A Matter of Faith

Today Heidie and I saw and talked with a woman whose daughters were in our Kids Church when we were at Harrisburg, Pa. Sally was always faithful in making sure her girls were always in church each week. Both Emily and Susie were were wonderful young ladies as they were growing up. I counted it a honor to have been their children's pastor. We had found out a couple of weeks ago that Emily had passed away and her funeral was the day we found out. Our hearts were saddened to hear of her passing. We cannot ever fully understand why God allows some things to happen and other things he prevents. I have been asked by some folks why God does what he does. My answer has always been "I don't know".

Today we had the opportunity to share with Sally and ask her about what happened to Emily. She shared with us some of the facts about her passing. It was an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to her passing. You could sense her grief as she talked with us. But there was something else that also came through her words. She acknowledged that God was in control and that even if we do not understand what it is he is doing. She stated it was her faith that makes it possible to get through these difficult and even tragic times. She told us that she cannot understand how anyone can get through this type of tragedy and not have a belief in God to see them through it. She knows the pain of the loss and even with God's help it is very hard at times. The sad thing is that there are those folks out there that don't have anyone to rely on when they face difficulties. I can not even imagine going through it on my own strength. I try to share with folks who are facing the death of a loved one that God loves them and is there for them. Sadly some blame God for their loss even if the loved one did something that led to their death. I remember that all I can do for them is to prayer for them and ask if there is anything I can do for them.

I am glad that Sally is comforted by the fact that one day she will see her precious Emily again when she goes to be with her Lord. We all look forward to seeing our loved ones who have gone before us. What does is take to insure that reunion? A matter of faith in our own Lord Jesus Christ!

What Does Your Life Say?

I was listening to the radio yesterday while on the way to the college course I am taking. I heard that the Supreme Court overturned the civil case against the Westboro Baptist Church citing that they were entitled to free speech and that in the eyes of the court protesting at military funerals was considered free speech. The problem I have with that church is they claim God hates homosexuals and that the reason military folks are dying is because God is punishing the country for its acceptance of homosexuality. I believe they are way off base with their theology. God does not hate homosexuals but their sins. He hates their sins as much as He hates every other sin committed. God does not punish some one for another person's sin. We all must face our own punishment if we do not ask God for forgiveness and live our life according to His will and plan.

As much as it bothers me how those folks spew hatred and judge other people, this blog is not about them but it is about me and how I live my life. At church last night we had a great Holy Ghost party around the altar. We spent the entire service praising God and seeking His face and His presence. God was calling us to come before Him and lay aide those things in our lives that keep us from being sold out to Him. I went up to the altar and began to ask God to help me become more like His Son and live a more holy life. I felt God asking me if my life was measuring up to His standards or were there things in my life that He needed to remove. My thoughts went to my reaction about Westboro. I was judging them for how they hurt the cause of Christ by their actions. God asked me if my actions do the same. It is very easy to see other's faults yet miss seeing your own. Matthew 7 talks about seeing the speck in our brother's eye but do not see the log in ours. I was convicted to remember that God will judge people and His judgement will be fair and just. I am not the Lawgiver or the Judge. That position is held by noone other than Jesus Christ. He will pass judgment when we stand before Him. He simply asks me to be obedient to what He desires and go where He wants me to go. I must make sure I do not allow my eyes to be blinded by specks, or worse yet, logs. If I get logs out of my own eyes (by His grace), then He will use me to change lives.

I left the service with a renewed desire to please Him and be a better example of Christ in a lost and dying world. I want what I say to match up to what I profess and talk with my words. Let me ask you. What does your life say to those around you?