God in the Darkness

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."

I have recited this fourth verse of Psalm 23 so many times over the years, and yet I have not to my memory, until tonight, discovered a very important truth revealed its first words, "even though." Even though? You mean it's a given that I'll walk through the dark valley? Or is this an "if" and not a "when"? I'm completely thrown by this word, for some reason. Let's explore what it means.

In the Hebrew language, the word "even" (gam) can also mean "surely" or "yet." There is no trace of "if." It's not a conditional thing, this valley of shadows. It comes in all of our lives. Sometimes it leads to physical death. Other times it is a period of trial in the midst of life. In the author David's life, he walked through this valley often. Saul was out to kill him, as were the Philistines, and several other minor nations that David had managed to offend. David had to live for decades as a fugitive, diving behind boulders, scrambling down cliffs, and swinging into caves. Valleys were a regular part of his young life. If you search for pictures of the Judean wilderness, you'll see just how vital valleys were to David's very existence.

Even though that was David's life and you and I have our own circumstances, I believe the truth that opens Psalm 23:4 remains. We all will go through the valley of the shadow of death during our lives -- some of us will go through this valley many times. Sometimes we'll emerge ont he other side quickly. Other times we'll spend ages staring longingly at the mountaintops and hoping that we'll make it up there someday. The valley of shadows is not pleasant. It's cold, dark and scary. Uncertainty surrounds us like the air we breathe and it is very easy to lose heart and break down. But "even though" is not only a certainty, it's also a clause -- a statement to be continued, a comparison to be made.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."

"... I will fear no evil." Why not? Evil is all around you, David. Why not cry? Why not shake? Why not break down and lose heart?

"for You are with me." Wait a minute... God is in the darkness? He's in the valley? I thought God was the mountaintops. What's He doing in the valley? My valley?

This truth I have discovered over the past few years of my life, and never more so than the past eight months: God is not just god in the light but also in the darkness. And He is present even when you think He has gone away. Even when you think He has no reason to care. He is still god in the darkness. And He is with you. And He is with me. As you journey through the valley.

Right now I'm in another valley, personally. This time it involves my deteriorating health. I'll be honest with you: I see shadows everywhere. I'm concerned and even a bit frightened. This valley is getting deeper. But I'm not in this valley alone.

Charles Swindoll observed the following: "Notice that the psalmist says because "Thou art with me" he is kept from being afraid. Mark it down, my friend. There is no experience, no valley (no matter how severe or uncertain) that we must journey alone." ("Living Beyond the Daily Grind," p. 76)

I am not alone. Not now. Not ever. And neither are you.

There is a lot that can be said about the darkness — about the valley — and I have observed a lot in recent times. But I'll save my thoughts for a later date.

I just want to leave youw ith this verse which I latch onto like a loved one: "God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)

Be God's! Even in the darkness.

The Sword-Bearer

"For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake." (Rom. 13:3-5)

As I watched the State of the Union speech tonight, my mind once again wandered to thoughts of the relationship of God and governments. I was especially thoughtful about this question: What is the government's responsibility when it comes to morality? Should governments "regulate" morality or leave it up to each person to decide what is right and wrong? And, if someone or something is wicked and evil, taking advantage of people and property, what is the government's responsibility of response?

Scripture makes several things clear: God is not opposed to governments, even if they are opposed to God. And God calls His followers to follow their governments, even if those governments persecute followers of God. It's all part of the witness of His children — witness of their obedience to God's authority and witness of God's grace to governors and governments.

So what is the government to do in regards to morality, according to God's mandate?

Our government is to uphold justice by rewarding those who do good and punishing those who do wrong. This is good and acceptable in God's sight. Paul even calls the government a "minister of God." Yowsers! So obey the laws of the land. There is a big exception, laid out in Acts 4, but that exception (if the command of God and law of the land conflict) does not exempt you from speed limit signs, school zones, or not displaying the 10 Commandments in government buildings.

But when it comes to corporations, insurance companies, banks, and other large organizations, who is to hold them accountable for their actions? Well, according to the Apostle Paul governments are the sword-bearers for punishing corruption. That means our government is responsible for going after corrupt executives and greedy boards, unfair insurance companies and filthy oil companies.

If we believe God's word and are called by His Name, we must stand up for a right view of the government God has established. We may not like the president or his party (maybe we do), but he is the ruler and they are the rulers God has established to wield His sword and reward the just. Please rest assured, in THIS American government, just as every other government He has established, God will ordain praise and bring Himself glory. He always does, in every situation at every time. And we are to pray for it and obey it... for God's sake, as well as our own conscience.

Be God's!

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When It Rains...

There is an old adage that all-too-often applies to life:

"Sometimes when it rains, it pours."

Ever had one of those days? I'm sure most of us would rather not have any rain at all, but the human condition tells us that's just an empty wish. Into all of our lives a little rain must fall. For some, a few drops turn into a downpour that is quick but violent. Others experience a steady rain. Rather depressing, I think.

I know that lately a lot of rain has fallen in my life. I don't know why. I'd love to know why. Don't you wonder why the rain falls? I just know that I'm soaking wet. Brrrr..... My rain has been part financial. For the past four years I have been skating by, by the grace of God. Some of you have been there with me. From poverty to provision, God has watched over me during this time. Today I received a bucket of rain in the form of an electric bill. It read $437.79. Now I know that everybody has different-sized electric bills each month because we each have different size houses and different temperature tastes. Let me put mine in perspective: my bill costs me just about one dollar for every square foot I have to keep warm. And without wall insulation in my wood-and-siding blessing, it gets mighty cold in the winter. Seriously. As I type this I don't know how I'll pay this bill. The funds aren't there. But God still is. And I'm sure He has a plan in place.

Even so, I get soaked anyway.

Some rain is physical. Right now I'm suffering from some serious ailments, the extent of which I won't know until I see a doctor tomorrow. My body is breaking down on me progressively and it's starting to significantly affect my life. And my job. That stinks. More rain is emotional. I'll keep those details to myself but let's just say that last year was a really rough ride for me.

I wonder why the Lord brings rain on the righteous, those who find their identity in Christ, and not just the wicked. Why we must go through trial and temptation — agony of the spirit — on our path of salvation. I know God is sovereign and has promised to care for His children but why must His children get wet when it rains and pours? A Holy Spirit parka would be nice. In Ephesians 6, Paul mentions a wonderful litany of armor for us to wear in self-defense. But nowhere in that list is there an umbrella. Bummer.

I hate the rain. Maybe I'll learn something from it.

Be God's! (even when you get drenched)

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A Renewed Focus

(Two years ago I blogged my way through Israel's history (Genesis-Nehemiah), covering a chapter of the Bible every day. My church is currently studying Joshua and this Sunday we'll cover chapters 3-5, a section I covered two years ago. I wanted to post it for you because these words have come back to me recently. I'm in a period of refocusing as I seek God's will for my life and ministry. I pray these words speak to you, as well.)

"At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth." (5:2-3)

"On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan." (v. 10-12)

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Every now and then it's usually a good idea to take a deep breath and refocus. For we all need to refocus every now and then.

What we refocus depends on what has become blurry, what has become undesirable, what has become unhealthy. Maybe it’s a focus on the family, spending more time with a spouse or child and less time at work. Or maybe it’s a focus on a hobby that you've let deteriorate for one reason or another. For certain, a refocusing on spiritual things is usually a good step to take. For the Israelites, that refocus came soon after they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

First of all, the Lord commanded Joshua to see that all the males were circumcised. The first generation had been circumcised soon after leaving Egypt. But their children had not been forced to bear the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant and now the Lord wanted to rectify this human oversight. The sign of circumcision identified the Hebrews as a people group, and was a physical sign that every male wore of God's pledge to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and bless the world through them.

Second, the people celebrated Passover, yet another reminder of God's working in the past. It's very fitting that the date of Passover came when they entered the land. It was a ceremonial end to the Exodus, which, of course, started with the original Passover. Another ending took place that day. The question, "Manna, again?" was never uttered again. God had delivered His people to a land of food and water. They can live off of its nourishment now. So the manna stopped.

Third, the Lord appeared before Joshua in a mighty display at the end of chapter 5, showing up in human form as a warrior, sword drawn. Joshua was thrown off track at first (as would I!) but the figure identified Himself as the commander of the army of the Lord. Dude! God's commander-in-chief, sword in hand, ready to fight. With this guy leading the way, who can stand against us? The angel helps Joshua refocus on the task at hand and the reality of who would be doing the fighting. This land conquest was God's to win.

Sometimes we just need to refocus on what matters most, our family, our friends, and our faith. Here in chapter 5, God took time to refocus not only His nation but also His chosen leader. Afterwards, they were better able to face the challenges ahead. Sometimes we need to take a step back and pray that the Lord would open our eyes to areas in our lives we need to strengthen. Knowing who we are, both as individuals and who we are in Christ, is invaluable in helping us face the challenges that lie ahead.

So if you think you have strayed away from an important area of your life, or just feel that there is something missing, take a step back, pray and seek the focus that only God can provide. It will help you face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Like the walls of Jericho.

Be God's.

Oh, My Word...

He never fails... to make headlines that infuriate. Here's today's, as relayed by CNN.com:

Pat Robertson, the host of the "700 Club," blamed the tragedy on something that "happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it."

The Haitians "were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III and whatever," Robertson said on his broadcast Wednesday. "And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you will get us free from the French.' True story. And so, the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.' "

I know he's a brother in Christ but... does Pat Robertson not have a compassionate bone in his body? Does he believe he is a prophet of doom, wired to the thoughts of the Almighty? He also has made proclamations of judgment after other natural disasters and tragedies, including 9/11. He blamed Hurricane Katrina on the sin of New Orleans. Why does he do this?

Why can't a natural disaster be... a natural disaster? Oh, my word.

I'm speechless that Robertson even went there.

Not every natural disaster is the judgment of God on specific or national sin. In my studies of God's word, I have not been able to find any prophecy for natural disaster-judgments during the Church age. Natural disasters happen because this world is falling apart, winding down, and in the progressive decline of decay (Romans 8:20-22). This is a result of God's curse on ALL mankind after Adam's fall and affects ALL mankind ALL the time.

Scientifically, earthquakes happen because the earth's tectonic plates are in constant motion and the friction between them causes the earth to tremble. Did God cause judgmental earthquakes at specific times in the course of human history? You bet. But most, if not all, of His were unexplainable by science. They were supernatural and can only be seen as so (like Korah's rebellion in Num 16:31). But the Haitian earthquake was geological and not abnormal. The country was warned in 2004 and 2008 that it was at risk for an earthquake. Not because of sin but because of two major fault lines that run under the land.

Oh, my word. Please know that God loves the Haitian people. He wants each one to come to salvation and many have already come. I've been there and seen the church in action. Our Lord's heart goes out to the hurting and the concerned. And His people are currently forming an army of compassion to reach out with the love of Christ in the midst of this tragedy. God loves Haiti. And He will somehow bring glory to Himself in the midst of all of this.

Keep the faith. Reject the ridiculous.

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Music and Prayer

"It's 8:44 p.m. and we're still getting aftershocks! Can hear people gathered in the distance singing prayers."

So wrote Richard Morse, hotel manager at the Oloffson Hotel in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, on Twitter.com.

Does Mr. Morse's quote remind you of anything? Earthquake in the night and the sound of singing? Read this...

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" (Acts 16:25-28)

Interestingly, the Haiti earthquake caused the national prison to collapse, freeing the prisoners... who then escaped.

I've found that singing and prayer come in handy during times of crisis. I cannot even begin to tell you the number of times I have been calmed during a time of trouble by music and what I call "shotgun prayers." It doesn't matter what your nationality or part of the world. The same truth applies: music and prayer soothe a troubled heart.

Be God's.

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Praying for Haiti

As most of you are probably aware by now, the tiny Caribbean nation of Haiti was rocked by a major 7.0 earthquake this evening, utterly devastating the poorest country in the Hemisphere. My heart is torn as I watch the news coverage right now, the darkness concealing what dawn first light will most certainly reveal: massive death and destruction. It's a sad day for Haiti.

I was shocked tonight to see the presidential palace in Port-au-Prince in ruins. It was such a beautiful building. Seeing it was a highlight of my trip to Haiti in 1995. I even managed to snap two quick pictures of it from the back of a van as RMI ministries ferried my mission team through the city. It was Port-au-Prince's main tourist attraction and a historic building. But now it is totaled. Much like the nation, I imagine.

I was so relieved to hear this afternoon from several missionaries in southern Haiti who experienced the quake. They had not ventured out into the southern city of Les Cayes to survey the damage. But the mission compound they live in survived with little damage. My church has a sister church in Chambellan, a remote town near the end of the Haitian peninsula, that I'm also really worried about. Chambellan is located in a river valley, built on one side of the river against the mountains. The dwellings there are but shacks compared even to the poorest places of America. Tin roofs and cinder block walls for the ritzier places. Thatched roofs and mud for the poorer folks. I'm worried sick, to be honest. But God is sovereign and He will not forsake His own. They are in His hands and He will not drop them. So I wait for news and pray.

Will you pray with me for Haiti, especially the believers there? It is a beautiful yet poor land, a place populated with impoverished people, many of whom rely on outside help to make it to another day. Thank You.

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On the 12th Day of Christmas...

... Christmas ended.

Today, the traditional "Feast Day of Epiphany" in the Orthodox, Anglican and Catholic Churches, marks the end of the Christmas season for me. Over the past few years I have tried to follow the liturgical Church calendar, partly for fun, partly out of a deep desire to connect with the Church of yesteryear, and partly out of necessity.

Partly for fun because I just love to do different things every year. For example, I put decorations in new places, arrange them in another order, and research different traditions to celebrate each year. A few years ago, I decided to "dig up the truth" about the Santa Claus tradition and ended up with a wonderful picture of a humble servant of God named Nicholas in the AD 300's. What I uncovered and read about this man made an impact on my life and how I approach Christmas giving. I like new things and don't mind doing something different than my family, friends and neighbors.

Out of a deep desire to connect with the Church of old because I think Church history is just really dang fascinating. It was largely withheld from me when I grew up because I was raised in evangelical churches, and I knew little about the saints of old, the councils, and the way things developed through the centuries. In college, I started to discover church history thanks to a personal study of Catholic and Greek Orthodox doctrine I undertook as I sorted through my own beliefs. I have since, though seminary and into church ministry, developed a deep desire to bridge the ways of the Church of old with the modern, conservative church. I tend to think most evangelical churches have thrown the baby out with the bath water, so to speak, and lost important liturgical links to the saints of old that would enhance our worship and help us teach our people. I love the feast days because they bring about a renewed consciousness of major church events, both in the age of apostles and through the first few centuries of the church.

Out of necessity, because church work and general busyness makes it very hard for me to celebrate before the end of Christmas Eve services. I found myself this season busier than most, with long days and longer nights wrapped up in service and event planning, production, and the fine details involved in both. So I wanted to actually enjoy Christmas for a few more weeks, free from the pre-Christmas rush. Can you blame me? My neighbors noticed, I'm sure that my lights and outsid decorations stayed up and my consciousness noticed that the Christmas carols kept going through my head (though I must confess they got old a while ago).

I love Christmas. But starting tomorrow, Christmas is over until next December. Or July. Whichever comes first. Hehehe...

So, for one last time, "Merry Christmas!"


-- John

Say No More: The Banned Words of 2010

It's funny how words and phrases slowly become such a big part of our culture. Someone invents a new term in January and by September, everyone's using it! Can you imagine a day without "teachable moments," times to "chillax," or the joy of "friending" someone new? If you follow the Lake Superior State University's annual list of banned terms and phrases, then you're gonna have to! Here's their list of words and phrases made popular in 2009 that shouldn't carry over into 2010, as published in Time Magazine online.

Say No More: The Banned Words of 2010


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393 MIles to the Great Unknown

I have a number of neat electronic features in my new Ford Focus that continually intrigue me. One of them is a gas/mileage readout on my dashboard that tells me how many miles I've driven total and in a trip, how many miles I have left at my current miles per gallon (MPG), what that MPG is, and whether my MPG is going higher or lower. On my way home from work tonight, I decided to check my city MPG just out of curiosity, so I started flipping through the dashboard options.

I had driven 42 miles since I filled up on Thursday, and had 393 miles left to go at 27 miles per gallon. My brain stopped at that middle number and wandered: 393. "Those are a lot of miles," I thought to myself. "I wonder where 393 miles would lead me?" And so, since it is 11:30 at night and my brain is still active, I decided to have some fun and see where 393 miles would lead me.

No, I didn't drive anywhere. No, I don't plan to drive anywhere, though that is always tempting to me. Instead I pulled out a map of the USA and started marking a 400-mile radius. On the remainder of my tank of gas, I could go to:

Galveston, Texas (actually, about 100 miles offshore)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Jackson, Mississippi
Little Rock, Arkansas
Branson, Missouri
Dodge City, Kansas
Amarillo, Texas (yes, 393 miles still finds me in Texas)
Clovis, New Mexico
Pecos, Texas
Laredo, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas

Other fun facts about 393 miles:

Going a generous 70 miles per hour on the interstate — without stops — it would take 5 hours and 43 minutes to get where I'm going. That's a lot of sitting down, pressing the gas pedal (cruise control is for sissies), and holding in the natural bodily pressures. But for the sake of the great unknown? Might be worth it!

How far can YOU go on a tank of gas? Where would you want to go?

It's definitely time for bed...

Be God's!

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