The People Behind the Ban on “Merry Christmas!”

I'm surprised! December is almost half over and I'm yet to hear of any “Merry Christmas” boycotts. Am I just out of the loop? I'm sure there are some who are avoiding their favorite coffee shop because they use the wrong cups but overall there doesn't seem to be an issue this year. Still, I find myself thinking about (concerned about) the people who were behind the bans on saying “Merry Christmas” in the first place. What's going on in their hearts that they miss the joy that comes with acknowledging the "reason for the season"?

Who is it that would go as far as trying to ban the words “Merry Christmas,” from being said at Christmas? Some are people who are afraid of offending others and are perhaps even offended themselves at the mention of anything having to do with Jesus Christ. Where believers see the love expressed that day in a Jerusalem manger some seem to see anything but love and compassion, bristling at a narrative that challenges their belief about themselves and the world around them. For them a Nativity Scene represents exclusion and pain and even ignorance, anything but the idea of a light coming into this world that all might be set free.

Others suffer a pain of a different kind, for which the sounds of the season become a burden. For them the holidays represent emptiness or loss. Perhaps they come from a broken family with Christmas serving as a reminder of the physical and emotional distance that comes when a marriage or when any other close relationship fails. There are many out there suffering emotional distress because of mental illness or simply because they are alone. I can see how the words “Merry Christmas” might stir up internal turmoil instead of the uplifting intended by the person speaking.

Do I agree that “Merry Christmas” should be banned from the public square? Of course I do not. But as one for whom the season once represented the most wonderful depths of depression, I want to challenge fellow believers to do better. Don't just say the words. Act on their real meaning. On Christmas we celebrate God reaching out to us in a miraculous way so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Like our Lord let us reach out to others, including those who are offended by Christ. Reflect the light and the unconditional love that changes hearts. Live the truth that sets people free. Help others see the One in whom we might truly enjoy the season.

I Asked. God Answered. Lesson Learned.

How A Soldier’s Testimony Opened My Eyes

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I had just read Matthew 15:29-31 where Jesus goes up to the top of a mountain and heals a multitude of people. The people marveled at these healings, noting that even those who were maimed had been healed. Imagine, people with permanent injuries (some perhaps even missing body parts) were healed. That sounds amazing but it left me with a question which I asked of God. There was no point in hiding my question as He knew what was on my heart before I formed the thought. I asked, “God, why are some who are maimed not healed?” I did not expect an answer and I definitely did not expect God to answer in the way did.

A day or two after asking my question I was listening to a Focus on the Family program with an interview of a wounded veteran. This veteran shared how he was injured in battle and how God is using his injuries to help others. He spoke of how he even had the chance to show God’s love to a man who was nearby when he was injured but was wearing the uniform of the enemy. The two met many years after his injury and his one time enemy recognized him when he heard what happened during the war. The injury helped these two men becoming friends. It was a powerful testimony that left me praising my Lord.

Sometimes instead of healing the maimed, God uses their injuries to reach others for Christ. In so doing He offers people the opportunity to receive healing from something much deeper than physical injuries. No, I do not buy into the idea of God allowing or causing injuries just so He can use them and I am not writing this to give a one size fits all answer as to why God allows certain things to happen. I do believe He works all for the good of those who love Him and are called by His name (Romans 8:28). In this case He used this solder’s testimony to answer my question and to reach the lost for Christ.

Had I listened to this program a few days earlier or a few days later I likely would not have recognized that this was one of many answers to my question. I would not have recognized how God generally heals and when He does not it is because something big is on the horizon. (What I heard on the radio is just one way God can make something great out of what seems to us to be something bad.) God orchestrated the timing so that I would recognize His answer. I thank God, praising Him for answering and for making His presence known to me in this way.

How God Blessed Us in November 2019

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Jesus said that the angels who are charged with watching over children have unlimited access to God’s throne (Matthew 18:10). I take great comfort in knowing God watches over my family. And when one of my sons has to deal with life's difficulties, I get the blessing of seeing how God keeps His promises in their lives.

Due in part to a miscommunication, one of my sons saw a door close on an opportunity. He was understandably disappointed. I thank God that my sons are both comfortable with sharing their hurts with me. I also thank God for reminding us both of His promise that all things work for our good (Romans 8:28). After a few days God opened a door and my son got to see God at work. I was reminded that the best thing I can do for my sons is to trust their future into the hands of my Lord.

Every one of God's promises is an opportunity for us to be blessed. They are also opportunities for us to teach others how to recognize God's blessings. In November I was blessed by seeing God's promise fulfilled as a blessing in my son's life. How have you been blessed? Have you seen God"s promises fulfilled? Tell me on Twitter (@denniscoleman) or via email. I would love to hear what God is doing in your life.

That Little Parking Lot Across the Street

There's a parking lot almost directly across from my office and I thank God that it is there. I can't park in this lot as it is a private lot for another business. Besides, I take public transit, leaving my car (or often my scooter) at a suburban train station. I don't use this lot and there is nothing spectacular about this small patch of pavement. But still I am glad it is there, perfectly situated for bringing joy to my day. What's so special about this parking lot? It's special because of what it allows me to see.

Working in a major U.S. city, most of what I see daily are buildings. Many of these are so tall that they block out the sun. Workers in these buildings look out of their windows and get the pleasure of seeing...more buildings. Yes, city workers do get to see cars and streets or alleyways but most of the view consists of buildings. Fortunately Philadelphia has long had a thing for art, so these buildings often have sculptures and other interesting objects (like a giant clothespin) outfront but still the predominant landscape feature is still...buildings. It's a wonder that office workers don't hang posters (of say...Tahiti or the Bahamas) in front of their office windows in order to change the view.

This is where I am fortunate. Yes, the floor to ceiling window in my office does reveal two buildings directly across the street but between those two is my favorite parking lot, through which I get a view of something other than buildings. Between us are two trees offering shade to a patio which cuts one side of the parking lot off from the street. Beyond the parking lot are more trees of many different types. Some are short and some are tall. Most turn different colors during the fall, shades of red, orange and brown, while one remains green year round. They stand in stark contrast to the units of bricks and mortar which are also in view. The lot and the trees are much better than looking at a wall the entire work day, giving a view that reminds me to stop from time to time to remember that I am human.

I guess it might seem odd for someone to be thankful for a parking lot, unless of course you are behind the wheel. But this lot affords me a view of nature, a reminder that there is life beyond the steel metropolis. And for as long as I find myself punching a time clock, I will be grateful for my little parking lot across the street.

Responding With Worship

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How would you respond? I mean it had to have been one of the most frightening and yet awesome experiences: seeing Jesus walk on water. You probably know the story but have you ever thought about how you would react? Would you react by joining the apostles in worshiping Jesus? Would you be indifferent, just another oh hum thing you've seen before on television? Would you move quickly to ask Jesus to do something for you, getting your prayer requests in before moving on to the next big thing? Or would you stand (or bow) in awe knowing you were in the presence of someone very special?

Matthew 14:25-33

Think about what the apostles had just experienced. They saw a man walk on water. How awesome was that. Jesus then invited Peter to join him, answering what amounted to a quick prayer, Peter seeing the desire of his heart fulfilled. Not being perfect in his faith Peter fell below the surface but Jesus pulled him up having only the water itself as His leverage. When the two got into the boat the storm stopped. The apostles had witnessed something miraculous and now the One who did those miracles was with them. They didn't take Him for granted. They worshiped.

As believers in Christ we know that God is always with us. We see and know that He answers prayers. We may even get to see a miracle from time to time. How should we respond? Like the apostles we should respond to God's presence with worship.

How God Blessed Me in October 2019

Wisdom is a great blessing and God blessed me in abundance during the month of October starting with a comment made by one of my sons. We were sitting at the dining room table doing homework when he asked why I make school sound like the most important thing in life. Several knee jerk reactions came to mind but I managed to bite my tongue. Then I really thought about his question and I realized I'd made a huge mistake.

Is school important? Yes it is but it is not the most important thing in life. In fact I can think of a number of things that are more important like family and even healthy relationships outside the family. Health (both physical and mental) is also more important than school. I suspect my son was telling me (right or wrong) that my emphasis on school work was not good for his mental health. Above all else there is nothing of greater importance than nurturing an intimate relationship with God. In fact without God the life of the greatest academic sounds like an empty pursuit.

I apologized to my son for giving him the wrong impression and we talked a little of how we must keep things in the right perspective. Yes school is important but it is not the most important thing in life. It took a word of wisdom from my son to help me see the truth. I thank God for blessing me with both my son and His wisdom.

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom,

And the man who gains understanding;

For her proceeds are better 

than the profits of silver,

And her gain than fine gold."

Proverbs 3:13-14 (NKJV)

My day job sits near a satellite office for one of our local children's hospital. From time to time this affords the opportunity to watch parents interact with their children. While getting lunch one day I saw a father and daughter holding hands as they walked down the sidewalk. I could tell by how the toddler's feet moved that she likely is a special needs blessing. Father and daughter seemed to be enjoying each other as they stopped to look at a statue and then stopped again to look at something on the sidewalk.

As I watched I realized how self centered I am. My first thought was of how I would handle my child's future if one were special needs. Forgive me. My next thought was of my son's question about school. Sometimes the wisdom I need is the wisdom to truly evaluate myself. I needed wisdom to understand that my emphasis on certain things are not always about what's best for others. Often they are about what looks best on me. Too bad they can't really cover my flaws.

I value the wisdom God gave during the month of October. I was truly blessed. How has God been blessing you? Tell me on Twitter (@denniscoleman) or via email. I would love to hear what God is doing in your life.

Are Schools Talking With Or Digitally Talking At Parents?

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It's amazing how much things have changed since I was in school. Back then we brought home test papers for our parents to sign. That was a lot of fun when I got an "A", not so much when I got an "F". Now everything is electronic, with an email at the end of the week telling me what my child may or may not want me to know. To be honest I'd rather schools go back to having me sign tests. At least then I might actually know what’s going on.

Yes, I understand that we live in the information age but there is a point where information becomes useless. At least when kids bring papers home I can see what they are having trouble with. An email with a grade tells me little to nothing. I've even had times when the weekly email gave the wrong impression, like when one of my sons seemingly failed a test in a class where he would normally get straight A's. Turns out he missed one question in one section on the test. Because the section only had two questions, missing one meant getting an "F" on that section. I was left scratching my head until I learned he had gotten an "A" overall on the test.

In this digital age I see grades without context. I can't tell if my sons are struggling because they don't understand one topic or if something else is going on. In effect the schools send me more information while managing to leave me out of the loop. This leaves me learning a new way to read, one that allows for understanding the new tech school information system. Ultimately though, I have found an old tech solution to the problem. Each day after work and school we having a “debriefing session” where we talk about each class. With all of the avenues for getting real time information, the best answer is still an old fashioned conversation.

As a parent, do you like the new tech ways used by schools to send information? Do you feel like you are part of a conversation with your school or do you feel like they are electronically talking at you?

Could You Forgive Officer Guyger?

Would you be able to hug the person who was convicted of murdering your brother? On October 2nd Brandt Jean hugged Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing Brandt's brother Botham. News reports say that even the judge, who later gave Guyger a Bible, was brought to tears. There is a lot to unpack from this dramatic moment in a Dallas court. For those who do not understand, let's take a moment to discuss what happened.

Jesus calls His followers to forgive those who do wrong as often as they wrong us up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). This is at times one of the most difficult parts of the Christian calling. It does not matter the size of the wrong or how much it hurts, believers are tasked with forgiving because God has forgiven us. That does not make it easy to forgive but it does give us an example of how we should respond. Now I don't know Brandt Botham but it appears he has taken that example to heart.

In looking at this example we must understand that forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we forget what was done nor does it mean we downplay the significance. God is described as being just and justice must be served. Even with the free gift of salvation promised under the New Covenant there is an expectation of justice. As a result the penalty for our sins had to be paid as required. Jesus gave His own life to pay our penalty. As a result the requirement for justice is satisfied and we are forgiven.

Botham Jean's family will likely never forget what happened. Hopefully they all, like Brandt Botham, can find it in themselves to forgive while never forgetting their loved one. This does not mean civic leaders should end their call for changes in how the system responds to people of different races. If something is wrong, it is still wrong even after we forgive. Whether or not justice was served in the courtroom is up for debate but one way or another justice will be served before God's throne. How that penalty is paid is up to Guyger.

Along with expressing his forgiveness, Brandt Botham expressed a desire for Amber Guyger to seek God's forgiveness. This also should be a natural response for all believers, as natural as forgiving others. We know that God demands justice. We also know the price of being found guilty before God, a price we should not want to see anyone pay. Because of our understanding of what happens and because of God's love in us, we should not want anyone to pay that price, no matter what they have done.

Don't get me wrong, I can think of a handful of historical figures for whom I'll shed no tears over their suffering as a result of their sins. But in general the Christian heart should long to see others receive Jesus, driven by love to share the Gospel of Christ. It's not up to us to decide who is redeemable and who is not. Instead we are compelled by love and by the Great Commision to make disciples for Christ, even if it means carrying the message to those whom we know are guilty.

How God Blessed Us in September 2019

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Financial Blessing During Unanticipated Event
She was one of my wife’s favorite aunts and it would have been difficult to tell my wife she couldn’t go to the funeral. Because of the location, going to the funeral involved booking airline tickets and hotel reservations. These meant spending a lot of money for something of great value to our family.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

What an awesome promise we are given in Philippians 4:19. The Bible tells us that God will provide according to His riches in glory, not according to our faith or our works or anything else about us. His provision is according to what He has and by extension by Who He is.

God kept this promise by providing cash for the plane tickets and for the hotel. It’s funny how we always have what we need, even when the unexpected happens. I thank God for His provision and His love.

The Blessing of Restoration
The trip was important to my wife but why was it important to God? It was important because the desire of my wife’s heart. It was also important because God was ready to do the work of restoration. Even while mourning the loss of a loved one, my wife and her cousins were able to re-establish bonds which had grown weak over the years. God restored family ties and we look forward to growth in this area of our lives. This is a great blessing on which we cannot estimate the value.

The Blessing of a New Chapter
A few years ago my wife left a job where the work environment had taken an uncomfortable turn. God opened a door back then to a better working situation but at lower pay. We had to make some changes, but God provided for us and moved my wife forward along a path He showed her one night during her quiet time. We learned last month that she will receive a promotion with a pay increase that puts her back to where she was on her old job. This is a blessing both financially for our family and career wise for my wife. I thank God for providing for us over the past few years and for His blessings as we move forward according to His will.

How has God been blessing you? Contact me on Twitter (@denniswcoleman) or via email (dcwriter1@hotmail.com) to share the work God is doing in your life.

I Love Old Books

I love old books. Yes, I do occasionally read e-books but there is nothing like the cover of a physical book nor the feel of turning the page. And I prefer an older page, one that has yellowed a little with the passage of time, over the feel of one hot off the presses. Oh, don't worry my fellow writers, when applicable I do buy new in order to support all of you who make a living with the printed word. But when I can, I buy old.

When I can, I also buy hardcover. There is some sort of tactile appreciation that comes with holding a hardcover book that I just can't get from an e-book or even a paperback. By the way, I hide the dust jacket until I finish reading. (Am I the only one who does that?) I prefer the look and feel of the actual cover. Dust jackets often slip and slide, rubbing on the cover and making the book uncomfortable to hold. Give me a hardcover and the older the copyright the better.

I only recently started collecting old books, spurred on by something I found while at work. While helping a retiring colleague clean out her office, I found an old Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. The copyright is 1971 which I guess is not real old by book standards but considering this came out before my first year of elementary school it seems old to me.

This is a handsome book with its black cover simulating leather. One look and I knew I needed to take it home. Then I read its table of contents which listed a "Proof of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address." Finding this treasure made it a keeper in my...um...book. I doubt it is worth very much and likely never will be, but it will hold a prominent place in my library. That is, it will hold that place once I finish remodeling that room in my house.

I did have a shot at a book that one day might have been of some value. It was a rare version of a Sherlock Holmes book. This version had pictures in it from one of the movies. Online I found hints that it was worth more than the asking price at the vendor where I usually buy old books. I hesitated, thinking I was missing something and taking time to gather more information. I guess my loss is now someone else's gain. That's fine with me. I'm not in it for the money. I simply love old books.

My Toughest Prayer

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By far they are my two most difficult prayers: the two where my faith faces its greatest test. These are not the usual bless this or bless that prayers I so often fall back on. They differ significantly from my usual, "Help me!" prayers that I really should say long before I reach the end of me. No, these prayers are different. These prayers are scary because they truly mean giving up control. The first is, "Father give me the day I need to grow in You." The second is even scarier: "Father give my family the day they need to grow in You."

What makes these prayers so tough? Well, they involve surrender, allowing God to move me out of my comfort zone. No longer can I stay on the smooth path, these prayers open the door to allowing God to put me on the path of His choosing. Sometimes He chooses a smooth path but often He chooses the difficult path. At times He chooses a path that's too steep for me to climb on my own. Always He chooses the path that is best for me. These prayers are my way of saying I accept His choice no matter how strong the urge to run in another direction.

These prayers are about surrendering my dreams for myself and my family. That's really difficult as so much of how I measure myself is based on my ability to achieve and to help my family achieve what I think is best. It's a tough pill to swallow to think that my plans fall short of the goals He has for us. I'd like to think I know best. It hurts my pride to think that I need to surrender my dreams because they fall short of His expectations.

You see, my path and holding on to my dreams are all about control. They are about doing things my way even if it's not in my best interest. Oh, I think my ideas are best but God sees the whole picture. From His viewpoint He sees where I am bound to come up short. He offers the path to real growth and real success. And yet I am unwilling to let go of my control, not even to gain the promise and hope of abundant life, and fulfillment of dreams. Even though I know God's goals for me are bigger than my dreams, turning over complete control of the navigation towards His goals scares me.

"God, give me the day I need to grow in you: to get to where you want me." That's a tough prayer to say and believe. For Christians, it's one of the most important things we can say. Are you willing to say this prayer? Perhaps you prefer Jesus' version, "...not my will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42 NKJV) Are you willing to say it AND mean it?

How God Blessed Us in August 2019

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God blesses His children in many ways, not just financially. In fact I believe there are a number of blessings from God which are not material in nature. As I grow older I find that these non-material blessings are generally more valuable than the things God gives to me. During the month of August, I experienced a number of these other types of blessings from God. Here are two examples.

In July’s blessings I mentioned God providing for a conference that my family wanted to attend. The conference ran into the month of August, during which I was blessed to be able to serve God by helping make sure things were run smoothly. By serving my brothers and sisters I was able to serve God. More accurately, I was able to tag along while God took care of the work. This blessing, of being able to work for God and see Him at work, was a great and powerful blessing, as God opened doors and equipped me to do things for others.

And the blessings didn’t stop with the work of coordinating things. Because of the work I was doing I had the opportunity to bless others who came to me with questions. One person in particular needed to discuss a burden he had been carrying on his heart. My schedule allowed me to share with him as we sought God’s wisdom. What a blessing I received to be able to see God at work in the heart and mind of another brother in Christ. God allowed me to invest in the life of another person and it was time well spent.

God also blessed me by solving a problem before I even new one existed. Having my college age son home for the summer meant keeping his uniforms clean for work. Somehow there was a point where I missed putting them in with the rest of the laundry. As a result I thought I had left him without a clean uniform one day. Turns out on the day before I discovered my mistake, the company gave out shirts for a special commemoration which the workers could use as part of their uniforms. Problem solved. God provided.

How has God been blessing you? Contact me on Twitter (@denniswcoleman) or via email (dcwriter1@hotmail.com) to share the work God is doing in your life.

Back To School? I Miss Summer Already

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The kids look so sad. Meanwhile mom is riding up and down the aisles on the back of a shopping cart. This was how one office supply chain painted back to school shopping a few years ago. The children in the commercial looked as if one of their pets had recently died. Meanwhile mom must have just hit the lottery. (Of course, what we don't see is the sticker shock suffered when she reaches the cash register.) Personally I've never experienced the euphoria of back to school shopping. I'm more like the children, morning the end of summer and of the break from having my schedule dictated by the school calendar. As a result, back to school time is not a season I choose to celebrate.

I will especially miss summer 2019. I can't pinpoint why but somehow this summer was different. Somehow I seemed to enjoy the blessings of life more than I have in the past. I was able to enjoy family time more than in the past. I took time to notice the different shades of blue in the morning sky as the days grew longer and then, after June,  started to grow shorter. And, although it seemed like it rained every third day during the first half of the season, there were quite a few dry days when I enjoyed a two wheel commute instead of four. But all of that was there in years past. What was different this year?

Well, though it pains me to admit, this year I am (gulp) a bit older and perhaps a bit wiser. With wisdom comes the realization that some things just aren't that important. And somethings that are important must fall in line behind God, family, health and admiring a blue sky. This summer was different because I was wise enough to be a human being instead of a human doing. Now the goal is to continue living even as homework and PTO/PTA beckon. If you need me I'm the guy on the motorcycle looking up at the sky at a red light while raising my arms towards heaven.

Another One Walks Away: High Profile Christians Leave the Faith

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Recently two high profile voices chose to walk away from the faith. Both have had a huge impact in Christians circles, their works known even though their names may not be familiar. The first, having written a book which  has shaped Christian dating for decades, walked away from both the faith and from his marriage. The other, who has contributed to a large catalog of worship music, used social media to express his doubts. These situations are unfortunate and...expected. In fact, I'll be surprised if we don't see this more often in the future.

People have been turning away from the Christian faith since the faith first started here on earth. Jesus saw many turn away when He began teaching things they did not want to accept (John 6:60-66). If people turned their backs on God incarnate while He was here on earth, we should expect others to do so now that He has ascended up to heaven. That's not to say we shouldn't feel sad when people turn, as I'm certain Jesus feels disappointment, but we should not be surprised.

Nothing has changed as far as the many ways people respond to what is taught in the Bible. In fact the only change I see is the use of social media to announce to the world one's movement away from the Gospel, using an online platform to convince a world wide audience that turning is the right thing to do. And while those who leave risk losing followers (and gaining trolls) these leaders gain a louder share of the public square, their new message amplified among a new audience who was not interested before.

So why do people turn away from the faith? There are a number of reasons, but chief among them is the fact that the Christian faith means taking a very difficult and narrow path (John 7:14). Jesus did not try to sugarcoat it. Yes, we are saved by faith, but remember, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). At times that word is difficult. There are even times when we (when I) don't like what the Word says. Those who turn away tend to do so because they do not like certain parts of God’s word and find it difficult to accept all of what is said.

It's not my understanding that establishes truth nor do I make something true based on how much I like it. Yet these quite often are at the core of the arguments made by those who walk away from the faith. Honestly there is plenty to wrestle with when it comes to the Bible and with the history of God's interaction with mankind. Christians should not be afraid to take on the challenge that comes with an honest reading of scripture. But the most important question for those who walk away is not did they like or understand what they see. The most important question we must ask is: Is it truth?

Fan, Fanatic or Christian?

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Can a Christian also be a fan of a sports team? A brother in Christ, whom I highly respect, once asked me this question. I suppose he asked because I wore a pair of headphones to a church business meeting so that I could keep up with a football game. Whose idea was it to schedule a meeting during an Eagles vs Cowboys game anyway? Obviously our church moderator was not a fan. But I am, rarely missing an Eagles' game and when possible watching and/or listening to the Bears.

I admit I was a little hurt by the question and its spiritual implications. I never thought of my sports fandom as an obstacle to my faith. My defense in the face of the challenge likely came more from my pride as opposed to an honest consideration of the facts. Only recently have I truly given any thought to the question, giving honest consideration as the 2019 football season approaches. Can I be a fan and still hold my faith?

I believe the answer is yes, Christians can be fans of sports and of teams as well as fans of movies and actors and other things. After all being a fan has more to do with enthusiasm and support and nothing (in most cases) to do with worship. I can be devoted to my teams just as I can be devoted to my family (more so devoted to family of course). The key is that my devotion to Christ is higher and I have never let team fandom become idolatry. God always comes first and He is the only one I worship.

It would be easy for me to dismiss this question but it was something that obviously bothered my brother in Christ. And if it bothered him, perhaps it bothers other believers as well. I'm not going to say they are wrong. We each must follow our conscience and our convictions in Christ. Above all we must remember Who's we are and we must live according to our high calling in Christ.

How God Blessed Me In July 2019

We’ve been looking forward to going to our denomination’s annual conference for months. The one question standing in our way was how we would pay for attending. It seems the cost for a family of four to do anything keeps going up. Along with this we had to pay for car repairs and house repairs, not to mention another large bill which had to be taken care of in the first half of the year. We left things in God’s hands, trusting that if He wanted us to go He would provide. And as summer approached God began to reveal how He would provide for our conference fees.

As promised when it came time to pay the fee, God provided cash for the full amount. Then He went one step further. He provided the equivalent of half of our fee on top of what He had provided initially. This was God’s abundant provision: His blessing us by giving more than we asked for. I thank God for His abundant blessings.

How is He blessing you today?

My Problems Are Bigger Than Yours

My problems are bigger than yours and I can prove it. Well...no...I can't. But at times I live as if they are. I teach others of how God answers prayers and provides for their needs. I teach of how God always responds with something great. I teach others to lift all their cares up to God. Then I run home and hold onto my own problems. You see, while God can handle your problems, mine are too big.

What's that you say? You feel the same? You wonder why I don't just trust in the Lord while you hold on tight trying to solve your “bigger” problems without Him?

Well guess what. We're both wrong. It really doesn't matter who has the bigger problems. God is bigger than all of our problems combined. He asks us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and wants to do something about them. So let us today give everything that worries each of us over to God, knowing He loves us and will give us what is best for our situations. Trust in Him.

What's Between The Prayer and The Pearly Gates?

I accepted Christ back in the 1980's. After, I sought out other Christians and began my Christian walk. For whatever reason I was quickly sent out to share with nonbelievers, earning leadership positions both in church and in a Christian group on campus. I thought I was growing. Looking back I realize something was missing. I was well versed in how to become a Christian and on what would happen at the end of life but I was not sure about what was supposed to come in between.

So what is "the walk" in between our prayer to receive Christ and our arrival at the pearly gates? Early on I was taught to spend my time trying to live right and trying to share the Gospel. Both are supported by scripture which speaks of a new creation and of the Great Commission. But scripture also speaks of a very important promise given by Jesus in His explanation of why he came to earth.

"...I come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Jesus speaking in John 10:10

Followers of Christ have received life and we have received it more abundantly. That sounds like something good, especially considering the context. Jesus spoke these words showing a contrast between himself and "the thief," who comes to steal and to kill. The thief comes to take something away from us, leaving behind a person who is empty, not having received abundant life. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. So what is abundant life?

I'm not sure how I would've answered that question twenty or thirty years ago. Whatever I would have said likely would have sounded good, perhaps even biblical. But my actions and my emotions likely would have looked more like work than like life. Back then I was doing church, serving in every way possible even at the expense of my own health. I was trying to prove that I was a great Christian. This was not life. It was the path of self destruction, a path on which I had a lot of company.

I didn't want to admit it but that kind of walk is just another form of idolatry. It was a life that had a form of godliness on the outside but was lacking power on the inside. Instead of drawing from God I was pouring out from my own emptiness thinking that if I didn't do it, it might not get done. Yes the pats on the back I received from fellow Christians were nice but I was still longing for something else. I was still longing for abundant life.

"For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will."

John 5:21

There's no way around it. If Jesus is Who the Bible says He is, then life begins in Him. This life is more than just a beating heart and the ability to do things. Every person walking on earth has that no matter what they believe. So then what is it that Jesus promised in John 10:10?

"And this is Eternal Life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

John 17:3

According to Jesus eternal life is a relationship. We tend to define it as living forever. That's just a side effect of a relationship with the everlasting Father. Likewise it follows that abundant life comes as a result of the same relationship in which Christ pours out and we receive. Our actions (our obedience) come in response to this relationship not as a way of earning the relationship. As such we are to live as God's children, not out of burden but simply because that's what we are. (John 1:12-13).

Here's where I have to confess that I do not fully know what abundant life looks like. I know Christ should be recognizable within those who have abundant life. How that plays out is perhaps too much to go into in a single blog post. I do know that abundant life is a gift given freely by Christ to those who believe. It is something we all can enjoy in between our prayer to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the day we reach our heavenly mansion. This abundance is much more than just acting like a Christian should. It is a life of fullness that is a result of walking daily with the creator of the universe.

I trust that as I focus on Him I will receive that gift of abundant life. Are you open to receiving from Christ? If Your a Christian how are you spending your time between your prayer to receive Christ and your arrival at the Pearly Gates?


(Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)

How God Blessed Me in June 2019

The Christian life is one of experiencing the presence of God. His presence is seen in a series of both big and small events, orchestrated by His hand as He works to make us more like Himself. One or two “acts of God” are not enough to see His presence, as all but the most miraculous come with other possible explanations. Only as we pull back looking at the big picture of the entirety of the Christian walk will we see the author behind the story. Otherwise, based on one “blessing” or just a single testimony of what the Lord has done, we might dismiss His actions as coincidence or as a logical occurrence.

From time to time I would like to share situations from my life where I believe God is at work. I encourage skeptics and believers to consider these as a growing narration not as single isolated events. I acknowledge that the testimony of one thing that happened can be dismissed. What then do we say of a lifetime of multiple testimonies?

Last month I shared how God blessed me and my family in the two previous months. Here I would like to share a few things God pulled off during the month of June.

I suspect every follower of Jesus has had that moment when they felt compelled to do something, believing they are being “moved by the Spirit.” Some even speak of how God speaks to them, encouraging them to do something they would not have done otherwise.

That Last Bit of Homework
With a little more than a week left in the school year one of my sons was studying for a test. He logged onto Google Classroom where he found the study materials, including a study guide where he needed to fill in a number of blanks. Initially we were not going to print out this guide but something inside lead me to believe we should. We did so and he answered the questions, taking the pages with him to school the next day in order to continue studying.

In class his teacher asked everyone to turn in their homework. None of the students knew what the teacher was talking about so he put a picture of the first page up on the board. This is when my son realized it was the study guide he had completed and was carrying in his bag. He was the only one in the class who turned in his work.

The Cost of Auto Maintenance and God’s Open Wallet
June is car inspection month in our household. This year, inspection time meant three major repairs on our two cars. We knew we would have to make two of those, but the third was a complete surprise. God provided for all three. He also revealed how He will provide for a conference we would like to attend this month. Time and again God has provided for all of our needs and even for a number of our wants. I rest knowing He will continue to provide as we move forward.

Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid
As a parent of two teenagers we deal with a lot of emotional ups and downs. Unfortunately there are times when other adults (teachers, coaches) are not always helpful in dealing with the teenage psyche. In this case something was said (by a person in authority) to one of our sons that the person should have kept to themselves. My son did not want to repeat what was said, leaving us in the dark. Internalizing what was said drew my son into a few day’s depression. Fortunately God knows how to bring the truth out into the open. He directed us in how to deal with our son and is in the process of healing. This was a reminder of the great advantage that comes with being able to discuss parenting with our creator.

These are just a few of the many blessings we enjoyed in June. How has God blessed you?

My Summer Schedule

Summer officially started last week, though for some the first day of summer was Memorial Day weekend. For me, summer starts on the last day of school each June. It’s at this point in the year when my schedule changes. No longer is my schedule set based on sports and extracurricular events. No longer are my afternoons dictated by how much homework or permission slips come home. During the summer I (almost) get to dictate my own schedule. I say almost because summer is when I go from the homework list to the honey-do list. Not that I’m complaining. I am learning to love doing work on my house.

It’s now time to get to work on tasks such as removing the odd yellow wallpaper and the somewhat dated wood paneling. This summer I hope to get a number of projects completed as I look forward to changing our living space from old to showplace. I’ve got my work cut out for me and I know it will be fun. After all this was part of the charm we saw when we bought the place years ago. It was not at the point of being a handyman special, but it did need some TLC. This summer the house will get some extra attention, both inside and out.

When I last posted about my home improvement mission, I was left with a decision to make. Having found that my drywall was put up backwards I needed to confer with my wife to see how we should handle the situation. Should we replace the drywall? Should we put up wallpaper? Should we mud skim the backside of the drywall and move on? And the decision is…(drum roll)...mud skimming. But first I need to replace some sections of drywall where there is water damage. And before that I need to replace a couch.

Did you know couches can scream out in pain? Okay not really, but ours made a funny noise recently when something hit it in the front right on the part of the frame called the front rail. The wood snapped, making a very strange noise as the springs began to pull back. From that point on the couch began to sag. Of course, being upholstered we could see the break in the front rail. The damage became evident only after our couch began to take on the look of a smile: a somewhat evil, mocking smile.

I thought about fixing it myself but as I researched the matter I realized this couch was not worth saving. Turns out not all couches are made the same. While some are made of furniture grade hardwood, others are made of things like pressboard. I looked and our couch was pressboard and there must have been a flaw in the front rail, the part touched by the top of the back of your calves when you sit down. Replacing the front rail would only make sense if I upgraded the wood but this would leave us with a one piece of hardwood mounted on a frame of pressboard.

So after a lot of research we bought a new couch. This time we went with kiln dried furniture grade hardwood. As I understand kiln drying helps the wood resist the effects of humidity swings, necessary in a climate where humidity can go from comfortable to 100% in less than 24 hours. Hopefully this couch can stand up to daily life in an active household. And without having to put time in on fixing a couch, and now that the search for a new one is over, I can put time into my other projects. Back to work on the drywall issue.

By the way, did I buy a couch or a sofa? Is there a difference? Let me know your thoughts. The folks at apartmenttherapy.com are also sharing their thoughts on the matter.

What Drives Your Christian Testimony?

I have a confession. For much of my Christian walk I have shared the Gospel for the wrong reasons. Driven by internal motives, I shared what was written on the pages of the Bible or what was written in whatever track I had on hand. In doing so I found that something was missing. Yes, I could pat myself on the back for being out there doing what I thought was God’s work but the end results were nothing to brag about.

When I first became a Christian I was zealous when it came to sharing, doing so out of a desire to fit in with a group on campus. This group of Christians set aside time once per week to go out and evangelize. Not wanting to be left out I tagged along, looking forward to the opportunity to show that I was one of them. Over time my desire to fit in became my message as I focused on how great it would be if everyone was one of us. That’s not the Gospel nor was it an effective way to have a positive impact on those around me. I’m sure God used some of what was said to touch lives but He and I both knew my heart was not in the right place.

After graduation I took on an even weaker message. Having moved from the immaturity of college life to the maturity of having a job, I began to share because I thought I had found the fix for life’s problems. I suspect the message I shared sounded as if I was saying, “My life was fixed in the church and we can fix you too.” My motive back then was to fill the pews and to personally get people right. The intent of that message was good but my words were way off target. Eventually God sidelined me while He worked to align my desire to share with His goals in having me share. In effect He took me off the road so that He could complete a number of repairs.

“My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And Your salvation all the day, For I do not know their limits.”
Psalm 71:15

This sounds like someone who is driven to tell others about God. In fact, this sounds like the passion for sharing about the Lord that I have heard about so often in my years of following Christ. That passion is driven by the fact that David did not know the limits of God’s righteousness or of God’s salvation. He was driven by God’s nature to share, asking for the strength to continue sharing into his old age in order to declare God to a younger generation (Psalm 71:18). David wanted to tell others about the Lord because he was blown away by the awesomeness of God. God himself was David’s motivation for his version of what we now call our Christian witness.

What drives you to share your testimony with others? Are you driven by fear or by a desire to make clones of yourself for your church or Bible study group? Is sharing your testimony just something you do, embedded deep in the culture of your church? Are you driven (or perhaps not so driven) by some reason that is human-centered or are you driven by your love for God and your feelings of awe for His nature? Like David, let your sharing be driven by the fact that God is beyond what the human mind can comprehend.

The U-505: A WWII Trophy and A Can’t Miss Tour

As a teen I always enjoyed visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. During both family bonding time and school field trips, I was always amazed at how much there was to see even though I was afraid that the statue pillars near the front door might one day come after me. Of all there was to see in the museum my favorite attraction was and is the U-505, a captured German U-boat on exhibit inside of the museum. I wish I could have been there this past June 4th to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the capture of U-505 by a U.S. battle fleet during World War II.

Before 1944 the United States had not captured any enemy ship since the war of 1812. With German U-boats terrorizing shipping across the Atlantic, the best any country could do was damage or perhaps sink one. These ships were quite successful in cutting off shipping lanes and the German naval command hoped to use them to cut off supplies to England, turning the U-boats into a great threat to that country’s survival.

The U-505 was a type IXc submarine. This class of submarine was large and built for long range use. She was fitted with two sets of engines: battery driven electric motors for use underwater and diesel engines for when she moved along the surface. She began service under real battle conditions in 1942, seeing some success while also being labeled a ‘Hard-luck ship.’

I remember standing in line to see the U-505. Back then they did not have timed entry so we stood in a very long queue, winding our way past various objects from the museum’s WWII collection. Though it seemed like we were in line for an eternity, it was cool to be able to sit on top of a torpedo or two as the line slowly moved forward. With so many great artifacts, and a movie about the sub’s capture, the build up to seeing the ship was almost as cool as seeing the ship itself.

The museum moved the ship inside back in 2004. According to the museum’s website, a German submarine was only built to last for four years. In 1997, after more than fifty years of exposure to weather the U-505 needed repair. The museum decided that the best way to preserve the U-505 was to move the entire sub indoors, which must have been a monumental task. Having moved away from the area back in the 1980’s, I was not able to see it in its new enclosure until 2018. Boy was it a treat being able to stand beside her, coming face to face with all 252 feet of her hull. No longer did I have

to look out of a window while standing in line, I could stand right next to her imagining the fear U boats must have inspired while in water.

I vaguely remember references to her hard-luck status during tours when I was a child but it didn’t really sink in as to why people spoke of the U-505 in this way. While she started off with a successful run, things seemed to have taken a negative turn starting with her inadvertent attack on a sailing ship. As told by Hans Goebeler (a member of the U-505 crew) and reported by John P. Vanzo for the July 1997 issue of World War II Magazine, the captain of the U-505 ordered a shot across the bow of a sailing ship that was zig-zagging across the water. But instead of serving as a warning, the shot hit the sailboat’s main mast. The U-505 went on to sink what turned about to be a ship owned by a Colombian diplomat. With that Colombia declared war on Germany and the U-505’s captain was transferred out of command.

The U-505’s second captain took his own life during a battle. The ship itself suffered many problems due to sabotage by the shipyard workers whose job it was to maintain the sub (according to Vanzo’s article). Workers used tactics such as leaving the ship with leaky fuel tanks so that she left a trail of diesel fuel upon the water. Some of her welds were sub-par, said to have been weakened by pieces of rope. The success of these attempts at sabotage, along with other less than stellar outcomes during her missions, helped establish the U-505’s reputation as unlucky even before she was captured by U.S. Hunter-Killer Task Group 22.3.

On June 4, 1944 the U-505 rose to periscope depth only to find herself surrounded by the hunter-killer task group. The crew tried to submerge but were unable to get away as the task group’s depth charges drove her back to the surface. The crew abandoned ship, attempting to scuttle the U-505 to prevent her being captured. However soldiers from the U.S. task group were able to board and prevent her from sinking, stabilizing the sub so she could be secretly towed away. The U.S. did not want Germany to know they had captured the U-boat, allowing them time to learn as many of her secrets as they could. And now she reveals those secrets to tourists, like a former Midwesterner who in 2018 got to enjoy taking his sons to see one of his childhood favorites.

If you’re in Chicago I recommend the Museum of Science and Industry, and the tour of the U-505. Both are well worth the price of admission, as are a number of other exhibits such as the working coal mine. My family and I did not make it to the coal mine this time around. That will have to wait until our next trip to Chicago.

For more on the U-505:
The Museum of Science and Industry Home Page
https://www.msichicago.org/

Story of moving the U-505 inside

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/u-505-submarine/exhibit/restoration-relocation/conserving-the-u-505/

Crewman Hans Goebeler shares his memories of the U-505

https://www.historynet.com/german-submarine-u-505-crewmember-hans-goebeler-recalls-being-captured-during-world-war-ii.htm

Do You Understand Your Tests and Trials?

Psalm 66:8-12

The Psalmist understood life’s trials and tests, embracing the opportunity for growth. He acknowledged that God had tested His people in the past. The result of this testing is that the people were refined like silver (v. 10). The Psalmist goes on to describe metaphorically this testing which ends in rich fulfillment (v. 12). What he describes is not something pleasant or something we should like. But he embraces the outcome, knowing that in the end God’s people grew, winding up in a much better place.

This was the Psalmist’s experience, shared with us so that we who believe today might understand God’s goals. Yes it is a difficult message delivered by the Psalmist, who believed that God caused some of the difficulties that were a part of this testing (vv. 11-12) but he wants us to look beyond life’s rough patches. The Psalmist’s believed in God’s love and God’s goals for his life. That is the key. Whether caused by God or allowed by Him, the goal is refinement. God’s desired outcome is our growth and our freedom. Faith is where we trust God for that outcome.

Yes, Taking Out the Trash Can Be Fun

Photo by Emmet from Pexels

Owning a home comes with a lot of ups and downs. Fortunately the positives outweigh the negatives. Yes there are the occasional repairs and surprise bills, but at the end of the day being able to sit in my room knowing I own the place makes even my daily chores worth while. In fact knowing the place is mine even makes taking out the trash a thing I look forward to doing.

How did taking out the trash become fun? Well, to understand you have to go back more than twenty years. Back then my wife and I lived in a fourth floor apartment and taking out the trash meant going all the way down to the basement where a back door lead out to the dumpster. Once out back I never quite knew what I might find on the ground. Old food was a regular standby, with chicken bones being a favorite. At least one of my neighbors must have owned a cat as it was impossible to get to the dumpster without stepping in litter: both clumped and coated on cat landmines.

When we first moved in I could not figure out why there was always such a mess by the dumpster. Were my neighbors using cheap trash bags, the kind that fail puncture tests on commercials? If so, how hard would it have been to clean up when a bag broke? Then one day, while I was putting trash in the dumpster, a bag fell from the sky. This surprise from the heavens hit the side of the dumpster, exploding on contact. I narrowly missed the pleasure of wearing some of its contents. That’s when I realized some of my neighbors were using the fire escape for a trash chute, instead of taking the long walk to the basement.

Having to walk in a mixture of trash and kitty litter was bad. Dodging flying trash bags was was even worse. But the most unpleasant surprise came when they decided to move the dumpster. My guess is that they were trying to get it away from the fire escape, forcing us all to stop being lazy. They moved it over several feet, putting it right under our apartment window. I wouldn’t have thought much about the move except that it came at a most inopportune time for me and my wife.

Dads, did you notice how sensitive your wife’s sense of smell became when she was pregnant? When they moved the dumpster, my wife was four or five months pregnant. We had just come back from shopping and she was in the apartment less than two minutes before complaining about the smell. Without even looking she told me the dumpster had been moved and was now under our window. A quick glance outside proved she was right. Of course the task of contacting our landlord fell to me: better the embarrassment of pleading for a dumpster move than to endure a pregnant and nauseous wife for another four or five months.

Compared to trips to the dumpster, trash day is now a pleasant opportunity to go outside. I no longer worry about stepping in anything...most of the time. (Cleanup after your dog please!) I control where I put the trash cans and I better not catch anyone tossing trash bags down from above. When my wife was pregnant with our second son, I was able to make sure the trash cans were as far away from the house as possible. What a great feeling of control. But most of all trash day reminds me that the building I live in is mine. And so I look forward to taking out the trash. It is a reminder of where I have been and of the blessings I now have.

Should I Hate Mr. Ratburn Now?

Arthur (the children’s cartoon on PBS) was a fixture in our household for a number of years. Both of my children enjoyed watching and we even had a few of the books in our home library. I suspect my entire family can still sing the theme song. I certainly know it by heart. Arthur was a safe place to learn about manners and about handling bullies. With a cast made up of a number of different types of animals the cartoon was also a safe place to learn how people who are different can get along. But Arthur’s 22nd season began with a twist, one with which I suspect Christian parents will struggle. How we handle this twist will shape the beliefs of our children. Our responses will also affect how the church is seen from the outside.

This plot twist involves Mr. Ratburn, a third grade teacher who has been a part of the cartoon since its start. For twenty one seasons Mr. Ratburn has been a calm (but not perfect) mentor to the students of his class, representing an adult point of view for dealing with the ups and downs of being a child. This year we learn something about Mr. Ratburn which to my knowledge has never been talked about in any other episode. In this season’s premier episode Mr. Ratburn marries an aardvark: an aardvark who showed up for the wedding in a suit and tie.

So, how should followers of Christ deal with this plot twist? The knee jerk reaction is one of anger, lashing out at the show and its writers. I think this is the wrong response. For 21 years there was nothing wrong with the cartoon (aside from controversy over an episode of its spin-off “Postcards from Buster”). If parents suddenly slam the door on the series we send the message that Christians are afraid of and/or hate people who, in real life, are like Mr. Ratburn. We leave our own children with the wrong impression of how they should deal with real world issues. We also send the wrong message to people outside the church to whom we are called to minister. In order to avoid sending the wrong message believers should avoid the knee jerk reaction we are told we must have, choosing instead to trust God’s Spirit to give us the words we need in order to minister instead of trying to fight back. In other words we need to have a conversation with our children and with others who might be curious about our views.

Yes, I am certain that Mr. Ratburn’s wedding is meant to deliver a certain point of view, one that is at odds with the Christian faith. But we are told that our battle is not with flesh and blood. And so we must avoid the temptation to fight back out of a spirit of fear and hate, choosing instead the wisdom and love that can only come from our relationship with Christ. We must respond by being the light both in our homes and in our community.

No, I do not hate Mr. Ratburn. Nor should you.

Do you watch tv with your children?

On the day I finished this post I read about an Alabama PBS station which refused to show the episode. In their explanation they spoke of how parents trust PBS to provide programming that is safe for children to watch alone. I never trusted PBS or any other station, choosing to watch with my children. In fact even if the programming was “Christian programming,” I watched. (I know a lot of VeggieTales songs by heart.) I felt safer doing this and it gave opportunity to bond with my children.

Here is a link to a post where, while watching tv with one of my children, I found myself asking, Have We Lost Our True Heroes?

My Identity In Christ

Photo by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels

The biggest hurdle on the path of my Christian walk was that of recognizing my identity, as most of who I was and how I perceived myself was the result of codependent living. In fact I identified more with codependency than I did with being black. It didn’t help that my friends from time to time called me an Oreo Cookie, leaving me questioning my own racial makeup, nor did it help that I equated value with the ability to meet the expectations of other people. Even after becoming a Christian codependency is what defined me. That, along with being an Oreo who often fell short of expectations, was the reason that I didn't really like...me. These made up my identity and none of them was worth writing home about.

One of the things we tell people when they come to Christ is that they are a new creation. We tell people they are different: different from who they once were and different from people of the world of which they are no longer a citizen. That all sounded good to me and I made sure to tell everyone about this new me. However my heart did not feel new. It felt like the same heart of stone, the one God promised to replace but I felt like I missed my appointment. I called myself a child of God but in reality I doubted this fact more often than not. Though I said I was a new creation I still struggled with insecurity and with the view that I was a failure with fake relationships and with no real racial identity.

I wish at this point I could say that things just clicked one day and I realized something different about myself. That’s not how it happened. Instead I struggled for years after receiving Christ and being baptized. I struggled with impostor syndrome even as I was elevated into church leadership. I struggled with doubts, believing the promised abundant life in Christ was only for others not for a person like me. I believed these things because while I am saved and living the gift of eternal life, the most important part (a growing relationship with God) was missing.

The Bible tells us that eternal life is about relationship with God (John 17:3). It is about a complete change in identity wherein we become children of the Most High and He becomes our Father. As a result of the cross we are free to come home to our Creator, whose will is for us to know His love. In Christ we are given a new identity which we claim by faith. It may take time to learn to live as one of His but know that He is doing a good work in you. Know that as a believer you are not an impostor. By faith know that your identity is God’s son or daughter.