ministry can do so for the right motives yet still have the wrong motivation.  If your goal is financial gain or personal advancement, you'll be better off as a car mechanic than as a pastor.  Jesus was also not a big fan of those religious leaders who forsook tradition over helping those around them {Matthew 23:14-15}.  Again, I've been witness to this in the mainstream church.  There is something to be said of a pastor who not only offers prayers but also any help which he is able to someone who is in need.  However, I was never a big fan of those preachers who, when faced with someone who was hurting, simply offered the standard Pharisee school authorized prayer then quickly moved on to their post service golf game.  Then again, maybe it's just me.  

Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen.

Romans 1: 25 NKJV 

If Jesus has never been a big fan of organized religion, then the apostle Paul was even less of a fan.  Remember, Paul was raised in the predominant Jewish faith of the day {Galatians 1:14}.  It was his blind devotion to this religion which led Saul to persecute the early church of the followers of Christ Jesus.  Yet, at the Fathers appointed time, Christ was revealed in Paul on the Damascus road {Galatians 1:15-16}.  Notice that Paul did not obtain this knowledge of Christ in him through organized religion.  For it was organized religion through which Paul sought to destroy the early church and the followers of Jesus.  I have heard it said that Paul's experience on that Damascus road was simply that, a experience unique to Paul.  That's a good story if you can sell it.  The truth is, the revelation of Christ Jesus in him which the Father gave to Paul is open to all who know and love Jesus.  Like Paul, the timing of this revelation is not by our own choosing.  

I have often been amazed by some of the brick and mortar churches I have walked into by all of the shiny ornaments and statues within.  Tell me, when we divert our worship away from God to these idols of gold and metal, how much different are we from the Israelites who created idols for themselves to worship?  I know that I'll get some pushback here from those of the catholic faith, but I have always had a distaste for a religion that upholds Mary in the same regard as Jesus and the Father.  We do well to remember that is only by the work of the Father that Mary became pregnant with the Son of God.  Indeed, Mary was blessed, but to place her on the same plane as Jesus is, well, blasphemous.  It's no surprise that Jesus ministered to people wherever He found them.  In the temple, at the well and even as a adulterous woman was about to be stoned to death.  To Jesus, the brick and mortar churches and traditions we are so proud of are not as important as the realization of who we are in Him.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV  

~Scott~ 

A Young Boys Jesus

 

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  

Genesis 1: 27 NKJV

There is a conflict in Christianity today concerning the image of the Lord.  I saw this once again as I watched the film "Heaven is for real," where young Colton is suddenly thrown into a sickness and is, for all intents and purposes, considered dead for a short time.  Instead of being the end, this is where the young boys journey begins.  For as he tells it, he was privy to a visit to the Lords heaven while he was lying in the hospital.  Now, whether you believe this story or not is not the subject of this page.  I intend to focus on something Colton came away with from his trip to heaven.  One of the focal points of this movie was that this young boy claimed to have met and talked to Jesus.  Not only that, he gave a pretty good looking artists rendition of what this man whom he talked to in heaven looked like.  I recall when this movie hit the theaters, and everyone was chattering about this image of Jesus which a little boy related to a sketch artist.  Indeed, this MUST be the true image of Jesus!  Well, before you get your hopes up too high let me remind you of a few things.  First, this description of Christ is coming from a young boy.  Second, since Colton's father was a minister, we can assume that he was raised in the church.  How is it that most Christian publications and bibles portray the image of Jesus?  Let me refresh your memory, tall white guy, probably around 30ish with a beard.  There, that's Jesus...or is it?  I don't mean to cast doubt on the claims of this boy, but I've become familiar with another image of the Lord Jesus.  I am aware of this very image of Christ each day when I look into the mirror.  For the apostle Paul relates to us in Galatians that it is Christ Jesus who lives in us today {Galatians 2:20}.  The scripture tells us that we are all created in the Fathers own image {Genesis 1:27}.  Therefore, I usually don't waste too much time and effort worrying about just what His image resembles.  I already know that I resemble His image.  That is all I need to know.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

I don't want to deter those Christian sleuths out there whose desire is to nail down what God and Jesus look like.  If that is what draws them to the Father then so be it.  However, do we really feel the need to come to agreement on the image of a God who has appeared to us not only as a burning bush {Exodus 1:4}.  Also, as a cloud {Exodus 19:9}.  Knowing this, can we truly believe that God is held down by one image?  I refuse to accept that.  I believe that the reason the Lord presented Himself to young Colton in the image that He did was because the boy was familiar with that image of Jesus.  Remember that we are told that no man has ever seen God {John 1:18, 1 John 4:12}.  Who was Jesus?  Jesus was the image of God upon the earth {Colossians 1:15-16}.  Without Jesus, God would still be a unknown to us.  It is Jesus who became the image of the Father, and it is Jesus who gives us that very image.  When I look upon myself, it is Christ that I see.  Once we realize this, then the scriptures of being created in His image start to make more sense.  How did Paul come to realize this truth?  Through the revelation of the Father {Galatians 1:15-16}.  If young Colton were to know the real image of Jesus, he need only look into the mirror.  Yet, the revelation comes slower for some than it does for others.  My own revelation of Christ in me came after more than a few years of thinking I knew who Jesus was.  Turns out all I knew was what the church wanted me to know about Him.  When we read the scriptures of being created in the Lords image, we can rest assured that we indeed resemble Him in all ways.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.

Colossians 1: 15 - 16 NKJV 

~Scott~  

In Gods House

 

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things."

Acts 17: 24 - 25 NKJV 

I thought about an old saying this week.  Indeed, there is a phrase out there which states that mankind ruins everything that he touches.  I'd be inclined to agree in most areas.  For the purpose of this writing, the focus will be on religion.  Or, for a better definition, man made religion.  For as I was looking through the book of Acts and the chronicles of the early church of the followers of Jesus I did not spot any descriptions of the church which I have come to know in my lifetime.  I didn't see any large ornate temples, save for those preserved to the Jewish faith of the day.  I didn't see any complex ministry programs designed to bring new "converts" into this growing church.  What I did see was a group of people who were hungry to hear the words and message of Christ Jesus.  They would gather in homes throughout their community, mainly because they were being persecuted by the Roman occupiers of the holy lands.  I read of the message of Christ, which the apostles of Jesus brought to those of this new church.  It was here, in the gatherings of the growing church, that the apostle Paul often spoke to the truth of Christ.  But, I digress.  For I didn't plan to write this as a glowing review of the church of Christ Jesus, but as a comparison of that church to one with the fingerprints of man all over it from the start.  How different must it have been for the followers of the new church to come together in different places in the shadows of the great temples not only of Judaism, but of other gods and man created deities as well?  We're told that Jesus Himself often taught in the temple {Luke 21:37-38}.  Yet, most Christians are familiar with one of the most popular teachings Jesus ever gave while gathered with His followers on the grounds of the Mount of Olives as well as speaking daily in the temple.  See, Jesus did not just speak and teach in temples.  I believe that the prevailing attitude in Jesus' day was just as we have seen in our own history, that Gods presence was indeed stronger in "His house."  That is...the temple.  I remember a friend of mine who used to ask me at work each Monday, "well, were you in Gods house yesterday?"  I'm sure he meant it in good faith, but it is the prevailing attitude among many believers today.  Well, I'm here to tell you, God has never been impressed with how big or fancy of a church which you claim is for Him but is really meant to fulfill your selfish desires.

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2: 44 - 47 NKJV 

I have often used the term "man made religion" to describe what many know today as Christianity.  I stand by that claim.  For when we take a look into the history of what we know as the modern church we see something which can be a bit scary.  A nations leader bringing together religious leaders and demanding that they come up with a common church doctrine.  If this were to happen today there would be an outcry (Predictably mostly from liberal Democrats).  However, this is exactly what the emperor Constantine did with the Nicene council in 325 AD.  What was the purpose of the Nicene council?  Simple, "To provide a doctrinal statement of correct belief."  Yes, to tell you, as a Christian, what you are to believe in.  I know that I will get more than a bit of pushback on this, but history does not lie.  Nor do facts.  Once again, mans fingerprints upon a failed system.  However, if we are indeed true followers of  Christ Jesus, do we need to be told what to believe?  Does God only dwell in the brick and mortar churches which we build?  As Paul tells us in Acts 2, this is not the case at all.  It is also Paul who introduces us to what I see as the liberating truth of Christ Jesus.  In Galatians, it is Paul who assures us that it is Jesus Himself who now lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  We LIVE as Jesus.  This is the foundational scripture of those who see themselves no longer as sinners, but as lives transformed by the realization of Christ in us.  We can continue to see God in those buildings we dedicate to Him, but rest assured that God has never been limited to one location.  Yet, the most important location we can see Him is within ourselves.  

And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet.  Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Luke 21: 37 - 38 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

The Lords Ledger

 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21: 4 NKJV 

I'd like to take a deep dive this week into another of the prevailing teachings of Christianity.  This is one which I'm sure that many of us, myself included, have been raised on.  This is the belief that everyone will give an account of all they have done come the infamous "judgement day."  That's right, not only is God a God of love {1 John 4:8}, who has provided for the death and rebirth of His children.  He is also a God who keeps a ledger of all which we do so that He can use our trespasses against us later.  Can anyone see the mistake in that belief?  How is it that we can live IN a God who loves us all the while living in fear that He will use what we have done to somehow punish us in the end?  Was this Gods intent all along?  Is God a Indian giver of some sort?  Can God lie?  All of these questions become relevant once we open the can of worms which is the belief that God is somehow keeping score of all we've ever done.  So, can we ever lose our salvation?  NO!  Our salvation is the free gift of the Lord {Ephesians 2:8-9}.  We have not received our salvation through the works we've done {Titus 3:5}.  Knowing this, do we believe that God would suddenly go back on His word and condemn those He once saved?  I'm sorry, but I've never bought into the entire God keeping score teaching.  For at the heart of this belief is the desire of man to control the church.  When I looked into the history of the modern church I came across something I've become a bit familiar with.  That is, the Nicene Creed of 325 AD.  This was the result of the emperor Constantine seeking to control the Christians of his day.  What is the history of the Nicene Creed?  To "Provide a doctrinal statement of correct belief."  Yes, that's right, the Nicene Creed was all about telling Christians back in the day what they could believe in.  It is from this council that the teachings of the modern mainstream church emerged.  So, do you still think that many of the teachings of the church are God inspired?  

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates

When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake

If they know half the things I've done they'll never let me in

~George Strait, A Love Without End Amen~ 

So, is God indeed keeping score on all that we do?  I don't believe that.  Frankly, I believe that this teaching is used by the mainstream church to somehow keep believers on the straight and narrow path of goodness.  Will we be more likely to stray if we know that everything we do is being recorded against us?  Maybe not.  However, I've also talked with more than a few believers who at one time or another have felt guilty for what they perceive to be their sin which they will need to account for eventually.  But hasn't Jesus already provided for the resolution of our sin issues?  The apostle Paul inspires us to consider ourselves "Dead to sin"{Romans 6:6-11}.  So, if we are indeed dead to sin through the works of Christ, what do we have to feel guilty about?  If we are indeed dead to sin through the works of Christ, what is it that God is marking against us?  What do you believe that God sees when He looks upon you?  Well, He created you in His image {Genesis 1:27}.  He breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  This is itself should remind us that we share a intimate bond with the Lord.  Yet Paul goes deeper into this when he relates to us that it is Christ Jesus who now lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  So, when God looks upon you what does He see?  He sees His own Son!  Would God indeed provide a record of the mistakes of His own Son that He might hold them against Him later?  I doubt it.  When we look at the teachings of the church compared beside the finished works of Christ Jesus we may come away with a very different perspective.  God is more interested in getting you to realize who you are in Him.  Whatever it is you feel you've done, in Gods eyes your ledger is blank.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Jesus Represented Badly

 

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1: 27 NKJV 

A few weeks ago I was struck by a comment from a friend of mine.  In passing I wrote a email to him concerning the question, how could God be in someone like... (insert name of any one you dislike here)?  It's a legit question, probably one that has been asked since the days when Jesus Himself chose those who would follow Him in His ministry.  How could Jesus choose this tax collector...common fisherman or political zealot?  Yet, each time I ask this question I arrive at the next obvious one...why would God choose me?  The answer to my email from my friend was profound and yet amazingly simple.  God has chosen to look like me, not the other way around.  God, by His own choosing, has decided that I would resemble His very image.  He, is me.  Now, this may very well set off alarm bells in many well meaning Christians.  How can a sinner claim to be God?  It's the same argument Jesus had with the Pharisees back in the day.  This argument would be a legitimate one...had our sin issue not been resolved by Jesus at the cross {Romans 6:11}.  The fact that Jesus resolved the issue of sin is no big secret, in fact it's one of the foundations of our Christian beliefs.  But how soon we forget.  For despite knowing in our hearts that Jesus paved the way for our relief from sin, we continue to see our sin as a barrier between ourselves and God.  Wayne Jacobsen made a excellent point in his blog this week, that those who are leaving our  churches aren't rejecting Jesus...just those churches who represent him badly.  Well said!  Believe me, Jesus has been represented very badly by many a church.  The apostle Paul must have run into some objections from the authorities of his day as well for speaking the truth of Christ Jesus in him {Galatians 2:20}.  How could Jesus ever choose a hateful man such as Saul?  Every Christian knows the damage Saul's purge did to the early church.  Yet Jesus chose this man to represent Him.  Again, God chose to reveal Himself in Paul, not the other way around.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

I've had the opportunity to watch a few episodes of the new series "The Chosen" in recent weeks.  I enjoy how the interaction between Jesus and those He chose to follow Him is depicted.  One scene in particular fits this discussion well.  The scene finds Jesus and His followers walking through the city when suddenly Jesus comes across the booth of the tax collector Matthew.  Now, Matthew served the hated Romans, and every Jew in the area did not look favorably on that.  What did Jesus do?  He called Matthew by name..."Matthew...son of Alpheus...follow Me"  Immediately, Simon interrupts Jesus by saying, "Do you know what this man's done...do you even know him?"  To which Jesus replies..."Yes."  Jesus knew well who Matthew was.  Better yet, He knew the man he could be.  Jesus did not see Matthew as the tax collector everyone else despised.  Perhaps this is part of the reason Jesus was seen as controversial back in His time.  He did not follow the script which everyone expected of the promised messiah.  As Jesus tells Simon when he objects to His calling of Matthew..."Get used to different."  I've wondered at times just how many people have looked upon me and wondered to themselves...God how could you choose him?  If they were to ask me, I'd lay some truth down on them.  Yes, God has chosen to resemble me, the same way He chose to resemble you.  We are all created in the Fathers image.  Our only stumbling block comes when we refuse to accept that truth in our lives.  It's a truth so different that you more than likely won't hear it from too many church pulpits.  Get used to different.  

~Scott~ 

With God On Our Side

Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place for wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." says the Lord.

Romans 12: 17 - 19 NKJV 

This week the world watched once again as the middle east was thrown into another regional conflict.  Provoked beyond the point of continuing to stand firm, the nation of Israel struck back at their Hamas terrorist attackers.  In recent years we have seen some relatively calm periods in this part of the world.  However, in a region which at times seems to be dominated with populations concerned only with centuries old blood feuds, one has to wonder if we will ever see true peace in the middle east.  In my lifetime, I have been witness to many of the wars and violence which has scarred that part of the world in modern times.  I remember one news talking head back when the second gulf war began refer to it as a "holy war."  Funny, I wasn't aware that God Himself was taking sides in our conflicts.  Yet, in almost all of the wars which the United States has been involved in, we go in guns blazing "With God on our side."  Now, I'm no pastor, but are we really to accept that a God of love will abruptly disregard His very nature in order to support the bloodlust of one nation?  I would hope that the God which I follow is not that shallow.  We're told that God is love {1 John 4:8}.  That doesn't mean that God is love for one segment of the worlds population.  For His love extends to all of His creation, even for those who we may think are too heathen to deserve it.  A friend asked me a question once as we were discussing the truth of Christ in us.  Did Adolf Hitler resemble Gods image?  Absolutely!  The trouble was that he didn't realize his true identity.  The list goes on through all of eternity, Josef Stalin, Saddam Hussein and a host of others who for one reason or another refused to see who it was they truly were inside.  The same goes for those who have committed violence against others.  They were created in the Lords very image as I was, yet without the revelation of knowing who they are.  Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone knew their true identity in Christ?  

Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is Gods minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Romans 13: 2 - 4 NKJV 

On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Gurion issued the proclamation forming the nation state of Israel.  Almost immediately, Egypt, Jordan and Syria invaded the newly formed nation.  It was only the beginning of many years of conflict in the region.  I choose to believe that the nation of Israel was created out of the ashes of hate.  Indeed, just a few years before its founding, the world first became aware of the horrors of the German Nazi holocaust near the ending of the second world war.  In all, about six million European Jews never lived to see the day Israel became a nation once again.  It might be difficult for well meaning Christians to accept the fact that "All" were created in the Lords image, but that's how it is.  Scripture does not tell us that God made exceptions as to who He chose to share His image with.  So did God mess up our DNA somehow?  How is it that some exemplify the Father who is in them while others do not?  Think about this in terms of a child separated from his family at birth.  Even though his father might have been a well known pastor and a man of God, the boy may grow up to become a hard core criminal.  The son shares all of the physical attributes and DNA of his parents, yet he knows nothing about who he really is.  The same is true of those who commit violence or do wrong.  Are they still Gods creation?  Absolutely.  Does He still abide in them?  I believe so.  We're told that the Lord created us from the dust of the ground and breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  Not just a select few...everyone.  We all have Gods DNA and very presence within us.  Of course, there are those who have been blinded as to who they truly are.  

An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

~Scott~ 

Where Fellowship Leads

 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

1 John 1: 7 NKJV 

I recall how Sunday used to be the day where we would reconnect with friends.  Sunday morning services were our chance to see those people we had not seen during the week or maybe longer still.  I remember how people in the congregation would walk around the sanctuary before the start of the service.  The aisles would be filled with fellowship and conversation.  I was thinking about this the other day as I read a article on the so called "fellowship of the new church."  Basically, how many believers have forsaken the church gatherings and turned to more traditional places in order to get their fellowship needs met.  Now, I can relate to this in a way because I am one of those who has taken to seeking fellowship in places outside of the traditional church walls.  On my frequent trips to the gym, I am often presented with the opportunity to speak my faith to others around me.  To date I haven't been kicked out of the gym for doing so.  I guess we could have seen this coming?  Granted, with the exodus of many once faithful church attendees forsaking the traditional church gatherings for something more, I'm guessing that it does not come as a surprise to many.  One thing I've noticed through all of this is that these once faithful church goers are not giving up on God, just the way He is being presented to them.  After all, who desires to follow a God who we have been told loves us yet hates who we are?  This is one of the big reasons I stopped attending church some years ago.  Ironically, it was through my fellowship with friends from my mainstream church days which led me into seeking to know Jesus in a more personal way than I ever had before.  Since then, we have sought and gathered into fellowship in places without pews.  Most notably, a fast food joint for our Sunday morning pre illegal virus shutdown gatherings.  This was our opportunity not only to reconnect with each other, but to invite others into our Jesus conversation as well.  Lately, our Sunday morning fellowships have been limited a bit to the online conference call type, but we await the day when we will once again gather in His name.  

Now all those who believe also were in the same place and had all things in common.  And they disposed of the acquisitions and the properties, and divided them for all, forasmuch as some would have had need.  Besides persevering day by day with one accord in the sanctuary, besides breaking bread home by home, they partook of nourishment with exultation and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor for the whole people.  Now the Lord added those being saved day by day in the same place.

Acts 2: 44 - 47, Concordant Translation 

One of my close friends had the habit before he was married of doing his bible readings and study at a local Starbucks coffee shop.  I know, not your typical place where you would expect to find yourself exposed to Jesus.  Nevertheless, he managed to create many a friendship from his times there which he continues to this day.  My point is this, our fellowship and speaking the truth of Christ has never been limited to the four walls of the local church.  I've pointed out on more than one occasion that one of the truest forms of church was that which we see from the early believers in Acts 2.  The closest I have seen to this was when many churches followed the small home group phase of some years ago.  That was a good start, but you were still expected to show up to church on Sunday come hell or high water.  Maybe that's what eventually turned people off about Sunday morning church, the expectation that you needed to be there.  I recall taking some flack when I would miss a Sunday or two because of other life situations.  You'd think that I had just committed the most vile heresy!  No, I simply grew tired of the same old routine.  Imagine how refreshing it was when our group of men decided to gather at that fast food joint on Sunday mornings for our own Jesus conversation.  No sermons, no offerings, no song and dance...just Jesus.  But it doesn't end there.  As I mentioned, lately my desire for fellowship has followed me into the local gym.  Indeed, I have met and found myself talking to more than a few believers.  Of course, being a believer in no way is the only prerequisite for my fellowship with my fellow gym goers.  I don't think that it's any secret that we were created as social beings in our Fathers own image {Genesis 1:27}.  Let us go where fellowship leads. 

Now you are the body of Christ, and members of a part.

1 Corinthians 12: 27, Concordant Translation 

~Scott~ 

Speaking To Gods Hate

 

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

1 John 4: 9 - 10 NKJV 

As usual, I scanned the local radio channels this week as I made my way to work.  I find it funny that the more of the mainstream sermons I listen to, the more material I have as I write these pages of my blog.  This week was no exception.  I found myself interested in a few sermons in particular not for their uplifting value, but for the image of the Lord that they portrayed.  The first preacher spoke to the fact that God hates sinners.  Ok, I thought, if God hates sinners so much then why did He provide for Christ to become sin to take away their guilt? {2 Corinthians 5:21}  See, this entire God hates theme doesn't add up for me.  Maybe I just don't see it, of maybe it just isn't there at all.  We're told that the true nature of God is one of love and not hate {1 John 4:8}.  Yet this does not fall in line with what the mainstream church has been selling us for over two thousand years.  Now, I grew up going to one church or another, so I know first hand the message that comes from the pulpits.  The message that God hates sin and sinners, that all have sinned {Romans 3:23}.  That's right, all HAVE sinned, I won't argue that point.  However, I also refuse to accept that a loving God would desire for His children to be mired in a lifetime of sin.  Hence Christ Jesus.  For it is Jesus who, out of the Fathers love and mercy towards us, gave Himself that we would be free of the debt that sin brings.  So do the mainstream church pastors know this?  If so, why aren't more of them speaking to it?  I know that I would be jumping for joy in the pew on Sunday morning were I to hear the message that my sin was no longer an issue in Gods eyes.  Guess what...it isn't {Romans 6:11}.  What advantage is it for you to be continually mired in the belief that your sins will forever bring you to a place that is separate from God?  Is this something a loving God would want for you?  I think not.  Yet this is the continual message I hear from the faithful radio preachers each and every morning.  At least they're consistent.  

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

I recently had the opportunity to watch the Netflix film Come Sunday.  It's the story of bishop Carlton Pearson, who lost his church simply for speaking to something that went against the message of the mainstream church.  His message?  There is no hell (GASP!)  To understand the truth which God supposedly revealed to bishop Pearson, we must think back once again to Gods one true nature.  Would a loving God condemn someone to hell even though they had never had the opportunity to hear of Him or His word?  Would a loving God condemn his child to hell period?  I tend to agree with bishop Pearson on this one.  Whatever side of the theological fence you sit on, you have to agree that if God is truly love, as we're assured that He is, then the last place which He would desire to see his children is in a place of utter torment.  Especially since the penalty for our punishment has already been paid by the finished work of Christ at the cross.  So, knowing this, how do you think God sees you?  Does He look upon you as someone who still carries that sin penalty?  Or, does He see you for who you truly are, His loved child freed from the sin you were once burdened with?  The apostle Paul helps us understand how it is that God looks upon us.  It is Paul who speaks to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  When God looks at you...He sees His one and only Son.  That's the truth, no matter how some radio preacher tries to spin it.  

I don't need to punish people for sin.  Sin is it's own punishment, devouring you from the inside, it's not my purpose to punish it; it's my joy to cure it.

~William P. Young, The Shack 

~Scott~ 

Fear Not

 

"Named must your fear be before banish it you can"

~Yoda~ 

What is the basis of your fear?  What is it that makes you stop in your tracks unable to function?  I've had a few notable fears in my lifetime, one of them being a overwhelming fear of heights.  This came to a head on a few hiking trips taken with my friend Dennis.  I can recall our trip up the Angels rest trail in the Columbia River gorge a few summers ago where it was all Dennis could do to coax his buddy up that steep trail.  Believe me, my mind ran through all of the things that day that could kill me on that trail.  Yet, with Dennis' coaching, I persevered and conquered my fear...for that day at least.  One of the moments I recall from that day was a photo I snapped as we rested at the summit of Angels Rest.  There I was in the midst of my accomplishment trying to look as if I did this every day without any issues.  Then there was Dennis, casually taking a phone call.  No fear!  One of the other fears which has paralyzed me from time to time is my social fear of speaking to new people.  However, I feel as if I have that one licked as I have improved in that area.  When I talk to others about the fears they face I'm often interested in what the nitty gritty, bargain basement issues are that lead them to their fears.  Now, a lot of people can claim to have a fear of heights, but for me it went deeper than simply places on high.  In a nutshell, I was afraid of not having control of my surroundings.  My social interaction disorder?  Well, that stemmed from a fear of rejection.  So, what are the issues that many people have that lead to fear?  I have a coworker who is afraid of being in tight enclosed spaces.  This stems from his being locked in a closet by his parents as a punishment when he was young.  Yet another issue which manifested itself into fear.  I'm no  psychiatrist, nor do I play one on TV, but even I can recognize that many of the fears we carry often harbor deeper issues.  One thing that I mentioned to my coworker is that it was never the Lords intent to leave us in fear.  It was never His intention to leave us with such a sense of fear that we lose sight of Him.  Scripture tells us time and again...fear not!  

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 

1 John 4: 18 NKJV 

Do you believe that God desires you to be in torment?  No?  Then why are you afraid?  The scriptures are clear, we're not to be anxious {Philippians 4:6}.  We're not given up to a spirit of fear {2 Timothy 1:7}.  Even Jesus, in His sermon on the mount, warned us of the dangers of anxiety {Matthew 6:25-34}.  Why would Jesus take such a hard stand on fear and anxiety?  Well, for one, our fears take our focus from Him to what we are in fear of.  As I walked that Angels Rest trail that day, I certainly wasn't thinking of God and His protection when I saw those steep cliffs!  Yes, my own fears distracted me.  Yet, I believe that the biggest reason that Jesus warns us not to be anxious is for our own health.  Who hasn't felt their stomach churn and their blood pressure rise as they gave in to their anxiety?  Obviously, this isn't the way which Jesus wanted us to live.  These things we often worry about (money, food, clothing), cannot add a single hour to our life {Matthew 6:25}.  We also do well to remember that God knows well our needs even before we began to worry over them {Matthew 6:32}.  So, do you still feel ok stressing and worrying over things that God already knows that you need?  Well, if it works for you more power to you.  As for me, the less time that I can spend without a nervous breakdown is a good thing.  In the end, it is the Lords job to provide for me and mine to realize that provision.  After all, fear isn't our natural state.  Fear not! 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

2 Timothy 1: 7 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Get Used To Different

 

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me,"

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

I have been watching a few snippets of the relatively new internet series The Chosen on my Facebook feed for awhile now.  I have found it to be interesting and a fresh new perspective upon the life of Jesus and His disciples.  Yes, I've read the scriptures of these twelve men whom Jesus selected randomly to follow Him along His ministry, but to see it brought to life in such a way as the creators of this series have is nothing short of inspiring.  Last night I watched once again the scene where Jesus passes by the booth of the tax collector Matthew along with His other disciples.  Now, I am well aware of the reputation that the modern day IRS has with the working man, but the view of tax collectors in the time of Jesus was even worse.  For the hated Romans would recruit local civilians to man the tax collection booths.  You can imagine the feelings that the locals would carry towards a man such as Matthew.  This is evidenced as Simon, brother of Andrew, protests Jesus' calling of this tax collector.  "Do you know what this man has done?"  Finally, as Matthew joins his new crew, Simon proclaims to Jesus, "I don't get it."  Jesus' reply?  "You didn't get it when I first chose you either."  Yet, there is one phrase which sets the stage for this series that Jesus proclaims, "Get used to different."  Indeed, how different was this man who was asking these men to follow Him as He walked the countryside?  How different was the message that He was speaking than the one they had become so used to hearing?  For many of these men had been raised in the teachings of the Jewish texts, which certainly foretold the coming Messiah.  Yet, their own idea of the Messiah seemed entirely different than the man who would arrive to fulfill that prophesy.  Get used to different.  

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20 NKJV 

As I was thinking about this new series on the life of Jesus, I thought as to what was so different as to how we as Christians have traditionally seen Him.  Well, what is our traditional view of Jesus?  He came, He ministered, He was crucified and on the third day He rose once again and is now seated with the Father in heaven.  But is the story of Jesus really over at that point?  Not in the least, and I would say that the Christ we have the opportunity to know today may be radically different from the Jesus you were expecting.  That's right, get used to different.  The apostle Paul introduces us to this radical new Jesus in Galatians.  Far from spending His eternity in heaven, this new Jesus Paul speaks to actually lives in us today {Galatians 2:20}.  That's right, Jesus Himself resides within us.  How radical of a Jesus is that?  Yet, it's not like it wasn't predicted either.  Jesus speaks to the lives of His followers in His prayer in the garden in John 17.  The prayer of Jesus?  That we would be one with He and the Father {John 17:21}.  Knowing the truth of Christ which Paul speaks to, are we to believe that the prayer of Jesus has been answered?  I believe so.  What makes the truth of Christ so radically different is that it personalizes Jesus on a more human level than the traditional church teachings do.  Instead of Jesus watching over us from heaven, He is slogging it out with us through our regular every day life.  Jesus is with us throughout all we will ever do.  I know that this might be different from the Jesus you have been taught, but get used to different.  

But Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.  By who also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.  There is also a antitype which now saves us - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3: 18 - 22 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Young Boy Lost

 

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is Gods minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Gods minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.  

Romans 13: 1 - 5 NKJV 

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  The young kid was outside playing on a warm summer day when all of a sudden he recalled the corner store his parents had taken him to so many times.  All the boy knew was that when they went to the store, they drove to the end of the street and then took a right.  It sounded easy enough, so he started walking.  Eventually he came to the end of his block looked around and, not seeing the store, took a right and kept making his way down the street.  However, something didn't seem right to the Virginia, Minnesota police officer who was on duty that day.  For he knew many of the officers who worked in this small northern Minnesota town, as well as their families.  The boy he saw walking down the sidewalk that day seemed out of place.  He recognized him as the son of a local sheriffs deputy, but wondered why he was so far away from home.  Approaching the kid, the officer asked where he was going.  Without missing a beat, the boy claimed he was walking to the store.  The officer immediately put in a call to the county sheriffs office and the boys father before he took him for a ride in his police car to the local store.  As the boy drank his soda, the officer wondered what might have been had he not came across the lost boy.

Growing up, that story was told many times over whenever I would visit my dad at the county sheriffs office.  To the point where the story was that I was rescued from the clutches of a hells angels motorcycle gang thundering through town.  I do vaguely recall my journey I took that day, yet some of the details are a bit fuzzy.  I thought about this episode the other day as I glanced at the coverage of yet another anti police demonstration here in Portland.  I admit that I am a bit biased when it comes to this issue.  For not only did I grow up with a parent in law enforcement, I seem to have inherited what many would describe as common sense and the knowledge of right from wrong.  I agree with many Americans that what happened to the man George Floyd last summer in Minneapolis was uncalled for and deserving of justice.  However, will we indeed demonize all of law enforcement due to the actions of a few men?  I would disagree with that all day long.  But let's have that discussion shall we?  Let's talk about the flavor of the month in our society right now which claims that law enforcement deliberately targets minority civilians.  Forget the fact that George Floyd tried to pass a bad check in the moments before he was taken into custody, or the fact that he had illegal drugs in his system.  Forget those facts and concentrate on what that eight seconds of video tells you, that a police officer choked the life out of George Floyd.  While the loss of the life of George Floyd was tragic and should never have happened, George Floyd put himself in a bad position that day.  

"You probably won't get your ass kicked by the police if you just used common sense"

~Chris Rock~ 

Comedian Chris Rock had a funny saying when it came to African Americans being targeted by law enforcement.  "Everybody knows, that if the police have to come find you, they're bringing a ass kicking with them!"  It's something that was instilled in me from a young age, respect authority.  It's also something which, as believers, we're called upon to do.  The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that we are to be subject to our governing authorities {Romans 13:1}.  But what about those times when we feel that those authorities God has put in place do not have our best interests in mind?  A good example is my own thoughts on Oregon's Governor Lockdown Kate Brown.  I disagree with her 100% as to what she should be doing, and feel that she has not been effective as our sates leader.  Yet, she is the representative which the Lord has installed to govern us.  I don't feel that it's un Christian like to harbor bad feelings if we feel someone is doing something wrong.  However, isn't it in Gods wheelhouse to deal with bad leaders He Himself has installed?  Then ask yourself this question, what are the Lords motives for allowing times such as these?  For in the end, it is not the effectiveness of leadership, but what the Lord Himself allows that we are questioning.  That is the question which I will spend some time on this week.  Lord, what is your purpose in this?  We may not agree with our leaders, but God will let us know His intentions if we will listen.

~Scott~