Who is My Neighbor?

The hatred and violence shown in the media breaks my heart. People are murdering each other with weapons and words. Some people are proudly uttering statements like “They got what they deserved” or “I hope they die”. Hatred and violence do not care one bit about race, color, class, gender, or anything else. Their purpose is to kill, steal and destroy anything good.

If we are not careful, those of us who love Jesus can easily get lured into that same destructive spirit. In Luke 9:54, when the Samaritan village refused to welcome Jesus and His travelers, James and John said “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Some manuscripts add “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”

It is in our nature to want justice and revenge. But Jesus calls us to a higher way of living. He commands us to do what is not natural for us to do; love our enemies. His word says in Matthew 5:43-48:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore, you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Ask yourself today, “Are my actions and words showing love to my neighbor? Or am I destroying my neighbor with my actions and words?”

Search Me Lord

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart for our nation. In my mourning I tried to imagine for a moment the immeasurable anguish my Savior must feel. I felt convicted to look inward and see where there is offense in me. The Holy Spirit highlighted Psalm 139:23-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

To my friends and family of ANY color, if I have ever wronged you simply on the basis of your appearance, may I ask for your forgiveness? You did not deserve that.

Peace During the Storm

The Holy Spirit brought peace to our family this week by reminding us of the amazing story when Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4:35-41. Verse 38 is my favorite (from the NLT) where it says, “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion.” During the storm Jesus was sleeping comfortably with His head on a cushion while the disciples were shouting “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

Chaos, fear and panic have totally disrupted the world. But our God is not shaken. He is faithful and trustworthy. We can be encouraged from the story in Mark 4, that all creation (including viruses) still obeys Him.

May the Word of God strengthen you today!

Fear Not

Epidemic, pandemic, outbreak and plague are some of the words the media is using to describe the coronavirus. Waves of fear and panic have ensued wreaking havoc across the US and the world. People and economies are making decisions solely based on fear. Articles are already being published with the headlines Global markets are slumping for a fifth straight day on coronavirus fears and How the coronavirus could spark recession in America.

The news is paralyzing some people and causing others to make extreme and irrational decisions. The enemy is behind this fear tactic. He’s trying to get our focus off the promises of God and onto our own logical thoughts. He’s trying to make us believe a lie that God has lost control and we need to look out for ourselves.

Yes, it is wise to use caution when there is a public illness. Yes, it’s good to use common sense when dealing with something like this. Not taking anything away from the seriousness of coronavirus, but it’s just one of many that the media has exaggerated over the past 10 years. Bird flu, swine flu, zika, measles, etc. have all had their share of the spotlight.

Has God been shaken by any of these? Has He abandoned us? Not at all. If the recent news has worried you, that’s understandable. But don’t let fear paralyze you. Don’t let fear hold you hostage. Don’t let the fear of ‘what if’ rob you of the joy of life.

Lean into the promises of God’s word. Speak them over your life and family. Illness and disease still bow down to Jesus.

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. Matthew 4:23 NLT

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. Psalm 107:19-20 NLT

Heavenly Fame

The sad news about the recent death of Kobe Bryant sent shock waves throughout the US and the world. As a long time fan of his, my heart was heavy with the somber news too. But as I watched the flood of media coverage over the next couple weeks my heart was heavy for a different reason.

A total of nine people died in that helicopter crash. Each one having a unique life story of their own. Each one immeasurably valued and loved by Jesus. But culture placed more emphasis and attention on Kobe because he was a superstar. The Grammys, The Oscars, The Superbowl, and many other high profile events paid tribute to him.

A similar response happened when Paul Walker and Paul Crouch (founder of TBN) both died on the same day. I remember looking at CNN.com and seeing a small article about Paul Crouch tucked away on the page. Just moments later, the news of Paul Walker’s death exploded. The entire page of CNN.com was about Paul Walker and the article about Paul Crouch was removed. The next several weeks (like Kobe’s news) was all about Paul Walker. There was little to no coverage about Paul Crouch.

Thankfully, God places no value on stardom, status or fame. Each person is loved uniquely and immeasurably whether a stillborn baby or a president. You are highly valued whether nobody knows your name or everybody knows your name.

Having your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life is all the fame you need.

For God does not show favoritism - Romans 2:11 NLT

For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? - James 2:2-4