Scandalous Once More

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”             John 16:33 NLT

Not long ago Vice President Pence faced protesters as he spoke at a “Christian” university then this week David Roark, communications director of the Village recently was uninvited from a graphic design conference. Of course these are just two well known examples that point out something lots of us have been sensing for quite a while. Christianity is once more thankfully and thoroughly scandalous! This not only should not come as a surprise to us who call ourselves followers of Jesus it should be an encouragement. Maybe after a generation of our struggles to become socially acceptable we ought to be glad that being shunned puts us a little closer to the master. Paul said that His preaching was considered pure foolishness to the important people of His day. All His press coverage was negative, but God was always near in to listen to his prayers. It is much better to be scandalous here and accepted in heaven than popular on earth but a sorrow to our Jesus.

Have We Worshiped?

Were the songs familiar? How many people were in church today? What did our friends think about the service?

True confession time…all those thoughts made their way through my mind today. I sat in my seat, gave my offering and even sang every song. But did I really worship today? And if I didn’t worship then what exactly was I doing? As I get older I pray I would simply be more honest with God and others. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God is looking for real true worshippers. Worshipping God truly must begin with being true, telling the truth and obeying the things that He truly asks me to do. When I really truly worship Him then He will really truly seek me and teach me how to worship him more!

Peace in Confusing Times

The God who we say we serve is the God of all peace. As we prepare our hearts before receiving communion we should also prepare our attitudes before rushing off to church. When this first half of St Francis’ prayer should becomes our own then the God of all peace will meet us there and do what only He can do!

Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.