Responding to Parkland

It’s been a week now.  I’ve seen countless posts on FB and Twitter that are pro-guns or pro-gun control.  I’ve seen names called on both sides.  I’ve seen questionable ‘logic’ on both sides.

None of this is changing anything, except to harden lines of disagreement and further fragment our society.

What Can change things is reaching out to someone in need of connection, in need of understanding . . . . someone desperate for community. 

So my challenge to us all is this—lay aside your opinions and reach out to someone.  Listen to them and care for them.  Laws won’t solve our problems.  Not even prayers will.  Only our determined action to reach out and care for each other can heal our wounds. 

I’ve already started.  Will you join me?  

Jesus Is the Greatest

 Jesus is the Greatest. That goes without saying in Christian circles, but maybe we need to say it more often.  

Jesus is the Greatest . . . . the Greatest man . . . . the Greatest teacher . . . . the Greatest example . . . . the Greatest friend . . . . the Greatest Lover of your soul. 

Of course, Jesus is also fully God. And even in the fullness of His humanity, He is the Greatest. 

And the number two man is Not a close second.  The #2 man is not even worthy to hold the dirty tennis shoes of Jesus, not qualified to wash Jesus's dirty socks. That's how high Jesus is above us, even strictly in His humanity-side. 

And it is because of His very Greatness that He comes as a humble servant.  He comes to restore you physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. He comes to restore you to the presence and glory of the Living God—now and for all eternity. 

Jesus is so great that He comes down to your level so He can lift you up to His.  His love for you That Great. 

Focus Scripture:  'But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8

Choose Wisely

Thoughtful obedience. Now there's two words we don't usually put in the same sentence.

Obedience to God is of utmost importance, and it's important that you not only use the brain God gave you in your obedience—use your heart as well. 

I get that everything God asks you to do won't make logical sense to you or to those around you.  He may ask you to step out to do the impossible, or what seems impossible.  He will definitely grow you by getting you out of your comfort zone. 

And Jesus will most often speak to your heart when your head is struggling to understand.

Respond to Jesus with a listening ear, an obedient will, a thoughtful mind, and a courageous heart.  Be determined in your response to Him, but not so over-focused that you miss the greater work that He is building in and through you. 

Remember there’s a big difference between mindless obedience and determined obedience.  Choose the latter.

'Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time of finding out.  Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.  You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.’                           Psalm 32:6-7