It's going to take more than a safety pin....

“It was the most respectful, benign form of bullying ever. But bullying nonetheless. And by the way, human rights must be won, not asked for. When artists perform the venue becomes your home. The audience are your guests. It’s taking unfair advantage of someone who thought they were a protected guest in your home.”  Steven Van Zandt

  Sometimes it’s not what you say, it’s when you say it. For example, it’s completely appropriate if my wife, Jane, talks to me privately about something she disagrees with that I said. But for Jane to speak out in the middle of a sermon, questioning my theology in public is totally inappropriate. Civilized people all know this. Until our culture devolved over the last few decades, losing a sense of common civility, this wasn’t debatable. That it’s now a point of debate says something sad about us.  

  Please understand, this is not political. It’s a question of bullying. Bullying is always wrong. For example, it was wrong in 2012 when a Congressional staffer bullied the daughters of President Obama in a Facebook post that they were dressed and acting like “teens” (because they were teens) at the annual White House turkey pardon. I applauded when that staffer resigned. If she hadn’t, she should have been terminated.  

  Civilized people know some things are just off limits, like a leader’s children. There are also inappropriate places. The recent calling out of Vice President elect, Mike Pence, by the cast of Hamilton at the end of the play, for me, was one of those places. As he entered the Broadway show, some audience members began booing. Not a big surprise, after all, it was New York City. Mr. Pence showed both class and character. Later he shared, “I nudged my kids and reminded them that is what freedom sounds like.”

  Yet, Brandon Dixon and the cast of Hamilton were grandstanding, adding nothing to the national conversation. When Dixon encouraged the audience to record his comments and tweet them, he tipped his hand. It had nothing to do with opening a dialogue. Couldn’t he have sent a note to Mr. Pence, asking if some of the cast could meet with him backstage after the show? He further divided our already fragmented country, shutting down further conversation. What are the chances of Mr. Pence attending a Broadway show in the future with an opportunity to engage with those he disagreed with? Our political leaders are already far too insulated and isolated from their constituency. Who can blame them when situations like this happen?

  Sadly, bullying will only increase as our culture becomes more and more inhumane. Safe spaces and safety pins may make us feel better but will make little difference. It didn’t help Mike Pence. Surely, some members of the audience were wearing safety pins, yet no one came to his defense.

  Being a Christian means we’re to be like Jesus. Our Lord consistently stood up to bullies and so must we. It’s our God-given duty. We must stand up, not only for those with whom we agree, but for anyone being dehumanized. That would include someone disabled, elderly, an immigrant or minority, a child, someone overweight or gay, a nerd…even an elected official. Jesus went out of His way to minister to the disenfranchised and so must we. We must also model and teach this to our children.

  It will take magnanimity. What is magnanimity? It’s a “loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity.” It’s how Mike Pence responded. While there’s a time to fight, it’s rare. This was not one of those times. Sadly, Mr. Trump, with his angry tweets afterwards, didn’t follow Mr. Pence’s wise example. As believers, we are, as much as possible, to turn the other cheek. We must seek to lower the emotional temperature, minimize our own offendedness, even praising what we can in those who oppose us.

  It will take character. It takes nothing to go along with the crowd or in some cases, the mob. It takes character to stand alone. Peruse the pages of Scripture and you’ll find this trait over and over again. Nearly every person God used came to a critical juncture where he or she had to stand alone. It’s how Joseph resisted the wiles of Mrs. Potiphar in an eroticized culture. It’s how Queen Esther approached the King, even though it might have cost her her life. Character is what Martin Luther had when he nailed his 95 Theses to the door at Wittenberg. It’s what William Wilberforce had as he swam against the tide committed to eradicating slavery.

  It will take courage. Most will either go along or stand by in silent fear, even when a great evil is being done. It takes courage for a teen to stand up for the teenager who’s odd, as others mock the victim. It takes courage to vote your conscience, even if you’re the only one. It takes courage to say some things are wrong, even if everyone else goes along, pressuring you to do the same. It takes courage to stand for what is right even if you’re accused of being a bigot or on the wrong side of history. Courage is what it took for Rosa Parks to stay seated on December 1, 1955 on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, refusing to give up her seat just because she was black in the colored section to a white passenger, after the white section was filled.

  It will take risk. Standing up to bullies isn’t popular. Bullies often are cowards, yet have the backing of the crowd. Standing up to them may cost you your job. Sadly, many bullies make it to the executive suites or top management positions and won’t tolerate someone standing up to them. Scripture cautions us to “count the cost.” Standing up to a bully can even cost you your life. History’s pages are soaked with the blood of godly men and women whose stand was their last one. John the Baptist lost his head for standing up to King Herod. Because of his staunch resistance to Hitler, including vocal opposition to the Nazi euthanasia program and genocidal persecution of the Jews, Dietrich Bonhoeffer paid with his life.

  In our post-Christian age bullying will increase. Sometimes it may even hide under the guise of Christianity. Martin Luther experienced religious bullying, wisely observing “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” May the words of Joshua 1:9 echo in our hearts, strengthening our resolve, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.

Small Changes...Big Results!!

“The things we take for granted are dreams to many people.”

Can I suggest a small change in your life that can be life changing? For some of us, it will be easier than for others. Personally, I think type-A’s probably have more difficulty with this concept. It helps, too, if you grew up in a home where it was habitually practiced (too many of us didn’t).

  Let me illustrate this though by going to the polar opposite extreme. Imagine we’re chatting over coffee and I ask, “What are some of the little things that really irritate you?” If we’re honest, most of us have several. It primarily varies because of our background. For most of us, if we’re candid, it can be a substantial list. Not only do we become irritated over small, insignificant things, but when they occur we tend to stew on them.

  Okay, I’ll start. Please don’t think I’m a wicked sinner (though I am L).

  It bugs me when I’m in a fast food restaurant or store and the cashier is having a conversation with his/her co-workers, and I have to wait for them to finish their conversation before they wait on me.

  Someday my right foot will be sanctified (I’ve come a long ways already) but it frustrates me when a driver in front of me drives below the speed limit. The other one is when they stop and nearly park at a yield sign, especially when there is no oncoming traffic.  

  I love children! I even love noisy rambunctious children. But it grates on my nerves when children are running around in a store while their parents are on their phone or simply not paying attention.

  One more, and sadly my list is longer than this, but I don’t want you to vote me off the island for being so carnal, immature and petty…so I’ll stop. People pushing their carts in a store while on their phone and nearly running over other shoppers.

  Here’s what’s life changing and something that by God’s grace, I work at practicing. It’s gotten easier over the years but I’m still a struggler, not an attainer. It’s simply this: Being grateful for the seemingly little things.

  When we notice, pay attention and are grateful for the little things in our lives, our whole world changes…and not some cursory thought, but real reflection. We certainly reflect on those things that irritate us, so why not replace that with reflecting on the things we’re grateful for? Many of these happen every day, yet are so “common,” we take them for granted.

  Remember, too, God owes us nothing. I’m so thankful that God in His grace has not given me what I deserve. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” That simply means every blessing comes from my loving Heavenly Father. So here are some suggestions to help you start:

  Waking up from a good night’s sleep. When I was younger, this wasn’t high on my gratitude list. Since I became a geezer, a good night’s sleep isn’t something I take for granted anymore. The Bible says sleep is a gift from God (Psalm 127:2). If we whine when we miss out on a good night’s sleep, shouldn’t we be thankful when we have a good one?

  Waking up with those you love and who love you. It’s hard for me to sleep when Jane is out of town or when one of our children isn’t home. Oftentimes Charity leaves for work before anyone else. It’s rare for her to not say, “Good-bye” before heading out to her busy day. When she does, it always brightens my day! On top of that, we have these wonderful four-footed beasts who greet us each morning with their wagging tails.

  Being able to get out of bed, walk and move around at will. Consider for a moment how disruptive it would be to have the loss of that ability from aging, pain or an accident. Because I’m grateful for my legs, I try to go out of my way to acknowledge those who must use a walker or wheelchair. I never want them to feel they’re a bother, a hassle or in the way.

  My eyes and my ears. I’m sure that I’m legally blind without my glasses. I can hardly answer the phone without having them on. Can you imagine what it must be like to not be able to see? I’m thankful too that I’m not color blind so I can enjoy God’s rich palette of color.

  And I can hear. I find I read and concentrate better when I’m listening to music. I love listening to film scores. Then, there are voices now gone that I still hear in my memory. After my Mom was killed, I immediately lost any memory of her voice. What a joy that I can still hear my grandparents’ voices in my heart decades later. Though Dad and Mom Cummins are Home, I still hear both of them echoing in my soul. It’s such a blessing!  

  The future. My wife will tell you that I’m a planner. I don’t get frustrated when it doesn’t happen, I just like to start thinking about it early…okay, way early. For example, on our last get-away, I was already looking at options for our next one. Most of us forget that if it’s the Lord’s will, we have a future here. I have friends and loved ones struggling with health issues that challenge their future and they know it. None of us know we have tomorrow, yet thankfully most of us have lots of time left to live, to enjoy this life and its many blessings.

  Seemingly small kindnesses. I’m trying to be much more attentive of evidences of grace in the lives of others. Going to the Wellness Center is not the joy of my day but the staff they have working at the front desk really help. They’re always friendly and glad to see me! If they were grumpy or condescending, it’d be easier for me to rationalize skipping.

  And don’t you appreciate it when you’re in the wrong lane, turn on your blinker and someone lets you in. I always wave an enthusiastic thanks!

  Then, I’m totally lost in places like hardware or auto parts stores. I so appreciate clerks who take the time to make sure I find the right item. Or, when I can’t find something, the heroes in my book are the ones who not only tell me where it’s located but actually take me to the right place!

  I love encouragers! Some weeks back I was dealing with something a bit difficult. A friend knew it and texted me a simple, “I’m praying for you!” It made my day! It’s easy to do digs or jabs (I’m too often guilty). God bless the encouragers! May they greatly increase! May each of us be one! God has blessed me with so many of them in my life. Years ago when I was going through a valley of dark despair, it was the encouragers God sent in my life that got me through it! I hope and pray I’m one for someone else. 

  Do you want to change your life? Look for the many, seemingly small blessings. Then, thank your Heavenly Father and thank others for them! 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.

108 Years is nothing...

“It’s been said that in Chicago there are two seasons, winter and construction.  For Cubs fans, there is only one, and it always comes next year.  Rick Talley

  The curse of the goat has finally ended. It only took a little over a century. But if you’re going to endure years — no, generations — of futility and heartbreak, when you do finally win a World Series championship, it might as well be a memorable one. The Cubs finally did just that, shattering their 108-year championship drought in epic fashion: with their 8-7, 10-inning victory over the Cleveland Indians in the final game of the World Series. It went into the wee hours of the morning. In the end, at least for Cubs’ fans, it all seemed to come to an end all too soon.

  108 years…that’s a long time. But it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the fans of King Jesus. His Church has been waiting for Jesus’ return for over 2,000 years. We, too, live under the curse from a creature, a serpent who successfully tempted our first parents. With their sin they lost for all of us heaven on earth…temporarily.

  Prophecy and Jesus’ Second Coming are rarely talked about today, even in the Church. Skeptics scoff at it. That, too, was prophesied 2,000 years ago (2 Peter 3:3-4). According to the Bible, Christians have an appointment and the next date on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture.

  Some people think we’re crazy to believe in the Second Coming of Christ. But when Jesus ascended back to Heaven, two angels told His disciples: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). I love what Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “I may be a nut, but I’m fastened to a good bolt—the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  The Bible teaches the imminent return of Jesus Christ. As believers, we’re not looking for the undertaker but the uppertaker. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

  Believers anticipate what’s known as the Rapture. Some point out that the English word “Rapture” doesn’t appear in the Bible. Yet, our English word “Trinity” also don’t appear in the Bible, but we adamantly believe in it.   

  Paul wrote that believers who are alive at the coming of the Lord will be “caught up.” It’s the Greek word harpazo. For many centuries the only Bible translation was the Vulgate. The Latin word is raptio, where we get the word “rapture.” The last recorded words of Jesus are on the last page of Scripture where He said, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).

  We live in a time when most lack hope. Many things fuel this lack of hope: current world conditions; terrorism; government; increasing debauchery; economic anxiety; personal disappointments; health concerns; loss of loved ones; even our own approaching deaths. God’s Word urges believers to stand out as people of hope in an increasingly hopeless world.

  The bottom line of what happens after you die depends on what you do now, before you die. Some years ago, a letter went out from the Greenville County, South Carolina, Department of Social Services. It was addressed to over 50 former residents who’d recently died: “To whom it may concern: Your food stamps will be stopped effective immediately, because we have received notice that you passed away. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.” But after you die, you can’t change your circumstances. What you do now as you prepare for your final appointment will determine where you will spend eternity. And there are only two options. If you know the Lord, you’ll be with Him at death but If you reject the Lord, you go to a place of eternal regret.

  In Luke 16, Jesus pulled back the curtain on the afterlife, showing us these two destinies. He told about Lazarus and a rich man. It’s a true account of two people who died. Lazarus didn’t earn heaven because he was a poor beggar. He had trusted his soul to God and was saved by faith. The rich man isn’t named, but died also. His funeral was probably a huge formal affair. But the rich man hadn’t trusted God.

  Jesus said, “The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side…” Those who die rejecting Christ will regret it for all eternity. If you die in the Lord though, the moment you die on earth, the angels escort you to be with the Lord. Our loved ones who died in Christ are already there. You’ll see them and know them. Do you have someone in heaven waiting on you? Don’t disappoint them. Be sure you know Jesus.

  Scripture says there will be a generation of believers who won’t have to go through a grave to see Jesus. When Christ returns, He’ll bring born-again loved ones with Him. In a nanosecond, He’ll raise their bodies from the grave. Their souls will then occupy their eternal resurrection body. Those of us still alive will be caught up to be with the Lord. We’ll be instantly changed to be like Jesus. Believers alive when Christ returns will never have a funeral. Are you ready? Or, are you prepared for death?   

  For anyone without a relationship with Jesus, death is terrifying. Bertrand Russell, the famed atheist said of death, “The life of Man is a long march through the night, surrounded by invisible foes, tortured by weariness and pain, towards a goal that few can hope to reach and where none can tarry long. One by one, as they march, our comrades vanish from our sight, seized by the silent orders of omnipotent Death.” But what a contrast to English poet, Hannah Moore, “There is one single fact which we may oppose to all the wit and argument of atheism, namely, that no man ever repented of being a Christian on his death-bed.” Jesus is coming back! As sure as the Cubs won the Series, He’s going to return. Are you ready? 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

"And the beggar died..."

“I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” Mark Twain

  While some people may plan their funerals, probably only a preacher would think about the exact Bible passage that should be used at his own funeral. For years I’ve known what passage would be the most appropriate. You’ll find it in Luke 16:22 – “And the beggar died…” (KJV).

  It’s not original with me. D. L. Moody and Dr. C. I. Scofield (editor of the Scofield Reference Bible), were very close friends. Toward the end of Moody’s ministry, the two friends were discussing their deaths and funerals (it’s a preacher thing). They committed to doing each other’s funerals if the one died before the other. D. L. Moody then asked his friend, what text Scofield would preach at Moody’s funeral. C. I. Scofield with his characteristic wit, retorted, “And the beggar died…” Moody was famous for crossing the globe raising funds for his Bible institute in Chicago and Bible conference grounds in Northfield, Massachusetts.

  Scofield then asked Moody the inevitable question, “And what would you preach at my funeral?” D. L. Moody quoted 2 Samuel 23:10, “and his hand clave unto the sword.” The Bible is called the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) and Moody was referring to Scofield’s faithfulness by in teaching and preaching the Word of God. It’s the desire of every preacher to be faithful in sharing God’s Word until the Lord calls them Home.

  In fact, someone once gave my mentor, Dr. David Cummins, a family sized wood Bible with that text carved into it, “and his hand clave unto the sword.” Moody went Home to be with the Lord first and that’s the text that C. I. Scofield preached at his funeral, “and his hand clave unto the sword.”

  The truth is that most pastors feel like beggars. I know I do and I know I’m not alone. The pastor is the manager of a volunteer organization with many needs. There are a lot of ministries and other areas of service in the local church. The pastor finds he’s often a one man recruiter, yet many pastors aren’t very good at it. On top of that, it’s our responsibility to teach Christians about financial stewardship, too. You’ve probably noticed that’s not my gift, to our Church Treasurer, Rick Hall’s chagrin. I’m much better at giving it away than asking for it.

  To be honest, because it’s tough and you feel like a beggar, if I could, I would just do everything at church myself and I’d pay for everything. It’s hard to feel that you’re coming to someone with your hat in your hands. It makes it more difficult when you receive a few “No’s” in a row.

  But that’s not God’s plan for the local church. It’s not a biblical church if the pastor does all the work and underwrites the whole ministry financially. Add to that, it’s not the biblical job description for the pastor. The Bible teaches that a pastor is not to do the work of the ministry, rather the pastor is to “equip” the believers in the local church to do it (Ephesians 4:12).

  God has gifted each believer. It’s by serving and giving (using our gifts), that we grow spiritually. Yet, because of our sin nature, most of us resist giving (money/time…depending on which one we value the most). Why do you think Satan seeks to convince us to not do either one?

  It’s why I’m so thankful for the many at Grace who help me leave my little beggar’s tin cup on the shelf. We have many at Grace Church who are such a blessing and make my job so easy. To be honest, I know I don’t say “Thank You” enough! So many of you make very real Paul’s word in Philippians 1:3 for me, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”

  At first, I had a very foolish thought and considered listing out all those at Grace who model this, but knew I’d miss someone. Then, it struck me that there are two individuals most of us know who manifest these important traits. While there are many others, bear with me as I use these two as examples because they truly model a willingness to give and serve.

  Katelynn Deephouse. While just a teenager, Katelynn truly models a Christlike servant’s heart. Whenever she’s asked to take on a ministry, she responds with affirmative enthusiasm. If she is uncomfortable, she’s still willing to try. She’s willing to stretch. For most of us, getting up in front of a crowd is difficult. I’m sure it’s that way for Katelynn, too. After going to the dentist most people’s second greatest fear is speaking in front a crowd. Singing or playing an instrument I’m sure is comparable. Katelynn’s attitude, particularly when she’s asked to serve, is such a blessing!

  Rich Benson. If you’ve heard Rich’s testimony, you know that Rich came to Christ later in life. He’d been an alcoholic but Jesus wonderfully transformed his life. Rich is one of the most spiritually gifted, humble men I know. He’s truly a joy to serve alongside of. Rich also does not like to get up in front of people. Yet, I love to hear Rich pray or read Scripture. I love his heart! Rich is a student of God’s Word. Drop by his home and if Rich isn’t out riding his bike, he’s often reading his Bible or some other Christian book. He’s a sponge. And one of his greatest passions is to share the Gospel. Though he feels inadequate, several times I’ve asked Rich to do a one on one evangelistic Bible study with someone. He’s never turned me down and God has used him over and over again. Though Rich is in his seventies, he’s always willing to stretch and grow. Rich loves people.

  One of my favorite funny stories with Rich is related to that love for people. For years he and Jayne had been greeters for second service. They did a fantastic job! We were seeking though to involve others, so I had a dumb idea. We’d ask Rich & Jayne to step aside for a bit to get others involved. Rich is so committed to ministry, he felt as if he’d been fired. How can you not love a man like that!?! Many jump at a chance to get out of a ministry. When most of us get busy, one of the first things we cut is ministry and church involvement…even attendance. Not Rich. Because Rich loves Jesus, he loves serving Jesus and being with God’s people.

  I’ll probably always feel a bit like a beggar. But now you can skip my funeral. You know what’s going to be said. Yet, how I praise the Lord for the willing servants like Katelynn and Rich that we have at Grace!! 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.