BORDERLINE LOVE

While we may have viewed things from different perspectives, I’m certain that the border issue was grievous to most all Americans. Thankfully an executive order was signed to help remedy the situation. What continues to linger, however, is the shaming and finger wagging on social media. This is also grievous to me. To be honest, I don’t completely understand why professed followers of Jesus engage in it, when He taught not to judge, love your neighbor and love your enemy. But for some, it’s more important to make their political point, not through constructive conversation, but by lashing out at those who don’t share their position. I expect this in the world, but not among the family of God.

All of us have convictions that we feel strongly about. But rather than cast stones at those who see things differently, it would be more worthwhile to help others understand our side of things and make some attempt to understand theirs. Who knows, we may even persuade some to change their views (If that’s important to you). We don’t win anyone by attacking them, that’s for sure. We come off as uptight, arrogant and judgmental. That’s not a good reputation for anyone to have, especially a follower of Christ. 

It’s sad to say but, too many followers are better known for political uptightness than spiritual uprightness; or a wagging finger as opposed to a compassionate heart. I have made numerous appeals to the flock at Calvary Austin, to love like Jesus on social media and not be divisive. At this point, I question how effective these appeals have been. However, I do see some light with our younger generation. They also seem to recognize the disparity between what Jesus taught and what politically agitated Christians post on Facebook. It seems to offend them as much as it does me. So, in the end, I’ll help to shape a few more of them. May this next generation of Jesus lovers prove to be more friendly and less combative. 

SQUIRREL-POCALYPSE

It seemed like the beginning of an ordinary day; a typical Tuesday. As per our normal routine, Christy and I drove to Calvary Austin together. And as per usual, we entered through the side door leading to the church offices where we perform our usual morning tasks. But to our surprise, we found ourselves in an unusual situation.

“Power is out!” Glendon informed us. “It’s not the breakers.” Not only was power out, there was an alarming odor in the building, one that reminded me of burnt electrical wires. Glendon knew to call the experts. Our maintenance volunteers, Steve Thoe and Walter Renna, responded quickly. Walter brought his two boys, Phillip and Dallas. He’s training them to be useful and fix stuff. They’re catching on well - so well they may replace Steve and Walter one day. But that’s another blog for another day.

After thorough investigation, it was discovered that a puny squirrel was the culprit. He decided to come to church via the power lines. Sadly, he didn’t make it. Not only did our lights go out, so did his. Because of that crispy critter, the women’s Bible study was cancelled. It’s amazing how one little varmint can cause so much havoc.

There's a great illustration here on the importance of being watchful. One bad choice can have devastating consequences. While this is true, that is not the point I wish to make, although I’m certain I’ll use the roasted squirrel story in a Sunday sermon one day. The purpose of this blog, however, is to glorify God for His provision.

We are extremely blessed at Calvary Austin to have faithful volunteers who are willing to give of their time and talents with joyful hearts. Thank you, Lord, for people like Steve, Walter, Phillip and Dallas. Thank you for their faithfulness. And thank you for the many others who serve your people at Calvary Austin. We are blessed beyond measure.

OLD CAR AND NEW FACES

The other Sunday, RJ introduced me to his friend, Mike. It was Mike’s first time at Calvary Austin. The fact that he showed up at all came as a huge surprise to RJ. It wasn’t his first time to invite somebody to church, but most invitations were never accepted. RJ compared his efforts to sea turtle hatchlings finding their way to the sea. “Only a few make it.” he laughed. That’s how it is when folks are invited to church services! Nevertheless, the Lord stirred RJ’s heart to be more active in reaching out to the lost.

 

It was at the workplace where RJ led Mike to the Lord. RJ then encouraged his friend to take the big leap and visit Calvary Austin. Mike said he’d like to go, but never made it. After a few no-shows, it became apparent that Mike didn’t have transportation. RJ kindly offered him a retired automobile sitting on his property - free of charge. The following Sunday, Mike happily drove himself to our fellowship in his new 'rickety old putter'. That’s the day I shook his hand to welcome him.

After meeting Mike, I headed back to the auditorium for second service. At the door, I was welcomed by another bright and cheery face. It was her first day as greeter. I was blessed beyond measure to see her serving, because she too was like a lost sea turtle. She was introduced to our fellowship through our jail ministry. When she got out, one of our ladies invited her to Calvary Austin. She’s been a regular ever since.

There are countless more sea turtle stories to share, and there are plenty more hatchlings floundering about. Some just need a nudge. It’s something we can all do. God will take it from there.

GOD OUR REDEEMER

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” 

(Psalms 107:1-2a)

There’s nothing more thrilling than to see vision come to fruition, especially when that vision comes directly from above. God impressed upon our hearts something so basic, yet so powerful – to see Him glorified. In seeking ways to do this collectively as a church, a special Anthem service has been set aside on the first Wednesday of every month. Our first Anthem Night in January exceeded all expectations.

Pastor Ryan, who leads up Anthem Night, thought it fitting to focus on one aspect of God each time we gather. For our kick-off, we focused on “God our Redeemer”. After an encouraging word from Psalm 107, the microphone was offered to anyone wishing to share a personal story of redemption.

Jeneca was first to testify. After two failed marriages, she surrendered her life to the Lord. God redeemed the past by bringing a Christian man into her life. Recently, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Yet she praises God for a godly husband at her side.

David shared his struggle with pride. A major blow came after he lost his job. David now makes half of what he earned before. Rather than grieve, he is grateful to God for humbling him and saving him.

Dana shared her struggle with chronic pain. While it has been a difficult journey, she rejoices that she has Jesus as her comforter.

The last to share was a Jurica. It wasn’t that long ago when she married Jonathan. He passed away from cancer one month shy of their first anniversary. Tears flowed as Jurica spoke of her heartbreak. Even still she declared, “God works all things together for good.”

While the stories were all different, each were the same (to quote Pastor Ryan). In each case, all bore testimony to God’s redemptive work:

“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Once the service concluded, it was clear this wasn’t the end. We have only just begun to glorify God for all that He has done. I can’t wait for next time when we pay tribute to Him as our provider: Jehovah-jirah!