February 18, 2023 — “Easy to Deal With”

“Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. But when they had tied him up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?” Acts 22:22-25

“Paul’s opportunity to reason with the hostile crowd wanting to kill him was over as soon as he said the word, “Gentile”! They had accused him of taking a Gentile into the Temple — which was untrue. His mention of the word was all they needed to come unhinged and revert to their previous efforts to try to kill him (Acts 21:35-36). The removal of the crowd’s coats likely indicated they were preparing to stone Paul. Paul had presided over the coats and execution of Stephen not far from this location years earlier.* How would Paul survive this furious mob who wanted him dead? God used Roman rule — Rome’s soldiers and her legal system — to get Paul to Rome and keep his ministry to Gentiles flourishing. The LORD is the God of the impossible who works in the lives of people who love him and are willing to do his will!” (heartlight website; What Jesus Did!)

How would others define you: “Easy to deal with”, or “Difficult to deal with?” You do not have to give your answer to me or to your spouse, or partner, etc. Perhaps you know yourself well enough that you already know the answer. No matter where you go, you will encounter people of both kinds. And, most likely, if you have the choice between two people to wait on you at the coffee shop, and one is easy to deal with the other is not easy to deal with, you most likely will pick the first person in which to give your order – because we all would rather deal with the person who is kind and considerate, rather than the one who is abrupt and cold.

Are you aware of how you come across to others? Do you know you are angry all the time, or negative, or cheery, or positive? Does it cross your mind that how you are feeling at the moment will come out in your responses and interactions with others?

Jesus did say “Blessed are the Meek” (the Greek word is “Praeis”). The “meek”, the powerless are those who find a balance between kindness and being a door mat. You see, being easy to deal with does not mean you are always a door mat. You can be kind, easy going, and considerate and still stand up for your rights as a person, and as a Christian.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, I do believe you are the G-d of the impossible. You are Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. Though I am sometimes weak give me the faith to endure. Amen.

Pastor Dave

February 17, 2023 — “The Most Hated of All Books”

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:10-16

“You mean we are really blessed by being persecuted for doing what is good and by being insulted for being righteous? Now that’s hard to take! Seeing ourselves blessed by God in such times is very tough. How can we be glad when we are persecuted, spoken about badly, and have evil lies told about us when we are trying to do good? But that is exactly what we see in the book of Acts. The early disciples considered it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. In his first letter, Peter constantly reminded believers to make sure that if they were going to suffer, they would suffer because they had done what was right, not what was wrong. You see, the journey of discipleship is about developing the character of Christ and carrying on the great tradition of faithfulness demonstrated by the prophets. If they faced persecution for doing right, shouldn’t we think we will? Even more, history has repeatedly reminded us that those who suffer to bring a blessing to others have a witness that cannot be silenced. That’s why God is not ashamed to be called their God and why the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. More than just being happy, Jesus said these people will have a great reward!” (heartlight website; What Jesus Did!)

Many people who call themselves “Humanists” reject the claim that the Bible is the word of G-d. They are convinced the book was written solely by humans in a superstitious and “unenlightened” time. They believe that because the writers of the Bible lived in an unenlightened era, the book contains many errors and harmful teachings. And there are parts of the bible many might find to be offensive, outdated, if not prejudiced and misogynistic. But, as a person who spends a lot of his life writing about and reading the scriptures, we also see the bible not as a static piece of writing that can only be interpreted in one manner, form, or design. In other words, we see the bible as the “living, active Word of G-d”. And by “living and active” I mean as a book that speaks to us throughout time, not just within one span of time.

Yes, you can find enough reasons to hate the Bible, but you cannot say that the Bible is outdated, or unenlightened, or static. No matter what is happening in the world, I can turn to the scriptures and find many passages that will give wisdom, guidance, and hope to face the multifaceted happenings and concerns of this world, this community, and my life.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, help me to know that being persecuted for doing what is right is following in the steps of Jesus. Give me the courage and the passion to help lead others to the wonderful discovery of you, your grace, and your great reward. Amen.

Pastor Dave