PASTOR'S SERMON AUGUST 17, 2008

“WHAT IS YOUR FOUNDATION?” AUGUST 17, 2008
PROVERBS 11:1-11 MATTHEW 7:24-29
When we lived in Jonesville, we lived in a manse located in a subdivision of about thirty homes on the edge of the city. In fact behind our house was a cornfield and a large wetlands area. The house had been built about twenty years before we moved there, and the development had been complete for some time – except for two vacant lots across the street and just to the east of us. In the mid-nineties the local lumberyard hired a new buyer. The new buyer was an expert in the newer treated wood – and did some local promoting of the product for the lumberyard. Our sub had been developed by the lumberyard owner, and he sold one of the vacant lots to his new employee. Quickly an excavating company graded the property, and dug a basement. Another crew arrived and put in the forms for the poured basement walls. But then a strange thing happened – the concrete company failed to show up to pour the basement walls. Now things began to become very strange indeed – for the rough carpenters arrived and began to construct the flooring and the walls.
The basement walls? The forms weren’t really forms after all – they were the basement walls. Of course, no one has wooden walls in their basement – but this man did – and the “forms” were a specially treated, type of wood, designed to withstand the weight of the house, the winter freezing, the spring thaws and torrential rain, and heat of summer – for years. They were designed to stand as long – or longer – than traditional cement walls.
Now I know that basement walls are not the foundation of the house – there was a foundation poured before the walls were erected. But the walls were “foundational”. I drove by there when I was in Jonesville a couple of weeks ago for a funeral – and sure enough – the house was still standing. If the owner had used plywood, or particleboard, or untreated wood – the decay would have long ago been obvious. The foundation stood firm.
There is a foundation – and there are things that are foundational. Jesus spoke of the foundation when he told the parable of the wise man and the foolish man – of the rock and of the sand. You could do nothing better than to build your life on God. God is the creator and the giver of life. God has – and will have – the final word! God has set in place – forever – the parameters of life. God was – is – and always will be. God is eternal. One cannot possibly build their life on anything more certain, or secure than God. And, God offers us this life in and through the work of Jesus Christ, his Son. In fact, it is precisely what we remember and celebrate at the table today. Jesus said, “This is my body broken for you, and this is my blood poured out for you”. When he died on the cross he proclaimed, “It is finished” – the debt of sin had been fully, and eternally paid, and we suddenly became free to possess the life he came to give. Proverbs offers a wonderful description of trusting in that foundation. Chapter eleven and verse seven: “When a wicked man dies his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing”. Anything, other than trust in God, is pointless, and helpless, and hopeless - on the other side of death’s door. Paul said it so well, “For to me to live is Christ – and to die is gain”. If our trust is in God through faith in Jesus Christ – death can be but more of all we trust in. Sure we can be buried with a ton of wealth, or a list of degrees, or a series of titles from positions held, or….but they are nothing more than clutter in the casket. They no longer possess any power or say. Trusting in Jesus is just the opposite.
Proverbs 11:1-11 also offers some wonderful “foundational” statements. God abhors dishonesty – and “slight of hand” in business – if you will. But transparency in our business dealings actually makes God smile. In Olympic terms – going for the gold means going for honesty.
Pride is wrong and brings shame as its companion – while humility makes one even wiser. Think about it.
Honesty makes a secure path, but dishonesty – well it is hard to keep all of one’s stories straight. Before long – one will trip you up. Maybe even more than one!
Righteousness gives one a clear mind – and the ability to think clearly in times of trouble. But evil desires so consume a person they plot a little more enjoyment of evil when they should be making an escape.
The righteous bring blessings on those around them, but the death of the wicked is celebrated. There are those who danced the day Hitler died, or Lenin, or Saddam Hussein. On a smaller scale we hear of individuals “spitting on someone’s grave”. The righteous bless others – while wicked bring joy by their death or demise.
What is the core foundation of your life? Do you trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation? Is your chief purpose in life to glorify God and fully enjoy him forever (from the Larger Catechism question 1)?
What is foundational in your living? Honesty or duplicity? Righteousness or wickedness? And, remember – the degree does not matter – what is “foundational” in how you live your life does.
The Book of Proverbs by a variety of examples helps us to “judge” our own lives and challenges us to get them “together”.
What do the Proverbs say “about” and “to” you?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PASTOR'S SERMON AUGUST 11, 2008

‘WISDOM IN AN UNWISE SOCIETY” AUGUST 10, 2008
PROVERBS 4:1-9 LUKE 2:41-52
We live in a stupid world! If Zachary were here he would say, “Papa, that is a bad word. You are not supposed to say that.” Normally he would be right – but we do live in a stupid world. Now I am not referring to anyone’s intelligence, or lack thereof. I am talking about the fact that our society (or culture) and seemingly most of the world has chosen to throw not only caution to the wind – we have tossed out reason and common sense, as well. The old expression is it a form of proverb – “Penny wise and pound foolish” doesn’t begin to cover it.
We need look no further than the Flint Journal to prove the reality.
Last Sunday’s edition carried a front page article on embezzling. Embezzlement from schools and not-for-profit organizations seems to be rampant – and that is definitely true in Genesee County. To quote the Genesee County Sheriff, “The rewards of embezzlement – the large sums of money – significantly outweigh the punishment. You have to wonder: If you can steal
$1 million and only have to spend 11 months in jail – should you do it?” When the punishment doesn’t “fit” the crime – it makes you wonder hmmmm… Why do we pay people like Tammy Phillips to prosecute crime – and then reward the criminal with a slap on the wrist?
Friday’s Flint Journal carried the story of the conviction of a man who had caused a terrible accident – he fell asleep while on drugs - in which a Gaines Township young woman was killed, along with another man. The man who caused the accident was convicted of “reckless homicide”. He was driving without a license – his license had been suspended for life in a previous conviction. It turns out the man had 52 traffic violations – 30 of them dealt with driving with a suspended license. He had been sentenced to an 8 year maximum sentence – and was paroled four years later. Where upon he got a license to drive a commercial truck. He was driving a commercial truck when he caused the accident in which Miss Janelle Durk, a 15 year old student from Linden High School was killed. Here is where “stupidity” enters the picture – his parole officer knew he was driving a truck for a living – even though the driver had lost his license “for life”.
Example three – an article in the August 2, 2008 edition of Mountain Wings. The article related to the three most valuable brand names on earth. Not just in Flint, or in Michigan, or in the United States – but in the entire world. The three in order are: Marlboro, Coca-Cola and Budweiser. I believe it is safe to say that none of the three appears on your doctor’s list of healthy choices. Let me read a little bit – regarding coke – since I do enjoy coke – “There was a fellow parked in my driveway years ago. We were talking and he was drinking a coke. For some reason I moved the coke and placed it on the hood of his car. ‘Don’t put that drink on my car!” he shouted, ‘Don’t you know the acid in that drink will eat the paint off my car?’ Have you looked at the size of the antacid section in the grocery or drugstore lately? More than the paint from cars - is being eaten off.” Marlboro, Coca-Cola and Budweiser – the three most valuable brand names in the world!
If we need another example - we pay millions of dollars to people to chase balls – big and small – around greens, courts, fields and diamonds. We pay even more to entertainers – who then think they are suddenly world renowned political analysts.
To be honest we would have to say we live in a stupid world. But that does not mean we are or have to be stupid people?
How do we rise above the “stupidity of life” – to be wise? I am glad you asked that question. The answer is found in Proverbs – our Book of the Bible for August.
It is interesting to note in the passage from Luke 2 that Jesus was described as “growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and others”. The fact that Jesus even needed to “grow in wisdom” showed the reality of his humanity. And, if Jesus needed to grow in wisdom – how much do we? You can be sure The Book of Proverbs was one of the books from which Jesus read and was taught.
Proverbs exalts wisdom without limitation, and the psalmist wrote: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Perhaps it is inevitable that wisdom will be in short, short supply in a world which dismisses God as one would dismiss a telemarketer.
In a nutshell – wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view, and then living life according to the eternal precepts and purposes of God. Such wisdom comes from knowing God’s Word, and to know God’s Word – we need “to get into the Word, and let the Word get into us”. There is no substitute.
Today there are many versions/translations of the Bible in the language of the day. And, if reading is a problem because of poor eyesight, or perhaps an inability to read – there are a number of high quality recordings of God’s Word. The means is not important – the discipline of “getting into the Word” – and the vulnerability of allowing “the Word to get into you”!

Wisdom is not the acquisition of facts, nor is it the ability to recall and state those facts. Wisdom is the understanding of basic principles which supersede the circumstances of life. In the craziness of our world, and amid the estrangement so common today – among families, friends and co-workers – and the quickness to feel unloved and insignificant - there is this principle in God’s Word, “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Wisdom is - knowing that you are loved in such a way – that you are actually free to love others – even the unlovable.
Proverbs 4 tell us to “listen to a father’s instruction, and gain understanding”. How do we listen to THE Father’s instruction – by spending time in the Word – the Word is what it is all about. The Word is the reason for “The Year of the Word”, and for “Growing in the Word”. To be sure there is something “fun”, and exciting, and bonding, sharing in a common goal or task – but those things are secondary – at best. The reason for the emphasis last year and this is – “to know the Word”.
Proverbs 4 tells us to get understanding, and to be sure not to forget, or swerve from following them. I have quoted from Clara Barton a number of times. Clara was the founder of the American Red Cross. One time a friend mentioned another friend who had deeply offended Clara. Clara said she didn’t remember. The friend was aghast - how could she forget? How could she forget? Clara’s response was, “Oh, I distinctly remember forgetting that”. Do we understand what we need to forget – and do we remember what we need to recall. Do we “remember” to remember? Do we follow its teachings?
The writer admonishes us: “Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you, love her, and she will watch over you”. We need to understand, from God’s Word, the purpose and benefits of wisdom. Do we perceive wisdom as protecting us? Do we see wisdom as watching over us?
Wisdom will protect you from a lot of troubles – if you let it. Wisdom will watch over you as a mother hen watches over her chicks. Is wisdom one of the loves of your life?
Listen to Proverbs four: “Esteem wisdom, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”
Do you see wisdom as a blessing, as adding benefits to your life, or not?
Hundreds of athletes from around the world are competing in Beijing this week for gold, silver and bronze. Originally the athletes of Olympic competition – competed for a garland, a crown, a laurel wreath - placed upon their heads. Wisdom wants to prepare you for living by its precepts. It wants to show you as an Olympic gold medalist in the race of life.
Wisdom is both a gift which God desires to give you – and it is something for which you must work (i.e. spending time in the Word – not just reading, but understanding, and then applying).
There was something on the news yesterday about obesity being contagious. The reason is simple – we compare ourselves with the norm – and if the norm is getting bigger then we will, too. Stupidity is contagious – that doesn’t mean we have to “catch it”. We can build up our immunity by spending time in the Word!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PASTOR'S SERMON AUGUST 3, 2008

“THE JOY OF THE LORD” AUGUST 3 2008
PROVERBS 1:1-7 PHILIPPIANS 1:18-21, 4:4 JOHN 15:9-17
The shift from Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi, to Solomon’s words of wisdom – seemed like a gigantic shift. But was it? Actually both books are two of the most practical books in Scripture.
Paul’s letter was a thank you note – sent to the Philippians because of a gift they sent, and also to tell them he was sending Epaphroditus back to them so they can see that Epaphroditus – who was ill - and for whom they were greatly concerned - is now well.
Solomon’s book is a collection of words of wisdom from the wisest of men.
Paul’s letter is also a letter filled with practical words of wisdom for those desiring to walk with Jesus.
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (1:21) If we truly believe that we live with Jesus – then death should harbor no fear or dread for us – because death will simply result in our having MORE of Jesus.
2:6-11 – a summary of all that Jesus is. Do you want to know about Jesus in a “nutshell” so to speak – you couldn’t do better than memorizing Philippians 2:6-11.
Don’t grumble or complain! (2:14) – it only makes you feel worse, and makes those around you miserable – or desire to avoid you. What Proverbs says about a “cranky woman” also applies to men. Wait until “complaining” reappears in Philippians.
“Rejoice in the Lord.” (3:1)
“Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (3:7)
How does walking with Jesus impact your priorities and perceptions?
“That I may know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (3:10) Suffering IS a part of the human life. Do we fight against it, and spend countless energy trying to avoid it- or do we see in it an opportunity to identify with Jesus?
“Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (3:13c-14) We all have a lot to “forget” – so we can “move on”.
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” (3:20) Does that change EVERYTHING? It should! This is all only temporary – at best!
Stop disagreeing and get along! (4:2)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Are you looking for God’s will – there it is Philippians 4:4-7! Memorize it. Paul tells us how to present our requests to God – with thanksgiving. Does that refer back to 2:14 – God doesn’t like our complaining either???
4:8-9 Fill your mind with good – not with garbage!
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances!” (4:11) There is a big goal!
“Thank you!” (4:10-19) - words we need to speak much more often!
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, be with your Spirit”. (4:23) The parameter in which we should live – and the blessing we should pronounce on others regularly.
Proverbs is the manual on “wise living”. Solomon’s words are words concerning the benefits of wisdom. Be wise! Grow! Learn! Attain! Experience life without fear! Without guilt!
If you want words of wisdom for living the practical Christian life – follow the trail of wisdom in Proverbs directly to Philippians.
God’s desire, in giving us his word, is to make us wise: understanding life – responding with true guidelines – and leading us evermore into a likeness of Jesus Christ.
Where do you get your wisdom for living? What is your manual for the human experience?
Is what you are basing your life on – causing you to rejoice – always? Rejoice – because wisdom teaches us that God is God. Rejoice – because in God we discover the best way to “live, and move and have our being”. Rejoice – for God helps us to see all of the circumstances of life – from God’s own perspective. After all– God is the source of life!
Is joy a fleeting commodity in your life, or an underlying principle? Does joy taunt you with its brief stays, and its long absences? Does joy revamp and remodel your attitudes?
The wisdom of the Word – is intended to create a spirit of joy in your life as you learn to live God’s principles and statues. How joyful – joy-filled – are you?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PASTOR'S SERMON JULY 27, 2008

“THE FORGOTTEN VERSE” JULY 27, 2008
EPHESIANS 5:15-33 MATTHEW 5:5-12
Does trusting in Jesus – walking with Jesus – make a difference in the way we live day in and day out? Does it change our basic perceptions of life? Does it transform our attitudes? Does it lift us above the accepted norms of behavior in 2008?
In an age of legally assured equality – we still find society consumed with trying to be “the top dog” so to speak. We see it in all sorts of ways. It amazes me driving on the expressway, how someone will come up behind me – and then gun their car to pass me, slide into the small space between myself and the car ahead of me – so they can exit in 25 feet. All the while – there are ten empty car spaces behind me. Our society is driven by the need to beat someone else.
That is the genius behind all of the reality shows on TV – by whatever means - become number one.
It is not a phenomenon limited to the younger generation. I understand that road rage is worse in Florida and in the Phoenix area than anywhere else. Nobody – I mean nobody – gets ahead of me – is a terrible prevailing attitude, or principle by which to live.
When all is said and done – it IS about me – after all.
I perform a fair number of wedding ceremonies – and I always ask the couple to select the basic service they would like to use – and to select the Scripture passage(s) they would like read at their wedding. To give them a little help - I mention three possible passages – although I stress they are not limited to those three. The first is Genesis 2 and the story of the creation of woman. The second is I Corinthians 13 – the great love chapter. The third is Ephesians 5:21-33. I always feel compelled to explain Ephesians 5 – there is a red flag in that passage for some people – “Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord.” Whoa! Of course, I mention the requirement placed on the husband – who doesn’t get off “scott free” by any means – “Husbands, love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Then I remind them of the “forgotten verse” – the first verse in that passage - Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Notice there are no parameters placed on the submitting – other than “submit to one another”. Why? “Out of reverence for Christ.”
What does Paul mean by that in the year of the Lord 2008?
This is not the only place Paul states this theme. To the Philippians Paul wrote, “In humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
To the Church at Colossae Paul said, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
If we were to read on in Ephesians 6 – we would find instruction to children to obey their parents, and to the parents to be fair with the children, and not to provoke them. And, we even find words to the slaves about their attitudes – and actions – toward their owners. Slaves? Why slaves had no rights – or they wouldn’t be slaves. Slaves were at the bottom of the social ladder – and they were commanded to respect their masters. But in the realm of the Kingdom of God, on earth, slaves were to serve their masters not just with what pleases on the surface – but to actually act and respond to them as one would to Christ himself.
Why Paul even has words to the “masters” or slave owners. They are to treat slaves as they would treat Jesus. “Wait just a minute, Paul. This is my house – my castle, if you will. These slaves are MY property – I bought them – and they have no rights. You expect me to treat them as I would Jesus? You are kidding me, right? You can’t be serious! You are serious!”
Paul was serious – every relationship whether in the family, in the work place, or in the church was expected to be a demonstration of Christ-like living – i.e. “considering others better than oneself.”
What does this submitting look like on a day to day basis?
“Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” is far more than just being nice. It is being willing to be corrected, and reproved, by others in the household of faith.
Since I want to be like Jesus – I need to allow others to point out areas which need improvement in my life. Accountability is part of submitting to one another.
I believe another part of submitting – is being generous with expressions of gratitude.
Expressing gratitude is confessing our need for one another – and being grateful for the way others impact and improve our lives. It is also acknowledging the way God uses someone else to do his work in my life – even when love is shown by reproof.
Submitting to one another is expressed in little and simple ways. We had a professor in college who was fond of saying you could really tell the Christians at conferences, etc. by their behavior in the food line. Does their espousal of Christian ideals compel them to let others go first – even if what they really, really want in the food line may be in short supply. Oh, to be sure, sometimes we are truly in a rush and it is important we get in and get out – but every time?
Submitting to one another can be as mundane as the pew in which we sit. More than one person has told of experiences in other churches they attended when someone told them to move because they were sitting in their person’s pew. Heaven forbid!
Submitting to one another – may involve assuming a responsibility we would rather not – maybe participating in the music program, or teaching children, or vacuuming carpets, or cleaning toilets – because we are able – and the need is there.
St. Andrew’s has this “nickname” “something special”. It is! There is an attitude present here which is often lacking in other congregations. There is a deep concerns for the well-being of others – and putting one’s shoulder to the plow – or one’s money where their mouth is (so to speak) – to help correct that problem.
I had a note the other day from Cindy Morgan – and she mentioned, “Your congregation continues to shower Everett with cards” – you do that exceedingly well. You submit to one another by bearing one another’s burdens, by assuring them not only of good wishes of well-being but also of your prayers. The extraordinary thing is not that Cindy said that – it is that I hear that constantly from a wide variety of people. Mary’s parents have only been to St. Andrew’s twice, I believe, the last time for Zachary’s baptism over five years ago. They have had a multitude of severe health issues since that time – and you faithfully “shower” them with cards. What a way of submitting to one another – by helping to bear one another’s burdens.
Since Debbie Therriault came to St. Andrew’s a few years ago – her daughter Katie has only worshipped with us a relatively few times – because she has been away at school in Florida – and is now working in Florida. Yet YOU have deeply touched her life – listen to the card which arrived yesterday - “To My St. Andrew’s Family: I just wanted to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart for all of the love and support you have given to me. It touches me deeper than words can express. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing all the good things my mom has to say when she calls after church on Sundays! Again, thank you so much for all you have done. Love, Katie Therriault.” People have come to St. Andrew’s because they had attended another congregation in town, and after two months or more no one spoke to them or even recognized they had attended several Sundays before. Yet here is a young lady whose life you have deeply touched. And, Katie’s words are words I typically hear from visitors. There are a lot of good friendships at St. Andrew’s – BUT that does not stop you from reaching out to someone new. That is submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
People can be absent from St. Andrew’s for months – even years – because of illness – yet they are not forgotten, are showered with cards, calls, visits from their St. Andrew’s family, and are welcomed back as if they had never been gone. That, too, is submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Another expression of submitting – now to be sure we all do unfortunate things and we all neglect to do some needful things – but submitting involves seeking, granting – and accepting – forgiveness – so TOGETHER we might “move on”.
If you want to know some of the “submitting” attitudes take a closer look at what is called the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 – which were read earlier.
How are you thinking, acting, and being – in submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PASTOR'S SERMON JULY 27, 2008 HEALING SERVICE

“ALIVE?” JULY 27 2008 HEALING SERVICE
EPHESIANS 2:1-10 EPHESIANS 6:10-18
One of the individuals who was a part of the ministry team on the conference/cruise was a man named David Pendelton. Dave is a ventriloquist. Someone referred to his puppets as dummies – and David assured us the politically correct term is “wooden Americans”. They seem to have a personality of their own – to actually come alive as David uses them in his presentations. But as he shares in his testimony “there is no life in them except the life they receive from him. Just like there is no life in us except what we receive from God”.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians – who had been dead in their trespasses and sins – but who had now been made alive in Christ.
To be alive – what does it mean? Some people say they are alive because they are able to sit up and take nourishment. Other people refer to being alive – as “Well I am still breathing.” While “alive” and “dead” are opposites – some people are far more alive than others. Some people just seem to embrace life and experience it fully every single day. Others allow their fears to intimidate them, and to keep them from enjoying life.
How alive are you?
How do you define life? Physical life? Spiritual life? As many people age they find themselves limited physically from what they were able to do when much younger. The opposite should be true of us spiritually. The longer we live and walk with God the greater should be our spirituality vitality. The more we come to know of God – the more we should be freed from anything which hinders, or limits us, spiritually.
If you have been participating in “The Year of the Word”, or now “Growing In The Word” – have you come to feel more fully alive in your spirit?
Paul says we have been saved from death and decay – therefore, we ought to discover more of being alive in Jesus Christ with each passing, day, week, month and year.
The life of the person alive in Christ is not to be wasted sitting around waiting to go to heaven. Paul wrote to the Ephesians – and to us – that “we have been created for good works”. We have been created to demonstrate the love, power, mercy and joy of God in our lives – that is – in our living.
We ought to be encountering life in such a way that we are impacting those around us. There is an interesting story in the paper today of a group of friends – four guys – who celebrated their fortieth birthdays by “living as if they were dieing”. They hiked in the Rockies, rode bulls, tried sky diving, and went white water rafting. They wrote letters to their children, and helped with a Habitat for Humanity house. Their story tells us to live – really live. I wonder how many people will try something they have been putting off – because of those four men. I wonder how many people will try the Christian life because of us.
We know someone married to a very fit and able person – in his forties – who has been convinced by his mother – that because he was a “blue baby” – he has to take it easy and not over do – as in working. Much of life has been wasted for him – because his mother projected such restrictions on his activities and abilities. Do we allow fear, guilt, ignorance, ego, self – to limit us spiritually?
Paul sees the Christian life as dynamic – vital – to be lived to the full. Therefore, he lists “pieces of armor” the Christian ought to put on daily to protect them as they live. Notice he doesn’t say – well just hide in your room. He gives them armor which is fit for battle.
Paul even goes so far as to say – “be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might”. The armor is meant to enable us to remain standing – when the attack is fierce. Mike Hayward sent a beautiful e-mail yesterday – it showed a sniper attack in Iraq – everyone was running for cover – except for an American GI – clothed in his armor. He was standing firm. Now here is the beautiful part – a young Iraqi boy runs to take cover behind that standing solider. What a graphic illustration of Ephesians 6. A standing soldier – proper armor - providing strength for someone else. Wow!
We gather four times a year to acknowledge we have limitations in our lives – physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, in relationships – or any number of other ways. We gather to find healing – AND – to find strength that we might live for God each day. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healed – and there is everything right about seeking God’s provisions to live vitally in the midst of all human limitations and spiritual onslaught.
How do you define life? How alive are you in Christ Jesus? What do you need from Jesus to live more fully each day?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.