Happy Friday,
But even if [God doesn’t rescue us], we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty: We will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego addressing Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 3:18
Just as we should not expect to make clutch free throws unless we’ve worked on them in practice, we should not expect to display bold faith unless we’ve cultivated it during life’s uninspired moments. Today’s trial may or may not prepare you for tomorrow’s challenge. What is certain, is that your response to today’s trial is revealing yesterday’s spiritual habits and practices (or the lack thereof).
Avoid the DMZ: There is a big difference between solitude and loneliness. Likewise, there is a lot of daylight between being around people and being fully present for them. Both solitude and engagement are to be embraced. We spend too much time in the DMZ between them.
One of Those Days? Ever have one of those days when: 1) You couldn’t get Siri to understand what you are saying; 2) You couldn’t get the automatic faucets to turn on no matter how much you waved your hand in front of the sensors; and 3) Your spelling is so poor that Spell Check can’t even figure out what word you are trying to spell?
The World is Not Having a Nervous Breakdown: First it was, we’ll be OK “if we can just flatten the curve.” Then it was, we’ll be OK “if we can make it through the election.” Then it was “we’ll be OK if we can get a vaccine,” then “if we get the kids back in school.” Then, well, there have been a couple dozen other “we’ll be OK if” things. I’d like to suggest, “we’re OK now.” Have things been rough? Yeah. A bit. Harder for some than others. But look around. Many are doing well. And many who think they are not doing well are OK. Let’s all work at keeping things in perspective. As I noted last week, anyone can act like Chicken Little. We need more who are committed to being “the non-anxious presence others need.”
Righteous Anger: At a lecture hosted by Trinity University’s Henry Center, Russell Moore noted that every Christian who gets mad imagines their anger to be just as just as Christ’s when He overturned the Temple tables. Moore went on to note that, while anger always feels righteous, the average person is probably righteously angry only once or twice in their life.
Stop Crying Wolf: Back to the nervous breakdown claim, I’ve heard three things my entire adult life: 1) “This election is the most important one in our lifetime;” 2) “This election is our last chance to get it right;” and 2) “Today’s teens are the first generation in US history to not believe they will do as well as their parents.” I’m inclined to punch the next person who says this in the nose, but I doubt that would be righteous anger. And I do not want you to think that I’m having a breakdown.
Quotes Worth Requoting: 1) “We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount…the world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.” General Omar Bradley, Nov. 11, 1948; 2) “Show me your friends and I will tell you your future.”
The Not Clues: Andy Stanley suggests that you use the “not clues” to prompt a spiritual conversation. That is, when you hear someone use the word NOT – e.g., “Things are NOT going well,” “I’m NOT prepared for …”, or “I am NOT from here, we just moved to the area” – you know it’s time to start asking questions, such as, “Would you mind if I pray for you?” or “Would you like to join me in going to church this weekend?”
Worth Your Time: I thought this article and this podcast – neither perfect and both which touch on politics and culture – are worth your time.
The Relevance of Relevance: The history podcast I’m hosting is forcing me to read a lot of history. One of the things I’m noting is that relevant churches are seldom as effective over the long term.
Without Comment: 1) American faith-based groups contribute close to 320 billion dollars in goods and services and $1.2 trillion in socio-economic value to the country every year; 2) Some missiologists believe that more Muslims are coming to faith at this moment than virtually any other time in history.
Closing Prayer: Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, and deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what you love, and do what you command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Unknown)