Reflections for Lent: Psalm 22

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we have shared a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. This is the final week of Lent reflections*, and as we read the passage and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

The final reflection comes from Psalm 22. Written by David, in the most general sense, this psalm reflects his cry to God to save him from his enemies and ends with him thanking God for that salvation.  In a larger sense, this psalm, better than any other psalm, serves as a direct link between the Old Testament and Jesus’ passion.

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,

    and by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy,

    enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4 In you our fathers trusted;

    they trusted, and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried and were rescued;

    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,

    scorned by mankind and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me;

    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;

8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;

    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;

    you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.

10 On you was I cast from my birth,

    and from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Be not far from me,

    for trouble is near,

    and there is none to help.

12 Many bulls encompass me;

    strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

13 they open wide their mouths at me,

    like a ravening and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water,

    and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

    it is melted within my breast;

15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,

    and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

    you lay me in the dust of death.

16 For dogs encompass me;

    a company of evildoers encircles me;

they have pierced my hands and feet—

17 I can count all my bones—

they stare and gloat over me;

18 they divide my garments among them,

    and for my clothing they cast lots.

19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!

    O you my help, come quickly to my aid!

20 Deliver my soul from the sword,

    my precious life from the power of the dog!

21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!

You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;

    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!

    All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,

    and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For he has not despised or abhorred

    the affliction of the afflicted,

and he has not hidden his face from him,

    but has heard, when he cried to him. 

25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

    my vows I will perform before those who fear him.

26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;

    those who seek him shall praise the Lord!

    May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember

    and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations

    shall worship before you.

28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,

    and he rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;

    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

    even the one who could not keep himself alive.

30 Posterity shall serve him;

    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;

31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,

    that he has done it.

Reflection questions:

1. Jesus quoted David’s words in verse 1 while he was on the cross [Matthew 27:46]. What other verses in Psalm 22 point to the events of Good Friday?

2. Even as David is in distress, he chooses to praise God and remember His goodness. What characteristics of God does David reference in this passage?

 3. While praising God, David points to the finished work that will ultimately come through the cross. Through Jesus, salvation is available for all. How can you live in light of this truth this week—is there some truth you need to remember in your own walk with Jesus? Is there someone in your life who you can pray for, remind, tell for the first time, or in some other way show how greatly they are loved by the Savior?

*Although this is the final Lent reflection, check back next week, as three of our writers share thoughts on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.  

Reflections for Lent: 1 Peter 1:13-25

 Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

This week’s reflection comes from 1 Peter 1:13-25

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass

    and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

    and the flower falls,

   but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Reflection questions:

1. Verse 20 tells us that Christ was chosen before the creation of the world to take on the penalty of our sins by dying on the cross.  This was not a plan B; this was God’s plan all along. 

Why do you think God orchestrated it in this way?

2. We are told in these verses that, as we wait for Christ’s coming, we are to be self-controlled and holy as God is holy.  What does this mean practically for you, to be self-controlled and set apart?  How are you living as an obedient child—not conforming to this world (v. 14)?

Reflections for Lent: 2 Corinthians 5: 14-21

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

This week, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflection questions:

Verse 17 states that, if you are in Christ, you are a new creation—the old ways leading to death are gone, replaced by the righteousness of Christ. Take a minute and reflect on that truth.

1. In what areas of your life are you living as a new creation?

2. If there are areas where you currently don’t feel like you are living out this promise, what needs to change (e.g. thoughts, actions) to help you better live in light of Christ’s victory on the cross?

3. If there is some area you identify as needing change, remembering what Drew touched on in this past week’s message and Pastor Joe reiterated at the end, is there someone you can invite into that space to help hold you accountable?

The definition of reconciliation is to restore to friendship or harmony two opposing sides; to end estrangement. In the biblical sense, reconciliation is to restore a right relationship between God and man. Take a minute to reflect that Jesus surrendered to God’s plan for reconciliation between God and man by dying on the cross for our sins, and gives us the ministry of reconciliation—to share the news of Christ with others.

4. Who is one person you can pray for this Lent season, that they would come to a right relationship with God?

Reflections for Lent: Isaiah 53

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

Isaiah 53

“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?

And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

Reflection Questions:

Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah as lowly and unimpressive, yet when Jesus came to earth, many were still looking for a mighty, flashy king— so much so, that many missed their Savior right in front of them.

Even though we don't have Jesus face to face with us today, He still wants to meet with us.

1. How are we seeking Him out?  Are we too preoccupied with wanting to see Him through big signs and miracles, that we are missing Him in the everyday, mundane moments of life?

2. How can you be more aware of your Savior today?

3. In what ways is He revealing Himself to you today?

Reflections for Lent: Romans 5:6-21

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

Last week, we saw in Genesis 3 that at the first instance of sin, God revealed His plan for salvation. In Romans 5, we see a connection drawn between Jesus and Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Let’s read Romans 5:6-21:

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Reflection Questions:

1.    We can rejoice because we have been made friends of God.  What does it mean to be a friend of God?

2.   How is a friendship with God unique from any other friendship?

3.   How can we deepen our friendship with God?

Reflections for Lent: Genesis 3:13-15

Editor’s Note:

Each Friday of the Lent season leading up to Easter, we will share a passage of scripture that helps us reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. From before time, through Old Testament to New, this plan for God in the flesh to step down to earth and provide redemption has always been. As you read these passages and think through the questions that follow, we invite you to reflect on what Christ did and His great love for us this Easter season.

Genesis 3:13-15

“Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Reflection Questions:

1) At the first instance of sin, God already revealed His plan of salvation. Why do you think He chose to reveal this promise right then?

2) How has the Gospel shown itself while you were at your lowest?

Feed My Sheep

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14a)

The greatest miracle of Jesus Christ is His defeat of death and sin on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. His second biggest miracle is that He became human. God put on flesh. He experienced hunger and need as we do. He chose to have a physical body because He cares not only about our spiritual lives, but also about our physical needs. Jesus’ work on earth involved both spiritual teaching and physical healing.

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” Matthew 4:23

In two separate instances, Jesus feeds thousands of hungry people. It is only natural that as followers of Christ, we are called to do the same: to meet the physical needs of others. In John 21, Jesus tells Peter to feed or tend his sheep three times as a reflection of his love of Christ. I do not believe this calling is solely for a spiritual feeding, but also involves a literal physical feeding.

Spiritual disciplines of reading the Bible, worship, prayer and communion with the Saints are important parts of our faith, but these are only part of our faith. We can read our Bibles each day, worship as we’re driving around, pray throughout the day, go to church and Bible study after Bible study and still miss an extremely important part of following Jesus. We have been called to tangibly care for each other.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:14-18

Love, as the Bible describes it, is actionable. Love isn’t a thought or a sentiment, but rather it requires sacrifice. Without it, we are nothing. We are only fooling ourselves when our words and our sentiments of loving others are not followed by action. We can read and study and meditate on these words day and night, but if we are not acting out in love by caring for others’ physical needs, we are deceiving ourselves.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:23-25

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Without care for others—practical, physical care for others, we run the risk of being the goats Jesus talks about in Matthew 25:31-46.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Notice how He didn’t separate people by whether they went to church on Sunday or whether they read their Bibles (both of which are important for personal spiritual development), but by their treatment of others.

We were not made to consume with no outlet. What makes us holy (set apart) is our counter-cultural directive to give. Our giving should supersede our consumption. We are to lay down our lives for others, as John says. It is counter-cultural to care for the needs of others above our own needs. Rather than amassing things for ourselves, we should be storing up our treasure in heaven by our actions.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

Our pursuit of our own happiness—which is not Biblical—has overridden our pursuit of holiness. It has overridden our pursuit of Christ. Our faith has been lulled to sleep by consumerism. We even consume the Bible like we consume physical things. We gorge ourselves on the Bible, becoming spiritual gluttons without exercising the faith we proclaim. It is past time we start acting. I believe if all of the Church would turn away from our consumerism and pursuit of happiness, and we humble ourselves to become a people of servanthood—serving the needs of others—and pray, we would see a great revival like we’ve never seen before. We would see healing like we’ve never seen before.

God can work through us to accomplish so much—we just need to pursue Him above all else.

Handling Transitions in Authority

… One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

January 20, 2021 marks the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States of America.  In the days and months leading up to this moment, we have witnessed a discord and contention that has fortunately only reared its ugly head several times over the course of our country’s history.  People within the church stand on both sides of the issues.  This piece is not meant to argue for or against a viewpoint or say that one side is right and the other is wrong.  It is not an endorsement or a rejection for any political figure or party.  Whether we are inaugurating the 46th president or the 47th president, our response, as followers of Christ, should be the same.

Ultimately, we live under God’s authority, but we also live in a society that has a government authority.  On the surface, the government appears to be entirely a manmade creation.  So, it stands to reason that we have the choice to ignore the government and its leaders if we disagree.  This is a false assertion and has no scriptural basis except if the government or leader is asking you to disobey God’s authority.  A repeated theme throughout scripture is that God establishes and maintains the kingdoms and authorities throughout the earth.  Leaders over the course of history have both rightly and wrongly used this theme to substantiate their claim to rule, but it doesn’t make God’s ultimate authority less true.  The best summation of this theme is found in Romans 13:1-7:

1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

There is a lot to digest in these verses.  Entire books have been written on them, and it can be easy to quickly go down various theological rabbit holes. There is a time and place for that, but for now let’s run with the main theme. The main theme is that whomever our mayor, governor, senator, or president may be, it is not a surprise to or mistake by God.  He has allowed them to come into a position of authority so that ultimately God’s will can be accomplished for our good.  We do not have the right to resist authority just because we don’t agree with them or because they seem immoral.  It is also important to note that these verses do not say God places a leader into power because he endorses their agenda, they achieved their rule legitimately, or that they are a mouthpiece for God.  Whether you are excited about or dreading the new leaders of our nation, ultimately, we can have peace knowing that our country’s leaders are in their position because God has allowed it, and they will be held accountable to him.

So, what now?  What should our response be, whether we agree or disagree, with our new leaders?  We should pray.  Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 that in order to display Jesus Christ to an unbelieving world, he can “wage the good warfare,” hold faith, and have a good conscience by:

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We shouldn’t just pray for those whose policies we agree with, or whose morals we agree with, or who will give us greater power.  Notice how Paul tells Timothy to pray for “all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.”  We desire to see Christ made known, not our beliefs prioritized. 

Ultimately, our hope is not in man, or country, but in Jesus.  We look forward to the day that Jesus comes again and rules over the new heaven and the new earth.  While we await his return, we should pray that our leaders will be given the strength and ability to display Christ-like leadership, so that all people can “come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I encourage you to look to the Psalms for examples of how to pray.  The Psalms are prayers or songs that are written by God (through man) for God, so we get a glimpse into God’s heart and desires.  Psalm 72 is a great starting point.  It is a royal psalm, meaning that it acts as a prayer for David’s heirs to be Godly kings over Israel.  Looking even deeper, this psalm is also a Messianic psalm in that it looks forward to the day that the Messiah, Jesus, will rule as king over all nations.  Oh, that we would have a president and leaders that are Godly! 

1 Give the king your justice, O God,
   and your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the children of the needy,
    and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him,
    and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
    render him tribute;
    may the kings of Sheba and Seba
    bring gifts!
11 May all kings fall down before him,
    all nations serve him!

12 For he delivers the needy when he calls,
    the poor and him who has no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
    and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
    and precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live;
    may gold of Sheba be given to him!
    May prayer be made for him continually,
    and blessings invoked for him all the day!
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
    may its fruit be like Lebanon;
    and may people blossom in the cities
    like the grass of the field!
17 May his name endure forever,
    his fame continue as long as the sun!
    May people be blessed in him,
    all nations call him blessed!

18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    who alone does wondrous things.
19 Blessed be his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
    Amen and Amen!

20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Notice the two repeated themes throughout the psalm are justice and righteousness.  God’s desire for the kings of Israel was for them to act justly and be righteous.  This is not of themselves because in verse 1 it says that they must be given to them by God.  So, our starting point in prayer for our new leaders should be their character; that God will give them justice and righteousness.  God is fully just and fully righteous, no one can fully know justice or righteousness except through God.  A leader’s character will steer the direction of the nation.  A character that emphasizes self-glorification, pride, and falsehood will breed a nation that mimics the same.  The result will be destructive versus constructive.

The psalmist moves on in verse 4 to talk of how the king should defend the cause of the poor, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.  The psalmist desires the entire nation to be cared for and protected.  He is calling for the king to treat everyone fairly and apply justice equally, no matter one’s status.  If one group is valued over another, it will breed oppression.  By providing equitable justice you protect the whole.  Imagine stepping on a Lego while barefoot.  It hurts.  It’s a pain, felt on a small portion of your foot, that is capable of bringing your entire body down.  Now imagine you came to a room where you have to walk across a floor covered in Legos.  Before even beginning, you’d immediately go put on shoes to protect yourself from the object that will cause pain.  No one would choose to walk barefoot just because their feet, which are small, dirty, and insignificant compared to the rest of the body, are unworthy of shoes (protection).  That’s absurd; your entire being would suffer because you chose to not care for something that was vulnerable and exposed.  So it is with the poor and needy in our midst.  Treat them for what they are, a human being made in the image of God.  Their suffering is our nation’s suffering.

In verse 5, the author desires for the king and future kings to fear God throughout all generations.  The stresses of leading a nation are great.  They can quickly distract from what is most important.  For the strength and stability of our nation, we should desire for our leaders to have strength and good health.  We want them to be able to endure the stresses of serving the nation.  We want them to serve faithfully and fulfill their leadership roles.  In this way, they can be “like rain,” or in other words be a provision for all who need it. 

The psalmist moves on in verses 8-11 to talk of a desire for the king to be ruler over all nations.  This is not an excuse for us to pray that America be the greatest of all nations for America’s sake.  Rather, we should consider the context it is written under.  The desire is that all nations be brought under God’s rule.  In this way, all people, not just Israel, not just America, may experience God.  Our prayer should be that God will use our country and our leaders to spread His glory, His freedom, His peace, to all nations.  Not that we would be great for the sake of ourselves, but that we may help deliver the needy and “the poor and him who has no helper.”  Our prayer is not that America would be great, but that God will do great things through America.  We desire to see our land prosper, but not to increase our own comfort.  We want to help save the lives of those who are needy, those who are oppressed.  We want to help redeem others.  In doing so, God’s name will be praised throughout the earth.

The beauty of this psalm is that it is not just a wonderful picture of what God desires of a nation’s leaders, but that it will be brought to complete fruition when Christ returns.  In the meantime, our new leaders are God appointed leaders.  God has allowed them to be placed into a leadership role.  Our nation will either further turn from God or turn to God.  As followers of Christ, we should earnestly pray for them even if we don’t agree with them; that God will give them a character of justice and righteousness.  No matter what happens over the course of their leadership we can always trust the promise of Psalm 74:12, “Yet God my King is from old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”

Empowering Women in Christ: Riverbend Women's Ministry

Editor’s Note:

We wanted to highlight some exciting new opportunities in some of our ministries, so that in this different season we’re in, everyone has opportunities to connect and experience community in whatever ways they’re comfortable in. In this post, we asked Samantha Dean, one of the three co-leads of the Riverbend Women’s Ministry, to share her heart for the women of Riverbend and some ways that women can connect.  

Riverbend is so dear to my heart, and Riverbend women in particular hold a very special place in my heart. It is rare to find such a socially inclusive group of women, and I’m thankful to be a part of the women’s community here for that reason.  I really want to see female connections grow at Riverbend. 

True, deep female friendship and discipleship are so important to the health of a Christian woman.  This year in particular, has been so difficult. We’ve experienced isolation, financial hardship, job loss, changes in teaching our children, fear for our health, and the stress of national division.  In addition to their own feelings, I think women also experience these stresses on behalf of our husband and children.  

In light of all that is going on in and around us, we need unity as Christian women now more than ever. I want the women of Riverbend to feel loved, supported, and part of a deep social network where they can laugh, cry, and bear each other’s burdens. I want Riverbend’s women’s group to reflect Jesus’ desire for community among believers. We may have different experiences, be in different seasons of life, have different dress sizes, have different skin colors, have different political leanings, but we have Christ in common! Christ is what unifies us. And all those differences? They can bring such a rounded and rich view of our work here on earth as part of Riverbend and the Lehigh Valley.

My goal for this group is that we would be able to provide social, service, and study opportunities for women at Riverbend through the women’s ministry. Socializing breeds friendships and support. Service gives us the chance to reach out and love the community around us. Study allows us to dive into God’s Word more deeply, so that we can go about the socializing and serving with wisdom! We can also bring that wisdom into our everyday lives as we raise children, maintain, friendships, go to our jobs, and love our husbands. We will be imperfect in providing an even ratio of these things, but I know Christy, Jessica, and I love the women of our church and will do our best to lead well; God will fill in the cracks!

My other goal is to provide opportunities for women, but not completely carry women in their faith lives.  There are seasons where we all need to be carried, but I’m a big proponent of taking ownership. What I mean by that, is I’d like to see women empowered to take leadership of their lives and their faith. Christy, Jessica, and I are not special. Any woman at Riverbend can lead, and I’m hopeful that if someone has a service opportunity they’d really like to participate in, that they take the initiative to organize it. It could be a Bible study, a social event—whatever may be laid on someone’s heart—and Christy, Jessica, and I can provide support and resources :) 

If you’re reading this and wondering how you can get connected and involved, the biggest thing a woman can do is start doing! Some options that are available right now are:

1) Join Riverbend Women CONNECT on Facebook (Closed group requiring an invite, but any woman already in the group can invite you, so just ask a friend on Facebook or send an email to women@riverbendonline.org and we’ll get you plugged in!)

2) Join us in making space for God’s Word in our daily lives— Christy and other ladies are reading through the New Testament in 2021 (or choose your own reading… whatever gets you in God’s Word every day!). See the Women’s Facebook group or email the women’s team for more details.

3) Come to our next event.

4) Invite a woman or a few women you’d like to get to know for coffee or dinner.

5) Start praying for connection. That God would provide opportunities to connect with other women.

5) Have an idea for an event?? Let us know! Help us organize it! Let’s make it happen!

I’m so excited to see what this season at Riverbend brings!

Sam 

Hide and Seek: The Climb

PSALM 119: 9-12

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Praise be to you, LORD;

teach me your decrees.

Hide and Seek -- A children's game we have all played. The object is for the hider to remain unknown by the seeker as long as possible.

Seek and Hide -- (See above.) A young person's path to purity. The seeker desires to be known by God and hides the Word (the Bible) in their heart to keep them from sinning so they can get closer to God.

Are you playing children's games or are you on a young person's pursuit?

It's time to start reading God's Word like young people on a mission.

It was New Year's Eve going into 1982 when I, Keith, accepted Christ's death on the cross for my sins. I saw Christ as my Savior and prayed to live my life as a path to purity. I was 15. My Christian friends surrounded me with the Word. They bought me a Bible; they invited me to church and Bible studies. Interestingly enough, I never went to a youth group meeting. The challenge to hide God's Word in my heart came right from its printed pages and my friends. And now, 39 years later, I am still trying to Seek and Hide. Won't you join me?

Riverbend's youth group, The Climb, will start meeting again on Jan. 17, 2021. The Kaeppels have been quarantining since Holly was given a COVID-positive test result right after Christmas. Her symptoms have been mild the whole way through, praise God, but we want to do our part to stop the spread.

If you haven't done so already, start on the path to purity with The Bible-in-a-Year reading plan. Pastor Joe has separately challenged the whole church to carve out time to do the same. I really think the Holy Spirit is moving in our community to help us know God more in 2021.

Questions, comments, or you just want to chat, call Keith at 484-350-1780 or Holly at 610-751-3759.

Peace Over Despair

“And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth, I said
For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men”

This Christmas carol has ministered to my soul in this particular Christmas season. With the uncertainties surrounding Covid, social unrest, and the political fanaticism prevalent today, I find myself repeating the above sentiments. Looking at the human condition leads to despair. Even when we find something good that “restores our faith in humanity,” all too quickly we are reminded why we lost faith in the first place.

I am reminded of the story of Peter walking on water (found in Matthew 14:22-33). At first, when his eyes are on Christ, he is making strides without a hitch. Many faith journeys can be similar—at first, we are so enamored by Christ’s invitation to join Him that we don’t see much else. We take leaps of faith and draw close to Him. But, just like Peter, we get distracted by the waves around us. Granted, there is a storm all around us. It’s dangerous—a distraction that begs for our attention. Sickness hits close, unemployment looms ahead, friends or family are fighting with us. The struggle is real.

But when we focus on the storm around us, we can easily be dragged down with it. Life and the problems that come along with it do deserve our attention, but the problem comes when we take our eyes off Christ. As in the song, we can be filled with despair when our focus is on the world around us. Are we focusing on the waves or are we focusing on Jesus?

The grace in this story is what happens when Peter falls. Jesus doesn’t give up on Peter when he gets distracted; He doesn’t abandon Peter to the storm. No, He comes to Peter and pulls him out, and He does the same for us. When we lose sight of all hope, Jesus is there, reaching to pull us out of the depths.

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail
The right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men”

Thank God the peace He offers us isn’t dependent upon our situations. It’s a peace that surpasses our understanding—something we have in the midst of suffering because we know that Christ is victorious over darkness. The Christmas bells in the song act as a reminder of that victory.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

When we focus on Christ’s redemptive power, we can be led through the darkest valleys and come out victorious. Our peace comes from knowing that Love wins in the end. When we live in that peace, we become like the Christmas bells in the song, a reminder to others of the hope that is found in Christ Jesus. We don’t need to restore peoples’ hope in humanity; we need to point people to the fulfillment of that hope.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

Practically speaking, how do we focus on Christ when the world around us is in chaos? Prayer and thanksgiving.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Peace is our God-given protective barrier, guarding our hearts and minds as we walk through life. We just need to seek Him and unload our burdens to receive it.

*Lyrics from ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,’ based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, ‘Christmas Bells’

*All verses shared are from the English Standard Version of the Bible with my own emphasis added.

Advent 2020: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:8-20 (NASB)

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

 I’ve read this account of the birth of Jesus more times than I can count throughout the years. I’ve known it as a passage about the birth of a Savior, the Messiah, being revealed to lowly shepherds through the angels. Ordinary shepherds encountering the divine. I can only imagine how bearing witness to this would have changed their lives forever.

But it wasn’t until this year, that I sat with Jesus and let Him reveal the personal nature of this passage. This message was not just for the shepherds, not just for others, but also for me. This is “Good news of great joy…(for YOU, Amy)…there has been born FOR YOU a Savior… Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased. It’s much easier to give, do, and perform than it is to just be, receive, and humbly accept a gift, especially when it’s one we don’t deserve and can’t match even with our best efforts. Jesus was born a Savior for me. I am one of the “people with whom He is pleased.”

As we close this Advent season, imagine if we lived and walked as though we believed this message was for us. Jesus was born as Savior for YOU. He is pleased in you, takes delight in you with gladness, with His love He calms our fears, and rejoices over you with joyful songs. Our lives, like the shepherds would be changed forever. We would witness firsthand the good news of great joy the angels proclaimed and want to proclaim His light, life, and healing He brings with every person we encounter.

“Light and life to all He brings,

Risen with healing in His wings;

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn king” 

1. Do I believe Jesus was born a Savior for me? Do I believe He delights in me with gladness and rejoices over me with joyful songs? If not, why do I struggle to believe it? 

2. Where do I need His love to calm my fears?

Jesus, thank you for coming near, for being a Savior for me, especially me. I often struggle with receiving your delight and pleasure in me because of all of the ways I know I continually fall short. And yet, that’s why it is such “good news of great joy” because you paid a debt we could never fulfill, allowing God and sinners to be reconciled, bringing your kingdom to earth and wholeness to our brokenness. May we be like the shepherds that first Christmas, who couldn’t help but share with everyone what they had seen and experienced in Jesus. May we walk as though we believe that we truly are Your beloved, and allow Your pleasure to radiate from our very beings. Amen.

Advent: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Tonight, in this fourth week of Advent, we consider the peace brought to us through Jesus. It is a peace that is not dependent on our situations, but rather one that goes beyond our understanding. When we look at the world around us, we see chaos, fear, anxiety, hate, grief. We may get caught up in the storm swirling around us—threatening to drag us down.

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth, I said
For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail
The right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men

At the moment we start to lose hope, Jesus is there, reaching to pull us out of the depths. We have peace because the baby who came over 2000 years ago overcame sin, death, and darkness. When we focus on Christ’s redemptive power, we can be led through the darkest valleys and come out victorious. Our peace comes from knowing that Love wins in the end.

1. Who or what am I focusing on this Christmas season?

2. How can I allow Christ to lead me in peace when going through hardship?

Lord, thank you for the peace we have in You that goes beyond understanding. May we be a people who draw close to you when life gets difficult, and may we receive peace in knowing that you have overcome the world. May we share that peace as a beacon of hope in a fallen world, just as Christmas bells ring out a reminder of your victory. I pray that we ring out your victory over darkness now and in our daily lives beyond this Christmas season. Amen

Advent: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”  Romans 8:18-19

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

 Today, in this third week of Advent, we reflect on what it means to wait. For many of us, this season has involved a lot of waiting, hoping and expecting. We wait for when things will go back to the way they are supposed to be. We hope for a cure. We have expectations for a future beyond what we are currently enduring.

The Christian life is, and always was, centered on waiting, hoping, and expecting. Waiting for God to defeat, once and for all, sin and death and return things to the way they are supposed to be. Hoping for a cure for the world’s separation from God. Expecting that one day Jesus (Emmanuel, God with us) will come to usher in a future far beyond this present time, just as he did that first Christmas.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel

1. Do I I live with an undercurrent of waiting for, hoping on, and expecting Jesus’ arrival?

2. What does it mean to be sorrowful yet always rejoicing, especially around Christmas?

Father, we come in awe of how you opened the heavens and came down, sending Jesus on our behalf, to take upon himself the dark shadows of death that we deserve. But now we find ourselves in the “already, but not yet”. Through the cross, we see evidence of your victory, but still we wait. We already have the promise of all things being made new, and all sad things coming undone, but we realize, sometimes painfully so, that we’re not there yet. In the midst of our waiting, help us to rejoice with hope and expectations. Increase our faith in your arrival.

Amen

Advent: Go Tell It On the Mountain

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” Luke 2:8-11

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

This Advent season, all we have to do is look around us—in our neighborhoods, our work places, our communities, our nation— to see the weight of sin and brokenness, and the longing for healing and wholeness. Our world can look so divided; our conversations with and actions towards each other, so unloving at times. It is into this world our Father sent His one and only perfect Son on our behalf. The infant Christ left the perfection of Heaven for earth in the greatest rescue mission this world has ever known. Why? Because God so loved us.  If we allow that love poured out on us to transform our hearts and minds, that love will be poured out into our families and into our communities as well. This message of God’s great love for us in the gift of a Savior— lived out in our words, and evidenced through our actions—is exactly the love we all need most desperately.   

 Down in a lowly manger

The humble Christ was born

And God sent us salvation

That blessed Christmas morn.

1. Where do I see in myself the need for Christ’s true, perfect love to bring healing and wholeness?

2. Where do I see around me the need for Christ’s true, perfect love to bring healing and wholeness?

3. How can the reality of Jesus’ love for me be manifested in how I love those around me?

Jesus, we thank You that You came to this earth, exchanging the glories of Heaven for the brokenness and sin of this earth, because your love for us is so great. But that You did not just come to walk among us, but to transform us from the inside out with the magnitude of Your love. That it is only through recognizing the depth of Your love for us that we can begin to love those around us. May we be people who are marked by Your love, now at Christmas and every day. Amen

Advent: Joy to the World

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:9-10

“So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him Abba Father. For his spirit joins our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”  Romans 8:15-16

This first week of Advent, we reflect on joy. Joy is the fruit of an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father; a closeness that knows our faults, doubts, and insecurities, and still invites us to know Him as Abba Father, our Daddy God. What in this world could compare with being fully known and fully loved by the Maker of heaven and earth?  To be secure in the warmth of our Father’s embrace, having the confidence of His peace, and knowing that He is always with us in any and every situation, our Emmanuel.  Instead, we often look for our validity and meaning in the empty and temporary things of this world, hoping that this time will somehow be different. Again and again, we turn our backs on our Father who gave everything to bring us joy.  

This Advent season, we recognize that God gave us that everything in the form of His one and only perfect son. Jesus desperately wants us to find joy in Him. So much so that He pursued us, entering this world as an infant, and later enduring the cross it took to provide it.  If we recognize this gift of a Savior, God welcomes us with open arms, wanting to be our source of joy.   

Joy to the world. The Lord has come.

Let earth receive her king

Let every heart prepare him room

And heaven and nature sing.

1. Do you feel joy as you enter the Advent season this year?

2. How does knowing God as Father bring us lasting joy?

3. What will you do to know Him more?

Jesus, we praise You that You came specifically to bring us joy.  A joy that we will never find in anything in this world.  As an uncertain year comes to a close, we know with certainty we can find joy in You apart from our circumstances. Each day be our source of joy, help us to turn away from the comforts of this world, and run to You for identity, hope, and peace that only You can bring. Amen.

Thankful for 2020

2020 has been quite a year.  Because of COVID, shutdowns, and online learning, it’s 12 months many of us would rather forget.  In fact, the challenges we’re facing have led many to lose hope and declare defeat many months ago.  However, there are also those who are still filled with joy in spite of these circumstances, and who press on with confident expectation in spite of frustrating trials.  Those who recognize the difficulty of this life and yet are not shaken.  What has empowered these individuals?  What is the fuel in their fire?  How are they still pressing on? And most importantly, is this something that each of us can take hold of? 

We find our answer the fourth Thursday of November each year as we stop, pause, and celebrate Thanksgiving.  Yet Thanksgiving is SO much more than an annual tradition. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God from a deep heart of humility.  When we see Thanksgiving as a way of life and not just a turkey, we gain a closer connection with our heavenly Father, as we are reminded of His love and faithfulness. This relationship fills us with joy as we face the struggles, disappointments, and anxiety of our lives, confident that God is with us, for us, and that He is over all. 

Thanksgiving is a recognition and appreciation of something that God has done.  It is a declaration of appreciation for who God is.  It is celebrating God’s provision.  Each day we are provided with many opportunities to give thanks. From the grace God gives us to start each day, to the blessings of our loved ones, to all that Jesus endured so that we could be part of the family of God, and that is just a start. 

When we do this, we recognize our limitations.  We see that we did not bring about the blessings of our lives in our own strength.  Our eyes are opened to the reality that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 No longer do I have to depend on myself, circumstances, or others to find confidence and hope.  This gives me such joy.  It is so good to know how small I am and how great He is. 

And yet sometimes I allow myself to become distracted and discouraged.  In recent weeks, unexpected circumstances and events beyond my control have shifted my focus away from God and magnified my frustrations.  As my heart and mind were flooded with irritation and despair, I lost sight of the joy which Christ has provided.

A lifestyle of thanksgiving doesn’t mean that we can’t feel angry, disappointed, or frustrated.  Instead, it reminds us of how God has walked with us in similar circumstances in the past.  That He has helped us, that He has provided, that He has never failed.  Remembering His faithfulness in the past deepens our trust in Him.  We go to Him with our fears, cares, and worries, and another door is opened for Him to show us his goodness. We strengthen our dependence on Him.

The apostle Paul, writing from a jail cell, encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING present your requests to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:4-7, emphasis added).

A lifestyle of thanksgiving is rejoicing in the Lord always.  It isn’t rejoicing only when things go our way.  We are celebrating how He is with us no matter the circumstances.  This empowers us to come to Him thankful for who He is and what He’s done. We can tell Him how much we appreciate the gifts He’s given us.  This gives us more confidence to share our needs with the One who loves us the most. It also blesses His heart as He sees us not turning to the lesser things of this world to find comfort, meaning, and identity, but to Him.

So how can we be purposeful in thanksgiving? Something practical that has helped me is using the notepad on my phone to write down blessings.  I’m so encouraged as I look back and see all of God’s gifts and expressions of His love toward me. 

Social media can be another great avenue to express our gratitude to God and others.  It is so refreshing to see thanksgiving and appreciation on platforms like Facebook instead of insults and opinions.  This is in addition to picking up the phone, sending a card, or letting someone know in person how much you appreciate what they’ve done and who they are. 

When we make the daily effort to live a life of thanksgiving, we constantly remind ourselves that God is with us.  That He is where our hope and strength is found, and we can walk victoriously through any storm we may face.

Jesus: The Only Winning Choice

As November 3rd rapidly approaches, election tension continues to rise all through the Lehigh Valley, the state of Pennsylvania, and our entire nation.  Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram only magnify this tension as opinions, debates, and arguments escalate.  Sadly, our nation has never been more divided.  We alienate our neighbors with insults and look to cancel any opinion that doesn’t align with our perspective.  This is all rooted in fear of what might happen if the person we didn’t vote for is elected into the temporary position of President. 

These strong emotions and allegiance to a candidate or party are something I can relate to and have experienced myself.  When I was in high school, I became increasingly interested and involved in the political world.  Each day, I paid attention to headlines and absorbed opinion-oriented programming on both tv and radio.  My passion for my ideology began to grow, and my identity was being shaped by my political persuasion.  I joined the debate team, mock trial competition, and launched a political organization in my high school.  My classmates voted me most likely to become a politician.  Daily, I was looking for an argument and a chance to show others how wrong they were for their point of view. Soon, I joined a local political party, aspired to working in politics, and wanted to host my own opinion talk show.  In college, I earned my degree in political science. 

Yet even as I was feeding my political identity, I was facing some very serious challenges in my life.  There were difficulties in my family, frustrations at work, and unresolved emotional issues within me.  I found that nothing in the political world could bring me any lasting joy and peace.  The more time I spent in politics, I was exposed to how truly self-absorbed it can be.  I saw that those who I had placed on a pedestal were only human.  That many had lives that were inconsistent with their views, and that even those with whom I agreed, in many cases, were dishonest and self-seeking.  None of these people who I had once admired could help me with the pain and difficulty I was facing on a daily basis. 

Through a painful series of events, I finally hit rock-bottom.  I saw that there was no lasting hope or fulfillment in the political world, that I needed a greater love.  Thankfully, God began to open my eyes to how much he really loves me.  That through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection I could belong to him - no matter what my political beliefs.  He desired to be my source of validity and purpose.  I was invited to be a part of a kingdom that would last forever, and I could know God as a father.  

This dramatically changed my perspective and transformed my entire life.  It felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.  I could come to my heavenly Father with my pain, struggles, and difficulties; I could know him more.  I was experiencing his unconditional love.  This brought me such joy!  My eyes were opened to the reality that nothing in the political world can bring true healing and freedom to the heart.  I understood just how much Jesus loves me.  This is what I wanted everyone to know. 

God began changing my heart and filling it with his love.  My happiness is no longer dependent on how political events are unfolding.  Those who disagree with me are my friends; I can better understand their viewpoint.  More importantly, God revealed to me how much he loves them and how he wants me to love them as well.  This has improved all my relationships; I could have friendly disagreements and prioritize relationships high above any argument.

As Jesus transformed my life, it didn’t mean I no longer had strong opinions, but that I placed them under his authority.  I made knowing him and loving others more important than winning arguments.  My eyes have been opened to the fact that my greatest hope and joy in life will never come from any elected official.  Yes, I have been disappointed in the outcome of elections; however, I have been more empowered by God’s goodness and faithfulness no matter who may be in office for the time.

By seeking to know Jesus daily and allowing him to make us who he desires, we can put our political opinions and desires under his authority.  Jesus came so that we could have life to the full (John 10:10). He commands us to love one another the way that he loved us (John 13:34).  The unbelieving world sees the church as being too political.  What message would it send if we were loving them and each other the way that Jesus did?  If grace, compassion, and forgiveness were flowing from each of us? That the eternal light of Christ was shining brighter in us, then the momentary flicker of man-made political “power”?

Jesus is the Lord of all, no matter who wins this election.  His love and promises will last forever; his kingdom will never end.  You may be excited or disappointed by who becomes president this November.  I understand that these are strong feelings and emotions.  Let me invite you to bring them to Jesus. Share with him that you’re angry, frustrated, and discouraged.  I promise he will walk beside you and show you his love.  This will change you.  He will be your rock, comfort, and joy if you will allow him.  He will give you his peace.  This is a peace that you will have no matter what.  Even if your candidate “wins”, Jesus will show you that he has secured for you a far greater victory at the cross.  Your eyes will be opened to the limitations of the political world, and he will help you see those you disagree with through his loving eyes.  The promises of God do not depend on the results of elections.  The love of your heavenly Father for you is far greater than your local congressman.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we will remain in the name of the Lord our God.”  To rephrase for election day, “Some trust in Donald Trump, some in Joe Biden, but we will remain in the name of Lord our God.”  Now that is real victory!

Invisible Battles

“How’s your day going?”

I’ve heard Travis ask this question hundreds of times since before we were even dating. It wasn’t me he was asking (though he of course cares how I’m doing). This is a question he’s asked every cashier, every waiter, barista, receptionist (you name it!) he’s met. I quickly adopted the practice. I loved watching the “customer service” exterior melt away, and lock eyes with another human who finally felt seen in the middle of a day spent invisible.

Sometimes the meeting was brief with a genuine “thank you for asking” and sometimes the question became a safe space for a soul to become unburdened. We’ve met and prayed for a lot of people. Each one facing their own invisible battle. You’d never know unless you asked.

These days, it’s even harder to know the battles being fought. Our family is in the midst of one now. We have been since December 2019. And up until recently I didn’t realize how few people really knew. It just goes to show how hard it is to connect in this season. To know one another. And how easy it is to get caught up in keeping your head above water and forgetting to ask for a life raft.

If you didn’t know, I am the voice you hear giving the Riverbend announcements. They sound cheerful, upbeat, and easy. But beneath that “customer service” exterior are dozens of takes of me slurring my words, forgetting how to say something, stuttering… My invisible battle is a brain injury. One that is taking so much longer to recover from than we ever anticipated. Often times voicing over the announcements is all I am able to do in a day. So Travis’s invisible battle is caring for me, our son, and our home without knowing when he’ll get to rest, or when I will get better.

In my recovery, I’ve met a lot of people –– patients, receptionists, physical and occupational therapists — who I have gotten to talk to (verbal skills permitting). And I’ve learned some of their invisible battles too. As I become more able to type (speech is still a challenge at times), I have gotten to connect more with some of our Riverbend family. And we’ve been able to encourage one another and make some of our battles a little more visible, making one another feel a little more known. 

All this to say, in a season dominated by isolation, I want you to know that you are not truly alone (so, reach out to someone!). Every single person I’ve met has a battle they’re fighting. I know you have one, too. Give yourself lots of grace. And extend that grace to others. If you see a cashier who is less than polite, stop and ask how their day is going. More times than not you’ll watch as they relax a bit more, you’ll connect with another human, and you’ll both leave feeling a little less alone.

Just one more way we can be “in it together.”