Suffering

...now browsing by tag

 
Bible/Scripture Choices Christian Living Christmas Church Death Faith/Feelings Forgiveness Friendship Generosity God God's Plan God's Word Grace Humility Jesus Kindness Leadership Lifestyle Love Mercy Ministry Miscellaneous Opinion Parenting Perseverance Prayer Preaching Questions Quiet Time Reflection Resurrection Salvation Scripture look Second Coming Seeking Sin Speech Story Suffering Surrender Thanksgiving Trials Truth Telling Worship
 

September 13

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

I read this morning that as thousands of Ukrainian women and children arrived at Berlin’s railway station fleeing war, they were met with a surprise-German families holding homemade signs offering refuge in their homes. “Can host two people!” one sign read. “Big room [available],” read another. Asked why she offered such hospitality to fleeing strangers, one woman said her mother had needed refuge while fleeing the Nazis and she wanted to help others in such need. (Source: Our Daily Bread-9/13-Sheldon Voysey author)

The word refuge stood out to me as I read that story. I think of a refuge as a place to hunker down during a storm. There have been times I have been out riding my bike when a storm has hit unexpectedly (and I was trying hard to beat it). Out of necessity I have ridden in a misty rain or a steady rain (Getting from Point A to Point B), all the while looking for a place to get out of the rain. But a storm? I look for the first porch, first barn, first roof, first covered inset of a building to (hopefully) wait out the storm.

Multiple times in the book of Psalms we read the word refuge. Here are a few:

Psalm 2:12- “Kiss the Son…Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”

Psalm 5:11- “Let all who take refuge in you rejoice…”

Psalm 7:1- “O Lord my God, in you I take refuge…”

Psalm 11:1- “In the Lord I take refuge…”

Psalm 16:1- “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge…”

Psalm 46:1- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (It is reported H.G. Wells once said, “God is an ever absent help in time of trouble.”)

As you can see the verses speaking of God as a refuge are many, and those are just a small handful of verses from Psalms.

Storms come. They know no discrimination. They know no boundaries. We will all experience storms. Some catastrophic; some light. Some inexplicable; some easy to read. What makes a difference is to WHOM we run. In WHOM will we seek refuge? David, the author of most of the Psalms, found his refuge in God.

What about you? Where will you find your refuge?

Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

September 12

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

A further recollection of 9/11…only this one comes later…one year later.

I was still the pastor of a church in Sandusky, OH. As 9/11 approached, I knew the memory was still very real. I had befriended several other pastors and met with them on a monthly basis for laughter and mutual encouragement and prayer. I lived in a small town outside of Sandusky and had become acquainted with a law enforcement officer or two (not from disobeying the law). 🙂 Some of the other pastors had communication with LEOs and firefighters. So we decided to have a memorial service, which included some singing, short recollections, and honoring the men and women in attendance who were, what are now called “front line workers.” Standing on the stage with me were pastors of various churches, various colors, various races, and various nationalities. There was no distinction based on race, color, or creed.

There is a reason for that. When tragedy or hardship strikes, it knows no boundaries. It doesn’t say, “I’m just going to bother white people this time.” As a matter of fact, did AIDS just visit one class of people? COVID? Does discrimination? The answer, of course, is a big resounding NO.

We used a school auditorium for that one year anniversary of 9/11. It was packed! Year #2 not so. Much of the cooperation was also gone. Not because of animosity, but because life moves on. It happens. The pastors still met for prayer, laughter and mutual encouragement. But, in some way, the collective remembrance stopped. For me, 9/11 always brings a time of silence, of gratitude for others, and a renewed sense of living in a flawed, but still-the-best-country to live in.

I still sing “God Bless America” when I hear it (mostly under my breath because my singing acumen has much to be desired). 🙂 🙂 But I pray more that America will bless God, that we will repent and return to the ONE who controls all things and heal our land.

Posted in InTheShadow | 12 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

August 10

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Recently, I witnessed a healing. No, not the kind you are probably thinking (although I wish I could in this case). Here’s the story:

In the past, Person B listened to the voices of others and told me to leave Person A as a friend and as a pastor.  He then turned his “guns” on Person A. He continued listening to the voices and sought changes which did not happen. A resignation happened and the “guns” were taken up by another. Meanwhile one of the voices was pretty much out of the picture. Again, changes didn’t happen and another abandonment happened.

In the meantime, Person B has come on hard physical times. Devastating actually. As Person B’s pastor, I made the conscious decision to forgive and made countless visits-many of them hours away-to minister and to bring healing. I truly believe God has been faithful in bringing the latter.

But what about Person A?

I make weekly visits to Person B to encourage, to pray, to laugh with, to offer communion (something he misses since we offer it weekly), and to share the amazing healing power of God in a relationship. My love for Person B and his family is real and I want them to know that.  I want him to know that.  In my visits I sometimes take others, friends from his past, to visit and hopefully encourage and let him know he is not forgotten. And to offer hope. I decided-with the wife’s blessing-to bring Person A with me some day. I saw God work!! Now, whether Person B even remembered the past I don’t know-such is his memory. But I saw Person A engage with Person B and his wife and offer some vital help where they have been stymied before.  What a phenomenal gift it would be if Person A can pull off the help he has offered!! I can’t speak for Person B’s feelings, although he did get emotional when Person A told him that he and his wife were praying for him. Person B’s wife, I think, was simply relieved someone was going to do something.

Mention healing and our immediate thoughts go to someone physically healed. Rarely do we think of emotional healing or relational healing. I witnessed both, especially in Person A. Personally? I think being witness to the relational healing does more good to my soul than all the physical healings I have seen God do (and I’m not speaking of the showy, TV, made up kind).

Somewhere angels were rejoicing, and the Father was smiling, as they witnessed “Forgive as you have been forgiven” come alive. I know I am.

Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 26

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Have you ever had those times when you felt totally overwhelmed with life and by life? You’re not sleeping well. Things at work are stressful. Home-your normal place of refuge-is in an upheaval. Your workouts (if you exercise)-which are normally refreshing-seem to be a real drag. Even your moments of “me time” are seemingly non-existent and if you have them, too much is going through your brain for you to relax and enjoy them.

The truth is as plain as the nose on your face: we have all experienced them from time to time. From the holy one to the vulgar one. From the disciplined one to the undisciplined one. It doesn’t matter. It is part and parcel of being part of the human race. 🙂

The late David Powlison wrote these words:

We have this God who enters the stage of human need, who invades mercifully and powerfully to shield us, to strengthen us, to forgive us, to help us, to lead us, to care for us, to be a refuge for us.”  (Take Heart)-p.208

The Psalmist wrote these words: “Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands for up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart were many, your consolations cheer my soul….But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.”  (94:16-19,22)

Even though we may have those moments, days, weeks, even months when we feel hopeless and helpless, overwhelmed, beaten down or defeated, we are none of those. We have Someone who feels what we are feeling, but who also walks alongside and says, “Here. Let me take that from you.”  LET HIM.

Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 25

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

Our community is grieving. There is a lot said about living in a small town and not all of it is complimentary. The town I live in, Spencer, IN, is around 2300 people (depending, I suspect, on whom you talk to… 🙂 ). The county encompasses about 24,000 or so. People knocks small towns. “A lack of a night life.” “No place to hang.” “No business” (not true in our case as Cook Medical and Boston Scientific will attest). “No place to shop.” (Again, I beg to differ. We have one of the earliest WalMarts ever built I think. We call it our “itty bitty WalMart”). “No large church to attend.” (And that is a problem why?)

Sure, there are drawbacks. “Everyone knows everyone’s business.” (not really true actually). “Everybody gets up in your grill if you make a wrong move, get a divorce, etc.” (also not true)

But there are also big advantages. Think 2020 riots and protests. Nope. Think lock down. (to some extent but not nearly like the big cities). Think school curriculum. Think militancy. I think you get my drift.

Here’s another: our community is grieving.

This past Thursday evening, a high school senior died as a result of a one-car accident. Alcohol and drugs were not involved. No report has officially been made, but even then we don’t have the news hounds who are all over this story. But tonight for family, students, faculty, coaches, friends, neighbors, LEOs…all will be grieving as this young man is honored with a visitation and funeral at the local high school.  It will be a big one.

As chaplain of the Sheriff’s department, I know first hand how some have been affected. I know the young man who will be conducting the funeral, a relative of the family, and one who has become a friend. (He is bi-vocational). 

In September of 2011, Brett Wood was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. When his body was brought home to be buried just about the whole town turned out to line the streets in his honor. The procession went right by the church property which is on the outskirts of town and we suspended our worship service to line the highway to pay our respects.

I pastor a church in a small town. I’m proud of that and these are just two of the reasons why I would not want to be anywhere else nor have it any other way. And you know what? They may not even realize it, but they are practicing a Biblical principle. It’s true. I Corinthians 12:26 says, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

Our community is grieving. But we will grieve together.

Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

July 24

Monday, July 24th, 2023

I’m sure you have heard or used the phrase, “Man, it looks like you got up on the wrong side of the bed.” That, of course, is not a compliment nor should it  be taken literally. That is a trite way of saying that the person is in a rotten mood and might want to start all over.

But…have you ever had the opposite? Everything is cranking on all cylinders. Your day clicked. You had a really good day. You laughed with people. You got lots of hugs from little people and big people.  You rejoiced at the good news someone received. You dined with people who were fun to be with and had two children who were mercurial-they cried at one point and then had smiles to melt your heart. You then had a productive office time. All was good until…

Something happened which ruined your mood.

That was me yesterday. Let me just put it into one word: c.o.m.p.u.t.e.r.

‘Nuff said? Over an hour’s worth of hard work. Gone in one stroke. Yeah…I was not a happy camper. An effort to ease the looming pressure of the coming week…gone. Needless to say, my mood changed in a heartbeat. Frustrated beyond belief, I quickly did some physical stuff which needed done and then closed up shop and went home. Even this morning as I sit here writing this and contemplate getting back to that document-once completed but now only partially so-I can sense the irritation.

I have a choice to make: let it be said I either got up on the wrong side of the bed OR I wiped it off the map, hitched up my britches, and got back to work.

I’ve already made my choice. I chose last night to spend the evening in conversation and laughter with my wife and daughter. I chose to spend part of the time texting with folks who just needed an ear and some encouragement, or to share in their joy. And I choose this morning to pick up that document and finish it, maybe even better than it was before. I refuse to allow it to ruin my day or start my week off on the wrong foot (or the wrong side of the bed).

What do you do when you day goes sideways?

Posted in InTheShadow | 12 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,

July 12

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Disclaimer: longer than normal devotion.  🙂

As I sat down this morning in my familiar chair at my familiar table to have my Encounter Time (time alone with God), I had an idea for my devotion this morning. Actually two. Jo, Tami, and I went to the fair last night at the Owen County Fairgrounds. We like to walk around and see the displays, talk with the kids and vendors (least I do) and eat. We did the first two but only Tami the latter. It was like 89 degrees and I think we were all ready to find some A/C. I thought about writing about the “pride” I take in each of the church’s young people.

I also thought about writing that Ryan, our youth pastor, and his family (a family of 5)  leave today for their “Easts meets West” trip-a 4 week excursion out west with stops at many of our national parks.  Today begins his 7 week sabbatical. I was going to write about making memories and ask you to pray for their safety. (I guess I just did!) 🙂

But then I read Psalm 69 & 70 for my OT reading; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 for my NT reading and I was stopped dead in my tracks. I think common to all of us are questions like, “I wonder what’s next?” “I wonder if I’ll get through this?” “I wonder how long this will last?” “I wonder if God will show up?” My one or two word answers to those questions are “Don’t know.” “Yes.” “Don’t know.” “Yes.” I know…not very sufficient and it does seem like the easy way out, but honestly, can you give any other answers?

In Psalm 69 & 70, David seems almost mercurial. On one hand he seems in distress (69:16-18); on the other hand totally okay with it all (69:29-30, 34). He for sure knew where to go to get the help he needed (70:5).

The Apostle Paul wasn’t mercurial but confident. In verses 3-10 he gives his experiences as a follower of Jesus. In verses 8-10 he says, “Our sole defense, our only weapon, is a life of integrity, whether we meet honor or dishonor, praise or blame. Called ‘imposters’ we must be true, called ‘nobodies’ we must be in the public eye. Never far from death, yet here we are alive, always ‘going through it’ yet never ‘going under.’ We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable. We have ‘nothing to bless ourselves with’ yet we bless many others with true riches. We are penniless, and yet we possess everything.” (Phillips)

I especially like that last phrase. After writing what it looks like vs. the reality, Paul says, “We are penniless, yet possess everything.” Appearances can be deceiving on so many levels. In this case, what appears to be heartache and hardship, is not; it is instead a testimony to God’s goodness. David said it well, “But I am afflicted and in pain; let  your salvation, O God, set me on high! I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (69:29,30)

What appears just might not be; the reality might be something totally different.That goes especially for those who are going through tough times and wonder if God-or anyone for that matter-cares.

Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 11

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

I believe one of the fears many of us have, especially as we get older, is the fear of being alone. In my over 50+ years as a pastor, I have noticed this to not only be true, but as we age the fear is heightened. I have done tons of funerals where very few people have attended-visitation or the funeral itself-because the older that person got the less they had friends. Many of them had passed away. They may have lived alone. They may have found themselves in a nursing home where, sadly, many are put and forgotten.

They aren’t really alone though. When dad left mom after 25 years of marriage, she may have felt alone, but she wasn’t. She did have family. But she had ONE who wouldn’t let her be alone. When a spouse passes away after 60 years of marriage, the mate left behind often feels alone.  But they aren’t.They have ONE who wouldn’t let them be alone.

Case in point: the Apostle Paul. In Acts 23:11 we find that he was going to spend some time in Rome. Not of his own accord though. We  know from history that he spent at least two years under house arrest awaiting his “day in court.” I wonder if the words said to him: “Take courage” were said because he was somewhat melancholy. Some translations say “Be of good cheer.” The ESV says, “Take courage” (a correct and better translation). The NLT (New Living Translation) says, “Fear not.” And how many times do we read “Fear not” in the Scripture? We also read the poignant statement “I will never leave your or forsake you” multiple times.

That is a promise we can rely on. When Paul heard those words he was facing going to Rome. What a daunting prospect! Jerusalem was like the minor leagues in baseball compared to Rome, the big league club. That’s where the big boys played. But Paul also knew that to be in Rome where God was taking him-AND WOULD BE-was far better than the safety and familiarity of Jerusalem.  It is sort of like “I’d rather be in the pits with God than on a mountain top without Him.”

You are never alone. No matter how you feel or what you think, He will be there with you and for you and will be just what you need.

Posted in InTheShadow | 6 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

June 28

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

There are many verses in the Bible that are misused or misunderstood. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of them. The prosperity teaching and Word of Faith movement misuses a number of Scriptures to justify their heresy that God wants all people healthy and wealthy (Please don’t get me started on that!). There is one verse that is often misused, misquoted, and misapplied and I’m almost afraid to say it because so many “hang their hat” on it.

Romans 8:28-“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (ESV) That verse, unfortunately, has lost its oomph in many cases because it is so misinterpreted. I’d like to point out a couple of thoughts on that verse.

1. That verse does not promise us that all things are good. Frankly, and I hope I’m not too strong here, not all things that happen are good. I wouldn’t wish cancer, or dementia, or paralysis on anyone. While it is true that Joni, for example, has come to accept her 50+ years in her chair and has used it to minister to others, I don’t believe she would say, “This is good and I hope you experience it.” The same for cancer or any other sickness.

2. God can use what has happened to mold us into the person He wants us to be. The key thought in this is found in the words “work together” which could also be translated “working together.” The process is not a one-and-done deal. God is continually molding us by His work in our lives.

3. Now for the coup de grace: I think we do a great disservice by leaving out verse 29 and the phrase “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” I see verse 28 and the powerful truth of it finding its linchpin, its purpose, in that short phrase of verse 29. All that is happening to me-good and bad-is designed to make me more like Jesus. God’s purpose is to conform me to the image of His Son. No trial is wasted. No work in my life is wasted. It has a goal! God is working all things-not the just the good and not just the bad-all things together.

Enjoy the truth of verse 28. It is real. But always combine it with verse 29. “I want to be like Jesus” should be our daily song.

Posted in InTheShadow | 14 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 27

Tuesday, June 27th, 2023

Scenario #1: A man or woman is arrested for preaching or teaching, i.e. proselytizing. He or she is thrown into prison and on a daily basis is beaten or punished until he/she recants.

Scenario #2: A man or woman goes to work each day simply to do his/her job and do it well. That’s it. He/she doesn’t go there to be a troublemaker or to show anyone up; get a promotion; or to condemn. But their Christian faith is evident in how they do their job. But there is one co-worker who seems to have one mission: make life miserable for that person.

Scenario #3: A high school student excels in sports or academics or both. This student is motivated, not by a desire to prove he or she is the best, but by his/her love for Jesus to simply do their best in all things. But one student, one teammate takes offense, perhaps out of jealousy, or perhaps vindictiveness, to make life miserable by spreading lies or maybe getting “physical” in sports or in the classroom.

Scenario #4: A self-proclaimed “religious overlord” determines he, and he only, knows what is right and wrong. He makes an effort to oust the pastor or a teacher or a member because he/she is the self-proclaimed “church police of correct thinking.” That person leaves because they fail to get their way, but then returns one day expecting all to be forgiven and forgotten, even extending a hand to the one they policed. The motive for that extended hand is questionable.

In all four scenarios, there is a victim and a perpetrator. In all four scenarios the victim reacts differently than expected. Proverbs 25:21-22 tells us why: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is  thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”

Showing kindness in the face of persecution, torment, ridicule, slander, or extreme hurt and betrayal, is counterintuitive to the way society operates. But not in the way God’s economy works. Peter tells us that Jesus was persecuted, tormented, and beaten but He didn’t open His mouth (I Peter 2:21-23).

Let’s be like Jesus. Let’s trust Him to make all things new and right. Let’s trust Him to give us the strength, and if things don’t get better, to follow in His steps. Let’s be “burning coal stackers.”

Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

« Older Entries