WordJourney Magazine » Reflections

Is Your Plate Full?

Matthew C. Keegan — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:20:42 +0000

Do you have too much on your plate?

Americans tend to eat too much, Christians included. We are a nation that has been blessed with abundance, but so many of us find it difficult to eat balanced meals and in portions that are suitable to sustain us. We’re encouraged to “supersize” our meals and the thought of passing up on seconds when available seems wasteful to many.

I’m not going to talk about food here, but there is a parallel to food that can easily be made. And that would be your Christian service or the work you do and ascribe to the Lord’s service.

With Your Heart

Don’t get me wrong: when it comes to whatever we do (work, ministry, home life and more) we’re instructed in Colossians 3:23 to “…work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” The next verse goes on to indicate that our heavenly inheritance is the reward for our work for “it is is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

So, what about Christian service? Do some of us have too much on our plate?

Too Many Responsibilities

I’m speaking from experience here. There have been times in my life when I piled responsibilities on my plate, thinking that the more I did, the more God was pleased with my efforts. I carried that heavy load for weeks and months, even years, before finally burning out.

It turns out that I was attempting to do too much and did these tasks will only partial energy and halfheartedness. Once I cut back, I realized that I was burned out and was not a little bitter for it. Yes, it was time for me to regroup and that meant gaining a fresh perspective by deepening my relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading. Sure, I was in a relationship with God, but the joy was gone and with it my assurance of His love.

Gradually, I returned to service, but that only followed after recommitting myself to spending time with the Lord and by realizing and accepting my personal limitations. Nothing changed over night, but in time I began to understand that God didn’t need my works. He certainly delights in our service provided we do all things to His glory and not for man’s approval.

4 Points to Consider

How about you? Do you have too much on your plate? The following are some points that have helped me to maintain a proper balance while serving the Lord:

1. Do what you’re called to do — I heard a call from the pulpit once where the pastor noted that every person who attended his church with young children should teach Sunday School. On the surface that call sounds good and sensible, but dig a little deeper and you know that not every parent is equipped to teach. Needless to say, I’m not teaching. What I am doing is something I know I can handle and do quite well: ushering. I like greeting people and enjoy helping them find a seat. It may not be something you want to do, but it suits me just fine.

2. Do everything as unto the Lord – We’ve taken this thing we call “ministry” and seem to equate it with those things we do at church only. But as those verses in Colossians reveal, everything we do is ministry, beginning with our service to our families and extending to our neighbors, work and community involvement. Too often, Christians retreat into their comfort zones and then complain that the arts, the political sphere and other segments of society have been co-opted by the godless. Maybe you’re the sprinkle of salt God wants to use in the midst of an “evil and perverse generation.”

3. Do it with all of your might — Anything done with half-heartedness brings sorrow to our Lord. Think about it: God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He did so that you and I could spend eternity with Him. That fact alone should compel us to do what we’re called to do with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind. Your power comes from abiding in Him (John 15:5) and does not come from your personal strength or capabilities, which come from God anyway.

4. Be watchful for pride — Funny, the moment we realize that we’re doing a good job at what God has called us to do, pride begins to settle in. At first, it may not be noticeable — that congratulatory recognition from the pulpit or that “attaboy” or “attagirl” you get from people who recognize your good works. There isn’t anything wrong with recognition, but are you giving God credit for His work in and through you? I don’t mean just a verbal assent, but a deep down appreciation that your worthiness is tied solely to what God has done on the cross for you. Recognize the pride immediately and lose it — the evil one has stumbled countless Christians who have failed to give credit to where credit is due: to Jesus alone. You’re a vessel and Jesus is the living water that fills you.

Your Kingdom Walk

So, where does this leave you? Is your plate full and in need of some trimming back or are your portions really small and could use some extra trimming?

May God speak to your heart and help you find your place in the kingdom, by seeking that kingdom and His righteousness first and allowing Him to add “these things” as He sees fit (Matthew 6:33).

Photo: Michal Zacharzewski, SXC

Making God’s Word New to You This Year

Matthew C. Keegan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:18:49 +0000

Consistent Bible reading makes for a stronger Christian walk.

Consistent Bible reading makes for a stronger Christian.

I’m taking all of these suggestions I’ve been hearing over the past week to read the Bible regularly to heart. Regular Bible reading isn’t new to me, but disciplined reading on a daily basis is something that I only put back into practice this past fall after several years of inconsistency.

No, I wasn’t staying away from the written Word of God, rather my studying was haphazard — I found myself emphasizing select books and avoiding others, providing an unbalanced diet at times. Admittedly, Leviticus is not my favorite book and I do absolutely enjoy Proverbs, Psalms and Ecclesiastes as well as the entire New Testament. My new Bible reading regimen has me going back and forth between the Old and New Testaments and at some point I should complete my reading. And then I plan to start again.

Reading Plans

Most of the Bible reading efforts I see put forth are plans to help believers read through the Bible in one year. I’ve never followed a published plan, but I have read through the Bible many times including in well under one year.

There are advantages and disadvantages to following a Bible reading plan:

Advantages:

1. You’ll start and finish right on time.

2. You’ll read the entire word of God, not just select passages.

3. With prayer, you’ll gain a fuller understanding of God’s Word and be able to put everything you learn into a rightful perspective.

Disadvantages:

1. Not everyone can read on a consistent basis. People who follow such plans and fall behind are more likely to give up.

2. For some people the steady pace means that they’re reading to meet a goal and not absorbing what God is saying to their hearts. You want to learn as you read, avoiding rote learning.

Avoiding Guilt

By the way, I only list the disadvantages to suggest why Bible in the year programs don’t work for everyone. I’m not about to put guilt on your shoulders, rather I want to encourage you to keep reading. Bible reading shouldn’t be a goal unto itself — reading should help you fulfill what is written in James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Let’s not forget to read the rest of the verse: “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

You’ll want to start off your Bible reading with prayer, confessing your sins and asking God to renew your heart. If not, you’ll find yourself living a life of sin while attempting to live a godly life. That’s double-mindedness!

Personal Plan

How do I approach Bible reading? I’m glad that you asked! I read approximately two chapters in the morning with a cup of coffee by my side. I get up early, pray and read, and then I start work or go about my business. I do this six days each week. On Sunday, I pause from my reading regimen because I know that I’ll hear the word at church service and will chew on that.

My point with here is this: there is no absolute Bible reading formula you must follow. Find one that works for you and be consistent. If you fall behind, pick up where you left off and move forward. Be mindful of the condemnation of the evil one who will seek to undermine your efforts. ultimately, you’ll be the stronger Christian for your consistency provided that you always do your reading as unto the Lord and remain tender of heart to whatever God says to you. You’ll be a more joyful Christian by spending quality time with God Almighty. He invites you to fellowship with Him!

“Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Photo: Josh Rogan

And So It Is Christmas

Matthew C. Keegan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:05:03 +0000

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

We’re celebrating the birth of our Savior whose sole mission was to die for our sins. Jesus’ death on the cross may seem hard to balance with his lowly birth in a manger, but the two events go hand in hand.

Without Jesus taking on humanity, our redemption would not have been possible. Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there — we’ve been redeemed by Him and will dwell with God in heavenly places if we commit our lives to Jesus Christ.

The simplicity of God taking on flesh to dwell with man is lost on the high and mighty, but embraced by the low and humble of heart. Wise men still seek Him and even a child can grasp what God has done for him or her.

What more can I say other than to share with you Luke 2:1-20, the passage that describes the physical birth of our Savior:

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is tChrist the Lord.12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Paying It Forward This Christmas Season

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:28:59 +0000

Season of good cheer brings out Christmas joy in many.

It is the Christmas season and once again we’re hearing people complain about the crass commercialism, the pervasive securalization and the rudeness of shoppers as they fight over sale items. These accounts are true, but thankfully they are not taking away from the “good cheer” that many of us prefer to show now and throughout the year.

Layaway Accounts

In recent weeks this writer has been hearing reports of people who are “paying it forward” by paying down or paying off someone’s Christmas layaway account at a department store. Kmart seems to be the place where this is happening the most, given that this store has recently resurrected its layaway department and has been providing a way for families to pay for their Christmas purchases bit by bit.

Like a rapidly spreading fire, shoppers are going to the store to make an installment on or pay off a layaway account and are finding that their bills have been paid in full. For those shoppers with the means to pay off their accounts, they’ve chosen to pay it forward by covering the expense for another shopper’s layaway account.

Impoverished Families

Of course, not everyone can pay it forward. Those especially being targeted for help by big-hearted people across the nation are those layaway accounts where children’s clothes and toys have been set aside by their parents.

Kmart has been readily cooperating with what they say are mostly anonymous donors, by helping to identify which account holders are behind on their payments. This allows do-gooders the opportunity to contribute to someone who most likely would have a difficult time providing for their families at Christmas let alone pay it forward.

In some cases donors have made partial payments in a bid to reduce a customer’s bill. In other situations the entire layaway cost was covered. Some stores have reported that donors have paid off multiple late accounts for goods that were on the verge of being returned to inventory.

Godly Genorosity

I can’t say for certain what the motivations are of people who are giving, but I see at least one biblical application being put into practice as outlined in Matthew 6:3-4 :

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

In any case, the seasonal good cheer being shown by some is one movement that I certainly hope will spread in the coming days and lead us all to reflect on the generosity God shows us. And that is what Christmas is all about!

How to Experience True Joy This Christmas

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:50:36 +0000

It is Christmas time – the annual season of joy where we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. However, you may be one of any number of Christians who just isn’t feeling it this year. Maybe you have had a terribly difficult year, having experienced the loss of a loved on. Or, you may be facing a problem at work, in the home or elsewhere. Perhaps none of the above.

Christmases Past

I can relate – although this Christmas isn’t one where my joy is absent, I’ve experienced several Christmases where a cloud of gloom, even despair has hung over me. Losing my younger brother when I was 11 made that first Christmas without him seem especially difficult. Getting burned out of our home one week before Christmas the following year added to the misery. It wasn’t until I was an adult and in a right relationship with God did my Christmases take on a new meaning.

I won’t insult you by giving you “7 easy steps to make your Christmas real” or “How to overcome depression at Christmas time.” If you’ve lost someone this year your grief is very deep and your Christmas will be different. Memories of Christmases past may flood in with the person you love very present in your mind. This year, that person is gone – absent from the body, present with the Lord.

God’s Care

So, how do you manage this year? Apart from the Lord, you’ll find this season difficult, even unbearable. In 1 Peter 5:7, the verse says “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you…” That chapter starts off instructing shepherds how to care for their flock, but then transitions in verse 5 to how young men or believers should behave, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” In verse 6, we are instructed to “humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

What we have here is a two-step process: first, we humble ourselves before the Lord. Second, we wait for God to lift us up. That lifting up comes in “due time” and not when we think it will occur. Or even in the way that we expect.

I can confidently state this: if you confess to God what is on your heart including any known sin and share your deepest and most bitter feelings with Him, that “due time” will most certainly arrive.

Our Confession

In James 5:16 we find a pattern of confession that we all need to follow, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” The key here is to find someone who is mature: a believer who has a reputation for interceding, and is trustworthy. Choose the wrong person to “confess your sins” and you may find yourself worse off. Sadly, some people are much more skilled at tearing down then they are at building up. That person should pray for you as well.

Will your circumstances change immediately? No. The person whom you lost will still be gone. The problem you have may linger and might even worsen for a season. What will change is your perspective including your expectations. Much of the disappointment in our lives comes from how we expect others to behave and react or we’re looking for a certain experience or outcome. Those expectations are seldom met – at least in the way that we imagine. Even if someone does fulfill our expectations, that feeling or experience can be fleeting and the pain may soon return.

Full of Joy

This Christmas will be different, but when is any Christmas ever precisely the same? This year may seem like an ending or a transition and in some ways it will be. It can also be viewed as a new beginning, one where your joy can be full (John 15:11). At this very moment, such joy may seem impossible, but with God all things are possible – if you allow Him to touch your heart and your hurt.

Photo: Alvimann

7 Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas for Your Family

Matthew C. Keegan — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:05:40 +0000

Ideas for celebrating a timeless holiday.

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100)

May our lives always convey an attitude of gratitude.

Thanksgiving Day is officially a secular holiday, but as Christians we know that this day has a very special meaning. The holiday has been celebrated since colonial times, although it wasn’t until President Abraham Lincoln made his proclamation in 1863 that it began to be held regularly in November. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that made the fourth Thursday of November the official Thanksgiving holiday, thus Americans have marked it without fail for the past seven decades.

Give Thanks

Today, giving thanks to God is not a top priority for many people, with food, football and family, taking center stage. I recall one Thanksgiving dinner where the conversation was focused on who was going to get up early the next morning to take advantage of “Black Friday” specials at retail outlets. I’m not against holiday shopping, but I was disappointed that our focus was solely on the temporal.

My family is weighing how we will celebrate the holiday this year. As has been the practice in most recent years, we’ll stay home and have dinner, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and enjoy a rare break in the midst of a work week. We’re also discussing some important ways we can give thanks to God, but not just on that day. Thanksgiving for believers is a state of mind, not only a holiday, which means that we’re constantly and naturally demonstrating an “attitude of gratitude” for all things God has done for us in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving Tips

To that end, I’ve reviewed some ideas for marking Thanksgiving this year, including some that we’ll undertake well before the fourth Thursday of November:

1. Pack a shoe box – We’ve long been supporters of Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. OCC is a global effort whereby people pack shoe boxes for children ranging in age from 5- to 14-years-old, filling these with toys, school supplies and personal items. The annual campaign is currently underway with collection to be completed just days before Thanksgiving. Our family enjoys participating because we know that we’re able to directly impact children with a tangible expression of God’s love for them.

2. Make a wreath – Are you crafty? I don’t mean sly…. Rather, do you like to work with crafts? The National Geographic Kids website has a nifty and rather simple idea on how to make a Thanksgiving wreath. Start off with a grapevine wreath obtained at your local arts and craft store. Then, add in fallen leaves, dried berries and acorns, and dress it with a colorful ribbon. I like NGK’s suggestion to donate the wreaths to a senior facility. You can also take your wreath to a neighborhood shut-in, give one to your Thanksgiving dinner host or spread some cheer elsewhere.

3. Share the light – Do you find it difficult to get a conversation started? One certain way to engage people is through a candle display as offered by Better Homes and Gardens. Not just any display, but one that reflects your family…literally. Take one hurricane glass and cut scrapbook paper to measure the circumference of the glass. Add fall themed stickers, bows and other touches, but the most important ingredient is a family photograph that is attached to the paper. If you have a long table, then make several picture lamps and put these on display. You’ll get the conversation started in no time as your guests recall an important event or chapter in their lives.

4. Contribute to those in need – When is it a good time to give? Always! Often, charities single out a holiday and ask for people to contribute a few dollars so that the less fortunate have a special meal to celebrate at Thanksgiving, Christmas or some other major holiday. Certainly, meeting these appeals can be a worthy response. Keep this in mind too: your church likely has a benevolence fund, but those monies may be in short supply in this tough economy. Consider making a special donation to that fund this year, as one way for you to “contribute to the needs of the saints.”

5. Invite someone in – You’ll be gathering with loved ones this Thanksgiving, but is there someone you can invite who would welcome being part of your celebration? A widowed neighbor. A new to the community family unable to get “home” for the holiday. A divorced mom and her kids. Someone unable to return the favor, but immensely grateful not to be alone on a holiday. Invite “Jesus” into your home this season in the form of the “least of these.”

6. Go and decorate – Once Thanksgiving is over, everyone’s thoughts will quickly turn to Christmas. Use the extended weekend to find someone who needs help decorating his or her home for the holidays, bringing down boxes from the attic, stringing outside lights and offering to set up seasonal displays. Bring with you cookies and hot chocolate, making this an event that will not be forgotten. Offer to return after the holidays to pack up and put away the decorations.

7. Read up on the holiday – The history of Thanksgiving is often distorted, with the typical scene showing happy Pilgrims and Indians sitting down for a delightful meal outside. However, that story is not accurate as the first celebrations in Massachusetts weren’t all that joyful given that the harvests were far from bountiful. What we do know is that the earliest European settlers were not hard working and it took two years of want due to laziness and thievery to get the Pilgrims to abandon their collectivist ways notes David N. Mayer, professor of law and history at the Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio.

One more suggestion: read President Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving proclamation. You’ll find an executive declaration that is instructive, as this prayer reveals much about the character of Lincoln while underscoring the desperate condition of a country divided by civil war.

In what Christ-honoring ways will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this year? Feel free to add your comments or tips to this article after hitting the reply button.

Photos: Selena Pag (wreath) | Pascal Thauvin (glass candle holder) | Mieke de Leeuw (Christmas ornaments)

America Reaches 235th Birthday

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:45:25 +0000

The United States of America is marking its 235th birthday in 2011, not particularly a huge milestone like the bicentennial, but an important occasion nevertheless. Our founding fathers probably wouldn’t recognize the America of today as the one that they founded, but many of the elements of that foundation remain.

Independence Day

I remember that 200th birthday celebration very well: I had just graduated from high school two weeks earlier and was excited about my own “independence day,” freed of the constraints of having to go to school. Let’s just say that like many young Americans I eventually grew up, finished college, pursued a career and got married and had a family.

Most importantly, within the next year I came to faith in Jesus Christ, but I was also pulled into a cult and later abandoned my pursuit of God. Anger and bitterness took hold of me, something I let go of by the time I was 26, when I understood the futility of my ways. God wasn’t my celestial opponent, rather I soon discovered that if anyone was a faithful friend, it was Him.

Changing World

The world is so very different today than it was 1976. The driving force these days is the Internet, something that was newly discovered in the 1990s, but has become widely used and accepted since 2000.

Since the bicentennial, nations have emerged and others have fallen, the latter including the Soviet Union and all of the eastern bloc of Europe. Israel continues to hang on, continuing to show evidence to me that the Jewish nation is being protected by God, not America. Our current president, the first national leader of African descent, seems indifferent and at times hostile to the only democracy in the Middle East.

The moral collapse of our day is evident in the acceptance of lifestyles that were once scorned. The church hasn’t done a good job of articulating its position opposing same-sex marriage, with liberal churches caving in while more conservative ones are embracing boycotts and responding legislatively.

Biblical Mandate

I like what R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., said in a recent column published in the Wall Street Journal about the church’s position in upholding the biblical mandate, especially when it concerns gay marriage. Mohler takes the church to task for it sometimes crude and often dismissive approach to people who are caught up in the net of homosexuality, calling upon believers to remember their own sinfulness and need for Jesus, the same need all sinners have, including homosexuals.

Mohler’s use of the often misused and hardly ever understood word, homophobia, calls upon the church to tackle this issue face to face — bringing redemptive hope to people who may include “…our own brothers and sisters, our own friends and neighbors, or maybe the young person in the next pew.” This fresh call for upholding a Christian witness while taking it to the “uttermost” parts of society is refreshing. We need to remind ourselves that the battle is not against people, rather it is against spiritual forces as outlined in Ephesians 6:12 –

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Christian Witness

As Christians, we look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, who will make right what is wrong, ruling over the affairs of mankind directly. But, before then we are called to uphold our witness, including speaking the truth in love and demonstrating in our own lives that Christ has made alive what was once dead.

The Lies of Harold Camping

Matthew C. Keegan — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:08:39 +0000

I find myself a bit disappointed on this Monday, two days after the supposed end of the world prophecy date as forecasted by Harold Camping. My disappointment isn’t based on believing that what Camping said would happen — that the end of the world would start at 6 p.m. local time on May 21, 2011, plunging the planet into a five month period of utter devastation — rather, that very few Christian leaders are calling Camping what he really is: a false prophet and a liar.

For the few people who have known me for many years, they remember when I was caught up in a cult at the age of 18. That group, which I won’t mention here, instructed its followers from the Bible, but they taught an exclusivity where only their way was right and everyone else was wrong. Supposedly, the leader of this sect had a certain “Bible understanding” no one else had, claiming to be the prophet Elijah. I thank God I got out after 9 months, but the damage was already done — I stayed away from God for 7 and one-half years.

As your laughter dies down consider this: there are many people who believe that the spirit of Elijah will return before the Lord’s return. Just “google” this information and you’ll find a wealth of claims and information regarding this thinking. Reference Malachi 4:5-6 to see how people base their beliefs. I’m not disputing the scripture — just someone’s interpretation of it.

I know personally how damaging it can be for people to base their spiritual foundation on the pronouncements of a man and not on the word of God. This is, of course, the wrong way to live our lives, but it is a problem for millions of people around the world who say they believe in Jesus, but put their trust in the words of a man, a church, a movement or something else besides Christ alone. If you think that Camping is harmless, then you’re not aware of the Jonestown settlement in Guyana, founded by Jim Jones, a cult leader who convinced his followers to drink cyanide-laced Kool-Aid on Nov. 18, 1978. Some 918 Americans died there, obediently following Jones’ calls to resist what he believed would be an eventual invasion from the United States.¹ If just one person harms himself as a result of Camping’s botched prediction, that person’s blood will be upon Camping’s head. (see Mark 9:42)

Over the years, we’ve heard of other cultists and the stories they’ve contrived to rope in their followers. In 1988, Edgar C. Whisenant wrote, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could be in 1988.” I recall that there were quite a few people who were thinking that 1988 was the year the church would be removed from the earth, thinking that Jesus would come back one generation or 40 years after the restoration of Israel. When Whisenant’s prediction didn’t come true in September 1988, he wrote a sequel — “The Final Shout: Rapture Report 1989,” according to the Christian Research Institute.² He followed up with additional predictions in the 1990s, but all that ended in 2001 when he personally exited this life to stand before the Lord.

Harold Camping is a liar and we need not mince words when we describe this man and his Family Radio ministry. I have no idea how countless numbers of his devotees are handling life right now, but I’m certain it cannot be easy for them. My prayer is that their eyes would be opened and instead of being bitter, people would put their trust in Jesus and move away from this man. It won’t be an easy transition for many who literally gave up jobs, homes and all that they own to await the Lord’s return.

Personally, if the federal government arrested Harold Camping for fraud, I wouldn’t be upset that his “religious liberties” were being violated. The harm he has done with his latest false pronouncements (he had a similar prophecy in 1994), should outweigh his personal comfort. Camping, like every teacher of the word of God will be held accountable. Better to face the consequences now and make a heart-felt change, then to stand before God when it is too late to repent.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matthew 24:36)

References

¹ Rick A. Ross: Jonestown, Jim Jones and the People’s Temple

² Christian Research Institute; 88 Reasons: What Went Wrong?; Dean C. Halverson

Photo: Bjorn de Leeuw

It’s Time to Lose the Legalism!

Matthew C. Keegan — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:05:33 +0000

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Do Christians rant? Or better said: should Christians rant?

I find myself faced with the prospect of ranting or at least “encouraging” Christians to rid themselves of certain preconceived notions, particularly when it comes to what expectations we can have of other Christians. I’m not sure how we’ve come up with the notion that we’re to police our brothers and sisters — being our brother’s keeper doesn’t mean we “own” them.

Absolutely, accountability is a very important part of the Christian walk, but it seems that some believers are obsessing over minor issues while dismissing the weightier matters. Jesus gave us a new command: “…love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (read John 13:34-35)

Demonstrating Love

Love doesn’t mean overlooking obvious sins or condoning certain other ones, but it does mean we need to be patient with each other and for two very good reasons: to demonstrate God’s love to each other and to show the world that we actually do behave differently.

Without the former we’re liars, without the latter we’re ineffectual witnesses. Even the hardened skeptic needs to know that we’re sincerely striving for the truth. He may not agree with much of what you have to say now, but in his time of need your consistency will have proven invaluable in helping him to surrender his life to Jesus Christ.

Legalism Defined

Legalism is a term that is sometimes misunderstood or simply disparaged. Merriam-Webster defines legalism as, “strict, legal or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code . As Christians we are to follow Jesus who said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.” These commandments aren’t the Ten Commandments, rather they are two commandments from which “hang all of the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:40)

Legalism comes in when an important component or ingredient of our Christian walk is left out. I referenced it at the very beginning here with the scripture about grace which is what Christians have long understood to mean God’s “unmerited favor” in our lives. When you understand grace then you can see how legalism is nothing except our wrong-headed attempt to justify ourselves or put a needless burden on a brother or sister.

Unmerited Favor

And that’s wrong, because there isn’t anything we or anyone else can do to win God’s favor, something he demonstrated to us when Jesus died on the cross and we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). So, why am I am ranting thus? Oh, for no other reason except to encourage followers of Jesus to keep making a difference and to avoid the trap of legalism which ensnares many. Rant over.

Is It Compassion Fatigue?

Matthew C. Keegan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:14:44 +0000

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).

We live in an age of instant news. When something happens, even if its clear across the globe, we’re treated to a bird’s eye view of the action. No generation before this one has ever had the opportunity to witness news unfolding to the degree that this generation is given. Satellite imagery can beam everything into our homes within moments: the good, the bad and the truly ugly.

Epic Disasters

Following the cataclysmic March 11, 2011, Japan earthquake and tsunami, we’ve seen photos and video of a land shaken and washed away. Add in the threat of a Chernobyl-level nuclear catastrophe and this disaster threatens the lives of hundreds of millions of people living in Russia, China, Korea and elsewhere.

As usual, the response to any disaster of epic proportions has been sure and swift. Food, water purification plants, emergency shelter, medical teams and construction equipment has arrived or is on its way. Billions of dollars have been pledged or donated. However, talk about “disaster fatigue” and “donor fatigue” have surfaced as some have said that contributions aiding Japan have come in much slower than what was given following the Haiti earthquake and other calamities.

Truly, from a human perspective, what is taking place around the world is overwhelming. Widespread unrest in the Middle East. War in Iraq and Afghanistan. Earthquake recovery in Haiti, Chile and Indonesia. Never mind the many schemes of the evil one which are contributing to food shortages, riots, financial problems and other maladies.

Prayer Relief

For those of us who put our trust in Jesus Christ, compassion fatigue isn’t an end game, rather it is a “problem” we can take to a loving Father in prayer. The second stanza of Joseph M. Scriven’s hymn, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” magnifies how we should respond when we’re feeling overwhelmed:

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Such feelings are natural and show us our human limitations. But, we also serve a mighty God who will equip and enable us to respond as He guides.

God’s Guidance

And that’s the crux of the matter: God’s guidance for our lives personally. Clearly, many of us do not have the financial resources to respond to every disaster or at least to the extent of what we would like to give. No matter, God is able to multiply every gift given – determine in your heart what you can give and to whom, and ask God to bless your gift and the hands receiving it.

We’re much like the boy who was given some loaves and fishes by his mother, and gave them to our Lord who fed 5,000 with his contribution. If a child can give out of faith and see such magnificent results with his gift, we can too.

Open Doors

I’m not sure if I’m speaking to your heart or if this message is just for me. Recently, my wife and I learned about some pressing needs and have been praying for how best to respond. A door that appeared shut just a few weeks ago has now begun to open, with God showing us how He plans to work through us to bless others.

There is no “compassion fatigue” here, rather a clear expectation that God is on the move. Our hands are empty, but we serve a God who will fill them as we lift them up in worship to Him. Said Augustine, “God gives where He finds empty hands.”