Don’t Wait
“When lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” James 1:15
My next door neighbor’s wife is dying.
We recently noticed a lot of vehicles at the house. They were coming and going, Staying long hours, even days. This is abnormal for them.
The Safety of God’s Arms
Run to the safety of God’s arms,
Yes, there is pain on Earth,
But there is peace to be found in the arms of God,
A peace unfading.
Anguish
Anguish
Before his crucifixion, as Jesus was alone in the garden with Father, He experienced intense anguish. So much so that He sweated drops of blood. This is a documented medical condition known as Hematidrosis. It occurs at times of extreme anguish. What could cause the God/Man to react so?
Emotional Imbalance
Asaph ceaselessly seeks YHWH and to understand why things are happening in the manner they are. Where is the faithful God of Israel? Despite his cries, he has no assurance he is heard. He knows the records of old, his YHWH has moved and delivered in the past, the Tanakh reveals this. He seeks God’s provision and protection. Yet, he comes up empty. He is disturbed, weary, faint, and troubled. This psalmist has no words for the anguish he feels. All he can do, despite the emptiness he senses around him, is to sing his “song in the night,” meditate, and ponder on Who YHWH has revealed Himself to be.
Peace and Jesus
Humanity desires peace. This is true personally as well as societally. Yet, this aspiration runs afoul of the turmoil that is ever-present. With urgency and determination people pursue peace, by the process, leaving disruption in their wake. Like a speedboat on the lake. The craft’s very movement across the water sends out ripples disturbing the smooth surface. The faster the pursuit for tranquility goes, the rougher the waters become. What if there is another way? A way that is contradictory to our understanding? A way that despite the ripples and swells allows for personal rest (sabbath)?
Shepherding and Intimacy
To pastor, in faithfulness to Jesus, is to shepherd people. While there are many things that can occupy the time of the pastor, the care of His sheep is of prime importance (John 21:16). But the word “pastor,” fails to reflect this responsibility. For what is a pastor in today’s parlance? One who heads a congregation, leads the people? In this his responsibilities center on teaching, organizing, and leading an organization.