Archive for the ‘ Relationship ’ Category
I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.
Psalm 77:11-12, CSB
We find hope and strengthened faith when we remember the faithfulness of God in this history of Israel and the saving work of Christ.
Howdy!
The world is crazy. (I know. I should warned about spoilers.)
The first week of June 2025 has proven to be interesting. Here are some thoughts:
In January, Michael Tait suddenly announced he was stepping down as front man of the band Newsboys. On June 4, Julie Roys released her investigations of his abusing cocaine and alcohol with various 22-year-old men whom he also inappropriately touched between the years of 2004-2014, possibly more being involved. On June 10, Tait put out a confession owning to the truth of the allegations.
The whole thing is horrible. His confession looks legitimate and repentant, but we still need time to know for sure.
Firstly, we need to keep Tait and the Newsboys band members in our prayers, as well as his victims and all of their families and friends.
Secondly, let us remember that “but for the grace of God, there go I.” In other words, let’s not cast major judgment and say so many “holier-than-thou” statements like “I always thought/knew …” or “this just goes to show …” This is an example of someone falling into temptation. There are several prominent Christians (in entertainment or otherwise) who remain faithful and humble. There are many fakes out there.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Romans 14:8-10, CSB
Instead of the I-knew-it’s and This-goes-to-show’s, let’s focus on proclaiming truth and loving the lost and hurting. To do otherwise is to engage in gossip and judgmentalism. If someone gets rid of all of their Newsboys stuff, that’s up to them. If they only listen to or keep pre-Tait Newsboys stuff, that’s up to them. If they choose to continue listening to all Newsboys stuff, that’s … also up to them.
Live for Christ and proclaim truth. Deal with this issue in a godly manner with those who ask, and then leave it at that.
This last week we saw several cities dealing with anti-ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) protests. People have been upset with how the Trump administration has been handling illegal immigration, and the protests began in major cities, resulting in Trump sending in the National Guard and Marines to LA. To no one’s surprise, this has caused controversy.
I do believe President Trump and his administration have been mishandling immigration. (I think every administration of the past 40 years at least have been mishandling immigration.) I do believe there is good reason for protests against how immigration is handled.
At the same time, damaging property, throwing molotov cocktails and stones/bricks, and attacking people is wrong. The mayor and governor not even trying to stop them is wrong. Complaining about the president stepping in when the city has become a war zone due to inaction is wrong.
Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” For this is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Don’t let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you, and don’t listen to the dreams you elicit from them, for they are prophesying falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them.” This is the Lord’s declaration.
Jeremiah 29:7-9, CSB
Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.
Romans 13:1-4, CSB
To be fair to immigrants, the US system is severely messed up, and the current administration is not helping matters. However, violence is not the answer, especially when people who had nothing to do with the issue get hurt either physically or financially. That is terrorism, not protest.
When another country’s flag is flown, especially with violence, that is not protesting; that is invasion, insurrection, and a statement of war.
This is a very complex issue, and both sides are currently over-simplifying and villifying. As Christians, we should not do either.
If all immigrants are the problem, you are a bigot.
If the president does nothing good, you are hateful.
If you see violence as a “mostly peaceful protest,” or you think the current administration is doing nothing wrong, you are deceived.
We are called to obey laws AND fight against injustice. Both sides have injustice at this time.
Talk about these matters, but be civil, be Christlike, and be willing to actually listen to each other.
“Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation”
Revelation 3:14, CSB
God is faithful, and His faithfulness comes from being the Creator, Savior, and Sustainer of all things, the truth behind all things.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Romans 16:20, CSB
God is faithful, and His faithfulness flows from the peace that He is. He is not hurried, surprised, or worried. He knows all things for all time in all places, so He has peace and thus remains faithful.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8, CSB
God is faithful, and His unchanging nature gives hope and trust in His faithfulness, knowing He does what He says and has already accomplished all that is necessary.
God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19, CSB
God is faithful, and this is shown in how He dies not change. We can trust in the God who remains the same, acting on His promises, saving the lost by His grace.
The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.
John 3:36, CSB
God is faithful, and his faithfulness is shown in His wrath, seen first in the flood, then in the Exile, then on the cross, and eventually at Christ’s return. Put your faith in Christ to receive life from the Faithful One.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.
Isaiah 53:5, CSB
God is faithful, and His faithfulness grows from His justice. To perform His divine justice, He took the penalty we deserve, faithfully fulfilling the need out of His love for His creation: us.
For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations.
Psalm 100:5, CSB
God is faithful, and His faithfulness grows from His love. Get to know that God who loves us faithfully.
This is a call … with a story …
This past Sunday was our promotion Sunday, celebrating our graduating high school seniors.
Only two were present, but that made it more special.
Why?
In 2018, I was given the privilege of starting the youth group for our congregation. I started with only three students – a 7th-grader (the pastor’s oldest son) and two 6th-graders. Last year, that old 7th-grader graduated and is now working toward becoming a pastor through Grand Canyon University’s Barnabas program (which started in 2020 with only 4 students!)
Those two 6th-graders were the two we got to call forward and pray for this weekend.
I was fine during all the preparations. I was tired and mildly stressed due to many volunteers calling in sick or injured and my being the one to make sure all of our Sunday prep was done.
As I walked up to the front to call them forward, it slammed into me:
I started crying as I took the mic.
The older of the two (by two days) is taking at least a year before college for engineering, because, due to his love for Minecraft, he has already been working for a year with landscape designers. He will also help out with the youth group while here.
The other took some trade school classes as he finished his senior year, and, two weeks earlier, he became certified in autobody work. He wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps to help people by doing something he loves. (His dad runs a local portion of a motorcycle ministry in our area, reaching the rough crowd and helping any in need.)
So, here is the standard call:
Things are a little crazy. I work in a university setting, and I see what most 18-19-year-olds are facing academically and socially. They need all the prayer they can get!
a simple man of God 