MISSIONS: GO...TELL...GIVE...PRAY

“The mission of the church is missions.”

Oswald J. Smith

 
This past May, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a young married missionary couple from the U.S., alone with Jude Montis, the local director of Missions in Haiti Inc were all fatally shot by gangs in northern Port-au-Prince after leaving a youth group activity at church. Davy and Natalie joined Missions in Haiti, as missionaries after they were married in 2022. They loved Haiti and its people and ultimately gave everything for them. They reached countless lives and were selfless and full of love and devotion to the people of Haiti.
  It’s estimated that there are 100,000 Christians martyred every year. The history of the Church from the days of the Apostles is one overflowing with blood and sacrifice as men and women have left the safety of their homes and native lands to share the gospel on the fields of the world and paid the ultimate price to advance Christ’s Kingdom.
  Though Jesus commanded Christ-followers to go to the far ends of the world with the gospel, for the most part that’s neglected in the contemporary church. For example, the northern part of Yemen has 8 million people. That’s twice the population of the entire state of Kentucky.   Do you know how many believers there are out of those 8 million people? 20 or 30. There are more believers in a small group of most churches than in all of northern Yemen.
  Over 2 billion people in the world today are classified as unreached, which means more than “unsaved” but that the gospel is simply not accessible to them. Over 6,000 people groups with over 2 billion people in them are not yet reached with the gospel. 
  What is the right perspective to have in supporting missions? The Bibles teaches that every Christ-follower is called to be a missionary whether we serve in missions at home or abroad. We all are called to go throughout the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Yet, most believers don’t even pray for missionaries or lost people groups. For example, we are rightly angered at the evil some Muslims do, yet rarely pray for the coming to Christ of some 1.7 billion Muslims in the world.
  Then, we must remember that God has chosen to do the work of missions through the financial support of faithful saints. When God sent His Son to do the work of missions on the earth, He chose to provide for Him through the faithful financial support of others. Luke 8:3 says: “Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
  The Lord Jesus was provided for through the faithful support of others and specifically through women, who had a low standing in that society. When God sent Elijah to Sidon, he commanded a widow to provide for him there (1 Kings 17:9). When God called for Nehemiah to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, God gave him favor with the Persian king to pay for it (Nehemiah 2). The Apostle Paul was supported by the Philippians who were extremely poor as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:1-2: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” Yet today it can sometimes take years for a missionary to raise the support needed to go to a foreign field. As Chuck Colson wrote, “When the church fails to break the [cultural] barrier, both sides lose. Those who need the gospel message of hope and the reality of love, don’t get it, and the isolated church keeps evangelizing the same people over and over until its only mission finally is to entertain itself.”
  Too often we can be so focused on the American Church, that we forget that the mission is the fields of the world. It’s astounding what God can do with just one Christ-follower committed to serving Him. For example, Peter Cameron Scott founded what is now known as the Africa Inland Mission near the end of the 19^th century. Few organizations have done more to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ on the African continent in the last century than AIM. A Washington Post article from 2015 says, “Over the past 100 years, Christians grew from less than 10% of Africa’s population to its nearly 500 million today. One out of four Christians in the world presently is in Africa, and the Pew Research Center estimates that will grow to 40 percent by 2030.” This incredible transformation on the African continent can be traced in a large part to Peter Cameron Scott and the Africa Inland Mission.
  But Peter Cameron Scott almost completely gave up his mission to spread the gospel across Africa before it even got going. He first went as a missionary to Africa as a young man but got Malaria and had to return to Britain to recover. In his second attempt, he brought his brother John with him to Africa. But John quickly became ill and died. Peter Cameron Scott buried his brother all alone in Africa and renewed his commitment to preach the gospel in Africa. Unfortunately, he became ill again and left Africa again. It seemed his dream was as good as dead. He might never return to Africa.
  However, when Peter Cameron Scott was recovering in London, he visited Westminster Abbey and visited the final resting place of David Livingstone, a pioneer missionary to Africa. And on Livingstone’s grave was written one verse…only one verse. When Peter Cameron Scott read that verse, the Lord gave him the courage, confidence, and resolve that he needed to return to Africa, preach the gospel there until his death, and found the Africa Inland Mission. “And I have other sheep who are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16). This verse had the power to fuel Peter Cameron Scott for a lifetime of frontier mission and it has the power to fuel us for a lifetime of global impact for the sake of the gospel.
  The idea of this verse is: Jesus’ worldwide mission, and your part in it, will succeed. That’s why Peter Cameron Scott went to Africa a third time and stayed until his death. That’s why we give our money, our prayers, our time, and our lives to Jesus’ worldwide saving purpose. Because Jesus’ worldwide mission, and your part in it, will succeed. And wouldn’t it be exciting if the Lord called someone from our church family to serve Him on the fields of the world?

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

 

Why Children's Ministry is Vital

 

“Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”

                                                                 Henry Ward Beecher

 
This past week we had a fantastic time at our Kid’s Cooking Camp! We’re thankful to the many of you who invested your time, loaned appliances, or generously gave so we can invest in children’s ministries. We’re blessed to have a church family that’s committed to investing in the next generation!
  Our children/teen ministry is not just another program. Though it has sociological dimensions, our priority is on the spiritual and eternal. There are programs like Scouts, FFA, youth sports, dance teams, etc., that will help a young person develop character, but they won’t help a young person know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We are committed to our programs being gospel driven. Our prayer and commitment are that the young people who attend our programs will have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, live more heavenly now and spend eternity in heaven.
  We’re continually looking for ways to increase our effectiveness with the next generation. We want to be a community of believers who serve today and plan for tomorrow. If today’s young people are to be the Christ-followers, church members and leaders in 2050, how do we help them get there? How should we change our thinking?
  The primary seasons of faith formation are during childhood and the teen years. Church researcher, George Barna’s studies concluded that spiritual beliefs are largely set by the time a person reaches thirteen. Research has found that among adults ages 18-29, the church dropout rate is 64%. If consistent church attendance has never been part of a child’s life during their formative years, it’s improbable it will be in adulthood. We want children to be prepared for this brief life and eternal life. To accomplish that, it’s vital that we spiritually develop the youth in our church family.
  We have a biblical mandate. We’re commanded to do this. The last words Jesus said before He ascended into heaven was that the business of the church is to make disciples. That means as parents, the young people that are given to us must be disciples. Parents are to share the gospel with their children so that they become Christ-followers and train them to be servants and leaders in the church. For the rest of us in the church family, some who’ve been walking with Christ for years, we have a responsibility to disciple younger folk. It’s a church family effort. That means serving the Lord in the nursery, Grace Kids, Amped and Grace Student Ministries.
  A critical factor of whether young people raised in the church stay in the church after they graduate in those post-high school years is that they had at least one friendship with an adult outside of their parents in the church. Relationships take time with each other to develop. We have a biblical mandate to befriend and invest our lives in young people for the Lord.  
  Our future depends on it. The hard facts are that if we don’t invest in young people today, our church won’t be here tomorrow. If we don’t raise up a younger generation of committed Christ-followers, who will worship the Lord, reach this community, lead and take the baton to keep running the Christian race in the future.
  A high percentage of churches in America are greying out. It’s a massive crisis. From a practical level, we must invest in the next generation. We must disciple younger leaders because they’re the ones who will make sure that Christ’s mission continues and is carried forward into the future.
  We need their energy. The message never changes yet the methods continually adapt. Young people bring freshness, excitement and energy to a church. The older generation needs that. They need our maturity. We need their energy. We need each other. We’re a family. A healthy family has grandparents, parents, and children, a church family models that.  
  Yet, to have that it takes older believers willing to take great risks and do the things that can be difficult like going to hard places and even enduring persecution. We need the passion of the younger generation, so it’s vital that we develop young believers and leaders in our church.
  Children model for us what it means to be a Christ-follower. They model for us what we often forget as “sophisticated” adults. Let me suggest four aspects of this.
  They remind us that to be a Christ-follower you must have absolute trust. Children trust others for everything—their food, their lodging, the arms of others who carry them. Regarding trust in God, the child’s ability to believe hasn’t been wounded by cruel deception or a cynical world. Those who receive the kingdom like a little child have the saving element of faith. They have belief plus trust. They believe in Jesus, but it’s more than a mind-belief—they trust Jesus for everything to do with salvation and life.
  They remind us that to be a Christ-follower you must have pure humility. Children don’t engage in the various forms of pride of adulthood. They’re not proud of their morality or virtues. A child doesn’t battle self-righteousness to come to Christ. A small child is free from the pride of knowledge. He has no education or degrees to pile up before the cross. Children are teachable. They receive the gospel without attempting to complicate or add to it. Because children have not developed the pride of adulthood, they readily repent. Little ones quickly cry over a wrong done. Their unseared consciences still have their powerful moral instruments intact. They’re miserable over their sins. Uncontaminated humility leaves a young soul open to receiving the greatest of gifts, the gift of salvation.
  They remind us that to be a Christ-follower you must have complete receptiveness. Children know how to receive a gift—they just take it. On their first birthday, they’re not sure what a gift is. As two-year-olds, if they have siblings, they understand well enough. By the time they’re three, they’re really into receptivity! The wrapping paper flies! As David Goodling explains: “A little child takes its food, its parents’ love and protection, because they are given, without beginning to think of whether it deserves them or whether it is important enough to merit such attention. So must we all receive God’s kingdom and enter into it.”
  They remind us that to be a Christ-follower you must have sincere love. Children easily return love for gifts. Enthusiastic hugs and kisses and multiple “Thanks” are showered on the giver. Spiritually, “we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Total love is the province of those who receive the kingdom as little children.
  We’re privileged to share God’s truth with the next generation. We can each leave a heavenly legacy. Together let’s commit to raise the next generation of Christ-followers, servants and leaders for our future church. Christ-followers steadfast in their faith and passionate about spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth! That work needs to begin today.

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

Dad, should your children follow you?

 

“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.”   Charles Kettering

 
Henry Bosch shares this story: As a schoolboy, I worked with my father during the summer months. Each morning we stopped to pick up the early edition of the newspaper at a small grocery store. One morning when we got to work, my father found that by mistake he had taken two newspapers instead of one. He first thought of paying the man the extra price the next morning, but then after a moment’s consideration he said, “I had better go back with this paper. I don’t want the man at the store to think I’m dishonest.” He got in his car, drove back to the store, and returned the paper. About a week later, someone stole money from the grocery store. When police pinpointed the time it occurred, the grocer remembered only two people being in the store at the time—and one was my father. The grocer immediately dismissed my father as a suspect, saying, ‘That man is really honest. He came all the way back here just to return a newspaper he took by mistake.’ The police then focused their investigation on the other man, who soon made a full confession. My father’s honesty made a big impression on that non-Christian storeowner, and on me.” Henry Bosch’s father lived out what it means to be a Christ-follower.
  Dads, what’s important to you? According to one recent Pew Research Survey, Dads place a high priority on their children becoming honest, ethical and hardworking adults. The majority of dads say it’s extremely or very important to them that their children be honest and ethical (93%), hardworking (87%) and ambitious (64%) as adults.
  What do you believe are the priorities to teach your children? Being honest and ethical is important and over the years I’ve had fathers tell me many different things. Most want their children to know how to work hard and to be good providers for their families. Some want their children to know how to play sports and be winners. Others want their children to get good grades, go to college, and have a good career.
  All of those are good things, yet in nearly forty years of ministry, I can’t remember a father ever sharing with me: “I want my children to know Jesus as their Savior and go to heaven.” I’m sure some believed it, yet I can’t remember a single Dad expressing that to me. Interestingly, though I’ve had mothers express that and even fret that they’re child had not yet committed his/her life to Christ.
  It’s tempting to put behavior before belief. One though can be very moral and not know Jesus. The Savior echoed that powerful sentiment with “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36). If we focus on the wrong thing, even good things, we can raise our children to be successful failures.
  So, how do we teach our children what should be the top priority in life? Where do we start? We need to personally know what it means to be a believer. If heaven and God’s forgiveness is a “hope so,” we and our children are in real trouble. Would you want directions to some destination if the person sharing them said, “I think this is how you get there…”? No, we want someone who knows the way.
  Even better when you’re unsure of how to get somewhere is to have someone say to you, “I’m going there. Follow me.” Dad, do you know based on God’s Word that you’ve been forgiven and that you’re going to heaven when you die? If you don’t know how to go to heaven, you won’t be able to teach your children and that would be a tragic loss.
  Yet, heaven is so much more than having your ticket punched for eternal life. Our children will value what we value whether it’s caught or taught. My Dad was in retail for years and later invested in and sold commercial real estate. He also invested in the stock market. It’s not a surprise that one of my brothers became a stockbroker and the other began in retail and later ended up as an executive in the fashion industry.
  Hollywood dynasties, business dynasties and political dynasties are common. Children often follow in a father’s footsteps. They will have the same interests and values, spend their leisure time the way they saw modeled and even will have the same type of friends that their parents had. 
  Dad, what do you truly value? What do you love? What’s your focus? Where do you spend your time? If your children follow in your steps, what will their life be like? What will they teach your grandchildren to value?
  American educator, A.E. Winship, decided to trace the descendants of Jonathan Edwards almost 150 years after his death. His findings are remarkable, especially when compared to another man from the same time period known as Max Jukes.
  Jonathan Edwards’ legacy includes: 1 U.S. Vice-President, 1 Dean of a law school, 1 dean of a medical school, 3 U.S. Senators, 3 governors, 3 mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 60 doctors, 65 professors, 75 Military officers, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers, 100 clergymen, and 285 college graduates. How is this explained? Jonathan Edwards was a Christ-follower who loved the Lord. As a result, he was also hard working, moral and ethical.
  Max Jukes’ legacy came to people’s attention when the family trees of 42 different men in the New York prison system were traced back to him. He lived in New York at about the same period as Edwards. The Jukes family originally was studied by sociologist Richard L. Dugdale in 1877. Jukes’ descendants included: 7 murderers, 60 thieves, 190 prostitutes, 150 other convicts, 310 paupers, and 440 who were physically wrecked by addiction to alcohol. Of the 1,200 descendants that were studied, 300 died prematurely.
  These two legacies provide an example of what’s called the five-generation rule. “How a parent raises their child — the love they give, the values they teach, the emotional environment they offer, the education they provide — influences not only their children but the four generations to follow, either for good or evil.” What a challenging thought!
  Dad, if someone studied your descendants four generations later, what would you want them to discover? Do you want an Edwards’ legacy or a Jukes’ one? Being a Christ-follower can determine where your children and grandchildren will spend eternity. The life you live today influences the legacy you leave tomorrow! So, where are you going and what are you leaving behind?

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

Just Say No

 

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” W. Clement Stone

  President Harry Truman had one child, a daughter, Margaret. He had a clever quip about saying no when interacting with Margaret. “I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.” His point is that nobody likes to be told what to do, so if you want your children to listen to you, you find a way to give them advice, so it doesn’t seem like that’s what you’re doing. Your job isn’t to make them do all the things you want to do, it’s to help them do the things they should do and that are best for them.
  Now that school is out and many are interacting with their children more than during the school year, you probably find that you’re saying, “No” a lot more. Research has found that parents say “no” to their children 8,395 times a year. Most parents say “no” to kids staying up late, having sugar before bed or the kids buying something. One survey of 2,000 parents of children aged one to 16-years-old, revealed that they reject their kids’ questions and queries an average of 23 times a day. Nearly two-thirds repeatedly say no to their child for the same request over and over again. Of those who felt they say no too often, 54 percent said they did it to help them understand they can’t get everything that they want. While 37 percent don’t want their kids to be spoiled so 34 percent do it to protect their kids.
  Even as adults, most of us don’t like the word “No.” When we hear the word “no,” often we associate the word with negativity. “No” comes out when something bad happens or is something that prevents a bad thing from happening. Of course, saying “yes” all the time isn’t healthy as Jim Carrey illustrated in the 2008 comedy movie, Yes Man.
  Spiritual health comes from saying “no” to sinful behaviors that are culturally acceptable yet harmful to our souls. Because they’re not blatant and everyone else is doing them, we overlook how serious they are and nearly all of us struggle with them. Here are my top three say NO to!
  Say no to worry! Elisabeth Elliot wisely said, “Worry is the antithesis of trust. You simply cannot do both. They are mutually exclusive.” Elliot was a committed Christ-follower and missionary wife, whose first husband, Jim, reached out to an isolated tribe, the Auca Indians and was killed by them and then lost her second husband to cancer.
  Have you ever noticed that it’s rare to wake up in the middle of the night and be so excited about an upcoming event that you have difficulty going back to sleep? Yet, worry will cost us many sleepless nights. Did you know that 85% of what we worry about never happens, and with the 15% that did happen, 79% discovered either that they could handle the difficulty better than expected, or it taught them important lessons. 97% of what we worry over isn’t real, it’s just our dark imagination. It’s why Jesus urged: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
  Say no to anger! Thomas Manton warned, “Nothing makes room for Satan more than wrath.” Nearly everyone reading this was angry at least once this past week (hopefully, it wasn’t once a day). It may have been a minor frustration with another driver or being irritated with your kids for not putting away their toys. It may have been a work situation. Some husbands and wives live with daily anger toward each other. Some parents and children are in a constant battle with outbursts of anger and abusive words. Many adults carry childhood hurts. Every time they think about them, they either tunnel into depression or seethe with anger.
  Think of what could happen if everyone learned to deal with properly with anger. Child abuse and divorce would be eradicated. Murder, terrorism, and war would end. Many health problems would clear up. Anger can harm the heart as much as smoking or high blood pressure.
  While there is a place for righteous anger, that’s not what most of us struggle with. Jesus’ world was also rife with evil and injustice, yet the Gospels record only one instance of what we would be labeled “righteous anger” on the part of the Savior. If Jesus wasn’t an angry person, why does He have so many angry followers? It’s a lack of faith. We don’t believe God is in control, and He needs our help. Then we don’t depend on the Holy Spirit to control us. Solomon warned, “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
  Say no to ungratefulness! Zig Ziglar nailed it, “You will never see a happy ungrateful person.” Most of us don’t consider ourselves ungrateful, yet ingratitude shows up in our lives in a variety of ways – complaining (or venting), bitterness, jealousy and discontent – usually over minor annoyances. Something bad happens—a trial an annoyance or an injustice, and we gravitate to the following thoughts: I don’t have it as good as other people. Why can’t I ever catch a break? God blesses others more than me.
  Such thoughts undermine our faith in God’s goodness and reinforce Satan’s lie: God isn’t taking care of me. Instead of turning our thoughts to the many ways God has shown us His lovingkindness, we focus on our discomfort and doubt Him. Ungratefulness becomes a burden and a sin.
  Ungratefulness is a part of our sin nature. Recently, I finished reading the book of Numbers. What a bunch of whiners! The Israelites’ story is a breathtaking picture of God’s care, protection and provision. You’d never it by how they act. They constantly complain. Even after God leads them out of slavery in Egypt and parts the Red Sea, allowing them to walk safely across dry land, they doubt His goodness. Even when He annihilates their enemies and provides for them in the desert, they complain. Sadly, we are all too often just like them.
  So, start some new habits and say a loud NO to worry, anger and ungratefulness yet say a loud YES to trusting God, His love and being grateful for His goodness in your life!

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

Value-filled Vacations

 

“The best adventures are the ones that make your heart race

and your soul sing.” Jon Miksis

 
Do you have some great vacation stories? I sure do. Some of my “funniest” ones explain why I avoid camping like it’s the Covid virus. At least I never want to sleep in a tent or underneath the stars ever again. 
  The arrival of the summer vacation season is an opportunity for a change of rhythm. It’s the time of year that since school is out, families can hit the road for weekend getaways or week-long excursions. Roads are clogged, tourist areas are filled, but the memories that are made can last a lifetime. Even if your children are grown, you still need the refreshment of vacation time, even if it’s just the two of you. But two things can rain on summer fun – Idealism and Extravagance.  
  Idealism poisons vacations. Your picture of the ideal vacation may be very different from your spouse’s. Opposites generally attract. Then, if you have children at home, the “ideal vacation” can quickly go off the rails.
  Because of social media, many of us think that ALL of our friends have “ideal vacations.” They don’t. The pictures posted may be the very best ones from the entire vacation. None of us live an ideal life. Vacations don’t alter that. On vacation we’ll still disagree, and the kids will still squabble. You’ll sabotage your time away if you have high, unrealistic expectations.
  A good vacation is a bit like going to a family restaurant – there’s something for everybody from the senior menu to the kid’s menu. It’s wise to pre-plan activities that are age appropriate. Make it an opportunity to find options that fit with someone’s specific interests. It’s an opportunity to learn to cooperate and compromise.
  And that all begins with communication. None of us are psychic. Let everyone, if they’re mature enough, give input. If everyone knows the plan, it helps limit conflict. Knowing the expectations lowers the stress but the unknown breeds insecurity. Wisely considering and planning for the physical-emotional abilities of each person makes it all the more enjoyable.
  The travel portion can be the most difficult with young children. Is your picture of an ideal time going to jail? For a child, being seat-belted in for several hours can be like being trapped in a small cell. So, plan for it.
  Either drive at night when little ones are sleeping or plan for games that can be played. FYI: Flying won’t eliminate this stress. With the most ideal flight and arriving at the airport two hours before the flight, time on the tarmac and arrival, you’re investing a minimum of 5 hours in travel time.
  Great vacations don’t have to be expensive. One of today’s cultural lies is that the more expensive it is, the more value and enjoyment it has.
  Over the years I’ve ridden in a few limousines. Though a limo costs more than driving a car, it primarily only got me to my destination without having to drive. The extra expense didn’t add true value to my trip. While there’s nothing wrong with spending extra money on a special place to stay or a theme park, make sure it’s a wise investment and not just buying into the marketing of how great it is and how it’s so worth the money. Too often we’re buying the marketing and being sold a bill of goods.
  Make sure you prioritize rest. Too many of us are normally running on empty. And then we so overschedule our vacation that our vacation, instead of being a reprieve, is work. You want to return recharged, not needing a vacation to recover from your vacation.
  Overscheduling can make even the best vacation laborious and is sure to create conflict. If you or your partner tend to err on the side of filling up every moment while you’re away, purposely build in time to do absolutely nothing. It’s amazing how relaxing it can be to fall asleep poolside.
  As much as you can, clear the schedule. Store the watches and digital instruments. Instead of cramming lots of activity in, prioritize what will truly be meaningful for you and your family.
  Make room for spontaneity. Do you remember this nursery rhyme?
 

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?

I've been to London to see the Queen.

Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you do there?

I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

 
  So, this cat goes all the way to London and the high point is chasing mice. She could have just stayed home and done that. On vacation engage your spirit of adventure. Use the imagination that God has given you. Our children will never forget hotel nerf gun battles or going crabbing at night with garbage cans from the condominium.
  Children love mystery and surprises. If though you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. Plan something they’re not expecting yet will remember. It need not be many things, nor need it be expensive, but there ought to be something unexpected, something to look forward to, planned for the whole family. It’s the stuff that memories are made of.
  Share the childcare and domestic responsibilities. Even in today’s liberated world, wives and mothers still carry the bulk of the household responsibilities. Too often vacation is a vacation for everyone but Mom. We tried to counter this by keeping it simple. Breakfast would typically be cold cereal with sandwiches for lunch. But we tried to always go out for dinner. That way Jane didn’t have to prepare meals or do a clean-up. Now that we’re at a different phase of life, we’ve made finding unusual and unique restaurants an adventure.
  We’d do activities in the morning and leave the afternoons for down time or rest. God rested after the Creation and rest is part of our design. In other words, we were made to rest, so make sure that you plan down time.
  Put God in your luggage. Most of us will inspect our vehicles, review our routes and check the weather before we leave. But things are going to happen that are unplanned and if you don’t invite God to come with you, you’ll be unprepared, so pack your Bible. You need spiritual fuel, too.
  Vacations are a great time for relaxed time with the Lord and even family devotions. Dig into God’s word as a family and talk about what the Scriptures have to say. And while you’re in the midst of God’s creation, enjoy the Creator. Romans 1:18-20 explains how God’s invisible attributes are clearly visible in everything that He’s created. Plan some outdoorsy time in nature so everyone can experience God’s creation firsthand.
  Depending on your vacation style, vacations are about rest, connection, adventure and relaxing. And you get to decide a lot of what happens. So, be intentional about making this one the best trip yet!

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

Now Jerry believes in Memorial Day

“If you’ve got nothing worth dying for,

you’ve got nothing worth living for.” 

                                Martin Luther King Jr.

 
Seinfeld was honestly called “a show about nothing.” That’s because the very popular show portrayed a nihilistic moral point of view.
  Just in case you don’t know, nihilism is the belief that life is meaningless. The name comes from the Latin word nihil, which means nothing. It became popular in the 1800s. Various thinkers questioned the church and faith that had been taken for granted for centuries. With faith being questioned, objective morals and absolutes were called into question. Nihilism attempted to make sense of what comes after this shift. It presents a dark, new way of looking at the world.
  So, nihilism, which means nothingness, means a commitment to no meaning. It means there is no truth, no morals, no transcending absolutes. Ultimately, it means that there is nothing of eternal consequence.
  It’s one of the reasons why Jerry Seinfeld is not known for vast narratives of some kind of literary force or for making films with significant moral messages. He’s known for stand-up and situation comedy contexts in which he takes something as simple as a cookie or a hangnail and turns it into something of massive interest. But it’s not. It’s all rather narcissistic and doesn’t make any claim to universal meaning.
  Until October 7^th and the attack by Hamas on Israel, nihilism was Jerry Seinfeld’s worldview. His change and his becoming very outspoken in support for Israel precipitated the walkout of about 30 graduates at the recent Duke University graduation ceremony to protest his speaking.  
  While the media made it a “big” story, in a crowd of 7,000 that were present for the ceremony, it’s essentially a non-story. Those who walked out made up about .04% of those present. A typical church service has a much larger percentage of those walking each week to go to the restroom. A little perspective goes a long way.
  What is very significant is that Jerry Seinfeld, in the face evil, can’t maintain a nihilistic worldview. Evil matters. Morality and absolutes matter. October 7^th was an act of war against civilians. Hamas will only be satisfied with the extermination of all Jews, both in and outside of Israel.  
  Many today hold to some form of nihilism. Yet, if our country had believed in nihilism, we would have no Memorial Day. If nothing matters, then why send young men and women to fight for something and potentially pay the ultimate sacrifice. Not all wars are against evil, many are power or land grabs. Because America was founded on a Judeo-Christian ethic, the basis of many of our wars had a moral cause. They fit into what’s known as Just War Theory, the Christian worldview that over the past two millennia has been the basis for the laws of armed conflict. Since America has been involved in over 100 wars since our founding, let me touch on a few that fit into Just War Theory.
  The American Revolution. Prior to going to war, the colonists begged London to not provoke “the calamities civil war.” There was no talk of independence. By 1775 Colonists had seen a steady erosion of their liberties, to the point that a citizen might have British troops quartered in his home against his will; be shipped off to England or Canada for an alleged crime without facing a trial by jury of his peers; and have his business strangled by nearly a decade’s worth of spiraling taxes. Additionally, the colonies were under naval blockade with New York and Boston under martial law. Justice is a cardinal virtue within a divinely ordained moral order of right and wrong. The choices for our forefathers seemed to only be liberty or further tyranny.
  The Civil War. The war between the United States and the Confederate States began on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter. The immediate cause was Constitutional principle: the U.S. government refused to recognize the southern states’ right to secede from the Union. Though that was the start of the war, Constitutional principles were not the foundational cause. History is clear that the South went to war to defend slavery and the denial of other human beings, Imago Dei. Slaves were considered subhuman.  
  World War II. Although it was the most destructive period to life, liberty, and property the world has ever seen, World War II was a moral war. Hitler, Nazism, genocide – all constitute a moral war. The great failure of the United States and other governments prior to declaring war, was to turn away Jewish refugees and to not enter into the conflict sooner.
  The Vietnam War. The tyranny of communism in Russia led to systematic purges, executions and famines that resulted in the deaths of millions. Containment became the official U.S. policy for combatting Communism. The United States sought to halt the progression of Communism around the world. However, the methods of fighting and the justification for going to war in Vietnam conflict with principles of Just War theory in several places. The bottom line is that while the Vietnam Conflict had a moral purpose, it was not conducted in an entirely ethical manner. All of us, leaders included, are contaminated by our sinful depravity and make wrong and unjust decisions.
  What’s the bottom line? Those in our military obey the orders of our leaders of when to go to war. Though we’ve made our mistakes as a nation, rather than going to war as we see in Ukraine for land and power, America has sought to have moral reasons like bringing human freedom and dignity to those who would not have it without our military intervention.
  Memorial Day reminds us that there is something to care about and we must care about what is righteous as our God cares about what is just and righteous. While we have our problems, the only perfect government is God’s, we can proudly salute our flag and honor our fallen heroes. We know that they sacrificed to protect our freedom and to seek to bring that same freedom to others. It’s why I for one am proud to be an American!

Can we help you spiritually? 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. 

Keeping the Old New

 

“Endurance is a key indicator of spiritual fitness.” Alistair Begg

Did you ever have a song that you loved when it first came out but then it was so overplayed, you changed the radio station when it came on? How about one of those commercials that was hilarious the first time you saw it but when it was played over and over, it drove you crazy? Maybe there was a new car style that was so unique and different at first, but then it seemed like everyone was buying one, so it just became “another car”?
  Many things are wonderful when they’re new – new paint, new hairstyle, new recipe, new restaurant, new friend – but soon they’re no longer…new.
  Marriage as God designed it is probably one of the best examples of this. When you’re first married, everything is new. It’s exciting! It’s thrilling. It’s the Honeymoon. Yet sooner or later—the newness wears off. Maybe the spark that started the relationship or the fire that was burning in the early years of marriage, begins to fizzle.
  The Bible compares the Christian life to a marriage. Like a marriage, becoming a Christian is a commitment. It requires repentance, submission, and transformation. Repentance involves confessing our sins and turning from them. Submission means accepting that we can’t save ourselves and totally need Jesus as our Savior. Transformation happens as we allow God’s Spirit to change us from the inside out.
  When you become a Christian, everything is new. It’s hard to describe the ecstasy of surrendering your life to Jesus, of having the guilt lifted off of your heart. You have a new purpose, plan, and desires. As Billy Graham said, “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
  Many things happen at the moment of salvation but two are very noticeable and significant. You have a new friend dwelling inside you – the Holy Spirit. Just as you could not save yourself, you can’t live the Christian life on your own. The Holy Spirit is your 24/7 companion, the source of spiritual power, and the One who cultivates spiritual growth in your life. His transformative power will continue throughout your lifetime as you strive towards loving Jesus more, loving others more and becoming more like Jesus. Literally, when you become a Christian, everything becomes new. It’s a life-changing decision that sets you on a path toward abundant life now and eternal life with Christ in heaven in the future.
  But then you got a new enemy that you never had before. Before you were on Satan’s side, part of his doomed crew. Now you’re part of God’s forever family. As Satan hates God, he now hates you. You’re his enemy!
  You became a Christian when you trusted God and His Word. One of Satan’s greatest attacks is to cause you to doubt and to stop trusting God. Sorrow, pain, loss, and injustice are part of life. Often, they take on a new intensity for a Christian as Satan heats up his assaults. He’ll whisper in your heart that “if God really loved you, He wouldn’t let you go through this.” It sometimes seems the most diabolical individuals have lives of ease. The author of Psalm 73 experienced that and began to doubt God but turned back to God in the end.
  Temptation is one of Satan’s main weapons. It takes many different forms that fit with our soft spots. With some he’ll tempt with sins of the flesh like immorality, pleasure-seeking, or destructive habits. If those don’t work, he’ll tempt with sins of the heart like evil thoughts, wrong motives, anger, pride, jealousy, or bitterness. Or he’ll attack us spiritually by seeking to fill us with doubts, convincing us that God doesn’t care, filling us with fear, anxiety, or despair. One of his greatest attacks is very subtle – he just keeps us busy, so busy that we’re distracted from the real world. Temporal things become huge; the eternal becomes increasingly insignificant.
  When Satan attacks you, it’s his ploy to turn you away from God. To win over him you must combat his lies with the truth of God’s Word, with prayer, and the help of other believers. The Bible says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
  How do you keep your Christian life fresh? It’s the same thing that you do to keep a marriage fresh – you keep dating! Any couple having marital problems will share that a core issue is a lack of communication. 
  If you do not regularly read your Bible, your Christian life will stagnate. If something is important to us, it’s a priority. Make Bible reading a part of your daily routine. It helps you be consistent and grow in your faith. Find a time and place where you can read a Bible passage without distractions.
  If you do not regularly find time for prayer, your Christian life will stagnate. When we read our Bibles, God speaks to us. But it’s to be a two-way conversation. Through prayer we communicate with God, seek His guidance and wisdom. It strengthens our relationship with Him, helps us understand His will for our lives, empowering us to live a more Christ-centered life. Plan a time for daily prayer and make it a consistent habit.
  Regularly attend church services and get involved with your church family. Technology is a blessing and a curse. Watching a worship service isn’t the same as being there. It’s a substitute for real relationships.
  I haven’t been with my son, Aaron, who’s in Taiwan for six years though we talk via the Internet. It’s not the same and limits our relationship.
  To keep your Christian life fresh, you must physically connect with fellow believers and build meaningful relationships by participating in worship together regularly. As with a healthy family, it’s vital to both serve and be served. It’s hard for that to happen without presence. Serving helps us grow and lets others have a godly impact on us. Being part of a community of believers provides a sense of belonging. It helps hold each of us accountable in our faith. It can include checking in on each other, praying for each other, and encouraging each other in spiritual growth.
  Your faith will stagnate unless you share it. The most miserable Christians are those who don’t share their faith. God saved us and enlisted each one of us to be His missionary where He’s placed us. It is easy to get focused on social activities or the church building or even more Bible study but neglect sharing the gospel.
  There’s nothing more exciting for a whole family than a new baby. There’s nothing more exciting for a church family than seeing individuals come to Christ. When you meet Jesus, it’s natural to want to introduce others to Him. It’s weird to not to share what He’s done for you. Telling the good news of the gospel is as simple as sharing what you’ve personally experienced and inviting someone else to consider Him.
   So, if your walk with Christ has grown cold, turn to Him and let His Spirit set you on fire again. Then, live for something that eternally matters!

Can we help you spiritually? 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.